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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Smith Selected to Lead Ways and Means Tax Subcommittee
WASHINGTON, Jan. 16 -- Rep. Adrian Smith, R-Nebraska, issued the following news release:
Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) has been selected to serve as Ranking Member of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures, previously known as the Subcommittee on Tax Policy, which has jurisdiction over federal tax legislation and oversees tax policy implementation by the Internal Revenue Service.
From Congressman Smith:
"I am honored to lead the important work of the tax subcommittee on behalf of my Republican colleagues," said Congressman Smith. "My priority will always be to fight
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 16 -- Rep. Adrian Smith, R-Nebraska, issued the following news release:
Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) has been selected to serve as Ranking Member of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures, previously known as the Subcommittee on Tax Policy, which has jurisdiction over federal tax legislation and oversees tax policy implementation by the Internal Revenue Service.
From Congressman Smith:
"I am honored to lead the important work of the tax subcommittee on behalf of my Republican colleagues," said Congressman Smith. "My priority will always be to fightfor conservative policies centered around personal responsibility and respect for the free market. Congressional Democrats have made clear their intent to stymie the president's agenda at every turn, including the repeal of landmark tax reforms we championed in the last Congress. I will do everything in my power to build on this progress and increase economic opportunity for Nebraskans, and for all Americans."
From Ways & Means Committee Ranking Member, Kevin Brady:
"Hardworking Americans who were left behind during the previous administration are now finally seeing more jobs and bigger paychecks thanks to President Trump and our GOP pro-growth agenda. Congressman Smith and I are ready to roll up our sleeves and work with our Democrat colleagues to protect the growing paychecks of America's workers and ensure this booming economy isn't slowed down. I look forward to working with Adrian as we continue to fight for policies that promote more opportunities for workers and families across the country."
Sens. Cruz, Cornyn Praise White House Announcement of Texas Judicial Nominees
WASHINGTON, Jan. 16 -- Sens. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and John Cornyn, R-Texas, issued the following statements after President Trump announced his intention to nominate Wes Hendrix to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas in Lubbock, Mark Pittman to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas in Fort Worth and Sean Jordan for the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas in Plano:
"I was happy to recommend Wes, Mark, and Sean to the President," Sen. Cruz said. "They each bring to the bench a proven record of professionalism and excellence. I commend the
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 16 -- Sens. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and John Cornyn, R-Texas, issued the following statements after President Trump announced his intention to nominate Wes Hendrix to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas in Lubbock, Mark Pittman to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas in Fort Worth and Sean Jordan for the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas in Plano:
"I was happy to recommend Wes, Mark, and Sean to the President," Sen. Cruz said. "They each bring to the bench a proven record of professionalism and excellence. I commend thePresident for these nominations and urge my colleagues to quickly confirm them to the bench."
"I applaud President Trump's nomination of these Texans, who bring with them a wealth of knowledge and a penchant for public service," said Sen. Cornyn. "Texans will be well-served by these individuals on the bench, and I look forward to working with my colleagues for their swift confirmation."
Sens. Cruz and Cornyn recommended all three nominees to President Trump following an extensive review and interview process of the candidate pool by the bipartisan Federal Judicial Evaluation Committee (FJEC). Sens. Cruz and Cornyn established the FJEC, a bipartisan panel of leading attorneys in Texas, to help identify the most qualified candidates to fill judicial vacancies. The panel reviewed applications, interviewed candidates, and made recommendations to the Senators, who interviewed individuals before making their recommendations to the President.
James Wesley ("Wes") Hendrix of Texas has been nominated to serve as District Judge on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. Wes Hendrix serves as an Assistant United States Attorney in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Texas. He is Chief of the office's Appellate Division, a member of the Attorney General's Advisory Committee, and Chairperson of the Nationwide Appellate Chiefs Workings Group. Prior to joining the government in 2007, Mr. Hendrix was an associate in the Dallas, Texas, office of Baker Botts L.L.P., where his practice focused on complex civil litigation. After graduating from law school, he served as a law clerk to Judge Patrick Higginbotham of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Mr. Hendrix received his B.A., with Honors, from the University of Chicago and his J.D., with High Honors, from the University of Texas School of Law.
Mark T. Pittman of Texas has been nominated to serve as District Judge on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. Mark Pittman is a Justice on Texas's Second Court of Appeals, where he has served since 2017. Prior to joining the appellate court, Justice Pittman was a Judge on the State's 352nd District Court, based in Fort Worth, Texas. Before his judicial service, Justice Pittman served as an Enforcement Attorney with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in Fort Worth, Texas and held multiple positions within the Department of Justice, including as an Assistant United States Attorney in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Texas and Trial Attorney in the Commercial Litigation Branch of the Civil Division. After graduating from law school, Justice Pittman clerked for Judge Eldon Mahon of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. He received his B.A., magna cum laude, from Texas A&M University and his J.D. from the University of Texas.
Sean D. Jordan of Texas has been nominated to serve as District Judge on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. Sean Jordan is a partner in the Austin, Texas, office of Jackson Walker L.L.P.. He is the Co-Chair of the firm's Appellate Practice Group, where his practice focuses on appellate and complex civil litigation and regulatory compliance. Prior to entering private practice, Mr. Jordan served as Principal Deputy Solicitor General for the State of Texas, representing the State in appeals in both federal and state courts. He also served in the United States Army as an infantryman and paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. Mr. Jordan received his B.A., summa cum laude, from the University of Texas at Austin and his J.D., with Honors, from the University of Texas School of Law.
Senator Markey Joins Senator Tina Smith, Colleagues to Introduce Fair Compensation for Low-Wage Contractor Employees Act
WASHINGTON, Jan. 16 -- The office of Sen. Edward J. Markey, D-Massachusetts, issued the following news release:
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- Senators Want to Make Sure Federal Contract Workers Hurt by Shutdown Receive Their Paychecks
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Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.), along with her colleagues Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.), introduced legislation to secure back pay for the federal contractor employees who continue to go without pay during the current government shutdown.
The bill--the Fair Compensation for Low-Wage
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 16 -- The office of Sen. Edward J. Markey, D-Massachusetts, issued the following news release:
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- Senators Want to Make Sure Federal Contract Workers Hurt by Shutdown Receive Their Paychecks
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Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.), along with her colleagues Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.), introduced legislation to secure back pay for the federal contractor employees who continue to go without pay during the current government shutdown.
The bill--the Fair Compensation for Low-WageContractor Employees Act--aims to help low-wage federal contractor employees--including janitorial, food, and security services workers--who have been furloughed or forced to accept reduced work hours as a result of the government shutdown.
You can read a summary of the bill here (https://smithsenate.box.com/s/kddz3hriz0lxggjhl9waw9ds4l0vttbh), and you can watch a roundtable discussion from earlier today with federal workers about the legislation here.
"This bill is about helping a group of people who are often invisible--people who work in the cafeterias, who clean offices after everyone else goes home, security guards who keep our buildings safe overnight," said Sen. Smith. "These low- and mid-wage federal contract workers have had to go without pay for weeks now, and in past shutdowns, haven't received back pay. That's wrong and that's what my bill is trying to fix."
"From kitchen workers and maintenance staff to janitors and construction workers, federal contractor employees perform some of the most thankless yet essential jobs for our government. These men and women do much of the tireless, behind-the-scenes work to support our government every day. These are often low-wage jobs that require these workers to live paycheck to paycheck. They should not be punished for a shutdown they had nothing to do with. They should not be deprived of their livelihood and that's why I'm proud to join Senator Smith and my other colleagues in introducing legislation to address this urgent and critical issue," said Senator Van Hollen.
"Every day President Trump refuses to open the government, he is taking money out of the pockets of hardworking people. The President needs to do his job and stop hurting the people who make this country work," said Brown.
"Thousands of people across the Commonwealth are out of a job right now because of President Trump's unnecessary, destructive shutdown. Right now many low- and middle-wage federal contractors - whose paychecks often depend on the number of hours they work - are worrying about how they'll afford to keep the lights on or pay their rent," said Senator Warner. "Congress has already passed legislation to secure back pay for federal workers. Federal contractors - especially those who are already working paycheck to paycheck - deserve some peace of mind too. This important bill will ensure that federal service contractors, who work side-by-side with federal employees, get the pay they missed out on because of President Trump's reckless shutdown."
"Shutdowns hurt everyone, from the furloughed federal worker to the contract employee who loses pay to the Americans who suffer because government services are degraded. Our low-wage workers, especially, are feeling the sting of being locked out of their jobs," said Senator Cardin. "We need to end the Trump shutdown now and prevent them from happening in the future."
"Just like federal employees, federal contractors work hard to keep our government running. So many of these workers live paycheck-to-paycheck and this painful shutdown has meant that many of them can't afford to pay their bills. This legislation is an effort to ensure that these contractors who have been denied pay during a shutdown they had no role in causing receive the pay they deserve," said Senator Kaine.
The Fair Compensation for Low-Wage Contractor Employees Act, which is also supported by Sens. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Doug Jones (D-Ala.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Angus King (I-Maine), and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M) would:
- Ensure federal contractors get reimbursed for providing back pay, up to 200% of the federal poverty level for a family of four.
- Provide accountability in the equitable adjustment process by including ways for protection of taxpayer funds.
o Contractors would submit evidence of costs for review and approval by the agency's contracting officer.
o Contractors are already required to keep records of employee pay practices, so this doesn't create a new obligation for those contractors.
- Cover employees employed under the Davis-Bacon Act (which governs federally-funded construction projects) and the Service Contract Act (which governs federal service contracts).
You can read a summary of the bill here (https://smithsenate.box.com/s/kddz3hriz0lxggjhl9waw9ds4l0vttbh).
Sen. Barrasso: Andrew Wheeler Has Done an Outstanding Job Leading EPA
WASHINGTON, Jan. 16 -- Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyoming, chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, issued the following remarks:
Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW), delivered the following remarks at a hearing on the nomination of Andrew Wheeler to be administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
For more information on Wheeler's testimony click here. (https://www.epw.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/hearings?ID=64B84BBE-6130-44B5-9825-CF3F1EEF9BD2)
Senator Barrasso's remarks:
"Today, we
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 16 -- Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyoming, chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, issued the following remarks:
Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW), delivered the following remarks at a hearing on the nomination of Andrew Wheeler to be administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
For more information on Wheeler's testimony click here. (https://www.epw.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/hearings?ID=64B84BBE-6130-44B5-9825-CF3F1EEF9BD2)
Senator Barrasso's remarks:
"Today, wewill consider the nomination of Andrew Wheeler to be administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
"Before I speak about Acting Administrator Wheeler's nomination, I want to take a moment to welcome the new members of our committee - Senator Braun and Senator Cramer.
"Their experience and expertise will strengthen our committee, and bring fresh perspectives to our debates. Welcome.
"I would also like to welcome back all of the old members of the committee.
"I look forward to working with each of you as we conduct the committee's business this Congress.
"Which brings us to the business of today's hearing.
"President Trump has nominated Environmental Protection Agency Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler to serve as the administrator of the agency.
"Mr. Wheeler has served as deputy administrator of EPA since April of 2018, when the Senate confirmed his nomination with bipartisan support.
"Since July of last year, Mr. Wheeler has served as the acting administrator of EPA.
"I believe Acting Administrator Wheeler has done an outstanding job leading the EPA these past six months.
"Under Acting Administrator Wheeler's leadership, the agency has taken a number of significant actions to protect our nation's environment, while also supporting economic growth.
"Acting Administrator Wheeler has led efforts to: issue common-sense regulatory proposals, like the Affordable Clean Energy Rule, and the revised definition of 'Waters of the United State'; implement this committee's 2016 bipartisan reform of the Toxic Substances Control Act in an effective and efficient manner; reduce lead exposure, including through the Federal Lead Action Plan; provide greater regulatory certainty to states, to Tribes, localities, and to the regulated community; and improve enforcement and compliance assistance.
"Acting Administrator Wheeler is very well qualified to run the Environmental Protection Agency.
"Before his leadership roles at the agency, Mr. Wheeler spent 25 years working in the environmental field: as a career employee with the Environmental Protection Agency; as this committee's Clean Air Subcommittee staff director; as then full committee staff director and chief counsel; and finally, as a consultant for a large variety of energy and environmental clients.
"Mr. Wheeler has received broad and bipartisan support.
"Former Democratic vice presidential candidate and U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman, who served as a member of this committee while Mr. Wheeler was staff director, stated when Wheeler was nominated for deputy director that Mr. Wheeler 'conducted himself in a fair and professional manner. I hope his nomination will receive similarly fair consideration by the Senate.'
"Ranking Member Carper said of Mr. Wheeler: 'I think having worked in the agency, he actually cares about the environment; the air we breathe, the water we drink, the planet on which we live.'
"The EPA administrator plays a central role in developing and implementing programs and activities focused on fulfilling the EPA's mission of protecting human health and the environment.
"We know how well qualified Mr. Wheeler is, and when confirmed, what a wealth of experience and expertise he's going to bring to this critically important job.
"I will work with committee members to move this important nomination forward."
Rep. Latta Authors Resolution to Honor Gold Star Families
WASHINGTON, Jan. 16 -- Rep. Robert E. Latta, R-Ohio, issued the following news release:
Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) has introduced a resolution, H.Res. 39, honoring Gold Star Families by designating March 2, 2019 as "Gold Star Families Remembrance Day." The resolution would honor and recognize the sacrifices made by the families of military members who gave their lives to defend freedom and protect America.
This March 2 will be the 90th anniversary of President Calvin Coolidge signing legislation to approve and fund the first Gold Star pilgrimage, enabling Gold Star families to travel
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 16 -- Rep. Robert E. Latta, R-Ohio, issued the following news release:
Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) has introduced a resolution, H.Res. 39, honoring Gold Star Families by designating March 2, 2019 as "Gold Star Families Remembrance Day." The resolution would honor and recognize the sacrifices made by the families of military members who gave their lives to defend freedom and protect America.
This March 2 will be the 90th anniversary of President Calvin Coolidge signing legislation to approve and fund the first Gold Star pilgrimage, enabling Gold Star families to travelto the gravesites of their loved ones who died during World War I. In addition, the resolution encourages communities across America to perform acts of service and good will on that date.
The term Gold Star family is derived from families that flew flags during World War I. A blue star on the flag meant that an immediate family member was serving in the U.S. armed forces. If the family member was killed in action, the blue star was replaced with a gold one. Gold Star Mother's Day is celebrated the last Sunday in every September, but there is no day dedicated to the entire family that is affected by the loss of a loved one in combat.
"It's long past due to honor the family members of those that have lost their lives in service to their country," said Latta. "The wives, husbands, fathers, mothers, children, brothers, and sisters of our service members all sacrifice while their loved ones are in the military. When a member of the armed forces gives their life in defense of our nation, it's the family members that must live with that loss. On the 90th anniversary of legislation establishing the first Gold Star pilgrimage, we should recognize their sacrifice and name March 2nd as a day dedicated to Gold Star families."
Pelosi Sends Letter to President Trump Concerning the State of the Union Address
WASHINGTON, Jan. 16 -- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-California, issued the following news release:
Speaker Nancy Pelosi sent the following letter today to President Trump suggesting that the delivery of the State of the Union address to a Joint Session of Congress be delayed until government re-opens.
In the letter, the Speaker wrote "The U.S. Secret Service was designated as the lead federal agency responsible for coordinating, planning, exercising, and implementing security for National Special Security Events by Public Law 106-544, December 19, 2000. However, both the U.S. Secret Service
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 16 -- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-California, issued the following news release:
Speaker Nancy Pelosi sent the following letter today to President Trump suggesting that the delivery of the State of the Union address to a Joint Session of Congress be delayed until government re-opens.
In the letter, the Speaker wrote "The U.S. Secret Service was designated as the lead federal agency responsible for coordinating, planning, exercising, and implementing security for National Special Security Events by Public Law 106-544, December 19, 2000. However, both the U.S. Secret Serviceand the Department of Homeland Security have not been funded for 26 days now - with critical departments hamstrung by furloughs."
"Sadly, given the security concerns and unless government re-opens this week, I suggest that we work together to determine another suitable date after government has re-opened for this address or for you to consider delivering your State of the Union address in writing to the Congress on January 29th," Speaker Pelosi continued.
Below is a text of the letter to the President:
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January 16, 2019
The President
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Northwest
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. President,
On January 3rd, it was my privilege as Speaker to invite you to deliver the State of the Union address on January 29. The Constitution calls for the President to "from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union." During the 19th Century and up until the presidency of Woodrow Wilson, these annual State of the Union messages were delivered to Congress in writing. And since the start of modern budgeting in Fiscal Year 1977, a State of the Union address has never been delivered during a government shutdown.
In September 2018, Secretary Nielsen designated State of the Union Addresses as National Special Security Events (NSSEs), recognizing the need for "the full resources of the Federal Government to be brought to bear" to ensure the security of these events. The extraordinary demands presented by NSSEs require weeks of detailed planning with dozens of agencies working together to prepare for the safety of all participants.
The U.S. Secret Service was designated as the lead federal agency responsible for coordinating, planning, exercising, and implementing security for National Special Security Events by Public Law 106-544, December 19, 2000. However, both the U.S. Secret Service and the Department of Homeland Security have not been funded for 26 days now - with critical departments hamstrung by furloughs.
Sadly, given the security concerns and unless government re-opens this week, I suggest that we work together to determine another suitable date after government has re-opened for this address or for you to consider delivering your State of the Union address in writing to the Congress on January 29th.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
NANCY PELOSI
Speaker of the House
Cornyn Honors Southwest's Herb Kelleher on Senate Floor
WASHINGTON, Jan. 16 -- Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, issued the following news release:
Today U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) posthumously honored the life and legacy of Herb Kelleher, the co-founder of Southwest Airlines, on the Senate floor.
Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn's floor remarks are below, and video can be found here (https://youtu.be/xAnamFCpxyk).
"I want to share a few words about the passing of one of the airline industry's most unconventional and most successful executives."
"He was known for his gregarious personality, his incredible work ethic, and his penchant for the nontraditional."
"I
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 16 -- Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, issued the following news release:
Today U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) posthumously honored the life and legacy of Herb Kelleher, the co-founder of Southwest Airlines, on the Senate floor.
Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn's floor remarks are below, and video can be found here (https://youtu.be/xAnamFCpxyk).
"I want to share a few words about the passing of one of the airline industry's most unconventional and most successful executives."
"He was known for his gregarious personality, his incredible work ethic, and his penchant for the nontraditional."
"Ifirst met Herb when I represented him in a lawsuit early in my legal career in San Antonio. He had a larger-than-life personality and it was a pleasure to know him. We can all learn a lesson from Herb about the importance of working hard, treating people with respect, and not being afraid to have a little bit of fun along the way. His entrepreneurial spirit was credited with democratizing the skies by disrupting the airline industry, and I believe he was one of the most consequential leaders in modern aviation, and we've all benefited from that."
"So I join Herb's wife Joan, his children, his grandchildren, his many friends, and of course his beloved Southwest Airlines family in mourning the loss of this larger-than-life figure."
