Posts

Posted on

Duckworth, Durbin Announce $34 Millions for Variety of Illinois Health Care Programs and Initiatives

Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

June 07, 2023

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced $34,248,791 million in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) grants to support a variety of health care programs, initiatives, and community projects across the state.

 “Across the state, Illinoisans have access to institutions and programs that are dedicated to health treatment and prevention and improving health outcomes for our families,” Duckworth said. “I’m proud to announce this support with Senator Durbin to ensure these institutions and programs have the resources they need to keep Illinoisans and their families healthy.”

“This federal funding will help Illinois fortify its diverse array of health care programs that are dedicated to safeguarding the well-being of our residents,” said Durbin. “From efforts to prevent infectious diseases to advancements in substance abuse treatments, these critical programs offer support to Illinoisans during challenging times, instilling in us the unwavering hope that groundbreaking treatment breakthroughs are on the horizon.”

Recipients of HHS grants include:

  • St. Joseph’s Hospital (Rural Health Network Development Program): $300,000
  • Illinois Department of Public Health (Cancer Prevention and Control Programs): $7,816,420
  • Children’s Home & Aid Society of Illinois (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services): $500,000
  • Lewis University (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services): $102,000
  • City Colleges of Chicago (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services): $102,000
  • Adler University (Graduate Psychology Education Programs): $478,968
  • University of Illinois (Black Lung/Coal Miner Clinics Program): $1,138,201
  • City of Chicago (Epidemiology and Laboratory): $10,100,179
  • University of Illinois (Community Based Dental Partnership Program): $282,395
  • Illinois Department of Public Health (Pediatric Mental Health Care Access Program): $1,590,000
  • Illinois Department of Public Health (Epidemiology and Laboratory): $19,248,796
  • Gibson Area Hospital & Health Services (Rural Health Network Development Planning Grant Program): $100,000
  • Illinois Department of Public Health (Grants to States for Loan Repayment): $1,700,000
  • Illinois Department of Public Health (Strengthening U.S. Public Health Infrastructure): $14,827,757
  • City of Chicago (Strengthening U.S. Public Health Infrastructure Workforce): $4,983,445
  • Esperanza Health Centers (Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Program): $2,240,000
  • Lawndale Christian Health Center (Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Program): $1,760,000

Posted on

Young, Colleagues Launch Bipartisan U.S. Senate Korea Caucus

Source: United States Senator for Indiana Todd Young

June 07, 2023

WASHINGTON – This week, U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) launched the U.S. Senate Korea Caucus to advance and strengthen the relationship and alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea (ROK). The caucus will work across the aisle to advance policies deepening economic, security, cultural, and scientific ties between the two nations. The launch of the caucus also marks the 70thanniversary of the U.S.-ROK alliance.

“I am proud to join Senators Ossoff, Sullivan, and Schatz to establish the new bipartisan Senate Korea Caucus. As threats continue to increase from China and North Korea, it’s critical that the United States’ relationship with Korea is not only active, but strong. This caucus will bolster the U.S.-Korea alliance, develop strategies for countering mutual security and economic threats, and advocate for greater U.S.-Korea cooperation on preserving a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region,” said Senator Young.

“I am a champion of the U.S.-Korea alliance and Georgia’s 100,000 strong Korean American community. That’s why we’re bringing together Republicans and Democrats to launch the Bipartisan Senate Korea Caucus. I’ve led two successful economic delegations to Korea to attract more jobs and investment to Georgia and will continue to lead on U.S.-Korea relations,” said Senator Ossoff.

“I’ve just returned from Korea where I was promoting our common national and energy security interests, including in the Alaska LNG Project. I look forward to working with my colleagues and the strong, patriotic Korean-American community in Alaska to deepen and strengthen this critical 70-year old alliance,” said Senator Sullivan.

“The Republic of Korea is one of our most important allies. We share a deep commitment to democratic principles, including civil rights, free elections, and press freedom, and we work closely together to protect our citizens against military threats. Our strategic cooperation includes everything from resisting economic coercion to increasing disaster preparedness in the Pacific Islands to eradicating disease in southeast Asia. And commercial ties between our nations support nearly half a million jobs. That’s why we’re launching this bipartisan caucus and why we’re committed to strengthening U.S.-ROK relations,” said Senator Schatz.

Background:

The Republic of Korea (ROK) is a major U.S. ally, and 2023 marks the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice and the Mutual Defense Treaty of 1953. For 70 years, the United States and the Republic of Korea have been partners and friends.

The Republic of Korea is the United States’ 6th largest goods trading partner with $127.2 billion in total goods traded during 2020. Korea’s FDI in the United States was $61.8 billion in 2019, supporting over 94,000 U.S. jobs.

In April, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was invited for a historic Official State Visit in Washington, D.C., honoring the strong ties between the two nations and pledging to work closer together going forward.

Posted on

Wyden, Merkley: $225,000 to Klamath and Lake Counties for Economic Development

Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)

June 07, 2023

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced that the South Central Oregon Economic Development District will receive $225,000 from the Economic Development Administration for economic development planning in Klamath and Lake counties.

“I know from holding more than 1,050 town halls throughout our state that Oregon communities are working hard to support resilient, lasting economic growth,” Wyden said. “These federal dollars will provide a targeted investment for the great work by the South Central Oregon Economic Development District to support Klamath and Lake counties so these rural communities can thrive no matter the circumstances.”

“Economic growth and stability are crucial for the success of rural communities across Oregon,” Merkley said. “This funding will help set Klamath and Lake Counties up for continued economic development, and I will keep working to support local economies in every corner of the state.” 

South Central Oregon Economic Development District will use the federal funds towards a $450,000 project to establish an economic development strategy that supports private capital investment and job creation in South Central Oregon. The process is designed to bring together the public and private sectors in the creation of an economic development roadmap to diversify and strengthen the regional economy.

“South Central Oregon Economic Development District utilizes this funding, alongside contributions from our County Commissioners and City and Town Managers, to support economic development, promote job growth, increase private investment, and encourage innovation in our region,” said Alison Smith, SCOEDD Deputy Director. “The Partnership Planning Grant enables us to determine local needs directly from community members and leaders to address the region’s priorities and goals through tangible strategies and action plans. The Economic Development Administration, local leadership, and community members have been instrumental in implementing this work, and SCOEDD looks forward to continuing to work with them as we kick off this new Partnership Planning Grant.”

Posted on

In Preparation for Fire Season, Merkley and Wyden Join Western Senators in a Bipartisan Push To Increase Wildland Firefighter Recruitment and Retention

Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)

June 07, 2023

“Stretched to Their Breaking Point,” Wildland Firefighters Deserve Better Pay, Support, And Time to Recover—Letter Comes as Temporary Pay Increases for Wildland Firefighters in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Are Set to Expire in September

Washington, D.C. — Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden joined Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet in a bipartisan letter urging the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs to consider a long-term solution to increase wildland firefighter recruitment and retention. In their letter, the Senators push for Congress to act before short-term pay increases for over 16,000 federal wildland firefighters funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are set to expire on September 30, 2023.

“Investing in our federal wildland firefighters is a matter of national security as critical infrastructure, homes, communities, structures, and natural resources are at grave and growing risk of catastrophic wildfire,” wrote the senators. “As the 2023 fire season begins, Congress must support our nation’s federal wildland firefighters and ensure the federal government has a robust and resilient workforce.”

Wildfires have become more destructive, dangerous, and costly in recent years, increasing the need to recruit and retain experienced wildland firefighters. The acreage burned by wildfires annually has doubled over the past two decades, with over 7.5 million acres burned last year alone. Between 2017 and 2021, wildfires destroyed an average of over 12,000 homes, businesses, and structures annually – more than three times greater than the prior five years. Over the past five years, the cost of these wildfires has been estimated to reach nearly $67 billion.

“Wildland firefighters are on the front lines of these crises, protecting homes and communities, and helping reduce megafires’ severity and scope. Despite their critical importance, federal wildland firefighters are stretched to their breaking point,” concluded the senators. “Firefighters deserve fair pay, support for their mental and physical health, and time to recover from their dangerous work. In a future with increasingly catastrophic wildfires, Congress cannot wait to ensure that the federal government has the necessary workforce to protect communities.”

Last Congress, bipartisan, bicameral efforts to provide relief to federal wildland firefighters led to short-term pay increases of up to $20,000 for over 16,000 U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Interior firefighters as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. These pay increases are set to expire on September 30, 2023. 

Merkley and Wyden have been longtime advocates for wildland firefighters. In April, Merkley, along with Wyden, introduced bipartisan legislation to boost specialized wildland firefighter training at civilian conservation centers.

In addition to Merkley, Wyden, and Bennet, this letter is also signed by Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M).

Full text of the letter can be found here and follows below. 

Dear Chairman Peters and Ranking Member Paul:

 

We urge the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs’ swift consideration of legislation that authorizes a long-term solution to increase wildland firefighter recruitment and retention. Bipartisan, bicameral efforts during the 117th Congress – including the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117–58) – provided temporary relief to the federal wildland firefighter workforce through a short-term pay increase of $20,000 or 50 percent of their base salary (whichever is less). This relief will expire on September 30, 2023 for the over 16,000 USDA and DOI firefighters who received temporary raises. As the 2023 fire season begins, Congress must support our nation’s federal wildland firefighters and ensure the federal government has a robust and resilient workforce.

 

Investing in our federal wildland firefighters is a matter of national security as critical infrastructure, homes, communities, structures, and natural resources are at grave and growing risk of catastrophic wildfire. These investments are critical for increased capacity, housing, mental health and well-being. Without increased capacity, work-life balance is a challenge. Across the West, extreme weather fuels frequent, large, and severe wildfires. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, the total acres burned by wildfire has doubled in the last 20 years, with over 7.5 million acres burned in 2022 alone. Between 2017 and 2021, wildfires destroyed over 12,000 homes, businesses, and other structures on average annually, more than triple the preceding five-year period. These fires are exceptionally expensive, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration estimating wildfires costs during the past five years reaching nearly $67 billion. Climate data shows that wildfire season has increased by 80 days since the 1970s and climate projections show the wildfire season will continue to grow longer. 

 

Wildland firefighters are on the front lines of these crises, protecting homes and communities, and helping reduce megafires’ severity and scope. Despite their critical importance, federal wildland firefighters are stretched to their breaking point. They are working increasingly long fire seasons under extreme conditions. A recent Government Accountability Office report found that low pay, poor work-life balance, and mental health challenges, among other factors, limit federal wildland firefighter recruitment and retention. 

 

Firefighters deserve fair pay, support for their mental and physical health, and time to recover from their dangerous work. In a future with increasingly catastrophic wildfires, Congress cannot wait to ensure that the federal government has the necessary workforce to protect communities. We are grateful for the bravery of our wildland firefighters. We look forward to working with you to advance permanent solutions to ensure they get the pay and benefits they deserve.

 

Posted on

Markey, Vance Urge Commerce Leadership to Eliminate Family Seating Fees in FAA Reauthorization Bill

Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

Senators send bipartisan letter to Chair Cantwell, Ranking Member Cruz with legislative language to ban family seating fees for inclusion in September package

Lawmakers look to FAA bill as an opportunity to support families: “Airlines should never be allowed to force parents to choose between paying more and being separated from their kids.”

Letter Text (PDF)

Washington (June 7, 2023) – Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and JD Vance (R-Ohio), members of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, sent a letter to Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), chair of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and Ted Cruz (R-Texas), ranking member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, urging them to include a provision in the reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to prohibit family seating fees. In their letter, the senators included legislative language which would prohibit airlines from charging monetary fees for parents to sit with their children during a flight.

In their letter, the senators wrote, “Airlines should never be allowed to force parents to choose between paying more and being separated from their kids. In extreme circumstances, parents have found themselves assigned seats many rows away from their very young children — a serious safety risk for those kids and an injustice to those families. This practice must end. The 2023 reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provides an important opportunity to support families by banning these fees.”

Senator Markey is a staunch advocate for consumers, from the streets to the sky. In January, he reintroduced the FAIR Fees Act, which would prohibit airlines from charging fees disproportionate to the cost of the service. In February, Senator Markey introduced the Families Fly Together Act, which would prohibit airlines from charging a fee for families to sit together on a flight. Last December, after Southwest Airlines cancelled 16,700 flights over the holidays, Senators Markey and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) called for the company to provide customers with a cash hardship payment, issue ticket refunds, and reimburse customers for secondary expenses. The two senators also led 15 of their colleagues in a letter demanding answers from Southwest Airlines for the holiday meltdown.

###

Posted on

Murphy, Bipartisan Group of Lawmakers Call for Calm Between Kosovo and Serbia Amid Clashes

Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

June 07, 2023

WASHINGTON–U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation, Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb) on Wednesday released a joint statement urging calm between Kosovo and Serbia amid deteriorating security conditions between the two nations:

“As U.S. lawmakers, across party lines, we are increasingly concerned by the fragile security situation in the north of Kosovo. Today, we reiterate that there is broad bipartisan support in the U.S. Senate for the European Union’s efforts, in close coordination with the United States, to mediate a path forward. But for a resolution to be tenable, both Prime Minister Kurti and President Vucic must immediately heed international calls to deescalate the situation, restore popular trust in local institutions in the north and recommit to implementation of the Agreement on the Path to Normalization by establishing an Association of Serb-Majority Municipalities in Kosovo. As both leaders consider their next steps, we urge them to choose peace, prosperity and the safety of their respective citizens. Failure to de-escalate the situation would trigger consequences from the West, which has diligently worked to support Kosovo and Serbia on a path forward, and needlessly risks weakening our bilateral relations. That is not in anyone’s best interest. We urge Kosovo and Serbia to work in good faith with the European Union and the United States to find a path forward without delay.”

The statement comes on the heels of a phone call between Prime Minister Kurti and Murphy, Shaheen, and Ricketts.  Last month, Murphy traveled to the Western Balkans, including stops in Kosovo and Serbia. In March, the Senators issued a joint statement on the interim agreement reached between Serbia and Kosovo.

 ###

Posted on

Murphy, Shaheen Introduce Legislation to Support Maple Syrup Producers

Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

June 07, 2023

WASHINGTON–U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) on Wednesday introduced legislation to extend and expand the Maple Research and Market Promotion Program, which supports the U.S. maple syrup industry through research and education, natural resource sustainability, and the marketing of maple syrup and maple-sap products. The Market Access, Promotion and Landowner Education Support for Your Regionally Underserved Producers (MAPLE SYRUP) Act would extend and increase authorized funding to $30 million for the federal maple support program, and it renames it the Maple Research and Market Promotion Program. U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Angus King (I-Maine), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) co-sponsored the legislation.

“There’s nothing better than real New England maple syrup. For years, I’ve fought to support Connecticut’s small maple syrup producers, and the Maple program is key to helping grow their businesses. I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure this legislation is included in the upcoming Farm Bill,” said Murphy.

“New Hampshire maple syrup is not only delicious, but it also plays an important role in our state’s economy and identity,” said Shaheen. “Investing in our maple industry is critical to its longevity, as well as the success of Granite State agriculture. I’ll work to include this legislation in the upcoming Farm Bill to ensure our maple producers in New Hampshire and throughout New England have the environmental and economic resources they need for their businesses to thrive.”

“This measure is an investment in the hardworking maple syrup producers in Connecticut and across New England,” said Blumenthal. “The farms, sugar houses, and small businesses that make up the backbone of the industry deserve our support. Expanding resources for research, marketing, and sustainability will put them on a path for success and future growth.”

In 2018, Murphy secured reauthorization of and increased funding for the program in the Farm Bill.

###

Posted on

Murphy Applauds Connecticut’s Comprehensive Gun Violence Prevention Legislation Signed Into Law

Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

June 07, 2023

WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) released the following statement after Governor Ned Lamont signed new comprehensive legislation to reduce gun violence and prevent firearm accidents and suicides in Connecticut.

“It’s no coincidence that Connecticut has both some of the strongest gun laws in the country and one of the lowest rates of gun deaths. These laws work, and I’m proud that our General Assembly treats this issue with the urgency and seriousness it demands. This legislation takes important strides in making sure people who shouldn’t have firearms can’t get them, while protecting the rights of responsible gun owners. It’s past time for Congress to follow our state’s lead, and I’ll keep pushing for legislation at the federal level because it will save lives.”

###

Posted on

Kennedy leads bipartisan letter asking Afghanistan inspector general for insight on Ukraine aid

Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) has written to the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, John F. Sopko, to request insight from Afghanistan reconstruction efforts that may be applicable to U.S. assistance efforts in Ukraine. Sens. Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) and Mike Braun (R-Ind.) joined the letter to the Office of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR).

“In addition to its hundreds of audits and investigations, SIGAR has issued several informative lessons learned reports on topics such as security assistance, economic development, monitoring and evaluation of aid programs, and anti-corruption efforts, among many others,” began the senators.

“Accordingly, we desire to learn more about how those lessons from Afghanistan could be applicable to the current situation in Ukraine, as the U.S. Congress has already appropriated more than $113 billion for Ukraine assistance since last March,” they explained.

“It is our firm belief that robust oversight of current and future U.S. assistance efforts in Ukraine is imperative for their success. A critical part of that oversight is ensuring the U.S. acts on key lessons from previous conflicts, including Afghanistan. Doing so will help us avoid repeating costly mistakes and protect the massive investment in Ukraine by American taxpayers from waste, fraud, abuse, and failure,” concluded the lawmakers.

Kennedy and Sinema have introduced the Independent and Objective Oversight of Ukrainian Assistance Act to establish a Special Inspector General (IG) for Ukraine. The Special IG would oversee the humanitarian, economic and security assistance funding that the U.S. Congress has provided to the country and make sure that the funds are appropriately spent.

Their op-ed on this effort appeared in USA Today this week.

The senators’ letter to SIGAR is available here.

Posted on

News 06/7/2023 Blackburn, Blumenthal Probe TikTok Over Storing Sensitive Data In China

Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) sent a letter to TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew demanding immediate answers on reports his company allowed private data about American users to be stored and accessed in China.

This follows a May 2023 Forbes report from Alexandra Levine alleging that TikTok has stored the sensitive financial information of U.S. TikTok creators in China, including social security numbers and tax information.

TikTok Misled Congress About China Storing Sensitive Personal Data

“We are disturbed by TikTok’s pattern of misleading or inaccurate responses regarding serious matters related to users’ safety and national security, and request that TikTok correct and explain its previous, incorrect claims… These reports directly contradict statements you and other TikTok representatives have made to the public and under oath before Congress about where TikTok stores U.S. user data and the ability of employees in China to access that information. For example, Michael Beckerman— Head of Public Policy at TikTok—testified before the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Data Security in October 2021. In response to questioning from Senator Blackburn, Mr. Beckerman said that ‘U.S. user data is stored in the United States. Our backups are in Singapore,’” wrote the senators.

 TikTok Has Deceived Americans And Jeopardized National Security

“TikTok has also repeatedly made misleading and inaccurate representations to the American public about the security of private information. For example, in a blogpost from June 2022, TikTok assured that “TikTok has long stored US user data in our own data centers in the US and Singapore” and “100% of US user traffic is being routed to Oracle Cloud Infrastructure.” In a “Myths vs. Fact” document published about Project Texas, its attempt to allay concerns about spying from China, TikTok states that “employees of [ByteDance] are restricted from access to U.S. user databases, with no exceptions.” Again, these claims to not appear to be accurate,” continued the senators.

Read the full letter here.