Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

***Click here for video. Click here for audio.***

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) discussed Over the Horizon Radar Testing during a Senate Armed Services subcommittee hearing this week with General Glen VanHerck, Air Force Commander of U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) and Northern Aerospace Defense (NORAD) Commander.

“I really appreciated our time together and our discussions about Over the Horizon Radar and all domain awareness, and of course, the hugely-successful test of over the horizon radar at Camp Grafton,” said Senator Cramer. “I just ask if you could further explain the importance of over the horizon radar and how it increases the capability to defend the homeland and why you need the resources to fast-track some procurement.”   

 

“Over the Horizon gives us the capability to have domain awareness much further than we do today, which increases decision space for our senior leaders, and that’s a top priority for me. It’s also my number one on my unfunded priority list to fast-track the site survey and additional development so we can get this domain awareness capability of Over the Horizon Radar sooner,” said General VanHerck. 

In 2019, NORAD / NORTHCOM and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) completed OTHR testing at Camp Grafton, the North Dakota National Guard training center, which Senator Cramer spoke to General VanHerck about earlier this year.

Click Here to Watch the Full Exchange

Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) announced mobile office hours for LaMoure and Ashley on Wednesday, June 23. 

“I am grateful we are able to once again hold mobile office hours. While it’s not always easy or possible for people to get to my state offices, these opportunities bring the services we offer closer to our constituents,” said Senator Cramer.“Having members of my staff in LaMoure and Ashley will give North Dakotans more chances to explore solutions to the problems they face with people who are in a position to help.”

Individuals from the LaMoure and Ashley areas are encouraged to stop by the mobile office for help with veterans and Social Security benefits, Medicare difficulties, immigration issues, military records or medals, or assistance with federal agencies. 

Mobile Office Hours – Wednesday, June 23

LaMoure City Hall 

11:00 am – 12:00 pm 

27 Center Ave W

LaMoure

Ashley City Hall

2:30 pm – 3:30 pm 

113 1st Ave NW

Ashley

Contact Senator Cramer’s constituent services representative, Reid Kemp, atReid_Kemp@cramer.senate.gov for more information. For press inquiries, please contact Jake_Wilkins@cramer.senate.gov.

Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

June 11, 2021

Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) joined Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin) and 20 additional Republican colleagues in introducing the Iran Nuclear Treaty Act.  The bill would give the American people a proper constitutional check by requiring that the president submit to Congress any renewed nuclear deal with Iran as a treaty.  The Iran Nuclear Treaty Act would strengthen the role Congress plays by ensuring the advice and consent of the Senate is taken into account for a new nuclear agreement, as well as prevent waiving, suspending, reducing or limiting the application of sanctions on Iran before the Senate has concurred.  The Constitution provides sole power to the Senate to approve, by a two-thirds vote, treaties negotiated by the executive branch. 

“The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action was poorly-negotiated and failed to permanently end Iran’s nuclear program or address its malign influence and terrorist proxies in the Middle East,” said Crapo.  “Iran’s influence continues to prop up global terrorist groups that are a direct threat to the United States and its regional allies. The American people widely disapproved of the agreement, and Congress was never consulted on ways to strengthen our nation’s side of the deal, which gave the Iranian regime a green light to continue its nuclear arms race and financial support of violent activities across the globe. Congress must be able to provide advice and consent on any similar agreements.” 

“The Iranian regime presents a significant and enduring challenge to United States’ national security interests,” said Risch.  “While negotiators gather in Vienna, Iran continues to develop ballistic missiles, attacks American troops and diplomats in Iraq, funds Hamas’ attacks against Israel, facilitates Houthi aggression in Yemen, and enables the Assad regime’s continued atrocities in Syria.  The path to a lasting Iran policy that best serves the needs of the American people must pass through the Senate for its consent and ratification.”

Text of the bill can be found here. 

Additional co-sponsors include Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Marco Rubio (R-Florida), Mike Braun (R-Indiana), Cotton (R-Arkansas), John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Jerry Moran (R-Kansas), Ben Sasse (R-Nebraska), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Tim Scott (R-South Carolina), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), Todd Young (R-Indiana), John Boozman (R-Arkansas), Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Steve Daines (R-Montana). 

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Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)

June 11, 2021

Resources for rural Oregon county are from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley said today that Jefferson County will receive $140,000 in federal funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to help boost broadband access and speed in the county.

“Improved broadband for rural Oregon is as crucial to good infrastructure now as electrification once was decades back for rural America,” said Wyden, who also is urging the FCC to make rural broadband a priority. “This federal investment from the COVID relief package to build better broadband for Jefferson County will help Central Oregon to strengthen links for residents to jobs, schools, telehealth and more. I hear often in my virtual town halls in rural Oregon counties about how rural broadband must be a top priority, and I’ll keep battling to support stronger broadband connections for communities throughout Oregon.”

“Broadband access is essential 21st century infrastructure that Oregonians need to work, study, and stay connected and healthy,” said Merkley. “I’m pleased that this funding is headed to Jefferson County, where it will help us ensure that every Oregonian has the foundation they need to thrive. I will continue to do all that I can—including through my work on the Senate Appropriations Committee—to ensure that broadband access is expanded in every corner of our state.”

The federal Economic Development Administration (EDA) resources are from the CARES Act, which Wyden and Merkley voted to pass in 2020.

The EDA said its investment supports the development of a robust broadband feasibility plan to assess the gaps, inventory, obstacles, and potential for increasing rural broadband in Jefferson County.  The project will help boost access and broadband speed by engaging with a consultant to conduct a plan and assessment to help increase business innovation, boost productivity, and create more jobs.  Once implemented, the plan will help establish the analytical foundation for critical broadband infrastructure development in the area and help guide local leaders and stakeholders as they make the region more resilient to future economic shocks like the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are thankful to receive this EDA investment opportunity,” said Kelly Simmelink, Chair of the Jefferson County Commission. “We are grateful for the help of Senators Wyden and Merkley in helping our small rural county be able to take the first step towards bettering broadband availability for all citizens of Jefferson County.”

“The City of Madras and Jefferson County have long struggled with broadband services that affect all sectors of our economy,” said Nicholas Snead, Community Development Director, City of Madras. “The EDA grant funding will allow Jefferson County and the City of Madras to develop a cost-effective broadband plan for all of Jefferson County. This funding will be transformational and we very much appreciate the support and assistance from Senators Wyden and Merkley.”

 

Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker

WASHINGTON, D.C.— U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) has reintroduced a resolution designating June 12, 2021 as Women Veterans Appreciation Day, to recognize the growing presence of women in the Active Duty, Guard, and Reserve Forces, and honor women veterans for their dutiful military service. June 12 marks the anniversary of the signing of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act of 1948 that allowed women to serve as permanent members of the military. Representative Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) will introduce the companion bill in the House. 

  

“From disguising themselves as male soldiers during the American Revolution and the Civil War to serving as combat helicopter pilots in Afghanistan, women have served our country with valor and honor since our nation’s inception,” said Senator Booker. “Marking June 12 every year as Women Veterans Appreciation Day is a fitting recognition for their selfless sacrifice. To the nearly two million women currently serving in our Armed Forces today and to the many that came before them: thank you for your dutiful service and commitment to our country’s freedom.”

The resolution was also co-sponsored by Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Mike Braun (R-IN), Jacky Rosen (D-NV).

“This is the 3rd year we are celebrating the accomplishments of our women veterans through Women Veteran Appreciation Day. These accomplishments were won through bravery , tears and sacrifice often without acknowledgment. NJSOSVETS Veteran Stake Holders and Catholic Charities Veteran Services is happy to be able to stand with our sisters in acknowledging all the contributions that they have made to this great country through their service . We are committed to continuing working for the respect and resources that they so much deserve,” said David Pearson, Co-Chair, SOS Veterans Stakeholder Group. 

“Women Veterans Appreciation Day gives us the opportunity to create a day where we can have a voice for issues that we as women veterans face that are uniquely different to those of our brothers in arms. Today, we can recognize the fight, strength, resilience but more so, the diversity and inclusiveness women have brought and continue to bring to the military,”said Lucy Del Gaudio, US Army, Veteran Advocate Program Manager, Minority Veterans of America and Co-Chair, NJ SOS Veterans Stakeholders Women Sub Committee.    

 

The full text of the resolution can be viewed here. 

 

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Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today applauded the confirmation of Judge Zahid Quraishi to serve on the U.S. District Court of New Jersey.

 

“Judge Quraishi is extraordinarily well qualified to serve New Jersey and our country as a federal judge. He is well qualified because of his character, who he is as a person, and his commitment to service. But he is well qualified on a higher standard than that. He is a patriot to this country. Patriotism is love of country and his actions have shown his love for America,” said Senator Booker. “I am so proud and excited that he will become the first ever Muslim American Senate confirmed federal judge in our country’s history. In a bipartisan vote, this is a chance to show our commitment to great people, to a great man. To a person of patriotism and conviction.”

 

Booker’s floor remarks in support of Judge Quraishi can be viewed here.

 

Earlier this week, the Senate confirmed Julien Xavier Neals to the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey.  Booker delivered remarks on the Senate floor in support of his nomination. View his remarks on Judge Neals here.

 

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Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) delivered remarks at the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing on “NCAA Athlete NIL Rights.” Booker is the co-author of the College Athletes Bill of Rights, groundbreaking legislation that will change the landscape of college sports and protect and expand the rights of college athletes.

 

WATCH HERE

 

 

Key Excerpts

 

“Modern college athletics is a de facto for-profit industry that is just too often exploiting men and women – taking advantage of their genius, of their talent, of their artistry, robbing many of them of earnings in their peak years, leaving them often injured with a lifetime worth of costs, sometimes looking back and their universities are still making profits off of their names. The changes we’re talking about should allow athletes, as we all agree to benefit from their significant commercial value, that is now being cynically exploited to the profits and an industry that’s making 15 to $25 billion large companies, even their own schools are profiting off of them. And they’re sharing and nothing with that.”

 

“…there are deeper issues that we should talk about as well, that have not been fixed. Since 2000 alone, we’ve seen the death of at least 30 players who have died from heat related illnesses. We now have a better understanding of what concussion does to athletes throughout their lives, but we are sitting here at a time that the NCAA doesn’t even have an enforceable concussion protocols. Are our student athletes, are they really the center? If they were, we would do something about the forces that are creating such a dangerous environment for them. Because the truth is, the incentives are imbalanced.”

 

“Now is the time for the NCAA to evolve as an organization to truly put the students first and their concerns and their needs. So some people want to make this process as simple as possible pass a narrow piece of legislation, as its July 1 deadline comes at, I admit, is an existential threat to sports as we know it. But I’m saying no, we cannot do that. I encourage this committee to focus on the broader concerns. Make this not about the profit, but about the people. Make this not about continuing the billion dollar industry and protecting it as we know it, but elevating the floor to make sure that we address these concerns that I know I’ve spoken to the heart of many of our colleagues on both sides of the aisle.”

 

“We cannot trust that this will fix itself. This is the moment. This is the opportunity. If we delay justice for those athletes, justice delayed is justice denied. I hope we will take advantage of this opportunity to fix these problems and make college athletics again or, for the first time, truly about the athletes that are involved.”

 

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