Category: US Senate

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Manchin Opposes Jared Bernstein for Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors

Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Joe Manchin

June 13, 2023

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released the following statement on his decision to vote against the nomination of Jared Bernstein to be the Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers.

“Mr. Bernstein’s economic philosophy is problematic as he has shown a willingness to disregard the need for all-of-the-above energy policies and necessary federal budget cuts to alleviate the skyrocketing cost of living for working families. I did not vote for Mr. Bernstein because we must protect America’s economic stability and energy security from radical policies such as the Green New Deal.”

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Manchin, Risch Introduce Bipartisan Civil Nuclear Export Act of 2023

Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Joe Manchin

June 13, 2023

Washington, DC – Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and Jim Risch (R-ID), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, introduced the Civil Nuclear Export Act of 2023 (CNEA). The bipartisan legislation would enhance the ability of the United States to compete in existing and emerging nuclear markets that will help our partners and allies reduce dependence on Russian and Chinese civil nuclear technologies. 

“For too long, the United States has sat by while China and Russia have worked to dominate the global nuclear energy market. The Civil Nuclear Export Act provides enhanced financing tools to enable U.S. civil nuclear companies to compete against Russian and Chinese state-sponsored entities. By enabling our partners and allies to turn to the U.S. for civil nuclear technology instead of Russia or China, we will be able to build a supply chain that reduces dependence on nations that don’t hold our shared values,” said Chairman Manchin.

“The United States possesses the world’s leading nuclear energy technologies as evidenced by our small modular reactors (SMRs). Promoting the export of SMRs and other innovative nuclear energy technologies is essential to America’s economic and national security,” said Ranking Member Risch. “If we allow Russia and China to dominate the nuclear energy field, it will be nearly impossible to undo. Our legislation will allow us to facilitate greater investments and exports in this vital energy sector.”

“The Civil Nuclear Export Act of 2023 is an important step to maintaining U.S. global leadership in commercial nuclear energy technologies. By enlisting the full capabilities of the U.S. Export-Import Bank for commercial nuclear energy exports, this legislation will help to level the playing field for innovative U.S. companies against state-owned Russian and Chinese competitors. Backed by the full support of the Bank, U.S. nuclear energy exports will enable our partners and allies to meet their climate goals and strengthen their energy security, while generating thousands of new jobs for American workers,” said Maria Korsnick, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Nuclear Energy Institute.

“We are in a global competition with China and Russia to build and export nuclear power plants. The winner will reap the economic, energy, and security benefits and set the international standards for nuclear safety and non-proliferation. Today, the US is barely able to compete because we are essentially asking American companies to fend for themselves against Chinese and Russian entities underwritten by their national governments. This is unacceptable. The Civil Nuclear Export Act would get the US back in this race by expanding authority and capacity at Export-Import Bank (EXIM) to support nuclear export projects, including allowing EXIM to better match terms and conditions on financing offered by our key competitors,” said Josh Freed, Senior Vice President, Third Way’s Climate and Energy Program.

The Civil Nuclear Export Act of 2023:

  • Modifies (12 USC 635(I)) to specify the financing of civil nuclear facilities, materials, technologies, and related goods and services that support the development of the nuclear energy sector.
  • Improves the ability of US civil nuclear companies to compete with Chinese and Russian state-owned and operated civil nuclear entities by providing competitive financing options. 
  • Enhances the ability to compete in emerging nuclear markets while also ensuring our partners and allies buy US civil nuclear technology instead of Russian and Chinese technologies.

To read the full text of the legislation, please click here.

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Manchin Questions Commandant of the Marine Corps Nominee on Putin’s War in Ukraine, Importance of Passing a Budget on Time

Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Joe Manchin

June 13, 2023

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), questioned General Eric Smith, Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, on his nomination to serve as the Commandant of the Marine Corps. Senator Manchin questioned General Smith on U.S. support for Ukraine against Putin’s invasion, Russian atrocities committed during the war and the military and economic importance of passing a national budget on time.

On support for Ukraine against Putin’s invasion:

“In my lifetime, the only just war I’ve seen the United States involved with for the right purposes is Ukraine. We are supporting a country that’s willing to fight and die for their freedom and the democracy that they cherish. Can you tell me what you have observed and learned from your people out front and how this war has changed our perception of how we conduct ourselves?” Senator Manchin questioned in part.

On Russian atrocities committed against the Ukraine people:

“We’ve talked about how we treat our soldiers and how we leave no one behind, compared to the Russians and what they have done. We’ve heard the atrocities that are going on and bodies not even being returned so there can be reparation or any payments or support to the families. Have you found that to be accurate?” Senator Manchin continued.

On the military and economic importance of passing a national budget on time:

“Can you speak briefly on what the cost savings would be for the branches of the military if we got our work done on time and got our budget done by September 30th and you had a guaranteed budget number to work with versus a CR? Can you tell us the cost savings there?” Senator Manchin questioned in part. “The American Enterprise Institute threw out a rough estimate of $200 million per day.”

A timeline of Senator Manchin’s work to support Ukraine against Putin’s invasion is available here.

A video of Senator Manchin’s questioning of the witnesses can be found here.

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Van Hollen, Welch Introduce Bill to Help Homeowners Make Energy Efficiency, Clean Energy Upgrades

Source: United States Senator for Maryland Chris Van Hollen

June 13, 2023

Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) introduced the E-Access Act, legislation to facilitate the clean energy transition by helping consumers access their utility data and share that data with third parties. Families and businesses rely on home energy usage data to make decisions about energy efficiency and clean energy upgrades—but that data is difficult to access, making it harder for consumers to reduce their energy consumption, switch to new energy sources, and take advantage of Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act programs to facilitate those upgrades.   

“Our HOPE for HOMES provisions enacted in the Inflation Reduction Act will make it easier for Americans to lower their energy bills through home energy efficiency upgrades. But right now it’s hard for homeowners to see exactly how much they can save if they make the switch. By making energy data more accessible, the E-Access Act will help consumers see the money-saving potential of making their homes more energy efficient – which in turn will generate more good-paying jobs and move our nation forward in the fight against the climate crisis,” said Senator Van Hollen. 

“We’ve made tremendous progress to advance energy efficiency and clean energy through the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure, Investment, and Jobs Act—but we can do more to help every family benefit from these historic investments,” said Senator Welch. “The E-Access Act will help consumers access critical data on their home energy use, giving them the tools they need to understand their energy consumption and make changes at home to improve efficiency, lower their energy bills, and help fight climate change. I’m proud to join Sen. Van Hollen to introduce this critical legislation.”  

Provisions of the E-Access Act were included in the Inflation Reduction Act through the HOPE for HOMES program, but without enforcement mechanisms. This bill would strengthen the HOPE for HOMES program, requiring the Department of Energy to establish utility data sharing guidelines and requiring states to create their own rules based off the federal guidelines. The data sharing rules would allow consumers to access and share their utility data with third parties, including energy efficiency contractors. 

The legislation is supported by Efficiency Vermont, Mission:data Coalition, Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI), Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP), California Efficiency + Demand Management Council, U.S. Green Building Council, Northeast Energy Efficiency and Electrification Council (NEEEC), Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA), and the Institute for Market Transformation (IMT). 

To read the full text of the E-Access Act, click here.  

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Bipartisan Maryland Congressional Delegation Welcomes Governor Wes Moore at U.S. Capitol to Discuss Federal Priorities

Source: United States Senator for Maryland Chris Van Hollen

June 13, 2023

U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin, and Congressmen Steny Hoyer (Md.-5), Dutch Ruppersberger (Md.-2), John Sarbanes (Md.-3), Kweisi Mfume (Md.-7), Andy Harris (Md.-1), Jamie Raskin (Md.-8) and Glenn Ivey (Md.-4) welcomed Maryland Governor Wes Moore and members of his cabinet to the U.S. Capitol on Monday to discuss federal priorities for the state. The lengthy discussion covered such vital issues as public safety, cybersecurity, transportation, education, the health of the Chesapeake Bay, the future site for the FBI headquarters and more. Joining the governor for this first official delegation meeting were Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin M. Atticks, Maryland Secretary of the Environment Serena McIlwain, Director, Maryland Energy Administration Paul G. Pinsky, Maryland Secretary of Health Laura Herrera Scott, Maryland Secretary of Human Services Rafael López, Maryland Secretary of Labor Portia Wu and Maryland Secretary of Transportation Paul Wiedefeld.

“We are thrilled to have quickly developed a strong partnership between our federal delegation and Governor Moore and his team to jointly advance the interests and aspirations of all Marylanders. That cooperation is essential to ensuring that Maryland can maximize the benefits of the historic national legislation that we enacted over the last two years, from modernizing our infrastructure, to accelerating the deployment of clean energy, to strengthening public safety, to reducing health care costs, to caring for our veterans, to protecting our environment, and much more,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“From cybersecurity to health care to higher education, the resources we have in Maryland are unmatched. But ongoing investment is critical if we want to continue to be a national leader in these and other industries,” said Senator Cardin. “Team Maryland is working together with Governor Moore to deliver resources and expand opportunities for the people of our great state. We’re committed to bringing federal dollars to Maryland and are excited, once again, to have a partner in Annapolis who is ready and willing to leverage important, equitable investments across Maryland and for our local communities.”

“I was pleased to meet with Governor Moore and members of his cabinet at the U.S. Capitol yesterday,” said Congressman Hoyer. “During the meeting, we discussed several shared priorities, including addressing the epidemic of gun violence that has impacted too many in our community, investing in Maryland’s efforts to restore the Chesapeake Bay, ensuring WMATA has the funding it needs to adequately serve all Marylanders, and bringing the FBI’s new headquarters to Maryland. We have important work ahead of us in the coming months and years, and our delegation is fortunate to have a strong partner in Annapolis. I look forward to continuing to work alongside Governor Moore and his Administration.”

“In order for this to be Maryland’s decade, we need to work together — and that’s why strengthening our administration’s partnership with Maryland’s congressional delegation is a priority,” said Governor Moore. “This year alone, Maryland has received more than $2 billion in federal funding from the bipartisan infrastructure deal that was passed with the help of our congressional delegation. When it comes to opportunities for federal investments, we need to know about them and we need to be ready to move on them — and a strong state and federal partnership is how we make it happen to ensure that Maryland doesn’t just lead in this decade, but in decades that follow.”

“From preserving a fighter mission at Martin State Airport to protecting the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland’s federal delegation is already hard at work on the many priorities outlined today by Governor Moore. Our values and our goals are clearly aligned,” Congressman Ruppersberger said. “As an Appropriator, I look forward to leveraging my role to fight for the resources Maryland and its communities need to keep moving forward as we begin the budget process for the 2024 fiscal year.”

“No community in Maryland is untouched by the youth mental health crisis,” said Congressman Sarbanes. “I’m pleased that Governor Moore is making it a priority to expand mental health resources in our state as well as address several other critical health and environmental challenges. Together, we are ready to go to work with this governor to make a difference for Maryland.”

“I was pleased to meet with my colleagues in the Team Maryland Congressional Delegation as we welcomed Governor Moore and several of his cabinet officials to Capitol Hill. We discussed efforts to ensure the priorities of our Maryland Congressional Delegation are in line with the state. I look forward to continuing to work in harmony and unison across all levels of government in order to best serve our respective communities,” said Congressman Mfume.

“The Chesapeake Bay is a national treasure and a vital economic engine on the Eastern Shore, and I am pleased that the Maryland Delegation is unified in dealing with the invasive threat of blue catfish to the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem,” Congressman Harris said.

“I was delighted to welcome Governor Moore to the Capitol for a thorough discussion on how the Moore administration and our delegation can best serve our people in Maryland,” said Congressman Raskin. “During our meeting I voiced my concerns about the deadly plague of gun violence spreading across our nation and threatening the safety and well-being of Marylanders. I deeply appreciate the Governor’s strong commitment to keeping Maryland safe, and I will continue working with my colleagues in Congress and the Moore administration to keep our families safe.”

“Governor Moore and his team are rolling up their sleeves to work for Marylanders. We as his federal partners are standing side-by-side for a seamless stream of initiatives to leverage resources benefiting the people of our great state. I look forward to helping Governor Moore in his endeavors to do more for Maryland,” said Congressman Ivey.

Following the delegation meeting, members of Team Maryland participated in a brief media availability, which can be viewed here: Twitter or Facebook.

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Senator Markey Celebrates Launch of the Massachusetts Community Climate Bank

Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

Senator secured $27 billion in the Inflation Reduction Act with his Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund provision

Washington (June 13, 2023) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate, and Nuclear Safety and author of the National Climate Bank Act, released the following statement today joining the Healey-Driscoll Administration in celebrating the launch of the Massachusetts Community Climate Bank (MassClimate):

“I applaud the launch of the Massachusetts Community Climate Bank, a one-of-a-kind engine that will serve on the frontlines of our state’s compounding housing and climate crises by empowering communities to build affordable, climate-resilient, and energy-efficient housing and improvement projects all across the Commonwealth. I’ve been fighting for national climate bank funding for years, and now that we’ve secured billions in funding in the Inflation Reduction Act, we can supercharge a clean energy revolution and unlock billions in federal dollars for Massachusetts and other states to leverage. MassClimate will ensure public and private investment reach frontline and environmental justice communities, and I thank Governor Healey and her administration for bringing this investment to life and building a brighter, more livable and more affordable future.” 

Senator Markey has long championed efforts to support state and local climate banks. Last year, he worked with his colleagues to successfully secure $27 billion in the landmark Inflation Reduction Act for climate bank activities, including the establishment of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. The Fund builds upon the National Climate Bank Act, Senator Markey’s legislation to provide $100 billion to an independent nonprofit bank to support communities that have been historically locked out of investments in the clean energy economy, leverage private investments, and maximize greenhouse gas emissions reductions per public dollar deployed.

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Murkowski, Sullivan: Alaska to Receive $100 Million More in Infrastructure Funding for High-Speed Internet

Source: United States Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan

06.13.23

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-Alaska) today announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is awarding $100.5 million to facilitate and improve access to high-speed internet for Alaskans in rural communities. These awards are possible thanks to the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)—and specifically through USDA’s ReConnect Program, which aims to ensure high-speed internet for all communities across the United States.

To date, Alaska has received more than $3.9 billion in infrastructure investments thanks to the bipartisan IIJA.

“All Americans deserve access to high-speed internet, but too many rural Alaskans still struggle with reliable connectivity. This $100 million investment is good news for many communities in our state who deserve better access and faster speeds,” said Senator Lisa Murkowski. “When crafting the bipartisan infrastructure law, I was focused on connecting Alaskans. Whether it’s by improving our roads, marine highway system, ports, airports, or broadband access—the bipartisan infrastructure law’s investments are continuing to connect Alaskans like never before.”

“Access to high-speed, reliable internet can be transformative for our communities, enhancing the delivery of health care and education, and opening doors for small businesses and entrepreneurs,” said Senator Sullivan. “Many of our rural communities for too long have found themselves without the broadband connectivity that most Americans take for granted. I’m glad to see the significant federal infrastructure dollars we secured being deployed to break down the digital divide and improve the lives and well-being of thousands of Alaskans across Alaska.”

Grants directed to Alaska through today’s announcement from the ReConnect Program include:

  • Matanuska Telecom Association: $12,620,357 to deploy a fiber-to-the-premises network to provide high-speed internet, benefitting households, businesses, and educational facilities in the Tyonek Alaska Native Village Statistical Area.
  • Interior Telephone Company: $34,993,700 to deploy a fiber-to-the-premises network to provide high-speed internet, benefitting households, businesses, and educational facilities in Nome Census Area in Alaska for communities like Shaktoolik, St. Michael, Stebbins, and Unalakleet.
  • Mukluk Telephone Company: $34,989,295 to deploy a fiber-to-the-premises network to provide high-speed internet, benefitting households, businesses, and educational facilities in Nome Census Area in Alaska, including Inalik and Wales.
  • Copper Valley Telephone Cooperative: $17,897,482 to deploy a fiber-to-the-premises network to provide high-speed internet, benefitting households in Valdez-Cordova Census Area in Alaska.

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Sullivan, Bipartisan SASC Colleagues Demand Navy Secretary Follow the Law and Revise Shipbuilding Plan

Source: United States Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan

06.13.23

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and 13 of his colleagues on the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) sent a letter today to Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro demanding he fulfill his commitment to provide an updated 30-year shipbuilding plan to the committee that abides by the statutory requirement for the Navy to maintain a minimum of 31 amphibious warfare ships.

In April before the committee, Secretary Del Toro presented a shipbuilding plan that never reaches the statutory minimum as required by Congress. During questioning by Sen. Sullivan, Secretary Del Toro committed to providing a plan to the committee to meet the requirement.

The letter is signed by Senators Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.).

“At this time, you have not yet contacted the Committee to follow through on your commitment,” wrote the senators. “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.”

Today, in testimony before the committee, General Eric Smith, nominee to be commandant of the Marine Corps, testified that the Corps cannot fulfill its global response mission without the minimum number of amphibious ships.

The 31 amphibious warship provision was originally authored by Senator Sullivan, supported unanimously by Democrats and Republicans on SASC, and signed into law as part of the FY 2023 National Defense Authorization Act. In remarks on the Senator floor in May, Sullivan argued the DOD’s defiance of Congress in this matter sets a dangerous precedent, erodes the rule of law, and undermines the authority of the American people’s elected representatives.

Below is the full text of the letter.

Honorable Carlos Del Toro

Secretary of the Navy

Department of the Navy

100 Navy Pentagon

Washington, D.C. 20350-1000

Dear Secretary Del Toro:

The Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), signed into law on December 23, 2022, requires the Navy to maintain not less than 31 amphibious warfare ships, at least 10 of which must be amphibious assault ships (LHAs). The Navy’s FY2024 budget and 30-year shipbuilding plan make it clear the Navy does not have a plan to meet this legal requirement, now or over the next 30 years. We note that the Senate Armed Services Committee received the most recent 30-year shipbuilding plan nearly four months after the FY2023 NDAA was signed into law, and less than 24-hours before the Department of the Navy’s April 18, 2023 testimony, giving committee members and staff little time to review the plan and ask relevant oversight questions.

During your April 18, 2023 testimony before the Committee, a bipartisan group of Senators asked you about the Navy’s failure to comply with the statutory requirement to maintain at least 31 amphibious warfare ships. You committed to come back to the Committee with a plan to adhere to the law. Specifically, you stated:  

“Senator, you have my commitment that I will come back to you with a statement on how we can fix this.”

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.

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ICYMI: Bennet, Cassidy Highlight Americas Act During Atlantic Council Conversation on Bringing Supply Chains Back to the Americas

Source: United States Senator for Colorado Michael Bennet

Washington, D.C. — In case you missed it, Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.) participated in a conversation yesterday during the Atlantic Council’s Latin America Center event, “Closer to Home: Bringing Supply Chains Back to the Americas.” In their conversation, the senators highlighted their Americas Trade and Investment Act, or Americas Act – legislation to create an ever-expanding and permanent trade partnership between Western Hemisphere countries and counter China’s growing influence over global manufacturing and geopolitics by strengthening ties in our hemisphere. Cassidy released his discussion draft of the legislation in January and Bennet joined as a co-lead of the legislation last month.

“For decades, Washington has failed to create any comprehensive policy or offer a compelling alternative to Chinese investment in the region. While we’ve been busy elsewhere, China has rushed to fill the void with a surge of trade, investment, and technology. We’ve already seen these relationships pose a long-term threat to local industries, minerals, environment, the rule of law throughout the Western Hemisphere, and I think the Americas Act offers an opportunity for the United States to renew our partnerships across Latin America and the Caribbean and embrace our values together in a shared struggle for democracy and for prosperity,” said Bennet. 

“It’s been since John F. Kennedy that the United States has had a coherent policy towards the Western Hemisphere. We have suffered from that,” said Cassidy. “Our Americas Act will make economies across the hemisphere more resilient, governments more stable, and our hemisphere more prosperous.”

“I am extremely glad to continue this work with Senator Cassidy and our partners across the region so we don’t go another 50 years and look back on what could have been. Right now, I’m extremely hopeful looking toward the future with the Americas Act [about] the vast opportunity that we have together to build a prosperous, safe, and free hemisphere. That’s important to us, but it’s really important to our kids and our grandkids,” concluded Bennet.

The conversation also featured Costa Rica Foreign Trade Minister H.E. Manuel Tovar, Panama Minister of Trade and Industry H.E. Federico Alfaro Boyd, and Guatemala Economic Minister H.E. Janio Rosales.

Video of the conversation is available HERE.

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Press Releases 06/13/2023 Tillis Reintroduces Legislation to Combat ‘Smash-And-Grab’ Firearm Thefts

Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Thom Tillis

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis recently joined 22 of his Senate colleagues to reintroduce the Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) Protection Act of 2023 to address the unacceptably high number of “smash-and-grab” thefts targeted at federally licensed gun dealers by enhancing penalties for criminals who steal firearms from federally licensed firearms and ammunition dealers.

“We need to protect the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Americans and keep guns out of the hands of dangerous criminals,” said Senator Tillis. “This commonsense legislation will help better protect federally licensed gun dealers from robberies and crack down on the criminals who break our laws and make our communities less safe.”

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) reported that 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 three percent of all firearms stolen in the United States, and many of these firearms end up being used in other crimes. 

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 3 years for burglary from an FFL and 5 years for robbery from an FFL.
  • Criminalizes the attempted theft of a firearm from a licensed importer, manufacturer, dealer, or collector.

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