Category: US Senate

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VIDEO: Sen. Moran Highlights Importance of High-Quality Broadband Access for Rural Communities

Source: United States Senator for Kansas – Jerry Moran

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation – spoke on the Senate floor this week to highlight the importance of access to high-quality broadband for rural communities and small towns across Kansas and the country.

“The benefits of access to high-quality broadband are clear and well known,” said Sen. Moran. “Broadband access is correlated with more jobs, greater economic growth, better health care outcomes and increased educational performance. When millions are without broadband, we limit our potential as a nation.”

Click HERE to Watch Sen. Moran’s Full Remarks


Sen. Moran’s Full Remarks as Prepared for Delivery:

“I rise today to discuss the importance of broadband access in rural America.

“A recent study by the University of Kansas found that up to a million Kansans live in regions that lack access to high-speed broadband services. Often, rural areas have the worst quality broadband. Or, as is too often the case, they have no access to broadband.

“The benefits of access to high-quality broadband are clear and well known. Broadband access is correlated with more jobs, greater economic growth, better health care outcomes, and increased educational performance.

“This means our country will be weaker as we confront the economic and security challenges we are facing, including labor shortages, STEM education shortcomings, and lagging American leadership in key technology areas. When millions are without broadband, we limit our potential as a nation.

“Recognizing the importance of access to high-quality broadband, Congress has allocated significant resources to help bridge the digital divide. But the first step to appropriately allocating resources is knowing where the money needs to go.

“I sponsored the Broadband DATA Act, which was enacted in 2020, to use granular data to create a more accurate and refined broadband map to better target areas in need with new investments.

“Getting these maps right is critical because of the significant resources Congress has allocated to bridging the digital divide since 2020.

“If the FCC’s maps aren’t accurate, a large portion of the funding will be poorly used and areas in need won’t get the resources required to increase access to broadband. Millions of dollars in new resources for Kansas rely on the accuracy of the maps.

“The FCC is also required to allow Americans to challenge inaccuracies within the maps, making certain the maps improve over time.

“After receiving feedback from Kansans, a second version of the map was released at the end of May, and I understand from talking with Kansans that is more accurate than before. Continued oversight of the FCC’s work will be necessary, and I look forward to continuing to work with my Commerce Committee colleagues on these efforts.

“Now that we know where need exists, we need to make certain investments are appropriately targeted to those most in need, and not wasted overbuilding existing networks. We also must make certain program requirements encourage broadband providers to participate, rather than discouraging them with burdensome requirements that do not line up with Congressional intent.

“I also want to make certain that every dollar Congress has allocated to broadband deployment actually goes to broadband deployment, not back to the Treasury. This is why I have introduced legislation to make certain broadband grants are not considered taxable income.

“This is particularly important as critical broadband deployment programs at the Department of Commerce allocate funds at the end of this month. Every dollar take back by Treasury represents a community remaining disconnected, and I encourage my colleagues to work with me to make certain this is not the case.

“As part of my oversight work as the Ranking Member of the CJS Appropriations Subcommittee, I invited Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo to Kansas to hear directly from Kansans about the challenges they face when deploying broadband across the state.

“She heard from Commissioner Randy Leis about the benefits broadband access have brought to Meade County, including education and business opportunities. She also heard from a host of rural telecoms providers, about what they need from the Commerce Department to be successful in deploying broadband across the state.

“During this visit, Secretary Raimondo also reiterated her commitment to providing every Kansan with access to high-quality broadband service.

“To preserve the small-town Kansas way of life that I – and many Kansans and senators here today – value, I look forward to working with officials to make certain that rural Kansans are connected to quality broadband service.”

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Sens. Moran, Smith Push to Lower Cost of Cancer Treatments

Source: United States Senator for Kansas – Jerry Moran

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) introduced bipartisan legislation to make certain patients who receive oral medications are not hit with thousands of dollars in unaffordable out-of-pocket costs that health plans routinely cover for patients receiving traditional IV chemotherapy treatments.

The senators’ Cancer Drug Parity Act responds to the recent improvements in oral medications for cancer by preventing insurers from charging cancer patients higher copayments for those medications than for chemotherapy medicine delivered intravenously. An estimated 2 million Americans will be are diagnosed with cancer this year. A study on patients prescribed oral cancer medications found that one in eight patients faced copayments of $2,000 or more for their first prescription.

“As the number of orally administered cancer drugs increases each year, patients ought to be able to immediately benefit from these medical advancements,” said Sen. Moran. “This sensible legislation would encourage ERISA health insurance plans to remain on pace with the latest cancer treatments and expand access to orally administered cancer drugs for millions of individuals. Access to new treatments, therapies and cures will help save lives.”

“Advancements in oral cancer medications have made life better for cancer patients across the country,” said Sen. Smith. “Oral medications are less intrusive than traditional IV treatments, can be taken at home, and have turned cancer into a manageable chronic disease for many. But while IV treatments are covered by a health plan’s medical benefits – with moderate to minimal copays – oral medications often have high, unaffordable copays. It can add up to thousands of dollars in costs for patients each year and can cause many to delay or forego necessary care to treat their cancer. Our bill brings parity to these two kinds of treatments and lowers costs for those taking oral cancer drugs.”

More than 40 states and the District of Columbia have enacted “oral parity” laws, which prevent health plans from creating different cost-sharing requirements for oral and IV cancer medicines. These laws have made a significant difference for cancer patients – for example, researchers found that the number of multiple myeloma patients initially charge $0 for oral medications nearly quintupled with the enactment of oral parity laws.

The Cancer Drug Parity Act would build on this state-level success by:

  • Expanding oral parity protections to privately-insured patients whose health care is regulated at the federal level
  • Preventing insurers from covering oral and self-administered medicines at different cost-sharing rates than IV chemotherapy
  • Implementing these requirements for health plans that already cover both oral and IV chemotherapy treatments

The bill is cosponsored by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Angus King (I-Maine), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Ark.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Rick Scott (R-Fla.).

This legislation is endorsed by Accessia Health, AIM at Melanoma, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Society of Hematology, American Urological Association, Aplastic Anemia and MDS International Foundation, Association of American Cancer Institutes, Association of Community Cancer Centers, Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses, CancerCare, Cancer and Careers, Cancer Support Community, Colorectal Cancer Alliance, Community Oncology Alliance, Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE), Fight Colorectal Cancer, GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer, Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association, International Myeloma Foundation, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, LUNGevity, Lymphoma Research Foundation, Medical College of Wisconsin, METAvivor, National Brain Tumor Society, National Comprehensive Cancer Network, National Patient Advocate Foundation, Oncology Nursing Society, Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, PAN Foundation, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Susan G. Komen, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Institute, WVU Medicine, ZERO Prostate Cancer.

“We are thrilled Senator Smith and Senator Moran have re-introduced this important legislation that will help millions of cancer patients access the care they need by ensuring equitable insurance coverage to treatment,” said Danielle Director of Public Policy and Advocacy for the International Myeloma Foundation who chairs the Coalition to Improve Access to Cancer Care. “They made great strides in the Senate last Congress, and we look forward to continuing that momentum. Their commitment to improving access to necessary care and patient affordability is commendable, and we appreciate their tireless work in championing the Cancer Drug Parity Act.”

A one-page summary of this legislation can be found HERE.

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Murkowski, Sullivan Applaud $88M Grant to Invest in Broadband Infrastructure for Rural Alaska

Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski

06.16.23

Today, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-Alaska) applauded the National Telecommunications and Information Administration announcement of a $88.896 million infrastructure grant for Quintillion to build a multi-year subsea broadband project from Nome to Homer, Alaska. Once constructed and online, the Nome to Homer project will provide redundant middle mile backhaul capability for Alaska, creating redundancy and reliability for Alaska’s broadband network infrastructure that is unprecedented for Alaska.

“This award comes at a critical time for Alaska. I often say that Alaska sets its own terms, and this time period is a perfect example. We now have a situation where the federal government is making an investment that could have prevented the impacts of this widespread outage. The extensive internet outage, caused by significant sea ice scouring, underscores the importance of Arctic infrastructure and redundancy. Most Americans take for granted that internet outages last hours or days, not weeks or months. In Alaska, we are a state with one road to the Arctic, one broadband connection, and one port that is just beginning construction. As such, Alaskans often lack essential services that the rest of the Lower 48 takes for granted, and given Alaska’s strategic location and role in national defense, we require more than just the ability to ‘get by’ when it comes to infrastructure. This grant is a big step towards recognizing Alaska’s unique needs and makes an investment in the future of the state and our national strategic capability. When crafting the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, I focused on including significant support for broadband infrastructure to rural communities. Alaskans deserve reliable access to internet for their telehealth, schooling, emergency services, and so much more—and this significant grant will provide a solution to providing reliable internet connectivity to Alaskans in rural communities in the long term,” said Senator Lisa Murkowski. “While this grant won’t solve Northwestern Alaska’s current internet outage, it marks an important down payment on a more resilient future for Alaska and is a recognition of Alaska’s unique needs.”

“As a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, I often hear my colleagues pressing federal officials to prioritize upgrades to existing broadband infrastructure for their constituents. My question to my colleagues and these officials is—what about communities, many of which are in my state, with no infrastructure or connectivity to begin with?” said Sen. Sullivan. “The lack of Internet access in Alaska was a driving force behind my work on the broadband provisions of the bipartisan infrastructure bill. I am heartened to see our legislation bearing fruit for tens of thousands of Alaskans on this expansive route between Nome and Homer, unlocking limitless possibilities in terms of telehealth, education and small business opportunities. Importantly, in light of the fiber optic cable severed by sea ice recently, this project will achieve greater resiliency to meet the challenges of Alaska’s rugged and unpredictable terrain and keep Alaskans connected. 

Background:

Quintillion, a telecommunications service provider, builds fiber optic cables across Alaska. Last week, a fiber cable connecting Northwest Alaska to the internet was damaged, causing either total or partial internet outages for thousands of Alaskans. 

The $88.896,493.83 grant to Quintillion will extend the existing network and completes a ring, connecting a previously constructed network. It will also provide connectivity along newly constructed routes. 

The grant is through the Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program, to expand and extend middle mile infrastructure to reduce the cost of connecting areas that are unserved or underserved to the internet backbone. The program was created and funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. To date, Alaska has received more than $3.9 billion in infrastructure investments thanks to the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

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Wyden, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to End Economic Racial Discrimination

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

June 16, 2023

Senator: “As America prepares to mark Juneteenth, our country should be strengthening laws that protect the civil rights of Black Americans and people of color and support economic justice.”

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden said today that he and Senate colleagues have introduced legislation that would protect individuals from racial discrimination and foster economic inclusion.

The Economic Inclusion Civil Rights Act would restore and strengthen Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1866, addressing the erosion of Section 1981’s original guarantees by adopting a motivation test, allowing for disparate impact claims, and expanding protection to a broader array of economic activity.

“As America prepares to mark Juneteenth, our country should be strengthening laws that protect the civil rights of Black Americans and people of color and support economic justice. Yet, the Supreme Court has chipped away at Section 1981, a pillar in the fight against racial discrimination and expanding economic opportunities,” Wyden said. “Congress must right this wrong and do more to address the serious economic inequities that persist in America and make sure that every American has equal opportunity.”

Congress passed Section 1981 to secure the civil rights of Black citizens in the wake of the Civil War. Enacted as part of the Civil Rights Act of 1866, Section 1981 guarantees all persons the “same right” to make and enforce contracts “as [are] enjoyed by white citizens.” Under Section 1981, all racial discrimination in the making and enforcing of private and public contracts should be prohibited. Over time, however, the Supreme Court chipped away at the promises of Section 1981.

Alongside Wyden, the legislation was led by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and Cory Booker, D-N.J. The bill was cosponsored by U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Edward J. Markey, D-Mass.

The Economic Inclusion Civil Rights Act has earned endorsements from prominent organizations dedicated to advancing civil rights and combating racial discrimination. The endorsing organizations and academics include: Color of Change; the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law; National Urban League; U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.; and Dean Erwin Chemerinsky from Berkeley Law School.

Text of the bill is here.

 

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Wyden, Merkley: McMinnville, Gold Beach Airports Secure Nearly $850,000 Collectively for Improvements

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

June 16, 2023

Investments from Federal Aviation Administration to be used in Gold Beach for weather reporting equipment, in McMinnville for airport master plan

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced the McMinnville Municipal Airport has secured a $450,000 federal grant and the Gold Beach Municipal Airport has earned a $396,459 federal grant.

“These federal investments support quality airports for Oregonians living and working in both communities, and counting on these facilities for the health of their economies as well as safety in times of emergency,” Wyden said. “I’m gratified these funds are heading to small airports in our state, and I’ll continue working to provide similar resources for airports across Oregon.”

“Oregonians depend on safe and reliable airport infrastructure to connect communities and economies across the state,” said Senator Merkley. “These federal investments will ensure these small, regional airports have the tools they need to further support the economic prosperity and safety of Oregon communities for years to come.” 

The $450,000 from the Federal Aviation Administration’s airport improvement program for McMinnville will be used for an airport master plan. The $396,459 from that same FAA program for will be used for weather reporting equipment at Gold Beach’s airport.

“The Port of Gold Beach is grateful to receive this grant and we appreciate the work of our federal delegation to keep these funds available,” said Andy Wright, port consultant, Port of Gold Beach. “It will be used to replace our Automated Weather Observation System which is a critical piece of airport infrastructure. Our air ambulance company, businesses, and private pilots rely on this system for reporting accurate conditions on the ground. Having newer updated equipment will help ensure the safety of all airport traffic.”

“The McMinnville Municipal Airport is excited and grateful to receive this federal grant which will allow us to implement our airport master plan which will dovetail with other city planning efforts to properly integrate the airport into the community,” said McMinnville Airport Administrator Willy Williamson. “This will improve commerce and increase the economic impact in the region. Additionally, the airport master plan provides a long term outlook for airport improvements and allows the opportunity for future FAA airport improvement grants.” 

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Merkley, Wyden Announce $3.5 Million for Brookings Harbor Wastewater Treatment Plant

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

June 16, 2023

Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced today that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is awarding the Port of Brookings Harbor $3.5 million for a community-initiated project for a wastewater treatment plant to support a sustainable future for the Port’s fish processing industry and promote economic growth in the region.

“Reliable infrastructure is critical to fish processing facilities up and down the Oregon coast,”?said Merkley, Chair of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, which funds this program.?“These funds will support the fish processing in Brookings Harbor, ensuring this critical industry is able to continue to grow in our coastal communities, and keep Oregon a leader in seafood. I’ll continue to do all I can to ensure all of our industries have the reliable infrastructure needed to thrive.”?? 

“Oregonians living and working on the South Coast deserve federal support for the modern and dependable infrastructure they count on for quality of life in their community,” Wyden said. “I’m gratified the Port of Brookings has earned this federal investment in fish processing that generates local jobs, and I’ll keep battling for all Oregon coastal communities to secure similar resources.”

“The wastewater treatment plant is going to give the Port and commercial fishing a viable location for unloading and processing to take place at the Port of Brookings and give us a foreseeable future for fish processing in Brookings,” said Travis Webster, Manager, Port of Brookings.

This project is one of around 300 community-initiated projects throughout Oregon that Senators Merkley and Wyden secured in government funding bills over the last two years, including many that focus on improving water infrastructure and conservation in communities across the state. 

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Rosen, Ernst, Duckworth, Sullivan Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Properly Recognize Female Veterans’ Combat Service with Special Forces, Ensure Access to Benefits

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

Under Current Policies, Women Veterans Who Served In Cultural Support Teams Are Denied Proper Recognition, Benefits, & Critical Health Services

This Bipartisan Legislation Would Require Review Of Military Records Of These Women Veterans To Recognize Them For Their Combat Service

WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) introduced the bipartisan Jax Act to amend military records of women veterans who deployed alongside Special Forces in Afghanistan and Iraq to ensure they accurately reflect their service as members of Cultural Support Teams (CST). Before female servicemembers were able to formally serve in combat roles, CSTs were deployed to combat zones with Special Operations Forces (SOF) in order to engage with the female populations, greatly expanding operational and intelligence-gathering capabilities.

These women veterans shared similar operational and traumatic experiences as their male peers also serving in combat but have not been recognized for their combat service, denying them rank, benefits, and critical health services. This bipartisan legislation would require the review of the military records of CST women veterans who served from 2010 to 2021 in support of Special Operations Forces. The bill is named the Jax Act after Jaclyn “Jax” Scott, who served on a Cultural Support Team and has been leading the fight to get women combat veterans the recognition and benefits they deserve.

“Women veterans who bravely served our nation and fought for our freedoms deserve all of the recognition, benefits, and honor they earned, just like their male counterparts. Due to outdated policies, women veterans who were part of Cultural Support Teams and who served in combat are being denied rank, benefits, and critical health services,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m introducing bipartisan legislation to cut through bureaucratic red tape so that our brave women veterans can see their service reflected on their military records and receive the recognition and access to resources they are so deeply owed.”

“Make no mistake – women have been wearing our nation’s uniform and serving honorably in war zones long before our military removed the ban on women serving in combat,” said Senator Ernst. “As the first female combat veteran to serve in the U.S. Senate, I’m proud to fight for the hundreds of women who played critical roles in Afghanistan and Iraq and ensure they receive the care and recognition they have always deserved.”

“The women who served in our military’s CSTs selflessly answered the call and played an important role in keeping our nation safe, but because we haven’t recognized their combat duty, too many of them are not able to access the disability compensation and VA treatment their sacrifices deserve,” said Senator Duckworth. “This is unacceptable. I’m proud to help introduce the Jax Act to help fully recognize the service and sacrifice of these brave heroes and make sure they receive the care and benefits they’ve earned.”

“For many years, women service members served valiantly alongside our military’s elite Special Operations Forces, risking their lives to help take out some of the world’s most dangerous terrorists while being denied official recognition for their combat duties,” said Senator Sullivan. “These women incurred the same hardships as their male counterparts, but tragically, they did not receive the same care from our VA or the recognition they deserve once they came home. This is wrong and must be fixed. I thank Senator Rosen for authoring this bill to fulfill our duty to these courageous American women and I thank our female service members who’ve fought and risked their lives for our country.”

“The Jax Act will give power back to women of the SOF community,” said Chief Warrant Officer Jaclyn “Jax” Scott, board member, Special Operations Association of America. “It will allow me and others like me to rightfully access healthcare and disability benefits we deserve. It is the first step in righting the wrong and helping to heal the moral injury we carry with us every day.” 

“Special Operations Association of America fights for those who fight for us. That has always included the women of the CST community, and the Jax Act will ensure that these women get the support and recognition they deserve,” said David Cook, the Executive Director of Special Operations Association of America. “We’re grateful for bipartisan support in Congress to right this wrong.”

“As a Nevadan who served as part of the Army’s Cultural Support Team in Afghanistan, I am proud to see that this legislation will finally recognize the immense contributions of the women I served with in combat. This bill will also give them access to long-overdue earned benefits for the danger they put themselves in to protect our nation,” said Shirley Wu, Las Vegas resident and former Army Cultural Support Team Staff Sergeant. “Thank you, Senator Rosen, for standing up for women servicemembers and working to see that they are honored.”

The Jax Act is being introduced the week of the 75th anniversary of women being allowed to serve in the U.S. military. Earlier this week, Senator Rosen helped introduce the Women’s Veterans Appreciation Day Resolution recognizing the service and sacrifices of women veterans and marking the signing of  the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act 75 years ago on June 12, 1948.

Senator Rosen is fighting to ensure veterans can access the resources and benefits they deserve. This spring, she introduced the bipartisan VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project Act to take steps to address the deaths of veterans by suicide. Senator Rosen also secured Nevada’s first-ever Veteran Business Outreach Center to provide business resources and support to transitioning servicemembers, veterans, and military spouses interested in starting or growing a small business. 

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In Las Vegas, Rosen to Announce More Than $43 Million She Secured to Expand Access to High-Speed Internet in Nevada

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

Funding Comes From Senator Rosen’s Middle Mile Broadband Deployment Act That Was Signed Into Law As Part Of The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

Will Facilitate High-Speed Internet Connection To More Than 21,000 Locations Across Nevada

LAS VEGAS, NV – Today, at an event in Las Vegas, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) will announce that Nevada will receive over $43.5 million to increase high-speed internet access throughout the state. She secured this award through her Middle Mile Broadband Deployment Act, which created the Middle Mile Infrastructure Grant Program, and became law as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This funding will help facilitate and improve the connection of more than 21,000 locations across Nevada to the internet. Last year, Senator Rosen encouraged Nevada public entities and non-profits to apply for this funding. 

The $1 billion Rosen-created program helps fund critical broadband infrastructure known as “middle mile” that helps connect communities to the internet. While much of the national debate around internet access focuses on connecting residences to the internet – what is known as connecting the “last mile” – there have been fewer conversations on the federal level about “middle mile.” Middle mile is the section of a network that connects the backbone of the internet to a local connection site, which often includes anchor institutions such as schools, libraries, or government offices. Middle mile networks connect an internet backbone to local networks that can support connections to homes. 

“Access to high-speed internet is absolutely essential to our daily lives, but unfortunately, too many communities across our state lack basic internet services,” said Senator Rosen. “I’ve made it a priority to fight for improved internet access for families in our state, and I’m proud to announce that Nevada will receive more than $43 million to help connect tens of thousands of locations to the internet. Thanks to my Middle Mile Broadband Deployment Act, access to the internet is becoming a reality for more hardworking Nevada families.”

Senator Rosen has been leading the fight to expand access to high-speed internet for Nevada families. Senator Rosen helped write the broadband section of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, securing $65 billion in overall investments to make high-speed internet affordable for Americans. Earlier this year, Senator Rosen also successfully pushed the Administration to fix flawed broadband maps to ensure Nevada received its fair share of federal funding for high-speed internet. She also announced that she helped secure $55.2 million to connect more than 40,000 households in Nevada to high-speed internet with funds from the American Rescue Plan.

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Cassidy Announces $44 Million for Hurricane Ida Relief

Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

06.16.23

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will grant the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals a total of $44,014,146.58 in relief for Hurricane Ida. The federal funding is reimbursement for emergency measures taken in the wake of the storm.

“South Louisiana was hit hard by Ida, but our communities are strong,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This grant will help ensure our first responders are prepared for the next storm.”

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Maine Delegation Announces More than $30 Million to Support Universal Broadband Access in Maine

Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden announced that the Maine Connectivity Authority was awarded $30,016,472.13 in federal funding from the Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure grant. This investment is funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and will support Maine’s strategic goal of providing universal broadband access throughout the state.

“As one of the most rural states in the nation, Maine will see immense benefits from expanding high-speed, affordable broadband access to all our people. In the 21st century economy, access to high-speed Internet is absolutely essential to business development and job growth in rural areas, and it opens doors to new opportunities in telehealth and education,” said Senators Collins and King and Representatives Pingree and Golden. “As proud supporters of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we are pleased to see the continued impact of this bipartisan legislation.”

“With this grant award, Maine is demonstrating its national leadership in the expansion of high-speed, reliable and affordable internet,” said Andrew Butcher, President of the Maine Connectivity Authority. “MOOSE Net will provide the connectivity infrastructure to enable the industries that power Maine– farming, fishing, forest products and fun.”

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests $65 billion to support broadband infrastructure nationwide, including $1 billion for the Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program administered by the National Telecommunications & Information Administration. The funding will support the construction, improvement, or acquisition of “middle mile” broadband infrastructure, which will help reduce the cost of connecting areas that are unserved or underserved to the internet backbone and bridge gaps in the broadband network.

Senator Collins was part of the core group of 10 Senators who negotiated the text of the bipartisan infrastructure law. Senator Collins and Senator Shaheen of New Hampshire spearheaded the broadband working group and co-authored the law’s provisions providing for $65 billion broadband investment. This historic legislation is delivering billions of dollars to Maine for investments in broadband, roads, bridges, and more. As Co-Chair of the bipartisan Senate Broadband Caucus, Senator King has been a strong advocate for expanding affordable broadband access as a way to increase economic opportunity in rural Maine. Senator King introduced the Middle Mile Broadband Deployment Act in 2021 that proposed creating a grant program to connect internet carriers to local networks in unserved and underserved communities.

The bipartisan infrastructure law is expected to deliver approximately $2.5 billion to Maine over the next five years for critical broadband, transportation, energy, and environmental projects. In December 2022, Maine received $5.5 million to plan for the deployment and adoption of broadband service throughout the state.

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