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Rob’s Rundown: Week of April 4- April 8, 2022

Source: United States Senator for Ohio Rob Portman

April 8, 2022 | Rob’s Rundown

Senator Portman was back in Washington this week for the final week of session before the Spring State Work Period. On Monday he spoke on the Senate floor for the eighth straight week about the crisis in Ukraine. Portman denounced the massacre by Russian troops of innocent civilians in Bucha and indiscriminate shelling of humanitarian corridors where Ukrainians seeking safe passage have been murdered. He also continued to reiterate steps that will help counter Russia – including cutting off the energy revenue that fuels the Russian war machine, more defensive weaponry to Ukraine, further sanctions on Russian banks, trade restrictions, and additional tax consequences. He also highlighted his work as co-chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, which recently hosted four members of Ukraine’s Parliament, also known as Rada, and Ukrainian Ambassador Oksana Markarova to discuss what more can be done to help Ukraine.

On Wednesday, Portman attended the White House signing ceremony for his bipartisan, bicameral Postal Service Reform Act. The law will set the United States Postal Service on a more sustainable financial footing, support the goal of providing long-term reliable service across the country and make the first major reforms to the Postal Service in nearly 15 years.  Portman also applauded on Wednesday the announcement that the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has made more than $20 billion investment in American transit –$259 million for Ohio – thanks to the Portman’s bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

On Thursday, Portman and Senator Wyden released a discussion draft of legislation to disallow Foreign Tax Credits for companies that pay taxes to the Russian government, and other tax benefits, and he applauded the Senate approval of legislation that would ban Russian energy imports and revoke Russia’s Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) status with the United States. Senator Portman was among the first to call for this action against Russia.

Finally, at a Senate Finance hearing Portman questioned Secretary Becerra of the Department of Health and Human Services about ending Title 42, and the detrimental effect its sunsetting would have on our already porous border.

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

Tuesday, April 5, 2022
 

Portman Statement on the Nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to Serve on the U.S. Supreme Court

Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) issued the following statement on the Supreme Court nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson:

“Judge Jackson’s nomination to the Supreme Court is historic and all Americans can be proud of her personal story.

“I appreciated meeting with Judge Jackson, watching the Judiciary Committee hearings, and listening to her responses to member questions. I found her to be engaging and thoughtful with strong credentials, but based on her responses to my questions, her record, and her answers at her confirmation hearing, I cannot support her nomination.

“We simply have a different judicial philosophy. I believe the job of a Supreme Court Justice is to fairly and impartially apply the law and protect our rights guaranteed by the Constitution, not to advance public policy goals by legislating from the bench. During our meeting, I asked Judge Jackson about her approach to interpreting and applying the law, restraints on judicial activism, and her experience as a judge. I’ve asked each of the Supreme Court nominees who have come before the Senate during my tenure about this.

“Although Judge Jackson doesn’t have a long record as an appellate judge, her district court opinions, such as Make the Road New York v. McAleenan and American Meat Institute v. USDA, indicate she does not feel constrained by the plain language of congressionally-enacted statutes or judicial precedent. Based on her record, answers to questions in the Judiciary Committee, and my meeting with her, I am concerned Judge Jackson will use her position on the Supreme Court to legislate from the bench as many more activist judges have done in recent decades.  

“Lastly, during our personal meeting, Judge Jackson refused to say whether she supports adding more justices to the Court, a court-packing proposal the radical Left supports that would politicize and discredit the Court.  During her hearing, she said she would be ‘thrilled to be one of however many justices there are on the Court,’ which suggests she is indifferent to the idea of court packing.  Even her mentor, Justice Stephen Breyer, as well as Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, defended the institution and opposed packing the Court, recognizing it would call the Court’s integrity into question. Judge Jackson could have committed to protecting the Court’s credibility and the rule of law, but she declined to do so.

“Because of these reasons I have decided that I will not support Judge Jackson to a lifetime appointment on the Supreme Court.”

On Senate Floor, Portman Highlights Russian Atrocities Against Innocent Ukrainians, Urges U.S. and European Allies to Help Ukraine Win the War Against Russia

Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) spoke on the Senate floor about the ongoing invasion of Ukraine, as Russia continues to commit war crimes and kill innocent Ukrainian civilians. Portman highlighted the massacre by Russian troops of innocent civilians in Bucha and indiscriminate shelling of humanitarian corridors where Ukrainians seeking safe passage have been murdered. He also continued to reiterate steps that will help counter Russia – including cutting off the energy revenue that fuels the Russian war machine, more defensive weaponry to Ukraine, further sanctions on Russian banks, trade restrictions, and additional tax consequences. Last week, Portman met with four members of the Ukraine’s Parliament, as known as Rada, and Ukrainian Ambassador Oksana Markarova to discuss what more can be done to help Ukraine. Senator Portman has spoken on the floor eight weeks in a row about the need for the Biden Administration to offer more aid, more quickly. As co-chair of the bipartisan Senate Ukraine Caucus, Portman has continuously called for stronger, swifter action against Russia as they continue their deadly assault on Ukraine.  

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

At Senate Finance Hearing, Portman Questions Secretary Becerra on Access to Substance Use Treatment and the Border Crisis 

During a Senate Finance Committee hearing Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) asked Secretary Becerra about a pandemic flexibility to prescribe controlled substances such as Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) via telehealth and Portman’s bill, the TREATS Act, to make this flexibility permanent. Portman sent a letter to Secretary Becerra with Senator Whitehouse urging the agency to use their statutory authority under the Ryan Haight Act to ensure Americans can continue to access important medication, such as MAT, via telehealth once the COVID-19 public health emergency ends.

Senator Portman also expressed his concern about the administration’s decision to end Title 42 in May. Portman noted the record number of border crossings from unlawful migrants, as well as the drugs that come from the Southern border and into Ohio. As Ranking Member of the Senate Committee of Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Portman noted the seriousness of this ongoing threat due to the border crisis. Senator Portman has been to the Southern border and seen this firsthand, where in Nogales, Arizona, he 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. 

A transcript of Senator Portman’s questioning can be found below and video can be found here. 

Wednesday, April 6, 2022
 

Portman, Peters, Comer, Maloney Bipartisan, Bicameral Postal Service Reform Act Signed Into Law
 

Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member and Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee, and U.S. Representatives James Comer (R-KY) and Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), Ranking Member and Chairwoman of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, announced that their historic, bipartisan, bicameral Postal Service Reform Act was signed into law. The law will set the United States Postal Service on a more sustainable financial footing, support the goal of providing long-term reliable service across the country and make the first major reforms to the Postal Service in nearly 15 years. 

“I am proud that our bipartisan Postal Service Reform Act has been signed into law. This historic piece of legislation, when coupled with the Postal Service’s transformative 10-year plan, will set the United States Postal Service on a more sustainable financial footing and support the goal of providing long-term reliable service across the country,” said Ranking Member Portman. “Our legislation will make the first major reforms to the Postal Service in nearly 15 years, and will help continue to bind Americans together and ensure the delivery of vital medicines, business documents, and personal correspondence that we, as a nation, depend upon.”

“This historic, bipartisan law is a momentous achievement that shows when lawmakers put their differences aside and work together, we can deliver meaningful results for the American people.  For nearly 250 years, the United States Postal Service has worked to deliver essential mail to businesses and households all across this nation.  However, in recent years we saw how unfair policies forced this treasured institution to cut costs and delayed the delivery of medication, financial documents, and other critical mail,” said Chairman Peters. “These long overdue reforms will undo these burdensome financial requirements, save the Postal Service billions of dollars to help prevent future cuts that harm service, and ensure this public institution is accountable and transparent to the American people.  I am grateful to my colleagues for helping me lead this legislation and securing significant support for these reforms on both sides of the aisle.  Together, our efforts will ensure the Postal Service can continue to connect Michiganders and all Americans for years to come.” 

“The Postal Service Reform Act is the biggest bipartisan accomplishment this Congress and will strengthen USPS for the years to come.  All Americans, whether they live in rural communities or big cities, rely on the Postal Service, so we all want this vital institution to continue delivering for the public,” said Ranking Member Comer. “The bipartisan Postal Service Reform Act, coupled with Postmaster General DeJoy’s reform plan, modernizes USPS to ensure it operates like a 21st century business that provides reliable service to the American people.  I’m proud of the bipartisan work Chairwoman Maloney and I have accomplished and am pleased our bill is now the law.” 

“Today, Congress and the Biden-Harris Administration saved the Postal Service and delivered for the American people,” said Chairwoman Maloney. “This historic law will finally get the Postal Service on sustainable financial footing after decades of decline.  I am proud to have negotiated this bill across party lines and to have worked hand-in-hand with Ranking Member Comer, Chairman Peters, and Ranking Member Portman.  As Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, I vow to continue using my gavel to conduct rigorous oversight over the Postal Service to ensure it remains financially stable and continues to serve the American people for generations to come.” 

The Postal Service Reform Act will provide key financial and operational reforms to the United States Postal Service. The law will eliminate the onerous prefunding requirement that has hurt the Postal Service financially, and integrate postal worker retirees’ health care with Medicare. Together, these two reforms will create more than $49 billion in savings for the Postal Service over the next ten years. In addition, the law will require the Postal Service to maintain its standard of delivering at least six days a week. The Postal Service Reform Act will improve transparency of Postal Service operations to both customers and Congress by requiring the publication of easily accessible local weekly service data on the Postal Service website, as well as regular and detailed reporting to Congress on Postal Service finances and operations. The law also includes additional provisions for Postal Service effectiveness, accountability and growth. In February 2022, the House of Representatives passed the Postal Service Reform Act with a bipartisan vote of 342-92 and in March 2022, the Senate passed the Postal Service Reform Act with a bipartisan vote of 79-19. 

The full bill text of the Postal Service Reform Act can be found here.

Portman Applauds $259 Million Investment in Ohio Transit

Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) applauded the announcement that the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has made more than $20 billion investment in American transit –$259 million for Ohio – thanks to the Portman’s bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. According to the FTA, the funding levels, detailed in these apportionment tables for each of 30 programs for fiscal year (FY) 2022, will provide 58 percent more funding, enabling transit agencies to modernize and expand services for residents in communities large and small. 

“I applaud the announcement by the Federal Transit Administration that they have made more than $259 million available for transit projects across the state of Ohio. These funds will make a huge difference for every Ohioan,” said Portman. “This is exactly why I worked so hard to pass the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act – more transit systems than ever can repair and update their buses, railcars, and facilities – bringing America’s infrastructure into the modern era.”

Ohio’s allocation of $259 million will help support which supports transit agencies achieve a state of good repair, improve service to rural areas, enhance mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities, and improve safety and oversight. This topline total includes:

Full-year funding for these programs was made available following the passage of an FY 2022 government spending bill, passed in March. Previous continuing resolutions passed by Congress prohibited the full implementation of new programs and funding levels created under the bipartisan infrastructure law. 

Thursday, April 7, 2022
 

Portman, Wyden Release Bipartisan Bill to Disallow Foreign Tax Credits and Other Tax Benefits for Companies Operating in Russia

Senators Rob Portman (R-OH), Senate Finance Committee Member, and Ron Wyden (D-OR), Senate Finance Committee Chair, today released a discussion draft of legislation to disallow Foreign Tax Credits for companies that pay taxes to the Russian government, and other tax benefits.

“We have bipartisan agreement on policies to ensure American taxpayers are not subsidizing the Russian war machine. Vladimir Putin continues to bomb civilians, and there are now credible reports and strong evidence of war crimes, including execution of civilians, are emerging from liberated cities,” said Portman and Wyden.

The senators continued, “If companies choose to keep doing business in Russia and paying taxes to Putin’s government in the face of these atrocities, they should forfeit their foreign tax credits and deductions for taxes paid to Russia in the United States. Russian oligarchs and companies supporting Putin also shouldn’t be getting tax benefits in the United States. These are simple propositions.

“The tax code already disallows lower tax rates and foreign tax credits for companies paying taxes to countries with rogue regimes. Our commonsense proposal simply adds Russia and Belarus to that list. We’re looking forward to working with our colleagues to move this legislation forward.” 

A summary of the legislation can be found here.

The discussion draft legislative text can be found here. 

Portman Applauds Senate Passage of Legislation Banning Russian Oil Imports and Revoking PNTR Status for Russia

Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) applauded Senate approval of legislation that would ban Russian energy imports and revoke Russia’s Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) status with the United States.

Portman has been a leading voice on these issues. He was the first Republican to call for suspending PNTR with Russia on February 25, 2022. He also was the first to introduce legislation on the topic with his bipartisan, No Trading with Invaders Act. The No Trading with Invaders Act formed the basis for today’s vote, and also was the first proposal to include reauthorization of the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act.

Portman was also among the first Senators to call for the Biden administration to halt the import of Russian energy into United States following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. On March 3, 2022, Portman introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation with Senators Murkowski and Manchin, the Ban Russian Energy Imports Act, to prohibit the United States from importing Russian energy products, including oil, coal, and natural gas. This strong bipartisan action prompted President Biden to issue Executive Order No. 14066 on March 8, 2022, banning Russian energy imports into the U.S. 

“I applaud Senate action on both of these initiatives,” said Portman. “These are key ways the United States is helping to bankrupt Vladimir Putin’s economy, which is fueling his war machine and the brutal assault against the people of Ukraine. Energy is Russia’s biggest export and accounts for roughly half of its revenues. This bipartisan action is yet another signal to our allies overseas that they too must stop the purchase of Russian energy. The U.S. stands ready to support our allies through this transition.  

“In addition, free trade with the United States is a privilege, not a right. Invading a sovereign nation, a democracy no less, is certainly grounds for us to take that privilege away. The United States has the right to deny this privilege under WTO rules for national security reasons and, as such, we should no longer give Russia, or any country that invades another, unrestricted access to our economy,” said Portman.

Portman, Colleagues: Biden Tax Mandate Unconstitutional 

Senator Rob Portman (R-OH), member of the Senate Finance Committee, joined an amicus brief at the 11th Circuit Court, arguing that President Biden’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) unconstitutionally blocks states from lowering taxes.

“If the Tax Mandate is unambiguous, it amounts to an impermissible assault on the States’ sovereignty,” write the senators. “If it is ambiguous, it fails to pass one of the Supreme Court’s clear limitations on Congress’s conditioning authority.”

Joining Portman on the brief are Senators Tim Scott (R-SC),  Mike Crapo (R-ID), John Barrasso (R-WY), John Boozman (R-AR), Mike Braun (R-IN), John Cornyn (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), James Inhofe (R-OK), James Lankford (R-OK), and Todd Young (R-IN).

Republican Study Committee Chair Jim Banks (R-IN), House Ways and Means Ranking Member Kevin Brady (R-TX), and more than 50 other Republican congressmen also signed onto the brief. The brief was filed on behalf of the members by the American Center for Law & Justice. 

Background:

To read the amicus brief, click here.

At Senate Finance Hearing, Portman Discusses the Need for the IRS to Fix Backlog 

Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) questioned IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig about the delay in millions of taxpayers’ tax returns. Portman highlighted the stories he has heard about small businesses unable to secure loans due to not having a processed tax return. Commissioner Rettig agreed with Portman on the need to address the processing backlog, and Portman noted his bipartisan work with Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) on IRS reform, including the Protecting Taxpayers Act, which was included in the Taxpayer First Act. Portman is currently working to authorize funding for customer service, as well as an overhaul of the Individual Masterfile and to begin revamping the Business Masterfile. In addition to the strong focus on IRS customer service, Senator Portman is working to increase the amount of funding for low-income taxpayer clinics (LITCs), create an IRS Strategic Transformation Office, deploy 2D technology on paper returns to prevent future backlogs, provide direct hiring authority to help get employees on boarded more efficiently, and ensure all IRS applications have audit trails to protect taxpayer information.  

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

Portman, Colleagues Introduce Bill Delaying End of Title 42 & Ensuring Comprehensive Plan in Place to Secure the Border

 

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH), James Lankford (R-OK), Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), John Cornyn (R-TX), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), John Thune (R-SD), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Jon Tester (D-MT), Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) introduced the Public Health and Border Security Act to require all COVID-19 related national states of emergency to be lifted before Title 42 is officially terminated.

 

“We have a crisis at our southern border and lifting Title 42 without any plan to deal with this crisis will only make it worse,” said Portman. “I continue to urge the administration to pause this decision, work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who want to find a solution that effectively deals with this crisis.”

 

The Biden administration has announced its plans to terminate the Title 42 order on May 23, an initiative Portman has expressed concern due to inadequate time for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide a plan that will prevent further chaos at the border. This bill prevents the administration from ending the Title 42 emergency authority until at least 60 days after ending the COVID-19 national emergency declaration. After the end of the national emergency, the Department of Homeland Security would have thirty days to submit to Congress a plan to address the impacts of the post-Title 42 migrant influx. That plan must be made in coordination with local governments, federal agencies, and non-governmental organizations on the front-lines of the migrant crisis.

  

A bill to end the federal emergency declaration passed the Senate on March 3, 2022, with Portman’s support. Portman has advised against revoking Title 42 until DHS puts a workable plan in place to end the chaos at the southern border.

 

Friday, April 8, 2022

Portman, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Reduce the Risk of Zoonotic Disease Transmission, Support Conservation

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) introduced bipartisan legislation, the Preventing Future Pandemics Act of 2022 (S.4074), with U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), John Cornyn (R-TX), Chris Coons (D-DE), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and Tom Carper (D-DE) to allow the U.S. to help countries take proactive steps to reduce the risk of zoonotic spillover – the transmission of disease from animals to humans – through the commercial trade in live wildlife and the closure of associated wildlife markets. 

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical nexus between a supporting a healthy environment and promoting our public health. The Preventing Future Pandemics Act of 2022 authorizes the U.S. to work in partnership with countries around the world — who voluntarily seek to work with the U.S. — to develop “Global Health Security Zoonoses Plans.” These plans outline actions to address new zoonotic pathogens that have pandemic potential; identify incentives and strengthen policies to strengthen biosecurity and hygienic standards across the wildlife trade; and, provide technical support to policymakers, civil society, law enforcement, and other stakeholders. 

In particular, this legislation emphasizes the United States’ role in promoting a One Health approach, which includes collaboration with the private sector and all levels of government, as well as strengthening conservation practices to support resilient ecosystems and reduce the threat of zoonotic disease transmission.

“This legislation takes a balanced approach that will allow the U.S. to provide technical assistance and support to countries to reduce the risk of zoonotic disease transmission through the wildlife trade and within live wildlife markets,” said Senator Portman, co-chair of the International Conservation Caucus.  “Conservation is found at the core of a healthy planet, and this legislation strengthens the tools the United States has to promote conservation and public health around the world. I urge my colleagues to join us in getting this common sense legislation across the finish line.” 

“We may want to be done with this pandemic, but COVID-19 and subsequent pandemics aren’t done with us. There is a clear connection between the health of humans, animals, and the habitats they live in, so we should be investing now in protecting habitats and ending the trade of live wildlife to reduce unnatural contact between humans and wildlife where dangerous diseases can be transmitted. Doing so will set the United States up as a leader for preventing future pandemics around the world, and that’s why we need to pass this bipartisan legislation,” said Senator Coons, co-chair of the International Conservation Caucus.

 

Portman, Hassan, Cassidy, Hickenlooper Introduce Reauthorization of Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program

Legislation Promotes Early Hearing Detection in Newborns, Infants & Young Children

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), and John Hickenlooper (D-CO) introduced the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act of 2022, legislation that will reauthorize current research and improve public health programs for early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of hearing loss in newborns, infants, and young children for five additional years. The program is currently set to expire at the end of FY 2022. Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-KY) and Rep. Doris Matsui (D-CA) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives, which passed overwhelmingly last December in a vote of 410-17.

“Early hearing detection is critical because children with hearing loss often fall behind their peers in speech development, cognitive skills, and social skills,” said Portman. “This bill takes important steps to continue critical programs for early hearing detection and intervention for newborns, infants, and young children. I’m hopeful we can move this legislation quickly in a strong bipartisan way.”

“Early detection and diagnosis of hearing loss helps ensure that parents have the tools they need to help their children, and that children will receive the support they need to develop and thrive,” said Hassan. “I’m pleased to join Senator Portman on this bipartisan effort and to work together to help all children.”

“For all of us to do better, each person must be able to achieve their potential,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Screening children’s hearing and making sure that those who cannot hear well have their problem addressed benefits that child and benefits us all.”

“The Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act gives millions of newborns the chance to thrive. This is an undeniably successful program. We can’t let it lapse,” said Hickenlooper.

NOTE: The Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act reauthorizes current research and public health activities related to early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of hearing loss in newborns and infants. Specifically, this legislation:

  • Authorizes development of programs for hearing screening of newborns, infants, and young children;
  • Authorizes prompt evaluation and diagnosis of children referred from screening programs;
  • Provides for educational, audiological, and medical interventions for children confirmed to be deaf or hard-of-hearing;
  • Allows education and medical models to ensure that newborns, infants, and young children who are identified through hearing screening receive follow up by qualified early intervention providers, qualified health care providers, or pediatric medical homes; and
  • Continues research and development for early hearing detection and intervention, including development of technologies and clinical studies of screening methods.

Stakeholders who support the bill include: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, American Cochlear Implant Alliance, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (AG Bell).

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