Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States Senator for Missouri Roy Blunt

WASHINGTON – Last week, U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) helped introduce a bipartisan resolution condemning recent antisemitic incidents in the U.S. and around the world. The resolution also calls on leaders to denounce antisemitism and take specific steps to address it and prevent it.

“The recent rise in acts of hatred and violence against Jewish people, businesses, community centers, and places of worship in the U.S. and across the world is completely unacceptable,” said Blunt. “We all need to come together – public officials, religious leaders, and society as a whole – to show our support for people of the Jewish faith in Missouri, the U.S., and throughout the world. I’m proud to join more than 50 senators – Republicans and Democrats – in condemning the harassment, abuse, and violence we have seen spreading in our communities. I will always stand with the Jewish community, and I will always do my part to defeat antisemitism and all other forms of hatred.”

The resolution was led by U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (Nev.) and James Lankford (Okla.).

Source: United States Senator for Missouri Roy Blunt

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Roy Blunt (Mo.), James Lankford (Okla.), and Tim Scott (S.C.) released a letter they sent to U.S. Department of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona urging him to protect the First Amendment rights of faith-based student groups at public institutions of higher education.

The letter follows a recent court filing that indicates the Department of Education is considering regulatory action related to the Improving Free Inquiry, Transparency, and Accountability at Colleges and Universities Final Rule, which ensures the equal treatment of faith-based student groups at public institutions of higher education. In the letter, the senators raise concerns that a misguided legal challenge and potential regulatory action related to the final rule could result in changes that would fail to protect the First Amendment rights of faith-based student groups on campus.

 “No student group should suffer loss of official recognition, use of institutional facilities, or access to student fee funds simply for being faith-based.  It would come at too high a cost for the First Amendment and for the communities that benefit from these groups’ acts of public service,” the senators wrote. “We ask the Department to recognize the importance, and the constitutional rights, of faith-based student groups at public institutions of higher education. Current law already protects religious student groups in high schools. Students deserve the opportunity to organize under both their faith and at their university or college.”

Faith-based student groups make a significant impact in the communities they serve and provide a space for students to worship, practice, and learn more about their faith. Unfortunately, over the past decade, there have been incidents in more than 30 states where faith-based student groups have lost access to school resources because of their religious beliefs.

Source: United States Senator for Missouri Roy Blunt

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) announced that he is an original cosponsor of legislation to prevent the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) from being used as a political weapon against American citizens.

“People across Missouri are rightly concerned about the kind of government overreach and political targeting we’ve seen from the IRS in the past,” said Blunt. “I’m proud to join dozens of my colleagues in this effort to prevent any administration from using the IRS to target Americans for their political beliefs.”

From 2010 to 2012, the IRS under the Obama administration spent over two years systematically targeting conservative tax-exempt groups. The Trump administration released a final rule in May 2020 that prevented the IRS from targeting certain tax-exempt groups based on their political beliefs.

Senate Democrats’ S.1 – a partisan, 800+ page election bill – and House Democrats’ companion legislation – H.R. 1 – seek to repeal and undermine the Trump administration rule in order to weaponize the IRS to target nonprofit organizations based on the applicants’ political and policy positions.

The Don’t Weaponize the IRS Act codifies the Trump administration rule that protects groups regardless of their political ideology or beliefs and prevents the IRS from doxing donors to these groups.

Removing the requirement to report the names and addresses of donors helps protect taxpayers’ First Amendment rights: such information is not needed for tax administration purposes.

The bill is endorsed by the following groups: American Commitment, Americans for Prosperity, Americans for Tax Reform, Association of Mature American Citizens, Council for Citizens Against Government Waste, Club for Growth, Freedom Works, Heritage Action for America, Institute for Free Speech, National Taxpayers Union, and People United for Privacy.

The bill is led by U.S. Senators Mike Braun (Ind.) and Mitch McConnell (Ky.). In addition to Blunt, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (Idaho), Ted Cruz (Texas), Cindy Hyde-Smith (Miss.), Shelley Moore Capito (W.Va.), Mike Lee (Utah), Cynthia Lummis (Wyo.), Thom Tillis (N.C.), Ron Johnson (Wis.), Rand Paul (Ky.), Mike Rounds (S.D.), Marsha Blackburn (Tenn.), Richard Shelby (Ala.), John Cornyn (Texas), Roger Marshall (Kan.), Tommy Tuberville (Ala.), John Barrasso (Wyo.), Josh Hawley (Mo.), Steve Daines (Mont.), Richard Burr (N.C.), Bill Cassidy (La.), Rick Scott (Fla.), Jim Risch (Idaho), Pat Toomey (Pa.), Kevin Cramer (N.D.), Joni Ernst (Iowa), James Lankford (Okla.), Jerry Moran (Kan.), James Inhofe (Okla.), Roger Wicker (Miss.), John Thune (S.D.), Todd Young (Ind.), Chuck Grassley (Iowa), Ben Sasse (Neb.), Bill Hagerty (Tenn.), John Boozman (Ark.), Deb Fischer (Neb.), Marco Rubio (Fla.), Tom Cotton (Ark.), John Hoeven (N.D.), and John Kennedy (La.).

Source: United States Senator for Missouri Roy Blunt

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) released the following statement ahead of tomorrow’s 10-year anniversary of the 2011 Joplin tornado:

“When the tornado struck Joplin on May 22, 2011, there were first responders who rushed to provide aid, volunteers who worked tirelessly to help their neighbors, and friends and family who were there for one another as they mourned the loss of life and destruction. The people of Joplin showed the country the power of faith and community. They demonstrated the strength and resilience that make us proud to be Missourians. As we take time to remember the victims of this tragedy, I hope we will also reflect on the incredible job the Joplin community has done to recover, rebuild, and emerge from this crisis even stronger than they were before.”

Source: United States Senator for Missouri Roy Blunt

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, U.S. Senators Roy Blunt (Mo.) and Sherrod Brown (Ohio) introduced bipartisan legislation to require states to report data on all child abuse-related deaths and develop recommendations to prevent child abuse deaths from occurring in the first place.

The senators’ bill would provide policymakers and public health officials with a clearer picture of the number of child abuse fatalities and allow states to collect important information to better assess when and why child abuse fatalities occur.

“We need to do everything we can to keep children safe from abuse and neglect,” said Blunt. “Tragically, many experts fear that the number of child abuse-related deaths increased during the pandemic. Having a better understanding of the circumstances of every child abuse-related death will provide policymakers, law enforcement, and public health officials with important information to help prevent these awful crimes.”

“Right now, too many Ohio kids are slipping through the cracks. To prevent more of these tragic deaths, we must have complete and accurate data. It’s time to treat child abuse prevention as the public health issue that it is, and tailor our response to meet the needs of families in Ohio and around the country,” said Brown.

“Missouri KidsFirst is proud to support the Child Abuse Death Disclosure Act and thanks Senator Blunt for continuing to champion legislation to protect children,” said Jessica Seitz, Director of Public Policy, Missouri KidsFirst, the state’s chapter of Child Advocacy Centers. “Child abuse and neglect is a multi-factorial problem and child abuse and neglect fatalities are best addressed using multi-factorial solutions. This legislation is informed by best practices to prevent child maltreatment fatalities. By strengthening the national data on child maltreatment fatalities and implementing ongoing multi-disciplinary case reviews, the Child Abuse Death Disclosure Act complements and enhances work being done in Missouri to identify risk factors, assess systemic and community factors at or near the time of a child’s death, and develop policies to prevent fatalities from occurring.”

“Synergy Services is pleased to support Sen. Blunt and Sen. Brown’s continued efforts to advance the protection of children,” said Gwen O’Brien, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Director of Advocacy and Prevention, Synergy Services. “Strengthening the national data on child maltreatment fatalities and implementing annual multidisciplinary reviews of this information are critical steps in informing best practices and policies to eliminate child maltreatment fatalities. It is our hope that legislation such as the Child Abuse Death Disclosure Act will support the initiatives already in place in Missouri to improve accurate identification and classifications, identify risk factors, assess systemic factors at or near the time of the child’s death, and develop prevention strategies to eliminate child maltreatment fatalities.”

In 2019, the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS) estimated that approximately 1,840 children died from abuse and neglect. That’s up from the estimated 1,720 in 2017. The federal Commission to Eliminate Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities indicated in its 2017 final report that NCANDS data does not fully capture the entire number of child abuse fatalities and recommended significant reforms, including improved data collection and interagency collaboration, increased funding to child welfare programs, and the development of a standard definition of “child maltreatment fatality.”

The Child Abuse Death Disclosure Act would:

Require states to develop a multidisciplinary team to annually examine the circumstances of all child abuse-related deaths and report case-specific information to the National Center for Fatality Review and Prevention. The taskforce would also be required to develop recommendations to prevent child abuse deaths and submit an annual report to state and federal officials to publish on a national public website.

Require HHS to consult with state and local officials, child welfare practitioners, pediatricians, public health officials, and law enforcement to develop a national standard definition related to child abuse deaths or child maltreatment fatalities.

Promote training on child maltreatment fatalities for child death review teams to address disparities in treatment by officials or outcomes in child maltreatment fatalities based on race or culture and encourage best practices. States may also fund training for pediatricians and medical providers.

Source: United States Senator for Oklahoma James Lankford

06.08.21

WASHINGTON, DC – Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today praised a letter from Oklahoma State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax regarding the dangers he sees posed by S. 1 and H.R. 1, the For the People Act, to Oklahoma’s free and fair election process. Lankford has worked for years to ensure elections are secure, reliable, and remain state run. In 2018, Lankford delivered a speech on the Senate floor on how, under Secretary Ziriax’s leadership, Oklahoma efficiently and effectively blocked Russia’s interference attempts on Oklahoma’s voting system.

“Secretary Ziriax is a trusted election security professional with national credibility in making sure voting in Oklahoma is easy, fair, and secure, so this warning about the Democrats’ S.1 and H.R. 1 should raise red flags for anyone interested in free and fair elections,” said Lankford. “Oklahoma’s election process is simple and straightforward with paper ballot backups to ensure we can audit and have confidence in our election results. Senate Democrats want to take elections away from our states to be run by Washington, DC, and make cheating, voter fraud, voter intimidation, and ballot harvesting easier to do. I strongly agree with Secretary Ziriax’s opposition to these bills, and I remain committed to opposing this DC power grab of our elections.”

In his letter to the Senators, Ziriax wrote, “As Oklahoma’s chief election official, I am writing to make you aware of my concerns regarding S.1, companion legislation of H.R.1, which was considered by the United States Senate Rules Committee on May 11, 2021. In short, S.1 is an unnecessary (and constitutionally dubious) federalization of election administration policy that would negatively impact our ability to administer fair and secure elections in Oklahoma. The administration of elections should be left to the States, as the Constitution and our federal form of government intends.”

Ziriax went on to write, “If S.1 is enacted, it will lead to less confidence in the veracity of our nation’s election process, not more. My recommendation is that Congress drop efforts to federalize election administration and instead focus on proposals that can receive bipartisan support – such as enhancing federal assistance to the States for election cybersecurity.”

You can find the text of Ziriax’s letter below and HERE.

Senators Inhofe and Lankford:

As Oklahoma’s chief election official, I am writing to make you aware of my concerns regarding S.1, companion legislation of H.R.1, which was considered by the United States Senate Rules Committee on May 11, 2021.

In short, S.1 is an unnecessary (and constitutionally dubious) federalization of election administration policy that would negatively impact our ability to administer fair and secure elections in Oklahoma. The administration of elections should be left to the States, as the Constitution and our federal form of government intends.

The justification for S.1 that I hear most often from its proponents is that it is necessary to counter new “voter suppression” laws in the States. But the concerns about these new election laws seem exaggerated, and in many cases appear to be based on misinformation about the content of those laws. Furthermore, regardless of what is happening in other States, there is no evidence of “voter suppression” here in our state.

S.1 seeks to supersede most of Oklahoma’s election administration and election integrity laws. For example, it legalizes absentee ballot harvesting and makes it virtually impossible to verify the identity of in-person and absentee voters – in direct contravention of Oklahoma’s election laws. S.1 also attempts to micromanage some of the most minute details of election administration, such as voting hours and polling place locations.

S.1 is not compatible with Oklahoma’s election deadlines. For example, Oklahoma law requires that elections must be certified one week after the date of the election. But S.1 disregards such deadlines by requiring absentee ballots to be accepted and counted 10 days after Election Day – three days after the state must certify the election results according to our own laws. This is unworkable.

Even setting aside concerns about the constitutionality of S.1, this legislation is not realistic in its timelines for implementing its election administration changes. By our estimation, implementing even a few of its major provisions could take years – yet S.1 demands that many new election administration policies and technologies be put in place in time for the 2022 elections. This is not only impossible, it also sets up election officials for failure and guarantees chaos in our elections.

Under the Constitution and our federal system of government, it is the responsibility of State Legislatures to determine the time, manner and place of elections. In my opinion, Congress should not attempt to implement a one-size-fits-all set of election rules for the States. Furthermore, S.l’s sponsors are trying to make it difficult for States and concerned citizens to challenge its constitutionality by requiring plaintiffs to go to Washington, DC, to file lawsuits against it. Even with this attempt to make legal challenges more difficult and expensive to file, it seems certain that the enactment of S.1 would lead to costly and lengthy litigation.

Finally, although my concerns with S.1 are too numerous to provide an exhaustive list in this letter, I can say its flaws do not seem possible to fix through the amendment process. If S.1 is enacted, it will lead to less confidence in the veracity of our nation’s election process, not more.

My recommendation is that Congress drop efforts to federalize election administration and instead focus on proposals that can receive bipartisan support – such as enhancing federal assistance to the States for election cybersecurity. If you or your staff would like to discuss this issue further, please feel free to contact me. Thank you.

Sincerely

###

Source: United States Senator for Oklahoma James Lankford

06.08.21

WASHINGTON, DC – Senator James Lankford (R-OK) joined Senators Jim Inhofe (R-OK) and Steve Daines (R-MT) to lead a letter to Majority Leader Schumer and Minority Leader McConnell urging them to bring the Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act to the Senate floor for a vote during the June work period. Lankford, Inhofe, and Daines were joined by Senators Roger Marshall (R-KS), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Rick Scott (R-FL), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Mike Braun (R-IN), John Boozman (R-AR), James Risch (R-ID), Roger Wicker (R-MS), John Thune (R-SD), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Tim Scott (R-SC), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), John Hoeven (R-ND), Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Mike Rounds (R-SD).

The Senators wrote: “All individuals have inherent value, regardless of their age, status, disability, race, sex or any other factor. Despite popular social narratives regarding the need to protect society’s weak and marginalized, unborn babies—the most vulnerable individuals in our society—are continually targeted through abortion.”

They continued: “…We must protect babies with Down syndrome from being targeted for lethal discrimination by abortion. Therefore, we strongly urge you to bring the Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act to the Senate floor for a vote during the June work period.”

The full text of the letter can be found here and below.

Dear Majority Leader Schumer and Minority Leader McConnell,

As members committed to the protection of all life, we strongly urge you to bring S. 75, the Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act, up for a vote during the June 2021 work period. This critical legislation would protect unborn babies from being targeted for abortion simply because they have or may have Down syndrome.

All individuals have inherent value, regardless of their age, status, disability, race, sex or any other factor. Despite popular social narratives regarding the need to protect society’s weak and marginalized, unborn babies—the most vulnerable individuals in our society—are continually targeted through abortion. Estimates show that over 62 million children have been aborted since Roe v. Wade—children whose lives held vast potential and worth. Furthermore, the discriminatory nature of abortion is often ignored.

Unborn babies with disabilities are at the forefront of this discrimination. In the United States, more than two in three babies diagnosed with Down syndrome are aborted. Reports show that the population of individuals in Iceland with Down syndrome is being virtually eradicated altogether before those children have a chance at life outside the womb. While all abortion is tragic, systematically targeting individuals with Down syndrome through abortion is eerily reminiscent of the eugenics movement. As Justice Thomas has noted, state laws preventing abortion on the basis of Down syndrome “promote a State’s compelling interest in preventing abortion from becoming a tool of modern-day eugenics.”

The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals recently acknowledged the importance of the government’s interest in this issue as well when it upheld Ohio’s law banning abortion on the basis of a Down syndrome diagnosis. As Judge Batchelder stated in her opinion, Ohio’s law:

relies on its interests in: (1) protecting the Down syndrome community from the stigma it suffers from the practice of Down-syndrome selective abortions; (2) protecting women whose fetuses have Down syndrome from coercion by doctors who espouse and advocate the abortion of all such fetuses; and (3) protecting the integrity and ethics of the medical profession by preventing doctors from enabling such targeted abortions.

 We believe the Federal government has an interest in protecting this community as well. 

This effort has the overwhelming support of the American public. Earlier this year, a Knights of Columbus – Marist Poll found that 70 percent of Americans oppose aborting a child on the basis that the child will be born with Down syndrome. This includes over half of those who identify as pro-choice.

We must protect babies with Down syndrome from being targeted for lethal discrimination by abortion. Therefore, we strongly urge you to bring the Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act to the Senate floor for a vote during the June work period. 

Sincerely,

###

Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand

June 08, 2021

Approximately 122,000 Children in Foster Care System Waiting for a Home, But Discriminatory Laws are Keeping Them From Caring Families Wanting to Foster or Adopt, Based on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Marital Status and Religion; In New York State, More Than 3 In 4 LGBTQ+ Youth Ran Away Or Were Removed From Their Foster Homes

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, alongside U.S. Representatives Danny Davis (D-IL-7), Jenniffer González-Colón (R-PR), Angie Craig (D-MN-2) and Sean Patrick Maloney (D-NY-18), is leading the bipartisan and bicameral John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act. This bill would prohibit discrimination against prospective foster or adoptive parents, and children and youth in the foster care system on the basis of religion, marital status, gender identity, or sexual orientation, and would bar harmful practices, like conversion therapy. Additionally, the bill would improve services to LGBTQ+ and religious minority youth, and would establish a National Resource Center for LGBTQ+ youth in foster care within the Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families.  

“There are hundreds of thousands of children in foster care right now and they deserve the chance to be raised by loving and caring parents. Unfortunately, many families who are ready, willing, and waiting to bring these children into their homes have been blocked from doing so by organizations that discriminate against prospective foster and adoptive parents based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or religion,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I am proud to be the Senate sponsor of the John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act, and I will continue fighting for this important legislation that will create a system that supports the best interests of children, and foster and adoptive parents, and will ensure more access to loving, safe, and supportive environments for children in need.”

“Children in foster care are among the most vulnerable people in our society,” said Congressman Danny Davis (D-IL-7). “And government has a unique responsibility to ensure that each and every child in foster care finds a loving, affirming family. Not just the white ones. Not just the Christian ones. And not just the straight ones. The John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act promotes the best interests of children by increasing the number of foster and adoptive homes available to all children in foster care and improving services to LGBTQ and religious-minority children. As one who grew up in the segregated south, I understand first-hand the profoundly detrimental effects of discrimination.  I am proud to join with my colleagues to champion this bill to protect foster youth and families from discrimination based on religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and marital status.”

“Throughout my time as a public servant, I have tirelessly worked to shape a better and more just adoption policy that promotes the best interests of those who are affected the most, the children,” said Rep. Jenniffer González Colón (R-PR). “According to the latest data, almost 443,000 youth are in foster care in the U.S. of which 4,539 reside in Puerto Rico. This legislation would break another barrier in the adoption process by increasing the chances of these children to be placed into a loving and permanent home. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bill, and I thank Rep. Danny Davis for leading it as we rename this bill to honor the life of our late friend and colleague, Congressman John Lewis, who continues to inspire us to create a better and more inclusive America. As a champion for equal treatment Congressman Lewis was forward thinking and a role model to us all.”

“As an LGBTQ adoptive parent and a proud mother to four boys, I am painfully aware of the widespread discrimination that exists in the adoption and foster care system in this country,” said Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN-2). “No state should allow discrimination against LGBTQ foster children or adoptive parents who can provide a safe and loving home. I’m proud to help carry on John Lewis’ legacy by joining my colleagues in introducing legislation to ensure that LGBTQ adoptive parents and children are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve in our foster care system.”

“Family Equality thanks Congressman Danny Davis for his leadership and applauds this critical piece of legislation, which will change the lives of so many LGBTQ+ youth and families,” said Stacey Stevenson, CEO of Family Equality. “There are 400,000 youth in foster care and hundreds of loving families who want to open their homes to these young people but who are turned away. Discrimination against qualified prospective parents that deprives children of loving homes breaks the cardinal rule of child welfare:  that agencies must act in the best interests of the child. As the late Representative John Lewis said when he first championed the Every Child Deserves a Family Act, ‘This bill is the right thing to do, and quite frankly, it is long overdue.’”

“A large majority of Americans oppose allowing discrimination in taxpayer-funded adoption and foster care,” said Julie Kruse, Director of Federal Policy of Family Equality. “It is time that Congress listens to the will of the American people and eliminates discrimination in our nation’s child welfare system once and for all.  This discrimination must end.”

“Sadly, children who experience foster care have experienced trauma. The last thing they need is to be placed in a home that doesn’t affirm them for who they are or that is improperly trained to support their wellbeing, inclusive of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and religion. PFLAGers understand this. We strive to help families develop the skills to love and affirm their LGBTQ+ loved ones while honoring their faith traditions, too,” said Diego M. Sanchez, APR, Director of Advocacy, Policy and Partnerships for PFLAG National. “This is why PFLAG National supports the John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act of 2021. The rights and dignity of every child and every family involved in the foster care system should be protected everywhere.”

“As a foster and adoptive parent who is a bisexual woman married to another woman, I am keenly aware of how the lack of federal protections in foster care affects families like mine,” said Laura McGinnis, a staff member of PFLAG National and member Family Equality’s National Network. “Anti-LGBTQ bias of the local child welfare agency meant our oldest child’s infant sibling was initially placed with a non-affirming family who intended no contact. To preserve the rights of these siblings to grow up together, we had to fight in court, something most families can’t do. The John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act of 2021 would set a clear national standard to prevent discrimination that harms children and birth families who experience foster care.”

“Simply put, we have more children in foster care that we have beds to place them in,” says Schylar Baber, Executive Director of Voice for Adoption. “We need every viable family we can get. There is no time to waste. We must end discrimination to ensure that every child in foster care finds a permanent place to call home.” 

“The John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act of 2021 is a critical tool for preventing homelessness and housing insecurity among LGBTQ+ youth and young adults,” said Gregory Lewis, executive director and CEO of True Colors United. “Young people with lived experience of homelessness frequently identify ending discrimination in foster care as one of their top priorities. It’s time for us to listen to them and to take real action to prevent youth homelessness by ensuring that LGBTQ+ youth in foster care are treated with dignity and respect.”

“NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice applauds the introduction of the John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act and urges Congress to swiftly pass this necessary legislation into law. As a person of faith, I know that every person is made in the image and likeness of God,” said Mary J. Novak, executive director of NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice. “Children and families who are part of our child welfare system must have their intrinsic dignity recognized in every aspect. Ending discrimination is a moral imperative and critical to protecting the dignity and wellbeing of our families, friends, and neighbors. It is an injustice to deny children and prospective parents the opportunity to create a loving home together because of who they are or who they love. Our faith teaches us that the family can show society how to better care for all of its members. Discrimination has no place in our communities and neighborhoods, especially when it keeps children from thriving. This legislation is a fitting way to honor Congressman John Lewis’ vision of a country that cares for and supports all people and families. Congress must place this legislation on President Biden’s desk.”

“As Jews, we often pray for a sukkot shalom – a shelter of peace – to be spread over us and all the world so that no one has to live in fear,” said Rabbi Jason Kimelman-Block, Washington Director of Bend the Arc: Jewish Action. “Each one of the over 400,000 children and teens in foster care deserve a loving and caring home, and we must make it easier for them to find that peace by ending discrimination in the foster care system.”

There are nearly 425,000 children in the foster care system, and more than 122,000 children waiting for a permanent family. This bipartisan legislation is designed to increase the number of homes available to all children in foster care and to improve services to LGBTQ+ and religious minority youth. Approximately 28% of homeless youth with a foster care history identify as LGBTQ+ and are more likely to experience adverse events, such as being physically harmed or stigmatized, compared to peers with no foster care history. In New York, studies show that more than 3 in 4 LGBTQ+ youth ran away or were removed from foster homes because of the hostilities they faced, and more than half felt safer living on the street. This legislation would put an end to discriminatory policies and create a system that supports the best interests of children and foster and adoptive parents alike.

Specifically, the John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act would:

• Prohibit organizations receiving federal funding from discriminating against children, youth, families, and individuals on the basis of religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), and marital status in the administration and provision of child welfare services.

• Ban conversion therapy for children participating in child welfare programs receiving federal funding.

• Promote safety, well-being, and permanency for LGBTQ+ children in foster care.

• Requires data collection on LGBTQ+ youth and families so we can better monitor these trends and issues, and it would establish a dedicated National Resource Center for LGBTQ+ youth in foster care within the Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families. 

The John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act is endorsed by 175 supporting organizations.

This bill is cosponsored by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Tom Carper (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tina Smith (D-MN), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Richard Burr

06.08.21

Senate HELP Committee considers key nominations for critical roles overseeing pandemic response and mental health, substance use

Today, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee held its nomination hearing for Dawn O’Connell to serve as Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) and Miriam Delphin-Rittmon to serve as Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use. 

Ranking Member Burr’s Prepared Opening Statement:

“Chair Murray, thank you for holding such an important hearing today.

“Dr. Delphin-Rittmon and Ms. O’Connell, welcome.

“Both of you are signing up for roles that will come with unprecedented demands.

“Federal service at this level always requires a significant commitment of time and energy, but the pandemic has changed the responsibilities of these roles.

“You will both be in the thick of policy decisions to help Americans heal from a year of loss and lockdowns, and make us better prepared for future public health emergencies. 

“Strong, effective leadership is critical for both of these roles, and is the attribute I value the most in my considerations.

“I plan to spend a majority of my time this morning speaking to the role of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response – which I like to call the ‘ASPR.’

“Before I do, I want to take a few minutes to discuss the difficult task at hand for the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, who will lead SAMHSA.

“Dr. Delphin-Rittmon, the past year has been extremely trying for the American people.

“Many have experienced loss at unprecedented levels – the loss of loved ones, the loss of being able to hug family and friends, the loss of jobs, and school, and routine. 

“Children are increasingly having stress and anxiety, and doctors and nurses are seeing more children showing up at hospitals with serious mental health conditions. 

“Later this week the Committee will be marking up the reauthorization of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to respond to the crisis of child abuse that has grown more acute due to the closure of schools during the pandemic.

“Alongside these challenges, we are in danger of losing ground on all of the progress that we have made in the fight against the opioid crisis. 

“Should you be confirmed, you will go from serving 3.6 million people in Connecticut to 332 million Americans.

“You have an opportunity to bring access to this type of care to more Americans.

“Don’t return to the status quo.

“Embrace the technologies that can better serve Americans in need as we recover from COVID-19.

“Use your experience at the state level to empower state and local leaders to design programs and solutions that best meet their communities’ needs.

“Ms. O’Connell, welcome. Candidly, I wish that this hearing was held months ago.

“This administration has had an acting ASPR since January 20 – in the middle of our response to a pandemic.

“The statutory lead on public health emergencies was left open during the most significant public health emergency of our lifetimes.

“ASPR should have been one of the first slots filled by this administration.

“I will also point out to my colleagues that there is another absolutely critical public health position that has not yet been named.

“The FDA Commissioner.

“I have the greatest respect for Janet Woodcock, she is leading the FDA ably, and I think she “has all of the qualifications needed for this moment, but we need a fully confirmed person in that role.

“We need a nominee and I look forward to vetting her in this Committee. 

“Ms. O’Connell, in our previous conversations we talked about the reason we wrote the ASPR into statute.

“It was to answer the simple question of – who is in charge during a public health emergency.

“The statute is extremely clear. The ASPR is in charge, and serves as the principal advisor to the Secretary on these matters.

“This is not a political or a personal choice for any administration, it is the law. 

“It is a role that we envisioned with two types of responsibilities.

“First, the ASPR serves an operational role.

“During an emergency, the ASPR coordinates the public health and medical response – whether that threat is a hurricane, a novel virus, or a chemical attack.

“Another part of the day job is the assessment of, and investment in, our medical countermeasures enterprise.

“As the head of the Public Health Emergency Medical Countermeasures Enterprise or PHEMCE and with oversight of BARDA and the Strategic National Stockpile, this job covers the research, development, procurement, and deployment of these life-saving products. 

“Second, the ASPR is a policy job, assessing the threat landscape and adjusting our strategies to best position the United States for the threats we face today and in the future.

“My questions today are designed to make sure that you are a good candidate for the entirety of the role as developed and envisioned by this Committee.

“With each iteration of the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act – or PAHPA for short – we have adjusted our emergency preparedness and response framework, including the role of the ASPR.

“During the last reauthorization we more closely tied the position to the intelligence community, providing the ASPR with a greater line of sight into the ever-changing landscape of the threats that we face. 

“We made ASPR the head of the PHEMCE to coordinate and make decisions on medical countermeasure investments.

“And, we updated the ASPR’s job description to ensure a focus on both of these operational and policy roles.

“ASPR’s responsibilities also now include the stockpile, a move that strengthens the operational side of this job.

“With the ASPR over the stockpile, he or she can follow taxpayer investments from the advanced research at BARDA all the way through to the last mile of deployment during an emergency.

“Yet the office of the ASPR has also been utilized in ways that are outside of its scope.

“This distracts ASPR from its mission and ultimately makes us less prepared.

“When we wrote the first PAHPA we hoped that we would never have to use this law to its fullest extent, but the time came during COVID-19.

“A lot of the framework that this Committee designed worked very well during the pandemic.

“We have three authorized vaccines with more on the way, dramatically changing the trajectory of our response to COVID-19 for the better. 

“But the response was not perfect, and the work is not done.

“Instead of looking to the ASPR, the last Administration created its own leadership structure for the COVID response, building the plane and flying it at the same time. 

“Congress intentionally created ASPR to avoid this confusion, and to tip of the spear during a response.

“I know who was supposed to be in charge, because I helped write the law putting ASPR at the front.

“So as our Committee looks at what improvements need to be made in law, I hope that, if you are confirmed, you and my colleagues will work with me: to see what mistakes were made and how to learn from them, to make it more clear that the ASPR is in charge, that you have the tools you need, and that when the next pandemic comes, because it likely will, that ASPR is ready to stand up and take the lead

“The American people expect us to do all we can to protect them from public health threats and to communicate those actions to them.

“They deserve an ASPR that can command the response and coordinate their colleagues across HHS.

“And that brings the same urgency and vigilance to the role in peacetime as in the middle of a response.

“I look forward to our conversation today and hearing whether you are ready to rise to this challenge.

“I yield back.”