Today's News for the Week Prior and Up to December 10, 2022
At the Urging of Sen. Rick Scott, Biden Finally Calls for Cuban Prisoners to be Released
Source: Senator Rick Scott (R-FL)
December 9, 2022
“For decades, the illegitimate, communist Cuban regime has oppressed the Cuban people and forced them to live under tyranny. The Cuban people want freedom, and on July 11, 2021, democracy activists from across the island organized, and with one voiced shouted, ‘¡Patria y Vida!’ and ‘¡Libertad!’ Since then, the regime has held and tortured hundreds of peaceful Cubans, including teenage boys and girls. I’ve spent more than a year calling on President Biden to join me in denouncing the regime and denying the expedited consideration of his nominees until he called for the immediate release of these brave people, and I am proud to see that finally happen today. But, this is not the end of our fight. I expect President Biden to continue to be a voice for freedom and democracy in Latin America, and end his appeasement of the regimes in Cuba and Venezuela. The Cuban people want a new day of freedom, and we will fight alongside them until that day is here.”
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Shaheen Leads Bill to Reauthorize Small Business Exporting Program
Source: Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)
December 9, 2022
“Since I worked to create STEP as a pilot program in 2010, small businesses have utilized its resources to develop export and e-commerce capabilities necessary to compete in international markets. STEP has been particularly important to Granite State small businesses, many of which I’ve had the opportunity to visit and see these crucial dollars in action,” said Shaheen. “Ninety-nine percent of New Hampshire’s businesses are small and it’s paramount that Congress explores every avenue to help them grow and succeed. STEP helps create those opportunities, which is why my bill to reauthorize and strengthen the program is necessary and a no-brainer. We see the success of this program through the work of participating small businesses every day – I urge lawmakers in Congress to support my effort to ensure that continues.”
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Scott Celebrates Passage of Key Priorities in Defense Bill
Source: U.S. Representative Robert C. Scott (D-VA, 3rd)
December 8, 2022
“I am pleased the NDAA also includes language from both the 21st Century Assistive Technology Act and the Federal Firefighters Fairness Act. Whether it’s a high-tech device or something as simple as a magnifying glass, assistive technology is critical to helping people with disabilities live, work, and participate in their communities independently. As more Americans look to exercise their right to live at home, instead of institutions, this investment will take a key step to increase the quality of life, and expand work and educational opportunities, for people across the country. The legislation would also help firefighters get the support they need if they become sick or injured on the job due to heat, stress, and exposure to toxic substances. Nearly every state helps firefighters access workers’ compensation by providing a presumption that certain diseases are work-related. Yet, no such protection exists for federal firefighters, forcing them to prove—often in the absence of documentation—that their illnesses are work-related. This legislation would provide federal firefighters with a presumption that certain illnesses are work-related. Although it is unfortunate these presumptions will expire arbitrarily within ten years of a firefighter’s retirement, this provision marks a critical step to provide federal firefighters and their families with the support they have always deserved.”
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Reps. Sewell and Smucker and Sens. Hickenlooper and Tillis Introduce Bill to Expand Retirement Savings for Working Americans
Source: U.S. Representative Terri A. Sewell (D-AL, 7th)
December 8, 2022
“Every Alabamian and every American should be able to retire with dignity after a lifetime of work,” said Rep. Sewell. “This critical, bipartisan legislation would address serious gaps in our retirement system and make it easier for low- and middle-income workers to save for retirement. I was proud to work with my House and Senate colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance this commonsense bill which would level the playing field for working families and build a stronger economy for all Americans.”
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House Sends Respect for Marriage Act to the President’s Desk to be Signed into Law
Source: U.S. Representative Adam Smith (D-WA, 9th)
December 8, 2022
“When the Supreme Court released their opinion this summer overturning Roe v. Wade, Justice Clarence Thomas made it clear that other constitutional rights – including the right to same-sex marriage – are under threat. As LGBTQ+ individuals and families face discrimination in states across the country, the House today passed a bill which will enshrine marriage equality at the federal level. Same-sex and interracial couples can rest assured that their right to marriage will be protected despite what this extreme Supreme Court could rule in the future. With the passage of this bill, Congress sent a resounding message to the American people that we will continue our work to uphold the promise of equal rights, liberties, and freedoms for all – and that love still wins. I am thrilled to have voted for this important legislation, and I look forward to President Biden signing it into law very soon.”
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