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Kennedy announces $15.2 million in Hurricanes Laura, Ida recovery

Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $15,152,459 in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster aid for Louisiana.

“I’m grateful to see $15.2 million supporting recovery efforts in Jefferson Parish, Cameron Parish and other parts of Louisiana where Laura and Ida’s blows were devastating,” said Kennedy.

The FEMA aid will fund the following:

  • $5,940,177 to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development for Public Assistance Alternative Procedures for debris removal and monitoring related to Hurricane Laura.
  • $5,191,104 to the Dixie Electric Membership Corporation for emergency recovery efforts related to Hurricane Ida.
  • $2,708,866 to Cameron Parish for building repairs related to Hurricane Laura.
  • $1,312,312 to Lafitte Area Independent Levee District for right-of-way debris removal and monitoring related to Hurricane Ida.
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Durbin Urges USDA to Update Standards for Commercial Dog Breeding Facilities

Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

11.29.22

In his letter, Durbin urges Secretary Vilsack to implement regulations for breeders suggested in Durbin’s Puppy Protection Act

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) led 23 of his Democratic colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Thomas Vilsack urging him to update standards for commercial breeding facilities regulated under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). In the letter, Durbin calls on Secretary Vilsack to implement the strong standards for veterinary care, housing, and breeding of dogs suggested in Durbin’s Puppy Protection Act.

“We write to request that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) consider updating its standards of care for dogs living in commercial breeding facilities regulated under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA)…This Congress, we introduced the Puppy Protection Act (S. 1385), which would amend the AWA and provide several critical updates for the humane treatment of dogs by licensed breeders operating in the United States.  The legislation would ensure dogs receive adequate housing, caging, feeding and watering, human and other animal socialization, and veterinary care,” the Senators wrote.

The Senators continued their letter by emphasizing the repercussions for pets and owners when licensed breeders are not exceeding current U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) standards. 

“American consumers assume that ‘USDA-licensed’ dog dealers meet high standards for raising dogs.  However, too many American consumers have been disappointed to find out their dog lived in substandard conditions before purchase, and often deal with the repercussions of a sick puppy once they’ve purchased the dog.  We are hopeful that USDA will take the long-overdue step of ensuring its regulatory standards of care for dogs meet the expectations and demands of the American public,” the Senators wrote.

The Senators concluded their letter by noting the strong support for the regulations included in the Puppy Protection Act. They encouraged Secretary Vilsack to implement these new, stronger standards for the health of dogs and for the peace of mind of pet owners.

“The need for increased standards of care for dogs in USDA-licensed facilities is evident through strong congressional support for thePuppy Protection Act.  We encourage USDA to update its regulatory standards of care to embrace the requirements embedded within this bill,” the Senators ended their letter. 

Joining Durbin in sending the letter are U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Tina Smith (D-MN), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Mark Warner (D-VA), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR). 

Today’s letter builds on Durbin’s efforts to ensure that breeders are treating dogs humanely. In 2013, Durbin introduced the Puppy Uniform Protection and Safety Act (PUPS Act) to require breeders that sell more than 50 dogs annually to be licensed and to undergo inspections to ensure their dogs are receiving proper care. In 2014, USDA implemented a rule based on Durbin’s PUPS Act to close a loophole in the AWA that allowed domestic puppy mills to sell puppies on the internet without proper regulation or inspections.

Full text of the Senators’ letter is available here and below: 

November 29, 2022

Dear Secretary Vilsack, 

We write to request that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) consider updating its standards of care for dogs living in commercial breeding facilities regulated under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA).   These updates are necessary to ensure breeding facilities provide dogs with proper care.  

This Congress, we introduced the Puppy Protection Act (S. 1385), which would amend the AWA and provide several critical updates for the humane treatment of dogs by licensed breeders operating in the United States.  The legislation would ensure dogs receive adequate housing, caging, feeding and watering, human and other animal socialization, and veterinary care.

USDA has the authority to update these standards, and most responsible breeders are already meeting them.  More than half of the dog breeders regulated by USDA already reside in states with laws that prescribe higher standards of care, including Ohio, Missouri, and Pennsylvania.

American consumers assume that “USDA-licensed” dog dealers meet high standards for raising dogs.  However, too many American consumers have been disappointed to find out their dog lived in substandard conditions before purchase, and often deal with the repercussions of a sick puppy once they’ve purchased the dog.  We are hopeful that USDA will take the long-overdue step of ensuring its regulatory standards of care for dogs meet the expectations and demands of the American public. 

           The need for increased standards of care for dogs in USDA-licensed facilities is evident through strong congressional support for the Puppy Protection Act.  We encourage USDA to update its regulatory standards of care to embrace the requirements embedded within this bill.  

While we commend USDA for its efforts to ensure that dogs and puppies are better protected under the AWA, we urge the agency to ensure the way dogs are cared for in USDA regulated facilities meets the expectations of the American public.  Thank you again for your consideration of this important issue. 

Sincerely,

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Durbin, Blumenthal, Scanlon Introduce Corporate Crime Database Act

Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

11.29.22

Bicameral legislation would require DOJ to collect, aggregate, analyze, and publish comprehensive data on federal corporate criminal enforcement actions

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and U.S. Representative Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-05) today introduced the Corporate Crime Database Act, bicameral legislation that requires the Department of Justice (DOJ) to collect, aggregate, analyze, and publish comprehensive data on federal corporate criminal enforcement actions.  Currently, there is no comprehensive national data collection on corporate crime and no centralized database of federal enforcement actions against corporations that the public can view.  

“We believe that comprehensive, national data collection and a searchable public database of the results of federal enforcement actions against corporations and individual actors engaging in corporate misconduct would provide better oversight, inform DOJ’s corporate criminal prosecution practices, and demonstrate the effectiveness of corporate sanctions—which is exactly what our bill aims to do,” Durbin said.  “I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this common sense legislation to curtail corporate crime.”

“This legislation will aid efforts to fight criminal corporate conduct.  Collecting and reporting data on enforcement actions against white-collar criminals are essential to holding wrongdoers accountable.  By providing this critical information, the Corporate Crime Database Act will deter future crimes and protect victims,” said Blumenthal.              

“While the Department of Justice regularly collects data on nearly every type of street-level crime, there is very little reporting of corporate and white-collar crimes, with the last thorough DOJ report on corporate crime being in 1979,” said Scanlon. “Without data or transparency, lawmakers, journalists, and the public are left in the dark about the size and scope of corporate crime in America and the effectiveness of the federal government’s response.  I’m proud to join Senators Durbin and Blumenthal in introducing the Corporate Crime Database Act to improve corporate crime enforcement by the DOJ and ensure that our justice system is fair and equal for all.”

Specifically, the Corporate Crime Database Act would require the Director of the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) within DOJ to:

  1. Collect, aggregate, and analyze information regarding enforcement actions taken with respect to corporate offenses;
  2. Publish a database of such enforcement actions on the BJS website;
  3. Establish guidance for the collection and submission of information from each Federal agency that carries out enforcement actions with respect to corporate offenses; and,
  4. Submit an annual report to Congress including a description and analysis of the data collected, an estimate of the impact of corporate offenses on victims and the public, and recommendations for legislative or administrative actions to improve the ability of Federal agencies to monitor, respond to, and deter instances of corporate offenses.

Last month, Durbin, Blumenthal, and Scanlon sent a letter to Attorney General Garland urging him to begin collecting, analyzing, and publishing Department-wide data on corporate criminal enforcement actions.   

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Manchin Statement On Announcement Of Alaska Offshore Lease Sale

Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Joe Manchin

November 29, 2022

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement on the U.S. Bureau of Energy Ocean Management’s (BOEM) announcement that Cook Inlet Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Lease Sale 258 will take place on December 30, 2022. This follows a requirement—included in the Inflation Reduction Act by Chairman Manchin—that Lease Sale 258 take place before December 31, 2022. The sale will offer approximately 958,202 acres off of Alaska’s southcentral coast for oil and gas development.

“This announcement is a welcome step towards strengthening America’s energy security and realizing the benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act. Investing in and utilizing the abundant natural resources in our federal lands and water will help ensure we have the energy we need to power our nation and support our allies. We included this provision in the Inflation Reduction Act to unlock and unleash American energy and I am glad the Administration is following the law. The United States can produce energy cleaner than anywhere else in the world, and there has never been a more critical time to invest in American energy production. I look forward to the administration continuing to implement the Inflation Reduction Act’s all-of-the-above energy approach that will help keep energy affordable and reliable for all Americans,” said Chairman Manchin.


The full announcement from the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is available here.

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Thune, Luján, Klobuchar, Fischer Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Increase Access to Rural Broadband

Source: United States Senator for South Dakota John Thune

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), ranking member and chairman, respectively, of the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband, Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), all members of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, today introduced the Rural Internet Improvement Act. This bipartisan legislation would streamline and bolster U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development broadband programs and ensure that their funding is being targeted to rural areas that need it the most.
“Expanding access to broadband services and connectivity in rural areas across South Dakota has long been a priority for me,” said Thune. “Access to these broadband services is typically determined by where you live, which often leaves rural communities in the dust. Our bipartisan legislation would help bridge the digital divide by improving USDA’s ReConnect Program to ensure its funding goes to truly unserved areas.”
“High-speed, reliable broadband is critical for New Mexico families and businesses, but the digital divide leaves far too many rural and Tribal communities behind. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to make USDA programs more efficient and ensure that unserved communities receive the investments they need,” said Luján. “I will continue working to improve broadband access for all New Mexicans – especially in rural and Tribal communities.”
“The ReConnect program is critical for rural communities across the country, helping families connect to critical opportunities online while enabling farms and businesses to access new technologies,” said Klobuchar. “This bipartisan legislation will make key improvements to this popular program, allowing for a more convenient application process and more efficient deployment. As co-chair of the Senate Broadband Caucus, I’ll keep fighting to ensure all Americans can access the high-speed internet they need.”
“I’ve long supported efforts to expand broadband access to unserved communities,” said Fischer. “I’m proud to join my colleagues on this bill to help USDA’s ReConnect program properly prioritize the connectivity needs of rural America.”
“We applaud the work of Senators John Thune, Ben Ray Luján, Amy Klobuchar, and Deb Fischer to introduce legislation focused on helping broadband reach more Americans,” said NCTA – The Internet and Television Association. “The Rural Internet Improvement Act of 2022 would replace existing programs with a revised ReConnect program that would enhance participation and results so more communities can be connected to broadband even faster. Most significantly, this bill would direct funding for network expansion to areas where at least 90 percent of households lack access to broadband, and it would encourage reliance on applicants with demonstrated experience constructing and operating broadband networks in order to promote network construction that is on budget and on time. These are solid improvements to the current program that should be adopted as part of next year’s farm bill. Deploying robust, affordable high-speed broadband to all Americans is a key priority for cable providers, so we look forward to working with members on passage of this legislation.”
“Senator Thune has long been a leader in promoting and sustaining better access to broadband in rural areas, and NTCA appreciates his continued interest and leadership in examining ways to improve the workings of USDA’s ReConnect Loan and Grant Program,” said Shirley Bloomfield, CEO of NTCA – the Rural Broadband Association. “We look forward to conversations with Senator Thune and his colleagues in Congress about how best to build upon the early successes of this program and how best to coordinate this program with other essential broadband-related initiatives and private sector efforts.”
“Broadband is no longer a luxury: it is a necessity,” said Zippy Duvall, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation. “The American Farm Bureau has long prioritized expanding broadband access in rural America, and we applaud Senators Thune, Luján, Klobuchar, and Fischer for working to streamline current broadband programming to ensure investments go to those areas that still are not served. Ensuring limited resources are targeted to those most in need will help all rural Americans access the services and opportunities they need to thrive in today’s economy.”
“The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) applauds Senators Thune, Luján, Klobuchar, and Fischer for their leadership in addressing the critical issue of rural broadband access in America,” said Andy LaVigne, president and CEO of the American Seed Trade Association. “The Rural Internet Improvement Act would take necessary steps to address the digital divide in rural communities. Seed companies and their customers rely on connectivity, and ASTA appreciates the Senators’ efforts in establishing accountability for existing programs and innovative ways to streamline processes to support rural America. We appreciate Congress’ commitment to this critical issue, and we look forward to working together as they consider this key legislation.”
“The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association is grateful to Senators Thune, Luján, Klobuchar, and Fischer for prioritizing agriculture innovation and progress through the Rural Internet Improvement Act,” said Ethan L. Lane, vice president of government affairs at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. “In rural America, internet access opens doors to increased efficiency, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. On-farm efficiency increases when producers are able to communicate from remote areas of their operation, compete in a fast-paced, competitive global marketplace, and use precision agriculture technologies that facilitate improvement of the land and natural resources. This legislation will ensure rural connectivity is afforded to a greater number of producers whose businesses simply cannot maintain viability for the future without it.”
The Rural Internet Improvement Act would:
Streamline USDA’s broadband authorities by merging and codifying the popular Rural e-Connectivity Pilot Program (ReConnect) with USDA’s traditional broadband loan and grant program;
Ensure ReConnect funding is going to areas most in need of reliable broadband service by limiting funding to areas where at least 90 percent of households lack access to broadband service;
Enhance the participation of all types of broadband providers in the ReConnect Program by removing unnecessary barriers;
Increase transparency by improving the challenge process in the ReConnect Program;
Improve the coordination between USDA and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on broadband programs; and
Require USDA to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the FCC and National Telecommunications and Information Administration to facilitate outreach to rural residents and businesses of available federal programs that promote broadband access, broadband affordability, and broadband inclusion.
Thune recently participated in the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry’s first 2023 farm bill hearing, which focused on rural development and energy programs that are administered by USDA. Thune welcomed South Dakotan Denny Law, CEO of Golden West Telecommunications in Wall, South Dakota, to talk about the importance of targeting federal broadband funds to rural areas that are in need of reliable broadband services.
Earlier this year, Thune introduced the Connect Unserved Americans Act, bipartisan legislation that would ensure broadband funding goes to unserved areas, including rural communities in South Dakota. The bill would also increase coordination between federal agencies that are disbursing broadband funding to prevent the overbuilding of existing broadband networks at the taxpayer’s expense.
Thune, who has helped write four farm bills throughout his time in Congress, will continue introducing farm bill proposals ahead of the current bill’s expiration, which is set for September 2023.

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Capito, Klobuchar Urge Administration to Increase Cyber Investigations of Fentanyl Trafficking

Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) urged the Biden administration to increase cyber investigations of fentanyl trafficking. In a letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Administrator Anne Milgram, and U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, the senators highlighted how dark web opioid traffickers can exploit the anonymity and reach of the Internet to make illegal drugs available to American customers. 

“We write to urge the administration to prioritize cyber investigations into fentanyl trafficking and to inquire about steps that the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are taking to stop fentanyl from being trafficked into the United States through the use of the dark web,” the senators wrote. “Too often, these drug overdoses are the result of drugs purchased illegally on the dark web. Because of the anonymity that the dark web provides, sellers are able to make illicit drugs available to tens of thousands of customers.”

“It is critical that the administration prioritize these investigations to help make sure that fentanyl does not continue to devastate communities across the country,” the senators continued.

Senator Capito has led a number of efforts to strengthen West Virginia’s fight against the opioid epidemic. Specifically, Senator Capito co-sponsored the Synthetics Trafficking and Overdose Prevention (STOP Act), enacted in 2018 to decrease the supply of fentanyl shipments to the United States. Senator Capito also recently announced funding through Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) requests for addiction prevention and recovery initiatives in Martinsburg and Charleston, and applauded the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) announcement to change existing privacy regulations surrounding medical records for those suffering with substance use disorder.

Full text of the letter is available here and below:

Dear Attorney General Garland, Administrator Milgram, and Secretary Mayorkas:

We write to urge the administration to prioritize cyber investigations into fentanyl trafficking and to inquire about steps that the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are taking to stop fentanyl from being trafficked into the United States through the use of the dark web. 

In 2021, the United States had more than 100,000 drug overdose deaths, the highest number ever recorded, up from 41,000 in 2012.  In 2020, the CDC reported that 75 percent of drug overdose deaths involved an opioid, and 82 percent of opioid-involved deaths involved synthetic opioids, including fentanyl. 

Too often, these drug overdoses are the result of drugs purchased illegally on the dark web. Because of the anonymity that the dark web provides, sellers are able to make illicit drugs available to tens of thousands of customers.  One 2021 study identified more than 28,000 listings for opioid products posted on anonymous online marketplaces. 

While your Departments have worked to target dark web opioid traffickers, including by partnering with the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation, it is critical that the administration prioritize these investigations to help make sure that fentanyl does not continue to devastate communities across the country. In particular, we are interested in the steps your Departments are taking, or plan to take, to increase their capacity to conduct cyber investigations into fentanyl trafficking.     

  1. What challenges or constraints has your Department faced in its efforts to stop fentanyl from entering communities across the United States through the dark web?
  2. How is your Department collaborating with other agencies to respond to fentanyl trafficking on the dark web?
  3. What steps has the Department taken, and what steps does it plan to take in the future, to stop fentanyl from making its way to American communities through the dark web?
  4. Has your Department considered how expanding cyber investigations into online fentanyl trafficking could help combat fentanyl trafficking? What steps, if any, has the Department taken to increase its capacity to conduct these kinds of investigations?
  5. What steps has your Department taken or does it plan to take to investigate and prevent the illicit movement of fentanyl precursors into the United States through the dark web?

We appreciate your attention to this important matter. 

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Inhofe Honored with Naming of Oklahoma Interchange

Source: United States Senator for Oklahoma James Inhofe

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) recently honored U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) with the unveiling of the U.S. Sen. James Inhofe Interchange in Midwest City, located at Interstate 40 and South Douglas Boulevard. This $170 million project will reconstruct the interchange into a safer, single-point urban interchange.

Sen. Inhofe attended the groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday, November 22nd, morning, alongside Oklahoma Secretary of Transportation Tim Gatz, U.S. Rep. Stephanie Bice and Midwest City Mayor Matt Dukes.

“As I’ve said many times, there are two things we should be doing in Congress: defending our military and rebuilding our infrastructure. I’m proud to look back and know that during my tenure in Congress, we have fulfilled that mission together, and that I did it with the help of great partners like ODOT,” Inhofe said. “The I-40 corridor connects fast growing rural areas to the Oklahoma City metro area. This project is critical to upgrading one of the oldest sections of federal interstate in Oklahoma while improving a number of functionally obsolete bridges. I’m grateful to ODOT for their partnership over the years and for their recognition during the unveiling of the U.S. Sen. James Inhofe Interchange.” 

“Improving bridges on this project is just another example of Oklahoma’s larger bridge story in how the state went from 49th in the nation a short 15 years ago to now No. 5 nationally for good bridge conditions. All Oklahomans should be proud of that and our senior senator has been a big part of why we’ve been able to achieve that ranking. That means that fewer than 1 percent of Oklahoma’s highway system bridges are structurally deficient and there are no structurally deficient bridges remaining in this area,” said Secretary of Transportation Tim Gatz.

“It is impossible to truly express the importance of Sen. Inhofe to the state of Oklahoma. …He has been a titan, especially when it comes to transportation, infrastructure and his support for our military,” said U.S. Rep. Stephanie Bice, R-Edmond. “… For many years he served as chairman and ranking member of the Environment and Public Works committee and worked to craft major pieces of transportation and infrastructure legislation that greatly benefited Oklahoma, including MAP 21 and the FAST Act. This interchange is right near the gates to Tinker Air Force Base, making this both a key military and economic investment. In fact, I think it’s perfectly fitting that the largest dollar amount contract in Oklahoma Transportation history be named after him.”

“Senator, words escape me to appreciate the number of years you have served this country, state and, of course, our community. Thanks for being here, this is a great project for our community. It’s going to facilitate traffic flow, but better yet, it demonstrates the partnership with the City of Midwest City, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration,” Midwest City Mayor Matt Dukes said.

This project was partially funded with a Department of Transportation’s $51 million Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant that Sen. Inhofe supported in 2021. More information on the funding spearheaded by Inhofe can be found here.   

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Rosen, Barrasso, Baldwin, Fischer Pass Bipartisan Resolution to Designate November 2022 as ‘‘National Hospice and Palliative Care Month”

Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV), a member of the Special Committee on Aging, was joined by her fellow co-chairs and co-founders of the Senate Comprehensive Care Caucus, Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Deb Fischer (R-NE), in passing a bipartisan resolution recognizing November 2022 as National Hospice and Palliative Care Month. 

National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, observed in November, honors the work and dedication of long-term and palliative care providers and volunteers, and the critical services they provide to families and their loved ones facing serious illnesses. This resolution is endorsed by the Coalition to Transform Advanced Care (C-TAC) and the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO).

“I am proud to have passed this resolution to designate November as National Hospice and Palliative Care Month,” said Senator Rosen. “As someone who took care of my parents and in-laws when they aged, I know just how critical access to quality long-term care and supportive services is. This resolution will recognize all the ways in which hospice and palliative care providers improve the quality of life of so many patients and their caregivers.”

“I have experienced hospice care as both a doctor and family member,” said Senator Barrasso. “Hospice lets patients enjoy the highest quality of life when they need it most. Our bipartisan resolution recognizes all of the dedicated hospice providers in Wyoming and across the country.” 

“Serving as my grandmother’s primary caregiver as she grew older, I know the world of difference it makes in someone’s life to have compassionate palliative care,” said Senator Baldwin. “I’m proud to be introducing this bipartisan resolution to recognize the importance of palliative and hospice care, and look forward to continuing our work to improve the quality of life for the millions of Americans facing serious illnesses.”

“By marking November as National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, we can raise awareness about the benefits this type of care can provide,” said Senator Fischer. “Through our bipartisan work in the Comprehensive Care Caucus, we’ll continue to promote access to quality health care.” 

“It means a great deal to our providers to have this congressional honor from the Senate,” said NHPCO COO and Interim CEO, Ben Marcantonio. “This year marks the fortieth anniversary of the first Proclamation recognizing November as National Hospice Month. Hospice and palliative care providers work tirelessly to meet patients and their families where they are with compassionate care that places the individual at the heart of their own healthcare decisions. We thank Senators Rosen, Barrasso, Baldwin, and Fischer for continuing this important tradition of honoring and supporting the hospice and palliative care community. ”

“Once again, Senators Rosen, Barrasso, Baldwin, and Fischer should be commended for drawing attention to serious illness and the tremendous value of palliative care and hospice services for millions of individuals and their families across the nation,” said Jon Broyles, CEO of the Coalition to Transform Advanced Care. “Thank you for the introduction and passage of this bill to designate November as National Hospice and Palliative Care Month. We believe in access to high-quality, equitable serious illness care that reflects individual care preferences. This should cover needed palliative care and community-based services and supports, and hospice care. For C-TAC, educational efforts to share information on the value and need for palliative care and hospice and the staff and volunteers that provide this essential care is a year-round effort, and we are so pleased to have these issues highlighted each November by our friends in the U.S. Senate.”

Senator Rosen and her fellow Caucus co-chairs introduced similar resolutions recognizing November as National Hospice and Palliative Care Month in 2020 and 2021. Both bipartisan resolutions passed the Senate. Last year, Senator Rosen introduced the bipartisan Expanding Access to Palliative Care Actwith Senators Barrasso, Baldwin, and Fischer. The legislation would allow palliative care to be covered concurrently with curative treatment for illness under Medicare, greatly improving quality of life for the patient and their family.

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Booker, Norton Announce Senate Hearing on Enslaved Voyages Memorial Act

Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and U.S. Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) announced today that the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources will hold a hearing on their Enslaved Voyages Memorial Act, which would authorize the establishment of a memorial on federal land in the District of Columbia to honor enslaved persons, on Thursday, December 1, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. Media and the general public will be able to view the hearing here. 

Booker and Norton’s bill passed the House in September. The memorial, to be established by the Georgetown African American Historic Landmark Project and Tour, would honor enslaved persons’ presence, celebrate their contributions to history, and recognize their resilience and fortitude.

“In a dark chapter of our nation’s history, millions of enslaved people were brought to this land against their will. We must ensure that their stories and immense contributions are lifted up and never forgotten,” said Senator Booker. “I applaud the House for passing my Enslaved Voyages Memorial Act and commend the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources for taking up this important legislation in their next hearing.”

“The memorial our bill authorizes will be a powerful marker of truth-telling and remembrance, and I am proud to have gotten it passed in the House,” said Representative Norton. “Thank you to Senator Booker for introducing the companion bill in the Senate and to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources for holding this important hearing. Let us honor the personhood of these individuals, who were repeatedly assumed to have none, so that they will never be forgotten.”

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Senate Unanimously Passes The Leahy-Grassley Patents For Humanity Act Of 2022

Source: United States Senator for Vermont Patrick Leahy

11.29.22

(TUESDAY, Nov. 29, 2022) – On Monday night, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the Patents for Humanity Program Act of 2022, written and sponsored by Senators Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), sending the bipartisan bill back to the House for final passage.  This bill codifies the Patents for Humanity Program, which awards innovators for revolutionary inventions that solve humanitarian development challenges.

Representatives Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY-08) and Veronica Spartz (R-IN-05) are the sponsors of this bill in the House of Representatives.

Leahy and Grassley have been strong supporters of the program since its creation in 2012 by the Obama Administration.  The program was boosted in 2020 through the Patents for Humanity Program Improvement Act, also authored by Leahy and Grassley. 

Leahy said:  “The Patents for Humanity Program is a useful and meaningful program and a prime example of intellectual property’s role in addressing the global challenges we face today.  Innovation has the power to change lives.  This bill codifies the Patents for Humanity program to ensure its continued success for years to come.  I look forward to its swift passage in the House.”

Grassley said:  “American innovators are not only a driving force behind our economy, their inventions often make the world a better place.  By codifying the Patent and Trademark Office’s Patents for Humanity program, this bill will ensure inventors are incentivized and rewarded for using their talents to help individuals and communities in need across the globe.”

More details on the program can be found here.

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