Category: US Senate

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As VP Travels to Mexico and Central America, Leading Senate Democrats Boost Diplomatic Efforts to Address Causes of Irregular Migration, Foster Stability in Central America

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 led a group of 18 of his Senate colleagues in voicing their support for Vice President Kamala Harris’ leadership of the Biden administration’s diplomatic efforts to address and mitigate the underlying factors driving Central American migration to the United States. Sent in advance of Vice President Harris’ upcoming visit to Mexico and Guatemala, the senators’ letter reiterates their call for the development and implementation of a comprehensive strategy that responds to current humanitarian challenges in Central America and undertakes the long-term work needed to promote greater stability in communities across the region.

“As an essential element of the Biden administration’s Central America strategy, we encourage you to prioritize initiatives that strengthen democratic governance and combat corruption and human rights violations,” the senators wrote, urging the Biden administration to hold Central American government officials accountable for their involvement in criminal activities, human rights abuses, and efforts to undermine democracy. “Ensuring stability in Central America directly supports the national interests of the United States.”

The letter also called for the continued provision of humanitarian assistance to communities in the region disproportionately affected by natural disasters and requested assurance that U.S. engagement in Central America includes support for the most vulnerable populations in the region, including women, children, indigenous populations, and LGBTQI+ people.

“We know that you are a stalwart defender of survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence and believe that a robust and coordinated interagency response to gender-based violence in the region is critical,” the senators added. “Additionally, it is essential to continue pressing government and civil society leaders in the region to strengthen compliance with labor, humanitarian, and international human rights laws.”

Joining Chairman Menendez in sending the letter were Senators Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.). 

Find a copy of the letter HERE and below. 

Dear Madam Vice President:

 

We write in advance of your travel to Mexico and Guatemala to express our support for your leadership of the Biden administration’s diplomatic efforts to address the root causes of irregular migration to the United States. After four years of ineffective policies, we welcome your leadership to implement a comprehensive strategy that mitigates the underlying factors driving migration from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, including alarming levels of violence, low levels of democratic governance, and widespread poverty, as well as the impact of recent natural disasters.

The United States must develop and implement an approach that responds to current humanitarian challenges in Central America and undertakes the long-term work needed to promote greater stability in communities across the region. We lament that the Trump administration’s misguided policies and erratic management of foreign assistance impeded U.S. efforts to address the challenges in the region. The setback of the last four years negatively affected Americans, given that the situation in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras directly affects U.S. national interests and our economic security.

As an essential element of the Biden administration’s Central America strategy, we encourage you to prioritize initiatives that strengthen democratic governance and combat corruption and human rights violations. For too long, leaders from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras have placed their interests above those of their citizens. In recent months, we have seen them renew efforts to undermine checks and balances on democratic governance and weaken the institutions that ensure government transparency. We appreciate you speaking clearly on these issues and ask that the Biden administration utilize all available U.S. foreign policy tools to ensure that Central American government officials are held accountable for their involvement in criminal activities, human rights abuses, and the undermining of democracy. The Biden administration should also develop robust safeguards on U.S. foreign assistance in order to prevent misuse of our aid.

We encourage you to ensure that U.S. engagement in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras includes support for the most vulnerable populations in the region, including women, children, indigenous populations, and LGBTQ people. We know that you are a stalwart defender of survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence and believe that a robust and coordinated interagency response to gender-based violence in the region is critical. Additionally, it is essential to continue pressing government and civil society leaders in the region to strengthen compliance with labor, humanitarian, and international human rights laws. We also welcome your progress in securing commitments from the private sector to promote the conditions for inclusive and equitable economic growth, which must be part of any long term solution to the challenges in the in the region.

Finally, in late 2020, Hurricanes Eta and Iota caused extensive damage across much of Central America, displacing hundreds of thousands of people, causing billions of dollars in damages, and increasing the push factors for migration.  After hurricane Mitch in 1998, the United States provided over $1 billion in humanitarian aid to help recovery efforts. While we appreciate your announcement to provide $310 million in aid to Central America, we encourage the Biden administration to continue deploying humanitarian assistance to communities disproportionately affected by the natural disaster.

Ensuring stability in Central America directly supports the national interests of the United States. As such, we support your efforts to advance a comprehensive strategy to address challenges in the region. Thank you for attention to these issues.  

Sincerely,

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Klobuchar, Smith Announce $3.5M in Federal Funding to Improve Water Quality, Soil Health, and Agriculture Productivity in Central MN

Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) will provide more than $3.5 million to a partnership led by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to improve irrigation water management and reduce energy use and nitrate runoff in Central Minnesota. This funding is part of the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), which Klobuchar helped create in the 2014 Farm Bill.

Consisting of more than 30 entities, the Irrigation Partnership to Protect Groundwater aims to improve irrigation water management on approximately 120 irrigation systems in Central Minnesota. The partnership will provide incentives to farmers and model conservation outcomes and economic impacts.

“I’m grateful to the NRCS for its support of Central Minnesota’s irrigation systems,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “By taking a tailored approach and tracking outcomes, the Irrigation Partnership to Protect Groundwater will improve water quality, enhance soil health, support wildlife habitat, and help our state combat climate change.”

“This award will help Minnesota farmers and it will fight climate change to boot,” said Sen. Smith. “Improving water irrigation management will save farmers money on water and energy costs. Reducing nitrate leaching will improve water quality and safety. And all together, these conservation efforts will benefit our planet.”

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Klobuchar, Daines Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Consumers from Travel Scams

Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Steven Daines (R-MT) introduced the bipartisan Protecting Consumers from Travel Fraud Act to combat fraud and scams in the travel and tourism industry. This legislation would direct the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to report to Congress on scams targeting travelers during the coronavirus pandemic. It would also require the FTC to update its website with information to help consumers identify and avoid emerging travel scams and provide policy recommendations for preventing and deterring online travel booking scams.

“As the pandemic comes to an end and people make plans to travel safely once again, we need to ensure consumers are protected from unfair and deceptive practices designed to target travelers,” said Klobuchar. “This bipartisan legislation will help protect consumers from travel scams and prevent fraudulent behavior in the travel and tourism industry moving forward.”

“As we are coming out of this pandemic, Americans are ready to resume travel and plan summer vacations. Unfortunately, we’ve seen a rise in travel scams over the last year, and it’s crucial we protect consumers from these predatory acts. I’m glad to work on a bipartisan bill that will help protect consumers and boost our travel economy,” said Daines.

This legislation was developed in response to recent reports of incidents involving scammers posing as travel or booking agents and creating fraudulent airline websites to sell fake hotel bookings and airline tickets. In a letter last month, Klobuchar and Daines asked the FTC to provide information on actions it has taken to protect and help consumers and how it plans to prevent future scams and fraudulent behavior.

As a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, Klobuchar has been a leader in the fight to protect consumers from fraud and scams.

In March, Klobuchar and Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) led a bipartisan letter with 32 colleagues urging FTC Chairman Joseph Simons to protect seniors from coronavirus-related scams, better inform consumers about scams, and assist victims in understanding their recourse options to ensure that seniors are protected from those attempting to financially exploit them during the pandemic. This follows the introduction of their legislation on the same topic, the Protecting Seniors from Emergency Scams Act.

In February, Klobuchar and Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced legislation to crack down on fraud targeted at seniors. The Seniors Fraud Prevention Act would help fight scams designed to strip seniors of their assets by directing the FTC to establish a task force dedicated to combating fraud against seniors, helping educate seniors about fraud schemes and improve monitoring and response to fraud complaints.

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Klobuchar, Smith, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Extend Tribal Broadband Application Deadline

Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) joined 13 colleagues in reintroducing the Extending Tribal Broadband Priority Act to expand the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC’s) 2.5 GHz Rural Tribal Priority Window. This legislation will help Tribal nations apply for spectrum licenses for unassigned spectrum over their own lands – a critical step to expanding broadband access in their communities.   

“In 2021, every family in America should have access to high-speed internet, regardless of their zip code,” said Klobuchar. “This legislation is key to eliminating barriers to broadband access for Native communities — an important step forward as we work to bridge the digital divide once and for all.”

“We need to expand broadband in Tribal communities because it’s the infrastructure of the 21st century,” said Smith, Indian Affairs Committee member and Rural Development Subcommittee chair. “COVID-19 has made it abundantly clear that reliable internet is necessary for telehealth, distance learning, remote work and more. But right now only 65 percent of Americans living on Tribal lands have access to broadband. This bill aims to close the digital divide by helping Tribal Nations gain spectrum rights and deploy broadband over their Tribal lands. Passing this legislation is one of the many steps we must take to ensure Tribal sovereignty of this natural resource, and help more Tribal communities access affordable, reliable internet service.”

The FCC created the 2.5 GHz Rural Tribal Priority Window in 2019 to provide Tribal nations with an opportunity to apply for spectrum licenses over their land. Even when the Window was still open, the FCC received numerous requests to extend the 2.5 GHz Rural Tribal Priority Window for application by no less than 180 days from the original deadline of August 3, 2020. The FCC refused to implement an extension and instead added a limited 30-day application period. The Window expired on September 2, 2020 before many Tribal nations and Native Hawaiian organizations were able to apply–in some cases due to the COVID-19 pandemic – and the FCC declined to extend the deadline any further, in opposition to multiple requests made by Tribal nations, Native Hawaiian organizations, telecommunications groups, and bipartisan Senate and House lawmakers. 

The Extending Tribal Broadband Priority Act will require the FCC to open a new 2.5 GHz Rural Tribal Priority Window that lasts at least 180 days, to commence no later than 30 days after the bill is enacted. This bill will give Tribal nations and Native Hawaiian organizations an adequate amount of time to apply for spectrum licenses to deploy much-needed internet services on their lands. 

Today, the United States scores above the world average for connection rates to fixed broadband services for Americans living off Tribal lands at 92 percent, but only 65 percent of Americans living on Tribal lands have access to these wireless services. This leaves approximately 1.5 million people on reservations without access to basic wireless services. Because Tribal nations and Native Hawaiian organizations cannot access spectrum rights to deploy broadband and telephone networks over their Tribal lands, in some of the most geographically isolated areas in the country, Native Americans continue to suffer from lack of access to life-saving digital services and broadband access that many of us take for granted. This further places Tribal nations and Native Hawaiian organizations behind in the digital divide.

The Extending Tribal Broadband Priority Act specifically:

  • Establishes a new 2.5 GHz Rural Tribal Priority Window;
  • Requires that the FCC open this new window no later than 30 days after the bill is enacted; and
  • Creates additional time for Tribal nations and Native Hawaiian organizations to apply for unassigned spectrum licenses over Tribal lands to deploy internet services. 

The bill has broad support, including from Access Now; AMERIND; AMERIND Critical Infrastructure; Center for Rural Strategies; National Congress of American Indians; National Consumer Law Center; National Hispanic Media Coalition; National Indian Education Association (NIEA); Native American Finance Officers Association (NAFOA); New America’s Open Technology Institute; Public Knowledge; Pueblo of Jemez; Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe; Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition; Southern California Tribal Chairmen’s Association; USET Sovereignty Protection Fund; and Gigi Sohn, Distinguished Fellow, Georgetown Law Institute for Technology, Law & Policy and Benton Senior Fellow & Public Advocate.

This legislation is led by Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and co-sponsored by Senators Angus King (I-ME), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Bernard Sanders (I-VT.), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Gary Peters (D-MI), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV).

“Indigenous lands are some of the least connected areas of the U.S., with nearly one-in-five reservation residents lacking reliable internet access at home. The COVID pandemic has highlighted the disparities between the internet haves and have-nots, and has amplified the harm caused by lack of internet access. Without the internet, it is so much harder to get vaccinated, find a job, access education, and more. This legislation would be a major step forward in closing the digital divide in Indigenous communities,” said Willmary Escoto, U.S. Policy Analyst at Access Now.

“AMERIND endorses this important legislation for the FCC to establish a new Tribal Priority Window for those Tribal Nations that were unable to acquire a 2.5 GHz license in the prior window.  Tribes need the FCC to work directly with them to provide much needed access to more spectrum and the Extending Tribal Broadband Priority Act of 2021 will accomplish this in 2.5 GHz licensing.  Tribal Nations have been hit hard during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the lack of robust broadband networks has only exacerbated the effects of the long-standing Tribal digital divide on their households, schools, and economies.  Federal legislative efforts that will continue to keep important additional spectrum and broadband infrastructure needs in the forefront are needed throughout Indian Country,” said Geoffrey Blackwell, Chief Strategy Officer and General Counsel at AMERIND.

“AMERIND Critical Infrastructure supports and endorses the Extending Tribal Broadband Priority Act of 2021, which directs the FCC to open a new Tribal Priority Window for those Tribes unable to apply during the original window.  The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have disproportionately impacted Tribal governments and Tribal communities, and this bill gives Tribes a fair and equal opportunity to apply for this once-in-a-generation opportunity to obtain a spectrum license,” said Irene Flannery, Director at AMERIND Critical Infrastructure.

“Tribal spectrum access is critical to closing the digital divide in Indian Country,” said President Fawn Sharp of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI). “NCAI’s membership, has longed supported increasing access to spectrum for tribal nations through resolutions: SD-15-037, ‘Urging the Federal Communications Commission to Improve Access to Spectrum Licenses for Tribal Nations’ and MKE-11-007, ‘In Support of a Tribal Priority for the Utilization of Spectrum on Tribal Lands.’ The FCC’s tribal priority window on the 2.5ghz spectrum presented a valuable opportunity in 2020 but unfortunately many eligible Tribal Nations were unable to apply due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We thank Senator Elizabeth Warren for her efforts to ensure Tribal Nations have access to spectrum over their lands by re-opening the FCC’s Tribal Priority Window.”

“Tribes deserve a fair shot at this rare opportunity to expand internet access. They shouldn’t have to organize a Day of Action — in the middle of a pandemic, no less — simply to get the FCC to pay attention to a request for adequate time. Congress should pass a law to extend the Tribal Priority Window and give Tribes the respect they deserve,” said Joshua Stager, Deputy Director at New America’s Open Technology Institute.

“Broadband is essential, but Tribes are disproportionately left without the ability to connect. Public Knowledge commends Sen. Warren for her work to help close the digital divide on Tribal lands. The FCC provided this laudable opportunity for Tribes to gain access to spectrum to help address the digital divide, but missed an opportunity to achieve that goal by failing to adequately extend the deadline for applying as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thirty days was not enough. This bill remedies that failure. We look forward to seeing Tribes utilize this spectrum to ensure connectivity for their communities,” said Jenna Leventoff, Senior Policy Counsel at Public Knowledge.

“Spectrum over tribal lands, as any other resource, should be owned by the tribes to be used as determined & prioritized by them for the direct benefit of their tribal members,” said Pueblo of Jemez Department of Education.

“The 2.5 GHz spectrum can be transformational for Tribal Nations – particularly those in remote areas that providers do not serve, as we’ve seen with the Havasupai Nation. We applaud Senator Warren for working to create additional opportunities for Tribes to access the spectrum on their lands. Passing the Extending Tribal Broadband Priority Act of 2021 would enable Tribal Nations across the country to deploy, own, and operate their own broadband networks, as is their sovereign right,” said John Windhausen, Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition.

“Ownership of spectrum plays a critical role for Tribal Nations in the deployment of urgently needed broadband and other mobile communications services on Tribal lands. For decades, industry has dominated the purchasing of spectrum licenses over our homelands and has either failed to deploy communications services, or charges us exceedingly high service rates for unreliable connectivity. As our nation becomes ever more dependent upon connectivity, including to combat COVID-19 and to maintain our way of life amid lockdowns, the digital divide between Indian Country and other communities throughout America becomes even more stark. With the FCC refusing to honor its obligations to Indian Country, Congress must step up to ensure all Tribal Nations have the opportunity to access spectrum rights over our sovereign territories. USET SPF supports the Extending Tribal Broadband Priority Act, which would expand access to spectrum ownership across Indian Country,” said Chief Kirk Francis, President of the USET Sovereignty Protection Fund.

“Senator Warren’s bill rights an egregious wrong of the Trump FCC – refusing to extend adequately the tribal priority window for prime 2.5 GHz spectrum.  Despite the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Indian Country, the FCC gave tribal entities an extension of just 30 days – not nearly enough time to prepare and submit an application to the FCC, especially during a pandemic. The bill creates a new tribal priority window, giving tribal entities a longer and just opportunity to gain access to the public airwaves on tribal land necessary for robust Internet access,” said Gigi Sohn, Distinguished Fellow, Georgetown Law Institute for Technology, Law & Policy/Benton Senior Fellow & Public Advocate.

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Klobuchar Statement on Memorial Day

Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) issued the following statement in honor of Memorial Day:

“It’s been said that a nation that forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten. We tell the world who we are as a country by how we honor our fallen heroes on this sacred Memorial Day — and every day.

“I lost my dad earlier this month, making this my first Memorial Day without him. My dad served during the Korean War where he was stationed in Germany. He was incredibly proud to be a veteran, and he is now laid to rest among so many heroes at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. A newspaperman, he loved to write about ‘heroes among us’ — ordinary people doing extraordinary things. 

“That phrase applies to all of our nation’s servicemembers and veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice, showing immense bravery and selflessness ‘to preserve our heritage of freedom,’ as President Eisenhower once said. Today, we continue to support those who protect this heritage by properly honoring the fallen.

“Fallen servicemembers like Quentin Gifford, from Mankato, who was on the U.S.S. Oklahoma when it was torpedoed during the attack on Pearl Harbor. The Navy awarded Quentin both the Purple Heart and the World War II Victory Medal after his death, but his remains were left unidentified. Lost but not forgotten, Quentin’s brothers — both veterans — provided DNA to forensic scientists that helped identify their brother’s remains.

“Around the world, we see reminders of how heroes among us have sacrificed — from overseas landmarks to our own backyards.

“We see one of those memorials – which was erected just this year – in a farm field near St. Cloud. In 2019, Chief Warrant Officer Rogers, Chief Warrant Officer Nord, and Sergeant Plantenberg of the Minnesota Army National Guard tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash. They made the ultimate sacrifice. Their Black Hawk helicopter went down on the property of Larry and Helen Krippner, who quickly assembled a temporary flagpole and raised the Stars and Stripes above a snow-covered field to signify to the families of the fallen that they were thinking of them. What began as a single flagpole is now continued on by a permanent memorial honoring their legacies. 

“On this Memorial Day, we carry that spirit forward in remembering the heroes among us whose commitment to our country never wavered, even during the most difficult times. 

“To all those who served, who are serving, or who are remembering a loved one who made the ultimate sacrifice, we honor you, today and every day.”

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Klobuchar, Smith Announce Two Minnesota Transit Projects Under Consideration For Major Federal Funding

Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)

The Federal Transit Administration recommended funding for the City of Rochester Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and the METRO Gold Line BRT

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the U.S. Federal Transit Administration has recommended funding for two Minnesota transit projects in its Fiscal Year 2022 Annual Capital Investment Grants (CIG) report released today. The report recommends $56.1 million for City of Rochester Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and $100 million for the METRO Gold Line BRT in St. Paul, MN.

“Investing in public transit creates jobs, reduces traffic, and ensures Minnesotans are able to travel to school, work, and other destinations safely,” said Senator Klobuchar. “The Federal Transit Administration’s recommendations include critical grants for our state’s transportation infrastructure, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in Washington to continue pushing for funding to improve transportation across Minnesota.”

“We need to create an economy that works for everyone, and connect people with opportunities all across the state,” said Senator Smith. “These projects will help us achieve that goal by providing important transportation options for Minnesotans in Rochester and the metro area. What’s more, these investments will support many jobs during construction.”

The City of Rochester BRT is a critical 2.6 mile transit project that will connect downtown Rochester, the Mayo Civic Center, Mayo Clinic campuses, and the Rochester-Olmsted Government Center. The corridor is one of the most heavily-used corridors in the City of Rochester, carrying more than 21,800 vehicles and 13,000 transit riders each day. This project would significantly reduce congestion; connect people to jobs, health care, education, and recreation; and support economic development in the region. 

The Metro Gold Line BRT would run 10 miles from downtown St. Paul to Woodbury, Minnesota, supporting thousands of commuters, students, and workers. The funding would go toward increased transit service and enhanced stations, improving accessibility in the region.    

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Romney Joins Bipartisan, Bicameral Delegation in Introducing Resolution Remembering Victims of 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre and Condemning Crackdown on Human Rights in China and Hong Kong

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

Romney Joins Bipartisan, Bicameral Delegation in Introducing Resolution Remembering Victims of 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre and Condemning Crackdown on Human Rights in China and Hong Kong

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT), Ranking Member of the East Asia Subcommittee on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, joined Senator Ed Markey (D-MA), Chairman of the East Asia Subcommittee on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA), Chairman of the Asia Subcommittee on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Representative Steve Chabot (R-OH), Ranking Member of the Asia Subcommittee on the House Foreign Affairs Committee in introducing a bipartisan, bicameral resolution remembering the victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre and condemning the continued and intensifying crackdown on human rights within China and Hong Kong.
 
“More than three decades after the massacre at Tiananmen Square, the Chinese Communist Party continues to oppress and persecute its people,” said Ranking Member Romney. “It commits a genocide of 1 million Uyghurs; crushes promised freedoms in Hong Kong; censors print, broadcast and social media; and imprisons or executes dissidents. With this resolution, we honor the victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre and condemn the ongoing repression of human rights in China and Hong Kong.”
 
“Today we remember those who lost their lives 32 years ago as they peacefully expressed their desire for democracy and the protection of human rights in China,” said Chairman Markey. “The battle for fundamental freedoms continues as the Chinese government continues to crack down on pro-democracy activists, religious and ethnic minorities, free speech, and human rights defenders. Congress must continue to stand against this authoritarianism and hold the Chinese government accountable for atrocities carried out against its own people. Today, on this dark anniversary, we stand in solidarity with the brave activists in Hong Kong and throughout China who have and continue to put their own safety on the line to stand against oppression.”
 
“Today marks the 32nd anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre, when the Chinese government mowed down thousands of its own citizens taking to the streets to demand basic freedoms and democratic reforms,” said Chairman Bera. “Over three decades later, Beijing continues its violent repression and persecution, including imprisoning those who dare commemorate the anniversary of Tiananmen Square, committing genocide against the Uyghur Muslims, jailing journalists, human rights lawyers, and pro-democracy activists, and imposing authoritarian restrictions on Hong Kong’s autonomy and electoral system. On this solemn anniversary, the United States Congress stands in solidarity with those who lost their lives during the Tiananmen Square massacre, and in support of freedom, democracy, and justice for the people of China.”
 
“Today marks the terrible anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre,” said Ranking Member Chabot. “The world must never forget the victims or that they suffered for the dream of a free China. On June 4, 32 years ago, the Chinese Communist Party showed its true nature, which is on full display today in the genocide against the Uyghurs, the crackdown on Hong Kong, the persecution of Christians and Falun Gong practitioners, and so many other abuses. This is the real CCP, an evil communist dictatorship fundamentally incapable of fulfilling the core aspiration of the Chinese people, a simple desire to live in freedom.”
  
Click here to view the full resolution.

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Romney Offers Measures to Counter China

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

Amendments to U.S. Innovation and Competition Act would require the President to develop a grand strategy with respect to China and drill down on Chinese propaganda efforts

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT) offered amendments to the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act, formerly known as the Endless Frontier Act, being considered on the Senate floor this week. Romney’s amendments would require the President to develop and submit to Congress a grand strategy with respect to China, promote rare earth mineral independence from China, and call for partnerships with allies to prevent Chinese companies from profiting from stolen intellectual property. His amendments also require reporting on Chinese propaganda efforts and direct the Administration to begin negotiations of a free trade agreement with Taiwan.
   
“It is becoming increasingly urgent that we develop a comprehensive strategy to counter the China threat, which has grown during the COVID pandemic as the Chinese Communist Party exerts its political leverage over other countries,” Senator Romney said. “These amendments will strengthen the United States’ ability to compete with China. By partnering with our allies to ensure no goods made from stolen intellectual property make their way into our economies, we can encourage the CCP to change its predatory behavior. We must also address our dependence on China for rare earth minerals to shore up our supply chains and support the independence of Taiwan by entering into negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement.”
         
Amendments authored by Senator Romney:

  1. U.S. Grand Strategy with Respect to China. Requires the President to develop and submit to Congress a grand strategy to address the new era of geostrategic and geoeconomic competition with China. Convenes an advisory board of outside experts from the private sector, academia, and think tanks to review the current strategy, including challenging its assumptions and approach, and make recommendations to the President for the strategy. Co-sponsored by Senator Menendez (D-NJ).
  2. Report on Chinese Propaganda Efforts. Requires a comprehensive analysis of China’s propaganda efforts worldwide and the effectiveness of U.S. efforts to counter it with accurate information.
  3. Directing Negotiations of a Free Trade Agreement with Taiwan. Directs the U.S. Trade Representative to enter negotiations with Taiwan to establish a bilateral free trade agreement.
  4. Joint-Action Against IP Theft with Allies. Directs the U.S. Trade Representative to enter negotiations with our allies to stop importation of goods made with stolen intellectual property into the U.S. and allied countries.
  5. Sanctions on Chinese Officials who Retaliated Against COVID-19 Whistleblowers. Requires a report on Chinese government efforts to censor information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and imposes sanctions on Chinese government officials responsible for retaliation against COVID-19 whistleblowers like Li Wenliang. Co-sponsored by Senator Rubio (R-FL).
  6. Report on Domestic Processing of Rare Earth Minerals. Requires a report on domestic processing of rare earth minerals and the authorities and funding necessary to achieve supply chain independence for the U.S. military and our allies and partners from China’s growing control of the market.
  7. Require DHS Preclearance in Taiwan Airport. Requires the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to establish and maintain preclearance operations at Taoyuan International Airport in Taiwan. Co-sponsored by Senator Rubio (R-FL).
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Romney Introduces Legislation to Bolster Utah’s Efforts to Combat Opioid Epidemic

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

Romney Introduces Legislation to Bolster Utah’s Efforts to Combat Opioid Epidemic

Bipartisan legislation would help fund treatment facilities and expand access to substance use treatment

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) introduced the Life Budgeting for Opioid Addiction Treatment (LifeBOAT) Act, bipartisan legislation which would establish a stewardship fee to provide and expand access to substance use treatment. Joining them in introducing the LifeBOAT Act include Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Angus King (I-ME), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI). A summary of the legislation can be found here.
    
“We must do more to provide access to treatment for those who want to escape opioid abuse and addiction,” Senator Romney said. “I’m proud to join Senator Manchin’s effort which will help fund treatment facilities around the country and offer support for those who seek treatment for addiction. Importantly, this legislation will bolster the significant work Utah has done to combat the opioid epidemic by helping to fund our state’s treatment and recovery support services.”
   
“Many Americans and West Virginians who struggle with substance use disorder aren’t able to access the treatment they need because we simply don’t have enough facilities, beds, or healthcare providers in our communities,” Senator Manchin said. “This bipartisan legislation would create a 1 cent stewardship fee for every milligram of opioids in a prescription pain pill which would be used to support and expand substance use treatment options for our fellow Americans in need. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this vital bipartisan legislation to help address the drug epidemic facing our nation.”
        
Background:
     
In 2020, more than 90,000 Americans died from drug related overdoses—the highest year of overdose deaths ever recorded—with more than half of those likely involving an opioid or synthetic-opioid. The LifeBOAT Act would establish a stewardship fee to fund efforts to provide and expand access to substance use treatment through the existing Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant. The bill would establish a 1 cent stewardship fee on each milligram of active opioid ingredient in a prescription pain pill and would include a rebate for cancer related pain and hospice patients and an exemption for opioids used as part of medically assisted treatment.
   
The funding would be used to improve access to substance use disorder treatment, including but not limited to:

  • Establishing new addiction treatment facilities, residential and outpatient.
  • Recruiting, training, and/or increasing reimbursement for mental health providers providing substance use disorder treatment, particularly in medically underserved or rural communities.
  • Expanding access to long-term, residential treatment programs.
  • Establishing and/or operating support programs that offer employment services, housing, and other support services to help a recovering addict transition back into society.
  • Establishing and/or operating facilities to provide care for babies born with neonatal abstinence syndrome.
  • Establishing and/or operating substance abuse treatment programs in conjunction with Adult and Family Treatment Drug Courts.
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Romney Urges Administration to Step Up Vaccine Aid to Countries in Need

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

Highlights national security concern China and Russia pose by pushing their political agendas through vaccine diplomacy

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT) today urged the Administration to implement a vaccine distribution strategy which ensures access to countries in need around the world. He highlighted also the national security concern that China and Russia pose by distributing their own, less efficacious vaccine to help advance their political agendas in various countries.
      
Last week Senator Romney raised this issue at a Senate Foreign Relations hearing, where he asked Gayle E. Smith, the Department of State’s Coordinator for Global COVID Response and Health Security, what the Administration’s plans are for vaccine allocation around the world.
   
The full text of the letter can be found below.
      
Dear Secretary Blinken,
         
I write with concern regarding the Administration’s lack of urgency to distribute COVID vaccines to countries in desperate need. While Russia and China have taken action on this matter, the United States appears to still be in the process of deciding what it is going to do. It is necessary that the United States implement a strategy which ensures that the world’s most vulnerable populations have access to the vaccine as soon as possible.
      
On May 12, 2021, during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, I asked the Honorable Gayle E. Smith, Coordinator for Global COVID Response and Health Security at the U.S. Department of State, what the United States’ priorities and plans are for vaccine allocation around the world.
      
I was dismayed to learn that while China and Russia are pushing out vaccines to countries in desperate need, the U.S. is still in the stage of planning and prioritizing, and has yet to communicate in any detail to countries around the world when they can expect doses. The U.S. must urgently prioritize moving beyond the planning stage to the implementation stage of vaccine distribution.
       
The U.S. public and private sector efforts to develop COVID vaccines is one of the great scientific successes of the past decades. Given their success in safely inoculating millions of people, U.S. COVID vaccines will be extremely welcome around the world. Facilitating vaccine access to other countries will also increase the resiliency of our neighbors, allies, and partners, which is in our national security interests.
       
I was pleased to see the Administration commit an additional 20 million doses by the end of June. However, I am concerned that a total of only 80 million doses are far too few to effectively stymie the pandemic and prevent new variants from reaching our shores.
     
While the U.S. continues to “plan” and “prioritize” vaccine distribution, China is using its weight and its own, far less efficacious, vaccine to push countries needing vaccines to follow China’s political goals. On May 19, 2021, “Carlos Alberto Madero, Honduras chief cabinet coordinator…told the Financial Times that the country wanted to avoid breaking longstanding ties with Taipei. But he warned that access to vaccines was ‘much more urgent than anything else.’”
       
If Honduras chooses to change its official recognition from the “Republic of China” to the “People’s Republic of China” due to the effective vaccine diplomacy pushed by the PRC, the U.S. will have failed in its own strategic objectives regarding Taiwan, all because we were not successfully using our resources to aid the world in the fight against COVID.
       
I respectfully urge you to immediately enter discussions with countries around the world and implement a strategy for vaccine distribution to those countries. Upon doing so, I urge you to announce and publish timelines for vaccine distribution by country.
       
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.