U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from all members of the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate as well as the House and Senate leadership and House and Senate committees.
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Sen. Rosen Announces $450,000 Grant for Registered Apprenticeships in Nevada
WASHINGTON, July 4 -- Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-Nevada, issued the following news release:
U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV), a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, released the following statement announcing Nevada has been awarded a grant totaling $450,000 from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to improve and expand the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) in Nevada. This funding will be used to place 35 crisis counselors in community programs statewide to support Nevadans coping with the effects of COVID-19.
"Nevada is a shining example of workforce development
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WASHINGTON, July 4 -- Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-Nevada, issued the following news release:
U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV), a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, released the following statement announcing Nevada has been awarded a grant totaling $450,000 from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to improve and expand the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) in Nevada. This funding will be used to place 35 crisis counselors in community programs statewide to support Nevadans coping with the effects of COVID-19.
"Nevada is a shining example of workforce developmentand support," said Senator Rosen. "I am pleased to see that the Department of Labor has chosen to award this grant funding to Nevada in order to bolster our state's Registered Apprenticeship Program. During this difficult time, it is all the more important that we support our state's workforce and expand the potential for career opportunities in the Silver State. I will continue to advocate on behalf of Nevada workers in Congress, and help to ensure that we receive our fair share of federal support."
BACKGROUND: The grant funding of $450,000 has been awarded to the Nevada Governor's Office of Workforce Innovation. With these additional funds, Nevada will support Registered Apprenticeships through:
* Expanding registered apprenticeships in healthcare, mental health care, addiction treatment, or alternative pain management occupations providing support to individuals living in rural areas;
* Incorporating specific strategies to support or expand Registered Apprenticeship opportunities among all workers, including women, minorities, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with a criminal record;
* Supporting system alignment and partnership through the establishment or expansion of the role of the business service representatives/apprenticeship navigators with the promotion of apprenticeship to partner systems;
* Developing innovative technical assistance strategies/approaches for Registered Apprenticeship sponsors;
* Establishing an employer incentive plan to expand or scale Registered Apprenticeships;
* Identifying specific strategies to support engagement with small businesses in non-traditional industries in Registered Apprenticeships;
* And launching or expanding sector strategies to expand RAPs to new industries and/or new or non- traditional occupations in existing sectors.
Last year, Senator Rosen introduced the Cyber Ready Workforce Act, bipartisan, bicameral legislation that would direct the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to award grants to workforce intermediaries to support the creation, implementation, and expansion of registered apprenticeship programs in cybersecurity.
Senator Rosen also helped introduce the 21st Century Workforce Partnerships Act (S.2670), legislation that would provide federal support for middle and high schools to partner with institutions of higher education, industry partners, and apprenticeship programs to create an education or career training program for students.
Sen. Gillibrand, Rep. Morelle Call for Direct Federal Relief Funding for Local Governments Responding to and Recovering From Coronavirus Pandemic in Rochester
WASHINGTON, July 4 -- Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York, issued the following news release:
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and U.S. Representative Joe Morelle called for legislation to provide local governments with direct federal relief that can be used to pay for essential services and offset lost revenues and increased costs stemming from the COVID-19 crisis. As local governments have faced slashed revenues due to the pandemic, direct assistance is needed to help state and local governments recover from this crisis.
Concerned about the layoffs of public health care workers, firefighters,
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WASHINGTON, July 4 -- Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York, issued the following news release:
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and U.S. Representative Joe Morelle called for legislation to provide local governments with direct federal relief that can be used to pay for essential services and offset lost revenues and increased costs stemming from the COVID-19 crisis. As local governments have faced slashed revenues due to the pandemic, direct assistance is needed to help state and local governments recover from this crisis.
Concerned about the layoffs of public health care workers, firefighters,police, sanitation workers, teachers, and other vital public servants across New York, Gillibrand and Morelle are fighting to ensure that all counties, cities, towns, and villages -- regardless of size -- receive federal funding in order to continue providing these critical services. The direct relief would help local governments avoid local tax and fee increases that would place a heavier burden on already cash-strapped families and businesses in crisis.
"Our local governments are facing unprecedented financial hardship, as the COVID-19 outbreak has caused costs to surge and revenue to dwindle. Without federal funding to fill these gaps, there will be even more hardship in people's lives," said Senator Gillibrand. "For months, I have fought for this relief in order to ensure local governments have the resources to pay our first responders, health care workers, teachers, and public servants, and to enable them to continue serving our communities without raising taxes or fees. We know that direct federal relief for local governments is absolutely critical to respond to this crisis, not just for this community, but also for our country. I will do everything in my power to ensure that this critical funding is included in the next economic relief package."
"The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on both state and local government revenues and threatens to jeopardize the stability of our education system, critical health social service programs, public safety services and so much more," said Congressman Joe Morelle. "While we have worked diligently to flatten the curve, communities across our nation will continue to feel the effects of COVID-19 for months to come - that's why it's so important that we take action to ensure local governments have the resources they need to respond to this unprecedented challenge and preserve essential programs and services. I'm grateful for the partnership of Senator Gillibrand as we fight to provide the stability families need now more than ever."
"Monroe County, like so many other local and municipal governments across New York and throughout the Nation, is facing difficult fiscal and economic challenges as a result of the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. However, we remain hopeful that we will be able to offset our current budget deficit with the passage of these federal measures and midyear budget adjustments so that we can continue to deliver critically needed services to the hard working men, women and families of Monroe County. I am grateful to Senator Gillibrand and Congressman Morelle for their leadership and advocacy on this issue and for all that they continue to do for the residents of our community," said Adam Bello, Monroe County Executive.
"During this pandemic, local governments like Brighton are being asked to do much more with much less. Brighton's budget and those of other communities has been decimated by the loss of sales tax and other revenues due to COVID-19. Without the direct federal relief that Sen. Gillibrand and Rep. Morelle are fighting for, we will have to make drastic decisions that will put essential services at risk," said WilliamMoehle, Town Supervisor Brighton.
"As New York recovers from being the epicenter of the global health pandemic, Upstate New York communities are still hamstrung as they scramble to handle the economic devastation the virus left in its path," said Senator Schumer. "With imminent budget cuts and layoffs mounting across New York, Senator McConnell needs to wake up to this crisis and support legislation that provides fiscal relief for state and local governments so Upstate New York can recover, rebuild, and flourish once again."
The nation's economic recovery depends on the survival of state and local governments. However, New York alone is projected to lose more than $240 billion in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many counties, Monroe County is facing a budget deficit of tens of millions of dollars due to decreased revenues. Because of these deficits, thousands of New Yorkers working in state and local government have already lost their jobs at a time when many families are already struggling to make ends meet.
Senator Gillibrand previously introduced the Direct Support for Communities Act to alleviate local budget shortfalls. The legislation would create a local relief fund to help cities, towns, villages, and counties address costs associated with lost revenues, and would help avoid cuts to essential services or local tax and fee increases. Part of the funding would be administered to localities through the Community Development Block Grant program while additional funding would be sent directly to states to allocate to communities based on population. Senator Gillibrand has consistently urged the Senate to include this legislation and desperately needed state and local funding in the next relief package.
Sen. Gillibrand Calls for Direct Federal Relief Funding for Local Governments Responding to and Recovering From Coronavirus Pandemic in Buffalo
WASHINGTON, July 4 -- Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York, issued the following news release:
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand called for legislation to provide local governments with direct federal relief that can be used to pay for essential services and offset lost revenues and increased costs stemming from the COVID-19 crisis. As local governments have faced slashed revenues due to the pandemic, direct assistance is needed to help state and local governments recover from this crisis.
Concerned about the layoffs of public health care workers, firefighters, police, sanitation workers, teachers,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 4 -- Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York, issued the following news release:
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand called for legislation to provide local governments with direct federal relief that can be used to pay for essential services and offset lost revenues and increased costs stemming from the COVID-19 crisis. As local governments have faced slashed revenues due to the pandemic, direct assistance is needed to help state and local governments recover from this crisis.
Concerned about the layoffs of public health care workers, firefighters, police, sanitation workers, teachers,and other vital public servants across New York, Gillibrand is fighting to ensure that all counties, cities, towns, and villages -- regardless of size -- receive federal funding in order to continue providing these critical services. The direct relief would help local governments avoid local tax and fee increases that would place a heavier burden on already cash-strapped families and businesses in crisis.
"Our local governments are facing unprecedented financial hardship, as the COVID-19 outbreak has caused costs to surge and revenue to dwindle. Without federal funding to fill these gaps, there will be even more hardship in people's lives," said Senator Gillibrand. "For months, I have fought for this relief in order to ensure local governments have the resources to pay our first responders, health care workers, teachers, and public servants, and to enable them to continue serving our communities without raising taxes or fees. We know that direct federal relief for local governments is absolutely critical to respond to this crisis, not just for this community, but also for our country. I will do everything in my power to ensure that this critical funding is included in the next economic relief package."
"Without direct, flexible federal aid, cities all across our country will face financial disaster and have to make terrible decisions that will endanger the well-being of their residents and impede our nation's economic recovery. The federal government must step up and provide fiscal relief to small- and medium-sized cities now," said Mayor Byron W. Brown. "Local governments employ firefighters, police officers, sanitation workers, and others who are vital to maintaining public health and safety." The House of Representatives passed the HEROES Act on May 15th, and now the Senate must do the right thing and pass a next round of stimulus aid that includes relief for small- and medium-sized cities before the August recess."
"As New York recovers from being the epicenter of the global health pandemic, Upstate New York communities are still hamstrung as they scramble to handle the economic devastation the virus left in its path," said Senator Schumer. "With imminent budget cuts and layoffs mounting across New York, Senator McConnell needs to wake up to this crisis and support legislation that provides fiscal relief for state and local governments so Upstate New York can recover, rebuild, and flourish once again."
The nation's economic recovery depends on the survival of state and local governments, however, New York alone is projected to lose more than $240 billion in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many counties, Erie County is facing a budget deficit of more than $137 million due to decreased revenues during this crisis. Because of these deficits, thousands of New Yorkers working in state and local government have already lost their jobs at a time when many families are already struggling to make ends meet.
Senator Gillibrand previously introduced the Direct Support for Communities Act to alleviate local budget shortfalls. The legislation would create a local relief fund to help cities, towns, villages, and counties address costs associated with lost revenues, and would help avoid cuts to essential services or local tax and fee increases. Part of the funding would be administered to localities through the Community Development Block Grant program while additional funding would be sent directly to states to allocate to communities based on population. Senator Gillibrand has consistently urged the Senate to include this legislation and desperately needed state and local funding in the next relief package.
Reps. Schiff, Raskin, Engel, Colleagues Send Letter to Appropriations Subcommittee to Bolster Oversight of U.S. Agency for Global Media
WASHINGTON, July 4 -- Rep. Adam B. Schiff, D-California, issued the following news release:
U.S. Representatives Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Jamie Raskin (D-MA), together with Reps. Eliot Engel (D-NY), Ted Deutch (D-FL), Joaquin Castro (D-TX), Ami Bera (D-CA), Brad Sherman (D-CA), Tom Malinowski (D-NJ), David Trone (D-MD), Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX) and Dean Phillips (D-MN) sent a letter to State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Subcommittee Chairwoman Nita Lowey and Ranking Member Hal Rodgers in advance of the Subcommittee's FY2021 Markup Meeting, scheduled for Monday afternoon.
In their letter,
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WASHINGTON, July 4 -- Rep. Adam B. Schiff, D-California, issued the following news release:
U.S. Representatives Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Jamie Raskin (D-MA), together with Reps. Eliot Engel (D-NY), Ted Deutch (D-FL), Joaquin Castro (D-TX), Ami Bera (D-CA), Brad Sherman (D-CA), Tom Malinowski (D-NJ), David Trone (D-MD), Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX) and Dean Phillips (D-MN) sent a letter to State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Subcommittee Chairwoman Nita Lowey and Ranking Member Hal Rodgers in advance of the Subcommittee's FY2021 Markup Meeting, scheduled for Monday afternoon.
In their letter,the Members urged the subcommittee to consider legislative actions that would bolster congressional oversight of the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), ensure its journalistic independence, and safeguard its mission.
"We are deeply concerned about the firings of qualified leadership; the reports that USAGM has frozen funds and grants; and the public reports that USAGM under Mr. Pack's leadership is considering altering preexisting budget commitments to internet freedom initiatives in order to fund products that have been subject to well-documented concerns that they do not meet technological specifications, security standards, and industry best-practices," the Members wrote in their letter. "As the United States confronts a rising authoritarian tide around the world, and an aggressive effort by Russia, China, and other powers to undermine the tenets of liberal democracy, USAGM has never been more vital."
USAGM is an independent government agency whose mission is to "inform, engage, and connect people around the world in support of freedom of democracy." USAGM manages two federal organizations, the Voice of America and the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, and provides grants to non-profit organizations including Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, the Middle East Broadcasting Networks, as well as the Open Technology Fund (OTF). Following his confirmation as CEO in June, Michael Pack fired the leadership of all grantee organization and replaced their advisory boards, calling into question his commitment to preventing political interference with USAGM networks.
"The strength of USAGM comes directly from providing truth-based reporting and programing that adheres to the standards of professional journalism, precisely the information that autocratic regimes block in favor of propaganda," the letter continued. "If the firewall that protects USAGM's editorial independence is eroded, it will make USAGM ineffective. Rather than providing a counter-point to autocratic regimes, it would call into question the U.S.'s commitment to democratic values, and risk reinforcing misperceptions that USAGM media outlets are simply state propaganda, no different from Russia Today or others around the world."
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July 3, 2020
To: The Honorable Nita Lowey, Chairwoman, Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs, U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. 20515
The Honorable Hal Rogers, Ranking Member, Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs, U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Chairwoman Lowey and Ranking Member Rogers:
Thank you for your work in crafting the State and Foreign Operations and Related Programs Appropriations legislation for Fiscal Year 2021. The programs supported by the subcommittee are vitally important to our national interest, and the world.
As you finalize the funding legislation for FY2021, we respectfully request that you take into account recent, alarming developments regarding the management, Advisory Board, and programs administered by the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM). As you know, USAGM is an independent government agency whose mission is to "inform, engage, and connect people around the world in support of freedom of democracy". USAGM oversees two federal organizations (the Voice of America and the Office of Cuba Broadcasting) and provides grants to the independent non-profit organizations Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, the Middle East Broadcasting Networks, and the Open Technology Fund (OTF).
Shortly after the Senate confirmed Michael Pack as USAGM's Chief Executive Officer earlier this month. Mr. Pack fired the officers and directors of the OTF, Radio Free Asia, Radio Liberty/Radio Free Europe, and the Middle East Broadcasting Networks, and the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, and accepted the resignation of the director and deputy director of Voice of America. Further, Mr. Pack removed the long-standing, independent members of the Advisory Boards of these entities and replaced them with himself and political loyalists.
Finally, funding for USAGM programs and personnel, including for OTF-led programs supporting technologies to evade censorship and surveillance in places of paramount importance like Hong Kong, were reportedly frozen shortly after Mr. Pack assumed his position. To date, Mr. Pack has provided no public explanation of these decisions, provided no clarity about reports that funds have been frozen or unfrozen, or explained how such decisions will further the mission of USAGM. The management he removed were highly respected, experienced, and dedicated to maintaining the independence of USAGM and ensuring that its programming was free from political interference. We are concerned that it is precisely that resistance to politicization of programming and reporting that led to their abrupt dismissal.
We are deeply concerned about the firings of qualified leadership; the reports that USAGM has frozen funds and grants; and the public reports that USAGM under Mr. Pack's leadership is considering altering preexisting budget commitments to internet freedom initiatives in order to fund products that have been subject to well-documented concerns that they do not meet technological specifications, security standards, and industry best-practices. Deviating from such standards will impair the trust built over years in the independence and safety of the tools supported through USAGM. As the United States confronts a rising authoritarian tide around the world, and an aggressive effort by Russia, China, and other powers to undermine the tenets of liberal democracy, USAGM has never been more vital. The strength of USAGM comes directly from providing truth-based reporting and programming that adheres to the standards of professional journalism, precisely the information that autocratic regimes block in favor of propaganda. If the firewall that protects USAGM's editorial independence is eroded, it will make USAGM ineffective. Rather than providing a counterpoint to autocratic regimes, it would call into question the U.S.'s commitment to democratic values, and risk reinforcing misperceptions that USAGM media outlets are simply state propaganda, no different from Russia Today or others around the world.
The funding freezes initiated since Mr. Pack assumed his position have already wreaked havoc on key programs supported by USAGM at a time when the freedoms of people around the world are under attack. On May 28, 2020, the National People's Congress of China passed a resolution allowing it's Standing Committee to enact laws prohibiting certain acts and activities in Hong Kong for national security purposes. In anticipation of the adoption of a national security law extending China's surveillance and censorship regime into Hong Kong, OTF laid preparations for new programs aimed at providing civil society with technology and training needed to continue their work before the law went into effect. All USAGM programs were frozen June 9, 2020, one day after Mr. Pack took office. Although a media report stated that funding for OTF's Hong Kong programs was allegedly restored on June 26, 2020, the Standing Committee adopted a new national security law on June 30 with immediate effect. As it is much more difficult to stand up secure resources after the surveillance apparatus is in place, the lost time created by this funding freeze has been to the benefit of the Communist Party of China and jeopardized the effectiveness of OTF's programs.
Although Mr. Pack made various assurances to Senators during his confirmation process about respecting the editorial firewall and programming independence of USAGM, the actions he has taken since assuming control of USAGM call those commitments into question, and it would be irresponsible for Congress to simply accept those statements at face value.
In light of these concerns, we urge you to consider the following actions, as well as any others you may deem appropriate, that would bolster congressional oversight of USAGM, ensure its journalistic independence, and safeguard its mission, such as: exercising your authority over reprogramming requests to encourage USAGM's full and timely compliance with congressional requests; consider imposing additional reporting requirements on staffing plans and Advisory Board appointments and designating key initiatives as Congressional Interest Items; consider fencing portions of USAGM funding, such as appropriations made to the Office of the CEO; and any other actions you deem necessary, in partnership with the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
Thank you for your longtime, bipartisan support for USAGM. We look forward to working with you to ensure USAGM can effectively execute its mission and embody the values of openness, freedom, and truth that it was created to propagate.
Rep. Spanberger Issues Statement on Independence Day
HENRICO, Virginia, July 4 -- Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-Virginia, issued the following statement on Independence Day:
"Tomorrow, communities across America will celebrate the birth of our republic. This year's celebrations across Central Virginia may be altered by the ongoing threat to public health, but Independence Day still provides an opportunity to reflect on the ideals that brought our nation together and the courage that has kept it together for 244 years.
Over the centuries, countless Americans have stepped beyond the duties of their daily lives to answer a higher obligation. Whether
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HENRICO, Virginia, July 4 -- Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-Virginia, issued the following statement on Independence Day:
"Tomorrow, communities across America will celebrate the birth of our republic. This year's celebrations across Central Virginia may be altered by the ongoing threat to public health, but Independence Day still provides an opportunity to reflect on the ideals that brought our nation together and the courage that has kept it together for 244 years.
Over the centuries, countless Americans have stepped beyond the duties of their daily lives to answer a higher obligation. Whetherby serving in uniform overseas or advocating for justice, liberty, and equality at home, the fearless work of these citizens has preserved our freedom and brought us closer to the realization of the promises made at our founding.
We're reminded that patriotism goes beyond banners and barbecues - it's about a ceaseless, energetic pursuit of a stronger future and a safer world for generations of Americans to come. As we each reflect on how we can contribute to that work, I'd like to wish everyone in Virginia's 7th District a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July."
Rep. Brooks: Mount Rushmore Heroes Represent the Best of American Exceptionalism
WASHINGTON, July 4 -- Rep. Mo Brooks, R-Alabama, issued the following news release:
As President Trump visits Mount Rushmore amid calls to alter, rename, and even abolish America's national treasure, Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) declared his fervent defense of American history, the Mount Rushmore monument, and historical statues against Socialist Democrats and racists hellbent on erasing American history and turning our great republic into a Socialist "utopia."
Congressman Brooks is a cosponsor of H.R. 7358, the Mount Rushmore Protection Act by Congressman Dusty Johnson (SD-AL). This bill prohibits
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WASHINGTON, July 4 -- Rep. Mo Brooks, R-Alabama, issued the following news release:
As President Trump visits Mount Rushmore amid calls to alter, rename, and even abolish America's national treasure, Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) declared his fervent defense of American history, the Mount Rushmore monument, and historical statues against Socialist Democrats and racists hellbent on erasing American history and turning our great republic into a Socialist "utopia."
Congressman Brooks is a cosponsor of H.R. 7358, the Mount Rushmore Protection Act by Congressman Dusty Johnson (SD-AL). This bill prohibitsfederal funds from being used to alter, change, destroy, or remove, in whole or in part, any name, face, or other feature on the Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
Congressman Brooks said, "Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Teddy Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln are exceptional American heroes. Each contributed monumentally to America's greatness and share a common legacy of spreading freedom and liberty throughout the world. Their places on Mount Rushmore are well-deserved as exemplars of what it took to make America great, and efforts to denigrate their contributions are beyond reprehensible."
Congressman Brooks emphasized the historical contributions of each Mount Rushmore figure, "Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence, the document that officially kicked off America's quest for independence. George Washington won the Revolutionary War, served as America's first president, and set the high standards of honor and leadership that have molded the republic to this day. Teddy Roosevelt protected America's beautiful and special lands for public enjoyment forever. Abraham Lincoln held our young nation together through the most tumultuous period in American history, freed the slaves and gave his life perfecting of union. These men represent the best of us. Generations of Americans have celebrated their contributions to our nation. They embody American exceptionalism, freedom and liberty."
Brooks added, "With the exception of the Civil War, America has never faced greater internal threats. Socialist Democrats and racists, as evidenced by a recent Democrat National Committee tweet that said Mount Rushmore is 'glorifying white supremacy', are dead set on undermining American's freedom and liberty. In a frenzy of delirious 'wokeness', Socialist Democrats and those who promote racial division are hellbent on destroying the very fabric of our republic."
Brooks concluded, "I oppose the Socialist Democrat and racist efforts to deface and destroy Mount Rushmore. I have cosponsored H.R. 7358, the Mount Rushmore Protection Act. This bill would ensure that no federal funds are used to alter, change, destroy, or remove, in whole or in part, any name, face, or other feature on the Mount Rushmore National Memorial."
Combating Chinese Government Efforts to Exploit the COVID-19 Pandemic Goal of New Legislation by Rep. Rose
WASHINGTON, July 4 -- Rep. Max Rose, D-New York, issued the following news release:
Congressman Max Rose joined Congresswomen Kendra Horn of Oklahoma and Stephanie Murphy of Florida to introduce legislation yesterday requiring the U.S. government to identify, analyze, and combat efforts by the Chinese government to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic.
"From the opioid epidemic, to trade, to our intellectual property, China has a long history of trying to rip off America," said Rose, Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security and Co-Chair of the Blue Dog Task Force on National Security. "Why
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WASHINGTON, July 4 -- Rep. Max Rose, D-New York, issued the following news release:
Congressman Max Rose joined Congresswomen Kendra Horn of Oklahoma and Stephanie Murphy of Florida to introduce legislation yesterday requiring the U.S. government to identify, analyze, and combat efforts by the Chinese government to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic.
"From the opioid epidemic, to trade, to our intellectual property, China has a long history of trying to rip off America," said Rose, Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security and Co-Chair of the Blue Dog Task Force on National Security. "Whyshould we think the coronavirus pandemic would be any different? It's not a question of if, but how China is going to use this crisis to its advantage--and we need to be working to prevent that."
The legislation, called the Preventing China from Exploiting COVID-19 Act, requires the Director of National Intelligence (DNI)--in coordination with the Secretaries of Defense, State, and Homeland Security--to prepare an assessment of the different ways in which the Chinese government has exploited or could exploit the pandemic, which originated in China, in order to advance China's interests and to undermine the interests of the United States, its allies, and the rules-based international order. The assessment must be provided to Congress within 90 days and posted in unclassified form on the DNI's website.
"No one should seek to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic for political or economic advantage," said Horn, Co-Chair of the Blue Dog Task Force on National Security. "We must examine whether the Chinese Communist Party has used intellectual cyber-theft, misinformation campaigns, and aggressive territorial maneuvers, among other tactics to take advantage of the pandemic. We need to get to the bottom of where the Chinese government has exploited COVID-19 and undermined our fight against the global pandemic. Where they've crossed the line, they must be held accountable."
"Bipartisan concerns in Congress about Chinese government policies have only increased once COVID-19 emerged in China and spread to virtually every country in the world. Since the start of this pandemic, we have witnessed a pattern of alarming behavior from the Chinese government in a range of areas," said Murphy, Blue Dog Coalition Co-Chair for Administration. "This bill would provide U.S. policymakers with an intelligence community assessment of the different ways the Chinese government may be seeking to exploit the pandemic. Armed with this information, we can hold the Chinese government accountable and protect American interests."
The Preventing China from Exploiting COVID-19 Act requires the DNI report to examine the following topics, among others:
The techniques used by the Chinese government to obstruct or retaliate against nations that have sought a full inquiry into China's role in the emergence and spread of COVID-19, and the Chinese government's motivations for such efforts.
The activities undertaken by the Chinese government, like cyber-theft, intended to acquire information and intellectual property related to COVID-19 testing, treatment, and vaccines.
The manner in which the Chinese government seeks to advance its foreign policy interests by providing economic aid or medical equipment to nations adversely affected by COVID-19, and the degree to which this aid makes recipient countries more likely to adopt positions favorable to China and detrimental to the United States.
The ways in which the Chinese government is using, or may be planning to use, the global disruption and distraction associated with COVID-19 as an opportunity to more aggressively pursue longstanding objectives, including with respect to Hong Kong, Taiwan, Xinjiang, and territorial disputes.
The means by which the Chinese government is disseminating misinformation about COVID-19, including on U.S. social media platforms.
How all of these activities, taken together, further Chinese interests, and the extent to which they constitute a continuation of the longstanding practices of China or represent an evolution in the foreign policy behavior of China.
Rose has continued to be a leader in holding China accountable. Earlier this year, Rose, Chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Intelligence and Counterterrorism, and Congressman Mark Walker (R-NC), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee, urged the Department of Homeland Security to increase its focus on China and provide the subcommittee with details of its intelligence assessments on China's actions related to the pandemic.
Additionally, Rose's bipartisan Fentanyl Sanctions Act was signed into law, which will apply sanctions on drug manufacturers in China who knowingly provide fentanyl to traffickers, transnational criminal organizations like those in Mexico who mix fentanyl with other drugs and traffic them into the U.S. and financial institutions that assist them.
Full text of the bill here https://horn.house.gov/uploadedfiles/preventing_china_from_exploiting_covid-19_act.pdf.
