Category: US Senate

Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Bob Menendez

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today was joined by Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) in introducing new legislation to bolster the United States’ defense partnership with Greece. Entitled the U.S.-Greece Defense and Interparliamentary Partnership Act of 2021, the bipartisan legislation bolsters support for Greek military modernization, authorizing new transfers of American military equipment, and fostering increased multilateral engagement among Cyprus, Greece, Israel, and the United States.  

“This bipartisan legislation will continue to enhance defense cooperation with Greece, a valued NATO ally,” said Senator Rubio. “By extending Foreign Military Assistance to Greece and establishing an interparliamentary partnership with democratic countries in the Eastern Mediterranean, this legislation reaffirms our strong commitment to the region at a time when malign actors are working to undermine international security and stability.”

Find a copy of the U.S.-Greece Defense and Interparliamentary Partnership Act of 2021 HERE. Key Provisions of the legislation include:

Support for Greek Military Modernization:

• Authorizes European Recapitalization Incentive Program (ERIP) assistance to Greece to support Greece’s transition away from Russian-produced military equipment
• Authorizes $1 million per year in International Military Education and Training (IMET) assistance for Greece for FY2022 – 2026
• Expresses the Sense of Congress that the U.S. should provide direct loans to Greece for the procurement of defense articles, defense services, and design and construction services pursuant to the further development of Greece’s military force

Transfer of American Military Equipment to Greece:

• Authorizes expedited delivery of any future F-35 aircraft ordered by Greece
• Requires that the delivery of excess defense articles to Greece be given the same priority as that given other countries and regions
• Requires the Secretary of Defense, with the concurrence of the Secretary of State, to submit a report to Congress on Greece’s defense needs and how the United States will seek to address such needs through transfers of excess defense equipment to Greece

Parliamentary Engagement within the 3+1 Framework:

• Authorizes the establishment of an interparliamentary group among Cyprus, Greece, Israel and the United States to serve as the legislative component of the 3+1 process launched among the governments in March 2019

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Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Bob Menendez

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“The people of Belarus deserve a chance to live in a democratic society. They have sacrificed greatly – some have paid the ultimate sacrifice and hundreds sit in jail as political prisoners,” Chairman Menendez added. “I hope that this hearing does two things – I hope that it sends a clear message of solidarity to the Belarusian people. Second, and more importantly, I want this hearing to advance real policy options for the United States and our allies in Europe.”

Find a copy of Chairman Menendez’s remarks as delivered below.

“Last week, a Belarusian opposition activist attempted suicide in a Minsk courtroom by stabbing himself in the neck with a pen. Covered in blood, his jailers fumbled for the keys to his courtroom cage. The absolute horror of this one incident exemplifies the desperation of an opposition movement constantly under lethal threat from a regime dead set on staying in power. This is the dictatorial regime of Alexander Lukashenka. This is the harsh brutality faced by the Belarusian people every day.
 
Since attempting to steal the presidential election in August 2020, the Lukashenka regime’s repression has grown exponentially. Hundreds of courageous political prisoners populate Belarusian jails. Several have been killed. Despite this pressure, the people of Belarus continue to turn out, standing up for their rights. 
 
The repressive reach of this regime came into sharp relief three weeks ago when Raman Pratasevich and Sophia Sapega were arrested, victims of a hijacking ordered by the state.
 
The Biden administration has rightfully made support for human rights a centerpiece of its foreign policy. How we respond to Belarus will send a message not only to the regime in Minsk, but to autocrats around the world. This is a critical test, one the United States must pass.
 
The United States will pass this test by leading the international community on human rights and democracy. By leading an international sanctions effort. Leading by clearly, publicly and frequently expressing solidarity with the democratic opposition and the people of Belarus.
 
Ultimately, a democratic Belarus is up to its people to determine and to achieve. That is their sovereign responsibility. But the United States has also a responsibility to maintain pressure on the regime, a responsibility to live up to the vision set by the Biden administration.
 
And that starts by taking a few key steps.
 
First, sanctions. The U.S. re-imposition of sanctions on nine Belarusian entities is a welcome development, but it did little to change Lukashenka’s calculus. Working with Europe, the Administration should impose sanctions on the Belarusian state bank, Belarusian sovereign debt, and the energy and potash industries. It is time to increase the pressure. 
 
Second: We need to stand with the opposition in Belarus. I appreciate that members of our committee, Senators Shaheen, Portman, and Murphy, met with the opposition in Vilnius last week. Lukashenka needs to see over and over that the international community does not see him as legitimate, full stop. To that end, Belarusian opposition leadership should be invited to the G7 summit in the United Kingdom next week. We should never pass up an opportunity to express solidarity with these courageous activists.

Finally, we need to see a robust investigation and a focused set of penalties in response to the hijacking of the May 23^rdRyanair flight. A lackluster response will send a crystal clear signal to autocrats in every corner of the world – it is open season on democratic activists abroad, go ahead, target at will. The Kremlin has already seized the initiative and last week began forcing activists off planes for arrest. Since May 23^rd, we have heard a lot of rhetoric, but little action. I welcome the measures to block Belarusian flights into Europe and the EU should consider blocking Belarusian ships from its ports.  A weak response will only welcome continued aggression.

Alexander Lukashenka is often called the last dictator in Europe, but unfortunately, he is not. Vladimir Putin is sitting right next door, constantly exerting pernicious influence across the region. As the Belarusian activist tried to commit suicide in Minsk last week, Putin took Lukashenka out for a yacht cruise on the Black Sea. The Russian leader sees opportunity. So I look forward to hearing from Ambassador Fisher on how the Department assesses this relationship and how we can work to ensure that Putin does not gain further advantage in the region.
 
The people of Belarus deserve a chance to live in a democratic society. They have sacrificed greatly – some have paid the ultimate sacrifice and hundreds sit in jail as political prisoners.  I hope that this hearing does two things – I hope that it sends a clear message of solidarity to the Belarusian people. Second, and more importantly, I want this hearing to advance real policy options for the United States and our allies in Europe.
 
With that, let me recognize the Ranking Member, Senator Risch, for his opening remarks.”
 

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Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Bob Menendez

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-N.J.) joined the entire Senate Democratic Caucus in introducing a Senate resolution recognizing June as LGBTQ Pride Month. This resolution highlights the contributions LGBTQ individuals have made to American society, commemorates several major milestones in the fight for equal treatment of LGBTQ Americans, and resolves to continue efforts to achieve full equality for the LGBTQ community. The resolution also recognizes how the COVID-19 pandemic compounds the systemic inequality that LGBTQ people face in healthcare, employment, and housing in the United States, which has resulted in a disparate impact on the LGBTQ community.

“For more than 50 years, LGBTQ individuals have fought to make the United States a more inclusive and accepting country – one where all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or their gender identity or expression, are able to live full and authentic lives,” said Sen. Menendez. “Yet, despite the progress we have made as a nation, there is still much work to be done to protect LGBTQ individuals from discrimination. That’s why I’m proud to be standing with the entirety of the Senate Democratic Caucus in introducing this resolution, a reflection of our solidarity and commitment to protecting LGBTQ individuals in communities all across America.”

“While our nation has made significant progress in realizing the full rights of all people, we will never have true equality as long as there are people who face discrimination because of their sexual orientation or gender identity,” said Sen. Booker. “As we celebrate Pride Month, we must never forget the lives and legacy of LGBTQ+ Americans who have sacrificed and given so much to this country. I am proud to reintroduce this resolution with my Democratic colleagues and will continue to fight for comprehensive and nationwide protections for the LGBTQ+ community.”

Earlier this year, under the new leadership of the Biden Administration, both senators joined Senate Democrats in reintroducing the Equality Act, comprehensive legislation to ensure civil rights laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. This bill would unequivocally ban discrimination in a host of areas, including employment, housing, public accommodations, jury service, access to credit, federal funding assistance, and education.

This resolution was led by Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), and Tina Smith (D-Minn.). In addition to Sens. Menendez and Booker, the resolution was cosponsored by the rest of the Senate Democratic Caucus, which includes Sens. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Ed Markey (D-Mass,), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Bob Casey (D- Pa.), Michael Bennett (D-Colo.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Angus King (I-Maine), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ili.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Joe Manchin (D-W.V.), Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Benjamin Cardin (D-Md.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), John Ossoff (D-Ga.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.).

This year’s pride resolution has been endorsed by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and Equality Ohio.

Full text of the resolution is available here. 

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Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Richard Burr

Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

June 09, 2021

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Angus King (I-Maine), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) recently introduced the bipartisan Visit America Act to support the travel and tourism industry. This bill would authorize the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board and create an assistant secretary position within the Department of Commerce focused on bolstering America’s travel and tourism industry and coordinating a strategy across multiple federal agencies by establishing annual goals and recommendations. The legislation would also require the development and implementation of a recovery strategy to assist the travel and tourism industry to quickly recover from the COVID–19 pandemic.

“Las Vegas is a world-class travel destination, as are so many of Nevada’s stunning landscapes,” said Sen. Cortez Masto. “I’m co-leading on the bipartisan Visit America Act to make sure our government is doing everything it can to revitalize our country’s tourism and travel industry in the wake of the pandemic. I’ll continue to work in the Senate to strengthen Nevada’s vibrant hospitality industry and support its many important workers.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic ravaged all aspects of the tourism and hospitality industry, a crucial sector that supports our economy and thousands of good-paying jobs in Alaska,” said Sen. Sullivan. “Fortunately, against great odds, we were able to salvage a portion of Alaska’s crucial 2021 summer cruise ship season. We want to build on that success with a thorough federal strategy to rebuild U.S. tourism at a time when Americans and travelers around the world are eager to get out of lockdowns and see this great country again. I’m glad to launch the Visit America Act with my colleagues to better position the travel industry for a strong rebound with ambitious visitation goals, requirements for a whole-of-government recovery strategy, and a high-level tourism official in the federal government for the first time ever.”

“Each year, millions of visitors flock to Vacationland for a taste of The Way Life Should Be, as families are just a day’s drive or a quick flight away from sites that deliver lifelong memories without straining household budgets,” said Sen. King, chairman of the National Parks Subcommittee. “From our picturesque coastline to our lush forests and awe-inspiring mountains, there is something for everyone in Maine – which is why many small businesses throughout Maine have built their business models around the busy summer season. However, the coronavirus pandemic’s effects showed us just how vulnerable these businesses are to sudden shifts in consumer demand. In order to support the tourism industry and speed our economic recovery from the pandemic, we need to redouble our work to boost this vital part of our national economy. This legislation will unite a variety of government efforts under one federal office and one leader, strengthening our efforts to help the tourism industry grow and thrive.”

As a co-lead of the Senate Tourism Caucus, Senator Cortez Masto has led bipartisan efforts in the Senate to support the travel and tourism industry, especially during the coronavirus pandemic. She introduced the bipartisan STEP Act earlier this year to provide economic support for organizations involved in promoting and hosting tourism, travel, or other special events. During COVID-19, Cortez Masto also delivered billions of dollars to the state’s businesses and secured flexibility for the gaming industry. Throughout negotiations for the American Rescue Plan, Cortez Masto called for and secured $750 million in funding for the Economic Development Administration to help states like Nevada that have been impacted by revenue loss in the tourism and travel industry. In addition, she secured critical tax credits for Nevada’s hospitality and tourism businesses. Cortez Masto also led efforts to secure reauthorization of BrandUSA, a vital tourism promotion program that will help boost Nevada’s international tourism industry.

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Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin

06.09.21

Legislation would safeguard against anti-abortion laws like Mississippi’s 15-week ban to be argued in front of the Supreme Court next year

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) joined U.S. Representatives Judy Chu (D-CA), Lois Frankel (D-FL), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), and Veronica Escobar (D-TX) to introduce the Women’s Health Protection Act (WHPA), bicameral federal legislation to guarantee equal access to abortion, everywhere across the country. The bill’s introduction follows the Supreme Court’s decision to hear arguments in a case that directly threatens fifty years of precedent protecting access to abortion, and comes as states like Texas continue to pass anti-choice laws. 

Introduced with historic support, the legislation has 48 total co-sponsors in the Senate and 176 total co-sponsors in the House of Representatives.

The Women’s Health Protection Act guarantees a pregnant person’s right to access an abortion—and the right of an abortion provider to deliver these abortion services—free from medically unnecessary restrictions that interfere with a patient’s individual choice or the provider-patient relationship.

From Roe v. Wade in 1973 to Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt in 2016, the Supreme Court has repeatedly recognized abortion as a constitutional right. However, anti-abortion advocates have worked for years at the state-level to pass laws meant to undermine or eliminate access to abortion care. In the last decade, state lawmakers have pushed through nearly 500 restrictive laws that make abortion difficult and, sometimes, impossible to access. Just this year, four states have passed bans on abortion at six weeks of pregnancy, before many people even know they’re pregnant. Lawmakers in Arkansas and Oklahoma attempted to ban abortion completely. WHPA would stop these attacks and ensure that abortion access first guaranteed under Roe is a reality for everyone, everywhere. 

“Right now in states across this country, Roe v. Wade is under attack and millions of women are at risk of losing the freedom to make their own personal health decisions,” said Baldwin. “It is past time to stand up to these extreme threats to women’s constitutionally protected reproductive rights, which is why I’m championing the Women’s Health Protection Act. Every woman, regardless of where she lives, deserves the freedom to make her own, personal decisions about her health care, her family and her body.” 

“With the Supreme Court set to consider a direct attack on Roe and as emboldened and extremist lawmakers viciously attack women’s reproductive rights in statehouses across the nation, the Women’s Health Protection Act has never been more urgent or more necessary,” Blumenthal said. “These demagogic and draconian laws hurt women and families as they make personal and difficult medical decisions. This issue is about more than health care, it’s about human rights—all our rights. I’m proud to join this historic coalition of lawmakers in introducing the Women’s Health Protection Act and look forward to taking the next step towards seeing it passed into law by holding a hearing in the Senate Judiciary Constitution Subcommittee on the bill next week.”

“The fight to protect abortion rights for all Americans is more critical than ever now that the Supreme Court has agreed to hear a challenge to the Mississippi law banning abortion after 15 weeks, in a direct challenge to the constitutional protections established by Roe v. Wade,” said Chu. “This is part of a deliberate strategy by anti-abortion extremists to use state laws and the courts to slowly chip away at abortion access, with nearly 500 restrictive laws introduced in states since just 2011. That is why we need the Women’s Health Protection Act to ensure that no matter where you live, what your background is, or what your zip code, you have the same rights to make decisions about your own body as anyone else.”

“We need to trust women to make important decisions about their own reproductive destinies,” said Frankel. “The Women’s Health Protection Act will take the power to make these deeply personal medical decisions out of Governors’ mansions and state legislatures and put it back where it belongs: in the hands of patients and persons they trust.”

“This bill is bold, responsive, and timely legislation that would codify a person’s right to choose, free from government interference, and affirm abortion care as the fundamental human right that it is,” said Pressley. “I am grateful to my colleagues and our advocates for their partnership on this bill, and look forward to continuing to organize, mobilize, and legislate until this bill is passed and the ink dries on President Biden’s signature.”

“For decades, extremist lawmakers have worked relentlessly to turn back the clock and restrict women’s health and reproductive rights,” said Escobar. “In Texas, Republicans recently passed one of the most draconian laws in the country to ban abortions as early as six weeks – before most women even know they are pregnant, and without making any exceptions for victims of rape or incest. We must urgently pass the Women’s Health Protection Act to preserve women’s access to safe and legal abortions everywhere.”

The text of the Senate bill – including the full list of cosponsors – is available here. The text of the House bill – including the full list of cosponsors – is available here.

“The majority of voters want abortion protected under federal law,” said Nancy Northup, President and CEO of the Center for Reproductive Rights. “We cannot wait any longer. If Roe falls, many states will immediately take action to make abortion a crime. Even now, with constitutional protections in place, state legislators have made it impossible to access abortion in the South and Midwest. Especially for Black people and other people of color who already face barriers to health care. This bill—WHPA—would protect against the hundreds of state restrictions and bans that have pushed abortion out of reach. This is an issue of equal access, everywhere.” 

“Abortion access is a racial and economic justice issue. The legacy of restrictions on reproductive health care has perpetuated white supremacy and anti-Black racism. Restrictions on abortion compound harm for members of communities that have historically experienced barriers to health care — namely people of color, queer and trans folks, and those working to make ends meet. We appreciate that the Women’s Health Protection Act bill language recognizes that Reproductive Justice is a human right and that every individual should be able to decide whether and how to have children based on their own circumstances and without interference or discrimination,” said Danielle Hurd-Wilson (they/them), Interim Deputy Director of Field and Programs at URGE: Unite for Reproductive & Gender Equity. “The future I want to see is one where anyone can get an abortion with dignity and without barriers. The Women’s Health Protection Act would help cut the tangled web of restrictions that anti-abortion politicians have enacted to shame and stigmatize our decisions and deny us timely health care.”