Category: US Senate

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Opening Statement of Ranking Member Capito for PFAS Hearing

Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito


Click here or the image above to watch Ranking Member Capito’s opening remarks.

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, The U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee held a hearing entitled, “PFAS: the View from Affected Citizens and States.” The hearing witnesses included West Virginian, Scott Mandirola, who is the Deputy Secretary for External Affairs for the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP).

 

Below is the opening statement of Ranking Member Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), as prepared for delivery:

“Thank you, Chairman Carper, for calling today’s hearing.

“I also want to thank our witnesses for joining us, and I look forward to their remarks.

“I am glad we are all here today to discuss this important issue.

“Addressing the challenges of PFAS contamination is one of my highest environmental policy priorities, as many of you know, and I have long led bipartisan efforts to address the issue.

“For example, I took a lead role in provisions reported out of this committee and included in the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act establishing a clear process for EPA to publicly share information from PFAS manufacturers, processors, and users around the country.

“To address the substantial environmental and public health impacts from PFAS in West Virginia, I secured language in the Fiscal Year 2019 Department of Defense Appropriations Act to reimburse the city of Martinsburg for the significant costs involved in upgrading the Big Springs water treatment facility.

“The upgrades at that facility addressed PFAS resulting from federal government releases—from the base—of aqueous firefighting foam, detected in the drinking water.

“I also ensured Berkeley County, which is where Martinsburg is, was included in a joint study between the Department of Defense and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry on PFAS exposure in populations living and working on and around military bases.

“Of particular importance to me is timely action by the EPA to set drinking water standards for two specific PFAS: PFOS and PFOA.

“Assuring the American people’s confidence that their drinking water is safe is essential, and I have pressured the EPA directly—both the prior administrator and this one—and via legislative proposals for years to move forward on regulating PFOS and PFOA.

“That process is now underway, though it was temporarily frozen by the Biden administration when they first came into office.

“In response to my February 17, 2021, letter flagging this issue for White House Chief of Staff Ronald Klain, EPA promptly reissued its final determination to regulate both PFOS and PFOA under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

“I am very grateful to Mr. Klain for the quick response and that EPA continues to work expeditiously to establish a National Primary Drinking Water Regulation; however, much work remains.

“I agree with EPA’s assessment that many of the regulatory and enforcement actions the Executive Branch and states may pursue related to PFAS hinge on continued research and a more in-depth understanding of the chemistry and environmental and health challenges posed by this broad class of compounds.

“I wrote to the EPA on April 19, 2021, requesting updated information on the agency’s research initiatives in order to inform me and my colleagues when we can expect the scientific data and information required to support regulatory actions will be available to EPA. Unfortunately, I am still awaiting a response from the agency.

“It is critical that EPA ensures that science—not politics—is driving EPA’s regulatory decisions.

“While the federal government continues its much-needed regulatory processes, West Virginia has utilized its state authorities to take action, led by its Department of Environmental Protection.

“Sadly, West Virginia has faced the legacy of PFAS contamination originating from both industrial and military sites – the two major sources of contamination nationally.

“But, it is this experience that has made the state government vigilant in its response.

“A chemical facility in Parkersburg led to PFAS pollution entering the environment for decades and resulted in an unprecedented epidemiological study of the population to identify the resulting health risks.

“As I mentioned earlier, in Martinsburg – on the other side of our state – an Air National Guard Base’s use of PFAS-laden firefighting foams contaminated the Big Springs Water filtration plant.

“I worked with my colleague, Senator Manchin, to secure the nearly $5 million needed to provide the necessary filtration for that system, after the military first agreed to pay for it and then tried to walk away. But, we wouldn’t let them.

“I know there are similar stories around the country.

“As I believe we all know and will hear reaffirmed today – PFAS are all over this country with background levels of contamination from a multitude of sources.

“But, the actual threats to human health and the immediate environment tend to be highly localized.

“Which is exactly why a deliberative, science-backed approach to testing and remediation is necessary.

“The state of West Virginia authorized and funded a review of its drinking water systems, and currently, the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection is sampling for PFAS in nearly every community water system across the state, and I am pleased that Scott Mandirola is here as a witness today to provide an update on this ongoing effort.

“While I am proud to see West Virginia taking initiative in response to PFAS contamination, I am also aware of the critical need for continued scientific research to form the basis of appropriate federal action that supports West Virginia and other states as they try to assess and respond to these challenges.

“With plenty of misinformation out there, appropriate risk communication from the federal government is also crucial for helping state and local governments and our constituents understand and address PFAS pollution – and not undermining their ability to do so.

“I very much look forward to hearing from all of our witnesses on these topics today.

“Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I yield back.” 

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Sen. Cramer Statement on Biden Ending Bipartisan Infrastructure Negotiations: “A Slap in the Face to Bipartisanship”

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

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), the Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure, issued the following statement today on President Biden ending bipartisan infrastructure negotiations with EPW Ranking Member Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV):

“The President’s actions are a slap in the face to bipartisanship and to the good work both parties are accomplishing in the Environment and Public Works Committee. Senator Capito made a good-faith effort to reach a deal with President Biden, who campaigned on governing in a collaborative and unifying manner. Unfortunately the President chose to pursue far-left liberal policies instead of taking a pragmatic approach to getting things done for the American people. I urge my Democratic colleagues to ignore the President’s disappointing decision and to continue the efforts we have started at the committee level, where we have already advanced wastewater infrastructure legislation and the largest highway reauthorization bill in history, both of which passed unanimously.”

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Sen. Cramer Slams Naval Cuts in President’s Budget at Seapower Subcommittee Hearing

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

***Click here to download video. Click here for audio.***

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Seapower Subcommittee, delivered opening remarks yesterday at a subcommittee hearing, where he criticized the cuts to naval efforts found in President Biden’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 budget proposal.

“A budget like this sends China and our other potential adversaries the wrong message — that we’re not willing to do what it takes to defend ourselves and our allies and partners,” said Senator Cramer. “And we should be worried about China for a multitude of reasons, but – looking just at their Navy – their fleet surpassed our fleet size target of 355 ships last year and is steadily climbing toward 460 ships in 2030. Meanwhile, this budget supports a status quo U.S. Navy of around 300 ships. There’s no growth. In fact, the Navy is struggling to replace decommissioning ships with new ships on a one-for-one basis to avoid shrinking. This unacceptable situation is because the Navy is not being given the resources needed to grow.”

Click Here to Watch

 

Senator Cramer, a member of the Senate Budget Committee, criticized the budget proposal when it was released last month, saying it fails “to provide for our highest priority, the nation’s national defense.”

After his opening remarks, Senator Cramer spent time questioning the hearing’s witnesses: Frederick Stefany, the Acting Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition; Vice Admiral James Kilby, the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Requirements and Capabilities; and Lieutenant General Eric M. Smith, Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration at the U.S. Marine Corps. Click here to watch his first round of questions and click here to watch the second round.

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Risch & Senate Republicans Introduce Bill to Save Keystone Jobs

Source: United States Senator for Idaho James E Risch

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and 10 of his Senate Republican colleagues today introduced the Defending Keystone Jobs Act, which would require the Department of Labor to submit a report to Congress on the number of jobs lost as a direct or indirect result of the Biden administration’s move to cancel construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. Cancelation of Keystone construction stands in contrast with the Biden administration’s decision to waive sanctions on the company constructing Russia’s Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. 

Risch introduced the Defending Keystone Jobs Act with U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), and Bill Cassidy (R-La.).

“The Keystone XL pipeline would have strengthened U.S. energy independence while supporting thousands of high-paying jobs in the U.S. and Canada. It’s hard to square why the administration canceled its construction, yet waived sanctions on Russia’s malign pipeline project,” said Senator Risch. “Reinstating the Keystone project to invest in U.S. energy security and job creation is just common sense. Why is it bad for the U.S. to have access to natural gas, but it’s ok for Russia?”

“On his first day in office, President Biden killed thousands of American jobs–in the middle of a global pandemic–by cancelling construction of the privately-funded Keystone XL Pipeline. Shortly after, he waived sanctions against the Russia-backed Nord Stream 2 project. These actions prop up our foreign adversaries while weakening America’s energy independence and causing further harm to American workers, families and taxpayers. The Department of Labor should deliver a thorough estimate of the number of American jobs killed by such reckless decisions,” said Senator Crapo.

“President Biden is standing with Russian workers over Montana and American workers. Biden turned his back on America when he canceled the Keystone XL pipeline and the thousands of jobs that come with it while harming our national security by allowing the Russian Nord Stream 2 pipeline to proceed. We need to reverse this terrible decision and put American workers back into focus and back to work,” said Senator Daines.

“The president’s decision to cancel the Keystone XL pipeline is a slap in the face to the American workers whose good-paying jobs vanished on Inauguration Day,” said Senator Barrasso. “The Keystone XL pipeline would link the U.S. with a reliable ally and trading partner and would be built using American workers. It’s a win-win for our energy and national security. Instead, President Biden is more intent on saving Russian jobs than American jobs. Our bill will shed light on the American jobs President Biden destroyed.”

 “I’m proud to join Senator Risch on this legislation. Over the past decade, the United States has become a global leader in energy production while cutting our carbon emissions. President Biden is eroding this success by attacking American energy independence at every turn. We should know the true cost of President Biden’s political move to halt construction of the Keystone XL pipeline,” said Senator Lummis. 

“Canceling the Keystone XL Pipeline has cost our country thousands of good-paying jobs and made us more dependent on foreign countries to supply our domestic energy needs,” said Senator Moran. “The Biden Administration must reverse this policy, especially in light of its decision to waive sanctions on Russia’s Nord Stream 2 pipeline, and reprioritize the needs of American workers and energy consumers.”

“The Biden Administration chose to fire American workers through government decree and surrender our country’s energy independence instead of taking steps to grow our economy,” said Senator Marshall. “The least they can do is provide the American people with the truth in regard to how many people were left unemployed by the shameless political theater of cancelling the Keystone Pipeline.”

“The Biden administration’s actions to waive sanctions on Russia’s Nord Stream 2 Pipeline while halting construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, will cost thousands of jobs, harm our national security and make us less energy independent,” said Senator Hoeven. “This is simply the wrong approach, and instead, we should work to expand North American energy infrastructure, which is vital to U.S. economic and national security.”

“President Biden campaigned on supporting middle-class union jobs, yet on day one he chose to cancel American workers’ livelihoods and the revenue state and local communities would receive from the Keystone XL pipeline,” said Senator Cramer. “Our bill would require the Administration to acknowledge the damage it has caused, even as the President allows Russia to build a less environmentally friendly pipeline of its own.” 

“President Biden killed the Keystone XL pipeline in the name of ‘clean energy,’ but waived sanctions in order to allow the construction of Russia’s Nord Stream 2 pipeline. His decisions killed American jobs and put the security of our European allies at risk,” said Senator Cotton. “Our bill will hold President Biden accountable for his blatant disregard for hard-working Americans.”

“President Biden’s decision to kill the Keystone XL Pipeline put politics over Americans’ livelihoods,” said Dr. Cassidy. “We need to take a serious look at how many Americans are now out of work because of the president’s harmful decision, and this bill does that.”

Background:

On his first day in office, President Biden issued an executive order revoking the permit for construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. The Keystone pipeline project was expected to provide some 11,000 direct high-paying jobs and up to 60,000 indirect and direct jobs and strengthen North American energy independence. Meanwhile, the Biden administration has waived sanctions on Russia’s Nord Stream 2 pipeline.

Senator Risch serves as the ranking member on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and has been a leading voice in the U.S. Senate to halt construction of the Russian Nord Stream 2 pipeline. If completed, the Nord Stream 2 pipeline would further enable Russia’s malign influence campaign and undermine the integrity of Europe’s energy sector. 

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Whitehouse Calls for Action Following Report on Richest Americans Avoiding Taxes on Massive Income

Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Sheldon Whitehouse

06.09.21

Washington, DC – Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Chair of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Taxation and IRS Oversight, released the following statement today on the investigation by ProPublica revealing how the richest Americans avoid paying income tax on billions of dollars in income.

“Regular Americans pay their fair share, while some of the wealthiest U.S. taxpayers contribute next to nothing on billions in income. We need to pass my Buffett Rule bill to set a fair baseline for millionaires and billionaires, and pass reforms to address the mega-rich earning tax-free billions off their massive fortunes. We also need to pass my legislation to prevent wealthy taxpayers from stowing their income in overseas tax shelters.”

Whitehouse’s Paying a Fair Share Act would ensure multi-millionaire and billionaire taxpayers pay at least a 30 percent effective tax rate. The bill was inspired by billionaire investor Warren Buffett, who has said he pays a lower percentage of his income in taxes than his secretary.

Whitehouse has also introduced the Stop Tax Haven Abuse Act to crack down on offshore tax evasion by the superrich, which contributes to the growing tax gap. It would also close egregious offshore tax loopholes that allow companies with armies of lawyers to avoid taxes by making profits earned here in America magically appear on the books in tax havens like the Cayman Islands.

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Romney and Markey Announce Asia Subcommittee Hearing on Strengthening Partnership with Taiwan

Source: United States Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT)

Romney and Markey Announce Asia Subcommittee Hearing on Strengthening Partnership with Taiwan

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Mitt Romney (R-UT) and Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Ranking Member and Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy, released the following statement today announcing the subcommittee hearing, “Strength Through Partnership: Building the U.S. – Taiwan Relationship,” scheduled for 10:00am ET on June 17, 2021.
    
“Our strategic partnership with Taiwan’s vibrant democracy continues to grow despite the government of the People’s Republic of China’s efforts to isolate Taiwan from the world,” said Senators Romney and Markey in a joint statement. “We will hold the second hearing of our Subcommittee to explore ways to grow U.S.-Taiwan ties and build on our already strong relationship. We will seek avenues to bolster Taiwan’s defenses to deter armed aggression, and just as importantly, discuss how we bolster Taiwan’s standing in the world to withstand Beijing’s efforts to deny it partners overseas and access to the international community. We look forward to hearing from the Administration about what practical steps can be taken to strengthen the foundational commitments of the United States to Taiwan and promote Taiwan’s remarkable democratic success story in a region where authoritarianism is on the rise.
    
“At a time of our greatest need during the pandemic, Taiwan stepped up to supply personal protective equipment to frontline workers in hospitals across the United States—and its generosity has extended to other countries struggling to return to health. The U.S. must similarly help Taiwan address the recent surge in COVID-19 cases. We call upon the Biden administration to expedite its commitment to supply 750,000 vaccines to Taiwan, stand ready to field additional requests from Taipei, and allot doses for use by the Taiwanese Armed Forces,” the senators continued.  
    
In April, Senators Romney and Markey, along with Representatives Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA) and Steve Chabot (R-OH), Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia, released a statement urging the World Health Organization to invite Taiwan to participate in the upcoming 74th World Health Assembly.

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Lummis champions rural transit needs during congressional hearing

Source: United States Senator for Wyoming Cynthia Lummis

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) questioned rural transit directors during a subcommittee hearing of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee. During the hearing, entitled “Rural Transit: Opportunities and Challenges for Connecting Communities,” Senator Lummis questioned Brandon Nurmi of Arrowhead Transit, Kendra McGeady from Pelivan Transit, and Barbara Cline of Prairie Hills Transit, about federal support for transit systems in rural America.

“It’s an important subject so we can highlight the transit needs for rural America in addition to urban America,” Senator Lummis said. “You know transit’s almost always thought of as an urban issue, but small bus operations and on-demand transit operations play key roles in connecting low-income citizens in rural communities too, like those in my home state of Wyoming.”

To watch the video, click here.

Senator Lummis asked about declining congressional support over the years for buses and transportation vans in rural areas as compared to more urbanized areas. In particular, she asked about the “Bus Formula Program” and the “Rural Area Formula Program.” These are the primary federal programs that provide rural states and local agencies with funds to purchase, repair, and operate their bus and transport van fleets.

Senator Lummis sits on all three Senate committees with transportation jurisdiction. Senator Lummis is working with her colleagues on the Senate Banking Committee to ensure that rural transit operations are not deprioritized in favor of more urban areas during the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization. Wyoming has several transit operations, including both on-demand and fixed-route services. 

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Manchin Secures West Virginia Priorities in the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act

Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Joe Manchin

June 09, 2021

Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, fought to include West Virginia priorities in the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act, legislation that will invest in American research and development in sciences and manufacturing. Chairman Manchin championed the addition of provisions to provide $16.9 billion for the Department of Energy (DOE) and National Laboratories, like the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) based in Morgantown, for research in technology areas including high-performance computing, advanced energy technologies, artificial intelligence and quantum computing, robotics and advanced manufacturing.

“American innovation has taken us to the moon, made human flight possible, and shaped us into the world leader we are today. The U.S. Innovation and Competition Act is an investment in future American innovation and includes $16.9 billion for the Department of Energy and National Laboratories, including NETL based in Morgantown,” said Chairman Manchin. “I fought to include West Virginia priorities in the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act to maintain the leading role of NETL and the Department of Energy in research and development efforts across the Federal government, and support American competition in technology and manufacturing. The U.S. Innovation and Competition Act proves that bipartisanship is not dead in Congress and that when we go through regular order, we can create meaningful legislation to help propel America forward.”

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Manchin, Cantwell Introduce Bill To Require Equal Pay For U.S. Soccer Teams

Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Joe Manchin

June 09, 2021

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) led 13 Senators in introducing the Give Our Athletes Level Salaries (GOALS) Act, which would require the U.S. Soccer Federation to agree to providing equitable pay to both the women’s and men’s national teams in order to receive federal funds related to the 2026 World Cup.

“Yesterday, the Senate failed to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act to remove obstacles that currently allow employers to discriminate against their employees. This was a commonsense bill and I am disappointed we were unable to come together to support equal pay for all,” said Senator Manchin. “While we were unable to pass the much needed legislation last night, today I’m introducing the GOALS Act with my Senate colleagues to ensure that, our phenomenal U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team are paid equitably compared to their male counterparts in order to receive any federal funds for the 2026 World Cup. The first vote I took as a Senator was to support paycheck fairness, and to this day, I am proud to lead the fight for equal pay across all workplaces, including the soccer field. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this commonsense bill to ensure a level playing field for everyone, including our top-notch U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team.”

“The American athletes representing our country on the worldwide stage must be compensated equally – because a gold medal is a gold medal and a World Cup is a World Cup, no matter your gender,” Senator Cantwell said. “The U.S. Women’s National Soccer team elevated this issue into the national conversation, but it impacts top athletes in every sport. Let’s start to right this wrong and get this done this Congress.”

While federal funds are not directly appropriated toward U.S. Soccer, there are a variety of ways that federal funding will likely be used by U.S. Soccer and its affiliates, including FIFA and CONCACAF, during the next World Cup in 2026, which will be hosted in part by in the United States. This would include any and all funds provided to host cities; participating local and state organizations; the U.S. Soccer Federation, Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), and Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).

Senators Manchin and Cantwell were joined by Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Mark Warner (D-VA).

Background information on the GOALS Act can be found here.

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Cardin, Blunt Continue Fight for Chronic Kidney Disease Patients’ Access to Treatments

Source: United States Senator for Maryland Ben Cardin

June 09, 2021

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) have introduced an updated version of the Chronic Kidney Disease Improvement in Research and Treatment Act (S. 1971), which builds on previous success in increasing access to services for chronic kidney disease patients. Legislation introduced Wednesday enhances care through new technologies, provides access to Medigap programs for all end-stage renal disease patients, expands the Medicare Annual Wellness Benefit to include kidney disease screening, protects dialysis patient access to Medicare Advantage plans, and requires a report on prevention and treatment patterns for at-risk communities disproportionately affected by kidney failure.

“With higher rates of diabetes and hypertension and poorer access to health insurance and medical care, communities of color develop end-stage renal disease at a faster rate than whites. This legislation bolsters preventive screenings for Medicare beneficiaries and will help with high out-of-pocket costs for treatment. Millions of Americans can benefit from new technologies that are changing outcomes for chronic kidney disease patients,” said Senator Cardin. “Without further changes to our health care system, those treatments remain out of reach physically and financially for too many. Our bipartisan bill can save lives and improve quality of life for millions.”

“Many Americans living with kidney disease aren’t able to afford or access treatments and specialty care that could significantly impact their health and quality of life,” said Senator Blunt. “I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation that will allow more patients to get the care they need.”

An estimated 37 million Americans live with chronic kidney disease, which can lead to kidney failure or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) – an irreversible condition that is fatal without a kidney transplant or life-sustaining dialysis. Nearly half of those are undiagnosed. ESRD is 3.7 times greater in African Americans, 1.4 times greater in Native Americans and 1.5 times greater in Asian Americans than white Americans.

“As the voice of the kidney care community, Kidney Care Partners (KCP) is a strong advocate for improvements in treatment and care options for people living with kidney disease, including through CKD, dialysis, transplant and post-transplant care,” said John P. Butler, Chair of KCP. “This important legislation aims to increase access to screenings, improve treatment education, expand care options, and encourage innovation.”

The Chronic Kidney Disease Improvement in Research and Treatment Act (S. 1971) also is supported by the American Kidney Fund, American Society of Pediatric Nephrology, Amgen, American Nephrology Nurses Association, AstraZeneca, Baxter, B.Braun, Davita, Dialysis Patient Citizens, Fresenius Medical Care, and Renal Physicians Association.

The full text of the Chronic Kidney Disease Improvement in Research and Treatment Act (S.1971) can be downloaded here. A section-by-section summary can be found here.

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