Source: United States Senator for Ohio Rob Portman
February 4, 2022 | Rob’s Rundown
Senator Portman was back in Washington this week where, on Tuesday, he delivered remarks on the Senate floor discussing the growing crisis in Europe as Russia continues to threaten Ukraine. Portman talked about the bipartisan congressional delegation he recently led with Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) where they were able to meet with President Zelenskyy and discuss the importance of the United States’ support for Ukraine. He noted that NATO allies have been coming together to support Ukraine, with the exception of Germany, and he expressed his disappointment with its lack of full support. And he also made the point that he believes bipartisan action is possible, and it is his hope Congress will be able to come together to pass legislation that will deter a Russian invasion, and ensure Ukraine and its patriotic people remain strong in their quest for freedom.
Also on Tuesday, at a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing, Portman secured a commitment from Shalanda Young, the nominee to be Director of the Office of Management and Budget, that OMB would produce documents within two weeks that were requested by the Committee nearly a year ago pertaining to COVID-19, as well as a document requested in September pertaining to a national security matter. In addition, Portman pressed Ms. Young and Nani Coloretti, the nominee to be Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget, on the need to address the deficit and focus on deficit reduction as the United States faces an inflation crisis. Ms. Young voiced her support of Portman’s efforts to permanently end government shutdowns through his End Government Shutdowns Act, legislation that will permanently prevent the federal government from shutting down, ensuring that essential government services aren’t disrupted, and protecting taxpayers who must bear the resulting cost.
On Wednesday, Portman and Senator Shaheen (D-NH) participated in an event hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) addressing the crisis in Ukraine amid increased Russian aggression. The Senators addressed a number of key topics, including their bipartisan CODEL to Ukraine in January, updates on bipartisan sanctions legislation in the Senate, the latest news on the crisis and other implications related to Russia’s increased provocations along Ukraine’s border.
Portman delivered remarks on the Senate floor Wednesday afternoon urging the Biden administration to take action on the ongoing migrant and drug crisis at the southern border. In addition to the unprecedented number of individuals, children, and families attempting to enter the country unlawfully, illicit narcotics, like fentanyl, are also coming across the border and into the United States, resulting in a record number of overdose deaths in Ohio and throughout the country.
At a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing on Thursday, Portman stressed the need to hold China accountable for its rampant theft of U.S. taxpayer-funded research and intellectual property. Portman discussed his bipartisan Safeguarding American Innovation Act, which passed the Senate last year on a bipartisan basis as a part of the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act, and the nominees acknowledged the importance of the legislation to hold China accountable. In addition, Portman pressed a nominee on how, if confirmed, he would work to address the worst unlawful migrant and narcotic crisis at the southern border in recorded history.
Finally, Portman introduced legislation to prohibit the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) from accepting arrest warrants as valid proof of identification at airport security checkpoints and for other purposes. Portman introduced this legislation after TSA confirmed that it is using arrest warrants issued by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to help confirm the identity of unlawful migrants for travel by air. This Department of Homeland Security policy presents a national security risk because in some cases, TSA is relying on unverified data provided by an unlawful migrant at the time of apprehension at the border to serve as a verified source of their identity, causing DHS to potentially issue fraudulent identification to unknown individuals that then permits them to fly on American aircraft.
For a more detailed look at Senator Portman’s week, please see the following:
Tuesday, February 1, 2022
Portman, Colleagues Introduce EARN IT Act to Combat Online Child Sexual Exploitation
Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) and a number of bipartisan colleagues have introduced legislation to better combat online child sexual exploitation. The Eliminating Abusive and Rampant Neglect of Interactive Technologies Act (EARN IT Act) removes blanket immunity for violations of laws related to online child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Led by U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), the legislation is also cosponsored by Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Bob Casey (D-PA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), John Kennedy (R-LA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), John Cornyn (R-TX), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Susan Collins (R-ME), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), and Mark Warner (D-VA). Representatives Ann Wagner (R-MO) and Sylvia Garcia (D-TX) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
“No company should ever profit from the exploitation of a child, nor avoid legal responsibility in a court of law,” said Senator Portman. “That is why I am pleased to cosponsor this important legislation to remove tech companies’ blanket immunity afforded by Section 230 from Federal and State child sexual abuse material laws. This legislation ensures that online platforms will now be treated like everyone else in our efforts to combat child sexual exploitation online.”
Portman at HSGAC Hearing: OMB Must Work with Congress to Address Challenges Facing America
Senator Rob Portman (R-OH), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, delivered opening remarks at a hearing to consider the nominations of Shalanda Young to be Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and Nani Coloretti to be Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget. He highlighted the importance of OMB and the need for the agency to work with Congress to address the issues that currently face America, including the ongoing migrant crisis at the southern border, the health care crisis, and the opioid epidemic that has devastated lives in Ohio and across the country.
A transcript of the opening remarks can be found here and a video can be found here.
Portman Secures Commitment from Nominee to be Director of OMB to Produce Requested COVID-19 Oversight Documents in Two Weeks
Senator Rob Portman (R-OH), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, secured a commitment from Shalanda Young, the nominee to be Director of the Office of Management and Budget, that OMB would produce documents within two weeks that were requested by the Committee nearly a year ago pertaining to COVID-19, as well as a document requested in September pertaining to a national security matter. In addition, Portman pressed Ms. Young and Nani Coloretti, the nominee to be Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget, on the need to address the deficit and focus on deficit reduction as the United States faces an inflation crisis. Finally, Ms. Young voiced her support of Portman’s efforts to permanently end government shutdowns through his End Government Shutdowns Act, legislation that will permanently prevent the federal government from shutting down, ensuring that essential government services aren’t disrupted, and protecting taxpayers who must bear the resulting cost.
A transcript of the questioning can be found here and videos can be found here and here.
On Senate Floor, Portman Discusses Bipartisan Actions Taken to Counter Russian Aggression Towards Ukraine
Senator Rob Portman spoke on the Senate floor today to discuss the hostile actions taken by Russia that threaten Ukraine’s independence and sovereignty. Portman talked about his recent bipartisan delegation with Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) where they were able to meet with President Zelenskyy about the importance of the United States’ support for Ukraine. Portman noted that NATO allies have been coming together to support Ukraine, with the exception of Germany, and he noted his disappointment with its lack of full support.
Portman made the point that he believes bipartisan action is possible, and it is his hope Congress will be able to come together to pass legislation that will deter a Russian invasion, and ensure Ukraine and its patriotic people remain strong in their quest for freedom.
A transcript of his remarks can be found here and a video can be found here.
Wednesday, February 2, 2022
Portman, Colleagues Send Letter Urging the Navy to Address Maintenance Backlogs at the Navy’s Four Government-Operated Naval Shipyards
Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Representatives Tim Ryan (D-OH), Shontel Brown (D-OH), and Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) sent a letter to Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro expressing their concern about the maintenance backlogs at the Navy’s four government-operated naval shipyards, the primary facilities responsible for depot-level maintenance work on the Navy’s Fast Attack Submarine Fleet. The bipartisan delegation also encouraged the Navy to consider establishing a Great Lakes maintenance facility, highlighting that Ohio possesses both a highly trained workforce and the facilities needed to readily develop the maintenance needs of the submarine force.
“Our nation’s Submarine Fleet plays an essential role in our national security and maintenance delays are degrading our nation’s readiness,” the lawmakers wrote. “We urge you to expand and improve shipyard performance to increase readiness.”
The lawmakers continued, “Ohio would welcome the opportunity to address the maintenance backlog of the Navy in an effective and cost-efficient manner and could train a world-class workforce ready to meet the highly technical requirements associated with the maintenance and overhaul of the nuclear fast attack submarine fleet.”
Read the full letter to Secretary Del Toro here.
Portman, Brown Praise Confirmation of U.S. Federal District Court Judges for the Northern District of Ohio
Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today praised the confirmations of Ms. Bridget Meehan Brennan, Mr. Charles Esque Fleming, and Judge David Augustin Ruiz to serve as U.S. District Court Judges for the Northern District of Ohio. The Northern District has court locations in Akron, Cleveland, Toledo and Youngstown. It serves over 6 million Ohioans in the 40 most northern counties in Ohio.
“I’d like to congratulate Ms. Brennan, Mr. Fleming, and Judge Ruiz on their confirmation to the bench in the Northern District of Ohio by the U.S. Senate,” said Portman. “I was proud to recommend them to serve and know they will serve Ohio honorably.”
Portman, Brown Legislation to Name Avondale Cincinnati Post Office for Ohio World War II Aviators Advances From Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee
Senators Rob Portman (R-OH), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) applauded the advancement of their bipartisan legislation to name the Avondale Cincinnati Post Office for two Ohio World War II aviators, John H. Leahr and Herbert M. Heilbrun out of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
John Leahr and Herbert Heilbrun both flew for the U.S. Army Air Corps in World War II. Leahr was a Fighter Squadron P-51 Mustang pilot with the Tuskegee Airmen and Heilbrun was a B-17 bomber pilot. The Tuskegee Airmen escorted American bomber groups in Europe during World War II, and the two men flew on some of the same missions. They did not get to know each other, however, until 1997 when Heilburn attended a reunion of the Tuskegee Airmen to thank the unit for its work protecting his bomber. Leahr and Heilbrun discovered they had much in common. They were in the same elementary school class in North Avondale. They volunteered for the Army Air Corps after Pearl Harbor and worked in the same airplane engine factory while awaiting training. They even had similar career paths after the war. Leahr and Heilbrun became friends and dedicated their later years to sharing their experiences in World War II and promoting interracial understanding and unity. The Harvard Foundation for Intercultural and Race Relations honored them for their work in 2003, and their story is recounted in the 2007 book Black and White Airmen: Their True History.
This bipartisan legislation has already passed the U.S. House of Representatives and was introduced in the House by Congressmen Brad Wenstrup (R-OH) and Steve Chabot (R-OH) and co-sponsored by the entire Ohio delegation.
“I’m proud that this bipartisan legislation to name the Avondale Cincinnati Post Office after John Leahr and Herbert Heilbrun has advanced out of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. By naming the post office, we will honor the memory and lives of two incredible men who served our country during World War II and continued their public service long after their military service came to an end,” said Portman. “Their dedication to sharing their experiences in World War II and promoting racial understanding and unity should serve as an inspiration to us all. Their service to Ohio and to our nation is something that should never be forgotten.”
Portman, Van Hollen, Hyde-Smith, Peters Make Bipartisan Push for Independent Investigation Into USPS Delivery of Free Materials for the Blind & Physically Handicapped
Senators Rob Portman (R-OH), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, and Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, sent a letter to the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Office of the Inspector General requesting that Inspector General Tammy Whitcomb investigate the USPS Free Matter for the Blind or Other Physically Handicapped Persons program. The senators’ letter notes that the National Federation of the Blind reports these delays are widespread and are causing significant hardships for members of the blind and physically handicapped communities.
“We are writing to request that you conduct a review of USPS performance and operations with regard to Free Matter for the Blind or Other Physically Handicapped Persons. This program enables mail to be sent without charge if it is for the use of people who cannot read conventional print due to a disability. While the Postal Service is generally funded by revenues collected from postal customers, Congress appropriates a limited amount of funding to the Postal Service Fund to support certain programs, including free mail for the blind,” wrote the senators. “For those reasons, we ask that you review the procedures used by USPS to accept, process, and deliver Free Matter for the Blind or Other Physically Handicapped Persons, and provide recommendations to fix any problems identified by that review.”
The full text of the letter is available here.
Portman, Finance Committee Republicans: Congress Should Close the Book on the Failed Book Minimum Tax
Senator Rob Portman (R-OH), along with all of the Republican members of the Senate Finance Committee, urged Senate colleagues to reconsider efforts to implement a tax on financial statement income of U.S. companies, or a “book minimum tax,” detailing the problematic and unaddressed issues that have resulted from such proposals in the past. As the senators note, Republicans and Democrats rejected a previously enacted book minimum tax due to its numerous flaws and negative effects. Last December, Senator Portman spoke on the Senate floor outlining the harmful consequences of the book minimum tax in the Democrats’ reckless tax and spending proposal. He discussed his concerns with the new tax hike, saying it would amount to a new corporate alternative minimum tax that would not be based on income, but rather book value. He also highlighted how the tax would add to already surging inflation and that workers will be hurt the most.
“This fundamentally flawed proposal, which has not been properly vetted by either Congressional tax-writing committee, risks severely harming American manufacturers, exacerbating supply-chain disruptions, and ultimately costing U.S. jobs and investment. . . . Now is not the time to resurrect a harmful policy that would overwhelmingly hit American manufacturers and supply chains, as well as undercut critical research and development and investment in renewable energy and other emerging technologies,” wrote the senators.
“Simply stated, book income is not calculated and reported for tax purposes, and taxable income is not calculated and reported to provide a statement of financial condition for investors. Blending the two would muddle different concepts and purposes, to the detriment of both tax policy and standards of accounting,” continued the senators.
“Even more alarming is that this proposal, which would affect hundreds of American companies, millions of American jobs, and a massive share of the American economy, is being pursued without proper consideration by either the Senate Finance Committee or the House Ways and Means Committee in a hearing or markup. As a result, unintended consequences are sure to follow, requiring carve-outs beyond the one recently and hastily added for pension plans,” they concluded.
Full text of the letter, signed by all Republican Finance Committee members, is available here.
Portman to Biden Administration: Stop Giving a Green Light to Human Smugglers and Drug Traffickers
On the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, once again urged the Biden administration to take action on the ongoing migrant and drug crisis at the southern border. In addition to the unprecedented number of individuals, children, and families attempting to enter the country unlawfully, illicit narcotics, like fentanyl, are also coming across the border and into the United States, resulting in a record number of overdose deaths in Ohio and throughout the country.
In December, Portman visited the southern border in Nogales, Arizona where he witnessed firsthand the ongoing crisis and spoke to Border Patrol agents about the need for more and better technology to adequately scan all incoming passenger and commercial vehicles for drugs and other contraband. Portman has visited the southern border several times in the past year, and each time Border Patrol agents have highlighted the challenges they face with increased and more sophisticated efforts to smuggle illegal migrants and deadly drugs into the United States.
Last week, Portman issued a statement after U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) released operational statistics for December 2021 that showed that this December broke the record for the highest number of border arrests in December ever recorded. In addition, the statistics showed that Border Patrol continues to seize record numbers of fentanyl and other illicit narcotics from drug traffickers. In fact, seizures of deadly fentanyl increased by more than 50 percent between September and November. A transcript of the speech can be found here and a video can be found here.
Portman, Shaheen Reaffirm U.S. Bipartisan Support for Ukraine in CSIS Discussion
Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) participated in an event hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) addressing the crisis in Ukraine amid increased Russian aggression. The discussion was moderated by CSIS Senior Vice President Dr. Seth Jones.
The Senators addressed a number of key topics, including their bipartisan CODEL to Ukraine in January, updates on bipartisan sanctions legislation in the Senate, the latest news on the crisis and other implications related to Russia’s increased provocations along Ukraine’s border. A video of the event can be found here.
Thursday, February 3, 2022
Portman, Carper Applaud Committee Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Ensure Remaining Stamps to Promote Wildlife Conservation Are Sold
Senators Rob Portman (R-OH), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Tom Carper (D-DE) applauded the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee’s passage of their bipartisan Multinational Species Conservation Funds Semipostal Stamp Reauthorization Act which requires the U.S. Postal Service to sell the approximately 41 million remaining Saving Vanishing Species Stamps left in stock. When the program began in 2011, the U.S. Postal Service printed 100 million stamps to help promote wildlife conservation.
“We owe it to our future generations to preserve our planet’s rich wildlife and natural resources so they can continue to be enjoyed,” said Portman. “This successful stamp program has raised millions of dollars to fund conservation without any taxpayer money. I applaud the passage of our bipartisan legislation in the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and I am hopeful my Senate colleagues will join me in ensuring that every last stamp is sold.”
Bipartisan Resolution Reaffirming U.S. Support for the Belarusian Pro-Democracy Movement Unanimously Passes U.S. Senate
Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) applauded the unanimous passage of his bipartisan resolution reaffirming U.S. support for the Belarusian pro-democracy movement. The resolution calls for free and fair elections, reaffirms bipartisan support in the Senate for the pro-democracy movement, free media and the Belarusian people and condemns Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko’s acts of transnational repression. The resolution was cosponsored by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Ed Markey (D-MA), Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Bill Hagerty (R-TN). Portman and his colleagues introduced this resolution last August, on the one-year anniversary of the fraudulent presidential election in Belarus that installed Alexander Lukashenko for a sixth term.
“I am pleased this bipartisan resolution, which shows that the United States stands in solidarity with the people of Belarus and continues to condemn the brutal Lukashenko regime in the strongest of terms, has passed the Senate unanimously,” said Senator Portman. “The people of Belarus deserve free and fair elections and a democracy where their sovereign rights are respected and I continue to support their efforts in achieving those goals.”
Portman, Johnson Introduce Legislation to Prohibit TSA from Accepting Arrest Warrants as Valid Proof of ID
Senators Rob Portman (R-OH), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Ron Johnson (R-WI), Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, introduced legislation to prohibit the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) from accepting arrest warrants as valid proof of identification at airport security checkpoints and for other purposes. Portman introduced this legislation after TSA confirmed that it is using arrest warrants issued by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to help confirm the identity of unlawful migrants for travel by air. This Department of Homeland Security policy presents a national security risk because in some cases, TSA is relying on unverified data provided by an unlawful migrant at the time of apprehension at the border to serve as a verified source of their identity, causing DHS to potentially issue fraudulent identification to unknown individuals that then permits them to fly on American aircraft.
“It is concerning that DHS and TSA are allowing individuals to fly on U.S. aircraft based on unverified personal data provided to CBP or ICE when these people crossed the border unlawfully,” said Portman. “This policy is a national security threat and should be revoked as quickly as possible. It is policies like these from the Biden administration that give the green light to human smugglers and drug traffickers that they can unlawfully enter our country. This administration must change course and instill policies that help secure our border. That’s why I’ve introduced this legislation to prohibit the TSA from accepting arrest warrants of unlawful migrants as valid proof of identification.”
Portman Highlights Importance of Holding China Accountable, Securing Southern Border & Strengthening Cybersecurity at HSGAC Hearing to Consider DHS Nominees
Senator Rob Portman (R-OH), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, delivered opening remarks at a hearing to consider the nominations of William Valdez to be Under Secretary for Management at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Dimitri Kusnezov to be Under Secretary for Science & Technology at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security; and Kenneth Wainstein to be Under Secretary for Intelligence & Analysis at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Portman highlighted the important nature of these roles especially with regard to holding China accountable for its rampant theft of U.S. taxpayer-funded research and intellectual property; the need to secure our southern border as the United States continues to face the worst migrant and drug overdose crisis in recorded history; and strengthening the nation’s cybersecurity stance against emerging threats.
A transcript of his remarks can be found here and a video can be found here.
At Hearing, Portman Stresses Need to Hold China Accountable for Rampant Theft of U.S. Research & Intellectual Property
Senator Rob Portman (R-OH), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, stressed the need to hold China accountable for its rampant theft of U.S. taxpayer-funded research and intellectual property at a hearing to consider the nominations of William Valdez to be Under Secretary for Management at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Dimitri Kusnezov to be Under Secretary for Science & Technology at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and Kenneth Wainstein to be Under Secretary for Intelligence & Analysis at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Portman discussed his bipartisan Safeguarding American Innovation Act, which passed the Senate last year on a bipartisan basis as a part of the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act, and the nominees acknowledged the importance of the legislation to hold China accountable. Portman and Senator Tom Carper (D-DE), as Chairman and Ranking Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), led a year-long investigation into this issue culminating in a bipartisan report and hearing that detailed how American taxpayers have been unwittingly funding the rise of China’s military and economy over the last two decades while federal agencies have done little to stop it. Starting in the late 1990s through its “talent recruitment programs,” China began recruiting U.S.-based scientists and researchers to transfer U.S. taxpayer-funded IP for China’s military and economic gain. This legislation will ensure that the federal government is taking decisive action to safeguard American innovation and Portman has called for the legislation to be included in the House Democrat’s version of the legislation, which does not currently include the provision.
In addition, Portman pressed Valdez on how, if confirmed, he would work to address the worst unlawful migrant and narcotic crisis at the southern border in recorded history. Portman highlighted his recent visit to the southern border in Nogales, Arizona where he witnessed firsthand the ongoing crisis and spoke to Border Patrol agents about the need for more and better technology to adequately scan all incoming passenger and commercial vehicles for drugs and other contraband. Portman has visited the southern border twice in the past year, and each time Border Patrol agents have highlighted the challenges they face with increased and more sophisticated efforts to smuggle illegal migrants and deadly drugs into the United States.
A transcript of his questioning can be found here and a video can be found here.
Friday, February 4, 2022
Portman Statement on Biden Administration’s Decision to Exclude Bifacial Solar Panels from Solar Safeguard Tariffs
Portman released a statement following the decision by the Biden administration to exclude bifacial solar panels from their extension of the Section 201 safeguard tariffs on solar panels. In January, Portman sent a letter to President Biden urging him to heed the unanimous recommendation of the International Trade Commission (ITC) and extend the Section 201 safeguard tariffs on solar panels for another four years. In the letter, Portman stressed the importance of including bifacial solar modules in any safeguard extension, which were not currently subject to the tariffs and causing serious harm to domestic solar manufacturers.
“I am deeply disappointed that with the Biden administration’s decision on the solar safeguard today, the administration prioritized China’s anti free market practices over American jobs. While I am pleased to see the administration extend the solar tariffs for another four years, excluding bifacial solar panels from the safeguard — despite warnings from a unanimous, independent International Trade Commission — will have the opposite effect. It will do nothing to incentivize the investments necessary to expand domestic manufacturing of solar panels, and only continues our reliance on China and their forced labor practices for this technology.”
Portman, Colleagues Fight to Stop Resurrection of Biden-Obama WOTUS Overreach
Portman joined the entire Senate Republican Conference in urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to suspend the pending rulemaking to redefine the scope of waters protected under the Clean Water Act (CWA), specifically “waters of the United States” (WOTUS), until the U.S. Supreme Court completes its consideration of Sackett v. EPA, a case that is expected to have major implications on CWA scope and enforcement. The senators argue that it would be irresponsible for EPA and USACE to proceed with a rulemaking that could be invalidated or significantly altered as early as this summer. The letter also criticizes how the regulatory overreach proposed by the rule would “snarl American economic sectors in red tape” and impose significant uncertainty to a range of stakeholders, especially farmers and ranchers.
“The federal government should not promulgate rules for the sake of political expediency, but rather provide regulatory certainty for stakeholders within the bounds of an agency’s respective statutory authority,” the senators wrote. “Proceeding with the rulemaking at this time, despite the pending litigation and potentially influential ruling, will only deepen uncertainty within the regulated community.”
“We are foremost troubled to see that the proposed rule exceeds the regulatory authority granted to EPA and USACE by the Clean Water Act,” the senators continued. “The proposed rule seeks to federalize waters in a land grab that arguably surpasses its 2015 predecessor, improperly encompassing water features traditionally within the sole purview of states, while reverting from the comparative straightforward application of the 2020 Navigable Waters Protection Rule … and interjecting new uncertainties for nearly every private sector stakeholder.”
The letter was also signed by U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-SD), John Barrasso (R-WY), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Boozman (R-AR), Roy Blunt (R-MO), Mike Braun (R-IN), Richard Burr (R-NC), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Shelly Moore Capito (R-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), John Cornyn (R-TX), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Josh Hawley (R-MO), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Ron Johnson (R-WI), John Kennedy (R-LA), James Lankford (R-OK), Mike Lee (R-UT), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Rand Paul (R-KY), Jim Risch (R-ID), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tim Scott (R-SC), Ben Sasse (R-NE), Richard Shelby (R-AL), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Pat Toomey (R-PA), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Todd Young (R-IN). Read the full letter here.
Portman, Republican Colleagues Raise Serious Concerns with Intrusive IRS Identity Verification Measures
Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) and his Senate Republicans colleagues are raising serious questions and concerns with the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) announcement of a major expansion of its collaboration with ID.me that will require taxpayers to have an ID.me account to access key IRS online resources. In order to register with ID.me, taxpayers will need to submit to ID.me a trove of personal information, including sensitive biometric data, starting in the summer of 2022. Signing the letter along with Portman are Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), John Cornyn (R-TX), John Thune (R-SD), Richard Burr (R-NC), Pat Toomey (R-PA), Tim Scott (R-SC), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), James Lankford (R-OK), Steve Daines (R-MT), Todd Young (R-IN), Ben Sasse (R-NE), and John Barrasso (R-WY).
“The IRS has unilaterally decided to allow an outside contractor to stand as the gatekeeper between citizens and necessary government services. The decision millions of Americans are forced to make is to pay the toll of giving up their most personal information, biometric data, to an outside contractor or return to the era of a paper-driven bureaucracy where information moves slow, is inaccurate, and some would say is processed in ways incompatible with contemporary life,” wrote the senators.
To see the full list of questions and read the letter in its entirety, click here.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Portman talks about conflict between Ukraine and Russia
The situation in the Ukraine continues to grow more tense, and an Ohio Senator says that the United States needs to be ready for Russia’s next move. Senator Rob Portman was on “Meet the Press” Sunday morning talking about escalating crisis between Ukraine and Russia. President Vladimir Putin has thousands of troops on the border and the pentagon says he could invade at any time. Portman went to the Ukraine a couple of weeks ago to talk to their president about the ongoing threat and why he believes that the United States should get involved.
“This is about the fight for freedom,” says Portman. “This is a country that has decided that they want to be like us. They want to be a democracy. They want to respect the rule of law. They want to have a free enterprise system that’s strong and vibrant. This has all happened in the last eight years and they have turned to the EU and turned to the United States and said, we want to be part of the West.” Portman says the senate will be working on an aid package this week for Ukraine, which include sanctions against Russia, military aid, and help against cyber-attacks.
It’s been a year since Republican statesman Rob Portman announced he wouldn’t seek another term in the U.S. Senate. The Terrace Park resident has no regrets about the decision, even as he’s watched most of the GOP candidates vying to succeed him make total fools of themselves while incessantly kissing Donald Trump’s butt. Ohioans will miss Portman when he leaves office at the end of the year. But he still remains a powerful figure in Ohio politics, and he could end up playing a key role in the race to succeed him.
Portman told me this week that he has talked to Donald Trump about Ohio’s GOP Senate primary. Those discussions could ultimately inform the former president on whether to endorse in the race. “He has asked me about the race, and we’ve had general conversations about it,” Portman said in a wide-ranging, exclusive interview. “We’ve talked about who’s up and who’s down. He’s very interested.” Portman declined to discuss further details of his talks with Trump on the race, including whether the suburban Cincinnatian has suggested a specific candidate for an endorsement. Five of the six serious candidates have clamored for Trump’s endorsement. His finger is firmly planted in the wind, and a growing number of statewide GOP insiders believe Trump won’t end up endorsing.
If he does, however, there’s a good chance his endorsed candidate will be Ohio’s next U.S. senator. Trump remains incredibly popular in Ohio, a state he won by eight points in both the 2016 and 2020 general elections. For his part, Portman hasn’t decided yet whether he’ll endorse in the race. He declined to talk about specific candidates — though in his stately manner, Portman let me know he’s not pleased with some of the obnoxious campaign rhetoric.
“You can be a proud conservative and still talk about things that matter to people,” Portman said. It’s no secret that Portman and his family have a strong connection with former Ohio GOP Chairwoman Jane Timken, the only Republican woman in the Senate race. Portman’s wife, Jane, has raised thousands of dollars for Timken’s campaign. Timken’s top campaign operative, Corry Bliss, has been Rob Portman’s lead political strategist for several years.
Timken is credited with being a key player in helping to turn Ohio into Trump Country, particularly helping Trump tighten his grip on the state in 2020. Trump hasn’t forgotten what Timken did for him as Ohio GOP leader. The Portman-Trump relationship could help Timken get the former president’s endorsement. Though Portman is considered a Bush Republican – the type of normal, civil, work-across-the-aisle politician that Trump claims not to like – his influence with the former president shouldn’t be underestimated. Trump likes Portman, who supported the then-president during impeachment proceedings over dealings with Ukraine.
One of the questions Timken advocates could be asking Trump: Who do you want to work with if you run for president and win in 2024? Timken allies can tell Trump that no one in the primary field has done more for him than the Cincinnati native. Trump could trust Timken to carry out his agenda in the Senate. But Trump’s hesitation to endorse Timken may center on whether it would still be enough to push her past former Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel in the primary. Trump values loyalty, but he likes a winner even more.
Mandel is the frontrunner and has proven to be the Trumpiest candidate so far, willing to say anything outrageous to win over Trump voters. In reality, Mandel is leading the pack because he’s the only candidate who has statewide name ID. The Senate race isn’t the only topic that Portman and Trump have discussed. They’ve talked four or five times since Trump left the White House, Portman said, including three times about the infrastructure bill that passed late last year.
Portman was the lead negotiator for Senate Republicans on the $1.2 trillion bipartisan bill. It was vintage Portman, hunkering down on a challenging policy issue and working across the aisle. Trump criticized the infrastructure plan after it passed, labeling the Republicans who supported it as sellouts to President Biden’s agenda. Portman said he talked to Trump after the infrastructure bill passed. Portman credits Trump for raising the need to fix roads and bridges while he was in the White House.
“I encouraged him to not just support (the bill), but to take credit for it,” Portman said. “He got a lot of Republicans, including me, interested in infrastructure. We wouldn’t have gotten it done without him taking the lead and making it a priority for jobs and the economy.” Asked if he’d support Trump if he runs for president in 2024, Portman said: “I know that he has not made that decision. I intend to support the Republican nominee.” Portman sent shockwaves across the political world in January 2021 when he announced he would not seek reelection. He said he’d grown tired of the widening partisan divide, fearing its long-term impact on passing meaningful legislation.
But he’s not in cruise control in his final year. Portman has a full plate of policy issues. He’s working on legislation designed to curb China from stealing U.S. research and intellectual property. He’s working on getting the federal government’s focus back on the opioid crisis, which has gotten pushed to the back burner during the pandemic. Portman remains committed to delivering money from the infrastructure bill for the Brent Spence Bridge project back home. He’s encouraged by how Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, state lawmakers, business leaders and transportation officials are working together to pursue federal money. “I’m the lead Republican negotiator in the Senate, and I’m very much in charge of implementing (the infrastructure plan),” Portman said. “I’m going to watch very closely and make sure we get our fair share.”
Portman feels like the pressure of politics has been lifted. But he still worries about the future of the Republican Party. It’s nearly unrecognizable from what it was in 1989, when Portman first arrived in Washington to work as a legislative aide for then-President George H.W. Bush. “One of the things I worry about is when we’re trying to get these majorities back in the House and Senate, it’s easy to talk about what the Democrats are doing wrong,” Portman said. “But what’s our plan? Ultimately, you’ve got to talk about what you’re for. That’s how you win elections. That’s how you best move the country forward.”
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