Category: US Senate

Source: United States Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss)

MISS. SENATORS BACK NATIONAL AMERICAN INDIAN VETERANS CHARTER ACT

Congressional Charter Would Boost Advocacy for Native American Veterans

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) have cosponsored legislation to grant the first-ever congressional charter to an American Indian group to represent the interests of Native American veterans.

The bipartisan National American Indian Veterans Charter Act (S.1554) would create a congressional charter for the National American Indian Veterans (NAIV).  A charter would give NAIV a stronger base to advocate for benefits and resources for the more than 140,000 Native American veterans in the United States, including members of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.

“Our Native American veterans have earned our gratitude for their sacrifice and service in our Armed Forces,” Wicker said.  “This long-overdue charter would help focus Congressional efforts to get these heroes the support they deserve.”

“Native Americans have a long history of serving bravely in our Armed Services.  A congressional charter would not only recognize their patriotism, but also give them new avenues for working with Congress and policymakers to secure the support needed by Native veterans,” Hyde-Smith said.

“As this country’s first people, Native Americans hold great pride in serving in the United States Military. American Indians and Alaskan Natives serve at five times the national average, and this bill to grant a federal charter to the National American Indian Veterans (NAIV) is long-overdue.  I would like to commend Senator Roger Wicker and Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith for co-sponsoring this bill and recognizing how important it is to honor the sacrifices and achievements of Choctaw veterans and Native veterans across the country.  On behalf of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and our distinguished Choctaw veterans, I am proud to endorse this legislation,” said Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians Chief Cyrus Ben.

A non-profit, non-partisan organization established in 2004, the NAIV serves the interests and needs of Native veterans in all 50 states.  It provides charitable, literary, educational, scientific, patriotic, and civil improvement to Native American Veterans whose unique needs are not represented adequately by other organizations.

Congress has previously granted congressional charters to Italian-American, Polish-American and Catholic-American veterans’ groups, but no Native American veterans’ organization has received one.

U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) introduced S.1554, which has been endorsed by the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Korean War Veterans of America, Vietnam Veterans of America, American Gold Star Mothers, scores of Native American tribes, and veterans’ organizations.  Wicker and Hyde-Smith are among 37 cosponsors.  

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Source: United States Senator for Indiana Todd Young

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Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

“Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy said he is working on legislation designed to slow climate change by reducing global emissions while combating Chinese economic strength and protecting U.S jobs that rely on fossil fuels.

“Cassidy, in remarks during a virtual event hosted by sustainable investment nonprofit Ceres, said the bill will address the nexus between facilitating economic growth in the U.S., global emissions, and national security.

“‘We have a paradox — my state does — the most impacted by rising sea levels and the most dependent upon producing those products that we associate with fossil fuels,’ Cassidy said of Louisiana.

“All about CBAM — and China: A pillar of the legislative effort is a carbon border adjustment mechanism, or a ‘foreign pollution fee,’ something Cassidy has been pushing for some time. It’s designed to price in the cost of pollution and level the cost between steel and other products produced in the U.S. and those produced in other countries, especially China.

“Cassidy noted data showing rising greenhouse gas emissions in China outpacing the collective reductions achieved between the U.S. and EU.

“‘China uses this pollution, externalizing their pollution, as an economic development tool,’ he said.

“Path to 60 votes: The hope is to introduce a bill by year’s end, Cassidy said.

“‘By discussing the issue of lowering emissions in the context of improving our economy, and in the context of decreasing, relatively speaking, China’s economy, their military might, I can get 60 votes,’ he said. ‘And it will come all the way from my national security hawk Republican on the right to environmentalists who feel like climate change is a greater existential threat than China.’”

Read the full article here.

Background

Cassidy penned an op-ed in The Washington Times discussing the geopolitical threats China poses to U.S. global standing. Cassidy stressed the need for a U.S. foreign policy towards China that meets at the nexus of national security, energy security, economic policy, and climate policy.

Cassidy recently joined Greta Van Susteren on Newsmax to discuss his foreign pollution fee, noting the competitive advantage China receives from intentionally ignoring environmental standards.

Last year, Cassidy released a landmark energy & climate policy outline in response to the Biden administration’s assault on domestic energy. The outline details how we can successfully reset U.S. energy policy, including Cassidy’s plan for an Energy Operation Warp Speed to cut permitting red tape and unleash domestic energy.

Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski

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Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), members of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, have introduced a bipartisan bill to expand a successful veteran career training program. The VET-TEC Authorization Act would permanently authorize the Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses (VET-TEC) program that help veterans access high-technology jobs. The program provides tuition at eligible training institutions, housing stipends, and connections with potential employers.

Since its start in 2017, VET-TEC has helped thousands of veterans get jobs in the technology sector with an average starting salary of over $65,000 – but current authorization for the program expires in May of 2023.

“The VET-TEC program has been an exceptional resource for thousands of veterans looking for good-paying jobs in the tech sector,” said Senator King. “The VET-TEC Authorization Act would permanently authorize the successful program while expanding eligibility for both veterans and training institutions. It’s a commonsense step to give even more veterans access to opportunities in tech and encourage the private sector to hire those who served. I appreciate Senator Cramer’s partnership on this bipartisan bill; I hope it can pass swiftly to expand on the proven benefits of the VET-TEC program.”

“The VET-TEC pilot program has helped establish effective pathways for veterans to launch their careers in tech. Our bill builds on its successes by making the program permanent and expanding participants’ eligibility,” said Senator Cramer. “Supporting our veterans includes enhancing the resources and opportunities available to them.”

“At Student Veterans of America (SVA), we know not every veteran pursues a traditional higher education and that many are also interested in tech careers, like computer programming, data processing, computer software, and others. The VET-TEC pilot program helped them achieve their goals and resulted in meaningful employment for 66 percent of participants within half a year of completing it,” said Tammy Barlet, Vice President of Government Affairs at SVA. “SVA supports the VET-TEC Authorization Act of 2023, which represents an essential first step toward making this popular and effective program permanent. We thank Senators King and Cramer for introducing this vital legislation to solidify a successful pilot program.”

Created in 2017’s Forever G.I. Bill, the VET-TEC pilot program has 31 approved providers that have trained over 8,000 veterans, and helped thousands start high-tech jobs with an average starting salary of $65,061. The program is currently partnered with 14 employers including the VA’s own Office of Information and Technology, which seeks VET-TEC graduates for filling internal vacancies.

The VET-TEC Authorization Act would make the VET-TEC pilot program permanent with new funding to be appropriated every 5 years. It would also expand eligibility for the program, help new educational institutions become VET-TEC providers, and allow providers to offer-part time training programs.

Representing one of the states with the highest rates of veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, he has worked to ensure that veterans have access jobs and training after separating from military service. He recently cosponsored bipartisan legislation to provide veterans with job opportunities in the trucking industry.

Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, on Tuesday joined U.S. Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.), Lucy McBath (D-Ga.), Gwen Moore (D-Wis.), and Frederica Wilson (D-Texas) to announce reintroduction of legislation to prohibit the practice of corporal punishment in any school that receives federal funding. The Protecting Our Students in Schools Act would establish a series of important  protections for students and families and create a federal grant program for states and school districts to improve school climate and culture. Murphy will introduce the Senate companion legislation when the Senate is back in session next week. U.S. Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) co-sponsored the legislation.

Corporal punishment, the act of inflicting physical pain as a form of discipline, can result in serious injury with long-term negative consequences. Physical injuries have included abrasions, broken bones, bruising, hematomas, and other medical complications. Psychologically, corporal punishment can cause depression, anxiety, anti-social behavior, and make students more likely to have mental health problems as adults. Research overwhelmingly shows that corporal punishment in schools does not lead to improvements in student behavior; instead is linked to poor academic performance, physical and emotional harm, and damage to students’ self-esteem and trust of educators. According to federal data from the National Center for Education Statistics, more than 70,000 public school students were subjected to corporal punishment in the 2017-18 school year. Corporal punishment remains legal in 23 states.

“Kids do their best learning in a safe, nurturing classroom. It’s astounding that educators in twenty-three states are still allowed to strike, paddle, and spank students as a means of disciplining them. It creates a culture of fear, teaches kids that violence is an acceptable response, causes serious trauma on top of physical injury, and disproportionately affects Black students and students with disabilities. We simply cannot continue to allow adults to use physical violence against children as a way to control and discipline them. This legislation would end the use of corporal punishment in our schools and help make classrooms a place where every child feels safe and supported,” said Murphy.

“Schools should be safe places for students to learn and grow without fear,” said Bonamici. “It is alarming and unacceptable that corporal punishment is still allowed in nearly half of the states in our nation. Corporal punishment in schools is an unjustifiable, outdated, and draconian practice that leaves children with lasting physical and psychological damage and disproportionately harms Black students and students with disabilities. I’m grateful to lead the Protecting Our Students in Schools Act with Reps. McBath, Moore, Wilson and Sen. Murphy to finally end corporal punishment and promote healthy learning environments that value the physical, mental, and academic wellbeing of students.”

“When parents send their children to school, it’s with the belief that their student will learn in a safe, healthy environment,” said McBath. “The impacts that cruel, unnecessary punishments have on the next generation are heartbreaking and these practices still exist in Georgia today. I thank my colleagues in the House and Senate for their collaboration on this effort as we protect our children and set them up for strong, successful futures.”

“Corporal punishment violates children’s fundamental rights to dignity, physical integrity, and protection from violence,” said Moore. “Every child deserves to be treated with respect and provided with a safe and nurturing learning environment. By eliminating this form of punishment, schools can create a safer, more supportive atmosphere that encourages learning, engagement, and positive relationships between students and educators.”

“The hallways, classrooms and cafeterias of our schools should be safe, supportive environments for all students,” said Wilson. “Corporal punishment is a backward practice that has no place in our schools, harming our students, especially Black and Brown children. That’s why I’m proudly co-leading the Protecting Our Students in Schools Act of 2023, which implements positive reinforcement strategies, creating a better environment for our students. With this bill, we can eliminate the shameful stain of corporal punishment and promote evidence-based behavioral interventions for more positive outcomes for our students.”

Corporal punishment is disproportionately applied to boys, students of color, and students with disabilities. Research demonstrates that Black students are 2.3 times more likely to be subjected to corporal punishment than white students. Additionally, students with disabilities are struck at higher rates than students without disabilities. Students served under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) represent 13.2 percent of the student population but make up 16.5 percent of all students who are subjected to corporal punishment.

“We enthusiastically support the re-introduction of the Protecting Our Students in Schools Act by Senator Chris Murphy and Representative Suzanne Bonamici to federally prohibit corporal punishment in our nation’s public schools,” said Denise Forte, president and CEO of The Education Trust. “Data shows corporal punishment doesn’t improve student behavior or create a nurturing atmosphere conducive for a positive learning environment. On the contrary, corporal punishment, which disproportionately impacts students of color and students with disabilities, is a deeply harmful and ineffective practice that severely harms students’ physical and mental health. Hitting students is never justified, and federal leadership is desperately needed to finally end this practice. The Protecting Our Students in Schools Act is a comprehensive bill that would protect students and help to create a healthier and safer school climate, and The Education Trust urges Congress to move this legislation immediately.”

Specifically, the bill:

• Prohibits the practice of corporal punishment in any school that receives federal funding;
• Establishes numerous enforcement protections, including a private right of action, the involvement of the U.S. attorney general and the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, and a series of rigorous reporting requirements for states and school districts; and
• Establishes a grant program for states and school districts to reduce exclusionary and aversive practices and to instead improve school climate and culture by implementing positive, proactive measures, including positive behavioral interventions, trauma-informed care, restorative justice interventions, implicit bias training, multi-tiered systems of support, culturally responsive teaching, and more.

“As the first professional organization to call for an end to school corporal punishment in 1975, the American Psychological Association applauds Representative Bonamici and Senator Murphy for introducing the Protecting Our Students in Schools Act, which recognizes that corporal punishment is an antiqued and ineffective form of discipline that causes undue injury and psychological trauma,” said Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD, CEO of the American Psychological Association. “Corporal punishment disproportionately impacts students of color and students with disabilities and has no place in our schools. Instead, we should be investing in policies that promote positive and safe school climates, increase school-based services that aim to address students’ mental and emotional well-being, and eradicate exclusionary discipline practices.”

“The NAACP strongly supports the Protecting Our Students in Schools Act. In many ways, the practice of corporal punishment harkens back to the days of slavery, causing irreparable emotional and physical damage to students and families,” said Ashley L. White, NAACP Educational Fellow for Equity Access and Opportunity. “Furthermore, corporal punishment disproportionately harms our most vulnerable students, namely Black children and youth, including those with disabilities and / or who have been targeted and tracked in the name of managing so-called “inappropriate” behaviors. Our Black children deserve better and we applaud Rep. Bonamici and Sen. Murphy’s continued efforts in this fight.”

A summary of the Protecting Our Students in Schools Act can be found here. The full bill text can be found here.

The Protecting Our Students in Schools Act is endorsed by: National Education Association, American Federation of Teachers, National PTA, The Education Trust, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, National Women’s Law Center, Human Rights Campaign, NAACP, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), National Urban League, American Psychological Association, , Advocating 4 Kids, Inc., All4Ed, American Atheists, American Humanist Association, American Psychological Association, American School Counselor Association, American Youth Policy Forum, Autistic Self Advocacy Network, Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, Center for Learner Equity, Center for Popular Democracy, Children’s Defense Fund, Committee for Children, Council for Exceptional Children, Council of Administrators of Special Education, Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, Dignity in Schools Campaign, Education Reform Now, Disability Law Colorado, EduColor, Elite Educational Consulting, Every Texan, Fannie Education Alliance, First Focus Campaign for Children, Girls Inc., GLSEN, Gwinnett SToPP, Ibero American Action League, Inc., Intercultural Development Research Association (IDRA), KIPP Foundation, Mississippi Coalition to End Corporal Punishment, National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, National Association of Secondary School Principals, National Association of Social Workers, National Black Child Development Institute (NBCDI), National Center for Learning Disabilities, National Disability Rights Network (NDRN), National Down Syndrome Congress, National Parents Union, New Leaders, Nollie Jenkins Family Center, Inc., Open Society Policy Center, Parent Education Organizing Council, Racial Justice NOW, S.T.A.N.D. Up, Texas Appleseed, Texas Kids Can’t Wait, The Advocacy Institute, The Arc of the United States, The Federal School Discipline and Climate Coalition (FedSDC), TNTP, United Women in Faith, Uplift MN, and Volunteer State Seal of Biliteracy.

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Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

WASHINGTON–U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) introduced legislation directing the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to study the dangers posed by unfair and deceptive marketing and advertising practices conducted by the gun industry. The Responsible Firearms Marketing Act would require the Commission to study the actions of gun manufacturers, importers, and dealers, including those which might target individuals younger than 18 years of age, encourage illegal use of a firearm, or relate to the sale of semiautomatic assault weapons.

The Responsible Firearms Marketing Act would also direct the FTC to apply existing rules regarding unfair marketing practices to firearm distributors, which include punitive fines and payment of damages to consumers for each knowing violation of the rules.

“The gun industry uses irresponsible marketing tactics – even targeting kids with ads for lethal weapons – to sell as many firearms as possible because their sole focus is maximizing profits. This legislation takes a step toward holding firearm manufacturers and sellers accountable for their dangerous advertising practices,” said Murphy.

“Deceptive firearms marketing exploits and fuels gun violence—and must be stopped. Our goal is to hold accountable gun manufacturers who prey on vulnerable consumers to fatten their profits. Turning a blind eye to these dishonest advertisements and promotional campaigns will continue to threaten public safety,” said Blumenthal. “Wrongdoers must be held accountable. Our legislation—along with the FTC’s enforcement—will prevent the industry from peddling these dangerous weapons of war by misleading buyers.”

Companion legislation was introduced in the House by U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (D-Ill.). The legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and U.S. Representatives U.S. Representatives Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.), Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.), Linda Sanchez (D-Calif.), and Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.).

The legislation has been endorsed by March For Our Lives, Brady, Giffords, Everytown for Gun Safety, and Sandy Hook Promise. 

“The gun industry should be treated the exact same way as every other industry. They don’t deserve or need kid gloves. There is no excuse for any industry, let alone a deadly one like firearm manufacturers, to have legal immunity for potentially deceptive advertising and marketing,” said Zeenat Yahya, Director of Policy at March For Our Lives. “Even though we scrutinize other industries, like alcohol and tobacco, its practically the wild west for firearms manufacturers. It’s time to hold firearm advertising accountable for its role in the mass murder of Americans.”

“For too long the gun industry has been allowed to run rampant with their marketing practices that target children and teens. The result is a nation marred by senseless tragedies where guns are now the leading cause of death of children. It is past time for firearm manufacturers to be held accountable for their predatory practices, and Brady thanks Congresswoman Kelly and Senator Blumenthal for leading this important legislation,” said Kris Brown, President of Brady.

“It is unacceptable that the firearms industry has escaped oversight and regulation of its advertising for years. The industry has become emboldened to use deceptive tactics that exploit fear and instability to sell their deadly wares. Some companies even target children in their efforts to sell more guns. The Responsible Firearms Marketing Act sends a clear message: the gun industry is not above the law or the jurisdiction of the FTC. We applaud Congresswoman Kelly and Senator Blumenthal for their leadership on this issue,” said Adzi Vokhiwa, Giffords Federal Affairs Director.

“As plaintiffs in the lawsuit against Remington focused on the marketing of the firearm used in the Sandy Hook shooting, we applaud the introduction of the Responsible Firearms Marketing Act.,” said Mark Barden and Nicole Hockley, co-founders of Sandy Hook Promise and parents of Daniel Barden and Dylan Hockley, who were killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy. “We personally understand the devastating impact of irresponsible marketing of firearms, particularly toward young people. This legislation would help keep kids safe by ensuring the gun industry is held accountable for its marketing practices.”

Text of the Senate legislation can be found here.

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Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons