Friday - March 29, 2024
U.S. Congressional Tipoffs Involving Tennessee Newsletter for Sunday March 08, 2020 ( 46 items )  

5 Trump Nominees, Including Assistant Secretary of Transportation, Received by Senate
WASHINGTON, Feb. 29 -- The U.S. Senate received the nominations of five individuals for positions in the Trump Administration on Feb. 27: Diana Furchtgott-Roth, of Maryland, to be an Assistant Secretary of Transportation. Katherine Camille Henderson, of Tennessee, to be Chief of Protocol, and to have the rank of Ambassador during her tenure of service. William E. Todd, of Virginia, to be Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. John Peter Cronan, of New York, to be United States Distr  more

GAO Issues Report on National Nuclear Security Administration Modernization Efforts Would Benefit From Portfolio Management Approach
WASHINGTON, March 4 -- The Government Accountability Office has issued a report on nuclear weapon. The report (GAO-20-443T) is entitled "NNSA's Modernization Efforts Would Benefit from a Portfolio Management Approach". The report was sent to Rep. Jim Cooper, D-Tennessee, chairman, Rep. Michael Turner, R-Ohio, ranking member of the House Armed Services subcommittee on Strategic Forces on March 3, 2020. Here are excerpts of summaries associated with the report. What GAO Found: "The Department of  more

House Speaker Pelosi Issues Statement on Tornadoes in Tennessee
WASHINGTON, March 4 -- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-California, issued the following statement on tornadoes in Nashville, Tennessee and surrounding communities that killed at least 19 people: "Our hearts are with all the people of Nashville and Middle Tennessee impacted by last night's devastating tornadoes. "As we continue to await further information, we pray for those who remain missing and offer our deepest gratitude to the heroic first responders who have worked tirelessly to protect liv  more

Rep. Burchett Issues Statement on Coronavirus
KNOXVILLE, Tennessee, March 6 -- Rep. Timothy Burchett, R-Tennessee, issued the following statement after the first case of coronavirus was confirmed in Tennessee: "I am confident Tennessee's state and local health departments are well prepared to handle Coronavirus cases. "It is extremely important to follow guidance from health authorities to keep yourself and others safe during this time. Please take the appropriate steps if you think you have contracted the virus or develop flu-like sympt  more

Rep. Burchett Provides Update on Efforts to Revise CMS Proposed Proton Therapy Plan
WASHINGTON, March 7 -- Rep. Timothy Burchett, R-Tennessee, issued the following news release: Congressman Tim Burchett (TN-02) released the following statement: "My staff and I are aware of the impact that uncertainty is having on Provision Proton Therapy and its employees in East Tennessee. Yesterday, my staff met on a conference call with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services personnel to get an update on where they are in the process of finalizing their proposed Radiation Oncology Alte  more

Rep. Cohen Announces Collegiate Sports Caucus Briefing
WASHINGTON, March 6 -- Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tennessee, issued the following news release: Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), founder of the Congressional Collegiate Sports Caucus, will co-host a caucus briefing to discuss protections for athletes and address concerns about the integrity and fairness of college athletics policies on Wednesday, March 11. Congressman Cohen originally founded the Collegiate Sports Caucus in 2011. Joined by co-chairs Rodney Davis (IL-13), Al Lawson (FL-05), and Mark   more

Rep. Cohen Issues Statement on Diversity Advancements in Accelerated Academic Programs Act
WASHINGTON, March 6 -- Rep. Stephen Cohen, D-Tennessee, issued the following statement: Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) introduced the Diversity Advancements in Accelerated Academic Programs (D.A.A.A.P.) Act, aimed at improving diversity by creating equity offices in state education departments or local education agencies to encourage programs to improve diversity in Advanced Placement (AP) and Gifted and Talented (GT) academic programs. In pilot programs nationwide, a shift to a Universal Scr  more

Rep. Cohen Issues Statement on Votes for Coronavirus Emergency Response Supplemental Funding Bill
WASHINGTON, March 5 -- Rep. Stephen Cohen, D-Tennessee, issued the following statement: Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) voted for, and the House passed, an $8.3 billion emergency spending measure to address the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. The vote was 415 to 2. The Senate is expected to take up the measure on Thursday and the President is expected to sign it into law. Congressman Cohen made the following statement: "The coronavirus is a serious public health crisis and requires this emer  more

Rep. Cohen Issues Statement Regarding Grant Announcement to Shelby County
WASHINGTON, March 7 -- Rep. Stephen Cohen, D-Tennessee, issued the following statement: Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that Shelby County will receive a $130,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to support its ongoing compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards by collecting data on fine particulate matter. "Air pollution can be a serious health hazard and fine particulate matter can do real damage to the lungs. "I'm pleased this ongoing gra  more

Rep. Cohen Presides at Hearing on Presidential Clemency
WASHINGTON, March 6 -- Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tennessee, issued the following news release on March 5: Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, presided over a hearing on "Presidential Clemency and Opportunities for Reform." The hearing reviewed the Constitutional provision that gives presidents the power to grant commutations and pardons for those convicted of crimes against the United States. Witnesses   more

Rep. Cohen Questions Amtrak Official About Dining Car Service
WASHINGTON, March 5 -- Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tennessee, issued the following news release on March 4: Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, questioned Amtrak Executive Vice President Stephen Gardner at a Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials hearing, about the suspension of dining car service on some long-distance Amtrak routes. Last month, Congressman Cohen sent a letter to Amtrak's current CEO Richard   more

Rep. Cohen Questions Experts on Air Travel Experience
WASHINGTON, March 4 -- Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tennessee, issued the following news release: * * * - Fair Fees Act would prohibit airlines from charging fees that are not reasonable and proportional to the costs of the services provided * * * Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee questioned expert witnesses at a Subcommittee on Aviation hearing on "The Airline Passenger Experience: What It Is and What It Can Be." Congressman C  more

Rep. Cooper Announces Disaster Relief Is Available for Tornado Victims
WASHINGTON, March 7 -- Rep. Jim Cooper, D-Tennessee, issued the following news release: Following the tornadoes in Tennessee earlier this week, the president has approved Tennessee's request for Major Disaster Declaration. FEMA released the information below and attached. State of Tennessee Federal Disaster Declaration Fact Sheet March 5, 2020 Today, March 5, 2020, President Donald J. Trump granted an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Tennessee triggering the release of   more

Rep. Cooper Issues Joint Statement in Response to Tornado Across Tennessee
WASHINGTON, March 4 -- Rep. Jim Cooper, D-Tennessee, issued the following statement on March 3: The Tennessee congressional delegation released the following statement in response to the tornadoes that swept across Tennessee early this morning: "Our hearts go out to all the Tennesseans impacted by these devastating storms, especially to the families of those that lost their lives. "We urge everyone today who may be affected by additional storms to take proper precautions and consider safety f  more

Rep. Fleischmann Issues Joint Statement on Tornado Damage in Tennessee
WASHINGTON, March 5 -- Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, R-Tennessee, issued the following statement: The Tennessee congressional delegation released the following statement in response to the tornadoes that swept across Tennessee early this morning: "Our hearts go out to all the Tennesseans impacted by these devastating storms, especially to the families of those that lost their lives. We urge everyone today who may be affected by additional storms to take proper precautions and consider safety first.   more

Rep. Fleischmann Issues Statement on Emergency Funding Package for Coronavirus
WASHINGTON, March 5 -- Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, R-Tennessee, issued the following statement: Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), the Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on the House Appropriations Committee, released the following statement in support of the emergency funding package in the House to combat the spread of coronavirus in the United States: "Coronavirus does not discriminate based on party lines and it is imperative that Congress act in a bipartisan manner to pr  more

Rep. Green Statement on Coronavirus Case in Williamson County, Tennessee
FRANKLIN, Tennessee, March 6 -- Rep. Mark Green, R-Tennessee, issued the following news release: Rep. Green issued the following statement on the first confirmed case of coronavirus in Tennessee: Rep. Green said, "The Tennessee Department of Health reported this morning that a 44-year-old male residing in Williamson County has been tested positive for coronavirus and is currently isolated at home with mild symptoms. My office is in contact with the Trump Administration, the Tennessee Departmen  more

Rep. Green Statement on the Tennessee Tornadoes
CLARKSVILLE, Tennessee, March 5 -- Rep. Mark Green, R-Tennessee, issued the following news release: The early morning hours of March 3rd brought severe storm cells and fatal tornadoes across Nashville and surrounding counties, including Benton County in the 7th District. A State of Emergency has been declared in Tennessee as communities come together for rescue and rebuilding efforts. Rep. Mark Green said, "Our hearts are broken, and our prayers are with all Tennesseans affected by the tornado  more

Rep. Green Update on Coronavirus
WASHINGTON, March 2 -- Rep. Mark Green, R-Tennessee, issued the following news release: As an emergency medicine physician, I want to ensure everyone has the latest details on COVID-19. America lost its first victim to COVID-19 last night. He was a man with comorbidities in his 50's from Washington State. Please join us in prayers for his family. New diagnosis of the virus continues to fall in China which is encouraging. The RNA of the virus remains stable, with no signs of mutation. It is i  more

Rep. Green: Helpful FEMA Links Amid Tennessee Tornado Recovery
WASHINGTON, March 5 -- Rep. Mark Green, R-Tennessee, issued the following news release: The early morning hours of March 3rd brought severe storms cells and fatal tornadoes across Nashville and surrounding counties, including Benton County in the 7th District. A State of Emergency has been declared in Tennessee as communities come together for rescue and rebuilding efforts. Below you will find helpful links from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Constituents needing assistance ca  more

Rep. Kustoff Votes for $8.3 Billion in Funding to Address Coronavirus
WASHINGTON, March 5 -- Rep. David Kustoff, R-Tennessee, issued the following news release: Congressman David Kustoff (TN-08) voted to provide $8.3 billion in total funding for the United States to address the coronavirus at home and abroad. This includes expediting vaccine development, purchasing essential equipment and supplies, assisting state and local health departments, and allowing telemedicine services for treatment. "After hearing from many health and disease experts, I appreciate Cong  more

Rep. Mark Green Statement on Tennessee Tornadoes
CLARKSVILLE, Tennessee, March 4 -- Rep. Mark Green, R-Tennessee, issued the following news release: The early morning hours of March 3rd brought severe storm cells and fatal tornadoes across Nashville and surrounding counties, including Benton County in the 7th District. A State of Emergency has been declared in Tennessee as communities come together for rescue and rebuilding efforts. Rep. Mark Green said, "Our hearts are broken, and our prayers are with all Tennesseans affected by the tornado  more

Rep. Roe Issues Statement on Coronavirus Preparedness & Response Supplemental Appropriations Act
WASHINGTON, March 5 -- Rep. Phil Roe, R-Tennessee, issued the following statement on March 4 after voting in favor of the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act (H.R. 6074): "As a physician, it is of the utmost importance to me that we keep Americans safe by ensuring our public health agencies and health facilities have the resources they need to combat coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. "I was proud to vote for today's bill to provide $7.8 billion in emergenc  more

Rep. Roe Issues Statement on VA Family Leave Act
WASHINGTON, March 3 -- Rep. Phil Roe, R-Tennessee, ranking Republican member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, issued the following statement after introducing the VA Family Leave Act (H.R. 6036): "I am proud to introduce this important piece of legislation to ensure that all VA employees have access to the family and medical leave benefits that they are entitled to. "The VA Family Leave Act of 2020 would close a loophole in the FY 2020 NDAA that inadvertently exempted doctors, nurse  more

Rep. Roe: Our Government is Focused on Keeping Americans Healthy
WASHINGTON, March 5 -- Rep. Phil Roe, R-Tennessee, issued the following column: Much of the world is gripped with news about the global spread of a new virus known as coronavirus, or COVID-19. I know how unsettling the spread of an unknown virus is, but I can tell you with confidence, based on information I've received from first-hand conversations and briefings, our government is laser-focused on ensuring the health of all Americans. In fact, on March 4, I was proud to vote for an emergency su  more

Rep. Rose Advocates for Tornado Relief From President Trump
WASHINGTON, March 6 -- Rep. John Rose, R-Tennessee, issued the following news release: U.S. Representative John Rose (TN-6), along with the entire Tennessee congressional delegation, urged President Trump to approve the disaster declaration requested by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee. "The people of Tennessee's Sixth District have faced unprecedented tragedy this week. In Wilson County, our losses were deep, including the loss of three members of our community. Sadly, in my home county, Putnam Co  more

Rep. Rose Issues Joint Statement on Tornadoes Across Tennessee
WASHINGTON, March 4 -- Rep. John Rose, R-Tennessee, issued the following joint statement in response to the tornadoes that swept across Tennessee: "Our hearts go out to all the Tennesseans impacted by these devastating storms, especially to the families of those that lost their lives. We urge everyone today who may be affected by additional storms to take proper precautions and consider safety first. "We are continuing to monitor the situation and appreciate all our brave first responders. "W  more

Rep. Rose Supports Relief for Middle Tennessee Tornado Victims
WASHINGTON, March 5 -- Rep. John Rose, R-Tennessee, issued the following news release on March 4: In memory of those who lost their lives in Putnam, Wilson, Davidson, and Benton counties this week, U.S. Representative John Rose (TN-6) spoke on the House Floor yesterday afternoon. During the early morning hours of Tuesday, March 3, 2020, a devastating storm tragically struck Middle Tennessee with a tornado path stretching from Nashville to Cookeville. The vast majority of reported deaths to thi  more

Rep. Waters Issues Statement on Concerns About FDIC Decision to Decrease Workforce, Close Offices
WASHINGTON, March 7 -- Rep. Maxine Waters, D-California, chairwoman of the House Financial Services Committee, issued the following statement on the announcement that the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation will offer voluntary retirement to 20 percent of its workforce and close or consolidate offices in Boston, Massachusetts; California; Florida; Kentucky; Ohio; Oklahoma; and Tennessee: "I am deeply concerned by the FDIC's decision to massively downsize its experienced workforce and close or  more

Reps. Burchett, Kim Introduce Bill Aimed at Boosting Use of Small Business Microloans in Rural Areas
WASHINGTON, March 5 -- Rep. Timothy Burchett, R-Tennessee, issued the following news release: Congressman Tim Burchett (TN-02) and Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) introduced H.R. 6078, the Microloan Transparency and Accountability Act of 2020. The Microloan Program is a resource offered by the Small Business Administration (SBA) to low-dollar borrowers. Microloans are granted to an intermediary that then approves or denies the microloan to small business owners. However, the use of these microloa  more

Sen. Alexander Issues Joint Statement on Tornadoes Across Tennessee
WASHINGTON, March 4 -- Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tennessee, issued the following joint statement with Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tennessee, Reps. Tim Burchett R-Tennessee, Steve Cohen, D-Tennessee, Jim Cooper, D-Tennessee, Scott DesJarlais, R-Tennessee, Chuck Fleischmann, R-Tennessee, Mark Green, R-Tennessee, David Kustoff, R-Tennessee, Phil Roe, R-Tennessee and John Rose, R-Tennessee, in response to the tornadoes that swept across Tennessee: "Our hearts go out to all the Tennesseans impacted by th  more

Sen. Alexander Issues Opening Statement on Coronavirus
WASHINGTON, March 5 -- Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tennessee, issued the following floor statement on March 3: Around the world, the spread of the coronavirus is alarming, with nearly 90,000 cases in 65 countries and 3,000 deaths, as of yesterday morning, according to the World Health Organization. But most people in the United States are at low-risk. Here is what the New York Times said on their front page on Sunday: "Much about the coronavirus remains unclear, and it is far from certain that t  more

Sen. Alexander Issues Opening Statement on DOE FY 2021 Budget
WASHINGTON, March 5 -- Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tennessee, issued the following floor statement on March 4: The Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development will please come to order. Today's hearing will review the administration's fiscal year 2021 budget request for the Department of Energy. This is the Subcommittee's first budget hearing this year. We will have three additional hearings with the Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation, the National Nuclear Security Administration, and  more

Sen. Alexander Issues Statement on 1st Confirmed Coronavirus Case in Tennessee
WASHINGTON, March 6 -- Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tennessee, issued the following statement on March 5 after Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced Tennessee's first confirmed case of coronavirus in Williamson County: "The United States is among the countries that are best prepared to keep Tennesseans - and all Americans - safe from the coronavirus and to prepare for additional cases. "Today, the Senate will be voting on nearly $8 billion in funding, including $950 million for state and local governm  more

Sen. Alexander Issues Statement on Coronavirus Supplemental Funding Legislation
WASHINGTON, March 5 -- Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tennessee, issued the following statement: Senate health committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) released the following statement on the coronavirus supplemental funding legislation: "This legislation will deliver an important boost in funding to fight coronavirus and the Senate should pass it this week so President Trump can sign it into law as soon as possible. "The United States has taken aggressive steps to keep Americans safe from the   more

Sen. Alexander Issues Statement on Coronavirus Supplemental Funding Legislation
WASHINGTON, March 5 -- Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tennessee, chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, issued the following statement on the coronavirus supplemental funding legislation: * * * - Says nearly $8 billion in new emergency spending will support research and development of a vaccine and purchase additional medical supplies * * * "This legislation will deliver an important boost in funding to fight coronavirus and the Senate should pass it this week so Pr  more

Sen. Alexander Issues Statement Regarding CNN Story on Diagnostic Tests
WASHINGTON, March 6 -- Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tennessee, issued the following statement on March 5 regarding a CNN story related to the Trump administration's response to coronavirus: "President Trump and Commissioner Hahn are accurate when they say that in the last week the Food and Drug Administration changed its policy to allow more and faster diagnostic testing for the coronavirus so that more labs around the country can conduct these necessary tests. "Yesterday, CNN asked whether Congre  more

Sen. Alexander: Congress Should Double Funding for Energy Research to Put U.S. on Path Toward Cleaner, Cheaper Energy
WASHINGTON, March 5 -- Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tennessee, issued the following news release on March 4: U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) emphasized to U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette the importance of continuing to prioritize funding for American research and technology development. "Last March, I proposed a 'New Manhattan Project for Clean Energy,' a five year project with Ten Grand Challenges that will use American research and technology to put our country and the  more

Sen. Alexander: Respected Professionals With Decades of Experience Give Americans Facts About Coronavirus
WASHINGTON, March 4 -- Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tennessee, chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, issued the following news release: * * * - Says around the world, the spread of the coronavirus is alarming, but that the United States is well-prepared to respond to the epidemic * * * Senate health committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) said "respected professionals with decades of experience are the right people to give the American people accurate inform  more

Sen. Alexander: Respected Professionals With Decades of Experience Give Americans the Facts About Coronavirus
WASHINGTON, March 4 -- Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tennessee, issued the following news release: Senate health committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) said "respected professionals with decades of experience are the right people to give the American people accurate information about the coronavirus--both what individuals can do and what the federal government is doing to respond." "Around the world, the spread of the coronavirus is alarming, with nearly 90,000 cases in about 70 countries and   more

Sen. Alexander: Tennessee Congressional Delegation Urges President Trump to Approve Federal Disaster Assistance for 6 Counties
WASHINGTON, March 6 -- Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tennessee, issued the following news release: U.S. Senators Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Representatives Jim Cooper (D-Tenn.), John Rose (R-Tenn.), Mark Green (R-Tenn.), Scott DesJarlais (R-Tenn.), David Kustoff (R-Tenn.), Phil Roe (R-Tenn.), Chuck Fleischmann (R-Tenn.), Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.) and Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) urged President Trump to quickly approve Governor Lee's request for a major disaster declaration fo  more

Sen. Alexander: Tennessee Members of Congress Urge Administration to Abandon Proposal to Sell TVA Transmission Lines
WASHINGTON, March 6 -- Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tennessee, issued the following news release: United States Senators Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Representatives Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), Jim Cooper (D-Tenn.), Scott DesJarlais (R-Tenn.), Chuck Fleischmann (R-Tenn.), David Kustoff (R-Tenn.), Phil Roe (R-Tenn.) and John Rose (R-Tenn.) sent a letter to President Trump urging the administration to abandon its proposal to sell the Tennessee Valley   more

Sen. Blackburn Surveys Tornado Damage in Middle Tennessee
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, March 5 -- Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tennessee, issued the following news release on March 4: Last night, Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) met with state officials at the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency Operations Center to receive an update on response efforts. This morning, she is on the ground in Middle Tennessee meeting with local officials and visiting with victims at the Centennial Sportsplex in Nashville. She will visit Putnam County later this morning. Thi  more

Senate Appropriations Subcommittee Sets Hearing on FY 2021 Budget Request for Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation
WASHINGTON, March 7 -- The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development issued the following hearing information: "Review of the FY 2021 Budget Request for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation within Department of Interior" at 138 Dirksen Senate Office Building at 2:30 p.m. on March 11: Agenda Hearing to review the Fiscal Year 2021 funding request and budget justification for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation within the U.S.   more

Sens. Alexander, Collins Issue Statements on Election of Chair of Employment & Workplace Safety Subcommittee
WASHINGTON, March 7 -- Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tennessee, chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, issued the following statements after the Collins was elected as Chair of the Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety replacing ex-Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Georgia: "Having one of the Senate's ablest and most respected members chair the important subcommittee on Employment and Workforce Safety is good news for the Senate and eve  more

Sens. Gardner, Daines, Bipartisan Colleagues Celebrate President's Support for Full LWCF Funding
WASHINGTON, March 5 -- Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tennessee, issued the following news release on March 4: U.S. Senators Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Steve Daines (R-MT) held a press conference announcing they have secured President Donald Trump's support for bipartisan legislation to provide full and permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and address the $12 billion maintenance backlog in our national parks. "We are proud to announce that we have secured the President's su  more