Category: US Senate

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ICYMI: Rosen Joins MSNBC’s Morning Joe to Discuss Future of Roe v. Wade

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

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) joined MSNBC’s Morning Joe to discuss the recent news that the U.S. Supreme Court plans to overturn Roe v. Wade and what Congress can do to protect the reproductive rights of millions of Americans. Yesterday, Senator Rosen issued a statement on these reports and reiterated her support for codifying Roe into law.

Watch video HERE

“I can just tell you, my phone has been ringing off the hook – texts, calls coming in. Women and girls are crying, are scared. They don’t want to go back 50 years,” said Senator Rosen. “[Overturning Roe] is not going to stop abortions. This is going to stop women from getting safe abortions.”

Senator Rosen has been a leader in the fight for women’s reproductive rights. She helped introduce and voted in support of the Women’s Health Protection Act, legislation to protect the constitutional right to access reproductive health care and provide a safeguard against dangerous state-level abortion bans and restrictions. Last year, Senator Rosen signed an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to uphold Roe v. Wade.

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Rosen Recognized as One of the Top 10 Most Bipartisan Senators in 117th Congress

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

Record of Working Across the Aisle to Get Things Done for Nevada Puts Rosen As 6th Most Bipartisan Democratic Senator, 9th Most Bipartisan Senator Overall Last Year

WASHINGTON, DC – This week, the Lugar Center and the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University released a new bipartisan index report that named U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) as one of the most bipartisan members of the Senate so far in the 117th Congress. The nonpartisan ranking of how often each Member of Congress worked across party lines in 2021 found that Rosen was the sixth most bipartisan Senate Democrat and the ninth most bipartisan Senator overall.

“Since coming to Congress, I’ve always made it my priority to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get things done for Nevadans by passing common-sense legislation,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m proud to be recognized as one of the top 10 most bipartisan members in the United States Senate, and I will continue working tirelessly across party lines to solve problems and help Nevada’s hardworking families get ahead.”

The Lugar Center and the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University bipartisan index scorecard can be viewed here.

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ICYMI: Rosen Leads Bipartisan Letter to President Biden Urging Administration to Expedite Solar Tariff Investigation Decision

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

Letter Follows Decision by Department of Commerce to Investigate Solar Circumvention Petition, Threatening Thousands of U.S. Clean Energy Jobs and Higher Costs for Consumers

WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, and Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), led a bipartisan group of 19 colleagues in a letter urging President Joe Biden to expedite and bring to a swift conclusion the Administration’s investigation into solar panels and cells imported from Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia and requesting a meeting to discuss this issue. This investigation could expand harmful, job-killing tariffs on solar imports, raising costs for consumers, and has already caused widespread cancellations and delays in the U.S. solar industry.

Bloomberg: Senators Plead With Biden for Quick End to Solar-Trade Probe

By Jennifer A Dlouhy

Key Points:

  • The investigation into whether Chinese companies are circumventing decade-old tariffs by assembling solar cells and modules in Southeast Asia “will severely harm” American businesses and workers “as long as it continues,” the 22 senators said in a letter to Biden. 
  • The group, led by Democrats Jacky Rosen of Nevada, Martin Heinrich of New Mexico and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, asked the Biden administration to quickly make a preliminary determination on the matter, rather than waiting until an Aug. 30 deadline to issue its initial findings.
  • New tariffs could mean “massive price hikes for U.S. utility customers,” delays in deploying clean energy and halted projects, the senators said.

The Washington Post: More than 20 senators urge Biden administration to expedite solar tariff probe

By Maxine Joselow

Key Points:

  • A bipartisan group of 22 senators on Monday sent a letter to President Biden urging him to swiftly advance a probe from the Commerce Department into solar modules from four Southeast Asian nations, saying the investigation is having adverse effects on business. 
  • “Initiation of this investigation is already causing massive disruption in the solar industry, and it will severely harm American solar businesses and workers and increase costs for American families as long as it continues,” the senators wrote.

The Hill: Senators urge Biden to wrap up solar power probe

By Zack Budryk

Key Points:

  • In a letter released Monday, led by Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), senators note projections by the solar industry that the investigation could cost jobs as well as reduce U.S. solar capacity. 
  • “We strongly urge your administration to swiftly review the case and make an expedited preliminary determination. Such a determination should carefully consider the significant policy ramifications and reject the petitioner’s request for retroactivity,”…the Monday letter states. 
  • Rosen and other senators have repeatedly raised concerns about the probe’s economic impact, as well as its potential detriment to the Biden administration’s own renewable energy targets.

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Rosen Statement on Reports the Supreme Court Will Strike Down Roe v. Wade

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

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) released the following statement following reports that the U.S. Supreme Court is preparing to strike down Roe v Wade.

“If reports that the Supreme Court is moving to overturn Roe v Wade are true, this would have dire consequences for women’s health and reproductive freedoms across our country,” said Senator Rosen. “These unprecedented, rigid, and harmful attacks on women’s rights cannot go unanswered. Now more than ever, I will continue fighting to ensure the right to choose is protected, including by codifying Roe into law.”

Senator Rosen has been a leader in fighting for women’s reproductive rights. She helped introduce and voted in support of the Women’s Health Protection Act, legislation to protect the Constitutional right to access reproductive health care and provide a safeguard against dangerous state-level abortion bans and restrictions. Last year, Senator Rosen signed an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to uphold Roe v. Wade.

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Klobuchar, Grassley Lead Bipartisan Push for Funding to Address Avian Influenza Outbreak

Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)

 The outbreak has impacted 69 sites across Minnesota, affecting 2.8 million birds

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA), both members of the Senate Agriculture Committee, led their colleagues in a bipartisan push for more funding to help address the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak. As of Friday, the HPAI outbreak has impacted around 69 sites across Minnesota, with a flock inventory of approximately 2.8 million birds, mostly turkeys. 

“HPAI has been detected in 32 states across the country and has killed over 36 million birds. Although the virus poses minimal risk to human health, it has serious implications for U.S. poultry producers, rural communities, and our agricultural economy,” the senators wrote to Senate Appropriations Committee leaders. “Given the recent outbreak, the ongoing increase in confirmed HPAI cases, and the likelihood of further spread, we urge the Subcommittee to make funding for the APHIS avian health program a high priority. These funds are critical to continue HPAI response measures.”

In addition to Klobuchar and Grassley, the letter was also signed by Senators Tom Carper (D-DE), Bob Casey (D-PA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Mark Warner (D-VA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Coons (D-DE), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Dick Durbin (D-IL). 

Klobuchar has long worked to provide Minnesota farmers with the resources to weather livestock diseases and economic disruptions. Last month, she, Senator Tina Smith (D-MN), and Governor Tim Walz (D-MN) received a briefing from state and federal agriculture officials on the status of the HPAI outbreak in Minnesota. In April, she urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help Minnesota farmers respond to the influenza outbreak.

During the 2015 outbreak, Klobuchar led bipartisan efforts to ensure USDA had the resources necessary to fight the outbreak and compensate farmers for lost birds. In 2018, she successfully pushed to include a provision within the Farm Bill that created an animal disease and disaster response grant program to help fund projects to address risks to animal health, livestock export markets, and industry economic stability.

The full text of the letter is available HERE and below:

Dear Chairman Baldwin and Ranking Member Hoeven:

As you prepare the Fiscal Year 2023 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, we request robust funding to address the ongoing highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak. 

Since it was first confirmed in February 2022 in a commercial turkey flock in Indiana, HPAI has been detected in 32 states across the country and has killed over 36 million birds. Although the virus poses minimal risk to human health, it has serious implications for U.S. poultry producers, rural communities, and our agricultural economy.

These are the first positive HPAI cases since the 2015 outbreak that killed more than 50 million birds, accounting for 12 percent of the egg laying hen population and 8 percent of the turkey inventory. The Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), in partnership with state and local agencies, has responded quickly and applied the experience gained from the 2015 outbreak to better inform on-the-ground, rapid response efforts. 

The APHIS avian health program is responsible for avian influenza surveillance, reporting, and control efforts, as well as distributing indemnity payments to affected poultry producers. As the number of confirmed HPAI cases has increased, APHIS has ramped up its action in response, using significant resources to do so. 

The President’s budget request for the APHIS avian health program was $65 million for FY 2023, which reflects a small increase from the enacted level of $63 million in FY2021 and 2022. Given the recent outbreak, the ongoing increase in confirmed HPAI cases, and the likelihood of further spread, we urge the Subcommittee to make funding for the APHIS avian health program a high priority. These funds are critical to continue HPAI response measures. 

Thank you for your consideration of our request. 

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ICYMI: Sen. Cramer Op-Ed: What I’ve Learned from Enes Freedom

Source:

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) penned an op-ed on lessons learned from Turkish-American NBA star and freedom advocate Enes Freedom’s visit to Bismarck, North Dakota last month. Enes preaches the truth that freedom isn’t free – and as Americans we take our freedoms for granted while the Chinese Communist Party is committing genocide against the Uyghurs.

“Enes’ message is one we all need to hear. He speaks about representing faith, family, and country. He speaks about standing up for freedom, morals, and values. He speaks about bringing greater peace into the world. These are American values, ones we should all agree on and support unwaveringly. It was a privilege to be a witness to Enes’ testimony. His sense of mission is infectious, but I am struck that the freest nation in the world needs Enes’ reminder to vigilantly protect and promote individual liberty. I am thankful for what he’s taught me with his bravery and what he’s teaching countless people despite facing constant threats of censorship,” wrote Senator Cramer.

“Fundamentally, I believe the greatness of America lies in our self-governance. But as fortunate as Americans are, we take a lot for granted. It is easy to forget the price paid for the unalienable rights – including religious freedom – which are enshrined in our Constitution and the cornerstone of our society. This is not to say we are perfect. We are far from it. But there is a major difference in the way our democracy is embedded into our life versus the way China, or even Turkey, operates – a reality Enes knows all too well,” continued Senator Cramer.

“Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leaders control every aspect of the country, and they are trying to implement their dominance on a global scale. They engage in full-scale surveillance of their citizens and the world. Every time you open Tik Tok, China is accessing your data. They are actively committing genocide and forced labor against the Uyghur Muslim minority and they hold expansionist ambitions over the freedom-loving people of Taiwan and Hong Kong. There is no such thing as labor or environmental laws, yet we rely on China for everything from critical minerals to cheap labor and goods and services,” concluded Senator Cramer. “Enes brought these issues to light during his time in the NBA and it cost him his career. The NBA is an American company and is able to flourish because of the economic freedoms we enjoy. It amplified woke capitalism, but when it came to supporting Enes and free speech, the NBA bent a knee to Beijing.” 

What I’ve Learned from Enes Freedom

By Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

Williston Herald

5.5.2022

“A few weeks ago, I was blessed to spend time with Turkish NBA star turned American human rights advocate Enes Kanter Freedom in the Peace Garden State.

“His message is bold, yet simple. His message is brave, yet shared. It’s something we take for granted every single day living in the United States of America. Freedom isn’t free.

“What is so special about Enes’ message is his conviction. Enes walks the walk and talks the talk. He truly practices what he preaches.

“While in North Dakota, he delivered his powerful message at the iconic Belle Mehus Auditorium in Bismarck. He also conducted a youth basketball clinic, which was generously hosted by Mark Kinnebrew, and spoke to student-athletes at the University of Mary. It’s safe to say his visit made an indelible mark on the North Dakotans he met. This would not have been possible without the support of betruthful.org and their commitment to comprehensive education in North Dakota. 

“We’re not merely listening to history. We’re watching him create history. We’re living through it.

“During his visit, Enes was treated to North Dakota’s legendary hospitality, leading him to conclude our state is an amazing place to live, work, and raise a family. I couldn’t agree more and I am glad he felt the warmth of our welcome.

“Fundamentally, I believe the greatness of America lies in our self-governance. But as fortunate as Americans are, we take a lot for granted. 

“It is easy to forget the price paid for the unalienable rights – including religious freedom – which are enshrined in our Constitution and the cornerstone of our society.

“This is not to say we are perfect. We are far from it. But there is a major difference in the way our democracy is embedded into our life versus the way China, or even Turkey, operates – a reality Enes knows all too well. 

“Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leaders control every aspect of the country, and they are trying to implement their dominance on a global scale. They engage in full-scale surveillance of their citizens and the world. Every time you open Tik Tok, China is accessing your data. They are actively committing genocide and forced labor against the Uyghur Muslim minority and they hold expansionist ambitions over the freedom-loving people of Taiwan and Hong Kong. There is no such thing as labor or environmental laws, yet we rely on China for everything from critical minerals to cheap labor and goods and services.

“Enes brought these issues to light during his time in the NBA and it cost him his career. The NBA is an American company and is able to flourish because of the economic freedoms we enjoy. It amplified woke capitalism, but when it came to supporting Enes and free speech, the NBA bent a knee to Beijing.

“As long as corporate American companies buy cheap goods from China, our supply chain will continue to feed the genocide and human rights violations of the CCP. The NBA is never going to relent until Americans stand for a change.

“Enes’ message is one we all need to hear. He speaks about representing faith, family, and country. He speaks about standing up for freedom, morals, and values. He speaks about bringing greater peace into the world. These are American values, ones we should all agree on and support unwaveringly.

“It was a privilege to be a witness to Enes’ testimony. His sense of mission is infectious, but I am struck that the freest nation in the world needs Enes’ reminder to vigilantly protect and promote individual liberty.

“I am thankful for what he’s taught me with his bravery and what he’s teaching countless people despite facing constant threats of censorship. We can make a difference if we act on his message.

“Stay humble and hungry, Enes.”

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Sen. Cramer Discusses Army Personnel Pay System Modernization at SASC Hearing

Source:

***Click here to download video. Click here for audio.***

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) discussed the Army’s personnel payment system at a Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) hearing with Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth and Army Chief of Staff General James McConville. Senator Cramer also expressed gratitude to Secretary Wormuth and General McConville for their cooperation in fixing a personnel pay issue for a North Dakota constituent last year.

“I was struck by how many times you stated the most important part of the Army, of course, are the people. You speak with great affection, passion, and sincerity about it. Secretary Wormuth, you and I got to know each other early on working with your team to fix this pay problem. It highlighted a broken system. The new integrated personnel pay system which I became familiar with through that process was supposed to be fixed last year, but I’m told it’s still struggling to roll out properly. Can you give me an update on that and tell us if there’s anything we can do to help? When I look at the big employers in the world today – obviously, the military is one of those and the Army specifically – there are much bigger companies that don’t seem to have these same sort of problems,” said Senator Cramer. 

“We’re working very hard on [Integrated Personnel and Pay System – Army] (IPPS-A), which the National Guard is already able to use some of the features of that personnel system. We are working very hard to be able to roll out the next increment of IPPS-A release three, hopefully later this fall. We feel like we will be on schedule for that,” responded Secretary Wormuth. “Frankly, we are working very aggressively with the contractor to make sure that they’re able to meet what we’ve asked them to do, and that next release will bring out some of the talent management features, enable people to look at what assignments are available, and then it will be the next increment, as I understand it, that will really provide the pay transparency across all components.”

“Right now we have what we call an industrial age personnel management system,” said General McConville. “We treat everybody as interchangeable parts. We have three different personnel systems for our regular Army, our National Guard, and Reserve. Quite frankly, it’s no way to run a railroad. We need to have everyone on the same system… We have tremendous talent in the Army that’s masked by a person’s grade, and their [Military Occupational Specialty]… we’ve got a lot of work to do in this and as we manage the future, we could compete for talent. We’re going to have to manage soldiers’ talents to get the best in the Army. 

Senator Cramer highlighted the importance of this system to modernize the Army and attract and retain the best military talent.

“You’re both very fluent on the importance of modernization and the priorities or modernization. It seems that this would be a really high priority, not as sexy looking, but when we’re talking about challenges, recruitment, retainment, and getting the best of the best this will be important. I encourage you to stay at it. Keep us informed and if there’s anything we need to do from a policy standpoint or oversight standpoint, anything that helps you with the contractor or anyone else, please reach out,” said Senator Cramer.

Click Here to Watch 

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Sen. Cramer: HHS Awards $7.3 Million to North Dakota, Spectra Health

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WASHINGTON –  U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) announced the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded a total of $7,350,331 to Spectra Health and the State of North Dakota.

HHS awarded a $1,924,581 Health Center Cluster grant to Spectra Health. Learn more here.

HHS also awarded $5,425,750 to the North Dakota Department of Human Services. The funds will be used for the Money Follows the Person grant program, which supports community inclusion of individuals with disabilities. Learn more here.

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Senate Energy Committee Advances Sen. Cramer Legislation to Bolster Outdoor Recreation, Promote Biking on Federal Lands

Source:

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) issued the following statement after the Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee passed the bipartisan Biking on Long-Distance Trails (BOLT) Act out of committee this week:

“Glad to see the BOLT Act pass out of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. The Maah Daah Hey Trail is a North Dakota treasure. As a former Tourism Director for the State of North Dakota, I am proud to have helped advance this bill to bolster outdoor recreation across the country and in North Dakota. I have enjoyed working as a team with Senators Luján, Manchin, and Barrasso to get this one step closer to becoming law.”

Senator Cramer introduced the BOLT Act with Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) to bolster outdoor recreation and promote the use of existing bike trails on federal lands across the United States. North Dakota is home to the longest continuous single track mountain bike trail in the U.S.: the Maah Daah Hey. 

Biking stakeholder groups issued statements following passage out of Senate ENR:

“The Maah Daah Hey Trail is a legendary piece of North Dakota’s Badlands. Increasing biking accessibility and publicity of the Maah Daah Hey will create more opportunities for mountain bikers to enjoy one of the most beautiful places in the United States. I thank Senator Cramer for his effort to get the bill through committee and look forward to continuing our work to make this law,” said Save the Maah Daah Hey Founder Nick Ybarra.

“This was a monumental day for mountain biking in Washington D.C. Both the BOLT Act and Bonneville Shoreline Trail Advancement Act are legislation led by mountain bikers, for mountain bikers. These bills create more trail opportunities, more trail connectivity, and more trails close to home,” said International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) Executive Director David Wiens. 

The BOLT Act will make bike trails more accessible and direct the Department of the Interior (DOI) to: 

  • Identify not fewer than 10 long-distance bike trails;
  • Identify not fewer than 10 areas in which there is an opportunity to develop or complete long-distance bike trails;
  • Allow the DOI to publish and distribute maps, install signage, and issue promotional materials; and
  • Publish a report that lists the trails developed under this legislation.

The BOLT Act is co-sponsored by Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Joe Manchin (D-WV), and John Barrasso (R-WY).

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Sen. Cramer: NPS Awards $729,353 to North Dakota, Tribes for Historic Preservation

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) announced the National Park Service (NPS) awarded a total of $729,353 in historic preservation grants to the State of North Dakota, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, Three Affiliate Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation, Spirit Lake Tribe of Fort Totten, and Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa.

 

Grant Recipient

Award Amount

State of North Dakota

$357,143

Standing Rock Sioux Tribe 

$106,315

Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation (Mandan, Hidatsa, & Arikara Nation)

$97,938

Spirit Lake Tribe of Fort Totten 

$87,155

Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa 

$80,802

 

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