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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Rep. Scholten Issues Statement on New Tariffs on Chinese Imports
WASHINGTON, May 16 -- Rep. Hillary Scholten, D-Michigan, issued the following statement on May 15, 2024:
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Rep. Hillary Scholten (MI-03) released the below statement after President Biden announced a raise of tariffs on Chinese imports - including electric vehicles, steel, aluminum, semiconductors, and other consumer goods:
"For too long, the Chinese Communist Party has worked to tip the scale to undercut American manufacturing, weaken our economy, and hurt American workers.
"I applaud the Biden Administration for cracking down on the CCP's unfair trade practices and for standing with
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WASHINGTON, May 16 -- Rep. Hillary Scholten, D-Michigan, issued the following statement on May 15, 2024:
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Rep. Hillary Scholten (MI-03) released the below statement after President Biden announced a raise of tariffs on Chinese imports - including electric vehicles, steel, aluminum, semiconductors, and other consumer goods:
"For too long, the Chinese Communist Party has worked to tip the scale to undercut American manufacturing, weaken our economy, and hurt American workers.
"I applaud the Biden Administration for cracking down on the CCP's unfair trade practices and for standing withworkers in Michigan and across the country.
"With this much-needed action, we'll be able to build on our hard work to create a stronger and more resilient American economy."
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Original text here: https://scholten.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-scholten-statement-new-tariffs-chinese-imports
Rep. Miller-Meeks Issues Statement on Chinese Communist Party Funding in Iowa Public School
WASHINGTON, May 16 -- Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa, issued the following statement on May 15, 2024:
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Today, Iowa Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) released the following statement after concerning reports of Chinese Communist Party funding of trips for Muscatine Community School District students:
"The Chinese Communist Party's well-known efforts to infiltrate the U.S. are a massive national security concern. Whether it is buying up farmland in Iowa, spying on Americans or protecting Chinese ownership of TikTok, the long arm of the CCP apparatus will continue their
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WASHINGTON, May 16 -- Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa, issued the following statement on May 15, 2024:
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Today, Iowa Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) released the following statement after concerning reports of Chinese Communist Party funding of trips for Muscatine Community School District students:
"The Chinese Communist Party's well-known efforts to infiltrate the U.S. are a massive national security concern. Whether it is buying up farmland in Iowa, spying on Americans or protecting Chinese ownership of TikTok, the long arm of the CCP apparatus will continue theirattempts to infiltrate and interfere with U.S. national security interests.
Muscatine has a well-known historical and cultural connection with China and Xi Jinping prior to his becoming President of China. And U.S. engagement with China is necessary as the CCP continues its aggressive, globalist pursuits.
However, the CCP's funding of Muscatine Community School District trips to China is also a national security concern and a reminder of the CCP's widespread influence across the U.S. Without appropriate national security briefings, school systems may be unaware of CCP tactics and the threat they pose to students and U.S. national security. School trips funded by the CCP are a "bridge too far" in cultural exchange.
The entreaties of the CCP into educational systems is not new. We see it through influence campaigns in the funding of Confucius Institutes on college campuses, which Congress addressed legislatively.
This revelation is a sobering reminder that - no matter whether it is in Iowa or the Indo Pacific - the threat of the CCP is an issue for all Americans."
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Original text here: https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-miller-meeks-statement-chinese-communist-party-funding-iowa-public-school
Rep. Deluzio Celebrates Victory for Airline Passengers, 'L' for Big Airline Lobbyists in FAA Reauthorization
WASHINGTON, May 16 -- Rep. Chris Deluzio, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following statement on May 15, 2024:
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Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) released the following statement after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization passed the House of Representatives. Congressman Deluzio supported the measure, and it now heads to the President's desk where he is expected to sign it into law.
Following the bill's passage, Congressman Deluzio released the following statement:
"For decades, airlines and their lobbyists have gotten away with bad service, disruptive cancellations,
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WASHINGTON, May 16 -- Rep. Chris Deluzio, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following statement on May 15, 2024:
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Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) released the following statement after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization passed the House of Representatives. Congressman Deluzio supported the measure, and it now heads to the President's desk where he is expected to sign it into law.
Following the bill's passage, Congressman Deluzio released the following statement:
"For decades, airlines and their lobbyists have gotten away with bad service, disruptive cancellations,and generally ripping off passengers. But thanks to the bill Congress passed today, we are delivering the American people and airline customers some big wins--and airlines' nickel-and-diming efforts finally got pushed back.
"Thanks to this measure, passengers flying American skies who have their flights cancelled or significantly changed or delayed will automatically receive a full refund for the cost of the flight. No annoying extra steps or hurdles from the airlines--just an automatic refund back to the customer. Passengers can also look forward to sitting next to young family members at no cost (finally), increased funding for airport infrastructure, and more actions to protect the safety of the flying public.
"Today, airlines took a big 'L' that should save customers money-- something almost unheard of in decades, and I'm hopeful it will make flying less of a headache for folks. I will keep fighting to build upon this win, to push back against rip-off fees and out-of-control corporate power, and to lower costs for the American people."
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More details on the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 here (https://democrats-transportation.house.gov/committee-activity/issue/the-faa-reauthorization-act-of-2024).
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Original text here: https://deluzio.house.gov/media/press-releases/deluzio-celebrates-victory-airline-passengers-l-big-airline-lobbyists-faa
House Energy Subcommittee on Communications Chair Latta Issues Opening Remarks at Hearing on NTIA Budget
WASHINGTON, May 16 -- Rep. Bob Latta, R-Ohio, chair of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, issued the following news release:
House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology Chair Bob Latta (R-OH) delivered the following opening remarks at today's subcommittee hearing titled "The Fiscal Year 2025 National Telecommunications and Information Administration Budget."
NTIA MUST RESPONSIBLY MANAGE THE BEAD PROGRAM
"Today, members of this committee expect an update on America's largest investment to bridge the digital divide: the BEAD
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WASHINGTON, May 16 -- Rep. Bob Latta, R-Ohio, chair of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, issued the following news release:
House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology Chair Bob Latta (R-OH) delivered the following opening remarks at today's subcommittee hearing titled "The Fiscal Year 2025 National Telecommunications and Information Administration Budget."
NTIA MUST RESPONSIBLY MANAGE THE BEAD PROGRAM
"Today, members of this committee expect an update on America's largest investment to bridge the digital divide: the BEADprogram.
"This $42.45 billion dollar fund is statutorily obligated to connect unserved and underserved Americans to reliable broadband Internet so that they are able to reap the benefits that come with connectivity.
"Since we last spoke, states submitted their initial proposals for this funding.
"Louisiana, the first state to submit their Volume II application, celebrated the approval of their initial proposal on December 15, 2023.
"Now, over four months later, NTIA has only approved the Volume II applications for three additional states: Kansas, Nevada, and West Virginia.
"I hope NTIA will not miss the statutory timeline for this program. It is essential for you to work diligently to keep this program on track to close the digital divide.
"While it is important to have reasonable processing timelines for this program, ensuring that BEAD is a program that broadband providers will be willing to participate in is also essential.
"In February, the Department of Commerce Office of the Inspector General echoed the sentiment that Republicans have stated since the passage of the infrastructure law: the BEAD program must be technology neutral to fit the broadband needs of the different states and territories.
"The OIG warned that NTIA must relax the fiber preference and Extremely High-Cost threshold to take into consideration the limited availability of resources to support a fiber preference.
"Ignoring innovations in unlicensed fixed wireless and satellite technologies will make the BEAD program a 'deploy as much fiber as possible' program instead of the 'connect every American' program that Congress directed."
WORKING WITH STATE REGULATORS
"In addition, members of this committee have expressed concern about NTIA forcing states to regulate broadband rates, imposing burdensome labor requirements, and ignoring other congressional directives.
"Now that OIG has confirmed our earlier fears, we hope you will finally listen to the other concerns we have raised.
"I expect that we will hear today from the Assistant Secretary and my Democrat colleagues about the need to provide funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program.
"I will just note that the Senate is controlled by your party and has yet to send a solution to the House.
"We have also not been asked to work on reforms to the program that would earn our support to fund.
"However, I am actively participating in the bipartisan, bicameral USF Working Group, which is working on a long term, sustainable solution to ensuring that the Affordable Connectivity Program is sustainable long term, and I would encourage all of my colleagues to support that effort.
"Broadband is only one facet of our conversation today.
"NTIA's work spans from leading the executive branch in studies on federal spectrum use, reports on artificial intelligence and quantum computing, to spurring innovation in public safety and open radio access networks."
NTIA REAUTHORIZATION
"As NTIA's mission continues to expand, it is important Congress' intent for the agency remains clear. Reauthorizing the NTIA is still a top priority for this committee, and I look forward to my bill with the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee being considered by the full House this week that will do just that. It has now been over 30 years since NTIA was last authorized.
"It is our duty to provide direction to the executive branch agencies within our jurisdiction and this committee takes that role seriously.
"We must move H.R. 4510, the NTIA Reauthorization Act through the Senate and to the Presidents desk.
"I must note I was disappointed, following our December oversight hearing, that we did not receive answers in the 30 days we requested on the additional questions we sent you, and instead, got a response months later on April 19th.
"This delay is unacceptable.
"As Members of Congress, and your oversight committee, you have a responsibility to respond to inquiries in a timely manner.
"Following this hearing, we expect prompt responses to our questions."
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Original text here: https://energycommerce.house.gov/posts/subcommittee-chair-latta-opening-remarks-at-hearing-on-ntia-s-budget
House Energy Committee Members Rodgers, Guthrie, Griffith Issue Statement on Suspension, Proposed Debarment of EcoHealth Alliance
WASHINGTON, May 16 -- Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Washington, chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following news release:
House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Subcommittee on Health Chair Brett Guthrie (R-KY), and Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Chair Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following joint statement after the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced suspension and proposed debarment of EcoHealth Alliance from receiving federal funding.
"This announcement is welcomed but long overdue. Not only
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WASHINGTON, May 16 -- Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Washington, chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following news release:
House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Subcommittee on Health Chair Brett Guthrie (R-KY), and Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Chair Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following joint statement after the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced suspension and proposed debarment of EcoHealth Alliance from receiving federal funding.
"This announcement is welcomed but long overdue. Not onlydid EcoHealth Alliance intend to mislead the federal government through research proposals, but EcoHealth's President Peter Daszak also lied to Congress.
"This deception and obstruction alone are enough to merit debarment and come in addition to EcoHealth's mishandling of taxpayer-funded grant money and failure to conduct meaningful oversight of the now-debarred Wuhan Institute of Virology.
"We commend the U.S. Right to Know for uncovering the notes from the DEFUSE Project grant application that revealed Daszak's deception, as well as members from both sides of the aisle who worked to hold him accountable."
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Original text here: https://energycommerce.house.gov/posts/chairs-rodgers-guthrie-and-griffith-statement-on-suspension-and-proposed-debarment-of-eco-health-alliance
House Energy Committee Chair Rodgers Issues Opening Remarks at Hearing on NTIA Budget
WASHINGTON, May 16 -- Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Washington, chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following news release on May 15, 2024:
House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) delivered the following opening remarks at today's Subcommittee on Communications and Technology hearing titled "The Fiscal Year 2025 National Telecommunications and Information Administration Budget."
RATE REGULATION LETTER
"The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is responsible for managing federal spectrum use and awarding funds
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WASHINGTON, May 16 -- Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Washington, chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following news release on May 15, 2024:
House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) delivered the following opening remarks at today's Subcommittee on Communications and Technology hearing titled "The Fiscal Year 2025 National Telecommunications and Information Administration Budget."
RATE REGULATION LETTER
"The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is responsible for managing federal spectrum use and awarding fundsto deploy broadband.
"In December, following the last NTIA oversight hearing, Chair Latta and I sent a letter regarding your prior testimony suggesting that NTIA was allowing--and even encouraging--rate regulation by States participating in the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment, or BEAD, program.
"In your response, you stated that NTIA will consider any definition proposed by an 'eligible entity,' provided that it meets the standards laid out in the BEAD statute.
"We agree that NTIA is bound to that statute when implementing the BEAD program.
"And the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act explicitly states that NTIA is not authorized to regulate rates charged for broadband services.
"Yet we continue to hear from states that NTIA is pushing them to include rate regulated options in their initial proposals for BEAD funding, which completely violates the intent of the law.
"Because of NTIA's decisions, some states have said that additional federal funding will be needed.
"They've veered away from the technology-neutral principles mandated by law and even sought to engage in rate regulation of broadband service, despite them knowing that this will fail to connect all Americans.
"Many of these proposals jeopardize the success of the BEAD program and hinder the program's mission, to connect as many Americans as possible.
"While this program is distributed by the federal government and state broadband offices, it will be the participating providers, both big and small, that will ultimately determine the BEAD program's success.
"It's vital that NTIA follows Congressional direction, administers this program to the letter of the law and rejects state plans that stray from these goals, regardless of political leaning and leadership."
CATEGORICAL EXCLUSIONS
"I am encouraged that NTIA is working with agencies to streamline the permitting process for BEAD recipients.
"With billions of dollars made available for broadband deployment, interagency coordination on all levels is key to ensuring this money is not wasted and efforts are not duplicated.
"But I caution the agency against creating a permitting regime that only benefits government funded projects, which will further discourage investment and widen the digital divide.
"This Committee has taken decisive action to rollback similar permitting requirements for all broadband projects.
"H.R. 3557, the American Broadband Deployment Act, would allow all broadband infrastructure to benefit from the same categorical exclusions that BEAD recipients will enjoy.
"I hope NTIA and the Biden administration will support that bill and work with us to get it signed into law."
SPECTRUM IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
"Another shared priority is making spectrum available for commercial use, which is essential to maintain American leadership in next-generation wireless technology.
"In March, the NTIA released its National Spectrum Strategy Implementation Plan.
"This plan provides a roadmap for ensuring America is leading in spectrum, including timelines for spectrum studies, and I commend NTIA for its transparency in this process thus far.
"As the manager of federal government spectrum, I hope NTIA is collaborating with other relevant agencies to push for the most efficient use of spectrum and to identify spectrum that can be made available for commercial use.
"Finally, I'm sure we will be hearing about the Affordability Connectivity Program today. There seems to be a lot of finger-pointing from the White House and Democrats on who is to blame.
"The Senate, which is controlled by the President's own party, has not yet acted to fund this program, or reached out to House Republicans to find a solution.
"I will also note that as the funding cliff for this program approaches, we've seen a remarkable response from industry, offering low-cost options for broadband internet as low as $10 dollars per month, well below ACP's $30 dollar floor.
"We all share the goal of making sure Americans are connected. Hopefully we can move beyond trying to score political points and work together to find a viable, long-term, fiscally responsible way to make it happen."
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Original text here: https://energycommerce.house.gov/posts/chair-rodgers-opening-remarks-at-hearing-on-ntia-s-budget
Gottheimer Amendments to Add Secondary Cockpit Barriers to Airplanes and Tackle Flight Delays Pass in Reauthorization of FAA
WASHINGTON, May 16 -- Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on May 15, 2024:
Today, Wednesday, May 15, 2024, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer's provisions to add secondary cockpit barriers and study flight delays in the tri-state area passed the House of Representatives, as part of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. The bill, which passed by a vote of 387-26, reauthorizes the Federal Aviation Administration, which oversees the safety and efficiency of air travel in the United States, for five years.
Gottheimer's first bipartisan amendment, co-led by his Problem
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WASHINGTON, May 16 -- Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on May 15, 2024:
Today, Wednesday, May 15, 2024, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer's provisions to add secondary cockpit barriers and study flight delays in the tri-state area passed the House of Representatives, as part of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. The bill, which passed by a vote of 387-26, reauthorizes the Federal Aviation Administration, which oversees the safety and efficiency of air travel in the United States, for five years.
Gottheimer's first bipartisan amendment, co-led by his ProblemSolvers Caucus Co-Chair Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), will require inexpensive, commonsense secondary cockpit barriers on all commercial aircraft. The installation of secondary cockpit barriers on all commercial passenger flights is the only 9/11 Commission recommendation not yet implemented. In 2018, Gottheimer and Fitzpatrick helped pass and sign into law the Saracini Aviation Safety Act, which required the installation of secondary barriers on new passenger aircraft. Secondary cockpit barriers are key to preventing the hijacking of airplanes. On 9/11, terrorists stormed the cockpit knowing that the doors would be opened early in the flight. And until today, that flight deck remained vulnerable when the cockpit had to open. This amendment will keep terrorists out of the cockpit.
Gottheimer's second amendment will require the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on flight delays in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
"I am proud to have two of my amendments, focused on adding secondary cockpit barriers and tackling flight delays in the tri-state area, included in the bipartisan FAA reauthorization. My amendment on secondary cockpit measures is of special importance to me and all those in North Jersey who saw the plane hijackings on 9/11. This amendment is a critical step to help prevent 9/11 from ever happening again. " said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). "My amendments -- and this entire reauthorization -- will help keep air travel safe, reliable, and affordable for Jersey families. I'm also glad this legislation strengthens protections for consumers and helps make air travel more affordable for families, which I've been fighting for as part of my Clear and Simple Airline Agenda."
Gottheimer has long advocated for increased airline consumer transparency, as part of his Clear and Simple Airline Agenda. In April, Gottheimer announced his ETA Act to help protect customers from surprise fees when purchasing a ticket, requiring airlines to communicate all fees upfront. The FAA reauthorization includes commonsense provisions to protect consumers and increase transparency, including a right to refunds, a guarantee of fee-free family seating, and better communication with consumers in the case of delays and cancellations.
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Original text here: https://gottheimer.house.gov/posts/release-gottheimer-amendments-to-add-secondary-cockpit-barriers-to-airplanes-and-tackle-flight-delays-pass-in-reauthorization-of-faa
