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New Portman-Cardin Retirement Security Legislation Receives Widespread Praise

Source: United States Senator for Ohio Rob Portman

June 7, 2021 | Portman Difference

Recently, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Ben Cardin (D-MD) introduced the bipartisan Retirement Security & Savings Act (S. 1770), a broad set of reforms designed to strengthen Americans’ retirement security. The bill addresses four major opportunities in the existing retirement system: (1) allowing people who have saved too little to set more aside for their retirement; (2) helping small businesses offer 401(k)s and other retirement plans; (3) expanding access to retirement savings plans, including for low-income Americans without coverage; and (4) providing more certainty and flexibility during Americans’ retirement years. The measure includes more than 50 provisions to accomplish these objectives. 

Numerous national stakeholders have stepped forward to voice their support for this landmark piece of legislation, including the following:

“AARP, on behalf of our 38 million members and all older Americans nationwide, appreciates your bipartisan efforts to improve retirement savings opportunities through the introduction of the Retirement Security and Savings Act of 2021. While Social Security continues to be the bedrock of retirement income for most American workers and their families, individuals want and need additional retirement income sources. Your bipartisan work would make several important improvements to current law….We look forward to continuing to work with you to enact legislation to help every American adequately save and plan for retirement.” said Bill Sweeney, Senior Vice President Government Affairs, AARP, in a letter of support.

“Finseca is committed to advancing the cause that serves as the inspiration behind our name, Financial Security for All,” said Marc Cadin, CEO, Finseca. “We are incredibly grateful to Senators Cardin and Portman for their long partnership and relentless efforts to help more Americans save for retirement, expand access to those who currently don’t have coverage, and maximize security and flexibility when someone does retire. These are noble causes and must be fought for, especially on the heels of the pandemic.”

“Senator Cardin and Senator Portman’s leadership comes at a critical time for retirement savers. During the pandemic, many people had to tap their retirement savings early to make ends meet. Others struggle to save while providing for their families and paying off student loans and other debts,” said Susan K. Neely, President and CEO, American Council of Life Insurers. “The Retirement Security and Savings Act of 2021 builds on the current retirement security system to help more Americans access the tools they need to not only boost their savings but ensure those savings last a lifetime….As leading providers of retirement security solutions, including annuities – the only financial product in the marketplace that can guarantee lifetime income, life insurers look forward to working with Senators Cardin and Portman and all members of Congress to advance solutions that will help Americans bolster their financial futures.”

“The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) applauds and supports the introduction of the Retirement Security and Savings Act of 2021. Now is exactly the right time for Congress to act on a bipartisan basis to help employers and their employees, many who are still addressing the economic challenges of the pandemic. The private sector, employer-sponsored plan system works well, and this legislation will improve upon that system. Senators Cardin and Portman believe there is strong bipartisan momentum to strengthen this system and will work with colleagues and stakeholders…to reach consensus on a final package. NAIFA looks forward to working with the Senate and House lawmakers to expand retirement savings and to make available the products and services, including guaranteed income in retirement, that retirees need to meet their own personal goals and objectives,” said Kevin M. Mayeux, CEO, National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors.

“We commend Senators Cardin and Portman for reintroducing their bipartisan retirement savings bill, which includes many commonsense changes to improve Americans’ ability to save for retirement. Among many other improvements, the bill encourages employers to adopt automatic contribution plans, simplifies disclosures, permits older workers to save more and stay invested longer, and expands opportunities for low-wage savers to receive tax credits for contribution to an IRA or savings plan. We urge the Senate to pass this bipartisan bill and then work with the House on a unified package of retirement-savings reforms,” said David Abbey, Deputy General Counsel for Retirement Policy, Investment Company Institute.

“We commend Senators Cardin and Portman for reintroducing their bipartisan retirement savings bill, which includes many common-sense changes to current law that improve individuals’ ability to save for retirement,” said George Riedel, head of U.S. Intermediaries at T. Rowe Price. “For the benefit of the millions of Americans who save and invest for their retirement, we urge the U.S. Senate to pass this bill and then work with members of the House of Representatives to agree on comprehensive bipartisan retirement savings legislation that can swiftly pass both chambers of Congress and be signed into law.”

“Senators Cardin and Portman are longtime retirement security champions for America’s workers and retirees, and IRI enthusiastically supports this legislation,” said Wayne Chopus, Insured Retirement Institute President & CEO. “Their leadership in advancing common-sense, bipartisan policies that expand access to workplace retirement plans and increase access to guaranteed lifetime income options will help individuals and families build their nest eggs and better prepare for their retirement years.”

“The Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement, (WISER), a 25 year nonprofit organization is dedicated to improving the financial lives and retirement savings of average women. We commend the leadership of Senators Cardin and Portman for their reintroduction of the Retirement Security and Savings Act. We appreciate the inclusion of a most important provision — the expansion of the Saver’s Credit by making it refundable and directing the Treasury to increase awareness of the Credit. The Credit will make a significant impact on millions of moderate and low income workers who will use this incentive to increase their retirement savings,” said Cindy Hounsell, President of WISER.  

“The Church Alliance appreciates the ongoing support Senators Cardin and Portman have demonstrated for the retirement security of those who serve faith communities,” said Church Alliance Chair and CEO of Concordia Plan Services James Sanft. “We are pleased to see provisions included in the Retirement Security & Savings Act that would set retirement plans on even footing with individual retirements accounts.”

“The National Association for Fixed Annuities enthusiastically supports the Retirement Security and Savings Act of 2021 proposed by Senators Ben Cardin and Rob Portman. We commend these Senators for their unwavering bipartisan efforts to build opportunities for retirement security for American workers, especially as our country is recovering from the financial hardships of the pandemic. This legislation comprises a series of policy provisions that will facilitate greater savings, and it accomplishes a significant focus for NAFA members — managing longevity risks by providing predictable lifetime income options and extending the required minimum distribution age to 75,” said Chuck Di Vencenzo, CEO of the National Association for Fixed Annuities (NAFA).

“When it comes to hard earned retirement savings, every fire fighter deserves to be treated fairly. Sadly, private sector fire fighters are forced to pay a penalty when accessing their savings early. These penalties- and that is what they are- do not apply to our public sector brothers and sisters. All fire fighters perform dangerous, life-saving work, yet they are not treated equally. There should be no second-class fire fighters. Each of us should be allowed access to our retirement savings. I thank Senator Cardin and Senator Portman for their recognition of this unnecessary disparity, applaud their efforts, and fully support the Retirement Security and Savings Act,” said Edward A. Kelly, General President, International Association of Fire Fighters.

“We thank [Senators Portman and Cardin] for another tremendous leap forward with the reintroduction of the Retirement Security and Savings Act. This legislation would dramatically increase retirement security, especially among employees of small businesses. These businesses and their employees have been hit particularly hard by the coronavirus pandemic, and this legislation would give them and others the ability to rebuild and strengthen their retirement savings,” said Michelle Kelley, Senior Vice President, Government Relations, LPL Financial.

“Enactment of the Retirement Security and Savings Act would significantly benefit millions of Americans, including public sector employees, who work hard every day to prepare for their retirement. ICMA-RC appreciates your longstanding efforts to make it easier for more Americans to save for retirement and for working to advance the bipartisan ideas in the Retirement Security and Savings Act,” said Angela Montaz, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, ICMA Retirement Corporation.

“As a leading provider of retirement plans in the not-for-profit community, TIAA strongly supports [Senators Portman and Cardin’s] efforts to further improve and modernize the private retirement system. Further, TIAA applauds the continued bipartisan leadership and unwavering dedication you each have shown over the years to helping ensure a secure retirement for millions of Americans. The RSSA is especially important as it builds upon the enactment of the SECURE Act in 2019 and lends additional momentum to the Securing a Strong Retirement Act, the comprehensive retirement proposal that recently passed out of the House Ways & Means Committee,” said Douglas Chittenden, Executive Vice President and Head of TFS Client Relationships, TIAA.

“As the country responds to the challenges it faces, it is important to continue our work on enhancing retirement security. Retirement savings plays a critical role in helping workers and their families achieve financial security and supports economic and job growth. As we build our economy back from the pandemic, part of that effort needs to include even greater attention to the role of retirement programs that have been jeopardized by that crisis and were at risk for many Americans even before the pandemic. We commend [Senators Portman and Cardin] on the introduction of this bipartisan bill, which includes many priorities for the retirement community and the Council,” said Lynn D. Dudley, Senior Vice President, Global Retirement and Compensation Policy, American Benefits Council.

“As the leading provider of workplace retirement plans in the United States, we understand the critical role workplace plans play in Americans’ retirement security, alongside individual retirement accounts (IRAs) and other personal savings vehicles. The Retirement Security & Savings Act includes numerous enhancements to the private retirement system that will encourage more small businesses to offer plans and expand access to workers without coverage. We applaud [Senators Portman and Cardin’s] efforts and are eager to assist in getting this legislation enacted,” said Kevin Barry, President, Workplace Investing, Fidelity Investments.

“The National Association of Government Defined Contribution Administrators (NAGDCA) is pleased to endorse the Retirement Security and Savings Act. This broad legislation would make numerous meaningful reforms to the retirement system,” said Josh Luskin, NAGDCA President.

“Vanguard is pleased to support [Senators Portman and Cardin’s] bipartisan legislation, the Retirement Security and Savings Act, which would benefit retirement savers by allowing for greater choice in investments, improving participant decision making, and simplifying retirement plan administration,” said John James, Managing Director, Institutional Investor Group, The Vanguard Group Inc.

“The passage of the SECURE Act in 2019 was a tremendous step forward in removing some of the obstacles people experience when saving for retirement. The Retirement Security & Savings Act (RSSA) is a significant next step that will help many more Americans take control of their financial futures and create the conditions needed for a happy and dignified retirement,” said John L. Carter, President and Chief Operating Officer, Nationwide Financial.

“The RSSA has great potential to significantly improve retirement security for middle-class Americans, particularly by increasing their access to guaranteed lifetime income. From the CAI’s perspective, the provisions of the bill that would remove barriers for life annuities under the required minimum distribution rules, enact important reforms for qualifying longevity annuity contracts, and clarify the substantially equal periodic payment rules for annuities are particularly important. These changes have been long sought by the CAI, and we truly appreciate your great work in bringing them one step closer,” said Bryan W. Keene and Mark E. Griffin, Counsel to the Committee of Annuity Insurers.

“Senators Portman and Cardin, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce applauds both of you for your dedication to improving America’s retirement system. The Retirement Security and Savings Act is yet another example of your bipartisan work to expand coverage, increase savings and secure retirement income by strengthening our current employer-provided retirement system. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce also appreciates your efforts to ease outdated administrative burdens that only add costs to the plans, and instead your focus on providing participants information to will help them in understanding and securing their retirement needs, especially as Americans emerges from the pandemic,” said Chantel L. Sheaks, Vice President, Retirement Policy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

“The last year has seen tremendous upheaval in our country and its impact on Americans’ employment and financial situation has been significant. Weathering this crisis has been of paramount importance; however, we must also consider the long-term impact this crisis has had on retirement savings. As such, [Senators Portman and Cardin’s] legislation would significantly improve the financial standing of many workers,” said David Ireland, Global Head of Defines Contribution, State Street Global Advisors.

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Sen. Rick Scott Introduces Resolution Condemning Critical Race Theory in K-12 Schools

Source: United States Senator Rick Scott (Florida)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Rick Scott, joined by Senators Mike Braun and Marsha Blackburn, introduced a resolution condemning the use of Critical Race Theory in K-12 schools and teacher training. Critical Race Theory is an academic concept based on the belief that racism is embedded in American society, highlighting the differences between Americans instead of the many commonalities that unite them.

In April, Senator Scott joined Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and more than 30 of his colleagues in a letter to U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona requesting the withdrawal of the Department’s “Proposed Priorities” on American history and civics education, which included the teaching of radical and divisive curriculum like Critical Race Theory.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Since America’s founding, our nation has strived to be a land of opportunity for all. While we cannot ignore the scars of our past, we also cannot tolerate the attempts of the woke left to weaponize our history in radical curriculums that teach our children to see America only for its worst days, and the American people only for their darkest hours. The far-left wants Americans to believe that our nation is inherently racist and bad. They want to discredit the values America was founded on. They’re wrong. We can’t stand by and allow ’woke’ liberals to divide our nation. Students in Florida and every state across this nation deserve better and I’m proud to lead my colleagues today in a resolution to stand up against this dangerous policy.”

Senator Marsha Blackburn said, “Critical race theory has no place in American schools. The tenets of critical race theory are based in the destructive ideal of inherent racism and will teach our children to judge and self-segregate based solely on skin color. In Tennessee, we believe in equality and opportunity for all. Students should not be discriminated against on the basis of race under any circumstances. This resolution is an important step to prevent the far left from pushing their radical political agenda in our classrooms.”

Senator Mike Braun said, “America’s kids need to know that the fundamental values of our country are liberty, equality, and opportunity for all – not racism and oppression. I’m proud to join my colleagues in speaking out against divisive political agendas being pushed in our classrooms.”

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Sen. Rick Scott: Biden’s Budget is a Disaster for Florida Families & Pro-Life Protections

Source: United States Senator Rick Scott (Florida)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, ahead of next week’s hearing in the U.S. Senate Committee on the Budget on President Biden’s massively reckless $6 TRILLION budget proposal, Senator Rick Scott issued the following statement highlighting the failures of his proposal, its attack on pro-life protections and its consequences for Florida families. The president’s proposed budget, which projects dismal economic growth showing it will do nothing to boost the economy, would take the United States to its highest sustained levels of federal spending since World War II and is on top of the $7.1 trillion in new spending he has proposed in his first five months in office.

 

Senator Rick Scott said, “President Biden is all in for big government, big debt and higher taxes. Biden campaigned on moderate policies and no tax hikes on working families, but apparently has decided he’d rather be liked by AOC and Bernie Sanders than protect American families. Biden’s budget includes 30 tax increases costing families and businesses nearly $3 TRILLION over the next decade. That’s on top of the already rising cost of living Floridians are dealing with thanks to Biden’s inflation crisis. Even worse, his own budget shows that his plans would do almost nothing to spur economic growth.

 

“Biden’s budget also strips pro-life protections that for decades have prohibited taxpayer dollars from funding abortions. By leaving the Hyde Amendment out of his proposal, Biden hopes to force Florida taxpayers to fund the widespread destruction of life. It’s a disgusting abandonment of federal policy, which has had bipartisan support for 45 years. As a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on the Budget, I’ll be using next week’s committee hearing to demand answers from the Biden Administration on its obscene attacks on Florida families and how its reckless spending will worsen America’s growing $30 TRILLION debt crisis that is driving up inflation.”

 

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Cassidy Announces June 17 as National Seersucker Day

Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

06.07.21

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), announced National Seersucker Day will be held this year on Thursday, June 17.

“Proud to share the unique, American tradition of seersucker, a New Orleans invention and fun summer staple,” said Dr. Cassidy. “I encourage all to participate in the celebration of National Seersucker Day and look forward to continuing this tradition alongside my colleague Senator Feinstein.”

“Every summer the Senate recognizes National Seersucker Day, a decades-long tradition. I’m happy to once again join Senator Cassidy in leading our colleagues in this bipartisan celebration of American culture and Senate history,” said Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA).

Seersucker suits were popularized by a New Orleans businessman in the early 1900s. Former U.S. Senator Trent Lott (R-MS) brought Seersucker Thursday to Congress in 1996. After the tradition went unobserved in 2012 and 2013, Dr. Cassidy revived National Seersucker Day in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2014 and has continued the tradition in the Senate with the help of Senator Feinstein.

Cassidy invites Americans from all over our great nation to don their warm weather finest on this National Seersucker Day. All senators are invited for an official photograph at the Ohio Clock in the U.S. Capitol on Thursday, June 17, at 12:30 p.m. ET.

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Independent Watchdog Finds Trump Administration’s Unjustified CFPB Reshuffling Undermined Enforcement of Fair Lending Laws

Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

June 07, 2021

GAO Report

Washington, DC – United States Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, made the following statement regarding findings from a new Government Accountability Office (GAO) investigation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) oversight and enforcement of fair lending laws under the Trump administration. The GAO report follows a request made by Senators Warren and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio). 

The Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA), Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA), and other fair lending laws were designed to curtail discriminatory lending practices, but the reorganization by CFPB leaders during the Trump administration raised broader questions about  the ability and willingness of Trump-appointed CFPB leadership to protect consumers from discrimination. When Acting Director Mulvaney took over in 2017, he stripped the fair lending office of its supervisory and enforcement powers.

“When Mick Mulvaney took over as Acting Director of the CFPB, he brought in his own team of political hacks, gutted the Bureau’s fair lending office, and stripped Bureau attorneys of enforcement power, preventing the agency from being able to do its job. It is critical that under its new leadership, the CFPB prioritizes the enforcement of fair lending laws and obtains restitution for consumers harmed by discriminatory lending practices” Senator Warren said. 

During the Trump administration, Senator Warren conducted vigorous oversight of the banking and financial sectors and the efforts to weaken the CFPB:

  • In November 2019, Senators Warren and Brown raised alarm in a letter to CFPB amid reports of gender discrimination by Goldman Sachs and the new Apple card.
  • In June 2019, Senator Warren asked regulators about discrimination built into automated lending decisions that resulted in Latinx and African-American borrowers being charged higher interest rates.
  • In August 2019, Senator Warren, along with Representatives Raja Kristhnamoorthi (D-Ill.), Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), and Katie Porter (D-Calif.), pressed the CFPB for information about a proposal that would indefinitely exempt financial technology companies from complying with consumer protection and anti-discrimination laws.
  • At a March 2019 Senate Banking Committee hearing, Senator Warren criticized then-Director Kraninger for the sharp decline in enforcement actions and a significant drop in compensation to consumers.
  • Senator Warren raised concerns and called for the removal of Trump administration official Eric Blankenstein, who has a history of racist writings and whose views disqualified him from overseeing the enforcement of lending discrimination law while at the CFPB. She also called on the CFPB to fire Paul Watkins, the former director of CFPB’s Office of Innovation who previously represented an anti-LGBTQ hate group.
  • In February 2018, Senators Warren, Brown, and Representative Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) wrote to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Mulvaney about his decision to relocate the Office of Fair Lending and Equal Opportunity and to strip it of its statutorily mandated supervisory and enforcement powers while he ran the CFPB.
  • In January 2018, Senator Warren and Congresswoman Waters sent a letter to former Acting CFPB Director Leandra English and former OMB Director Mulvaney, questioning Mulvaney’s actions that benefited payday and installment lenders and raising concerns about Mulvaney’s close ties to the payday loan industry.
  • In May 2018, Senator Warren joined Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) in sending a letter to Mark Bialek, Inspector General of the Federal Reserve System, urging him to investigate Mulvaney’s actions at the CFPB after reports surfaced that Mulvaney has taken numerous actions to benefit payday lenders.

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Sens. Sullivan, King, Cortez Masto, Schatz & Murkowski Introduce Visit America Act

Source: United States Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan

06.07.21

Bill would initiate a federal strategy for the struggling U.S. tourism & travel industry

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Angus King (I-Maine), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nevada), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) recently introduced S. 1974, the Visit America Act, which would formally authorize the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board and create an assistant secretary position within the Department of Commerce focused on bolstering America’s travel and tourism industry and coordinating a strategy across multiple federal agencies by establishing annual goals and recommendations. The legislation would also require the development and implementation of a recovery strategy to assist the travel and tourism industry to quickly recover from the COVID–19 pandemic. 

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

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

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

The United States is the only member of the G20 international economic forum that does not have a high-ranking official focused on the tourism sector. Most G20 nations have a minister or secretary at the cabinet level.

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Feinstein: Model Legislation Will Help States Enact Extreme Risk Protection Orders

Source: United States Senator for California – Dianne Feinstein

Washington—Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today released the following statement after the Justice Department published model legislation to help states enact extreme risk protection order laws:

“The Justice Department’s model legislation will help states enact extreme risk protection order laws that allow family members and law enforcement to petition a court to temporarily remove guns from dangerous individuals.

“California has shown that these laws work. Last year, guns were temporarily removed from the hands of nearly 1,300 individuals who could have used them to harm themselves or others.

“Patterned after the Extreme Risk Protect Act, the department’s model legislation is an important step but we must still pass the broader bill. Our bill authorizes funding to implement these laws, including assistance for police training, developing court and law enforcement protocols and raising public awareness.

“Extreme risk protection orders save lives. Hopefully this model legislation will encourage more states to put these commonsense measures in place.”

Background:

Senator Feinstein and Representative Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.) last month reintroduced the Extreme Risk Protection Order Act, a bill to help states enact laws that allow family members and law enforcement to acquire temporary court orders to have guns removed from dangerous individuals. Only 19 states and the District of Columbia currently have extreme risk protection order laws.

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Feinstein, Cassidy Announce June 17 as National Seersucker Day

Source: United States Senator for California – Dianne Feinstein

Washington–Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) joined Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), announced National Seersucker Day will be held this year on Thursday, June 17.

“Every summer the Senate recognizes National Seersucker Day, a decades-long tradition. I’m happy to once again join Senator Cassidy in leading our colleagues in this bipartisan celebration of American culture and Senate history,” said Senator Dianne Feinstein.

“Proud to share the unique, American tradition of seersucker, a New Orleans invention and fun summer staple,” said Dr. Cassidy. “I encourage all to participate in the celebration of National Seersucker Day and look forward to continuing this tradition alongside my colleague Senator Feinstein.”

Former U.S. Senator Trent Lott (R-Miss.) brought Seersucker Thursday to Congress in 1996. After the tradition went unobserved in 2012 and 2013, Senator Feinstein and Dr. Cassidy revived National Seersucker Day in 2014.

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Sen. Moran Statement on President Biden’s FY2022 Budget

Source: United States Senator for Kansas – Jerry Moran

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today released the following statement after President Joe Biden announced the Presidential budget for FY2022:

“Four months into this administration, President Biden has already laid out plans for $7.1 trillion of new spending over the next couple of years. It is no surprise that his FY2022 budget proposal calls for the highest level of federal spending since World War II. As our national debt nears $30 trillion and the economy begins to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, a budget that will raise taxes, cause prices to skyrocket and saddle future generations with burdensome levels of debt should be unthinkable.

“I will evaluate the details of the President’s budget and will work with my Senate colleagues to craft a federal budget that supports jobs and American competitiveness while maintaining responsible fiscal boundaries. We cannot spend our way to economic prosperity. Our families and their economic futures are best served by keeping costs low, making certain parents are able to return to work and reining in our national debt.”   

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WITH NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION AMONG FINALIST LOCATIONS FOR NEW AF ACTIVE-DUTY SQUADRON, SCHUMER CALLS SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE NOMINEE F. KENDALL DIRECTLY TO REQUEST A VISIT AND IMMEDIATELY CHOOSE NFARS UPON CONFIRMATION

Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer

06.07.21

NFARS Is Revealed To Be A Finalist Contender For Recapitalization Of Air Force Reserve Command Air Refueling Mission; Among 6 Locations Being Considered 

Senator, In Direct Call To Air Force Secretary Nominee Last Month, Pushed For Official Visit And Final Selection; Touted Experienced 914th Air Refueling Wing 

Schumer: New KC-46A Refueling Tankers Would Bring New Jobs & Funding, Helping NFARS & Niagara County Take Off

Following a direct phone call last month to Secretary of the Air Force nominee Frank Kendall, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station (NFARS) is among 6 finalist locations being considered as a base for the Air Force’s new KC-46A Pegasus refueling tankers. In his call with Secretary of the Air Force nominee Kendall, Schumer pushed for Mr. Kendall to visit NFARS as soon as he is confirmed and before final selection. Schumer touted the experience of the 914th Air Refueling Wing and said final selection would bring state-of-the-art Air Force equipment to NFARS, more than $100 million in investment, and about 175 new job opportunities to Niagara County.

“Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station is the perfect location for the Air Force’s new refueling tankers and deserves to be selected,” said Senator Schumer. “NFARS has continuously delivered for New York over the last 50 years as a reserve base and is already home to the “Lucky Third” 914th Air Refueling Wing. The existing infrastructure at this first-rate facility, combined with the phenomenal service members of the 914th, ensure that NFARS would be more than capable of hosting a new active-duty squadron. I stressed this to Air Force Secretary nominee Kendall in my call last month, and will continue to do everything in my power to bring the new 46A Pegasus to NFARS to create new jobs at the base and ensure that our troops have a reliable fuel source when training to protect our health and freedom.”

NFARS is being considered to host the new 46A Pegasus, along with 5 other locations across the U.S.: Beale Air Force Base in California, March Air Reserve Base in California, Grissom Air Reserve Base in Indiana, Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma and Joint Base Andrews-Naval Air Field in Maryland. Final selection would bring about $100 million in investment to the base.

Schumer has long fought for greater federal investment into NFARS. Last year, the senator fought to prevent President Trump from redirecting funding meant for NFARS, to the Southern border wall. The senator also explained that last year he helped bring the KC-135 tanker fleet back to NFARS after the departure of the C-130 mission. Schumer said that previously, NFARS had been flying aging C-130 tactical airlifters. The USAF eventually upgraded NFARS’s mission to the KC-135 aircraft after Schumer’s push. Schumer has visited NFARS in the past, including in 2017, and he worked with Air Force and National Guard officials to secure funding for a new training facility, building on the structures already in place at NFARS. Also in 2017, Schumer announced that the base would receive eight KC-135 aircraft, which brought nearly $25 million in investment, jobs and increased flight hours. Additionally, in last year’s appropriations bill Schumer secured critical language that recognizes the need for federal investment at NFARS in its bid to extend the taxiway to accommodate the air refueling mission of the Air Force Reserve.

Finally, in April of 2018, he visited NFARS and called for greater investment in the base. Specifically, Schumer announced a major push to secure nearly $50 million worth of long-overdue upgrades for NFARS. During the visit, Schumer highlighted specific projects that are desperately needed, including upgrades to the main security gate, expansion of the existing runway to better accommodate the base’s new KC-135 mission, and create new state-of-the-art facilities for civil engineering and the Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron. On September 27, 2018, Schumer met with Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson in-person to advocate for the infrastructure improvements at NFARS. The infrastructure improvements would be part of the investment made into NFARS if selected as the final location to host the tankers announced today.

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