US Senate – Page 5 – US Whitehouse Ngin

May 31, 2023

Bipartisan Agreement To Start Bringing Reckless Spending To Heel

Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Mitch McConnell

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding the debt limit:

“Four months ago, Speaker McCarthy invited President Biden to start negotiating an agreement to preserve the full faith and credit of the United States and begin to get our nation’s financial house in order.

“The Speaker stood ready to discuss a responsible way forward. But for weeks on end, the Biden Administration and Senate Democratic Leader insisted that there would be no discussion of reasonable reforms to federal spending.

“Washington Democrats wanted a green light to spend more taxpayer dollars, with no strings attached. Well, the people’s House had other plans.

“Speaker McCarthy and his team committed to what I said repeatedly was the only way to get an outcome. Just as with seven of the last ten debt limit agreements in recent history, House Republicans focused on reaching a bipartisan agreement to put reasonable caps on federal spending.

“The Speaker’s deal secures reductions in discretionary spending. But this topline achievement is just part of the story:

“House Republicans also succeeded in clawing back $28 billion dollars in unspent COVID emergency funds. They eliminated this year’s budget for hiring new IRS agents. And they expanded work requirements to put more Americans on sustainable paths out of poverty.

“They put an important down payment on permitting reform by imposing a shot clock on the costly bureaucratic review that hamstrings infrastructure projects. And they forced the executive branch to start balancing the cost of new regulations with corresponding cuts – a move that would have saved taxpayers $1.5 trillion dollars in just the past two years.

“Last fall, Mr. President, the American people elected a divided government. After two years of total Democrat control – two years of radical spending and runaway inflation – they decided to send a Republican majority to the people’s House. They decided to require that President Biden and Washington Democrats start working with Republicans on the biggest issues facing our country.

“Now, divided government means negotiated deals. It means nobody gets everything they want. But in this case, it means the American people got a whole lot more progress toward fiscal sanity than Washington Democrats wanted to give them.

“Speaker McCarthy and House Republicans deserve our thanks. This spring, they passed the only viable legislation that both preserved our nation’s full faith and credit and made real progress toward getting federal spending under control.

“House Republicans’ unity forced President Biden to do his job. It’s that simple.

“And now, Congress will vote on legislation that locks in that important progress.

“Republicans have a tremendous opportunity to take on an existential challenge facing our economy and future generations of Americans. We have a chance to start bringing Washington Democrats’ reckless spending to heel.

“Soon, it will be the Senate’s turn to put this historic agreement on President Biden’s desk. Let’s not pass up our shot.”

May 31, 2023

Van Hollen, Cardin, Mfume Announce $5 Million for Advanced Magnet and Semiconductor Research at Morgan State University

Source: United States Senator for Maryland Chris Van Hollen

May 31, 2023

Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressman Kweisi Mfume (all D-Md.) announced $5,000,000 to spur scientific and technological research at Morgan State University in Baltimore City. Over the next five years, these federal funds – provided through the National Science Foundation’s Centers for Research Excellence in Science and Technology (CREST) program – will establish a new CREST Center for advanced magnet and semiconductor research at the University and will serve as a hub for research collaboration in the region. This funding was made possible by the lawmakers’ work to pass the CHIPS and Science Act and is another clear example of how this historic legislation is investing in our communities and keeping our nation at the forefront of science and technology.

In addition to fostering innovation, the CREST Center at Morgan State will offer educational outreach opportunities, including: summer institutes for local high school students, new graduate programs, collaborative seminars and symposia, and external research internships for students.

“Semiconductors play a critical role in a wide array of products that drive our economy and our global competitiveness, including smartphones, computers, cars, advanced manufacturing equipment and lifesaving medical devices. We passed the CHIPS and Science Act to dramatically increase our semiconductor capabilities and invest in the critical work that institutions like Morgan State University are doing in this vital area. This funding will sharpen our competitive edge in these advanced technologies, expand and diversify our STEM workforce, strengthen our national security, and boost our global competitiveness. It is a win for Maryland and for America,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“Historic investments in STEM and higher education have made Maryland a leader in research and technology. Morgan State has been at the forefront of our most cutting-edge STEM programming,” said Senator Cardin. “Like many of our Historically Black Colleges and Universities, decades of underfunding significantly limited their ability to expand these programs and compete for the nation’s best and brightest. This federal funding through the CHIPS and Science Act will allow Morgan State to deepen its range of high-quality STEM programming while continuing to level the playing field for our HBCUs.”

The National Science Foundation’s CREST program supports the enhancement of the research capabilities of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs). The program’s CREST Centers aim to integrate education and research by establishing centralized research hubs which will ensure long-term innovation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines in addition to diversifying its experts.

Senators Van Hollen and Cardin and Congressman Mfume have strongly supported expanding the research capabilities of Maryland’s HBCUs and the development of semiconductors. The lawmakers supported the CHIPS and Science Act of 2021, which included language to strengthen HBCU research capacity and directed $280 billion in spending to catalyze investments in domestic semiconductor research and manufacturing capacity and broader scientific research and development.

May 31, 2023

Young Recognizes Hoosier Students Who Completed Spring Internship

Source: United States Senator for Indiana Todd Young

May 31, 2023

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) recognized Hoosier students who participated in the spring session of his internship program in Washington, D.C. and Indianapolis. The students assisted with daily activities and special projects related to legislation, communications, and constituent services.

The Washington, D.C. intern class included Audrey Sims (top left), a graduate of the University of St. Andrew’s from Indianapolis, and Joelle Cox (top right), a senior from Corydon attending Indiana University.

The Indianapolis intern class included (as pictured from bottom left to right) Grant Coleman, a freshman from Georgetown attending Butler University; Dakota Boyle, a senior from Carmel attending IUPUI; and Michael Herald, a junior from Fort Wayne attending Butler University.

Senator Young’s office offers internship opportunities year-round, in both his Washington, D.C. and Indianapolis offices. The internship program offers students the opportunity to experience the legislative branch of government and serve Hoosiers.

Students interested in applying can visit Senator Young’s internship webpage or call 202-224-5623 to learn more.

Senator Young released a video to provide more information about the internship program.

***Full resolution photos available upon request.***

May 31, 2023

Lankford Remembers 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, Offers Hope for Bright Future

Source: United States Senator for Oklahoma James Lankford

05.31.23

WASHINGTON, DC – Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today offered the following statement on the 102nd anniversary of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre that took hundreds of lives and left much of North Tulsa in ashes:

“Each year on May 31 and June 1, Oklahoma and the nation pause to reflect on the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre that left a community in ruins. Although Greenwood and North Tulsa lost almost everything on those terrible summer days over 100 years ago, the community remains relentlessly devoted to turning tragedy into triumph. Today, families are moving in, businesses are growing and neighbors are serving neighbors in Greenwood. They remain a beacon for culture, opportunity, and prosperity. They are committed to the future.

“Galatians 6:9 reminds us, ‘Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.’ This year, there is music again at the Historic Big Ten in North Tulsa after years and years of dedicated work to revitalize the ballroom. The Greenwood Rising History Center is flourishing and ensuring future generations will know the history of North Tulsa. Many dedicated community leaders and organizations are working together to chart a fresh future. As we remember this solemn day and plan for a bright future, let us continue to pursue true reconciliation while we work together to form our more perfect union.”

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May 31, 2023

Rounds, Blackburn Introduce Legislation to Provide Veterans with More Health Care Options

Source: United States Senator for South Dakota Mike Rounds

05.31.23

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) reintroduced the Veterans Health Care Freedom Act. This legislation would allow veterans enrolled in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health system to receive care through a local community provider.

Currently, veterans must meet certain eligibility criteria, and the VA must approve the provider referral to seek care in non-VA facilities under the Veterans Community Care Program. This legislation would remove the VA from the referral process to allow veterans to seek care where it is most convenient.

“Veterans across the state of South Dakota have made incredible sacrifices so that we can be free,” said Rounds. “Our veterans deserve the freedom to choose where they receive care, whether it’s at the VA Clinic in Wagner or through a local community provider in Mobridge. I am pleased to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation to improve veterans’ access to the health care services they have earned.”

“Tennessee is home to over 400,000 veterans, who deserve the very best care our nation has to offer and the freedom to choose the care that best fits their needs,” said Blackburn. “We should eliminate the layers of bureaucracy and expedite access to Community Care for all veterans. The Veterans Health Care Freedom Act would create a three-year pilot program within the VA that allows veterans to schedule necessary appointments at non-VA medical facilities and gives them access to information about eligibility, cost sharing, treatments, and providers – so that they are empowered to make informed decisions.”

Specifically, the Veterans Health Care Freedom Act would:

Create a three-year pilot program within the VA Center for Innovation Care and Payment to improve veterans’ access to health care in the free market.
Require that the pilot program be carried out in at least four Veteran Integrated Service Networks (VISN).
Improve access to free market health care by allowing veterans to access primary, specialty and mental health care outside of their corresponding VISN and at non-VA facilities.
Require the VA to give veterans information about eligibility, cost sharing, treatments and providers so they are able to make informed decisions with respect to selection of primary and specialty care providers and other available treatments.
Make the pilot program permanent nationwide four years after enactment of the Veterans Health Care Freedom Act.
Require the VA to submit reports to the Senate and House Veterans’ Affairs Committees on the implementation and results of the pilot program, as well as the final design.
Fund the pilot program using appropriations otherwise made available to the Veterans Health Administration.

Senators Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) joined Rounds and Blackburn in introducing this legislation.

Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Representative Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.).

Click HERE for full bill text.

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May 31, 2023

ICYMI: Tim Scott Bill Requires App Stores To Show Country Of Origin, Would Stick ‘Made In China’ Label On TikTok

Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott

Wednesday | May 31, 2023

WASHINGTON – This week, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) unveiled a bill to protect American children from foreign apps which can access and exploit their data. An exclusive Fox News article outlined the Know Your App Act, which would allow American families to make informed decisions about ways to protect themselves online.

Tim Scott bill requires app stores to show country of origin, would stick ‘Made in China’ label on TikTok

Fox News

By Brooke Singman

“Sen. Tim Scott is rolling out legislation that would require app stores to display the country where apps are developed and owned before users download them amid worries some of the most popular apps in America were developed in China.”

[…]

“Americans should be able to make informed decisions about the online services they use in order to protect their data and security,” Scott told Fox News Digital. “Requiring app stores to display an app’s country of origin is a common-sense solution that can help them do just that.”

[…]

“Under the bill, app stores would be required to provide users the ability to filter out applications from these adversarial countries and warn users about the risk of downloading one of the foreign apps on the list. If an app developer failed to provide sufficient information to the app store about its country affiliation, the app store would be required to issue multiple warnings over a designated period. If the developer still refused to comply, the app store would be required to remove the app from its store.”

[…]

“The rollout of the bill comes amid findings that, as of March of this year, four of the five most popular apps in the United States were developed in China. Those apps were Temu, CapCut, TikTok and Shein.”

[…]

“China’s national intelligence law of 2017 compels businesses registered in China, or with operations in China, to turn over information and data to Chinese intelligence agencies. U.S. officials and lawmakers have warned that the Chinese Communist Party could compel the company to turn over American users’ data or expose them to propaganda.”

Click here to read the article in full on Fox News.

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May 31, 2023

Ahead of Judiciary Committee Hearing on Immigrant Workers, Bennet Calls on Congress to Pass His Affordable and Secure Food Act

Source: United States Senator for Colorado Michael Bennet

Denver — Today, Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet released the following statement ahead of a U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on immigrant workers and their vital contributions to the U.S. economy:

“America’s family farmers and ranchers rely on immigrant workers to bring food to our tables every day. But everywhere I go in Colorado, I hear from farmers about how they don’t have enough workers – and how Congress needs to step up.

“My bipartisan Affordable and Secure Food Act, which builds on legislation that has already passed the House, lowers food prices, creates wage certainty for farmers, and ensures that farm workers have legal protections and a pathway to legal status.

“If we don’t act, family farms and ranches will be forced to shut their doors and unable to pass their operations to the next generation, and farm workers will continue to live with fear and uncertainty in the country they feed every single day with the sweat of their labor. Congress must pass my legislation.”

Background:

Last year, Bennet introduced the Affordable and Secure Food Act to reform the H-2A visa program, provide farm workers with certainty, lower food prices for American families, and secure our nation’s food supply.

May 31, 2023

ICYMI: Cassidy, Grassley Blast Biden’s Unfair Student Loan Schemes in Fox News Op-ed

Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

05.31.23

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and Chuck Grassley (R-IA), ranking member of the Senate Budget Committee, penned an op-ed on Fox News blasting President Biden’s student loan schemes, which are estimated to cost taxpayers nearly $600 billion. This comes as the U.S. Senate is expected to vote this week on the senators’ Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to overturn the Biden administration’s student debt cancelation and the loan repayment pause.

“It is important to note [that President Biden’s] student debt ‘forgiveness’ plan does not actually forgive or cancel debt. It only transfers the burden from those who willingly chose to take out debt to attend college to those who chose not to go to college or already worked to pay off their loans.”wrote the senators.

“Meanwhile, what about the man who skipped college but is paying off the loan on his work truck, or the woman who worked her way through school and is now struggling to pay off her mortgage under Biden’s economy,” continued the senators. “Instead of debt relief, this administration will force them to pick up the bill…Making these taxpayers responsible for the debts of others is as irresponsible as it is unfair.”

“These policies are unfair to the ordinary Americans, 87% of whom have no student loans, who will now have to carry the financial burden of someone else’s student debt,” continued the senators. “We hope all of our colleagues will join us to pass this CRA resolution and stand up for the families who will receive none of the benefit but will have to pay the bill for these irresponsible, unfair policies.”

On March 27^th, Cassidy, Grassley, and 37 Republican senators introduced a CRA resolution to overturn student debt cancelation, which would transfer up to $20,000 in student loan debt per borrower onto taxpayers, costing an estimated $400 billion. The CRA would also end the pause on student loan payments, which costs taxpayers $5 billion a month and has been extended six times under the Biden administration, far beyond the original pandemic justification. The pause will have cost Americans a total of $195 billion by the time the most recent Biden extension is set to expire in August of 2023.

Read the full op-ed here or below.

The quickly approaching debt limit gives Congress and the White House an important opportunity to reset and put our fiscal house in order. Unfortunately, President Biden has made it clear he is more interested in continuing his tax and spending sprees that have accelerated our debt and deficits, and brought about economic pain and uncertainty.

The White House was demanding Congress lift the debt limit with no preconditions. President Biden says it’s about “paying our bills,” which would be true if the administration was not actively trying to add hundreds of billions to the tab. Perhaps the most egregious example is the Biden administration’s student loan schemes, which the Congressional Budget Office estimates will cost taxpayers close to $600 billion.

This week, the Senate will vote on our Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution of disapproval to block President Biden’s loan transfer and the repayment pause.

It is important to note his student debt “forgiveness” plan does not actually forgive or cancel debt. It only transfers the burden from those who willingly chose to take out debt to attend college to those who chose not to go to college or already worked to pay off their loans. Making these taxpayers responsible for the debts of others is as irresponsible as it is unfair.

The CBO estimates this blanket debt transfer will cost $400 billion. Much of that will benefit wealthier families making up to $250,000 a year.

Meanwhile, what about the man who skipped college but is paying off the loan on his work truck, or the woman who worked her way through school and is now struggling to pay off her mortgage under Biden’s economy? Instead of debt relief, this administration will force them to pick up the bill. It is unfair that President Biden would punish them because their debts simply look different from those of his preferred class.

Additionally, the Biden administration has extended the student loan repayment pause six times, long after the original, pandemic lockdown rationale. Costing $5 billion per month, the continued pause has cost the American people $195 billion so far.

These policies are unfair to the ordinary Americans, 87% of whom have no student loans, who will now have to carry the financial burden of someone else’s student debt.

This is about fairness. We hope all of our colleagues will join us to pass this CRA resolution and stand up for the families who will receive none of the benefit but will have to pay the bill for these irresponsible, unfair policies.

As the debt clock continues to climb, Republicans and Democrats must work together to get our financial house in order. The president’s original position of no preconditions to raising the debt ceiling was untenable. For the last two years, his administration has put trillions on the country’s credit card. Now it’s actively trying to spend trillions more with these student loan schemes alone costing over $600 billion and counting.

It’s time to reign in the spending. Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., came to the negotiating table in good faith to work out a deal that is best for all Americans. We urge President Biden to do the same.

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May 31, 2023

Markey, Cardin Statements on Promise of Peaceful, Democratic Transition of Power in Thailand

Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

Washington (May 31, 2023) – Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Ben Cardin (D-Md.) today released statements celebrating the historic victory of the progressive Move Forward party in Thailand earlier this month, which opposes the long-standing control of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), a non-democratic council backed by the Royal Thai Military which has led the nation for nearly a decade since the military abolished the country’s constitution and overturned its democratically-elected government. The Senators called for a peaceful transition of power without interference from the military as the various parties work together to form a government and elect a prime minister:

“This landslide victory is a victory for human rights, democracy, and the rule of law,” said Senator Markey. “I applaud the people of Thailand for their courage and bravery to show up in record numbers, speak out, and vote for a future free from military control. The United States must stand with the people of Thailand as they continue to challenge the status quo and take back their rights.”

“The results of the most recent election delivered a powerful message to the country’s military-backed government: you do not have the consent of the people to rule,” said Senator Cardin. “I stand in solidarity with the people of Thailand in their quest for a democratically elected government that reflects the people’s will.”

In March, Senator Markey and Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) introduced their resolution, with Senator Cardin as a cosponsor, urging Thailand’s government to protect and uphold democracy, human rights, the rule of law, the right to assemble peacefully, and the right to free expression. Last March, Senator Markey, then-chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific, and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) sent a letter requesting that the governments of Thailand and the U.S. address concerns raised over a proposed Thai Non-Government Organization law, which human rights group said would undermine Thailand’s rule of law.

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May 31, 2023

Capito Announces Over $3.7 Million for Kanawha County Head Start Projects

Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, today announced $3,702,041 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the Kanawha County Board of Education. This funding will be used to support Head Start programs in Kanawha County.

“I am happy to see HHS delivering this Head Start funding to the Kanawha County Board of Education because I believe this program—like other Head Start programs across our state—can unlock the path to maximize the potential of every young West Virginian. By supporting programs like Head Start that provide children the tools they need to be successful in the classroom and beyond, we can help ensure their future in West Virginia is filled with the opportunities to live, work, and raise a family,” Ranking Member Capito said.

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