Category: US Senate

Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

WASHINGTON–Ahead of Friday’s National Safer Communities Summit, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) authored an op-ed for Hearst Connecticut Media to explain why he’s bringing President Biden and leaders of the anti-gun violence movement from across the country to Connecticut for a one-day summit marking one year since the passage of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA).

“This Friday, President Joe Biden, Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, and elected officials and gun violence prevention advocates from all over the country will gather in Hartford to mark one year since the passage of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the groundbreaking legislation that passed just weeks after I gave those remarks in the shadow of the Uvalde shooting,” Murphy wrote. “It will be a moment to mourn those we have lost, celebrate all we have accomplished, and plan for our next victories.”

Murphy highlighted Connecticut’s role in the story of last summer’s successful passage of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act: “The story of how we passed the law that will be the central point of discussion at Friday’s summit started 10 years ago in Connecticut. I had just been elected Connecticut’s junior senator when 20 innocent children and six dedicated educators were senselessly killed inside Sandy Hook Elementary School. Many people were stunned when Congress chose to do nothing in the wake of our state’s soul-crushing tragedy. But I knew that our failure was simply due to a deficit of political power. In 2013, the gun lobby had tons of power; they were at their political peak. The gun safety movement basically did not exist. So, instead of believing the cynics who lamented that if Newtown couldn’t force Congress to act, nothing would, I got to work helping to build a new great American political movement — the gun violence prevention movement.”

“For 10 years, we built our political and electoral power. We elected more leaders to Congress. We convinced Republicans it was better for them to join rather than fight our cause. And finally, last summer, the moment arrived when we had accumulated enough influence that we were able to pass the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act,” he added.

On the future of the anti-gun violence movement, Murphy wrote: “The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act was only possible because people in Connecticut and all across this country refused to accept that the uniquely American problem of gun violence is one we can’t solve. Roadblock after roadblock, the anti-gun-violence movement didn’t give up. Instead, we wrote letters, marched in protests, called representatives, and most importantly, changed minds. I’m confident that last summer was the beginning of a new decade for this movement — a decade of notching win after win at the local, state and federal levels.”

Read the full op-ed here.

###

Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

June 13, 2023

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator and pilot Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST) and Chair of the Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, Operations and Innovation—and U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) along with U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) are introducing the Sustainable Aviation Fuels Accuracy Act of 2023, comprehensive bipartisan legislation to identify the standards required to meet the definition of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

“One of the most important things we can do to make American aviation more sustainable is increase the supply of American-grown, American-made, sustainable aviation fuel,” said Duckworth. “I’m proud to partner with Senator Fischer, along with Senators Ernst, Klobuchar and Grassley, to introduce our bipartisan bill that will protect and ‘grow’ our sustainable aviation fuel sources stemming from America’s agricultural bounty, representing a true win-win solution that supports domestic farmers and blenders while reducing our carbon footprint.”

“Emissions modeling needs to reflect the latest science and technology. The GREET Model will more accurately capture the environmental benefits of biofuels, including for sustainable aviation fuels. I’m proud to join Senator Duckworth in leading this legislation to open up new markets for biofuel producers, promote U.S. energy security, and support our agricultural producers,” said Fischer.

This bill will require the Federal Government to use the most up-to-date lifecycle emissions models—including the U.S. Department of Energy commissioned, Argonne National Lab’s Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Technologies Model or GREET model—that accurately considers crops, land uses and carbon reduction practices in the U.S and does not arbitrarily prevent our American farmers and crops from contributing to our green economy.

Most of the SAF comes from biofuels, or biomass derived fuels, using plants or waste. The United States is one of the top producers of SAF and is proud to utilize American grown crops and crop waste to produce American biofuels. This also creates a great opportunity for American farmers and agriculture sector to help us as we transition to a greener economy, helping create a reliable and consistent market for rural America and U.S. companies. SAF also allows us to decrease our reliance on foreign oil from countries like Russia and replace them with clean, American-made renewable fuels, bolstering our national security.

“As we work towards energy independence, it is important to allow our homegrown, clean biofuel to meet the needs of the U.S. aviation industry. Our measure ensures America’s domestic energy production is driven by the U.S. GREET model rather than rely on the current international model dictated by foreign countries like China and Russia. Not only is this model better for our national security, but it also provides an opportunity to support our hard-working American farmers,” said Ernst.

“Homegrown sustainable aviation fuel is not only an economic generator for communities across the country, but also an important tool to help us reduce our carbon footprint,” said Klobuchar. “This commonsense measure would make aviation more sustainable while also supporting farmers, producers, and job opportunities across rural America.”

“Expanding sustainable aviation fuel use in commercial aviation would create significant opportunities for Iowa biofuel development. However, legal discrepancies and the FAA’s use of outdated lifecycle emissions data are market barriers,” said Grassley. “Our bill fixes the problem by requiring the FAA reference the most accurate GREET model for emissions assessments, consistent with many other federal agencies. It would be a win for Iowa agriculture and the environment, encourage innovation and enhance U.S. energy security.”

A summary of the Sustainable Aviation Fuels Accuracy Act can be found here and the full text of the bill can be found here.

The Sustainable Aviation Fuels Accuracy Act of 2023 is endorsed by the following organizations: Clean Fuels Alliance America, United Airlines, Renewable Fuels Association, Growth Energy and National Corn Growers Association.

In the Senate, Duckworth has been a longtime supporter of biofuels, including sustainable aviation fuel. The Senator created a pilot project in last year’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to promote the use of SAF at military installations and will continue to increase these efforts to expand the use on biofuels whenever possible.

“We thank Sen. Duckworth and her colleagues for working together on this important legislation that will better facilitate growth in SAF production and use,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “By including the most robust and accurate lifecycle GHG model,  this legislation would ensure America’s farmers and renewable fuel producers have the opportunity to meaningfully contribute to the goal of producing 3 billion gallons of SAF by 2030,” said Geoff Cooper, RFA President & CEO

“To meet the nation’s goals for carbon reductions in transportation and new markets like sustainable aviation, U.S. producers need assurance that sustainably grown U.S. crops will have access to incentives and other federal programs. Producers need the ability to rely on a U.S. model that is consistently updated with accurate, real-world data from the industry. The Department of Energy’s GREET model should be the gold standard. We thank Senator Duckworth for her continued leadership on sustainable aviation fuel policy,” said Kurt Kovarik, Vice President of Federal Affairs, Clean Fuels Alliance America.

“The Department of Energy and Argonne National Laboratory have invested decades into building the world’s most accurate and sophisticated tool for modeling transportation emissions, and we should be making full use of that data to decarbonize aviation,” said Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy. “We’re grateful to Senator Duckworth and her colleagues for elevating the importance of sound science when it comes to advancing U.S. production of SAF. The Sustainable Aviation Fuel Accuracy Act will ensure that American biofuel producers and our farm partners are not bogged down with outdated or inaccurate models as we work to meet the aviation sector’s clean fuel needs.”

“We appreciate the bipartisan leadership of Senators Duckworth, Ernst, Klobuchar and Fisher when it comes to ensuring the federal government takes an accurate and consistent approach to assessing sustainable aviation fuels from all feedstocks, including fuels using agriculture feedstocks,” said Tom Haag, National Corn Growers Association President. “Using the best science is essential to the success of these new fuels, and farmers can help make these new fuels possible.”

-30-

Source: United States Senator for South Dakota Mike Rounds

---

---

Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

---

---

Previous Article

Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)

Senate Hearing Analyzed Rosen’s Omnibus Travel And Tourism Act And The National Travel And Tourism Strategy Based On Her Legislation

Click here to watch Senator Rosen’s opening remarks.

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) led a hearing of the Commerce Subcommittee on Tourism, Trade, and Export Promotion to examine the implementation of her bipartisan Omnibus Travel and Tourism Act, as well as other travel and tourism-related legislation enacted in the last Congress to strengthen the travel and tourism industry. The hearing also examined the implementation of the Senator’s bipartisan TOURISM Act, which was signed into law as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and requires a National Travel and Tourism Infrastructure Strategic Plan that has yet to be published. Witnesses – including the Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Travel and Tourism Brian Beall, Assistant Secretary of Transportation for Aviation and International Affairs Annie Petsonk, and President and CEO of Brand USA Christopher Thompson – discussed the Administration’s progress in implementing these laws that are critical for the travel and tourism industry.

“My state is a world-class destination that relies heavily on tourism, and as we know, this industry was devastated by the pandemic,” said Senator Rosen. “Since then, and thanks to our efforts, our tourism industry began to bounce back last year to near pre-pandemic levels.”

“Nevada is also becoming the global center of sports. We’re hosting the Super Bowl next year. We are the proud home of WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces. And tonight, our Golden Knights have the chance to bring home the Stanley Cup. This November will also see Nevada host the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, which is projected to be the largest international sporting event to ever take place in our state,” Rosen continued. “As such, it is my responsibility in this subcommittee to ensure the bipartisan tourism and travel legislation we passed last Congress is being implemented and supporting workers and the industry as we intended.” 

Senator Rosen continues to be a champion for Nevada’s travel and tourism industry. Earlier this year, Senator Rosen led multiple pushes to help secure federal funding for the Brightline West high-speed rail project that would connect Las Vegas to Southern California, and is predicted to bolster tourism in the area. Senator Rosen also joined a group of bipartisan colleagues earlier this year to call on the Biden Administration to address the ongoing delays in visitor visa processing for international travelers to the United States. 

###

Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Bob Menendez

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), a senior member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, highlighted the importance of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) by asking Director Rohit Chopra about who would protect consumers if the CFPB was defunded. Sen. Menendez also questioned Director Chopra on what progress the CFPB has made to ensure victims of scams on apps like Zelle are protected, and how they plan on addressing the growing problem these scams pose.

“Wells Fargo is an exemplary institution. That is, it has exemplified why we need the CFPB through flagrant and persistent issues impacting its consumers,” said Sen. Menendez. “From the fake account scandal in 2016, to the $3.7 billion penalty the Bureau assessed on Wells Fargo last December for ‘widespread mismanagement of auto loans, mortgages, and deposit accounts,’ the CFPB has repeatedly stepped in and stepped up to protect consumers from harmful schemes at Wells Fargo and other institutions.”

[embedded content]

Director Chopra stated that he did not believe anyone would be able to protect consumers if the CFPB was defunded. Sen. Menendez asked Director Chopra if there was any progress to ensure consumers are made whole when they are scammed on peer-to-peer payment platforms such as Zelle.

“Now, I continue to hear stories from New Jerseyans who have fallen victim to scams and fraud on Zelle and other peer-to-peer payment apps and have been unable to obtain relief from their banks.  The last time you came before this committee we spoke about this, and you indicated that you were hoping that industry would set up frameworks to combat fraud and scams. I haven’t seen much progress,” said Sen. Menendez. “From my perspective, it has been over six months since it was reported that the banks that own and operate Zelle were considering requirements to reimburse customers that fall victim to scams, but nothing has been finalized. And when consumers are being harmed and industry is unable or unwilling to address the problem, the CFPB needs to step up. So, I hope that at some point we’re just not going to keep giving time to the industry to do that which I think they don’t really want to do. I’d like to believe they want to do it, but at this point they have the wherewithal, they have the capacity, they have the resources to figure out what are the tools necessary and I hope that the CFPB will use all the tools at its disposal, up to and including modernizing Regulation E to reflect the reality of growing usage of apps like Zelle.”

The Senator also inquired about what the CFPB is doing to facilitate a smooth transition for student loan borrowers back to repayment. Research from the CFPB shows that student borrowers may face difficulties when student loan payments resume in August. An increasing number of student loan borrowers are delinquent on other credit products. Borrowers will likely also be impacted by the exit of several student loan servicers since the pause began, which has resulted in 17 million student loan accounts being reassigned to other loan servicers or other servicing platforms.

Sen. Menendez concluded by pressing Director Chopra about why the Bureau doesn’t currently have an online complaint system in Spanish or any other language, and also asked that the Director commit to making the complaint system available to consumers in additional languages.

“The CFPB’s complaint system is critical to the operations of the Bureau, giving it real-time reports into potentially deceptive or abusive financial practices. However, for consumers with Limited English Proficiency, the complaint system, as it currently exists, remains out of reach,” said Sen. Menendez. “While there is a Spanish language complaint system by phone, there is no CFPB online complaint system in Spanish—or for that fact, in any other language. According to the 2017 American Community Survey, nearly 26 million people, nearly 10% of the U.S. population, have limited English proficiency. Consumers who lack access to information are prime targets for predatory behavior.”

In March, Sen. Menendez and his Colleagues led an effort to urge financial institutions and regulators to help people keep their hard-earned cash safe from fraud and scams, especially as scammers find new ways and employ sophisticated schemes to dupe customers using instant peer-to-peer payment systems like Zelle to send money on the platform under fraudulent pretenses. In December 2022, during a Senate Banking hearing, Sen. Menendez urged CFPB Director Rohit Chopra to investigate customer service issues with MOHELA, and pressed Director Chopra on the agency’s process towards issuing agency guidance to ensure consumers are protected from Zelle-related fraud.

This month, the Senator spoke on the Senate floor in strong opposition to Republicans’ cruel legislation that would force borrowers, including public sector workers such as teachers, police officers, and firefighters, to repay student loans – with interest – that were suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In April, Sen. Menendez, Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.-06) and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.-01), introduced the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) – a bipartisan bill that would change a technicality in federal law that unnecessarily requires that PSLF applicants be employed in a public service role at the time of forgiveness, even if they have already made 120 qualifying payments. This has negatively affected public service employees who have completed their 120 payments, decided to retire or move on from their current jobs or public service careers, and suddenly become ineligible for forgiveness even though they dutifully served their communities for at least ten years.

Sen. Menendez signed an amicus brief in the Supreme Court case CFPB v. Community Financial Services Association of America, defending the CFPB’s funding structure as constitutional. In 2017, the Senator signed an amicus brief in support of the CFPB’s independence.

 
### 

Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Bob Menendez

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both-D-N.J.) announced that Camden has been selected to receive $1 million from President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda to expedite the cleanup of Judge Robert B. Johnson Park. In total, EPA recently selected 262 communities to receive 267 grants totaling more than $215 million in competitive EPA Brownfields funding through the Multipurpose, Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund, and Cleanup (MARC) grant programs. Thanks to the historic boost from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this is the most funding ever awarded in the history of the EPA Brownfields grant program.

Camden, New Jersey will use the $1 million to clean up the Judge Robert B. Johnson Park at 723 Carl Miller Boulevard. The 14.7-acre cleanup site was a former wetland where historic fill material was used to develop the site in the 1940s and 1950s. The site formerly contained residences and a junkyard and was also used by a youth football league and neighborhood schools. The now-vacant site is contaminated with semi-volatile organic hydrocarbons, PCBs, metals, and pesticides. Grant funds also will be used to conduct community outreach activities including hosting three public meetings.

“Today’s announcement will transform a once contaminated site into a new vibrant community space in Camden and I am proud to have helped secure this $1 million in federal funding from the bipartisan infrastructure bill,” said Sen. Menendez. “The historic investments we are making to reclaim and restore brownfields is vital to ensuring environmental justice for underserved communities and communities of color that too often shoulder the burden of legacy pollution. I am equally proud that an institution like New Jersey Institute of Technology will be receiving $5 million to provide training and technical assistance to communities conducting brownfields work across the state.” 

“In communities across New Jersey, especially those that are Black, Brown, and low-income, residents live next to harmful contaminants, breathe in dirty air, and lack access to clean water and soil,” said Sen. Booker.  “Thanks to the efforts of the Biden Administration, these communities are finally receiving the federal resources needed to remediate these environmental injustices. The grant funding announced today, made possible by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which I was proud to vote for, will continue this vital work by empowering the City of Camden to revitalize a former park that was polluted with toxic metals and pesticides.”

“New Jersey thanks the Biden Administration and our congressional delegation for prioritizing investment in environmental justice communities both within the Garden State and across the nation,” said New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. “For far too long, communities under economic stress have lacked the resources necessary to launch large-scale environmental remediation projects. This significant Brownfields grant program funding will enable the City of Camden to promote environmental and public health while prioritizing community engagement.”

“I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for their continued support and recognition of our efforts. This grant reinforces our commitment to creating a sustainable and vibrant future for Camden. This funding will directly contribute to the remediation of Robert B. Johnson Park, an important community space in the Liberty Park neighborhood. By reclaiming this park and making it safe and accessible for our community members, particularly our youth and families,” said Mayor Vic Carstarphen. “I would also like to acknowledge the collaborative efforts of our dedicated partners, including Congressman Donald Norcross, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Camden County Board of Commissioners, and the Camden Redevelopment Agency. Together, we are driving positive change and creating a stronger and more resilient Camden. As we move forward with this project, we remain committed to promoting environmental justice and sustainable development. Camden is a city with a rich history and strong sense of community, and this grant allows us to continue our journey towards a cleaner, healthier, and more prosperous city for all.”

“We’re working across the country to revitalize what were once dangerous and polluted sites in overburdened communities into more sustainable and environmentally just places that serve as community assets. Thanks to President Biden’s historic investments in America, we’re moving further and faster than ever before to clean up contaminated sites, spur economic redevelopment, and deliver relief that so many communities have been waiting for,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “This critical wave of investments is the largest in Brownfields history and will accelerate our work to protect the people and the planet by transforming what was once blight into might.”

“Camden has such an impressive track record of success with its Brownfields program, which has helped address neglected local areas by providing a means to revitalize abandoned properties and promote environmental health, economic growth, and job creation,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “The Brownfields program transforms communities, and the new funding through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law gives communities like Camden an opportunity to continue to make a real and lasting on-the-ground difference.”

“The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act continues to deliver for South Jersey through this Brownfield Grant that will create jobs, advance environmental justice, and spur economic revitalization,” said Rep. Donald Norcross (D-N.J.-01). “Protecting our communities from harmful waste and pollution and repurposing these sites has been one of my top priorities since coming to Congress. I’m proud to have helped secure this funding, and I will continue to fight to improve our quality of life, protect our environment and ensure a healthy and safe environment for South Jersey families.”

“Today we can all take pride in continuing with the transformation of Camden’s industrial history to ensure we have spectacular and tangible parks that offer diverse recreational opportunities for residents, visitors and businesses,” said Elizabeth Dragon, Assistant Commissioner for Economic Development and Community Revitalization in the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. “The DEP is committed to working with our many partners in Camden and other overburdened communities across the state to provide equitable opportunities to access and enjoy our open and green spaces. We thank the EPA for providing this brownfields grant to Camden, which is allowing the city to continue its transformation, improve the quality of life for its residents, and promote sustainable growth. Congratulations to Camden on this remarkable achievement.”

“It is the Camden Redevelopment Agency’s pleasure to partner in the revitalization of Judge Robert Johnson Park. This is an iconic open space asset for the City and Liberty Park neighborhood. At a time when environmental equity is a priority throughout the nation, we are proud to be an agent for change collaborating with such a strong team,” said Olivette Simpson, Interim Executive Director and Board Secretary for Camden Redevelopment Agency. “This $1 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is critical to leveraging other resources that will fully fund the estimated $3 million clean-up effort, leading to the Park’s state-of-the-art re-design and construction improvements. The commissioners, staff, and I are looking forward to doing our part to transform Judge Robert B. Johnson Park in into a safe, green, recreational space.”

These investments are part of President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda to grow the American economy from the bottom up and middle-out – from rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure, to driving over $470 billion in private sector manufacturing and clean energy investments in the United States, to creating a manufacturing and innovation boom powered by good paying jobs that don’t require a four-year degree, to building a clean-energy economy that will combat climate change and make our communities more resilient.

Many communities that are under economic stress, particularly those located in areas that have experienced long periods of disinvestment, lack the resources needed to initiate brownfield cleanup and redevelopment projects. As brownfield sites are transformed into community assets, they attract jobs, promote economic revitalization and transform communities into sustainable and environmentally just places.

Thanks to the historic $1.5 billion boost from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Sens. Menendez and Booker played a critical role in getting it passed through Congress, EPA’s Brownfields Program is helping more communities than ever before begin to address the economic, social, and environmental challenges caused by brownfields and stimulate economic opportunity, and environmental revitalization in historically overburdened communities. The Brownfields Program strives to meet this commitment and advance environmental justice and equity considerations into all aspects of its work. Approximately 84 percent of the MARC program applications selected to receive funding are mainly historically underserved communities.

In May, Sens. Menendez and Booker announced a $5 million supplemental grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to improve the William Stanley Ablett Village in Camden to provide safe and improved housing for families and individuals in the city.

Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Bob Menendez

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) issued the following statement following the Biden administration’s decision to provide an 18-month extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Nepal:

“I am glad the Biden administration has reversed the Trump administration’s cruel and misguided decision to rescind TPS designations for El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Nepal. However, this decision simply does not go far enough. While today’s announcement allows hundreds of thousands of TPS holders and their families to breathe a sigh of relief, I am disappointed the administration did not heed my call to re-designate these countries for TPS, and also excluded Venezuela and Guatemala from this action. Re-designating these countries for TPS would have provided additional, deserving families with much needed protections that are on solid legal ground and would have been more than justified by the on-the-ground realities in these specific countries. So it concerns me that this decision may have been driven in part by political calculations instead of sound policy rationale and the conditions in each country.

“Expanding and strengthening the TPS program is not just a humanitarian act. TPS holders contribute billions of dollars to the American economy each year and help mitigate the root causes of irregular migration to the United States by providing financial support to their families back home. Going forward, I urge the Biden administration to more aggressively leverage its executive authority on TPS to help address some of the long-standing challenges of our immigration system, and to work with me to implement the Menendez Plan. For my part, rest assured I will never stop fighting for TPS holders and their families.”

###