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.
Featured Stories
Statement From Rep. Pressley on Boston Police Department's Handling of Patrick Rose Allegations
BOSTON, Massachusetts, April 13 -- Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Massachusetts, issued the following statement:
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Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) issued the following statement regarding the Boston Police's handling of the allegations made against retired officer and former union president Patrick Rose.
"The disturbing reports about the Boston Police Department's (BPD) handling of the allegations made against Patrick Rose, former president of the Boston Police Patrolmen's Association, are the latest example of the desperate need for greater transparency, increased oversight and a fundamental
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BOSTON, Massachusetts, April 13 -- Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Massachusetts, issued the following statement:
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Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) issued the following statement regarding the Boston Police's handling of the allegations made against retired officer and former union president Patrick Rose.
"The disturbing reports about the Boston Police Department's (BPD) handling of the allegations made against Patrick Rose, former president of the Boston Police Patrolmen's Association, are the latest example of the desperate need for greater transparency, increased oversight and a fundamentalchange in culture.
"That Boston Police leadership for decades would knowingly protect an alleged child abuser and allow him to ascend through their ranks is an alarming violation of public trust, and there must be accountability. It is well known in community that claims directly to internal affairs at BPD are often met with no recourse, consequences or accountability. To ensure transparency and prevent something like this from ever happening again, the BPD must immediately release any and all records related to its internal investigation of Mr. Rose, and we must have a thorough, transparent, and independent investigation into how these alleged abuses were covered up for so long. The findings of such investigation must lead to changes in personnel, in practices, and in law.
"We must fight for justice and healing for Mr. Rose's victims--and for everyone in Boston abused at the hands of law enforcement. Our communities deserve nothing less."
Sen. Sinema Statement on Nomination of Chief Magnus for CBP Commissioner
WASHINGTON, April 13 -- Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Arizona, issued the following statement:
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Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema - Chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Border Management--released the following statement on the nomination of Tucson Police Chief Chris Magnus as Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection:
"Chief Chris Magnus's nomination to lead Customs and Border Protection represents a positive step toward ensuring the administration understands and addresses the needs of Arizona communities.
Our state pays the price for the federal government's failure to fix a broken
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WASHINGTON, April 13 -- Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Arizona, issued the following statement:
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Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema - Chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Border Management--released the following statement on the nomination of Tucson Police Chief Chris Magnus as Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection:
"Chief Chris Magnus's nomination to lead Customs and Border Protection represents a positive step toward ensuring the administration understands and addresses the needs of Arizona communities.
Our state pays the price for the federal government's failure to fix a brokenimmigration system. I'll continue working to ensure the administration takes meaningful steps to support our border communities, secure the border, and treat all migrants and unaccompanied children fairly and humanely - and I look forward to talking with Chief Magnus soon about his nomination."
As Chair of the Subcommittee on Border Management, Sinema is working directly with federal agencies and leaders in Arizona to ensure the administration takes meaningful steps to support Arizona's border communities and NGOs, secure the border, prevent the spread of COVID-19, and treat all migrants and unaccompanied children fairly and humanely. Sinema has partnered with Senator Mark Kelly to ensure the Department of Homeland Security has plans and procedures to support our border communities and protect migrants. Sinema and Kelly also worked to include $110 million in funding in the American Rescue Package that is now law for border communities and non-profits stepping up to help solve the migrant crisis. The resources will directly help border communities address the situation at the border, including to stop the spread of COVID-19, protect Arizonans, and ensure migrants are treated fairly and humanely.
Sen. Scott: 151 Organizations Endorse Bipartisan College Transparency Act
WASHINGTON, April 13 -- Sen. Tim Scott, R-South Carolina, issued the following news release on April 12, 2021:
U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) today announced an overwhelming show of support for the College Transparency Act (CTA) from 151 organizations representing everything from educational institutions, student organizations, and employers.
The bipartisan legislation ensures students and families have clear and absorbable information as they consider higher education opportunities. The CTA modernizes
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WASHINGTON, April 13 -- Sen. Tim Scott, R-South Carolina, issued the following news release on April 12, 2021:
U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) today announced an overwhelming show of support for the College Transparency Act (CTA) from 151 organizations representing everything from educational institutions, student organizations, and employers.
The bipartisan legislation ensures students and families have clear and absorbable information as they consider higher education opportunities. The CTA modernizesthe college reporting system for postsecondary data by providing accurate reporting on student outcomes such as enrollment, completion, and post-college earnings across colleges and majors, while ensuring the privacy of individual students is securely protected.
"The College Transparency Act represents broad consensus among students, colleges and universities, employers, and policymakers that a secure, privacy-protected postsecondary student data network is the only way to give students the information they need to make informed college choices. That is why we are coming together to urge Congress to pass this bill to provide accurate, timely, and high-quality aggregate data in a user-friendly, transparent way for students and families, policymakers, institutions and employers who have a right to know answers to key questions about student access and success," wrote the endorsing organizations.
Click here (https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=quorum_scott-iq&crop=0000.0000.0000.0000&report_id=&redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.scott.senate.gov%2fimo%2fmedia%2fdoc%2fCollege%2520Transparency%2520Act%2520Letter%25204.8.21.pdf&redir_log=68669037998600) to read the full endorsement letter.
A list of organizations endorsing the bill can be found below.
* AAC&U
* AccessLex Institute
* AccuRounds
* Achieve Atlanta
* Achieving the Dream
* Advance CTE
* American Association of Community Colleges
* American Educational Research Association
* AMT - The Association for Manufacturing Technology
* Ann Majdic
* Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund
* Aspen Institute College Excellence Program
* Association for Career and Technical Education
* Association of Community College Trustees
* Association of Public and Land-grant Universities
* Atlanta Regional Workforce Development Board
* Augustus F. Hawkins Foundation
* Birmingham Prosperity Partnership
* Board of Regents, State of Iowa
* Boston Centerless
* Braven
* Build UP
* Business Roundtable
* California EDGE Coalition
* Campaign for College Opportunity
* Center for American Progress
* Center for First-generation Student Success
* Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP)
* Chicago Jobs Council
* Chiefs for Change
* COABE
* Cobb Chamber of Commerce
* College Now Greater Cleveland
* Colorado Center on Law and Policy
* Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta
* Complete College America, Inc.
* Connecticut State Colleges and Universities
* Corporation for a Skilled Workforce
* Custom Plastics and More
* CWA Southern California Council
* Dallas County Community College District
* Data Quality Campaign
* Deans for Impact
* Democrats for Education Reform
* District 1199C Training & Upgrading Fund
* Edmit
* EducationQuest Foundation
* Employee Choice Academy
* EmployIndy
* Enlisted Association of the National Guard
* Excelencia in Education
* Field Crest Care Center
* Five Star Development, Inc.
* Future of Privacy Forum
* George Washington Institute of Public Policy
* Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce
* Georgia Association for Career and Technical Education
* Global Resource Management Inc.
* Greater Philadelphia Healthcare Partnership
* Greater Washington Community Foundation
* HCM Strategists
* Higher Learning Advocates
* Holder Construction Company
* Indiana Institute for Working Families
* Institute for Higher Education Policy
* Japanese American Citizens League
* Jersey City Literacy Program
* JEVS Human Services
* Jewish Vocational and Career Counseling Service
* Jewish Vocational Service, Boston
* JMPDX LLC
* Jobs for the Future (JFF)
* JobTrain
* Kathryn Stege
* Knowledge Alliance
* LeaderQuest Holdings Inc.
* Learn4Life
* Louisiana Community and Technical College System
* Louisiana State University
* Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition
* Manufacturer's Education and Training Alliance
* MCCI Medical Group
* Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce
* NASPA - Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education
* National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity (NAPE)
* National Association for College Admission Counseling
* National Association of Graduate-Professional Students
* National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators
* National College Attainment Network
* National Consumer Law Center (on behalf of its low income clients)
* National Council for Adult Learning
* National Council for Workforce Education
* National Higher Education Benchmarking Institute
* National Laboratory for Education Transformation
* National Roofing Contractors Association
* National Skills Coalition
* National Tooling and Machining Association
* Naugatuck Adult Education
* NCHEMS
* Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education
* New America
* New Orleans Youth Alliance
* New York Association of Training & Employment Professionals (NYATEP)
* Nexus Research and Policy Center
* NOCTI
* Northwest WI Workforce Investment Board
* Nucleos-PortableCloud
* Office of Student Government Relations, Cornell
* Optimax Systems Inc.
* Orleans Technical College
* Policy Matters Ohio
* Policy Planning Partners
* Postsecondary Analytics
* Pryor Education Insights
* Public Insight Data Corporation
* Rebuilding America's Middle Class
* Results for America
* Ripe Data
* Scholarship America
* Skills2Compete Colorado
* Software & Information Industry Association
* South Asian Fund For Education, Scholarship and Training (SAFEST)
* Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC)
* Southwest Ohio Region Workforce Investment Board
* StriveTogether
* Student Basic Needs Coalition - Nationals
* Student Veterans of America
* TechBirmingham
* The Bell Policy Center
* The Education Trust
* The Institute for College Access & Success (TICAS)
* The Quality Assurance Commons for Higher and Postsecondary Education
* The State University Of New York
* The Veterans Education Project
* Third Way
* Towards Employment
* TRC Staffing Services
* University of Louisiana System
* U.S. Chamber of Commerce
* U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG)
* uAspire
* UnidosUS
* United Way of Central Iowa
* University of Phoenix
* Veterans Education Success
* Virginia Community College System
* WKBJ Foundation
* Women Employed
* Workforce Solutions Group
* WSP USA
* Young Invincibles
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Rep. Horsford Applauds Nomination of Kenneth Polite to Lead Department of Justice's Criminal Division
WASHINGTON, April 13 -- Rep. Steven Horsford, D-Nevada, issued the following news release:
After President Biden nominated former U.S. Attorney Kenneth Polite to lead the Department of Justice's Criminal Division, Congressman Steven Horsford released the following statement:
"Kenneth Polite is a tenacious advocate for justice with a distinguished record of service to the American people. As U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana, he worked to break cycles of violence through mentorship programs for underserved youth, stop public corruption, and protect civil rights. His nomination
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WASHINGTON, April 13 -- Rep. Steven Horsford, D-Nevada, issued the following news release:
After President Biden nominated former U.S. Attorney Kenneth Polite to lead the Department of Justice's Criminal Division, Congressman Steven Horsford released the following statement:
"Kenneth Polite is a tenacious advocate for justice with a distinguished record of service to the American people. As U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana, he worked to break cycles of violence through mentorship programs for underserved youth, stop public corruption, and protect civil rights. His nominationto serve as assistant attorney general is a powerful sign of President Biden and Attorney General Garland's commitment to place people of color in high-ranking and influential posts within the administration," said Congressman Steven Horsford.
"I'm pleased to congratulate Mr. Polite and express my appreciation to President Biden and Attorney General Garland for his nomination. I urge the Senate to move quickly and confirm Mr. Polite to his new role."
Congressman Horsford leads the Congressional Black Caucus' First 100 Days Transition Task Force, which has worked closely with the Biden-Harris transition team and administration to ensure that people of color are nominated and confirmed for key roles within the federal government.
Del. Norton Asks Bureau of Prisons to Share Information on D.C. Residents Leaving Custody and Returning to Community
WASHINGTON, April 13 -- Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-D.C., issued the following news release:
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) wrote the Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to request that BOP provide information on District of Columbia residents leaving BOP custody so that the District can help with reentry into the community. Alternatively, Norton requested that if BOP continues to take the position that providing this information would violate the Privacy Act, inmates be provided a waiver form to sign before their release.
"D.C. has many programs that can help people
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WASHINGTON, April 13 -- Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-D.C., issued the following news release:
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) wrote the Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to request that BOP provide information on District of Columbia residents leaving BOP custody so that the District can help with reentry into the community. Alternatively, Norton requested that if BOP continues to take the position that providing this information would violate the Privacy Act, inmates be provided a waiver form to sign before their release.
"D.C. has many programs that can help peoplecoming from BOP custody back into the community, but first we have to know they're coming and how to contact them," Norton said.
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April 6, 2021
To: Michael Carvajal, Director, Federal Bureau of Prisons, 320 First Street NW, Washington, DC 20534
Dear Director Carvajal:
I understand that the District of Columbia government has requested that the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) provide information on D.C. residents leaving BOP custody so that D.C. can help these returning citizens with their reentry, but has been told that BOP cannot, under federal law, provide this information. I ask BOP to reconsider this position.
During the previous administration, BOP took the position that providing this information to D.C. would violate the Privacy Act and other federal privacy laws. I disagree with this position, and, given the change in administration, I ask BOP to reconsider.
Should BOP not change its position, and continue to contend that the Privacy Act and other federal laws prohibit BOP from sharing information with D.C. in the same way that BOP shares information with the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for D.C., I ask that BOP provide each inmate who will soon be released a privacy waiver form so that they can exercise the option to have BOP share their information with D.C.
I ask that you response to this request in writing by April 20, 2021.
Sincerely,
Eleanor Holmes Norton
Chair Grijalva, Vice Chair Sablan Hail White House Announcement of Gretchen Sierra Zorita as Associate Director for Puerto Rico and Territories
WASHINGTON, April 13 -- Rep. Raul M. Grijalva, D-Arizona, chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, issued the following news release on April 12, 2021:
Chair Raul M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.) and Vice Chair Gregorio Sablan (D-CNMI) today praised President Biden's hiring of Gretchen Sierra Zorita to the newly created position of White House Associate Director for Puerto Rico and Territories, which will coordinate with Congress to better address longstanding issues of importance to the millions of citizens and nationals living in U.S. territories.
"The Biden administration's choice to create
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WASHINGTON, April 13 -- Rep. Raul M. Grijalva, D-Arizona, chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, issued the following news release on April 12, 2021:
Chair Raul M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.) and Vice Chair Gregorio Sablan (D-CNMI) today praised President Biden's hiring of Gretchen Sierra Zorita to the newly created position of White House Associate Director for Puerto Rico and Territories, which will coordinate with Congress to better address longstanding issues of importance to the millions of citizens and nationals living in U.S. territories.
"The Biden administration's choice to createthis position and staff it with such an experienced, knowledgeable leader is admirable and deserves our heartfelt thanks," Grijalva said. "The executive branch can improve the lives of millions of U.S. citizens and nationals living in the territories by expanding access to federal programs that already benefit other Americans, helping to resolve Puerto Rico's political status, and strengthening meaningful political representation. The Biden administration understands that we can't claim to live up to American ideals as long as we treat millions of people as second-class citizens, and I look forward to working closely with Ms. Sierra Zorita to address these issues as soon as possible."
"President Biden's decision to appoint an Associate Director in the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs with responsibility for the non-state areas of our nation is very welcome," Sablan said. "The former President promised an executive-level Territory and Commonwealth Advisory Committee and a Special Assistant for territories and Commonwealths, but forgot those promises once in office. I look forward to working with new Associate Director Gretchen Sierra Zorita as the Biden administration implements the President's commitment to making more federal resources available to underserved communities like those in the U.S. insular areas."
After Urging From Lee and Klobuchar, Apple Agrees to Send Witness to Hearing on App Stores and Mobile App Competition
WASHINGTON, April 13 -- Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, issued the following news release:
U.S. Senators Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ranking Member and Chairwoman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Competition Policy, Antitrust, and Consumer Rights, yesterday announced that both Apple and Google have agreed to send witnesses to a subcommittee hearing on app stores and mobile app competition scheduled for Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at 2:30 PM. In a letter sent on Friday, April 9th, 2021, Lee and Klobuchar criticized Apple's initial decision to withhold witnesses from testifying and
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WASHINGTON, April 13 -- Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, issued the following news release:
U.S. Senators Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ranking Member and Chairwoman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Competition Policy, Antitrust, and Consumer Rights, yesterday announced that both Apple and Google have agreed to send witnesses to a subcommittee hearing on app stores and mobile app competition scheduled for Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at 2:30 PM. In a letter sent on Friday, April 9th, 2021, Lee and Klobuchar criticized Apple's initial decision to withhold witnesses from testifying andasked Apple CEO Tim Cook to reverse course.
"I am glad that Apple has changed course and agreed to testify before the Subcommittee," said Senator Lee. "Utahns are eager to learn what we can do to better protect and promote competition in the digital ecosystem, and it's essential that Apple and others make good faith contributions to that effort."
"The fact that there are just two gatekeepers between consumers and the millions of online applications available for download raises serious competition concerns. These companies have the power to control how and if mobile app developers can reach app users, and ultimately, which apps become successful," said Senator Klobuchar. "This hearing will explore whether Apple and Google are using their power as gatekeepers to charge high fees and impose restrictions that suppress competition in mobile applications and related markets, and both companies' participation in the hearing is necessary."
Consumers rely on mobile applications to access online content and services, and the vast majority of apps are downloaded from either Apple's App Store or Google's Play Store. The hearing will focus on the impact of Apple's and Google's power over the cost, distribution, and availability of mobile applications on consumers, app developers, and competition.
