Category: US Senate

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Van Hollen, Romney, Sullivan, Cornyn, Scott Applaud Committee Passage of Bill to End China’s Unfair International Advantages

Source: United States Senator for Maryland Chris Van Hollen

June 08, 2023

Bipartisan legislation establishes U.S. policy opposing practice of treating China as a “developing nation” in treaties and international organizations

U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia, joined by Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Ark.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Tim Scott (R-S.C.), applauded today’s unanimous committee passage of the Ending China’s Developing Nation Status Act. This bipartisan legislation establishes U.S. policy to oppose the granting of “developing nation” status to China in future treaties and international organizations. The bill also directs the Secretary of State to pursue changing the status of China to “developed nation” in treaties or organizations where a mechanism for change exists. 

“From the size of its economy and military to its large-scale investments in countries around the world, it’s clear that China is no longer a ‘developing nation.’ For too long, the PRC has used this designation to gain unfair advantages in multilateral agreements. I’m glad the Foreign Relations Committee unanimously passed our bill to ensure that China can no longer exploit the ‘developing nation’ label in international agreements where we are a party,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“China has the second largest economy in the world and is on track to surpass the U.S. economically,” Senator Romney said. “It’s absurd that China continues to be treated as a developing nation on the global stage. Proud to see our bipartisan legislation ending China’s unfair advantage pass out of committee today and look forward to it coming before the full Senate. The U.S. must not enter into treaties or international organizations where China is given a leg up, whether it be accommodations or financial assistance.”

“China is the second largest economy in the world. China is one of the most industrialized countries in the world. China has one of the biggest militaries in the world. The World Bank now even considers China to be an ‘upper middle income’ country. The idea that China is a ‘developing country’ is ridiculous,” said Senator Sullivan. “We cannot continue to allow China to exploit this status under international organizations and treaties. I thank Senator Romney, Senator Van Hollen, and our Senate colleagues for advancing this important bipartisan legislation from committee today as we work to end this charade once and for all.”

“China is a major global power with the second largest economy in the world, not a developing nation in need of special treatment,”said Senator Cornyn. “This commonsense bill would eliminate China’s unnecessary and misleading developing nation classification in international organizations, and I urge the Senate to swiftly pass it.”

“Labeling China as a developing country undercuts the threats an increasingly aggressive Chinese Communist Party (CCP) poses to our economic security,” said Senator Tim Scott. “As China has expanded its economy to the second largest in the world, the CCP has been relentless in waging an economic assault against the United States. Their objective isn’t simply to compete with us; it’s to beat us and supplant us as the world’s economic superpower. It’s time for America and our like-minded partners to stop giving China an unfair advantage in the international system and leverage the tools at our disposal to force China to be a responsible actor on the global stage.”    

Background:

China—which continues to claim developing nation status in many international organizations—has the second largest economy in the world with massive outbound and inbound foreign direct investment and enormous defense expenditures. Depending on the treaty or international organization, developing country status can lead to special privileges and flexibilities within an institution that provide longer timelines for implementation of objectives or even financial assistance.     

The Ending China’s Developing Nation Status Act:

  • Articulates that it is the policy of the U.S. to oppose the labeling or treatment of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as a developing nation in current and future treaty negotiations, and to pursue a change in China’s treatment as a developing nation.
  • Requires reports by the Secretary of State to Congress on any treaties under consideration by the Administration which would confer different standards based on developing nation status with China being considered as a member of the treaty and on development status of member states in existing organizations and treaties.
  • Requires the Secretary of State to pursue changing China’s status as a developing nation in international organizations where a mechanism for changing such status exists, or to propose the development of such a status where none exists.

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Braun, Rubio, Tillis introduce bill to save successful veterans’ high-tech job training program

Source: United States Senator Mike Braun (Indiana)

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Mike Braun, Marco Rubio, and Thom Tillis introduced the Continue VET-TEC Authorization Act of 2023 to extend and expand the VET-TEC, Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses, program which provides an alternative educational opportunity for veterans interested in pursuing a career in technology. The current program is set to expire at the end of this year.
 
“Supporting our veterans when they come home is one of my top priorities in Washington, and VET-TEC is a proven program that helps prepare them for high-paying, fulfilling careers in technology. It’s important that we save this successful program so veterans have options and opportunities to prosper as they transition back to civilian life.”—Sen. Braun
 
 “The tech industry is one of the most in-demand sectors of the American economy. The VET-TEC program provides veterans with the skills they need to succeed in this field, helps our veterans find good-paying jobs and, in return, contribute to the economy. I’m proud to join Senator Braun in introducing the Continue VET-TEC Authorization Act of 2023 to ensure that the VET-TEC program can continue providing our veterans with the technical skills to succeed in the 21st century job market.” – Sen. Rubio
 
“The VET-TEC pilot program has a proven track record of opening the door for thousands of veterans to start careers in the technology field. We must be doing everything we can to provide good job opportunities for our nation’s veterans, and I’m honored to co-sponsor this legislation to reauthorize VET-TEC.” – Sen. Tillis
 
BACKGROUND
 
Since 2017, more than 12,000 veterans have taken part in the VET-TEC program. As of February 2023, the program has an 84% graduation rate, a 64% employment rate, and an average salary of $65,061. VET-TEC graduates often end up being employed by software, defense, and tech companies with potential for high job growth. 

  1. The Continue VET-TEC Authorization Act of 2023 would:
  2. Reauthorize the VET-TEC program for five years (2023-2028)
  3. Expand annual enrollment for the program to from 2,000 to 6,000 to accommodate more students
  4. Enable institutions of higher education to participate in the program under the same guidelines as current VET-TEC providers
  5. Ensure costs of bill are fully offset

 
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Lankford Continues to Stand Up for Rural Access to Quality Health Care in Oklahoma

Source: United States Senator for Oklahoma James Lankford

06.08.23

CLICK HERE to watch Lankford’s Q&A on YouTube.

CLICK HERE to watch Lankford’s Q&A on Rumble.

WASHINGTON, DC – Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today participated in a Senate Finance Committee hearing entitled, “Consolidation and Corporate Ownership in Health Care: Trends and Impacts on Access, Quality, and Costs,” in which he pressed the witness panel about issues with rural access to health services, health care facility consolidation, and regulatory structures that prevent medical professionals from providing care in their communities. Lankford continues to make sure that the federal government is not incentivizing hospital consolidation and therefore pushing certain health services into urban areas only and increasing the cost of care. Oklahomans deserve reasonable access to the health care services they want and need, whether they are a retiree on a ranch in Kingfisher, Oklahoma, or a school teacher in Hollis, Oklahoma.

Lankford remains a strong advocate for addressing health care access deficiencies in rural Oklahoma and around the nation. As he mentioned in the hearing, Lankford introduced his Rural Hospital Closure Relief Act, which would support financially vulnerable rural hospitals facing risk of closure. Lankford announced a huge win late last year for rural hospital access in Oklahoma and around the nation after the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced its Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) rule. The rule, among other things, redefined a “primary” road for purposes of establishing the distance a hospital must be from another hospital to receive CMS’ Critical Access Hospital (CAH) designation.

Witnesses on the panel included Zack Cooper, Ph.D, Associate Professor of Public Health and Associate Professor of Economics at Yale University; R. Shawn Martin, Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer at the American Academy of Family Physicians; Karen Joynt Maddox, MD, MPH, Associate Professor of Medicine at Washington University; Chris Thomas, FACHE, President and Chief Executive Officer of Community Hospital in Grand Junction, CO; and Caroline Pearson, Executive Director, Peterson Center on Healthcare in New York, NY.

Excerpt

Lankford: It is interesting, my state in Oklahoma, we have 4 million people, 2 million of those live in urban areas, 2 million of those live in rural areas. And for our rural hospitals, some consolidation of administrative functions have been beneficial actually, to have back office somewhere else and so they can focus on patient care in a very small community. I’ve also seen some other areas where a management company comes in, takes over a rural hospital, runs it, and then drops it. And it’s had major consequences in my state as well. So I’ve seen both sides of this and know that we’ve got to have some oversight in the process on this, so that we don’t have rural hospitals especially that face consolidation and then just be abandoned at the end of the day as well.

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Capito on Corridor H’s Kerens to Parsons Groundbreaking: A Major Milestone

Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee and member of the Appropriations Committee, released the below statement on the groundbreaking of the Kerens to Parsons section of Corridor H. For years, Capito has delivered resources for Corridor H’s completion through Congressionally Directed Spending, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act she crafted in the EPW Committee, and other funding sources.

“As a member of the Appropriations Committee, and in my role at the EPW Committee overseeing the Federal Highway Administration, I’ve consistently pushed for the completion of Corridor H and helped deliver funds to do so. The groundbreaking of this key section between Kerens and Parsons marks a major milestone for this critical transportation project, and I’m thrilled for the positive impact it will have for years to come as we continue to expand and improve West Virginia’s roads and bridges,” Ranking Member Capito said. 

Following a letter and call with the Department of Transportation in 2020, Senator Capito secured $12 million for the Kerens to Parsons section of Corridor H.

In 2019, Senator Capito pushed to fund the Appalachian Development Highway System at $100 million annually, and importantly, worked to ensure it would be fully funded at that level in the years that followed.

In 2019, Senator Capito announced a $100 million grant for the West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH) to support construction of Corridor H.

Photo from 2019 of DOT Secretary Chao and Senator Capito can be found here announcing a $100 million grant that supported the construction of Corridor H.

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Capito, Gillibrand, Trone, Meuser Reintroduce the Supporting Families Through Addiction Act

Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) this week reintroduced the Supporting Families Through Addiction Act with U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), and U.S. Representatives Dan Meuser (R-Pa.) and David Trone (D-Md.). The legislation would create a $25 million grant program over five years to help national and local nonprofit organizations provide support services to the families of those undergoing substance use disorder treatment.

With drug overdoses on the rise, it’s important to continue to address the opioid epidemic from every angle. Since 1999, more than one million Americans have died from drug overdoses. With a record 109,000 Americans lost in 2022, Stanford now estimates 1.2 million more Americans will die in this decade alone. Providing more treatment and support services to folks suffering from addiction will save countless lives. 

“As the addiction crisis continues to hit communities in West Virginia and across the nation, it is clear the devastating impact it is having not only on those struggling with addiction, but their loved ones,” Senator Capito said. “The stigma of addiction all too often leaves individuals and their families feeling isolated, ashamed, and unsure where to turn for reliable information and advice. This bipartisan legislation will hopefully provide family members with the support, resources, and information they need to assist their loved ones struggling with substance use disorders and in recovery, as well as within their family who are also impacted by it.”

Organizations around the country help millions of families affected by substance use disorder every day. These groups offer services to families that are often not provided by treatment facilities nor covered by insurance. However, most of these organizations receive little to no government support. The Supporting Families Through Addiction Act will help close that gap.

Evidence has shown that when families are involved in their loved one’s treatment and recovery, outcomes improve. Those with family members engaged in programs and services such as Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) – an evidence-based model that teaches families the skills to have productive and effective conversations and interactions with their children – show a higher treatment retention rate.  

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Graham Secures Commitment To Better Fund National Defense

Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Lindsey Graham

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement after securing an agreement to better fund America’s defense and national security interests.

The agreement includes a commitment that the Senate will not be limited in its ability to respond to emerging or ongoing national security threats, including Russia’s unjust and unprovoked war in Ukraine, challenges posed by China with respect to our economy and the growing threat to Taiwan, and protecting vital interests and partners in the Middle East.  Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) submitted statements into the Senate record outlining this commitment.

“I am pleased that after three days of unrelenting effort to inform this body of the devastating effects this debt limit deal would have on our national security and defense, we appear to now have a process in place to undo some of this damage.  I appreciate the willingness of my colleagues to work to roll back the devastating effects it will have on our national security.  However, I am still bitterly disappointed that we put ourselves in this position to begin with.

“As currently written, this bill puts our military behind the eight ball.  Military budgets should be based on threats, not political deals.  And today, we know that the world is a very, very dangerous place.  Tying the safety of our nation and our men and women in uniform with the fiscal health of this country was a mistake, which I hope we learn from and do not repeat.

“To the brave men and women in our underfunded U.S. military, help is on the way.  To the brave men and women in Ukraine, standing up against Russian aggression and in defense of their homeland, help is on the way.  To Taiwan and our Pacific allies and partners living in the shadow of China, help is on the way.

“I wish there was no war anywhere.  I wish China was not threatening the security of Taiwan.  I wish the Iranian Ayatollah did not want a nuclear weapon and would not use it if he could.  I wish that Putin’s Russia had not invaded Ukraine.  I wish the world was much different than the one we see today.  But I understand that if we want peace and stability, it comes at a high price.  The first and most important dollars we allocate each year in the budget are those to protect and defend the United States and our interests.  This should be and must always remain, our top priority.”

Graham, a chief critic of the Financial Responsibility Act’s (FRA) defense funding component, sounded the alarm on inadequate defense funding in light of the threats we face from China and the Middle East, and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Graham noted the defense funding in the FRA matches the Biden Administration’s defense budget request for fiscal year (FY) 2024 and is below the anticipated request for FY 2025 as outlined in the Future Years Defense Program.

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Stabenow, Peters Introduce Judicial Nominee Susan DeClercq in Senate Committee Hearing

Source: United States Senator for Michigan Debbie Stabenow 2

Thursday, June 08, 2023

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (MI) and Gary Peters (MI) today introduced Susan DeClercq to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee for a hearing considering her nomination to be U.S. District Court Judge for the Eastern District of Michigan. DeClercq was nominated by President Biden on May 3.

In her introduction, Senator Debbie Stabenow said, “Susan DeClercq is an outstanding nominee, and I wholeheartedly support her nomination. I urge the Committee to do the same.”

 

In his introduction, Senator Gary Peters said: “Susan DeClercq is an accomplished legal professional with the experience, the qualifications, and temperament necessary for this role. From her extensive civil rights work, to representing businesses in high-stakes investigations, to defending the U.S. government against litigation brought against it… Susan would not just be an exemplary model for our state, she would also be Michigan’s first federal judge of East Asian descent. I am proud to support her nomination to serve on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.”

 

A video of Senator Stabenow’s remarks can be found here, and a video of Senator Peters’ remarks can be found here.

 

Susan K. DeClercq has been Director and Counsel of Special Investigations at Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, Michigan since 2022. Ms. DeClercq previously served as an Assistant U.S Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan from 2004 to 2022, where she had several leadership roles, including serving as Chief of the Civil Division. Ms. DeClercq worked for Skadden, Arps, Slate, and Meagher & Flom in Washington, D.C. as a litigation associate from 2001 to 2004. From 1999 to 2001, she served as a law clerk for Judge Avern Cohn on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Ms. DeClercq received her J.D., magna cum laude, from Wayne State University School of Law in 1999 and her B.A. from the University of Michigan in 1995.

 

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During Pride, Sens. Markey, Shaheen, Merkley and Rep. Titus Announce Legislation on U.S. Leadership Advancing LGBTQI+ Rights on World Stage

Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

Legislation would build upon Biden administration’s effort to enact LGBTQI+ rights in U.S. foreign policy
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Bill Text (PDF)

Washington (June 8, 2023) – As LGBTQI+ communities across the world gather to celebrate Pride Month, Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Representative Dina Titus (NV-01) today reintroduced the Greater Leadership Overseas for the Benefit of Equality (GLOBE) Act, legislation outlining a comprehensive vision for the United States to uphold and defend international LGBTQI+ rights. Specifically, the GLOBE Act would ensure equality and justice are critical components of U.S. foreign policy, reaffirm that the United States will not tolerate any discrimination, hatred, and violence against LGBTQI+ persons around the world, and develop assistance and immigration programs for LGBTQI+ individuals abroad. 

The legislation would also make permanent the office of the Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ Persons, which President Joe Biden established early in his term, as well as ensure that future administrations continue to uphold LGBTQI+ rights on the world stage by directing the State Department to document and respond to bias-motivated violence against LGBTQI+ people abroad and implement a comprehensive strategy to prevent and respond to criminalization, discrimination, and violence against LGBTQI+ people. The GLOBE Act also calls on the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to establish a permanent Senior LGBTQI+ Coordinator responsible for coordinating across the agency with respect to inclusive development programming.

“As LGBTQI+ people face rising discrimination here at home, we must use Pride Month as an opportunity to affirm our commitment to freedom and equality – regardless of gender or sexual orientation – for every person, from Utah to Uganda,” said Senator Markey. “Across the globe, LGBTQI+ people continue to be persecuted, jailed and murdered for simply expressing who they are or who they love. LGBTQI+ rights are human rights, and the GLOBE Act will empower the United States to protect the fundamental rights of freedom, equality, and justice for all people.”

“Across the world, LGBTQ+ communities face discrimination, imprisonment, violence and in extreme cases, the death penalty. These communities should be free to express who they are, love who they love and enjoy all the same basic human rights as anyone else,” said Senator Shaheen. “I am proud to support the GLOBE Act, legislation that would help to ensure LGBTQ+ communities are supported and granted equal protections regardless of where they live. This Pride month, we have the opportunity to save lives through meaningful, sustained action and I urge my colleagues to join us.”

“We are living in a time in which governments around the world continue to make dangerous threats against our LGBTQI+ family, friends, and neighbors,” said Senator Merkley, who is leading the push for the Equality Act in the U.S. Senate. “America cannot remain silent in the face of that discrimination and abuse. Every person—regardless of who they are, whom they love, or where they live—has the right to be treated with decency and respect. That’s why I’m urging my colleagues to join us in passing the GLOBE Act, to send a clear message that the United States is committed to defending these critical human rights.”

“I’m reintroducing this legislation because LGBTQ+ people around the world continue to face discrimination, bigotry, and violence, with Uganda’s tragic Anti-Homosexuality Act a recent and stark reminder,” said Representative Titus.“Watchdog organizations, advocacy groups, and international investigative bodies continually document hostility toward LGBTQ+ people in every part of the world. We must take this opportunity to lead by example and encourage other countries to do the same.”

“The fight for equality doesn’t stop at our borders, and our foreign policy should reflect that. Our bill will help our State Department better protect and defend LGBTQI+ rights around the world,” said Senator Schatz.

“Around the world – including in the United States – LGBTQ rights are under attack. If we want to be a global leader on human rights, then we have to stand up for those who are being persecuted simply for who they are. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing legislation that would help protect the rights and freedoms of the LGBTQ community worldwide,” said Senator Murphy.

Senators Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), and Patty Murray (D-Wash.) are cosponsors.

Specifically, the GLOBE Act: 

  • Codifies the State Department Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ Persons in law;
  • Calls on the Administrator of USAID to establish a permanent Senior LGBTQI Coordinator who will coordinate across the agency with respect to LGBTQI+ inclusive development programming;
  • Requires the State Department to document human rights abuses and discrimination against LGBTQI+ people around the world;
  • Restricts entry into the United States for foreign individuals responsible for abuse and murder of LGBTQI+ populations;
  • Ensures fair access to asylum and refugee programs for LGBTQI+ individuals;
  • Requires engagement with international organizations, including the United Nations and the World Bank, to protect international LGBTQI+ rights; and,
  • Protects the rights of U.S. LGBTQI+ citizens serving their countries overseas at diplomatic and consular posts.

The GLOBE Act is endorsed by Amnesty International USA, American Jewish World Service, Anti-Defamation League, Center for Biological Diversity, Council for Global Equality, Equality California, Equimundo, Foreign Policy for America, Gender Action, Heartland Alliance International, Human Rights Campaign, Ipas, MADRE, MPact Global Action, National Center for Transgender Equality, ORAM – Organization for Refuge, Asylum and Migration, Outright International, Oxfam America, Pathfinder International, PFLAG National, Rainbow Railroad, Silver State Equality, The Global Justice Institute, and The International Institute on Race, Equality and Human Rights.

“The GLOBE Act provides a framework to protect and promote the rights of LGBTQ+ people worldwide, especially as members of our community are living in fear for their lives now more than ever,” said David Stacy, Vice President of Government Affairs at the Human Rights Campaign. “As we see an onslaught of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and uptick in violence against the LGBTQ+ community worldwide, the United States must make it clear that it stands with LGBTQ+ people. This is why we are grateful for Senators Markey, Merkley, and Shaheen and Representative Titus for acknowledging what’s at stake and seeking to make LGBTQ+ rights a core tenet of our foreign policy. Today’s legislation sends a clear message that the fight for equality doesn’t end at our borders, and that we must leverage all of our foreign policy tools to aggressively tackle all threats to LGBTQ+ dignity at home and abroad.” 

“The GLOBE Act authorizes new diplomatic tools to help the State Department and other U.S. foreign affairs agencies respond with greater speed, clarity, and intentionality to human rights abuses targeting LGBTQI+ individuals around the world. The current scramble to respond effectively to the unparalleled assault on the rights of LGBTQI+ individuals in Uganda today shows why the GLOBE Act is so important. It would allow us to deploy a stronger and more coordinated set of diplomatic, economic, security sector, and public diplomacy tools in our response to Uganda’s draconian new anti-homosexuality law – and to other human rights emergencies that strike LGBTQI+ communities with increasing frequency,” said Mark Bromley, co-chair of the Counsel for Global Equality.

In March, ahead of the Summit for Democracy, Senator Markey and Representative Robert Garcia (CA-42)reintroduced the International Human Rights Defense Act to affirm the U.S.’s role in protecting and promoting LGBTQI+ rights by making permanent the office of the Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ Persons, and by directing the State Department to document and respond to bias-motivated violence against LGBTQI+ people abroad while implementing a comprehensive strategy to prevent and respond to criminalization, discrimination and violence against LGBTQI+ people. During that same month, on International Transgender Day of Visibility, Senator Markey led colleagues in a letter urging President Biden to protect transgender people’s access to gender-affirming health care, protect them against violence and discrimination, and support health care providers facing threats of violence and limits on their ability to provide care. In May 2020, Senator Markey, a then-member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Representative Dina Titus (NV-01) led 45 lawmakers in calling on the State Department and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to take urgent action to protect the global LGBTQI+ population and other vulnerable communities that are being persecuted and discriminated against during the coronavirus pandemic.

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Sen. Cramer Addresses Staffing Challenges, Access to Care at Veterans Affairs Committee 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) at a Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC) hearing questioned representatives from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on the availability of long-term care services for veterans. He also dismissed a one-size-fits-all approach to improving staffing shortages.

Click Here to Watch

Senator Cramer first questioned Mr. M. Christopher Saslo, Assistant Under Secretary for Health for Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer for the VA and Scotte R. Hartronft, Office of Geriatrics and Extended Care Executive Director for the VA on nursing home challenges and the agency’s flexibility of local contracts.

“North Dakota, like a lot of rural states, has a lot of nursing facilities—some with a lot of beds available. They truly want to serve more veterans, but it’s a clumsy relationship; contracting is complicated, getting paid is complicated. Can we simplify this for our veterans so our nursing homes can do what they want to do and serve them?” asked Senator Cramer.

“Knowing the challenges we have had with staffing, both in the private sector as well as in the VA, one of our goals is to really make sure we can maximize any of the efficiencies when it comes to contracting and placement and knowing we need to maintain the expectations of what we’re allowed to do through our authorities,” replied Mr. Saslo. “Part of it is letting facilities that feel the more typical contract processes is too tedious, by all means, we should be talking with them about the Veterans Care Agreements and other avenues that might be better for them and their particular needs.”

Senator Cramer agreed providing flexibility and options is important, but expressed his concern about the VA’s bureaucratic nonsense creating challenges for facilities that want to better serve veterans.

He then questioned Jonathan Blum, Principal Deputy Administrator and Chief Operating Officer for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) about staffing challenges throughout the health care industry.

“I want to talk a little bit about the staffing challenges. It’s not new to this industry. It’s every industry, but it’s particularly problematic in healthcare. I’m a little concerned about the talk of staffing ratio mandates and the impact it would have on an already very stressed situation. How does that policy help? Can we please change it, drop it, or admit we were wrong?” asked Senator Cramer.

“We are still in the process of thinking through what the best policy is for how to think about staffing requirements going forward. One of the things we see clearly in our data is those facilities that have more consistent, stable staff, have higher quality outcomes,” replied Mr. Blum. “We want to see it as a clear signal to the industry for how they build programs, connections. We’ll build the workforce that we need over time to best serve Medicare, Medicaid, and our residents for our country.”

“The question is how do we get there? I love all your suggestions, working with local schools, introducing young people to the joys of long-term care. I’m not sure mandating ratios is going to get us there,” concluded Senator Cramer.

Background:

Earlier this year, Senator Cramer joined Senate colleagues in sending a letter to CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure. The Senators urged the agency to avoid one-size-fits-all staffing mandates for nursing homes and to support provider flexibility in addressing recruitment and retention issues.

Such mandates would exacerbate existing workforce shortages and place additional financial burdens on facilities in rural and underserved communities. Last year in North Dakota, staffing and financial challenges forced facilities to significantly suspend patient admissions.

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Sen. Cramer: North Dakota Delegation Urges President Biden to Approve Disaster Declaration Request for Spring Flooding

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

BISMARCK – U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer and John Hoeven and Congressman Kelly Armstrong called on President Biden to approve a major disaster declaration request submitted by Governor Doug Burgum for spring flooding which occurred April 10-May 6, 2023. The request would provide federal resources to support recovery in Barnes, Burke, Dickey, Dunn, Golden Valley, Grand Forks, Hettinger, LaMoure, McHenry, Mercer, Morton, Mountrail, Nelson, Pembina, Ransom, Richland, Sargent, Steele, Towner, Walsh, and Wells counties.

“The State continues to recover from a particularly severe winter and is therefore requesting a major disaster declaration for 21 counties as a result of flooding during the period of April 10, 2023 to May 6, 2023,” wrote the delegation. “We support the State’s request and urge you to approve it as soon as possible so the necessary Federal resources can be made available to North Dakotans.”

Click here to read the letter.