Category: US Senate

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Graham, Menendez, Blumenthal Introduce Iranian Enrichment Monitoring Act of 2023

Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Lindsey Graham

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Bob Menendez (D-New Jersey) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut) today introduced the Iranian Enrichment Monitoring Act of 2023.

The bill would require the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to notify Congress within 48 hours if Iran has produced or possesses any amount of highly enriched uranium greater than 60 percent purity.  This new 48-hour notification requirement would greatly decrease the amount of time Iran would have to enrich uranium for a nuclear weapon without Congressional awareness.

“In most cases, knowledge is power. This bipartisan legislation requires Congress be notified within 48 hours if Iran produces or possesses highly enriched uranium, above 60 percent purity,” said Senator Graham. “There is no legitimate civilian purpose for Iran to have uranium enriched to this level – the only reason is for military purposes. This legislation will ensure that Congress is informed in a timely manner of advancements by Iran regarding their desire to build a nuclear weapon. I believe there is tremendous bipartisan support for this idea, and hope it becomes law as soon as possible.”

“Every minute counts when it comes to monitoring the dangerous advancements in Iran’s nuclear program,” said Senator Menendez, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “The Iranian regime continues to push the limits with its enrichment, and we must be vigilant to ensure it never gets a nuclear weapon. This act will help ensure Congress is fully equipped with information about the developments of Iran’s nuclear program, and ensure the United States is able to respond to Iran’s provocations.”

“Preventing a nuclear-armed Iran is critical to protecting our national security and the safety of our allies in the region and around the world. Monitoring Iran’s nuclear program and requiring Congress to be notified of significant enrichment activity will ensure our nation is fully aware of their capabilities. With proper safeguards and intelligence, we can be prepared to address the risks and dangers that may arise from Iran’s potential development of a nuclear weapon,” said Senator Blumenthal.

The Iranian Enrichment Monitoring Act of 2023 would:

  • Require the DNI to notify Congress no later than 48 hours after determining that Iran has produced or possesses any amount of uranium-235 enriched to greater than 60 percent purity.
  • Require subsequent congressional notification if any enrichment of any amount of uranium–235 to a purity percentage that is five percent higher than the purity percentage indicated in the prior notification to Congress occurs or if any enrichment of uranium–235 in a quantity exceeding 10 kilograms occurs.

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Fischer Statement on President Biden’s Veto of Legislation Blocking Aggressive EPA Emissions Rule

Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, released the following statement after President Biden vetoed her legislation to overturn an aggressive EPA regulation on heavy-duty vehicle emissions. The rule is expected to devastate the trucking industry, raise costs for consumers, and incentivize older, less efficient trucks to stay on the road.

“Today, President Biden chose to prioritize his extreme environmental agenda over bipartisan pushback from Congress. This veto is more than just a slap in the face to truckers, who transport nearly every consumer good. Pushing this excessive regulation forward will also raise prices for families already grappling with inflation. I’ll continue to work with my colleagues on ways to push back against these devastating government mandates,” said Senator Fischer.

The legislation previously passed both Houses of Congress with bipartisan support, by a vote of 50-49 in the Senate and 221-203 in the U.S. House of Representatives. U.S. Representative Troy Nehls (R-Texas-22) led the legislation in the House.

Background:

The EPA finalized its rule on new emissions standards for heavy duty vehicles on December 20, 2022. The rule’s new standards cover nitrogen oxides (NOx) and other air pollutants including particulate matter (PM), hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide (CO). The rule would also change requirements regarding emission control systems and emission-related warranties.

The EPA estimated that the technology required to meet the new rule’s standards will cost between $2,568 and $8,304 per vehicle. The American Truck Dealers Association estimates it is more likely a $42,000 increase per truck. In total, the EPA projects the associated costs of this new regulation on the country could reach $55 billion over the lifetime of the program.

The EPA’s regulation would be challenging to implement and make new, compliant trucks cost-prohibitive. By increasing the cost of a new truck, the regulation actually incentivizes keeping older, higher-emitting trucks in service longer. It would also likely force many “mom & pop” commercial trucking operations out of business while encouraging larger trucking operations to pass these higher costs onto consumers.

Adding new financial burdens on the trucking industry would increase the cost of any product transported by trucks, including food, clothing, and other commodities.

A one-pager on the legislation can be found here.

A recap of stakeholder support can be found here.

Full text of the legislation can be found here. 
 

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HYDE-SMITH BACKS BILL TO BRING WHOLE MILK ACCESS TO ALL SCHOOLS

Source: United States Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss)

HYDE-SMITH BACKS BILL TO BRING WHOLE MILK ACCESS TO ALL SCHOOLS

Miss. Senator Cosponsors Bipartisan ‘Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act’

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today helped introduce bipartisan legislation to amend the federal school lunch program guidelines to allow unflavored and flavored whole milk to be offered in school cafeterias.

The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act (S.1957), introduced by Senator Roger Marshall M.D. (R-Kan.) on Tuesday, would expand healthy milk options in schools to improve students’ nutrition intake as a critical step toward improving child nutrition health outcomes.

“More and more we are seeing good things, like nutritious milk, get wrongly thrown out in the zeal to force so-called healthier lifestyles.  Generations of mothers know that children need and thrive on milk, which provides essential nutrients necessary for healthy development,” Hyde-Smith said.  “This legislation would restore whole milk as an option for students, which would be beneficial for them.” 

“Today, 2 out of 3 children do not receive their recommended daily dairy intake.  Our legislation aims to change that by reinstating whole milk in school cafeterias.  I truly believe food is medicine, and by increasing kids’ access to milk, we will help prevent health complications down the road and encourage nutrient-rich diets for years to come.  Whole milk is an excellent source of nutrients for students and adults alike in building strong bones.  Plus, it tastes good,” Marshall said.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans reports that nearly 90 percent of Americans do not meet their daily dairy intake recommendations.  Additionally, leading nutritionists have found that whole dairy fats have no negative effect on a diet, and may even reduce risk of heart disease.

S.1957 seeks to require schools to include “whole, reduced-fat, low-fat, and fat-free” milk as options in the National School Lunch program, and to exempt milk from USDA saturated fat limits established in the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act.  Current law requires flavored milk in schools must be fat-free, though schools may seek a waiver to offer low-fat (1%) flavored milk.

Additional Senate cosponsors include U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), John Fetterman (R-Pa.), James Risch (R-Idaho), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Angus King (I-Maine), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa.).

U.S. Representative Trent Kelly (R-Miss.) cosponsored the House companion bill (HR.1147), which was introduced by House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-Pa.).

The National Milk Producers Federation and International Dairy Foods Association support the legislation.

“We applaud Senators Marshall and Welch for working to ensure all students have access to the healthy milk options that they will choose to drink.  Most children and adolescents do not meet their daily dairy recommendations.  This is a nutrition problem for our country’s youth because they are not taking in dairy’s unique nutritional profile, which includes 13 essential nutrients.  By expanding the options in school meal programs to include the most popular varieties of nutritious milk, discouraging food waste and encouraging better nutrition, the bipartisan Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act provides a commonsense solution that increases schools’ ability to choose milk varieties that best meet their students’ nutritional needs.” Jim Mulhern, President and CEO of National Milk Producers Federation said.

“The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2023 would allow schools to provide a wider variety of nutritious milk options that children prefer to drink.  Whole milk provides students with milk’s 13 essential nutrients for growth, development, healthy immune function, and overall wellness.  Nutritionists, school meal professionals, and a wide majority of parents know that offering whole milk increases school meal participation, reduces food waste, and adds to the nutritional value of school meals for children and adolescents,” Michael Dykes, D.V.M., President and CEO of International Dairy Foods Association said. 

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Lankford, Sinema Bill Cracking Down on Cartel Recruitment & Smuggling on Social Media Passed by Homeland Security Committee

Source: United States Senator for Oklahoma James Lankford

06.14.23

WASHINGTON, DC– The Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee today approved bipartisan legislation offered by the Border Management Subcommittee Ranking Member Senator James Lankford (R-OK) and Chair Senator Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ). The Combating Cartels on Social Media Act keeps families safe by cracking down on cartels that recruit teenagers through social media to conduct smuggling and trafficking.

Lankford and Sinema were joined in introducing the bill by Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), John Tester (D-MT), and Thom Tillis (R-NC).

“Social media companies list in their ‘terms of service’ that the platform cannot be used for illegal activities, but at the same time they allow human smugglers to advertise, promote how to illegally enter the US, and demonstrate how to avoid the US Border Patrol when crossing the border,” said Lankford. “The largest social media companies pick and choose which illegal activities they like and which they do not like, and clearly, they like people illegally crossing the US border. Social media companies need to be held accountable for turning their heads to human trafficking at the cost of human lives. Today, the Senate Homeland Security Committee took the first steps to make sure this stops.”

“Cartels lure Arizona teenagers through social media into dangerous and illegal activities with the promise of easy cash, putting Arizonans’ lives at serious risk. I’m proud our legislation cracking down on this criminal activity to keep families safe, hold social media platforms accountable, and secure our border moves one step closer to becoming law,”said Sinema.

“I want to thank Senators Sinema and Lankford for introducing and advocating for this important piece of legislation. Many Americans are not aware of the fact that the drug cartels in Mexico, who have no regard for human life, are routinely using social media platforms to recruit Americans to assist them with their smuggling operations. We see teenagers, some of whom are not even old enough to have a driver’s license lured into transporting illegal narcotics and aliens. The cartels promise easy money and thrill. What these young people often get is a dangerous high-speed chase and a felony conviction. These young people literally ruin their lives before they have even reached adulthood. I am so pleased to see this legislation clear the Senate Homeland Security Committee and I hope that Congress can quickly pass this legislation,” said Brandon Judd, President of the National Border Patrol Council.

Sinemaand Lankford’s Combating Cartels on Social Media Actestablishes and implements a national strategy to combat illicit recruitment activity by transnational criminal organizations on social media and other online platforms to fight back against cartels using online platforms to recruit Americansfor smuggling operations along the southwest border.The strategy will help law enforcement hold cartels accountable.

The Senators’legislationalso requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to analyze cartels’ illicit usage of social media and establishes a process for technology companies to voluntarily report cartel recruitment efforts in the US to DHS and state and local partners.

Lankford remains the leading voice in the Senate to secure our southern border, end catch-and-release, and fix the broken asylum process. Lankford got Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to admit that our asylum process is broken and being abused and that our entire immigration process is broken.

Lankford and Sinema recently visited the US-Mexico border in Nogales, Arizona, after Title 42 authority was lifted, and he saw first-hand the national security risk the wide-open border has presented because CBP has been forced to process illegal migrants into the US instead of protecting the border. Lankford also called out the Biden Administration for fudging the illegal border crossing numbers to fake success of their Title 42 plan. 

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In Case You Missed It: VIDEO: Capito Emphasizes Need for Reliable Broadband

Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

Click here or on the image above to watch Senator Capito’s floor speech.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) delivered remarks on the Senate Floor regarding the need for strong, reliable broadband connection in West Virginia and across our nation. During the speech, Senator Capito noted the importance of reliable broadband as an educational and economic competition issue and emphasized the need for accurate coverage maps to make sure every home and business has strong, dependable internet access.

HIGHLIGHTS:

ON THE ECONOMIC NEED FOR BROADBAND: “Our topography in West Virginia has dealt us a challenging hand when it comes to adopting needed advancements to connect people to the internet. So we know one thing: it’s expensive. And it’s a lot easier said than done. But this lack of broadband connectivity and reliability is one of the biggest concerns that I hear every time I travel in the state. That’s because our homes, our schools, our hospitals, our health clinics, our churches, our businesses, if they lack the appropriate level of connectivity, or lack it entirely, you’re behind. You’re behind. You’re not participating. You don’t you can’t get the help that you need. You can’t communicate the way you want to. In a lot of cases, you’re not going to live in a place that doesn’t have connectivity. So this is something that must change and something that I’m committed to changing.”

ON THE CAPITO CONNECT PLAN:  “So one of my first initiatives as a United States Senator was launching my Capito Connect plan to help bridge this digital divide that we see in the country. The plan serve as a roadmap for bringing affordable, high-speed internet connection and access to our homes, our businesses, and our classrooms throughout the state. Since launching this initiative, we made a lot of progress. We have. Connecting our communities in our state, we’ve had a lot of conversations. And really we’ve kind of bridged a lot of what we thought would be the impossible. We’ve expanded cellular service in Paw Paw, a very remote area, and in Lincoln County, a very rural area by initiating searches for providers. We’ve secured millions of dollars in broadband funding- investments through the USDA programs. And we’ve hosted multiple visits with our FCC officials to bring attention to our state’s broadband needs.”

ON FCC BROADBAND MAPS: “That’s why NTIA and FCC have been tasked with developing the National Broadband Map: to determine where the unserved and the underserved communities were located… If they failed to properly account for the connectivity needs, I know I can speak from my state, but I’m sure it’s the same all across the country. And this is something that our state of West Virginia, we really took it personally, because we know that this is a once in a lifetime chance to really get it right. So they invited challenges. They said ‘If you think or if you can identify a residence or a home or business that is not- that is shown as being served and you’re unserved or underserved. Then you can challenge the map to say that’s an inaccurate recording of the status of my broadband connectivity.’ So we had over 120,000 challenges, of which 86,000 of these were, were accepted. That means they went back and looked and working with our state broadband council has done a phenomenal job then went back and looked and found that 86,000 homes or businesses that were recorded as being served, in actuality had either no service or very little service, something that was considered underserved.”

BACKGROUND:

As one of her first actions after taking office, Senator Capito launched her Capito Connect plan, which aims to bridge the digital divide across West Virginia.

Yesterday, at the weekly Republican Leadership Press Conference, Senator Capito spoke about the need for nationwide connectivity.

Last month, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced its finalized broadband maps after more than 80,000 customers in West Virginia successfully challenged their coverage in the initial map that misrepresented their level of service. This updated mapping means more funding will be made to West Virginia to upgrade its broadband infrastructure through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Senator Capito also joined a Senate working group focused on expanding broadband access across the country last month.

In February, Senator Capito reintroduced the bipartisan Rural Broadband Protection Act to ensure internet service providers using federal funds can fulfill promises made to deploy broadband in unserved, underserved areas.

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Capito Announces Over $5.5 Million for West Virginia Public Health Emergency Preparedness=

Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, today announced $5,504,439 in funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR). The funding will be used to support DHHR’s Public Health and Emergency Preparedness program.

“One of the lessons our country learned from the COVID-19 pandemic is the need to prepare for public health emergencies in order to confront these events head on when they strike,” Ranking Member Capito said. “I’m pleased to see this funding from HHS headed to the DHHR to help our state prepare for health emergencies. As the top Republican on the Labor-HHS Appropriations Subcommittee, I will continue my work with HHS, the CDC, and other institutions to be prepared for serious health emergencies.”

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VIDEO: Capito Discusses Greenhouse Gas Emissions Proposals, Buy America, Highway Project Delivery with FHWA’s Bhatt

Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

Click here or the image above to watch Round 1 of Ranking Member Capito’s questions. Click here for Round 2.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, participated in a full committee hearing with administrator of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Shailen Bhatt.

During the hearing, Ranking Member Capito questioned Administrator Bhatt on the Biden administration’s efforts to impose greenhouse gas emissions standards on states, implementation of One Federal Decision, and other issues such as “Buy America” waivers and grant distribution.

HIGHLIGHTS:

PREVENTING THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION FROM IMPLEMENTING POLICIES NOT WRITTEN INTO THE INFRASTRUCTURE LAW:

RANKING MEMBER CAPITO: “In my opening statement I talked about the debate we had about the greenhouse gas (GHG) performance measure and targets that we had rejected here in the Congress, and you are pursuing a measure that would achieve this through rulemaking. What is your response to what I said in my opening statement? And what authority do you have to be moving in this direction…do you believe you have?”

ADMINISTRATOR BHATT: “…so I would say my reaction to your comments is I hear you, and I heard you during my confirmation hearing about your concerns about the GHG piece. From the authority perspective, obviously we have lawyers at Federal Highways who will examine that, lawyers at USDOT. I believe Map 21 did provide authorities to measure the performance of the transportation system. And I think we are in an open rulemaking right now. We’ve received, I think, 40,000 comments from folks and before we move forward in that rulemaking, we would want to understand all of those public comments.”

RANKING MEMBER CAPITO: “I think…I probably need a little more clarity on what authority it is.”

ON ‘BUY AMERICA’ PROVISION WAIVER CHALLENGES, PREPAREDNESS: “I want to ask about Buy America. I’m understanding that there are inconsistencies with the implementation of Buy America, Build America provisions that we put into the IIJA and it’s kind of got a patchwork of state implementation challenges causing some confusion. So FHWA will play a major role in the Buy America waiver process. If not handled this could bring some of our projects to a halt. I’m hearing Buy America, all kinds of different issues and it goes back to the supply issues that Senator Lummis was talking about. Can you talk about the waiver process at FHWA and how you’re preparing for the influx of requests that are going to be coming in the future as this market tightens?”

ON THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPERLY IMPLEMENTING ‘ONE FEDERAL DECISION’ TO STREAMLINE TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS: “Let me ask about One Federal Decision because I’ve been touting that as a way to streamline and obviously it was in the debt bill that we just passed for other projects, and there’s concern I think…has this been implemented enough to really make a difference? Are you seeing more streamlined implementation on these projects? You would know coming from the state sector, whether it’s moving faster, or how many projects are on track to achieve that two-year goal for the EIS [Environmental Impact Statements]? Are you utilizing the provision that requires one environmental document? Talk about One Federal Decision, your implementation, and some of the specifics that I’ve mentioned.”

Click HERE to watch Round 1 of Ranking Member Capito’s questions.

Click HERE to watch Round 2 of Ranking Member Capito’s questions.

Click HERE to watch Ranking Member Capito’s opening statement.

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Sen. Cramer, Colleagues Reintroduce Legislation to Combat ‘Smash-And-Grab’ Robberies

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

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) reintroduced the Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) Protection Act of 2023. This legislation aims to combat the rapid increase in the number of “smash-and-grab” thefts targeted at federally licensed gun dealers by enhancing penalties for violations, particularly in cases of burglaries or robberies of firearms from FFLs.

“Recent increases of smash-and-grab robberies and burglaries at federally licensed gun dealers resulted in firearms ending up in the hands of criminals,” said Senator Cramer. “Our legislation discourages bad actors from stealing firearms and increases penalties for their lawlessness.”

“I am proud to reintroduce this important legislation to make ‘smash-and-grabs’ more costly for criminals, especially when crime is rising under the Biden Administration,” said Senator Graham. “I believe in responsible gun ownership – not criminals stealing firearms.”

“This is what true gun safety legislation looks like. Senator Graham’s FFL Protection Act sends an unequivocal message to criminals’ intent on burglarizing and robbing firearm retailers that the safety of America’s communities is nonnegotiable,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel, The Firearm Industry Trade Association. “This legislation sends a strong message to violent criminals engaging in these illicit activities that there will be accountability and consequences for their crimes. This legislation assigns the responsibility for the crime where it belongs – with the criminal. Senator Graham has been a staunch advocate of holding criminals accountable and protecting firearm retailers. This legislation does both. This legislation is real solution that will make our communities safer.”

The FFL Protection Act of 2023:

  • Increases the statutory maximum penalty for knowingly stealing any firearm in an FFL’s business inventory from 10 to 20 years.
  • Imposes a mandatory minimum sentence of three years for burglary from an FFL and five years for robbery from an FFL.
  • Criminalizes the attempted theft of a firearm from a licensed importer, manufacturer, dealer, or collector.

Joining Senators Cramer and Graham are Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Jim Risch (R-ID), Dr. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), John Cornyn (R-TX), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Deb Fischer (R-NE), John Boozman (R-AR), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Mike Braun (R-IN), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK).

Click here for bill text.

Background:

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) stated from 2017 to 2021, 5,395 FFL theft incidents were reported. During these incidents, a total of 34,339 firearms were stolen from FFLs. Theft from FFLs account for 3% of all firearms stolen in the United States, and many of these firearms end up being used in other crimes.

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Sen. Cramer, Colleagues Demand Navy Secretary to Follow the Law, Revise Shipbuilding Plan

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

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) joined 12 of their colleagues on the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) in sending a letter to Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro demanding he uphold his commitment to provide an updated 30-year shipbuilding plan to the committee and abide by the Navy’s statutory requirement to maintain a minimum of 31 amphibious warfare ships. 

“At this time, you have not yet contacted the Committee to follow through on your commitment. As we reiterated during the hearing, the statutory requirement for the Navy to maintain 31 amphibious warfare ships is not a suggestion, but a requirement based on the assessed needs of the Navy and Marine Corps. The Navy’s current plan not only violates the statutory requirement, but also jeopardizes the future effectiveness of the Joint Force, especially as we consider national security threats in the Indo-Pacific. We request that you provide the Committee an updated shipbuilding plan no later than June 19, 2023. Alternatively, we request that you submit a plan to adhere to the statutory requirement before that date,” wrote the senators.

Joining Senators Cramer and Sullivan are Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Rick Scott (R-FL), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), and Deb Fischer (R-NE).

Click here to read the letter.

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Murphy Readout of Call with President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic

Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

June 14, 2023

WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement after a call on Tuesday with President of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić, along with U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.):

“The situation in Northern Kosovo remains tenuous, and I recognize Serbia has taken several steps to lower the temperature, including pulling back its troops from the border and lowering their readiness level. I pressed President Vučić to continue to prioritize measures to calm the situation and conveyed that the United States is sending the same message to officials in Kosovo. I believe the best path forward is to hold new local elections with Serb participation in Northern Kosovo and get back to the negotiating table on establishing an Association of Serb-majority Municipalities. These are reasonable steps that should not stand in the way of peace, and time is of the essence,” said Murphy.

Last week, Murphy joined U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb) in a joint statement urging calm between Kosovo and Serbia amid deteriorating security conditions between the two nations. Earlier this month, Murphy, Shaheen, and Ricketts spoke to Prime Minister of Kosovo Albin Kurti to call for de-escalation.

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