Posted on by MIL-OSI Publisher

Rob’s Rundown: Week of November 1 – November 5, 2021

Source: United States Senator for Ohio Rob Portman

November 5, 2021 | Rob’s Rundown

Senator Portman was back in Washington this week where, on Thursday, he delivered remarks on the Senate floor highlighting the need to strengthen vetting procedures for Afghan evacuee arrivals into the United States. Portman noted that the United States faces an increased threat due to the catastrophic withdrawal from Afghanistan, leaving the Taliban in charge, with FBI blacklisted terrorists serving in its highest ranks. He discussed his support for the resettlement of Afghans who worked alongside the U.S. over the last 20 years, but raised concerns from information learned at an unclassified briefing that, unless an evacuee was a known terrorist, terrorist affiliate, or criminal whose name, face, or fingerprints pinged the systems available to federal officials, there was not rigorous vetting or an in-person interview. Portman made it clear that he stands ready to work with the administration and all of his colleagues in the Senate to address and mitigate this vulnerability to U.S. homeland security.

On Tuesday, Portman spoke on the Senate floor for the seventh consecutive week against Democrats’ proposed multi-trillion-dollar social spending bill. Portman discussed the current troubling economic indicators, particularly the surging inflation that has driven up the prices of everything from gas to Thanksgiving turkeys, which is hurting working families in Ohio and across the country. 

Portman joined CNBC’s Squawk Box Wednesday morning to discuss Tuesday’ gubernatorial race in Virginia – noting that voters responded to Governor-elect Youngkin’s campaign, which focused on real issues impacting folks’ daily lives. Portman also argued that the results show that voters are not supportive of the Democrats’ massive tax and spending bill, especially at a time when growth is slowing and inflation is surging. 

Finally, Portman appeared on FOX Business’ Kudlow Wednesday afternoon to outline his concerns with the Democrats’ reckless tax and spending bill, arguing that trillions in new spending and taxes will stifle economic growth, kill jobs, balloon the national debt, and increase inflation. He also highlighted the negative impact surging inflation is having on workers and middle-class families. Portman noted that since President Biden took office wages have decreased 1.9 percent when adjusted for inflation.

For a more detailed look at Senator Portman’s week, please see the following:

Tuesday, November 2, 2021

On Senate Floor, Portman Urges House of Representatives to Reject Massive Tax & Spending Spree, Pass Bipartisan Infrastructure Legislation 

Senator Portman spoke for the seventh consecutive week against Democrats’ proposed multi-trillion-dollar social spending bill. Portman discussed the current troubling economic indicators, particularly the surging inflation that has driven up the prices of everything from gas to Thanksgiving turkeys, hurting working families in Ohio and across the country. 

Portman noted that Democrats passing another stimulus bill would represent a doubling down of the policies that created this current state of inflation by raising taxes and stimulating consumer demand. He noted that the actual cost of this legislation could be nearly $4 trillion, rather than the $1.75 trillion figure Democrats cite. 

Portman argued that the better path forward is for the House of Representatives to hold a vote on the historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act – landmark legislation he helped negotiate to repair our nation’s crumbling roads, bridges, and other key infrastructure. This legislation, which passed the Senate three months ago on a bipartisan vote of 69-30 will improve competitiveness and not add to the record inflation the economy is currently experiencing.

Portman called on House Democrats to stop holding this critical legislation hostage as leverage to pass the reconciliation bill and vote to pass the infrastructure bill on its own merits. 

A video can be found here. 

Wednesday, November 3, 2021 

Portman, Peters Bipartisan Bills to Help Combat Human Trafficking Advance in Senate 

Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member and Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, applauded the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee for passing their bipartisan Countering Human Trafficking Act and the DHS Blue Campaign Enhancement Act. These bipartisan bills will enhance our nation’s ability to combat the rise of human trafficking, make permanent the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Center for Countering Human Trafficking (CCHT), and increase coordination between DHS components and the Blue Campaign, a national public awareness effort designed to educate law enforcement and the public to recognize human trafficking.

“Human trafficking should not be happening in Ohio or our nation. I applaud the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee for passing our bipartisan Countering Human Trafficking Act and DHS Blue Campaign Enhancement Act because these bills advance a whole of government approach to give law enforcement increased resources to combat human trafficking and hold traffickers accountable for their actions,” said Senator Portman. “As founder and co-chair of the Senate Caucus to End Human Trafficking, I have led efforts in the Senate to combat human trafficking and I will continue to work to ensure that no more women or children become victims of this terrible crime.”  

Portman Praises Committee Adoption of Amendment to Ensure Thorough Oversight of Vetting and Processing of Afghan Evacuees 

Senator Rob Portman (R-OH), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, praised the Committee adoption of his amendment to the Inspector General Independence and Empowerment Act of 2021 to ensure thorough oversight of the efforts to screen, vet, and process the evacuees from Afghanistan prior to their resettlement in the United States. The amendment directs the Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security to carry out the oversight of the screening, vetting, and processing of the evacuees, an operation that is being coordinated by the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas. In sworn testimony before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Secretary Mayorkas claimed there was a “robust screening and vetting process…both in the transit countries and here domestically.” A subsequent, unclassified briefing with federal officials from all relevant national security agencies confirmed that Secretary Mayorkas’ statement was not accurate. The briefing confirmed information learned through Committee oversight that, unless an evacuee was a known terrorist, terrorist affiliate, or criminal whose name, face, or fingerprints pinged the systems available to federal officials, there was not rigorous vetting or an in-person interview. By ensuring independent oversight of the vetting process, this amendment will work to increase the safety and security of both the evacuees and the American communities receiving them. 

“We have a moral responsibility to welcome the Afghan evacuees who have stood by us for 20 years, but we also have an obligation to ensure the safety and security of American citizens through proper oversight. The catastrophic withdrawal from Afghanistan made it clear that we must have independent oversight of the screening and vetting of the evacuees,” said Portman. “In the two months since the evacuation, we have confirmed through congressional oversight and a briefing from federal officials that most of the evacuees did not receive the standard vetting interviews that all refugees would normally receive and that individuals that pose national security threats made it to our shores. In fact, the administration still cannot provide basic information regarding the number and status of the evacuees. That’s why I’m pleased the Committee adopted this amendment to the Inspector General Independence and Empowerment Act of 2021 to ensure that appropriate Inspectors General oversight is carried out regarding the vetting and processing of the Afghan evacuees prior to their resettlement into our communities.” 

On CNBC’s Squawk Box, Portman Discusses VA Gubernatorial Race, Implications for Democrats’ Tax & Spend Proposal 

In an interview with CNBC’s Squawk Box, Senator Portman discussed last night’s gubernatorial race in Virginia – noting that voters responded to Governor-elect Youngkin’s campaign, which focused on real issues impacting folks’ daily lives. Portman also argued that the results show that voters are not supportive of the Democrats’ massive tax and spending bill, especially at a time when growth is slowing and inflation is surging. 

Portman argued that the better path forward is for the House of Representatives to hold a vote on the historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act – landmark legislation he helped negotiate to repair our nation’s crumbling roads, bridges, and other key infrastructure. This legislation, which passed the Senate three months ago on a bipartisan vote of 69-30, will improve competitiveness and not add to the record inflation the economy is currently experiencing. 

Portman called on House Democrats to stop holding this critical legislation hostage as leverage to pass the reconciliation bill and vote to pass the infrastructure bill on its own merits. 

A transcript of the interview can be found here and you can also watch the interview here. 

Portman Applauds Committee Passage of Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Communities from Consequences of Proposed Change to Metropolitan Area Standards 

Senator Rob Portman (R-OH), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, applauded the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee for passing his bipartisan Metropolitan Areas Protection and Standardization Act to help protect communities across the country from the possible consequences of an increased population threshold for metropolitan areas. Metropolitan statistical areas (MSA) were created to standardize and identify the nation’s largest centers of population and activity.  Some agencies base the distribution of federal funds on the designations, so Office of Management and Budget changes to the designations could inadvertently change which areas are eligible for funding. 

In July, the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) canceled a proposed change that would have increased the population threshold for metropolitan areas from 50,000 to 100,000. The proposal would have threatened access to vital federal resources for nearly 150 communities across the country, including five in Ohio. Communities in Ohio and across the United States count on this designation for federal funding that goes towards important programs. 

The Metropolitan Areas Protection and Standardization Act would require agencies to affirmatively choose to adopt a new metropolitan statistical area designation through a public notice-and-comment process for each program any change might affect to ensure that stakeholders have the opportunity to provide input and communities can prepare appropriately for any changes to benefits.  It also would require the OMB and Government Accountability Office to provide Congress and the public with information about how the federal government makes metropolitan statistical area designations and uses them in federal programs.    

“While I’m pleased that OMB canceled the January 2021 proposal to double the minimum population threshold for metropolitan statistical areas that would have impacted hundreds of cities across the United States, including several in my home state of Ohio, today’s support from the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee for our bipartisan MAPS Act will ensure that moving forward, agencies will have to provide the public an opportunity to comment on whether they should adopt a metropolitan statistical area change for the distribution of benefits.  Further, OMB will have to provide a public report to Congress estimating the county-level impact and justifying the scientific basis for any proposed change to an existing statistical area standard,” said Senator Portman.      

Portman, Peters Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Inspector General Protections Advances in Senate 

Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member and Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, applauded the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee for passing their bipartisan legislation to provide Inspectors General with additional protections has advanced in the Senate. The legislation, which will strengthen independent oversight of the federal government’s effectiveness, is based on legislation Portman and Peters introduced earlier this year with U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and also includes provisions authored by U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH). The Committee also adopted an amendment authored by Portman to the legislation to ensure thorough oversight of the efforts to screen, vet, and process the evacuees from Afghanistan prior to their resettlement in the United States. 

“Inspectors General are essential to good government. Congress has a responsibility to conduct oversight of the executive branch and that responsibility would be far more difficult without Inspectors General. That’s why I’m pleased the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee passed our bipartisan IG Independence and Empowerment Act which will bolster protections, enhance authorities, and provide transparency for Inspectors General,” said Senator Portman. “This legislation will strengthen the 2008 IG protection law that has been routinely flouted by successive administrations from both political parties, increase transparency, grant testimonial subpoena authority with appropriate congressional safeguards, and require presidents to provide substantive rationale for the removal of IGs. I urge my colleagues to support this common-sense legislation to protect the independence of the IG community.”  

Portman, Klobuchar Applaud Committee Passage of Bipartisan Legislation to Increase Government Transparency by Publishing Federal Reports Online 

Senators Rob Portman (R-OH), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chairwoman of the Senate Rules Committee, applauded the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee for passing their bipartisan Access to Congressionally Mandated Reports Act to increase government transparency by establishing a publicly accessible website with a library of all non-confidential agency reports mandated by the legislative branch. The bipartisan legislation requires federal agencies to submit to the Government Publishing Office (GPO) all congressionally mandated reports after each agency redacts information that would not be publicly disclosable under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). GPO would publish all reports submitted by agencies to said website and ensure that all federal agencies submit their reports. The legislation is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Maggie Hassan (D-NH). 

“Congress requires the executive branch to produce thousands of reports on a wide variety of topics each year, but there is not one easily accessible location for Congress or the American public to read these reports,” said Portman. “A public website with a library of these reports would enhance our democracy by promoting transparency in government and giving citizens access to taxpayer-funded reports and studies. American taxpayers deserve to know how their money is being spent.”

 

Portman, Peters Bipartisan Bill to Protect Americans’ Privacy by Securing and Preventing Misuse of Data Collected By Artificial Intelligence Advances in Senate

Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member and Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, applauded the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee for passing their bipartisan Government Ownership and Oversight of Data in Artificial Intelligence (GOOD AI) Act. The legislation will secure and protect information handled by federal contractors using artificial intelligence (AI) technology, such as biometric data from facial recognition scans. The bill would require the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to establish and consult with an Artificial Intelligence Hygiene Working Group to ensure that government contractors are securing and using data collected by AI technologies to protect national security and in a way that ensures the privacy and rights of all Americans.

“The bipartisan GOOD AI Act helps strengthen the accountability and security of federal AI systems,” said Senator Portman. “It is important that the federal government ensure that its AI systems are trustworthy and safe.”

On FOX Business, Portman Discusses Democrats’ Reckless Spending Priorities, Inflation and Tax Increases

Senator Portman joined FOX Business’ Kudlow this afternoon to outline his concerns with the Democrats’ reckless tax and spending bill, arguing that trillions in new spending and taxes will stifle economic growth, kill jobs, balloon the national debt, and increase inflation. He also highlighted the negative impact surging inflation is having on workers and middle-class families. Portman noted that since President Biden took office wages have decreased 1.9 percent when adjusted for inflation.

Portman also highlighted the benefits of the historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act – landmark legislation he helped negotiate to repair our nation’s crumbling roads, bridges, and other key infrastructure. This legislation, which passed the Senate three months ago on a bipartisan vote of 69-30, will improve competitiveness and not add to the record inflation the economy is currently experiencing. 

A transcript of the interview can be found here and you can also watch the interview here. 

Thursday, November 6, 2021

Portman, Crapo, Republican Committee Leaders Call for Transparent Process to Vet Reckless Tax-and-Spend Legislation

Senators Rob Portman (R-OH), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, and the Republican leaders of the Committees involved in reconciliation are calling on Leader Schumer and Senate Committee Chairs to hold legislative hearings and markups with votes on Democrats’ reckless taxing and spending legislation.  In the letter, the senators highlight the need for the legislative text to be made public and official scores from the nonpartisan budget experts – the Congressional Budget Office and Joint Committee on Taxation – along with full committee consideration and debate. The letter can be found here.

“Hiding the details of the real cost of the trillions of dollars in new government spending and tax increases by using budgetary gimmicks is an attempt to disguise the true cost and impact the reckless tax and spending spree will have on the nearly $29 trillion national debt, rising prices, jobs and inflation,” the senators wrote. “There is currently no score from the Congressional Budget Office on a fully-specified legislative proposal, but there needs to be full transparency on the proposal and sunshine on any possible budget gimmicks to understand the true cost… Legislation as unprecedented as this should be fully vetted and afforded appropriate opportunity for review and debate. Failure to secure details on the true cost of these spending proposals and offsets, and to hold full, open committee markups, only serves to erode the American people’s trust in the Senate as an open and effective institution.  We cannot substitute a secretive process behind closed doors for a public dialogue, nor rhetorical scores in lieu of true economic impact.”

Portman, Carper, Miller-Meeks, Price Introduce Legislation to Ensure Safety of Unaccompanied Children at HHS Facilities 

Senators Rob Portman (R-OH), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Tom Carper (D-DE), along with U.S. Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) and David Price (D-NC), introduced bicameral, bipartisan legislation to ensure that shelters operated by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that hold unaccompanied children are thoroughly vetted and licensed by the state in which they operate.

This legislation would require facilities seeking a shelter grant from the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)—an agency within HHS that is responsible for the care and placement of unaccompanied children—to be licensed by the state they are operating in and require grant applicants to disclose any adverse actions taken against them by a federal, state, or local government. Additionally, the legislation requires HHS to do its due diligence and collaborate with the appropriate state agencies and search respective state databases for any potential adverse actions taken against the applicant seeking a grant from HHS.

The legislation stems from a bipartisan December 2020 report Senators Portman and Carper released as Chairman and Ranking Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI) that identified HHS’s failures to conduct adequate oversight of companies seeking to operate shelters for unaccompanied children. The report found that HHS awarded ORR shelter grants to two companies with a documented history of failing to provide adequate care of children. As a result of their previous failures in caring for children and other regulatory issues, the two companies will never open their facilities, for which they received more than $32 million in funding from HHS. On March 26, 2021, Senators Portman and Carper sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra outlining best practices and suggestions from the report considering the historic influx of unaccompanied children during the ongoing border crisis.

“I’m pleased to introduce this bipartisan legislation to ensure that shelters that care for unaccompanied children are fully licensed and that HHS makes better use of taxpayer funds,” said Portman. “As Chairman and Ranking Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, last year Senator Carper and I investigated the circumstances that led to HHS awarding millions of dollars in grants to care for unaccompanied children to organizations that had histories of child abuse or that could not get state licenses to care for children. We learned that HHS did not appropriately vet grant applicants, potentially endangering vulnerable children and wasting taxpayer dollars. HHS has voluntarily taken steps to improve their processes based on our report, but it’s important to codify these important reforms so these problems never happen again. I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting this common-sense legislation to address our findings and protect these vulnerable children and safeguard taxpayer funds.” 

Portman, Wicker, Colleagues Urge Federal Workforce to Return to Work

Senators Rob Portman (R-OH), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Roger Wicker (R-MS), led 40 senators in a letter to the heads of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the General Services Administration (GSA), and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to request immediate action to transition federal workers back to in-person operations. On June 10, 2021, GSA, OMB, and OPM issued a memo regarding the return of federal employees and contractors to physical workplaces. The deadline to submit their plans was July 19, 2021. However, only one agency out of 20 that were recently contacted was able to provide a plan for its employees. The letter follows months of delays from the Biden administration on implementing plans for agencies to return their workforce to the office and to address the mounting backlog of cases that arose while workers were working from home.

In the letter, the senators cite the “widespread lack of responsiveness and accessibility across the federal government on account of current agency work plans,” which have kept workers out of the office and have contributed to huge delays for government services including:

“We request immediate action to transition federal workers back to in-person operations,” the senators wrote. “We understand the unique challenges that COVID-19 has presented, but Americans continue to face unprecedented delays in accessing their federal government.  This is unacceptable, particularly since agency heads have had the ability to address productivity since June 2021, when the Biden Administration lifted its 25 percent cap on the number of federal employees allowed to report to worksites… We appreciate the work of America’s federal workforce and maintain that the health and safety of those employees and their families are a priority.  However, with the resources available to each agency and every federal employee, it is now time to bring back our federal workers and deliver the service that the American people have been promised and expect of their government.” 

Portman, Klobuchar, Stabenow, Young Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Support Fish and Wildlife Restoration in the Great Lakes

Senators Rob Portman (R-OH), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), and Todd Young (R-IN) introduced a bipartisan bill to support fish and wildlife in the Great Lakes. As leaders of the Senate’s Great Lakes Task Force, the senators introduced the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act to provide critical resources to conserve and restore fish and wildlife populations in the Great Lakes. The bill would authorize the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to partner with other federal agencies, states, and tribes to develop and execute proposals for the restoration of fish and wildlife resources in the Great Lakes Basin.  

“The Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act helps protect Lake Erie, Ohio’s top tourist destination, by delivering resources to Ohio and the Great Lakes region to address the greatest threats to our fish and wildlife — threats like invasive species and habitat degradation,” Portman said. “By reauthorizing this program through FY 2027, we are providing the Fish and Wildlife Service with the resources it needs to protect our Lakes and preserve our environment for generations to come.” 

Portman, Grassley, Bipartisan Lawmakers Request New Review of FBI Whistleblower Protections & Reports of Retaliation 

Senators Rob Portman (R-OH), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and U.S. Representatives Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), Chairwoman of House Oversight and Reform Committee, and Jackie Speier (D-CA) sent a bipartisan and bicameral letter requesting a new Government Accountability Office (GAO) review of the FBI’s whistleblower protection rules as well as reports of retaliation against whistleblowers. The letter is in response to the FBI’s and the Justice Department’s failure to implement new regulations to comply with more stringent protections enacted by Congress in 2016. The statutory protections enacted in 2016 followed a 2015 GAO report on the weakness of FBI whistleblower protections and retaliation. The lawmakers are seeking answers on the relative weakness of protections extended to FBI employees compared to counterparts across government to the use of security clearance revocation as retaliation to the appeals process for those who face retaliation.

“In January 2015, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) published a report describing the weaknesses of statutory protections for whistleblowers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the failures of the FBI and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to effectively administer them. In 2016, Congress enacted GAO’s recommendation to more closely align protections for the FBI with those available to other federal employees… Despite these efforts, problems remain. DOJ still has not promulgated regulations to implement Congress’ changes. Our offices also continue to receive reports that many of the previous flaws found in the GAO report persist and that additional issues, such as retaliation against FBI employees via revocation of security clearances, are on the rise. Finally, unlike other federal employees, FBI employees still are required to make their claims internally and have no recourse to an independent appeals process. DOJ’ s failure to update its regulations presents significant challenges for FBI whistleblowers. Even now, the GAO notes that the FBI has not clarified “to whom FBI employees may make protected disclosures” nor have they explicitly stated if employees will have access to recourse if they experience retaliation for reporting alleged wrongdoing to someone not designated in DOJ’ s regulations…These extensive issues with the FBI’s current whistleblower program make the bureau one of the most difficult places in the federal government to report malfeasance. One [FBI] attorney…even reportedly told a prospective whistleblower that the FBI’s rules ‘do not guarantee that you will not be retaliated against…,” the lawmakers wrote.

Full text of the letter to GAO can be found here.

Portman, Rosen Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen America’s Artificial Intelligence Capabilities

Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) announced the introduction of the Advancing American AI Innovation Act, bipartisan legislation to create a Department of Defense (DoD) pilot program establishing artificial intelligence (AI) data libraries relevant to the development of AI intelligence software and technology, ensuring private companies have access to accurate data so they can better meet DoD needs. 

“The United States cannot take its Artificial Intelligence leadership for granted. We must fully utilize the public, as well as private sector, to synchronize and develop our AI capabilities across the transportation, health care, manufacturing, and national security policy spaces. I believe the Advancing American AI Innovation Act is a step in the right direction in facilitating this critical public-private partnership,” said Portman. “As co-founder of the Senate Artificial intelligence Caucus, I am keenly aware of the role industry, in particular small-sector companies, play in the development of DoD capabilities in this space – our government must continue to enable the participation of these small businesses in this process. I am pleased to join Senator Rosen in this effort to ensure America remains at the forefront of AI development.”

Portman, Capito, Colleagues Press Administration for Transparency on Social Cost of Greenhouse Gases

Senators Rob Portman (R-OH), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Ranking Member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, along with the Republican leaders of other key Committees, including Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Pat Toomey (R-PA), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Roger Wicker (R-MS), John Barrasso (R-WY), Mike Crapo (R-ID), and Richard Burr (R-NC), wrote to the White House Interagency Working Group on Social Cost of Greenhouse Gases (SC-GHG) Co-Chairs requesting they provide their recommendations about planned use of the SC-GHG in federal decision making.

The letter, which is signed by the ranking members with jurisdiction over the departments that are part of the Working Group, calls for the Biden administration to live up to its commitment to transparency and provide the details of the wide-reaching implications of potential SC-GHG application, while also explaining the significant impacts of application of the SC-GHG to different government regulatory actions and policies.

“The opaque decision-making process this Administration has chosen on this significant issue will result in policies that ultimately hurt American consumers who are already facing rising energy and grocery prices, slow economic growth, and uncontrolled inflation. Given the potential wide-reaching application of the SC-GHG in decision-making, budgeting, and procurement, it is critically important for the Working Group to be transparent and accountable in its actions… It is vital that the American public have confidence in the Working Group’s activities, and we must understand the government’s justifications for future policies utilizing the SC-GHG that could exacerbate many of the ongoing economic challenges and labor disruptions the policies of this Administration have already caused. Fulfilling our request to provide the recommendations to Congress is a necessary step for the Working Group to maintain public credibility and necessary transparency as it implements President Biden’s agenda,” the senators wrote.

The full letter can be read here.

Portman on Senate Floor: We Cannot Continue to Allow the Weak Screening of Afghan Evacuees to Endanger Our Communities

On the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, delivered remarks on the need to strengthen vetting procedures for Afghan evacuee arrivals into the United States. Portman highlighted that the United States faces an increased threat due to the catastrophic withdrawal from Afghanistan, leaving the Taliban in charge, with FBI blacklisted terrorists serving in its highest ranks. He discussed his support for the resettlement of Afghans who worked alongside the U.S. over the last 20 years, but raised concerns from information learned at an unclassified briefing that, unless an evacuee was a known terrorist, terrorist affiliate, or criminal whose name, face, or fingerprints pinged the systems available to federal officials, there was not rigorous vetting or an in-person interview.

Evacuees traveling without any identification records had new records created by U.S. officials based on the name and information they stated without appropriate validation. Portman described how alarming this is considering the continuing resolution passed in September that grants REAL ID eligibility to all Afghan evacuees. The REAL ID program was created to enhance security on commercial airlines and in federal facilities after 9/11.

Prior to the continuing resolution’s passage, Senator Portman and Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) introduced an amendment to require that Afghan evacuees follow normal vetting procedures prior to receiving REAL ID driver’s licenses. This amendment would have protected national security by requiring that Afghan parolees not be exempted from the federal REAL ID requirements. The Democrats voted against the amendment and the amendment was not adopted.

Portman highlighted the need to address REAL ID eligibility of Afghan evacuees and require in-person interviews prior to distributing any REAL IDs to those Afghan evacuees who have already reached our shores. Portman made it clear that he stands ready to work with the administration and all of his colleagues in the Senate to address and mitigate this vulnerability to U.S. homeland security.

A transcript of his remarks can be found here and a video can be found here.

Friday, November 5, 2021

Portman, Peters, Collins & Warner Introduce NDAA Amendment to Strengthen Public and Private Sector Cybersecurity

Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member and Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Susan Collins (R-ME) and Mark Warner (D-VA) introduced a bipartisan amendment to the Senate’s FY 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to require critical infrastructure owners and operators and civilian federal agencies to report to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) if they experience a cyberattack, and most entities to report if they make a ransomware payment. The amendment is based on the Cyber Incident Reporting Act and Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2021 authored by Portman and Peters which were passed by the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee in October. 

“As cyber and ransomware attacks continue to increase, the federal government must be able to quickly coordinate a response and hold bad actors accountable,” said Senator Portman, Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. “That’s why I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan amendment to the FY 2022 NDAA to update the Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) and give the National Cyber Director, CISA, and other appropriate agencies broad visibility into the cyberattacks taking place across our nation on a daily basis to enable a whole-of-government response, mitigation, and warning to critical infrastructure and others of ongoing and imminent attacks. This bipartisan amendment to significantly update FISMA will provide the accountability necessary to resolve longstanding weaknesses in federal cybersecurity by clarifying roles and responsibilities and requiring the government to quickly inform the American people if their information is compromised.”

Portman: Biden Administration Must Do More to Combat Ongoing Russian Aggression Against Ukraine

Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) released the below statement on the current situation in Ukraine:

“I remain very concerned about Russian action on the Eastern Ukrainian border. Reports indicates increased deployments of troops, artillery, and tanks toward Ukraine under the guise of military exercises. As I have pointed out before, during previous exercises the Russians left large amounts of lethal equipment staged near the Donbas region and are now using subsequent troop movements and other tactics to further threaten Ukraine and destabilize the region. 

“As Congress debates the annual National Defense Authorization Act, I am encouraged by a continuing strong bipartisan consensus and commitment to ensuring Ukraine’s defense. The Ukraine Security Partnership Initiative I introduced in 2016 continues to provide crucial military assistance and support. This year the House and Senate agreed to increase funding from $250 to $300 million for this vital program, $75 million of which will be for lethal assistance. These funds help train, equip, and provide support for the Ukrainian military and in light of recent Russian provocations, I am pushing to increase these funding levels even more. The Biden administration must send a clear message to Moscow that further attempts at intimidation and coercion of our key allies in the Black Sea Region will not be tolerated. 

“The United States must continue to increase the number of diplomatic engagements with Ukraine to send a clear message to Moscow that we stand firmly with Ukraine. I am encouraged by President Biden’s and Secretary Blinken’s recent discussions with President Zelensky at the COP 26 Conference. I also look forward to positive developments from Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba’s pending trip to the United States to participate in the U.S.-Ukraine Strategic Partnership Commission. After 13 years of partnership, it is time to revisit and refresh this charter to reflect the growth of the Ukrainian democracy, the capabilities of their armed forces, and the continued threat they face from Russian aggression. 

“However, more concrete steps must be taken beyond diplomacy. Since the announcement by President Biden to waive the congressionally-mandated sanctions on Nord Stream 2, Russia has used its energy resources as a weapon, both to extract geopolitical concessions and to put immense pressure on Ukrainians. As recently as October 29, Russia announced a halt to its exports of anthracite to Ukraine, even as Russia has increased exports of this commodity to Asia and other European countries. Ukraine’s supply of heating resources are already low given higher than expected demand and lower domestic production. It is clear that the Biden administration’s decision to allow Nord Stream 2 to become operational, has allowed Russian to use energy as a weapon, and the situation is set to get worse as Russia’s market share of European gas exports has increased to more than a third. While Ukraine is on the front lines of facing Russian malign influence, this is truly a problem for the whole of Europe. 

“The Biden administration must follow through on its commitments to protect Europe and continue America’s leadership role in the world. There is no substitute for the American values of freedom and liberty – we need to look no further than the brave Ukrainians who continue to fight and die resisting Russian control of the Donbas.”

 

SOCIAL MEDIA

 

 

Senator Rob Portman plans to continue push for passage of infrastructure bill

An Infrastructure bill is gaining support from a United States Senator. 

Senator Rob Portman is voicing his support for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. During a conference call with reporters, Portman stated that the bill is designed to improve competitiveness and not add to the record inflation the economy is currently going through. 

“We have to get it done. The president will sign it, it will be great for the economy, it would deal with our crumbling infrastructure, strengthen our economic growth, and it does without raising taxes,” stated Portman. “As the economists look at it, it is actually counter-inflationary because it is long term spending on capital assets. It will not be spent this year, it will be spent over time.”

Portman also discussed a spending bill presented by democrats, stating that it would hurt overall economic growth, increase national debt, and increase inflation. 

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will now go the House of Representatives after passing in the senate on a bipartisan vote of 69-30.

U.S. Sen. Rob Portman will visit United Kingdom to discuss trade deal

U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, who served as U.S. Trade Representative during George W. Bush’s presidency, will head to London next week to discuss a new trade agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom.

On Tuesday, the Ohio Republican told reporters the United States doesn’t have a trade agreement with the European Union or the United Kingdom, which left the EU last year. The administration of former President Donald Trump worked on a trade agreement with the United Kingdom, but did not complete one before he left office. Joe Biden’s negotiators have taken over, but have said not to expect an immediate deal.

Portman said he’s discussed his upcoming visit to the United Kingdom several times with current U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and the United Kingdom’s ambassador to the United States, Karen Pierce, to ensure that “I’m being constructive in trying to help move this forward.” While in London, he says he will meet with members of Parliament and businesses community members with interests in both countries.

Because of all the similarities between the economies of the United States and the United Kingdom, Portman said it would be a “natural first” for the United States to reach an agreement there before tackling an agreement with the rest of Europe. Some of the usual issues that can trip up trade agreements — like environmental and labor standards — won’t be sticking points because the United Kingdom has strong labor and environmental protections, Portman said.

He said that establishing uniform standards between financial services firms in both countries could “make the back and forth more efficient,” and said it would be “just natural for us to lower tariffs between both countries to make our economies work better.”

“I think we need to get back in a situation where we are expanding opportunities for our exporters in America,” said Portman, who envisions an agreement with the U.K. serving as a model for deals with other developed countries, like Switzerland, as well developing nations, like Kenya, where trade agreements with the United States could help counter Chinese influence.

During a visit to Washington, D. C. in September, Prime Minister Boris Johnson expressed interest in getting a trade deal, Portman said.

“So they would like to do it, we say we would like to do it and my sense is, it’s time to get it done,” said Portman, who earlier this year helped negotiate a bipartisan infrastructure deal that the U.S. Senate approved in August.

 

 

 

###