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May 22, 2023

Durbin Honored With First Focus Award For Career Dedicated To Improving Lives Of Children

Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

05.18.23

Author of the Dream Act, Durbin was presented with the award for his efforts advocating for immigrant families

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today met Miriam Abaya, the Vice President for Immigration and Children’s Rights at First Focus on Children, and Kathy Sacco, Vice President for International Children’s Policy at First Focus on Children, an organization dedicated to improving the health, education, economic mobility, and safety of children. During the meeting, Durbin was presented with the Champion for Children Award for his unwavering commitment to children, particularly immigrant children and those from immigrant families. The author of the Dream Act, Durbin is a longtime advocate for a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers and undocumented populations, as well as border policies that protect children’s health and well-being.

“As a member of Congress, I understand that the legislation we enact today impacts the country tomorrow. I want to create a better, brighter future for the next generation, and that begins with advocating for children’s needs, including pushing for a pathway to citizenship and improved protections for immigrant children,” said Durbin. “I’m honored to receive the First Focus on Children’s Champion for Children Award today, and I will continue to support policies that benefit our children for years to come.”

Photos of today’s meeting are available here.

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May 22, 2023

Durbin, Duckworth Join Colleagues To Introduce Legislation Guaranteeing Paid Sick Leave To Workers In America

Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

05.19.23

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and 40 of their Senate colleagues in reintroducing the Healthy Families Act of 2023, which would guarantee paid sick leave to workers in America.

Today, the U.S. remains one of the only two major countries that does not provide paid time off for short-term illnesses or paid leave for family and medical needs and emergencies. Currently, 34 million workers lack any paid sick time at all – including 25 percent of the private sector workforce and nine percent of the public sector workforce. Things are worse for low-income workers and households, reaching a breaking point for millions of Americans during the pandemic. In addition, nearly one in four employed mothers return to work within two weeks of giving birth and one in five retirees have left the workforce earlier than planned to care for an ill family member. It is estimated that more than two million women left the U.S. workforce since the start of the pandemic, many forced to leave to care for their family.

“America is one of the few industrialized nations in the world that does not guarantee paid sick leave. It’s shameful. We cannot settle for a system that abandons working Americans,” said Durbin. “With the Healthy Families Act of 2023, we are ensuring that all American workers have access to the paid sick leave they deserve.”

“No one should have to choose between caring for a sick child or family member and missing a paycheck, or even losing their job,” Duckworth said. “It’s long past due that hardworking Americans have a basic level of paid sick leave to keep themselves, their families and communities safe. Furthermore, caregivers need the ability to stay home to care for a loved one. Americans need to be confident they can do these things and still keep their jobs so they can provide for their families.”

Workers without paid sick leave are three times more likely to delay or forgo necessary health care for themselves and nearly twice as likely to forgo medical care for their families compared to working adults with paid sick days. However, workers with access to paid sick leave are 28 percent less likely to suffer nonfatal occupational injuries and employers who provide paid sick leave see 25 percent less turnover in their workforce. According to a study by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, a universal paid sick days policy would reduce preventable visits to the emergency room and result in cost savings of $1.1 billion per year, including $500 million in savings for public health insurance programs like Medicare and Medicaid.

The Healthy Families Act of 2023 would allow workers in businesses with 15 or more employees to earn up to seven job-protected paid sick days each year to be used to recover from their own illnesses, access preventive care, provide care to a sick family member, or attend school meetings related to a child’s health condition or disability. The legislation would also:

Allow workers in businesses with fewer than 15 employees to earn up to seven job-protected unpaid sick days each year to be used for the same reasons – unless their employers choose to offer paid sick days.
Allow workers who are victims of domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault to use their paid sick days to recover or seek assistance related to an incident.
Provide a simple method for calculating accrued sick time. Workers would earn a minimum of one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked, up to 56 hours per year, unless the employer selects a higher limit.

More than 120 organizations have endorsed the Healthy Families Act of 2023, including the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen, MomsRising, Family Values at Work, Paid Leave For All, National Partnership for Women & Families, National Nurses United, and A Better Balance.

In addition to Durbin, Duckworth, the legislation was cosponsored by Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Patty Murray (D-WA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Bob Casey (D-PA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Diane Feinstein (D-CA), John Fetterman (D-PA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Brian Schatz (D-MI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tina Smith (D-MN), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

Read testimonials and statements of support, here.

Read the fact sheet, here.

Read the bill text, here.

Read the list of endorsing organizations, here.

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May 22, 2023

Durbin: We Are Days Away From A Possible Economic Catastrophe Because Republicans Are Threatening To Default

Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

05.18.23

WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today slammed House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy for his threats to default on America’s debt for the first time in history unless Democrats agree to slash funding for working families, veterans, law enforcement, and small businesses across the country.

“June 1 looms on us unless Congress takes action or the United States will default on its debt for the first time in the history of our nation. All the people who are in the know tell us it would be a disaster of such proportion that it would harm individuals, families, and businesses across the United States,” Durbin said.

Durbin went on to highlight Speaker McCarthy’s and his MAGA majority’s legislation and how it would decimate funding for our nation’s veterans, gut funding for law enforcement and border patrol jobs, jeopardize health care coverage for millions of Americans, and eliminate food assistance for more than one million people—including children—who are at risk of going hungry. The proposal would cut critical medical research in the United States.

“Now the Speaker has told us they want to cut back on medical research. Tell that to the families of cancer victims, tell that to the families that are trying to cope with life-threatening diseases. The breakthroughs that come about because of this medical research should inspire us to spend even more on research. To think that we may be close to a vaccine against pancreatic cancer? That is unthinkable a few weeks ago or months ago. But now there are reports that NIH research is leading in that direction with some promising conclusions,” Durbin said.

Durbin also noted how Speaker McCarthy’s proposal protects the Trump tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy and big corporations.

Durbin continued, “These are tax cuts that benefited corporations which were not paying their fair share of taxes and continue to receive blessings from the Trump Administration to pay even less and wealthy individuals who are doing quite well for themselves… Speaker McCarthy wants to preserve those tax cuts. Well, that’s not my priority serving in the United States Senate.”

During his speech, Durbin also highlighted how McCarthy’s plan guts critical environmental protections in order to fast track new fossil fuel projects, mandates the sale of new oil and gas leases, and accelerates drilling. McCarthy’s proposal would make us more vulnerable to the climate crisis.

“That’s not just bad for the planet—it’s bad for our people, our economy, as well as our nation’s hopes for becoming energy independent. If this MAGA Manifesto becomes law, it could eliminate more than 140,000 clean energy jobs across the country, jobs which we promoted with the Inflation Reduction Act. The Republican proposal also would cut billions of dollars in clean energy investments—the majority of which benefit businesses and workers in their own states. Importantly, these investments are not only job creators, they are vital to our nation’s capacity to remain resilient in the face of a looming climate crisis. Just yesterday, the World Meteorological Organization warned that the next few years will be the warmest on record for planet earth. Temperatures may even breach the targets set by the Paris Agreement—not in the next five decades, but the next five years,” Durbin continued.

“These Republicans insist that if we want to become energy-independent, we have no choice but to invest more in oil and gas. In their view, America is hopelessly addicted to fossil fuels and are forcing us to remain beholden to foreign oil giants is the Republican answer but the truth is, they’re wrong,” Durbin said. “Fossil fuels are not the future.”

In Springfield, Illinois, an American-owned solar company broke ground on a project called Double Black Diamond. The company will be producing more than 590 megawatts of clean, solar energy that will power homes and businesses throughout Illinois. The Double Black Diamond project will be one of the largest solar farms in the entire country.

Durbin concluded, “Right now if we don’t [invest in clean energy], China and other countries will. They are going to pursue solar electricity and the next-generation technology. We will be left behind if the Republicans have their way with the budget bill. We are not going to take a back seat to China or any other country. We’ve got to think about tomorrow.”

Video of Durbin’s floor speech is available here.

Audio of Durbin’s floor speech is available here.

Footage of Durbin’s floor speech is available here for TV Stations.

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May 21, 2023

Klobuchar, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Help Recruit and Retain Election Workers

Source: United States Senator for Minnesota Amy Klobuchar

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chairwoman of the Committee on Rules and Administration with oversight over federal elections, and U.S. Senators Mark Warner (D-VA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tina Smith (D-MN), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) introduced legislation to support the recruitment and retention of election workers. This legislation is led in the House of Representatives by U.S. Representative Joe Morelle (D-NY), Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration.

Election workers continue to face intimidation and security threats and are increasingly leaving their jobs. According to a newly released survey from the Brennan Center for Justice, several election officials have left their jobs and more plan to leave before the 2024 election. The Support our Election Workers Act responds to this challenge by providing resources to states to recruit and retain election workers, helping to ensure our elections are administered smoothly.

“Our election workers are on the frontlines of our democracy, ensuring Americans can access the ballot box. But over the past few years, election officials and poll workers have faced a barrage of threats and intimidation and we’re now facing a serious worker shortage,” said Klobuchar. “Our legislation would take steps to strengthen our support for election workers to make sure we’re able to recruit and retain these essential public servants for future elections.”

“For years now, election workers have faced intimidation, threats, and violence while attempting to do their jobs and facilitate our free and fair elections,” said Warner. “The Election Workers Protection Act takes steps to protect the safety of the public servants who administer our elections – the cornerstone of our democracy.”

“As California’s former Secretary of State, I understand the hard work and dedication that our election workers put into every single election,” said Padilla. “In recent years, however, they have faced increasing attacks on their critical work to uphold the very foundation of our democracy. That’s why I’m cosponsoring the Support Our Election Workers Act, which will help better compensate election workers so they can continue to ensure that our elections remain free and fair.”

“Election workers are crucial to the strength of our democracy,” said Whitehouse. “The Support Our Election Workers Act will provide states with funding to adequately pay election workers, increase recruitment and retention efforts to fill these important roles, and protect the integrity of our elections.”

“Election workers in Oregon and nationwide provide a crucial service, ensuring that all eligible voters can make their voices heard by casting a ballot. But their lives and livelihoods are under threat from extremists trying to undermine our elections,” said Wyden. “These workers make up the backbone of our democratic process, and I’ll fight tooth and nail to get election workers the support they need to carry out their sacred duty.”

“Without election workers our democracy crumbles. In recent years, lies and disinformation about the presidential election have fueled armed protests and unprecedented threats and harassment targeted at election officials. We must protect our election workers and democracy by ensuring those who administer our elections are safe and protected,” said Morelle.

The Support our Election Workers Act requires the Election Assistance Commission to distribute grants to states to provide increased pay for election workers, including people serving as poll workers and election officials. The legislation also requires states seeking grants to describe their plans to use such funds to retain qualified election workers and to recruit new election workers.

The legislation is endorsed by the Campaign Legal Center, Common Cause, Network Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, End Citizens United/Let America Vote Action Fund, Transparency International U.S., American Federation of Teachers, Pax Christi USA, and Sojourners.

As Chairwoman of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee with oversight over federal elections, Klobuchar has long championed efforts to support and protect election workers.

In April, Klobuchar reintroduced the Election Worker Protection Act, comprehensive legislation to address threats to election workers, with Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and 23 of their colleagues.

This month, Klobuchar reintroduced the Protecting Election Administration from Interference Act to expand protections against election interference during the ballot counting and certification processes with U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tina Smith (D-MN), Mark Warner (D-VA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).

In March 2023, Klobuchar held a Rules Committee hearing on election administration, including the impact of increasing threats directed at election officials on the ability of states and local governments to administer elections.

In 2021, Klobuchar introduced the Freedom to Vote Act, landmark legislation to strengthen our democracy, which included resources to recruit and train election workers as well as provisions to prevent the intimidation and harassment of election workers. All Senate Democrats cosponsored this legislation and voted to advance the bill in January 2022.

In June 2022, she and Durbin led 20 of their colleagues in urging the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to notify state and local law enforcement of rising threats against election workers. Durbin also held a Judiciary Committee oversight hearing in August 2022, that included testimony from officials at the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), on threats to election workers and the first formal update to Congress since the DOJ’s announcement one year ago that it was launching a task force to address the rise in threats against election officials.

Also in June 2022, Klobuchar and former Senate Rules Committee Ranking Member Roy Blunt (R-MO) led a successful effort to call on the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) to expand the use of federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA) funding to protect election workers and officials against threats.

In October 2021, Klobuchar held a Rules Committee hearing on increasing threats directed at election officials and the ability of states and local governments to retain election officials and recruit workers to administer future elections.

In June 2021, Klobuchar and Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) led bicameral legislation to prevent local election officials from being removed without cause while protecting the safety and security of election workers and volunteers. U.S. Representatives John Sarbanes (D-MD), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Nikema Williams (D-GA), and Colin Allred (D-TX) introduced companion legislation in the House.

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May 20, 2023

Capito, Colleagues Announce “National Kids to Parks Day” Resolution

Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) joined a bipartisan group of her Senate colleagues, led by Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), in announcing their bipartisan resolution that encourages children to get outdoors and promote healthy outdoor recreation by designating May 20, 2023 National Kids to Parks Day.

First celebrated by the National Park Trust, the 13th annual Kids to Parks Day marked the beginning of a summer-long series of events at state parks countrywide that promote outdoor recreation and active, healthy living.

“West Virginia has some of the best parks around,” Senator Capito said. “On the 13th annual National Kids to Parks Day, I hope kids and families celebrate by visiting the natural wonders in our state like the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and other community parks in our state!”

“Thirteen years ago, National Park Trust established Kids to Parks Day to get more kids outside exploring our country’s parks, public lands, and waters. We applaud our Senate champions that have co-sponsored this resolution to promote this national day of outdoor play so we all can experience the numerous health and wellness benefits of the great outdoors,” Grace Lee, Executive Director of the National Park Trust, said.

Full text of the resolution can be found here.

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May 20, 2023

Sullivan: Biden Continues Predictable Pattern of Weakness, Belatedly Approves Allied F-16s to Ukraine

Source: United States Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan

05.19.23

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), today released the following statement responding to reports that President Joe Biden has approved a plan to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets and for U.S. allies to provide the fourth-generation fighters, signaling a clear reversal from the Biden administration’s year-long rejection of the aid. Sullivan said the Biden administration has engaged in a predictable pattern, slow-rolling or outright denying vitally-needed weapon systems to the Ukrainians, only to buckle under pressure from Congress and America’s allies months later. In an interview on NBC’s Meet the Press in February, Sullivan warned the same pattern would play out with the F-16s.

“Well, that was predictable. Like the Biden administration has done with every single important weapon system slated to help Ukraine defend itself, it delayed and delayed the F-16s until pressure from Democratic and Republican Senators and our NATO allies made it impossible to delay any further,” said Senator Sullivan. “Perhaps the silver lining from this latest months-long, misguided and unnecessary delay is that the top Biden official who has slow-rolled every weapon system imaginable to Ukraine—Undersecretary of Defense Colin Kahl—is resigning. With Kahl leaving, perhaps the administration will finally wake up to the idea of getting the Ukrainians the weapon systems they need—when they need them—to fight and win this war.”

Timeline:

On June 23, 2022, Sen. Sullivan hosted Ukrainian fighter pilots in D.C. to meet with several Senators. The Ukrainians detailed what military aid was needed to defend Ukrainian cities and military installations, and go on the offensive against Russian forces, which included F-16s.
On July 15, 2022, Sen. Sullivan led a bipartisan letter to Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Mark Milley and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin urging them to consider providing fourth-generation fighters, like the F-16, and necessary flight training to the Ukrainians.
In an interview on NBC’s Meet the Press in February 2023, Sen. Sullivan warned that President Biden would follow the administration’s pattern of slow-rolling critical military aid to the Ukrainians and belatedly approve providing F-16s and related flight training.

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May 20, 2023

Sen. Scott Statement on the Passing of Tim Keller

Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott

Friday | May 19, 2023

WASHINGTON – Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) issued the following statement on the passing of pastor and theologian Tim Keller.

“Heartbroken to learn of the passing of a dear friend, spiritual mentor, and teacher, Tim Keller.

“I met Tim when I was first elected to Congress, and his thoughtful approach to teaching and sharing the gospel has shown the love of Christ to every corner of the world.

“His mentorship has guided my time in public service, and has helped me develop habits to fully live a faith-filled life.

“Ultimately, Tim’s life and faith reminds us to keep the main thing the main thing as we pursue our purpose in life.”

Related Issues:

May 20, 2023

Rosen, Collins Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand STEM in K-12 Schools

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

Bill Would Increase Access To Accounting Curricula To Help Grow Next Generation Workforce At A Time When The U.S. Is Facing A Shortage Of Accountants

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced the bipartisan Accounting STEM Pursuit Act to add accounting education to STEM curricula for K-12 students. This legislation, which was introduced in the House of Representatives by Congresswomen Haley Stevens (MI-11) and Young Kim (CA-40), would increase access to accounting coursework in an effort to improve career pathways and workforce diversity in the field.

“Exposing students to STEM learning in the classroom helps inspire them to consider new career paths in many essential fields,” said Senator Rosen. “As a former computer programmer and Chair of the Senate Women in STEM Caucus, I’m proud to help introduce this bipartisan legislation to promote and expand access to accounting education programs by recognizing it as a STEM field.”

As the co-chair of the Senate Women in STEM caucus, Senator Rosen has taken the lead on increasing access to STEM. Last year, Senator Rosen’s bipartisan Rural STEM Education Act was signed into law as part of the CHIPS and Science Act, which breaks down barriers rural students face in accessing STEM education. Senator Rosen’s bipartisan Building Blocks of STEM Act, which helps increase girls’ participation in computer science, was also signed into law. Senator Rosen also led a bipartisan group of her Senate colleagues in introducing the PROMOTES Act to authorize the Secretary of Defense to implement a program preparing students in the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) for training and education in STEM fields.

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May 20, 2023

Sen. Cramer: HHS Awards Over $2 Million to North Dakota Organizations

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

BISMARCK – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer announced the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded North Dakota organizations $2,075,056 as follows:

$1,732,096 to the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services for its Cancer Prevention and Control Program
$300,000 to the Coal Country Community Health Center for its Rural Health Network and Development Program
$42,960 to North Dakota State University for its veterinary diagnostic laboratory (the Vet-LIRN program cooperative agreement)

May 19, 2023

HYDE-SMITH, COLLEAGUES ANNOUNCE ‘KIDS TO PARKS DAY’ RESOLUTION

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

HYDE-SMITH, COLLEAGUES ANNOUNCE ‘KIDS TO PARKS DAY’ RESOLUTION

Bipartisan Measure Encourages Youth to Enjoy the Outdoors More

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) today announced their bipartisan resolution that encourages children to get outdoors and promote healthy outdoor recreation by designating May 20, 2023, as National Kids to Parks Day.

First celebrated by the National Park Trust, the 13th annual Kids to Parks Day marks the beginning of a summer-long series of events at state parks countrywide that promote outdoor recreation and active, healthy living. It will be celebrated Saturday, May 20.

“Kids to Parks Day reminds us of all the benefits of children spending time outdoors. The entire state of Mississippi is abounding in wonderful parks and natural spaces for kids to play and learn more about the world around them,” Hyde-Smith said.

“National Kids to Parks Day has become a yearly tradition for Oregon families – encouraging kids to enjoy the outdoors and explore our state’s natural treasures,” Wyden said. “This day connects kids to the richness of the great outdoors while also teaching future generations the importance of preserving our open spaces and natural resources. I’m proud to be part of this tradition and honor the benefits and beauty of the great outdoors.”

“Thirteen years ago, National Park Trust established Kids to Parks Day to get more kids outside exploring our country’s parks, public lands, and waters. We applaud our Senate champions that have co-sponsored this resolution to promote this national day of outdoor play so we all can experience the numerous health and wellness benefits of the great outdoors,” said Grace Lee, Executive Director of the National Park Trust.

In designating National Kids to Parks Day, S.Res.226 states that the Senate “recognizes the importance of outdoor recreation and the preservation of open spaces for the health and education of the young people of the United States.”

U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Shelly Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) cosponsored the resolution, which can be read here.

Click here to learn more about state parks administered by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.

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