Friday - April 19, 2024
U.S. Congressional Tipoffs Involving New Hampshire Newsletter for Sunday July 26, 2020 ( 41 items )  

As Shipyard Resumes Full-Scale Operations, Sen. Shaheen Leads NH, ME Delegations in Letter to Navy Secretary to Ensure Safety of Workers
WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-New Hampshire, issued the following news release: As the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard resumes full-scale operations amid the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) - a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee - led the New Hampshire and Maine congressional delegations in a letter to U.S. Navy Secretary Kenneth Braithwaite inquiring what steps and protocols are in place to safeguard the health and safety of the Shipyard workfo  more

Bipartisan Provision Introduced by Sens. Hassan, Cornyn, Peters, Portman to Bolster Cybersecurity at All Levels of Government Included as Part of Annual Defense Bill
WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-New Hampshire, issued the following news release: The U.S. Senate passed the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which included a bipartisan amendment introduced by U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH), John Cornyn (R-TX), Gary Peters (D-MI), and Rob Portman (R-OH) to require the Department of Homeland Security to establish a Cybersecurity State Coordinator position in every state. Under the legislation, each state would have its own fed  more

Following Conference Call With NH Housing Advocates, Officials, Sen. Shaheen Raises CARES Act Implementation, Guidance Concerns With HUD Secretary
WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-New Hampshire, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) sent a letter this week to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), requesting that it address a number of concerns related to the supplemental Community Development Block Grants (CDBG-CV) appropriated under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Congress included a supplemental appropriation of $5 billion for the CDBG pro  more

Hassan-Johnson Bipartisan Provision to Address Drone Threats Included As Part of Annual Defense Bill
WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-New Hampshire, issued the following news release on July 23: The U.S. Senate passed the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), including a bipartisan amendment introduced by Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH), a member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Committee Chairman Ron Johnson (R-WI) to help combat the threat that small, unmanned aircraft systems (drones) pose to U.S. service members worldwide. "Follo  more

House Passes Defense Authorization Including Rep. Kuster Amendment to Reopen Hanover, NH Child Care Facility Scheduled to Close
WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Rep. Ann Kuster, D-New Hampshire, issued the following news release: The House of Representatives passed the William (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which contains multiple provisions that Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02) helped advance, including reopening the child care facility at the Cold Regions Research & Engineering Laboratory in Hanover, investigating the causes of high unemployment rates for post-9/11 women veterans, and improving the Departm  more

House Sends Bill Backed by Sens. Shaheen, Hassan to Permanently Fund LWCF, Address Maintenance Backlog on NH Public Lands to President's Desk
WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-New Hampshire, issued the following news release on July 22: The House of Representatives passed the Great American Outdoors Act, bipartisan legislation that previously passed the Senate and is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) to permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and provide mandatory funding for deferred maintenance on public lands. The LWCF helps preserve and maintain critical la  more

House Sends Bill Backed by Sens. Shaheen, Hassan to Permanently Fund LWCF, Address Maintenance Backlog on NH Public Lands to President's Desk
WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-New Hampshire, issued the following news release on July 22: The House of Representatives passed the Great American Outdoors Act, bipartisan legislation that previously passed the Senate and is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) to permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and provide mandatory funding for deferred maintenance on public lands. The LWCF helps preserve and maintain critical l  more

Rep. Kuster Holds Virtual Climate Change Roundtable With Hubbard Brook Scientists, Leaders
WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Rep. Ann Kuster, D-New Hampshire, issued the following news release on July 23: Representative Annie Kuster (NH-02) held a virtual roundtable discussion with Hubbard Brook climate change scientists to discuss the latest research and findings on climate change. The Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest is situated in the White Mountains and administered by the USDA Forest Service. The forest is among the longest running and most comprehensive ecosystem studies in the world and  more

Rep. Kuster Joins House Committee on Veterans' Affairs for Hearing on Ending Sexual Harassment at the VA
WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Rep. Ann Kuster, D-New Hampshire, issued the following news release: Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02) joined the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations and the Women Veterans Task Force for a joint hearing on preventing sexual harassment in the Department of Veterans Affairs. Today's hearing follows last week's release of a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report - written at the request of Kuster and colleagues - on the inconsist  more

Rep. Kuster Statement on House Passage of Bipartisan Landmark Conservation Legislation
WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Rep. Ann Kuster, D-New Hampshire, issued the following news release on July 22: Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) voted in favor of the Great American Outdoors Act, which includes full and permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) for the first time in the program's 56 year history. This bipartisan legislation also will allocate $9.5 billion over the next five years to address critical maintenance backlogs on America's public lands. This bill, whi  more

Rep. Kuster: A Safe, Effective Vaccine That Enjoys Full Confidence of American Public Is Our Best Defense Against COVID-19
WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Rep. Ann Kuster, D-New Hampshire, issued the following news release: Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02) participated in a virtual House Energy and Commerce Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee hearing on Operation Warp Speed and efforts to develop a safe, effective, and accessible vaccine for COVID-19. The Committee examined the current state of research, development, and manufacturing of potential vaccines for the coronavirus disease of 2019. In June, Rep. Kuster introduced   more

Rep. Kuster: As Shipyard Resumes Full-Scale Operations, Shaheen Leads NH & ME Delegations in Letter to Navy Secretary to Ensure Safety of Workers
WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Rep. Ann Kuster, D-New Hampshire, issued the following news release: As the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard resumes full-scale operations amid the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) - a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee - led the New Hampshire and Maine congressional delegations in a letter to U.S. Navy Secretary Kenneth Braithwaite inquiring what steps and protocols are in place to safeguard the health and safety of the Shipyard workforce   more

Rep. Pappas Applauds Passage of House National Defense Authorization Act Containing Key New Hampshire Priorities
WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Rep. Chris Pappas, D-New Hampshire, issued the following news release: Congressman Chris Pappas voted for the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021. This bill authorizes $740 billion for our military and national security programs at the Department of Defense and Department of Energy (DOE). The NDAA also creates a Pandemic Preparedness and Resilience National Security Fund, and authorizes a 3% pay raise for our service members in unifor  more

Rep. Pappas Introduces Legislation to Help Small Police Departments Strengthen Community-Oriented Policing
WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Rep. Chris Pappas, D-New Hampshire, issued the following news release: Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) announced legislation establishing a new grant program at the Department of Justice. The Establishing Accreditation Grants for Law Enforcement (EAGLE) Act will authorize $10 million in funding for small and mid-sized police departments to earn or renew accreditation from state, regional, tribal or national police accreditation organizations, such as the Commission on Ac  more

Rep. Pappas Leads Call to Support America's Trucking Industry
WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Rep. Chris Pappas, D-New Hampshire, issued the following news release on July 21: Yesterday, Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) led 54 lawmakers in calling on Congressional leadership to support America's trucking industry and their workers, which have been hit hard by effects of COVID-19. America's trucking industry, which employs 7.8 million Americans, is expected to suffer a 50% decline in Class 8 truck sales through 2020 due to the mandated closures of manufacturing pl  more

Rep. Pappas Legislation to Honor Guard & Reserve Members Considered by Veterans' Affairs Committee
WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Rep. Chris Pappas, D-New Hampshire, issued the following news release: The House Veterans' Affairs Committee considered two pieces of legislation introduced by Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), who serves as the Chair of Oversight and Investigations, to better support and honor all of our service members. The first piece of legislation expands eligibility for state veterans cemeteries to allow for the interring of many Guard members and Reservists who are currently excl  more

Rep. Pappas Presses VA on Failure to Address Sexual Harassment
WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Rep. Chris Pappas, D-New Hampshire, issued the following news release: House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee Chairman of Oversight and Investigations, Chris Pappas (NH-01) held a joint hearing with the Women Veterans Task Force entitled, "Safety for All: Ending Sexual Harassment in the Department of Veterans Affairs." The hearing was prompted by an alarming federal survey which estimated that 1 in 5 VA employees experienced sexual harassment in the workplace in 2014-2016,  more

Rep. Pappas Statement on House Passage of NO BAN Act
WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Rep. Chris Pappas, D-New Hampshire, issued the following statement after voting to pass the National Origin-Based Antidiscrimination for Nonimmigrants Act: "The Administration's Muslim ban, one of its very first priorities, is fundamentally un-American and was never based on any specific, credible national security threats. "The NO BAN Act would overturn this religious discrimination and put standards in place for future travel restrictions based on credible threats to p  more

Rep. Pappas Votes to Protect New Hampshire's Natural Environment With Landmark Conservation Legislation
WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Rep. Chris Pappas, D-New Hampshire, issued the following news release on July 22: Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) voted to pass the bipartisan Great American Outdoors Act to preserve New Hampshire's natural environment for generations to come by providing permanent, full funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and creating the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund. This legislation will fully fund the LWCF at $900 million annually, well   more

Reps. Shaheen, Pappas Introduce Bill to Expand Eligibility for State Veterans Cemeteries to Additional Guard & Reserve Members
WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Rep. Chris Pappas, D-New Hampshire, issued the following news release on July 22: Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) have introduced legislation that expands eligibility for state veterans cemeteries to allow for the interring of many Guard members and Reservists who are currently excluded from burial at these cemeteries. Under current law, in order to receive Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) grant money for improvements, state veteran c  more

Sen. Hassan Statement Ahead of 30th Anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act
WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-New Hampshire, issued the following statement ahead of the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26: "Thirty years ago, the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law, expanding opportunities for individuals who experience disabilities for generations to come. I am profoundly grateful for the advocates who fought to pass the ADA and those who continue to work to expand access for people with disabilities.   more

Sen. Hassan, Colleagues Introduce New Legislation to Waive Provision in Law Preventing Smaller States From Accessing Necessary Financial Support for Community Services
WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-New Hampshire, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan joined Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and other colleagues in introducing legislation that would address the "maximum allotment" provision that is significantly limiting the amount of Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act relief funds that can be awarded to smaller states through the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) program. T  more

Sen. Hassan, NH Public Health Leaders Discuss Racial Inequities in Health Care Outcomes Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-New Hampshire, issued the following news release on July 21: U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan and New Hampshire public health care leaders discussed racial inequities in health care outcomes amid the COVID-19 pandemic during a virtual roundtable discussion yesterday. Participants discussed a range of factors that contribute to why communities of color in New Hampshire make up a disproportionate number of COVID-19 cases in the state. "[The murder of George  more

Sen. Hassan: As Shipyard Resumes Full-Scale Operations, NH, ME Delegations Send Letter to Navy Secretary to Ensure Safety of Workers
WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-New Hampshire, issued the following news release: As the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard resumes full-scale operations amid the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) - a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee - led the New Hampshire and Maine congressional delegations in a letter to U.S. Navy Secretary Kenneth Braithwaite inquiring what steps and protocols are in place to safeguard the health and safety of the Shipyard workfor  more

Sen. Hassan: New Hampshire Delegation Reiterates Concerns to VA Over Policy That Prevents Veterans From Accessing Care to Address Chronic Pain
WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-New Hampshire, issued the following news release on July 23: U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen, joined by U.S. Representatives Annie Kuster and Chris Pappas, reiterated concerns over a change in policy at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that limits veterans' ability to access non-drug related therapies, such as muscle massage services and acupuncture, which can help veterans experiencing chronic pain. "A 2014 study by the Nation  more

Sen. Shaheen Boosts Funding for PFAS Health Impact Study to $15M in FY21 NDAA, Highest Funding Level Ever to Continue Study She Established
WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-New Hampshire, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, successfully added her amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year (FY) 2021 to boost funding for the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) health impact study, which she helped establish in the FY18 NDAA. The annual legislation authorizes national defense objectives for the  more

Sen. Shaheen Participates in Lydall Performance Materials Groundbreaking Expansion to Accommodate New Lines to Ramp Up PPE Material Production
WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-New Hampshire, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, delivered remarks and participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for Lydall Performance Materials' expansion to house two new production lines that will produce materials used in N95 masks. The new lines are supported by a $13.5 million federal contract the company secured with the Departments of Defense (DOD  more

Sen. Shaheen Statement Following 'Beatles' Admission of Involvement in Captivity of Kayla Mueller
WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-New Hampshire, issued the following statement: U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen issued the following statement after a report that the two members of the British jihadist group known as "the Beatles" admitted in an on-camera interview to having a role in the captivity of Kayla Mueller - an American who was tortured and killed by ISIS. Senator Shaheen has been working closely with the families of Americans killed by ISIS to make sure these terrorists are   more

Sen. Shaheen Successfully Amends Annual Defense Bill to Include NH, National Security Priorities
WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-New Hampshire, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, successfully secured and supported a number of priorities that address both local needs in New Hampshire and critical national security objectives in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year (FY) 2021. The annual legislation authorizes national defense objectives for the fiscal year. The F  more

Sen. Shaheen, Group of Senators Call on Trump Administration to Help Secure Access to PPE to Conduct November Election Safely During Pandemic
WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-New Hampshire, issued the following news release: This week, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) sent a letter with a group of Senators, led by Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), to Vice President Mike Pence and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Peter Gaynor urging them to take immediate action to provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and sanitizing supplies for election and poll workers--and voters--a  more

Sen. Shaheen, Rep. Pappas Introduce Bill to Expand Eligibility for State Veterans Cemeteries to Additional Guard, Reserve Members
WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-New Hampshire, issued the following news release on July 22: U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) have introduced legislation that expands eligibility for state veterans cemeteries to allow for the interring of many Guard members and Reservists who are currently excluded from burial at these cemeteries. Under current law, in order to receive Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) grant money for improvements, state ve  more

Sen. Shaheen: New Hampshire Delegation Reiterates Concerns to VA Over Policy That Prevents Veterans From Accessing Care to Address Chronic Pain
WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-New Hampshire, issued the following news release: U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH), joined by U.S. Representatives Annie Kuster and Chris Pappas, reiterated concerns over a change in policy at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that limits veterans' ability to access non-drug related therapies, such as muscle massage services and acupuncture, which can help veterans experiencing chronic pain. "A 2014 study by the Na  more

Senate Homeland Security Committee Passes Hassan-Backed, Bipartisan Measures to Strengthen COVID-19 Response Efforts, Government Efficiency
WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-New Hampshire, issued the following news release on July 22: During a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing, Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and colleagues advanced bipartisan bills to help address the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthen government efficiency. The Committee advanced a bill that Senator Hassan and colleagues worked on with Committee Chairman Ron Johnson (R-WI) to assess the federal government's current and fut  more

Senate Passes Bipartisan Defense Bill, Including Key Provisions Introduced By Sen. Hassan to Protect National Security
WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-New Hampshire, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) voted to pass the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, which included key priorities that Senator Hassan introduced and championed to protect the national security of Granite Staters and all Americans. "Keeping Granite Staters and all Americans safe, secure, and free is the most important responsibility that we have - and I'm pleased th  more

Sens. Enzi, Hassan Introduce Bill to Protect Against Counterfeit Medical Products
WASHINGTON, July 21 -- Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-New Hampshire, issued the following news release: U.S. Senators Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., and Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., introduced legislation that would help protect patients from counterfeit medical products that could cause serious harm. The Safeguarding Therapeutics Act would give the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authority to seize and destroy counterfeit medical devices and products, including vaccines and combination products like EpiPens. It is a  more

Sens. Hassan, Burr Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Small Business Support Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-New Hampshire, issued the following news release: U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Richard Burr (R-NC) introduced bipartisan legislation to expand small business and non-profits' access to federal COVID-19 relief. The bipartisan Employer Assistance Coordination Act would allow eligible small employers to participate in the Paycheck Protection Program and claim the Employee Retention Tax Credit to help keep workers on payroll and pay for their h  more

Sens. Hassan, Shaheen Join Colleagues in Introducing Legislation to Help Address COVID-19 Racial Disparities
WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-New Hampshire, issued the following news release: U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) joined a group of their Senate colleagues in introducing the COVID-19 Health Disparities Action Act to help address the disproportionate impact COVID-19 has had on communities of color. The bill would require targeted testing, contact tracing, public awareness campaigns, and outreach efforts specifically directed at communities of color and   more

Sens. Hassan, Warren, Durbin, Brown Lead Colleagues in Opposing COVID-19 Bailout for Predatory For-Profit Colleges
WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-New Hampshire, issued the following news release on July 23: U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) led a group of their colleagues in calling for upcoming COVID-19 relief legislation to exclude federal funding for predatory for-profit colleges. If legislation does include support of for-profit colleges, the Senators raise specific limits that should be included in the legislation to   more

Sens. Portman, Hassan Praise Committee Passage of Bipartisan Legislation to Modernize Federal Government's Use of Latest Technology
WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-New Hampshire, issued the following news release: U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) praised the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee for passing the bipartisan Modernization Centers of Excellence Program Act to accelerate the adoption of the latest technologies by government agencies. This legislation expands upon Senator Portman's bipartisan Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Government Act which codifies   more

Sens. Shaheen, Murkowski Introduce New Legislation to Waive Provision in Law Preventing Smaller States From Accessing Necessary Financial Support for Community Services
WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-New Hampshire, issued the following news release: U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) introduced legislation that would address the "maximum allotment" provision that is significantly limiting the amount of Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act relief funds that can be awarded to smaller states through the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) program. The Senators' bill waives the provision for the purp  more

Shaheen-Rounds Introduce New Legislation to Invest in PFAS Health Impact, Best Practices Education for Physicians
WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-New Hampshire, issued the following news release on July 24: U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Mike Rounds (R-SD) introduced new, bipartisan legislation this week that would promote the creation of educational courses for physicians regarding the health impacts of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals. Their legislation, the Physician Education for PFAS Health Impacts Act, would establish a grant program within the Department of  more