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. Tester Demands Administration Reverse Course, Protect Montanans With Pre-Existing Conditions in Budget
WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana, issued the following news release:
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- Trump budget fully funds lawsuit attacking protections for Montanans with pre-existing conditions
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U.S. Senator Jon Tester sent a letter with 46 of his colleagues to President Donald Trump urging him to direct the Department of Justice (DOJ) to protect the law of the land, which provides health care coverage protections for Americans with pre-existing medical conditions.
The Administration's Fiscal Year 2021 proposed budget continues to fund the DOJ's efforts in Texas v. United States to repeal
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana, issued the following news release:
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- Trump budget fully funds lawsuit attacking protections for Montanans with pre-existing conditions
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U.S. Senator Jon Tester sent a letter with 46 of his colleagues to President Donald Trump urging him to direct the Department of Justice (DOJ) to protect the law of the land, which provides health care coverage protections for Americans with pre-existing medical conditions.
The Administration's Fiscal Year 2021 proposed budget continues to fund the DOJ's efforts in Texas v. United States to repealthe Affordable Care Act (ACA)--which protects access to affordable health care for millions of people with pre-existing conditions--while providing no mention of a replacement health plan should the DOJ prevail in court.
"We noted your announcement in the 2020 State of the Union that you would protect patients with pre-existing conditions, and we hoped that priority would be reflected in your Fiscal Year 2021 budget request," wrote Tester and his colleagues. "Unfortunately, your 'Budget for America's Future' does exactly the opposite... We are disappointed that the 'Budget for America's Future' continues to fund the DOJ's legally unsound position in Texas v. United States. You could bring peace of mind to millions of Americans tomorrow by simply directing the DOJ to do its job and defend the law of the land instead of arguing against protections for people with pre-existing conditions and against access to affordable health care coverage."
Last March, the Trump Administration issued an unprecedented statement endorsing a judge's ruling to strike down the ACA in the Texas v. United States lawsuit. The decision by the Texas judge ruled that the ACA was unconstitutional and must be overturned entirely. Tester called for President Trump to rescind the endorsement on the Senate floor, and blasted the Administration for its decision to back the ruling.
Recently, Senator Tester joined his colleagues in forcing a Senate vote to protect people with pre-existing conditions by rolling back the Trump Administration's dangerous 1332 waiver rule. The rule, if left in place, would allow states to greenlight substandard, junk insurance plans that don't fully protect people with pre-existing conditions, don't cover essential health benefits like prescription drugs and maternity care, and raise costs for families.
Tester and his colleagues also wrote a letter over the summer requesting Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin to conduct a comprehensive review on the consequences of dismantling the ACA and assess the impacts of overturning the law on the federal, state, and local levels. The report would also include the number of individuals in each state that would lose their coverage and protections provided by the law, including more than 152,000 Montanans with pre-existing conditions.
Read the full letter from Tester and his colleagues here (https://www.tester.senate.gov/files/Letters/021420LettertoPresidentTrump.pdf).
Sen. Inhofe Issues Statement on Waterways Council Leadership Service Award
WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- Sen. James M. Inhofe, R-Oklahoma, issued the following statement receiving the 19th Annual Leadership Service Award from the Waterways Council, for his leadership and commitment to inland waterways:
"Waterways are a vital and often unseen mode of our nation's infrastructure," Inhofe said. "I am proud to highlight how waterways complement road and bridge infrastructure, driving economic expansion and job growth in communities across Oklahoma that will last for years to come. Just look at the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System (MKARNS) in my state of Oklahoma:
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- Sen. James M. Inhofe, R-Oklahoma, issued the following statement receiving the 19th Annual Leadership Service Award from the Waterways Council, for his leadership and commitment to inland waterways:
"Waterways are a vital and often unseen mode of our nation's infrastructure," Inhofe said. "I am proud to highlight how waterways complement road and bridge infrastructure, driving economic expansion and job growth in communities across Oklahoma that will last for years to come. Just look at the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System (MKARNS) in my state of Oklahoma:The MKARNS is a key inland waterway navigation system extending from Tulsa and Muskogee, Oklahoma, through Arkansas, to the Mississippi River. It is responsible for employing more than 55,000 individuals and plays a vital role in the economic activity not only in Oklahoma, but in eleven other states as well.
"Thank you to WCI for recognizing me with this prestigious award. Your work on behalf of America's waterways does not go unnoticed."
Michael J. Toohey, President and CEO of Waterways Council, Inc., praised Inhofe's work:
"Waterways Council is honored to have the opportunity to recognize Senator Inhofe for his leadership and commitment to America's inland waterways and its lock and dam infrastructure. WCI's Leadership Service has long lauded America's inland waterways and port champions, and Senator Inhofe is so deserving of our recognition this year."
The WCI announcement can be viewed here (https://waterwayscouncil.org/media/press-releases/article/2020/01/us-senator-jim-inhofe-r-ok-to-receivewci-leadership-service-award-on-thursday-february-13-2020-on-capitol-hill).
Sen. Brown Applauds More Than $9 Million for Energy Projects Across Ohio
WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, issued the following news release:
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- Funds will Support Projects on Energy Efficiency, Innovative Manufacturing
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U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced that the Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded a total of $9,444,330 in advanced manufacturing grant funds to four Ohio businesses and institutions. The projects will center on innovations for manufacturing advanced materials, lowering thermal budget processes to increase industrial efficiency and productivity, and creating flexible and efficient facilities and energy systems.
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, issued the following news release:
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- Funds will Support Projects on Energy Efficiency, Innovative Manufacturing
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U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced that the Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded a total of $9,444,330 in advanced manufacturing grant funds to four Ohio businesses and institutions. The projects will center on innovations for manufacturing advanced materials, lowering thermal budget processes to increase industrial efficiency and productivity, and creating flexible and efficient facilities and energy systems.The four awards announced in Ohio are:
* $1,004,090 to Paragon Robotics LLC. in Bedford Heights for creating connected, flexible, and efficient manufacturing facilities and energy systems
* $4,000,000 to the Eaton Corporation in Cleveland for creating connected, flexible, and efficient manufacturing facilities and energy systems
* $3,940,240 to Edison Welding Institute Inc. (EWI) in Columbus for innovative manufacturing of advanced materials
* $500,0000 to Wright State University in Dayton for innovative manufacturing of advanced materials
"Ohio companies are leading the way on industrial energy efficiency," said Brown. "These federal funds will allow us to continue to invest in cutting edge energy technology, so that we're creating local jobs and improving our economy in a responsible and sustainable way, while developing the next generation of innovative technology."
The DOE's Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO) supports research and development projects, research and development consortia, and early-stage technical partnerships with national laboratories, companies, state and local governments, and universities through competitive, merit-reviewed funding opportunities designed to investigate new manufacturing technologies.
Rep. Moore Issues Statement on Domestic Violence Incident
WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- Rep. Gwen Moore, D-Wisconsin, issued the following statement after the murder of a Milwaukee mother and her two daughters during a domestic violence incident:
"As a mother and grandmother, my heart breaks over these tragic losses. Sending my prayers to the family of Amarah, Zaniya and Camaria, who are processing this unimaginable pain. Domestic violence is a stain on society that makes homes less safe, and leaves women and children to endure the trauma and pain from this crisis. Last year in Milwaukee, 1 in 5 homicides were connected to domestic violence. I hope this tragedy
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- Rep. Gwen Moore, D-Wisconsin, issued the following statement after the murder of a Milwaukee mother and her two daughters during a domestic violence incident:
"As a mother and grandmother, my heart breaks over these tragic losses. Sending my prayers to the family of Amarah, Zaniya and Camaria, who are processing this unimaginable pain. Domestic violence is a stain on society that makes homes less safe, and leaves women and children to endure the trauma and pain from this crisis. Last year in Milwaukee, 1 in 5 homicides were connected to domestic violence. I hope this tragedyillustrates to everyone the urgency of addressing this epidemic.
"A promising step towards meaningful action would be Senator Mitch McConnell moving the VAWA Reauthorization bill the House passed last year, which would provide new powers, tools, and resources to our communities to help prevent such incidences and hold abusers accountable.
I am deeply committed to working with all government partners to build a safer and stronger city.
"I will again, proudly lead efforts in the House to boost funding for federal programs to end violence against women and will continue advocating for programs and initiatives that protect survivors and their children."
Rep. Cicilline: Rhode Island Leaders Call on Mitch McConnell to Stop Blocking Legislation That Cracks Down on Big Pharma
WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- Rep. David Cicilline, D-Rhode Island, issued the following news release:
U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (D-RI-01) and Rhode Island State Senator Louis DiPalma (D-12) visited the Middletown Senior Center to talk about their work to lower the high cost of prescription drugs.
"Americans pay more for prescription drugs than anyone else in the world. We need to do more to make sure working people can get the medicine they need at an affordable cost. That's exactly why the House passed the Lower Drug Costs Now Act last December," said Cicilline. "President Trump and Mitch
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- Rep. David Cicilline, D-Rhode Island, issued the following news release:
U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (D-RI-01) and Rhode Island State Senator Louis DiPalma (D-12) visited the Middletown Senior Center to talk about their work to lower the high cost of prescription drugs.
"Americans pay more for prescription drugs than anyone else in the world. We need to do more to make sure working people can get the medicine they need at an affordable cost. That's exactly why the House passed the Lower Drug Costs Now Act last December," said Cicilline. "President Trump and MitchMcConnell may talk a big game, but they're still blocking this commonsense bill from a vote in the Senate. It's time for them to stop standing up for Big Pharma, and work with us to get this done for the American people."
"The ever-increasing cost of prescription drugs, some spiraling out of control, is having devastating effects on families across RI. Working to begin to address the situation, the Rhode Island Senate introduced a package of legislation inspired by the work of AARP," added Senator DiPalma. "It is critical we work to ameliorate this negative impact on our citizens. The time to act is now."
Last December, House Democrats passed the Lower Drug Costs Now Act (H.R.3), a sweeping proposal to lower prescription drug costs and invest in the future of Medicare. H.R.3 is among more than 275 bipartisan bills passed by the House that Mitch McConnell refuses to give a vote in the Senate. Although the House has repeatedly passed major legislation to give 33 million working people a raise, require universal background checks on gun sales, and end the influence of secret corporate spending in elections, the Senate has remained silent on these issues for the past year.
Rhode Island Senate Bill 2321 would create a Wholesale Prescription Drug Importation Program which allows for the wholesale importation of prescription drugs from Canada by or on behalf of the state. When approved by the US Department of Health, this legislation would allow all Rhode Islanders to purchase their needed prescription drugs at reduced prices.
Cicilline has fought to lower health care and prescription drug costs throughout his time in office. The Rhode Island Congressman authored the bipartisan CREATES Act, bipartisan legislation that cracks down on Big Pharma's delay tactics to make it easier for generic drugs to come to market. The CREATES Act will lower the cost of some prescription drugs by as much as 85% and save taxpayers $3.9 billion. In addition, Cicilline's Affordable Prescriptions for Patients Through Promoting Competition Act (H.R.5133), which passed the House Judiciary Committee last year, is currently awaiting consideration by the full House. The bill empowers the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to better fight Big Pharma's anticompetitive practices.
Rep. Brindisi Visits Lockheed Martin to Announce Critical Dollars for Defense Programs Built At Southern Tier Lockheed Martin Facility
WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- Rep. Anthony Brindisi, D-New York, issued the following news release:
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- Congressman Fought to Authorize Millions in Funds for Programs Supported by Lockheed Martin's Owego Plant
- Brindisi: This is a big victory for the Central New York and the Southern Tier
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Congressman Anthony Brindisi, a key member of the House Armed Services Committee, visited Lockheed Martin's Owego plant. Following his visit, Brindisi announced crucial investment and key victories for Upstate New York in the final National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
"The workers at this facility
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- Rep. Anthony Brindisi, D-New York, issued the following news release:
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- Congressman Fought to Authorize Millions in Funds for Programs Supported by Lockheed Martin's Owego Plant
- Brindisi: This is a big victory for the Central New York and the Southern Tier
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Congressman Anthony Brindisi, a key member of the House Armed Services Committee, visited Lockheed Martin's Owego plant. Following his visit, Brindisi announced crucial investment and key victories for Upstate New York in the final National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
"The workers at this facilityhelp make the finest military equipment in the world," Brindisi said. "I am proud to fight for these resources on the House Armed Services Committee and in Congress. This authorization will boost good-paying jobs in the Southern Tier and give our servicemembers an advantage over our enemies."
During NDAA negotiations, Brindisi fought to include 6 new VH-92A Presidential Helicopters, which will help begin to replace the current fleet of presidential helicopters, in the NDAA. These helicopters are referred to as "Marine One" when the President is aboard. Lockheed Martin in Owego will install the mission equipment package on these aircrafts. In total, Brindisi helped secure more than $647 million in the NDAA for these aircrafts.
"It was an honor to welcome Congressman Brindisi to our Owego facility today, home to 2300 Lockheed Martin employees," said Hamid Salim, Vice President and Owego General Manager. "We look forward to continuing to work with the Congressman to support the important programs that help keep our nation safe."
Brindisi also fought for funding to procure and modify Navy MH-60 helicopters, which are multi-mission helicopters used for anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, and anti-ship warfare, among other uses. Lockheed Martin in Owego outfits these helicopters with avionics, weapons systems and other components.
Additionally, Brindisi fought to secure nearly $90 million for a High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-dazzler & Surveillance (HELIOS) system program. HELIOS is a laser weapon which will be used on Navy ships to defend against unmanned drones, small boat threats, and even incoming cruise missiles. The Owego, NY facility will manufacture beam integration components for the HELIOS system and be responsible for final production.
Lockheed Martin recently announced that it plans to fill 118 job openings this year between its plants in Owego and Syracuse.
CBO Issues Cost Estimate for Veterans Improved Access & Care Act
WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- The Congressional Budget Office issued the following cost estimate for the Veterans Improved Access and Care Act (S. 450):
S. 450 would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to include information about the time it takes VA to recruit and hire medical staff in a quarterly report on staffing and vacancies that the department provides under current law.
The bill also would decrease the frequency--from semiannual to annual--of a report from the VA Inspector General on departmental staffing.
CBO does not expect that those changes would affect the costs to prepare
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- The Congressional Budget Office issued the following cost estimate for the Veterans Improved Access and Care Act (S. 450):
S. 450 would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to include information about the time it takes VA to recruit and hire medical staff in a quarterly report on staffing and vacancies that the department provides under current law.
The bill also would decrease the frequency--from semiannual to annual--of a report from the VA Inspector General on departmental staffing.
CBO does not expect that those changes would affect the costs to preparethose reports; thus, implementing S. 450 would not affect the federal budget.
The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Ann E. Futrell. The estimate was reviewed by Leo Lex, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.
