Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) released a statement after voting to confirm Judge Dana Douglas to the Fifth Circuit.
“Judge Douglas will serve with honor and integrity. She has the judicial temperament, education, and legal experience to sit on the Fifth Circuit Court. This is a wonderful day for Judge Douglas and her family,” said Dr. Cassidy.
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Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski
U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-AK) applauded Senate passage of their legislation, the Don Young Recognition Act. The bill honors the legacy of the late Don Young, Congressman for All Alaska and Dean of the House, who passed away in March 2022 after serving Alaska in the House of Representatives for 49 years. The legislation recognizes Congressman Young’s lifelong contributions to Alaska by designating one of the most active volcanoes in the Aleutian Islands, currently known as Mount Cerberus, as Mount Young; the Federal office building in Fairbanks as the Don Young Federal Office Building; and the Job Corps Center located in Palmer as the Don Young Alaska Job Corps Center.
“The work Congressman Don Young did for Alaska during his lifelong public service were defined by his loyalty and staunch love for Alaskans as well as his effectiveness in delivering transformative legislation. Don brought light and energy to every room he entered. He is missed every single day,” said Senator Lisa Murkowski. “Don’s legacy will live on in many ways: His family, his landmark legislative accomplishments, and now, the most active volcano in the Aleutian Islands named after him—a fitting representation of the always-active, sometimes unpredictable Congressman for all of Alaska.”
“Having fought so hard for countless federal investments, projects and economic opportunities for Alaskans, our late great Congressman Don Young’s name deserves to grace lands and projects in our state in recognition of his important legacy,” said Sen. Sullivan. “I can’t think of a symbol that better captures Don’s authentic, tenacious, indomitable Alaskan spirit than a rumbling Aleutian volcano. Mt. Young, the Don Young Alaska Job Corps Center, and the Don Young Federal Building will remind future Alaskans about this once-in-a-generation public servant and all that he accomplished for the people and state he loved so much. Senator Murkowski and I thank our Senate colleagues for helping us pass this important legislative honor for our larger-than-life congressman.”
Following Senate passage, Senators Murkowski and Sullivan spoke on the Senate floor in support of the Don Young Recognition Act, and in honor of the late Congressman for All Alaska and the legacy he left behind.
To watch Senator Murkowski’s floor speech, click here.
To watch Senator Sullivan’s floor speech, click here.
Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
December 13, 2022
(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) issued the following statement after President Biden signed into law the Respect for Marriage Act, key legislation that gives millions of same-sex and interracial couples the certainty they deserve to enjoy the freedoms and rights that all other marriages experience.
“Today is a day that will be written into history books as federal protections for same-sex and interracial couples are signed into law. This new law – and the bipartisan support behind it – is a testament to our country’s commitment to the fundamental right to love who you love. Though these protections are long overdue, extending these liberties to millions of Americans is an important reflection of our values as a nation,” said Shaheen. “I’m proud to be a member of the Senate who helped make this historic law a reality, and I’ll continue working to ensure all Americans can enjoy core freedoms.”
The Respect for Marriage Act requires the federal government and all states to recognize marriages as legal if they’ve been performed legally in any state. The legislation, which originated in the House of Representatives and was amended by the Senate, was subsequently reconsidered in the House of Representatives before it was sent to the President to be signed into law. Senator Shaheen is a cosponsor of Senate companion legislation. Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) is a lead sponsor of the House proposal.
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Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
Historic New Law Will Repeal Federal Same-Sex Marriage Ban, Protect Marriage Equality
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) applauded that President Biden has signed the Respect for Marriage Act, which she helped pass into law. The new law requires states to recognize all marriages legally performed in other states, and provides expanded legal protections at the federal level for marriage equality.
“At a time when violence and hate crimes against the LGBTQ community are on the rise, we must protect marriage equality and every American’s right to marry who they love,” said Senator Rosen. “I am thrilled that President Biden has signed this important legislation into law to ensure everyone has the freedom to love who they choose.”
In 2020, Nevada became the first state to enshrine marriage equality in its constitution. Senator Rosen has been a strong fighter for marriage equality. Last month, she voted to pass the bipartisan Respect for Marriage Act. Senator Rosen also helped introduce the Equality Act, which closes legal loopholes in order to prevent the government and private actors from discriminating against LGBTQ individuals.
Source: United States Senator for California – Dianne Feinstein
Washington—Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today released the following statement on President Biden signing the Respect for Marriage Act:
“I’m excited that President Biden signed the Respect for Marriage Act, removing the shameful Defense of Marriage Act from the books and guaranteeing federal protections for all legal marriages.
“I first introduced this bill in 2011 to require the federal government to recognize same-sex and interracial marriages. In the decade since, the Supreme Court made same-sex marriages legal in its Obergefell ruling and public support for same-sex marriages has risen to 70 percent.
“However, this bill became necessary again after the conservative Supreme Court majority struck down one longstanding precedent, Roe v. Wade, and indicated a willingness to look at similarly decided cases, like the Obergefell decision.
“Thanks to bipartisan votes in the House and Senate, and the president’s signature, same-sex and interracial marriages will remain the law regardless of the court’s actions. I want to thank Senators Baldwin, Collins, Portman, Sinema and Tillis for their leadership in getting this bill passed.
“Today is a historic day. Marriage equality has been reaffirmed, giving families peace of mind knowing their marriages will be protected by federal law.”
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Source: United States Senator for Oklahoma James Lankford
12.13.22
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 addressed the lagging permitting process for energy projects in the US and where we stand with reforms to improve that process. At today’s Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing to examine implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which Lankford opposed, Lankford questioned Mr. Tommy Beaudreau, Deputy Secretary for the Department of the Interior (DOI).
In August, Lankford joined Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) to lead their colleagues in urging DOI Secretary Deb Haaland to implement provisions of the infrastructure law which streamlined permitting for oil and natural gas infrastructure. In the letter, the Senators highlighted a section of the IIJA which gave the Biden Administration authority to categorically exclude certain energy-related infrastructure projects from the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) on public and applicable Indian lands to prevent wasteful venting or flaring of natural gas. As Democrats and the Biden Administration push for punitive taxes and regulations on methane from oil and gas production, this section of IIJA is an available tool, currently unused by DOI, to reduce methane and carbon dioxide emissions on federal lands. The Senators’ letter went unanswered until the night before the hearing.
IIJA also required agencies to submit a report to Congress within one year that outlines the length of time it typically takes to review and approve mineral activities on federal lands, and identifies regulatory or legislative changes that would improve the efficiency of the permitting process. The report was due by November 15, 2022 but has not yet been received.
Earlier this year, Lankford participated in a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing on domestic critical mineral supply chains and how we continue to source critical minerals here in the US and with our allies, rather than importing them from unfriendly nations like China. Lankford’s questions then, like today, focused on opening up domestic critical mineral mining and processing and ensuring we can pursue that safely and effectively.
Lankford also introduced a bill to establish a secure supply chain of critical minerals and counter China’s market dominance by leveraging the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) partnership, which includes the US, Australia, India, and Japan. Lankford also authored legislation expanding the Department of Energy’s Title 17 loan program to include critical minerals development, processing, and recycling projects, which became law in 2021.
Excerpts
On when Lankford can expect an Interior report on permitting efficiency
Lankford: …There were some required reports that were to come out to say what are we going to do to improve permitting, especially for critical minerals and mining and other things on that as well. That report was due by November 15th of this year. Has that report been released yet?
Beaudreau: The report hasn’t been released yet.
Lankford: When is that coming?
Beaudreau: It will be out early next year.
On the Status of the Earth Survey Mapping Resource for mapping mineral deposits
Lankford: There’s been literally millions of dollars put out on that. Give us an update on where that mapping is going. For what minerals that we actually have here in the United States.
Beaudreau: Again, that process is ongoing through the US Geological Survey. But it is one of the most valuable investments being made under these pieces of legislation to support state operators as well as provide our agencies with the ability to identify resources and engage in deconfliction and accelerate production.
Lankford: When do you think that will be complete?
Beaudreau: Next Year
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Source: United States Senator for Florida Marco Rubio
For decades, the United States has enjoyed the strongest and most innovative economy in the world. However, America’s industrial base continues to dwindle, exposing major vulnerabilities to our economic resilience and national security.
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and U.S. Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA) introduced the National Development Strategy and Coordination Act to rebuild critical industries in the United States by increasing strategic coordination amongst federal finance programs.
Background. The bill would authorize $20 billion over 10 years to “supercharge” loans made by other federal financing facilities. The funding, controlled by the Department of Treasury’s Federal Financing Bank, would be directed by a new executive committee of cabinet-level agency heads, including the Secretaries of Treasury, Defense, Commerce, and the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, among others.
This committee would be charged with developing a National Development Strategy every four years. To execute that plan, it would further be authorized to direct agencies with existing direct loan and loan guarantee programs to set priorities for those programs consistent with the National Development Strategy.
Want more information? Click here for a one-pager on the bill and here for the full bill text.
Source: United States Senator for Idaho James E Risch
WASHINGTON – Due to strong and direct opposition by U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Democrats’ attempts to breach the lower Snake River dams were removed from the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), which will be included in the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). WRDA will reinforce western water resilience and ensure the Army Corps of Engineers carries out water projects responsibly.
“The Water Resources Development Act should strengthen our water infrastructure, not dismantle it. Removal of the Snake River dams would inflict an unthinkable cost on the Northwest, all while worsening sky-high energy prices and inflation,” said Risch. “I fought to remove language aimed at dam breaching from WRDA and remain flatly opposed to removal of the lower Snake River dams.”
Background: The four hydroelectric dams on the lower Snake River provide multiple benefits to Idaho and the region, including flood risk management, economic stimulus, crop irrigation, and clean hydropower.
The first draft of the Senate WRDA bill released in May 2022 contained language inserted by Senate Democrats to study breaching the four lower Snake River dams. Senator Risch blocked the bill from proceeding in the Senate until he secured language protecting the dams. As the Senate and House conferenced their respective WRDA bills, he worked with negotiators to remove all Snake River dam language.
Following a four-year comprehensive scientific study of the Columbia River System Operations, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation and the Bonneville Power Administration realeased a record of decision in September 2020 affirming the four dams’ critical importance to the region.
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Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Ron Johnson
WASHINGTON – Last week, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), ranking member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, and U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), ranking member of the Judiciary Committee, sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland raising conflict of interest concerns about Jack Smith, the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) recently-appointed special counsel.
Mr. Smith will oversee the ongoing criminal investigations into former President Donald Trump. The senators highlighted Mr. Smith’s connections to individuals who were directly involved in the opening of investigations into former President Trump.
“Instead of appointing a special counsel devoid of overtly political connections and professional connections to the very individuals that were involved in opening the criminal matters that apparently he is now directly overseeing, you chose a special counsel that is wrapped-up into both,” the senators wrote.
The senators also noted how DOJ’s treatment of matters relating to former President Trump contrasts with the “kid-gloves” treatment the Department provided former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 2016. Further the senators emphasized how the Department still refuses to address conflicts of interest concerns involving another DOJ official, Nicholas McQuaid, and the Hunter Biden investigation.
“The Justice Department’s track record with respect to informing Congress and the public that it has prevented potential or actual conflicts from infecting investigations leaves much to be desired,” continued the senators. “If the Department opens an investigation, it must be done without regard to party, privilege or power.”
Read more about the letter in Fox News.
The full text of the letter can be found here.
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Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Mitch McConnell
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding Ukraine and national defense:
“Senate Republicans have spent months focused on the need for a strong, bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act and robust funding for our Armed Forces.
“Defending our homeland, deterring future threats, and supporting our allies and partners should not be last-minute low priorities.
“They’re fundamental duties if we want to remain the strongest power in the world. And investing in strength today protects our country, our servicemembers, and the American taxpayer tomorrow.
“Take, for example, Ukraine.
“For nearly a year now, the free people of a sovereign nation have stood firm and battled against brutal and lawless aggression.
“The Ukrainians’ brave stand has been made possible in part because the United States and a number of other countries have realized that supporting their self-defense directly serves our own interests.
“Europe together constitutes America’s largest trading partner. Instability in Europe poses a direct threat to the countless American producers who sell to our friends across the Atlantic. Further huge disruptions to European markets would only add to the inflationary challenges that Democrats’ spending has caused us here at home.
“What’s more, a successful Russian invasion would embolden the entire club of anti-American thug regimes to take bolder and more brazen steps toward further conflict, including direct threats to American lives.
“Every day Russia spends on the back foot in Ukraine degrades its own ability to wage further wars and dramatically changes the cost-benefit calculus for others who might contemplate similar violence.
“Continuing support for Ukraine is the popular mainstream view that stretches across the ideological spectrum.
“On my side of the aisle, for example, the former Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe said recently that supporting Ukraine ‘fully and completely’ is in the best interests of the United States.
“The top foreign policy expert at the Heritage Foundation, James Carafano, has spoken out forcefully about the need for continued military aid.
“So has former Secretary of State Pompeo, former Vice President Pence, and virtually every other leading national security official from the previous Administration.
“Now, while the conflict has exposed serious weaknesses in Russia’s ability to wage conventional war, it has also exposed shortcomings in the West, particularly with our defense industrial bases.
“Our European friends who’d treated themselves to holidays from history after the Cold War — who presumed a new normal of stability and security and shifted spending disproportionately into domestic programs — have received a harsh wake-up call. They are rushing to reinvest more in their own defenses.
“Some politicians here in America fell victim to that same lullaby.
“Now, fortunately, supplying the specific kinds of American armaments that Ukraine needs does not cut our readiness in other important regions, such as the Pacific.
“China and its neighbors are watching the conflict in Ukraine closely, and the CCP would be delighted if Ukraine fell to Russia.
“But the long lead times to replenish what we are sending still provide us with a sober reminder.
“We know for a fact that the world’s foremost military and economic superpower can and should both produce all the capabilities that we need for ourselves and serve as freedom’s arsenal for our friends at the same time.
“We just need to organize our resources and make critical, overdue investments in our defense industrial capacity.
“That’s why the National Defense Authorization Act we’ll take up soon provides multi-year procurement authority for longer-term certainty, planning, and efficiency. It authorizes significant investments in modernizing our forces and capabilities.
“But following through on these promises also requires that we pass robust appropriations. I made that clear at last week’s briefing with Biden Administration officials.
“And I’ll say it again:
“Providing for the common defense is a fundamental governing responsibility. It is not extra credit.
“Our Democratic colleagues will not receive a goodie bag of domestic spending in exchange for fulfilling this solemn duty.”