Category: US Senate

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ICYMI: NBC highlights Rubio’s record, policy achievements

Source: United States Senator for Florida Marco Rubio

Rubio may still want to be president one day. He’s content to wait out Trump
Seeking a third term in the Senate, Rubio has spent months trying to define right-wing populist messaging and policy even as Trump holds sway over GOP voters.
By Allan Smith
June 7, 2021
NBC News

After reluctantly running for and winning a second term, [Rubio] took alead role in expanding the child tax credit — also a priority of Trump’s daughter and senior adviser Ivanka Trump — as part of the 2017 tax overhaul, the culmination of a longtime effort. Last year, Rubio co-authored the Paycheck Protection Program and shepherded the Covid-19 relief bill for small businesses into law, a landmark achievement.

Simultaneously, Rubio worked closely with Trump on foreign policy, so much so that he was described as “a virtual secretary of state for Latin America.” More recently, he has been among several leading contributors to bipartisan legislation about China making its way through Congress. And, as Florida’s senior senator, Rubio centered issues close to home. In March, the New York Times editorial board called Rubio the Senate’s “most vigorous champion” for Everglades National Park.

His efforts have led to other accolades. The University of Virginia/Vanderbilt University Center for Effective Lawmaking rated Rubio as the most effective Republican senator in the last Congress.

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Allies say Rubio’s approach was affirmed by Florida’s decisively red shift. Trump won the state handily last year, and in Rubio’s home county, Miami-Dade, Republicans gained about 200,000 votes compared to 2016, while Democrats lost more than 5,000.

Read the rest.

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Sen. Lee Issues Statement on Google Ad-Tech Antitrust Case in France

Source: United States Senator for Utah Mike Lee

WASHINGTON – Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) today issued the following statement as Google nears a settlement of an antitrust case with France alleging that the company has abused its power in online advertising.

“Like many Americans across the political spectrum, I have been concerned by the exercise of market power held by Google and other tech giants, which is why I chaired a hearing on Google’s conduct in digital advertising last fall. As we heard in the hearing, Google appears to have a commanding share of every piece of the online advertising market, and appears to be using its leading market positions in search and online video to engage in tying on the advertiser side of its business, essentially forcing the vast majority of demand onto its platform. I’m pleased to see that France has made headway in securing fair competition in online advertising, and hope that Americans soon receive the same benefits of competition as the French.”

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Carper Statement on Officers Wounded in the Line of Duty

Source: United States Senator for Delaware – Tom Carper

WILMINGTON, Del. — U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.) today released the following statement in response to three Wilmington Police Department officers wounded in the line of duty:

“I am grateful to our law enforcement officers for their heroic actions last night that went well into this morning. Today, I visited the hospital and was relieved to hear that the three officers wounded by gunfire are recovering. With the tragic passing of Cpl. Keith Heacook fresh on our minds, this is another grim reminder of the danger faced by law enforcement every day. I am grateful for their bravery and sacrifice to keep Delaware safe.”

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Duckworth, Coons & Sullivan Visit Taipei to Underscore U.S. Support for Taiwan, Announce Allocation of 750,000 Vaccine Doses to Taiwan

Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

June 06, 2021

[TAIPEI, TAIWAN] – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), who served in the Reserve Forces for 23 years and is a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), along with U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-DE), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Dan Sullivan (R-AK), member of SASC and a Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, travelled to Taiwan to underscore U.S. support for Taiwan, including on combatting the COVID-19 pandemic. They highlighted the fact that the U.S. will donate 750,000 COVID-19 vaccines to Taiwan as part of President Biden’s plan to provide vaccines to our global partners in need.

“For over a year, we’ve seen that COVID-19 strikes without regard to national borders—and we know we won’t be able to truly end the COVID-19 pandemic at home without ending it everywhere,” said Duckworth. “After several weeks of conversations between each of us and White House officials, I’m pleased to help announce that Taiwan will be receiving 750,000 doses of the vaccine as part of the first tranche of doses. This contribution from the United States also reflects our gratitude for Taiwan’s efforts to send PPE and other supplies to America in the early days of the pandemic. I will continue working to support the people of Taiwan and make sure they get what they need to reach the other side of this pandemic.”

“Since taking office, President Biden has demonstrated his commitment to vaccinating all Americans. We have made dramatic progress, vaccinating more than 170 million Americans and securing an abundant supply for our population. Given the risk posed by new variants, no one is safe from this virus until the world is safe. It’s critical that we scale up U.S. contributions of our highly effective vaccines to international partners that need them to keep COVID-19 from spreading unchecked, prevent new variants from emerging that could once again put our population at risk, and bolster our global economic recovery,” said Senator Coons. “I am proud to work with the Biden Administration and Senators Duckworth and Sullivan to announce this allocation of vaccines to our friends in Taiwan and demonstrate the United States’ commitment to ending COVID-19 once and for all.”

“Over twenty-five years ago, I was deployed as part of an U.S. Marine Corps amphibious task force to the Taiwan Strait during a very challenging and critical time for Taiwan’s democracy,” said Senator Sullivan. “America’s presence then was in response to Chinese provocations on the eve of the presidential election in Taiwan and it demonstrated American commitment and resolve. Today’s bipartisan Senate delegation visit to Taiwan is yet another demonstration of that continued commitment to our friends and partners in this critical area of the world, as well as a reminder of how the United States’ presence over the past several decades has been instrumental in the development of security, prosperity and democracy throughout the Indo-Pacific region. It is also a demonstration that, in spite of a global pandemic emanating from China — characterized by a lack of transparency and lack of international cooperation from the Chinese Communist Party — the United States, by contrast, is committed to working in a constructive and open manner with our friends, allies and partners to bring healing and relief with effective vaccines that benefit our own citizens, as well as others throughout the world. I want to thank my colleagues, Senators Duckworth and Coons, as well as the elected leaders and citizens of Taiwan, for their continued commitment to the advancement of security, democracy and health and prosperity throughout the Indo-Pacific region.”

During their visit, the Senators met with President Tsai Ing-wen, Foreign Minister Joseph Wu, and Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng. Throughout these meetings, the Senators sought to better understand Taiwan’s needs on COVID-19 so they could carry messages back to Washington. In addition to the pandemic, the Senators discussed the economic and security partnership between the U.S. and Taiwan. They noted there is much we can do together to advanced our shared prosperity, security and values.

On June 3, the Administration announced its framework for sharing at least 80 million U.S. vaccine doses globally by the end of June and the plan for the first 25 million doses. Taiwan is included in first tranche of donations.

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Sen. Rick Scott Issues Weekly Update on Biden’s Inflation Crisis

Source: United States Senator Rick Scott (Florida)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Scott released a weekly update on his actions to address America’s debt crisis and rising inflation. As the Biden administration continues to mislead the American public about how Washington’s reckless spending is leading to inflation and rising prices of every day goods, Senator Scott is urging the president to take responsibility for his wasteful spending and release a plan to curb the threat of rising inflation on American families.

Since being elected to the U.S. Senate, Senator Scott has repeatedly urged action to address America’s debt crisis and the harmful effects of inflation:

See more from this week on Twitter:

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Sen. Rick Scott Donates Senate Salary to Florida Organizations

Source: United States Senator Rick Scott (Florida)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Rick Scott announced he will donate his first quarter Senate salary to two organizations committed to supporting Florida’s children and seniors. Liberty Youth Ranch in Bonita Springs is a residential program for vulnerable children, and Advance Senior Center in Kissimmee provides programs and resources for seniors to promote health, exercise and entertainment.

Senator Scott will donate his second quarter Senate salary to Guadalupe Center in Immokalee to support their efforts to break the cycle of poverty through education for the children of Immokalee, and the Florida Chapter of the ALS Association to help fight ALS on all fronts.

Senator Rick Scott said, “The spirit of service in Florida is unmatchable. We have so many incredible organizations and individuals committed to helping others and making our state the best place in the nation to work, raise a family and live your dreams. My wife, Ann, and I are honored to support the selfless service and missions of Liberty Youth Ranch, Advance Senior Center, Guadalupe Center, and the ALS Association as they tirelessly work to help Floridians, from children to seniors, lead happy lives.”

Alan C. Dimmitt, MPA, Founder, CEO and President of Liberty Youth Ranch, said, “We are grateful for U.S. Senator Rick Scott, and his wife, Mrs. Ann Scott’s volunteerism and charitable support over the past two decades. Starting with Senator Scott’s late mother, Esther Scott, Liberty Youth Ranch has been greatly blessed by the Scott family’s generational impact in giving every child a chance.”  

Norberto Fonseca, Executive Director, Advance Senior Center, said, “At Advance Community Outreach Center, we believe that it is through partnerships and collaborations that we can grow as a community and as a nation. We are grateful for Senator Scott’s contribution which will help us continue to provide needed services and benefits for older adults in Central Florida.”

Dawn Montecalvo, President and CEO, Guadalupe Center, said, “Senator Rick Scott and his wife, Mrs. Ann Scott, have been strong advocates for quality education, literacy and the community of Immokalee. We are grateful for their continued support of Guadalupe Center. Their generous gift will help us create endless possibilities for the students of Immokalee.”

Ray Carson, President & CEO, ALS Association, Florida Chapter, said, “In Florida, more than 1,300 families are currently dealing with an ALS diagnosis and many depend on the programs and services offered by the ALS Association Florida Chapter to get by. We are grateful for Senator Scott’s generous donation which will have a tremendous impact for the families we serve.”

More on the organizations below:

Liberty Youth Ranch, Bonita Springs, FL

Liberty Youth Ranch is one of Florida’s select 100% privately funded residential programs for vulnerable children, established in Bonita Springs, Florida in 2003. When a child or sibling group are in need of a home and stability, this is where caring adults can turn. The Ranch provides a safe, sustaining home and family to children in crisis, providing 365 days and nights of wraparound care. A variety of therapeutic and recreational activities give children the opportunity to work through their circumstances while enjoying childhood to the fullest.

Advance Senior Center, Kissimmee, FL

Advance Senior Center aims to connect the community of older adults with new friends, with community partners, with information that they need and connect with local activities so that they can enjoy a better quality of life. Their mission is to promote the welfare of the elderly, with different conditions, and give their families access to information and services to improve the quality of their lives, providing opportunities for participation and support of the community.

Guadalupe Center, Immokalee, FL
Guadalupe Center’s mission is to break the cycle of poverty through education for the children of Immokalee. Since 1984, Guadalupe Center has been achieving this mission and making a significant difference for students and families of Immokalee through three extraordinarily successful programs. These include Early Childhood Education, After-school Tutoring and Summer Enrichment, and Tutor Corps.

ALS Association Florida Chapter, Tampa, FL
Established in 1987, The ALS Association Florida Chapter is fighting ALS on all fronts, or as they like to say, “Covering all the bases for people living with ALS in Florida.” The Chapter provides patient programs, advocate on behalf of patients with government leaders, create awareness of the disease, and fund research. In addition, the Chapter provides financial support to our statewide multidisciplinary ALS clinics and research facilities, enabling them to increase patient care.

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Wicker, Coons, Bipartisan Lawmakers Push For Expedited Relief For Chicken Growers

Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Chris Coons, D-Del., co-chairs of the Senate Chicken Caucus, and U.S. Representatives Steve Womack, R-Ark., and John Rose, R-Tenn., led a bipartisan, bicameral letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) requesting that a rulemaking process to administer direct payments to contract chicken growers be completed as quickly as possible. Contract growers, who raise chickens for poultry processing companies, have not yet received federal assistance during the pandemic. Many contract chicken growers suffered substantial losses when processing facilities were forced to reduce or suspend production during the pandemic threatening many smaller and family-owned farms.

“COVID-19 has severely affected the bottom lines of agricultural producers across the country, including many chicken growers in our home states,” the members wrote. “On December 21, 2020, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, which included additional resources for USDA to continue supporting American farmers. The bill also included funding for USDA to provide direct payments for contract chicken growers who previously had been excluded from assistance provided by the CFAP. We are concerned by the fact that these chicken growers still have not received federal assistance since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“As the U.S. Department of Agriculture continues to assist farmers through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), we respectfully request that the Department expedite the rulemaking process to administer direct payments to contract chicken growers,” the members of Congress continued.

A bipartisan group of 15 senators joined Wicker and Coons in sending the letter, including James Inhofe, R-Okla., Tom Carper, D-Del., John Cornyn, R-Texas, Richard Burr, R-N.C., Benjamin Cardin, D-Md., Robert P. Casey, Jr., D-Pa., Mark Warner, D-Va., John Boozman, R-Ark., Tim Kaine, D-Va., Bill Cassidy, R-La., Tom Cotton, R-Ark., Thom Tillis, R-N.C., Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., and Raphael Warnock, D-Ga.

Additional House signees include Representatives Rick Crawford, R-Ark., Andy Harris, R-Md., Diana Harshbarger, R-Tenn., Mike Rogers, R-Ala., Trent Kelly, R-Miss., Ben Cline, R-Va., Austin Scott, R-Ga., Pete Sessions, R-Texas, Robert Aderholt, R-Ala., Buddy Carter, R-Ga., Billy Long, R-Mo., Louie Gohmert, R-Texas, Greg Steube, R-Fla., Vicky Hartzler, R-Mo., French Hill, R-Ark., Elaine Luria, D-Va., Andrew Clyde, R-Ga., Michael Guest, R-Miss., Drew Ferguson, R-Ga., Dan Bishop, R-N.C., Rick Allen, R-Ga., Greg Murphy, R-N.C., Jerry Carl, R-Ala., Bruce Westerman, R-Ark., Ronny Jackson, R-Texas, Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., Julia Letlow, R-La., Dan Meuser, R-Pa., David Rouzer, R-N.C., Barry Moore, R-Ala., Chuck Fleischmann, R-Tenn., Ted Budd, R-N.C., Michelle Fischbach, R-Minn., Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., Mike Johnson, R-La., David Kustoff, R-Tenn., Pat Fallon, R-Texas, Jim Costa, D-Calif., Guy Reschenthaler, R-Pa., Steven Palazzo, R-Miss., Richard Hudson, R-N.C., and John Joyce, R-Pa.

A copy of the letter is available here and below.

Dear Secretary Vilsack:

Thank you for your commitment to supporting American families and agricultural producers throughout their recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.  As the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) continues to assist farmers through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), we respectfully request that the Department expedite the rulemaking process to administer direct payments to contract chicken growers.  We also encourage you to ensure that adequate funding is available for USDA to deliver these payments in full.

COVID-19 has severely affected the bottom lines of agricultural producers across the country, including many chicken growers in our home states.  On December 21, 2020, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, which included additional resources for USDA to continue supporting American farmers.  The bill also included funding for USDA to provide direct payments for contract chicken growers who previously had been excluded from assistance provided by the CFAP.  We are concerned by the fact that these chicken growers still have not received federal assistance since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.  We recognize that it is challenging to determine how losses and payments should be calculated fairly, given variations in the timing of when growers receive and finish raising their flocks.  Still, we encourage you to proceed swiftly with making fair payments.

We appreciate USDA’s commitment to administering fair payments to contract chicken growers and your efforts to coordinate with industry stakeholders.  Thank you for considering our request to expedite this process.  We look forward to continuing to work with you to support our nation’s farmers.

Sincerely,

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Rubio Statement on Ortega Regime’s Continued Assault on Nicaragua’s Democracy

Source: United States Senator for Florida Marco Rubio

Miami, FL — U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) released the following statement after Daniel Ortega and his regime detained opposition candidates in yet another attempt to undermine Nicaragua’s rule of law and democracy:

“As the Ortega regime continues to undermine Nicaragua’s democracy, the United States must take swift and meaningful steps to hold all individuals involved in this blatant abuse of power accountable. The Biden Administration must respond to the continued apprehension of opposition candidates by imposing sanctions as established by the NICA Act. The Senate should also pass the bipartisan RENACER Act to make clear the United States will not tolerate another dictator in our hemisphere. The future of our hemisphere’s democratic order is at stake; the time for action is now.”

Rubio is the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights, and Global Women’s Issues.

RUBIO SOBRE EL CONTINUO ATROPELLO DEL RÉGIMEN DE ORTEGA A LA DEMOCRACIA EN NICARAGUA

Miami, FL — El senador estadounidense Marco Rubio (R-FL) emitió el siguiente comunicado después que Daniel Ortega y su régimen detuvieron a candidatos de la oposición en otro intento por socavar el estado de derecho y la democracia en Nicaragua:

“Mientras el régimen de Ortega continúa socavando la democracia en Nicaragua, EE.UU. debe tomar medidas rápidas y significativas para responsabilizar a todas las personas involucradas en este flagrante abuso de poder. La Administración Biden debe responder a la continua aprehensión de candidatos de la oposición imponiendo sanciones según lo establecido por la Ley NICA. El Senado también debería aprobar el proyecto de ley bipartidista RENACER para dejar en claro que Estados Unidos no tolerará otro dictador en nuestro hemisferio. Está en juego el futuro del orden democrático de nuestro hemisferio; el momento para tomar acciones es ahora.”

Rubio es el Miembro de Más Alto Rango del Subcomité sobre Hemisferio Occidental, Crimen Transnacional, Seguridad Civil, Democracia, Derechos Humanos y Asuntos Globales de la Mujer.

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In Interview with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Portman Calls on Russia to Return Crimea to Ukraine, Expresses Support for Future Ukraine Membership in NATO

Source: United States Senator for Ohio Rob Portman

June 4, 2021 | Portman Difference

This week, as part of his bipartisan congressional delegation to Eastern Europe, Senator Portman participated in an interview in Kyiv with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), where he highlighted the security threat posed by the continued surge of Russian troops near Ukraine and in Crimea, despite Russia claiming to have recalled these troops in recent weeks. Portman called on Russia to end its illegal occupation of Crimea and return the territory to Ukraine. He also reiterated U.S. support for the continued reforms by Ukraine to solidify its democracy and put it on the path to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

A write-up and video clip of the interview can be found here. Selected excerpts can be found below.

Interview: Senators Tell RFE/RL Putin Must Be Confronted About Efforts To ‘Undermine American Democracy’
By Olena Removska
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

…Portman said Russia’s continued interference in the conflict in Ukraine’s east, and its presence in Crimea, mean that Putin should be told directly that he should finally allow Ukraine to be a sovereign country.

“Give back Crimea. It was an illegal annexation. We heard that there are Russian troops inside Ukrainian territory,” Portman said, adding that the recent deployment of Russian troops near Ukraine and in Crimea has not been completely reversed, despite claims to the contrary by Moscow.

“The concern that has been heightened in the last few weeks was the Russian deployment of 100,000 to 115,000 troops in the area. And when they said they would pull back to their bases, some reporters reported that, taking them at their word,” Portman said. “But the intelligence does not confirm that and it indicates that only a small number have left – maybe 10 to 20 percent based on the data that we have – and that the equipment was largely left behind, meaning that they could very quickly come back and rejoin that equipment and provide this additional threat to the sovereignty of Ukraine,” Portman said.

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Referring to Ukraine’s efforts to join NATO, Portman said that Kyiv will continue to enjoy U.S. support in its drive to implement the reforms needed to demonstrate that Ukraine is adhering to Western values…

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Portman Announces Federal Aviation Administration Grants to Ohio Airports Impacted by COVID-19

Source: United States Senator for Ohio Rob Portman

June 4, 2021 | Press Releases

CINCINNATI, OH – Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) applauded the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) award of $2.2 million in federal grants to two Ohio airports to provide economic relief from COVID-19. One $2.1 million federal grant was awarded to Cleveland-Hopkins International Airport, and the other $165,028 federal grant was awarded to Madison County Airport Authority.

The grant awarded to Cleveland-Hopkins International Airport comes from the Airport Coronavirus Relief Program that was created through the bipartisan, bicameral COVID-19 relief package within the end-of-year spending agreement. Senator Portman played a key role in negotiating the legislation through the bipartisan 908 Coalition, which proposed a $908 billion package that included this critical relief for airports and served as a basis for the final package. This funding builds upon the previously announced grants of $30 million, $300,000, over $100,000, and $72,000 in federal funding.

The grant awarded to Madison County Airport Authority comes from funds accessible thanks to the bipartisan Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which Portman supported and was signed into law by former President Trump.

“The aviation industry’s recovery is critical to our nation’s economy. During this pandemic, the sharp decline in air travel left the industry in an uncertain economic position,” said Portman. “I’m pleased to see this continued support for our airports as they ramp up services to meet the increasing demands of air travel as our country continues on the path to recovery.”

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