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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Sens. Markey, Blumenthal, Murphy Lead Colleagues in Calling for Strengthening Background Checks, New Federal Guidance Amidst Surge in Gun Sales
WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Sen. Edward J. Markey, D-Massachusetts, issued the following news release:
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- Outline five key steps to ensure background checks don't fall through the cracks, records are appropriately maintained, safe home storage emphasized
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Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) led thirteen of their colleagues in calling for strengthening background checks amidst a massive increase in gun sales during the coronavirus emergency. In a letter sent to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Bureau for Alcohol,
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WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Sen. Edward J. Markey, D-Massachusetts, issued the following news release:
* * *
- Outline five key steps to ensure background checks don't fall through the cracks, records are appropriately maintained, safe home storage emphasized
* * *
Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) led thirteen of their colleagues in calling for strengthening background checks amidst a massive increase in gun sales during the coronavirus emergency. In a letter sent to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Bureau for Alcohol,Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), the Senators express serious concerns that the surge in gun sales is overwhelming the National Instant Criminal Background System (NICS), and that firearms dealers, also known as federal firearms licensees (FFLs), need guidance on how to effectively handle the deluge during the health emergency.
"Even absent a public health emergency, law enforcement does not always have enough time to accurately determine pre-sale whether someone is a prohibited buyer," write the Senators in their letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray and ATF Acting Director Regina Lombardo. "We fear that a drastic increase in gun sales in response to the coronavirus pandemic could overwhelm NICS and allow prohibited individuals to obtain firearms through 'default proceeds'. We believe it is essential that your agencies issues guidance to FFLs about their ongoing responsibilities under the law and the tools with which the can safely operate their businesses during this unprecedented public health emergency."
The Senators outline five key steps for the FBI and ATF to take immediately to ensure public safety:
1) Issue guidance to FFLs that background checks are likely to take longer than the usual three businesses days, that dealers should wait for NICS to complete those background checks before transferring firearms, not to transfer firearms to any person believed to be prohibited from possessing a firearm, and to maintain all required records;
2) Collate data on background checks that have taken longer than three business days to complete in the past three month and provide a report to Congress with a timeframe for completion of the background checks during the pandemic;
3) Issue an emergency directive to maintain all background check information related to transactions with an "open" status for 90 days beyond the current state of emergency;
4) Utilize the FBI's N-Dex database to search for investigations into NICS background checks that receive a "delayed" disposition; and
5) Issue guidance reminding FFLs of their obligation to provide a gun lock or safe storage device with any new handgun transfer to protect the millions of Americans, including children, now working and studying at home.
Other Senators signing the letter include Senators Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash,), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.)
A copy of the letter can be found here.( https://www.markey.senate.gov/download/fbi-atf-letter-on-surging-gun-sales)
Sen. Duckworth Speaks With Illinois Farm Bureau President About COVID-19 Pandemic
WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Illinois, issued the following news release:
U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) recently spoke with Illinois Farm Bureau (ILFB) President Richard Guebert about the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Duckworth and Guebert discussed how the CARES Act relief funding will benefit farmers across Illinois and the role of ILFB in educating their members about opportunities and challenges during this public health crisis.
"The strength of America's farmers reflects the strength of our nation," Duckworth said. "I had a productive discussion with the Illinois
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WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Illinois, issued the following news release:
U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) recently spoke with Illinois Farm Bureau (ILFB) President Richard Guebert about the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Duckworth and Guebert discussed how the CARES Act relief funding will benefit farmers across Illinois and the role of ILFB in educating their members about opportunities and challenges during this public health crisis.
"The strength of America's farmers reflects the strength of our nation," Duckworth said. "I had a productive discussion with the IllinoisFarm Bureau to discuss their concerns about COVID-19 and how I can be helpful to their families, businesses and communities. I will continue to advocate on their behalf to help ensure they have the resources they need to feed and fuel our economy."
Since the COVID-19 public health crisis began, Senator Duckworth has led with a wide range of actions to support middle-class working Americans and help our nation better respond to the pandemic, including supporting the Families First Coronavirus Response Act that's now law, refocusing the Trump Administration's efforts on testing and access to tests. She also voted for the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which makes important progress to help Americans address and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. While not perfect, the bipartisan compromise does put workers and their families--not corporations--first by putting cash directly in the pockets of consumers, greatly expanding emergency unemployment insurance and providing immediate relief for small businesses. The CARES Act also includes transparent oversight of bailed-out corporations and additional resources for state and local governments--as well as our hospitals and health centers--that are all on the front lines of this crisis.
Duckworth was one of the first Senators to urge the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to immediately establish clear diagnostic testing procedures, capabilities and production capacity to better mitigate the spread of COVID-19. After calling on the President to swiftly take action under the Defense Production Act (DPA) to boost production of live-saving ventilators and other equipment needed to limit the spread of COVID-19, Duckworth helped introduce new legislation to require him to do so to help save lives. She also introduced the COVID-19 Health Care Worker Protection Act to help keep frontline healthcare workers safe, cosponsored the Free COVID-19 Testing Act to expand access to free tests, helped introduce the comprehensive COVID-19 RELIEF for Small Businesses Act of 2020 to support small businesses across the country and give them the resources they need to weather this crisis and she helped introduce legislation that was signed into law to make sure student Veterans and their loved ones receiving benefits through the GI Bill don't lose them as universities move online. Duckworth also joined her colleagues on the PAID (Providing Americans Insured Days) Leave Act to ensure workers can take time off when ill and helped introduce the Small Business Debt Relief Act of 2020 to support small businesses affected by the pandemic by relieving certain federal loan payments.
After hundreds of passengers were forced into close quarters for hours to clear federal medical screenings at customs at O'Hare International Airport, Duckworth joined U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) in demanding additional federal resources. She called on Donald Trump to do more to bring back Illinoisans and other Americans stranded abroad as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. She also called on the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to work together to ensure civilian healthcare workers are trained to use military-issued respirator masks and other personal protective equipment that DOD has made available to civilian healthcare providers. Duckworth spoke out about Republican attempts to deny funding to healthcare providers that receive Medicaid, thereby making it harder for vulnerable groups--including people with disabilities, older Americans and survivors of rape and abuse--to access critical services they rely on, like home care assistance or meal delivery programs. Along with Senator Durbin, she sent a letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) calling on the agency to grant the State of Illinois flexibility to expand access to health services and have the flexibility to deliver quality care amid this public health crisis, which CMS ultimately granted. Duckworth joined a bipartisan group of Senators urging the Trump Administration expand access to telehealth services to rural communities and she pressed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for information on a potential shortage of enzymes needed for CDC coronavirus test kits. The Senator is also seeking information from Secretary of Defense Mark Esper about any proactive steps the Department of Defense is taking to ensure the readiness of National Guard and Reserve units to support local civilian authorities as the pandemic spreads.
Sen. Collins Announces Social Security Beneficiaries Will Receive Coronavirus Stimulus Rebate Checks Automatically
WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, issued the following news release:
U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Aging Committee, announced that Social Security beneficiaries will not be required to file a tax return in order to receive a rebate check under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Senator Collins strongly supported the policy released by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service that will make it easier for many seniors to obtain these targeted relief funds.
"Seniors
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WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, issued the following news release:
U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Aging Committee, announced that Social Security beneficiaries will not be required to file a tax return in order to receive a rebate check under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Senator Collins strongly supported the policy released by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service that will make it easier for many seniors to obtain these targeted relief funds.
"Seniorsare already experiencing a time of great stress and uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This change removes an unnecessary, bureaucratic hurdle that will help ensure they receive the rebate they are entitled to," said Senator Collins. "I am pleased that the Treasury Department and the IRS updated its policy in order to allow Social Security beneficiaries who normally do not file taxes to receive these checks automatically."
The CARES Act, which was signed into law on March 27th, provides tax rebates of $1,200 to individuals and $2,400 for married couples. The checks begin phasing out for single filers with incomes exceeding $75,000 and $150,000 for joint filers.
The law provided the IRS with additional tools to provide rebate checks to some individuals who normally do not file a tax return by allowing the IRS to base a rebate on the information provided in Form SSA-1099, Social Security Benefit Statement or Form RRB-1099, Social Security Equivalent Benefit Statement.
IRS guidance originally indicated that individuals who do not typically file tax returns, including many seniors who receive Social Security benefits, would need to file a simple tax return to receive a stimulus check. Yesterday, Senator Collins joined a group of 22 Senators in writing to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig to express their opposition to this policy. The new guidance will allow Social Security recipients to automatically receive rebate checks.
Rep. Tipton Secures Over $50 Million for Rural Transit Through CARES Act
WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Rep. Scott Tipton, R-Colorado, issued the following news release:
The U.S. Department of Transportation announced over $50 million dollars will be allocated to communities in Colorado's Third District and other rural parts of Colorado to assist in mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. The funds were made available after the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law late last week. Congressman Tipton (CO-03) outlined the necessity for rural areas to be included as the bill was crafted by legislators and has since pressed the
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WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Rep. Scott Tipton, R-Colorado, issued the following news release:
The U.S. Department of Transportation announced over $50 million dollars will be allocated to communities in Colorado's Third District and other rural parts of Colorado to assist in mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. The funds were made available after the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law late last week. Congressman Tipton (CO-03) outlined the necessity for rural areas to be included as the bill was crafted by legislators and has since pressed theTrump Administration to prioritize critical funding to undeserved areas of Colorado's Third District. Tipton welcomed the announcement and released the following statement:
"Every sector of our state's economy, public and private, faces unprecedented and worsening challenges as this outbreak spreads, including in our rural communities where resources are already tight under good circumstances. These funds will play a critical role in giving these communities a chance to get ahead of some of these hurdles. I am glad President Trump and Secretary Chao have listened to my calls to immediately assist rural communities during this period of uncertainty. As additional funds are allocated, we must ensure proper oversight so they are spent appropriately and distributed to the communities that need them most and that are at the greatest risk of deepened economic hardships as a result of this virus."
Colorado's entire transit systems will receive over $327 million, the largest distributions in Colorado's Third District are Pueblo with $6.1 million and $5.4 to Grand Junction. $39 million has also been apportioned to other rural areas of the state. These funds can be used to support operating, capital and other expenses incurred beginning January 20, 2020. The funds are being awarded at 100 percent federal share.
The breakdown of allocated money through the Federal Transit Authority can be found here (https://www.transit.dot.gov/cares-act-apportionments).
Tipton outlined several priorities for Colorado's Third District before the CARES Act was passed including:
* Reauthorization of the Community Health Center (CHC) Fund
* Direct financial support for CHCs to keep doors open
* Immediate direct financial support for Critical Access Hospitals
* Direct financial Support and Loan Guarantee for all severely distressed sectors
* Coronavirus Tribal Relief Fund
* Emergency funding for small airports
Rep. Moulton and Team Named Finalists for National Award for Outstanding Achievements in Constituent Service
WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Massachusetts, issued the following news release:
The Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) announced that Representative Seth Moulton (D-MA) and his team are finalists for the Democracy Awards, CMF's honors program recognizing performance within congressional offices. Moulton and his team were selected for Outstanding Achievement in Constituent Service, which recognizes offices for their outstanding practices or achievements acting as ombudsmen with the federal government or responding to constituent requests and inquiries.
Bradford Fitch, President
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WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Massachusetts, issued the following news release:
The Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) announced that Representative Seth Moulton (D-MA) and his team are finalists for the Democracy Awards, CMF's honors program recognizing performance within congressional offices. Moulton and his team were selected for Outstanding Achievement in Constituent Service, which recognizes offices for their outstanding practices or achievements acting as ombudsmen with the federal government or responding to constituent requests and inquiries.
Bradford Fitch, Presidentand CEO of the Congressional Management Foundation said: "Now, more than ever, we need examples of our government functioning at its highest level. As a finalist in Constituent Service for a Democracy Award, the office of Rep. Seth Moulton is clearly one of the best in Congress. This designation demonstrates that Rep. Moulton has made a significant commitment to being the best public servant for his constituents. Rep. Moulton and staff are to be congratulated for not only being a model for colleagues in Congress, but for helping to restore trust and faith that our democratic institutions can work.
Rep. Seth Moulton said: "In moments like this one--when the federal government is failing to deliver tests and protection for health care workers, when a record number of people are out of work, and when far too many people are feeling let down by our country--we know the work that we do on your behalf is more important than ever. There's a reason the title for Member of Congress is Representative. The duty to be your voice in government is our most important job, and we're going to keep fighting for you every day."
In the five years since he became a member of Congress, Moulton and his team have opened 5,583 cases for individual constituents. As of this week, he and his casework team have helped return $2,622,618.30 dollars owed by the federal government to North Shore residents in the form of benefits, tax refunds and checks. The three largest groups of people seeking help from the team are veterans, immigrants and people who have problems with the Social Security Administration.
In addition to returning benefits, Moulton's casework team has identified patterns in their work that has led to legislation like the Tl:Dr Act, which would mandate that every federal agency put the most important deadlines and information at the top of their often-confusing public correspondence.
This year, after noticing people who spent their careers as teachers and in other forms of local public service were being taxed unexpectedly by the Windfall Elimination Provision, Moulton's team worked with Code For Boston to develop an app that provides an accurate calculation of benefits people can expect to receive. After beta testing the app with retirees attending Moulton's town halls, government agencies adopted it nationally for their websites.
Moulton has also focused on making Congress more accessible and accountable. This year, his congressional office rolled out a new website, Moulton.House.Gov that puts constituent assistance up front and is easily updated during public emergencies like the current coronavirus pandemic, allowing his Congressional office to serve as a convener of resources and amplifier of vital information.
For example, Moulton's coronavirus resource page has been updated daily with new information, including a downloadable guide added this week that helps small businesses access emergency assistance.
This is the second time Moulton has been nominated for an award from the Congressional Management Foundation. In 2018 he and his team earned the Democracy Award for Transparency and Accountability.
A committee of former Members of Congress and former congressional staffers will select the two winners (one Democrat and one Republican) for each of the categories. Winners will be announced in a few months. An awards ceremony to honor finalists and winners will be held on September 17, 2020, Constitution Day, a national holiday to commemorate the day in 1787 that delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the document in Philadelphia.
There are five other finalists in the category and a total of 24 House and Senate offices across four categories. In addition to Constituent Services, there's a "Life in Congress"-Workplace Environment category, a Transparency and Accountability category, and an Innovation and Modernization category. CMF staff selected the finalists based on a rigorous checklist of qualifications, as well as interviews to assess the office's adherence to the established criteria.
CMF is a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan nonprofit whose mission is to build trust and effectiveness in Congress. Since 1977, CMF has worked internally with Member, committee, leadership, and institutional offices in the House and Senate to identify and disseminate best practices for management, workplace environment, communications, and constituent services. CMF also is the leading researcher and trainer on citizen engagement, educating thousands of individuals and facilitating better relationships with Congress.
Rep. Foster Urges HHS to Rapidly Deploy COVID-19 Antibody Testing
WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Rep. Bill Foster, D-Illinois, issued the following news release:
This week, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL), Congressman Ami Bera (D-CA), and Congressman Mo Brooks (R-AL) led a bipartisan letter to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) in support of their efforts to encourage innovation in COVID-19 testing, and urging them to rapidly deploy COVID-19 antibody tests that have met accuracy and safety standards as rapidly and widely as possible.
Simple antibody tests have been developed
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WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Rep. Bill Foster, D-Illinois, issued the following news release:
This week, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL), Congressman Ami Bera (D-CA), and Congressman Mo Brooks (R-AL) led a bipartisan letter to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) in support of their efforts to encourage innovation in COVID-19 testing, and urging them to rapidly deploy COVID-19 antibody tests that have met accuracy and safety standards as rapidly and widely as possible.
Simple antibody tests have been developedby U.S. companies and have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. These serological tests detect the immune system's response to viral infections, including COVID-19. These tests can identify people who have already acquired immunity to COVID-19, and who can safely re-enter the workforce, travel, and return to normal life.
"It is imperative that the United States does not continue to be behind the curve on COVID-19 testing, including on the antibody testing that will be vital as we eventually restart the economy and which will take place only after a large fraction of the population is confident that they are immune to infection so that it is safe to work, travel, and return to normal life," Foster said. "It will be an unnecessary economic tragedy if our citizens remain cowering at home because we failed to provide them with the simple, inexpensive means of proving their immunity - the tests should be deployed as rapidly and widely as possible. This must be followed by the ability for individuals to reliably certify that they are immune to COVID-19 so that they can return to normal life - especially for workers in critical industries like healthcare and food."
"The reality of COVID-19 is that many Americans, especially the younger population, will have gotten the virus without them knowing because either their symptoms were too mild or because tests were not available at the time they got sick," said Rep. Ami Bera, M.D. "Serological testing is an easy and quick method to check if Americans have acquired COVID-19 immunity. As a doctor and Member of Congress, I strongly urge the Administration to deploy these tests as rapidly and widely as possibly. Serological testing would allow for many Americans to safely re-enter the workforce, providing a boost to our economy."
"Americans must work for the good of their families, our economy, and our country," said Congressman Brooks. "At the same time, America must minimize or eliminate COVID-19 health risks. Many Americans have beat COVID-19 with minimal or no adverse health effects. They did so with their own COVID-19 antibodies. COVID-19 antibody testing, followed by harvesting of COVID-19 antibodies and injection of them into sick patients, is a very promising, potential COVID-19 treatment and cure. As such, I encourage Secretary Azar and Director Bright to deploy these antibody tests rapidly and widely to help America's medical profession acquire another weapon in the fight against COVID-19."
The letter was signed by a bipartisan group of 113 Members of Congress. A copy of the letter, including a complete list of cosigners is available here.( https://foster.house.gov/sites/foster.house.gov/files/2020.03.31%20Foster%20Brooks%20Bera%20Antibody%20Testing%20Letter_Final.pdf)
Rep. Brooks to Vice President Pence: Thanks for Stopping Giveaways of American Medical Supplies to Foreign Countries
WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Rep. Mo Brooks, R-Alabama, issued the following news release:
Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) sent a letter to Vice President Mike Pence thanking him for placing a moratorium on shipments of medical supplies to foreign nations from the stockpile maintained by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) while a review of all U.S. aid procedures is undertaken. The letter also urges Vice President Pence to continue the moratorium until America has the capacity to produce enough personal protective equipment (PPE) and medical equipment to fill anticipated supply gaps
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WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Rep. Mo Brooks, R-Alabama, issued the following news release:
Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) sent a letter to Vice President Mike Pence thanking him for placing a moratorium on shipments of medical supplies to foreign nations from the stockpile maintained by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) while a review of all U.S. aid procedures is undertaken. The letter also urges Vice President Pence to continue the moratorium until America has the capacity to produce enough personal protective equipment (PPE) and medical equipment to fill anticipated supply gapsin our health care system and to replenish our domestic stockpiles.
Congressman Brooks was joined on the letter by 7 cosigners.
Congressman Brooks said, "It is the height of irresponsibility for America to ship our medical supplies to foreign countries when Americans desperately need those supplies here. I thank Vice President Pence and the Coronavirus Task Force for putting Americans First as we battle this once-in-a-century pandemic. As of now, America has more than 214,000 COVID-19 cases resulting in more than 5,000 deaths. American medical providers are short on personal protective equipment (PPE) and medical equipment that could save American lives. Not another piece of piece of PPE or medical equipment should leave our shores until we get a handle on the crisis at home."
Text of Congressman Brooks' letter to Vice President Pence follows:
The Honorable Michael R. Pence
Vice President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Vice President Pence:
It is our understanding that the White House Coronavirus Task Force has placed a moratorium on shipments of medical supplies to foreign nations from the stockpile maintained by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) while it undertakes a review of all U.S. aid procedures. We applaud this decision, and commend the Task Force for taking decisive action as it manages this once-in-a-century health crisis.
Our health care professionals are doing an admirable job caring for COVID-19 patients and preparing for the anticipated surge of future cases. However, many of our hospital systems currently lack adequate amounts of personal protective equipment (PPE) and medical equipment to protect our health care workers and treat our citizens who have been infected with COVID-19. Given that our current domestic stockpiles are rapidly diminishing, it is crucial that any PPE and medical equipment currently in the USAID stockpile that may be or are needed for use in the United States to combat COVID-19 not be sent overseas, but directed for domestic use.
As has been publicly reported, the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the United States has exceeded 214,000, including over 5,000 deaths. We whole-heartedly agree with what you said yesterday: "These are not numbers, these are Americans. They are our loved ones and we are doing everything we can to keep them safe." Until we have the capacity to produce enough PPE and medical equipment to fill anticipated supply gaps in our health care system and to replenish our domestic stockpiles, we respectfully request that the Task Force continue its moratorium on shipments of government-owned medical supplies to foreign nations.
Sincerely,
Mo Brooks
Member of Congress
Elise M. Stefanik
Member of Congress
Andy Biggs
Member of Congress
Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S.
Member of Congress
Bob Gibbs
Member of Congress
Austin Scott
Member of Congress
Doug Lamborn
Member of Congress
W. Gregory Steube
Member of Congress
