Category: US Senate

Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven

Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker

NEWARK, N.J.– Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) announced that the Long Branch Free Public Library in Long Branch, New Jersey, has been selected as one of the eight recipients nationwide of the prestigious 2023 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. The National Medal, awarded by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), is the highest honor given to museums and libraries that exemplify outstanding service to their communities. Senator Booker nominated the Long Branch Public Library for the 2023 National Medal last November, and in March of this year, it appeared on the IMLS list of 30 finalists for the second time. Senator Booker had previously nominated the Long Branch Public Library for the 2021 National Medal, when it was selected as a finalist that year, as well.

With this award, the Long Branch Free Public Library joins a distinguished list of past winners, including Ocean County Library in Toms River, which was the last New Jersey recipient in 2007. Since 2010, the Long Branch Free Public Library has assisted formerly incarcerated individuals with training, job-seeking resources, and reintegration support through its Fresh Start program, which has since been expanded to other libraries throughout the state. It has also spearheaded other innovative programs, including a Fade to Books Barbershop Literacy Project to encourage young children to read while at the barber, and was the first public library in New Jersey to hire social workers to serve its patrons.

“I am thrilled to congratulate the Long Branch Free Public Library for receiving the distinguished 2023 National Medal for Museum and Library Service,”said Senator Booker. “It is a tremendous honor that a New Jersey library has been selected for this prestigious recognition. Libraries serve a vital role at the center of their communities, and the Long Branch Free Public Library has gone above and beyond to serve the needs of its patrons. It offers many innovative programs, from the Fade to Books Barbershop Literacy Project to reach young readers to the Fresh Start program to support returning citizens, and is an asset to the community and a credit to our state.”

“I thank Senator Booker for nominating the Long Branch Free Public Library for this prestigious award. He has been a strong supporter of our library for years,” said Long Branch Mayor John Pallone. “The National Medal for Museum and Library Service is the highest honor for libraries and museums, and we are thrilled to be recognized. Our library stands out for its unique services it offers to our diverse community, including social services, career development, and support for businesses. With funding from the Library Reconstruction Bond Act, we look forward to expanding our services even further.”

“IMLS is delighted to announce the eight worthy recipients of the 2023 National Medal for Museum and Library Service,”said Crosby Kemper, director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, based in Washington, D.C.“The staff at these inspiring institutions dedicate themselves each day to supporting the health and growth of their communities, serving in their unique individual ways as centers of excellence and passion. We look forward to honoring their accomplishments in Washington, D.C. this summer!”

Since its inception in 1996, the National Medal for Museum and Library Service has recognized 182 institutions that have demonstrated exceptional and groundbreaking approaches to public service and led positive change in the lives of individuals, families, and communities.

The 2023 National Medal recipients are:

Libraries:

• Kuskokwim Consortium Library (Bethel, AK)
• LA County Library (Los Angeles, CA)
• Long Branch Free Public Library (Long Branch, NJ)
• Toledo Lucas County Public Library (Toledo, OH)

Museums:

• Center of Science and Industry (COSI) (Columbus, OH)
• Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum (Buffalo, WY)
• Museum of Discovery and Science (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
• Riverside Art Museum (Riverside, CA)

Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

In lead-up to COP28, 133 U.S. and European elected officials urge ouster of oil executive as president of upcoming climate talks

Letter also encourages UNFCCC to require companies participating in COP to submit an audited corporate political influencing statement

Washington (May 23, 2023)– Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) joined Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I). and European Parliament Member Manon Aubry today in sending a letter to President Joe Biden, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, United Nations Secretary General António Guterres, and United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Executive Secretary Simon Stiell, urging the officials to rid COP28 and all future international climate talks of persistent interference from the fossil fuel industry. The transatlantic letter, signed by 133 members of Congress and the European Parliament, was delivered as countries prepare for the Bonn Climate Change Conference in early June, a precursor to COP28 this winter.

The signatories called on U.S., EU, and UN officials to push the UAE to withdraw Sultan Al Jaber’s appointment as COP28 president. Al Jaber is the head of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, which recently announced a plan to significantly expand its oil and gas production. The decision to name the chief executive of one of the world’s largest oil and gas companies as president of COP28 jeopardizes the opportunity for serious and productive climate negotiations.

The letter also requests that the UNFCCC require companies participating in COPs to submit an audited corporate political influencing statement that discloses climate-related lobbying, campaign contributions, and funding of trade associations and organizations active on energy and climate issues. According to one analysis, at least 636 lobbyists from the oil and gas industries registered to attend COP27 last year.

“Big Oil interests have contaminated our climate for decades—they shouldn’t be able to control our climate negotiations for a livable future,” said Senator Markey. “As leaders from around the world come together to envision a world that promotes clean energy and climate justice, not pollution and profiteering, we must shut the door on the fossil fuel industry and keep COP28 free from their influence.”

“COPs offer the largest and most important venue to find international agreement on ways to solve the climate crisis,” said Senator Whitehouse. “Companies participating should be required to file audited climate political footprint statements to ensure transparency at the world’s major forum for leading the planet to safety in the race against climate change.”

“For billions of people, the outcome of COP28 and ensuing international climate negotiations will make the difference between life and death, chaos and solidarity,” said MEP Aubry. “Corporate greed and lobbyists’ lies have led us into this climate crisis. We must prevent private commercial interests from interfering in politics and regain ownership of our future.”

“For decades, the fossil fuel industry has been well aware of the dangers of climate change. Despite this, they have continually promoted climate denial, downplayed their role in emitting greenhouse gas pollution, and have created countless roadblocks on our path toward a clean energy future. The last thing we need is the chief executive of one of the planet’s largest oil and gas companies at the helm of global climate negotiations. For the sake of our planet, President Biden, President von der Leyen, Secretary General Guterres, and Executive Secretary Stiell ought to use their power to keep the influence of the dirty fossil industry out of UNFCCC processes,” said Representative Huffman.

“The annual COP is critical to all people and nations to accelerate the response to the climate crisis,” said Representative Castor. “We cannot afford for our decision-making to be delayed or influenced by the very companies that got us into this crisis. The health of our communities and the future of our planet hang in the balance. We must act swiftly, and we must put people over the profits and interests of big oil and gas.”

The letter was cosigned by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt).  Twenty-seven members of the House of Representatives, including co-leads Representatives Jared Huffman (CA-02) and Kathy Castor (FL-14), signed the letter. Ninty-nine members of the European Parliament also signed the letter. A coalition of over 425 civil society organizations worldwide, led by Corporate Accountability and Corporate Europe Observatory, have endorsed the letter, as has the Sierra Club.

The full letter can be found HERE or below.

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Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

BISMARCK – U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Angus King (I-ME), members of the Senate Committees on Veterans’ Affairs (SVAC) and Armed Services (SASC), introduced the VET-TEC Authorization Act to permanently continue a successful career program set to expire soon.

Since 2017, the Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses (VET-TEC) pilot program has created opportunities for thousands of veterans to secure jobs in the technology sector by providing tuition support at eligible institutions, housing stipends, and connections with prospective employers.

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

Click here for bill text.

Background:

The VET-TEC pilot program has 14 partner employers, including the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Information and Technology, and 31 approved providers who have trained over 8,000 veterans. The average starting salary for those who have secured jobs through the program is $65,061.

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

Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Joe Manchin

Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Ron Johnson

WASHINGTON—Today, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) joined U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) and four of their Republican colleagues in reintroducing the Disclose Government Censorship Act. The legislation seeks to end government-directed speech suppression and viewpoint censorship by requiring basic transparency regarding when Americans’ government is attempting to control what they can say or read. It also places restrictions on the revolving door between government and Big Tech, which fuels much of the close coordination on censorship. 

“Time and time again, the Biden Administration and Big Tech have shown they cannot police themselves in protecting Americans’ First Amendment right to free speech,” Sen. Johnson stated. “This bill shines a light on the collusion between bureaucrats and Big Tech.”

“The collusion between the Biden Administration and Big Tech that has come to light over the last two years is not only disturbing but inconsistent with the government’s constitutional role in American life,” Sen. Hagerty said. “The purpose of the First Amendment is to prevent government from suppressing speech with which it disagrees. If the federal government is attempting to end-run the Constitution by secretly working with tech platforms to censor Americans’ speech, the American people deserve to know. Requiring transparency will ensure that the government cannot work secretly to censor Americans.”

“No government should pressure social media companies into censoring their users’ legal speech,” said Sen. Rubio. “That is particularly true for our own government. This legislation will require transparency from governments, including the Biden Administration, when they collude with Big Tech and silence Americans in the process.”

“Democrats have a rich history of censoring and silencing Republicans. This bill will protect our first amendment rights of free speech by ensuring that any government communication with tech platforms to restrict speech is made publicly available,” said Sen. Marshall. “The dangerous relationship between the Left and Big Tech must stop.I am pleased to join Sen. Hagerty in re-introducing this important legislation.” 

“It is un-American for our government to pressure social media platforms to censor speech and viewpoints it does not find favorable,” said Sen. Lummis. “People in Wyoming expect the government to protect their First Amendment rights, not actively infringe on them. I appreciate Senator Hagerty’s efforts to expose this issue and fight back against government sponsored censorship.”

Sens. Johnson and Hagerty are joined on this legislation by Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.).

Read the full text of the bill here. 

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Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)

NASHVILLE, TENN. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) joined Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) and 20 other Republican colleagues in issuing a clear rebuke of U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona’s proposed changes to Title IX and condemning the Biden administration’s plan to force schools to allow biological males to compete in female sporting events.

“Title IX was enacted to ensure that women and men have equal opportunities, including in sports,” said Senator Blackburn. “Women deserve a safe, fair, and welcoming space in college athletics where they can compete on a level playing field with those of the same sex. The Biden administration is intent on erasing women in the name of appeasing transgender activists. Science affirms the fact that men and women are different, and it is essential that we protect women’s sports from those who want to blur the lines between men and women.” 

“Our comment sent to Secretary Cardona echoes what most Americans already know to be true: forcing schools to allow biological males to compete against young women is unfair, unsafe, and wrong,” said Senator Tuberville. “Last year, a record number of parents, coaches, and athletes responded to a proposed change to Title IX because they care about the future of female athletes. Sadly, the Biden administration ignored their concerns and plowed ahead with a policy that’s deeply out-of-touch with the majority of the country. I dedicated my career to being a coach and mentor because I care about our country’s young people. I will not give up the fight to save women’s sports.”

Senator Blackburn and her colleagues submitted a comment to Secretary Cardona in response to his department’s proposed rule, “Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance: Sex-Related Eligibility Criteria for Male and Female Athletic Teams.”

“Congress made clear that its intention in passing Title IX was to prohibit discrimination against women participating fully in all aspects of athletic and academic opportunity at institutions that received federal financial assistance,” wrote the senators. “This proposed rule uses weakly-associated case law and polarizing social concepts to broaden the definition of women and girls to include individuals who identify as women, and in so doing, the intent of the law is destroyed and women are marginalized yet again.”

In addition to Senators Blackburn and Tuberville, the comment submitted to Secretary Cardona was signed by U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kan.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Tedd Budd (R-N.C.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), and Dan Sullivan (R-Ark.).   

Specifically, the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act:

• Ensures Title IX provisions treat gender as “recognized based solely on a person’s reproductive biology and genetics at birth.”
• Bans recipients of federal funding from operating, sponsoring, or facilitating athletic programs that permit a male to participate in a women’s sporting event.

BACKGROUND:

• This year, Senator Blackburn and Senator Tuberville, along with 20 of their Republican colleagues, reintroduced the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act in order to maintain Title IX protections for female athletes and ensure fairness and safety in women’s sports.

• WATCH Senator Blackburn press Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to define the word “woman” during her nomination hearings.

The full comment submitted by the senators can be found HERE.