News from the Lawmakers
Sarbanes Statement on Mueller Indictments of Russian Nationals for 2016 Election Meddling
John P. Sarbanes (D-MD, 3rd)
February 16, 2018
Democracy Reform Task Force Chair Rep. John Sarbanes (D-Md.) released the following statement today after special counsel Robert S. Mueller III charged 13 Russian nationals and 3 Russian companies with conspiracy for illegally using social media to spread discord among the American public and to support Donald Trump’s campaign while maligning Hillary Clinton’s campaign:
Sarbanes Joins Bipartisan Group Calling on President Trump to Immediately Fill Vacant Seats on Federal Election Commission
John P. Sarbanes (D-MD, 3rd)
February 16, 2018
"Our nation needs an effective watchdog to respond in real-time, enforce our nation’s election laws, and provide guidance to incumbents and challengers as they navigate our federal election laws,” the Members wrote. “That is why we urge you to promptly nominate replacements for former Commissioner Ann Ravel and Commissioner Lee Goodman and to fill any further vacancies on the Commission without delay."
Scalise Urges Support for Goodlatte-McCaul Immigration Bill, Reflects on Personal Experience Enduring Shooting Attack on The Ingraham Angle
Steve Scalise (R-LA, 1st)
February 16, 2018
House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined Fox News Channel's The Ingraham Angle last night to discuss his efforts to whip support in the House for the Goodlatte-McCaul immigration bill. In light of this week's tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Whip Scalise also reflected on his own experiences of being a target of a shooting attack.
Schakowsky Reintroduces the International Violence Against Women Act
Jan Schakowsky (D-IL, 9th)
February 16, 2018
Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, a Chief Deputy Whip and member of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, released the following statement after reintroducing H.R. 5034, the International Violence Against Women Act:
Sensenbrenner Leads Delegation-Wide Effort Asking for Local Business Support
James F. Sensenbrenner (R-WI, 5th)
February 16, 2018
Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner (WI-05), along with all other members of the Wisconsin Congressional delegation, sent a letter of support to Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross regarding an effort to combat imbalanced trade incentives and protect jobs in Wisconsin. Specifically, the request was made by the Port of Milwaukee on behalf of Quad/Graphics, which employs 7,700 Wisconsin residents and is headquartered in Wisconsin’s Fifth Congressional District.
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Congressman Sires’ Statement on the Indictment of Russian Individuals and Entities for Election Interference
Albio Sires (D-NJ, 8th)
February 16, 2018
“Today’s indictment is further proof of Putin’s continued attempts to undermine the integrity of our democracy. My colleagues and I in Congress have repeatedly urged the Trump Administration to stand up to Russia and take action to defend ourselves from these acts. Bipartisan legislation I supported to sanction Russian actors was signed into law by President Trump himself yet he refuses to enforce it. The President continues to ignore the will of Congress and the American people to sanction those individuals responsible for undermining our democracy. These are attacks on the foundation of our country and protecting against future intrusions should be our number one priority. In the wake of this indictment, it is essential that Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation be allowed to continue unhindered so that we can discover the full extent of Russian interference and hold those responsible fully accountable for their actions. ”
Rep. Stivers Applauds R+L Carriers’ Announcement of Bonuses up to $1,000 for all Employees
Steve Stivers (R-OH, 15th)
February 16, 2018
On Monday, Wilmington-based global transportation company R+L Carriers announced that it would be issuing bonuses of up to $1,000 for all of its employees, citing the economic benefits from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
Sasse Statement on Mueller Indictment
Senator Ben Sasse (R-NE)
February 16, 2018
“Mueller just put Moscow on notice. This ought to be a wakeup call to Washington: Putin’s shadow war is aimed at undermining Americans’ trust in our institutions. We know Russia is coming back in 2018 and 2020 – we have to take this threat seriously.”
Shaheen Statement on Mueller Indictment of Russian Nationals and Entities for Meddling in 2016 Elections
Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D - NH)
February 16, 2018
“Russia clearly interfered in our elections and this indictment paints a very disturbing picture as to some of the methods the Kremlin used,” said Shaheen. “This indictment further underscores the need to protect Special Counsel Mueller’s investigation from political interference from the White House and partisan members of Congress. This should not be a partisan issue. We have a duty to come together, both Republicans and Democrats, to support efforts to follow the facts and take aggressive action to defend our democracy.”
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Stivers' SAFE Transitional License Act Passes House
Steve Stivers (R-OH, 15th)
February 15, 2018
This week, the SAFE Transitional License Act, introduced by Congressman Steve Stivers (R-OH), passed the House of Representatives as part of a package of bills from the Financial Services Committee (H.R. 3978). This bill changes the Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act (SAFE) by providing regulatory relief for loan originators in an effort to make a smooth employment transition between bank and non-bank entities. Representatives Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) and Bruce Poliquin (R-ME) joined as cosponsors of this bipartisan legislation.
Schakowsky defends the Americans with Disabilities Act
Jan Schakowsky (D-IL, 9th)
February 15, 2018
Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, a Chief Deputy Whip, spoke on the House floor to oppose H.R. 620, the so-called “ADA Education and Reform act of 2017”, a bill that would severely weaken the Americans with Disabilities Act and roll back decades of progress for people living with disabilities.
Rep. Sewell Statement on Parkland School Shooting
Terri A. Sewell (D-AL, 7th)
February 15, 2018
“My heart goes out to the victims, their families, and to the Parkland community. Our schools should be places where our children are loved, where they learn, and where they are kept safe. When classrooms are turned into crime scenes, when our students and teachers are terrorized by guns, something has gone horribly wrong. This is not the first school shooting our nation has witnessed, it is not the second, it is the 239th school shooting since the Sandy Hook massacre. There is an epidemic of gun violence in America, and every day Congress fails to address this epidemic, more students, more teachers, more parents and brothers and sisters are killed.”
Shea-Porter Stands with Disability Rights Groups Against Legislation to Undermine the Americans with Disabilities Act
Carol Shea Porter (D NH, 1st)
February 15, 2018
“The Americans with Disabilities Act protects millions of people from discrimination. It is disturbing that Speaker Ryan continues to use his majority to attack the civil rights of people with disabilities after spending half of last year trying to undermine their health care. H.R.620, if passed by the Senate, would place the burden of complying with the Americans with Disability Act on the victims of discrimination rather than the entities that are in violation of the law. I will continue to stand with hundreds of disability rights organizations against these misguided policies.”
VIDEO: Shea-Porter Blasts Republican Leadership for Inaction on Gun Violence
Carol Shea Porter (D NH, 1st)
February 15, 2018
Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01) spoke on the House floor in support of common sense solutions to reduce gun violence. She directly called on Speaker Ryan to end his obstruction and bring bipartisan gun violence prevention legislation to the floor for a vote.
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Congressman Sires’ Statement on the Shooting in Parkland, Florida
Albio Sires (D-NJ, 8th)
February 15, 2018
“My heart breaks for the victims of yesterday’s shooting and for their families and friends. 17 innocent lives were lost in yet another senseless act of violence. The community of Parkland, Florida has been struck by an unimaginable tragedy and my sincerest condolences go out to all those affected and I will continue to hold them in my thoughts as they grieve. I would also like to thank the brave first responders as well as the teachers and faculty who risked their lives to protect the students they teach every day.
Pro-Choice Caucus Leaders Call on Secretary Azar to Fire Director Lloyd Due to His Ongoing, Blatant Disregard for Women’s Constitutional Rights
Louise Slaughter (D-NY, 25th)
February 15, 2018
After revelations today by the Washington Post about continued unlawful behavior by Director of the Office of Refugee Resettlement Scott Lloyd, who has ignored the constitution and federal rules regarding women’s rights and reproductive health, the co-chairs of the Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus, Congresswomen Diana DeGette (D-CO) and Louise Slaughter (D-NY), called on Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar to fire him.
REP. SOTO STATEMENT ON PARKLAND HIGH SCHOOL SHOOTING
Darren Soto (D-FL, 9th)
February 15, 2018
There is a photograph in Bill Kelly’s room in the Claremont Center nursing home. It’s of him, wearing a Manasquan High School football uniform, on Thanksgiving 1942.
BOST, SOTO INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN BILL TO IMPROVE SOIL QUALITY
Darren Soto (D-FL, 9th)
February 15, 2018
Representative Mike Bost (R-IL) and Representative Darren Soto (FL-09) introduced bipartisan legislation, the Nutrient Management Technical Service Provider Certification Act, to expand options for agriculture producers to access nutrient management technical assistance. This bill would allow qualified individuals, including Certified Crop Advisors or Certified Agronomists, to act as Technical Service Providers for nutrient management.
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Reps. Speier, Takano, and McGovern Calls For Review of John Kelly’s Role in Overseeing Personnel Misconduct
Jackie Speier (D-CA, 14th)
February 15, 2018
Congresswoman Jackie Speier (CA-14), Ranking Member on the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel, was joined by Congressmen Mark Takano (CA-41) and James McGovern (MA-2) yesterday in writing a letter to Defense Secretary James Mattis requesting information related to General John Kelly’s handling of complaints against personnel under his command.
Sanders Statement on Rounds-King Immigration Bill
Senator Bernard Sanders (I - VT)
February 15, 2018
"With an extremely anti-immigrant president in office who precipitated the current DACA crisis, I fear very much about the fate of 800,000 Dreamers who will soon be losing their legal protections under DACA and be subject to deportation.
Sasse Statement on Kelly Nomination
Senator Ben Sasse (R-NE)
February 15, 2018
“Joe Kelly’s next career calling is to the benefit of Nebraskans across our state. Throughout his nomination process Joe showed that Nebraskans will continue to be well served by his commitment to honesty, humility, and the law.”
Shaheen Statement Following Senate Vote on Bipartisan Immigration Agreement
Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D - NH)
February 15, 2018
“The agreement we voted on was the product of good faith bipartisan discussions and would have allowed Dreamers a pathway to citizenship so that they no longer have to live in fear of deportation,” said Shaheen. “I’m disappointed that, because of President Trump’s erratic and inconsistent positions on this issue, this agreement did not receive enough support to move forward in the Senate. It’s critically important that the Senate provide a pathway forward to protect Dreamers which is why I’ll continue my efforts across the aisle to find common ground.”
Swalwell Introduces Bipartisan Advancing Access to Precision Medicine Act
Eric Swalwell (D-CA, 15th)
February 14, 2018
“It’s time to use technology to transform our health care system to focus on the uniqueness of every patient – this is the future of medicine,” Swalwell said. “Genetic and genomic testing technology is getting better every day. We’re working in a bipartisan way to look ahead for ways to make it more accessible to Americans, in order to improve and save lives.”
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Sarbanes Statement on School Shooting in Parkland, Florida
John P. Sarbanes (D-MD, 3rd)
February 14, 2018
“It's not enough to send thoughts and prayers to the grieving families. We must do more. Sadly, Congressional leaders refuse to bring even the most minimal commonsense gun safety measures to the floor of the House or Senate. But we cannot be silent. In sober memory of the thousands who have been victimized by gun violence, we will keep fighting for a meaningful response to this terrible epidemic.”
ICYMI: Rep. Austin Scott to USAF: It was a mistake to cancel the F-22, it was a mistake to try to cancel the A-10, and it would be a mistake to cancel JSTARS
Austin Scott (R-GA, 8th)
February 14, 2018
During a House Armed Services Committee (HASC) Readiness Subcommittee hearing entitled, “Air Force Readiness Posture,” Representative Austin Scott (GA-08) questioned Lieutenant General Mark C. Nowland, United States Air Force (USAF) Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, on USAF’s decision to divest three E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) Battle Management and Command and Control Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (BMC2/ISR) platforms in its Fiscal Year 2019 budget proposal.
Rep. Sewell Questions HHS Secretary Azar on Trump Budget
Terri A. Sewell (D-AL, 7th)
February 14, 2018
On Wednesday, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar appeared before the House Ways and Means Committee to testify about the White House budget request for HHS. The President’s budget cuts Medicare by $500 billion, Medicaid by $1.3 trillion, and renews the failed Republican attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act, raising health costs and taking health coverage away from millions of Americans. Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (D-AL), who sits on the Ways and Means Committee, asked Secretary Azar about the impact of these cuts on rural hospitals.
Shea-Porter Statement on School Shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida
Carol Shea Porter (D NH, 1st)
February 14, 2018
“I am once again horrified and sickened by yet another massacre at an American school. This is at least the 18th school shooting this year. I am praying for the victims and their families. Parents and students should never have to endure such awful tragedies. And yet, they keep happening. Every single week. This cannot continue—we need common sense laws to reduce gun violence. It’s the least we can do for all of the victims and their grieving families, friends, and communities.”
Sinema Passes Bill to Cut Red Tape, Help Arizona Companies Making Life-Saving Breakthroughs
Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ, 9th)
February 14, 2018
Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema (AZ-09) and Congressman Trey Hollingsworth (IN-09) passed the Fostering Innovation Act through the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation provides commonsense regulatory relief for companies on the cutting edge of scientific and medical research, allowing them to save lives and bring more high-tech, high-wage jobs to Arizona.
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Senator Stabenow Hosts Michigan Veteran to Share Perspective on the Importance of the Farmer Veterans Programs in the Farm Bill
Senator Debbie Stabenow - (D - MI)
February 14, 2018
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) hosted Nick Babcock, President of the Farmer Veteran Coalition of Michigan, to share his story as a farmer veteran and discuss the importance of incentives in the Farm Bill with Senators and leaders of the veteran community. Babcock was one of seven veteran leaders from across the country that participated in the discussion hosted by Senators.
