Category: US Senate

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Cortez Masto Announces FCC’s New Broadband Funding Map She Created, Highlights Continued Push for Expanded Broadband Accessibility

Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

May 16, 2023

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) released the following statement after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rolled out its new interactive Broadband Funding Map. Senator Cortez Masto worked with Republican Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) to create this tool in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and pushed the Administration to implement it to ensure that federal broadband funding is being distributed efficiently and is targeted to underserved areas that need it most, including rural areas in Nevada.

“Since hearing from Nevadans in underserved areas about their challenges accessing broadband, I’ve made sure that Nevada is getting more resources to connect to the internet, and that federal funds are being spent effectively,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “This tool helps build on my work to bring greater transparency to the programs intended to ensure every Nevadan has access to critical resources that internet connectivity provides.”

This tool is part of Cortez Masto’s comprehensive push for government accountability and oversight of federal broadband resources. Just last week the Department of Commerce’s NTIA released a new dashboard and reports required as part of bipartisan legislation that Cortez Masto passed into law to foster the development and growth of broadband funding to rural communities. 

You can access the Broadband Funding Map HERE.

As part of her Innovation State Initiative, Senator Cortez Masto has led in the Senate to improve broadband access and strengthen Nevada’s economy. Most recently, she advocated for accurate federal broadband access data to ensure Nevada gets the funding needed to connect all Nevadans, as well as helped secure more than $11 million for Nevada tribes, $27 million for Lovelock, NV and $7.3 million for Elko County residents. In 2020, she passed her bipartisan ACCESS BROADBAND Act to ensure Nevadans in underserved urban and rural communities have easier access to federal broadband programs through improved access and transparency of federal broadband. 

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Boozman, Cotton Commemorate National Police Week with Legislation to Back the Blue

Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman

WASHINGTON –  As police officers from Arkansas and across the country gather in the nation’s capital for National Police Week to honor those who lost their lives in the line of duty, U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Tom Cotton (R-AR) are honoring the men and women who wear the badge with the introduction of the Back the Blue Act.

This legislation, spearheaded by U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), would increase penalties for criminals who target law enforcement officers and provide new tools for officers to protect themselves.

“Law enforcement officers put on their uniform knowing the risks that come with the public duty to serve and protect. Criminals who target those who wear the badge and patrol our streets must be held accountable for their heinous actions. As we commemorate National Police Week, this legislation serves as a reminder that we stand with the men and women in blue,” Boozman said.

“Law enforcement officers defend the rule of law and protect their fellow citizens. An attack on an officer is an attack on our democracy. Criminals who try to assassinate police must be prosecuted to the full extent of the law, and they deserve nothing less than life in prison or the death penalty,” Cotton said.

In addition to Boozman, Cotton and Cornyn, the legislation is cosponsored by Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Rick Scott (R-FL), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Mike Braun (R-IN), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Katie Britt (R-AL), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Jim Risch (R-ID), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Steve Daines (R-MT), John Barrasso (R-WY), James Lankford (R-OK), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), John Kennedy (R-LA), John Thune (R-SD), John Hoeven (R-ND), Ted Budd (R-NC), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Tim Scott (R-SC) and Bill Hagerty (R-TN).

The Back the Blue Act:

Strengthens Laws to Protect Police Officers

  • Creates a new federal crime for killing, attempting to kill, or conspiring to kill a federal judge, federal law enforcement officer, or federally-funded public safety officer. The offender would be subject to the death penalty and a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years if death results; the offender would otherwise face a minimum sentence of 10 years.
  • Creates a new federal crime for assaulting a federally-funded law enforcement officer with escalating penalties, including mandatory minimums, based on the extent of any injury and the use of a dangerous weapon. However, no prosecution can be commenced absent certification by the Attorney General that prosecution is appropriate.
  • Creates a new federal crime for interstate flight from justice to avoid prosecution for killing, attempting to kill, or conspiring to kill a federal judge, federal law enforcement officer, or federally-funded public safety officer. The offender would be subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years for this offense.

Creates a Specific Aggravating Factor for Federal Death Penalty Prosecutions

  • Clarifies that the murder or attempted murder of a law enforcement officer or first responder is a statutory aggravating factor for purposes of the federal death penalty. 

Limits Federal Habeas Relief for Murders of Law Enforcement Officers

  • Imposes time limits and substantive limits on federal courts’ review of challenges to state-court convictions for crimes involving the murder of a public safety officer, when the public safety officer was engaged in the performance of official duties or on account of the performance of official duties. These changes are consistent with the fast-track procedures created in 1996, which are applied to federal death penalty cases.

Expands Self-Defense and Second Amendment Rights for Law Enforcement Officers

  • Allows law enforcement officers, subject to limited regulation, to carry firearms into federal facilities and other jurisdictions where such possession is otherwise prohibited.

This legislation is endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, National Association of Police Organizations, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association and the New York Police Department Sergeants Benevolent Association.

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Bennet To Join White House and USDA Leaders to Welcome Nearly $11 Billion Investment to Advance Clean Energy Across Rural America

Source: United States Senator for Colorado Michael Bennet

Washington, D.C. — Today, Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet will join U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack and Biden Administration leaders at the White House to announce nearly $11 billion in grants and loan opportunities to help rural energy and utility providers bring affordable, reliable clean energy to their communities across the country. This represents the single largest investment in rural electrification since President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed the Rural Electrification Act in 1936.

“We have no time to waste as families in rural Colorado face high energy costs and the effects of climate-fueled disasters like wildfire and drought. These programs will play a critical role in lowering energy costs, creating local jobs, cutting greenhouse gas emissions, and accelerating the deployment of clean energy for Colorado’s rural communities,” said Bennet.

“The Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to cleaner energy provides rural communities with an affordable and reliable power grid, while supporting thousands of new jobs and helping lower energy costs in the future,” said Vilsack. “These investments will also combat climate change and significantly reduce air and water pollution that put children’s health at risk. The U.S. Department of Agriculture stands ready to partner with municipalities, tribal entities, entrepreneurs, rural electric cooperatives and other utilities to see this transformative investment come to life and create new economic growth and healthier communities.”

These grants and loan opportunities being announced today will be available through two specific programs:

  • $9.7 billion through the Empowering Rural America (New ERA) program for eligible rural electric cooperatives to deploy renewable energy, zero-emission, and carbon capture systems.
  • $1 billion through the Powering Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) program in partially-forgivable loans to renewable energy developers and electric service providers to help finance large-scale solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, and hydropower projects, and energy storage in support of renewable energy systems.

In December, Bennet urged USDA Undersecretary for Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small and Rural Utilities Service Administrator Andrew Berke to quickly distribute clean energy funds from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to rural communities. He also urged USDA to provide clear implementation guidance for the funds and to distribute them in innovative, flexible ways, including to help disadvantaged and economically distressed communities that traditionally lack the resources to access these programs. 

Bennet championed nearly $14 billion in the IRA to accelerate clean energy deployment, create local economic opportunities, and lower costs for families in rural communities – including the nearly $11 billion announced today, as well as $2 billion for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Bennet helped secure these investments alongside direct pay provisions in the IRA that allow rural electric cooperatives, public power companies, Tribes, and other entities without tax liability to access clean energy tax credits for the first time ever. Together, these measures will position rural communities to reap the benefits of the transition to a clean energy economy.

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Young Pays Tribute to Hoosier Marine Veteran Marion “Wayne” Saucerman

Source: United States Senator for Indiana Todd Young

May 16, 2023

**Click here or above to watch the full floor speech.**

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) spoke on the Senate floor about the life and legacy of Corporal Marion “Wayne” Saucerman, a World War II Marine veteran from Indiana.

While serving at Iwo Jima, Cpl Saucerman earned the Purple Heart after being shot three times by the enemy. When the war ended, he returned home to Indiana, where he lived and worked until he passed away on May 2, 2023.

In his remarks, Young expressed gratitude for Saucerman and all World War II veterans for their service.

To watch the full floor speech, click here.

Senator Young’s full remarks, as prepared for delivery:

Corporal Marion “Wayne” Saucerman graduated from Dugger High School in Sullivan County in 1943.

Two days later he was a Marine, a decision he made after he listened to reports of the attack on Pearl Harbor over the family radio in 1941.

He was ready to fight.

And he did, with great valor. 

In a year he went from rural western Indiana to the volcanic beaches of Iwo Jima, as part of an elite sniper platoon in the 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division.

As they approached the shore, the battle was so fierce the Marines could barely make out the smoke-shrouded island.

Days after landing, Corporal Saucerman and his 30-man platoon reached the front lines. Only 10 returned.

While Corporal Saucerman did not raise the Stars and Stripes on Mount Suribachi, he could see it waving high in the distance from his position down the shoreline.

That American flag would not have flown over the island had Corporal Saucerman and his brother marines not been there fighting for it.

Weeks later, leading an operation to flush out Japanese riflemen hidden deep in caves, Wayne was hit three times by enemy fire: a bullet to the right hand and two more in the left leg, one of which he carried the rest of his life.

The Purple Heart was Corporal Saucerman’s award for his bravery at Iwo Jima; the bullet in his leg was a reminder of his service there.

The sacrifices of those Marines and Sailors on Iwo Jima, men like Wayne Saucerman, saved the lives of 24,000 American air crewmen from a perilous fate in the waters of the Pacific and changed the tide of World War II.

And then they came home, they built communities, they raised families, and they continued to make history.

For 35 years, Corporal Saucerman worked at Allison Transmission in Indianapolis, helping build the machines that took Americans across highways, into the air, and to the moon.

Mr. President, Corporal Saucerman passed away on May 2. He was 97.

I rise to give tribute to a life well-lived, in both heroic service to his country and dedicated service back home, with great love for family and friends. And to a Hoosier who was, in return, greatly loved.

His passing is a reminder that the ranks our World War II veterans daily grows thin.

They saved civilization by simply doing their duty.

In what time we have, with what poor power we have, let us never forget or cease to thank them for doing so.

Semper Fi.

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ICYMI: Sen. Bill Cassidy Takes to the Streets of DC in Social Security Reform Push

Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

“Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) released the first in a multipart video series highlighting Social Security’s dire financial outlook on Monday, featuring him taking to the streets for man-on-the-street-style interviews in which he prescribed some solutions and knocked 2024 hopefuls for shying away from reform… 

“‘Social Security is going insolvent in nine years. When that happens, benefits are cut by 24% for all current and future beneficiaries,’ Cassidy said. ‘We have a ‘Big Idea’ to save Social Security, and I am presenting it to these fellow Americans to see how they like it.’

“That ‘Big Idea’ Cassidy refers to is the establishment of a separate fund to strengthen Social Security via private investments. 

“‘We would take some dollars, not Social Security money, set up a fund separate from Social Security, and we invest that fund in the U.S. economy. And as that money grows, we use it in order to help Social Security become solid,’ Cassidy explained in the video. 

“People on the street featured in his video seemed receptive to it…

“Cassidy is leading a working group with Sen. Angus King (I-ME) on how to avert the program’s projected insolvency. Cassidy is the ranking member on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.

“One projection from the Congressional Budget Office estimated that the program’s Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance trust funds will be depleted by 2033 and 2048, respectively…”

Read the full article here. 

Background

Cassidy is leading a bipartisan working group with U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) to preserve and protect Social Security.

This week, he released the inaugural, Bill on the Hill video, where he asked Capitol Hill visitors from across the country their thoughts on the looming 24% benefit cut to Social Security and presented his “Big Idea” to save, strengthen, and secure America’s retirement system.

At a Senate Finance Hearing in March, he questioned U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on the Biden administration’s lack of a plan to address Social Security at a Senate Finance hearing. He also delivered a speech on the Senate floor calling on President Biden to honor his pledge to protect Social Security and meet with a bipartisan group of senators currently discussing options to save the program.

Last month, Cassidy outlined his Social Security plan in a fireside chat with the Bipartisan Policy Committee and he recently authored an op-ed in the National Review.

In March, the Trustees of the Social Security and Medicare trust funds moved up the Social Security insolvency deadline a full year.  One month prior, the Congressional Budget Office updated its estimates saying Social Security is heading toward a financial cliff in 2032. They found Medicare and Social Security spending rapidly outpacing federal tax revenues further hastening the insolvency deadlines. 

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Rounds, Cornyn and Colleagues Introduce Bill to Reform Security Classification System

Source: United States Senator for South Dakota Mike Rounds

05.16.23

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), John Cornyn (R-Texas) and eight of their Senate colleagues introduced the Sensible Classification Act of 2023. This bipartisan legislation would increase accountability and oversight of the classification system, limit overclassification and direct federal agencies to justify security clearance requirements.

“We place our national security at risk by adhering to a classification system rooted in the Cold War,” said Rounds. “This bill takes meaningful steps to modernize our classification system, which will result in more rapid decision-making, greater agility and improved situational awareness for those who defend our country from 21st century threats.”

“Controlling access to sensitive information enables the U.S. to remain at least one step ahead of its adversaries, but declassification gives us the opportunity to work with our allies around the world and show the American people what their government is doing,” said Cornyn. “This bill would modernize the process for classification, ensure the safety and security of what should be classified, and make the declassification process more efficient as we seek to strike the delicate balance between transparency and secrecy.”

The classification system is in urgent need of reform. Technology has made it easier to classify files, but greater accountability and oversight is needed to carry out appropriate and timely declassification to rebuild trust between the government and the American people. Too many individuals have access to classified information, which contributes to rampant overclassification and lack of accountability.

Specifically, the Sensible Classification Act of 2023 would:

  • Codify classification authority as the president, vice president, head of an agency or the individual to whom such authority has been delegated in line with current practice pursuant to Executive Order 13526 and specify how the authority is delegated and the training required to receive it.
  • Promote efficient declassification for records under the Freedom of Information Act or Mandatory Declassification Review.
  • Require training to promote sensible classification.
  • Improve the Public Interest Declassification Board by allowing for additional staff to be hired and allowing members to serve until a successor is appointed.
  • Direct the federal government to develop a federated and integrated technology solution to the issue of classification and declassification.
  • Direct federal agencies to conduct a study on the necessity of number and types of security clearances with sufficient justification.

Joining Rounds and Cornyn in introducing this legislation are Senators Mark Warner (D-Va.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Angus King (I-Maine), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), James Lankford (R-Okla.) and Bob Casey (D-Pa.).

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Senator Johnson Joins Colleagues in Public Comment Defending Women’s Sports

Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Ron Johnson

WASHINGTON – On Monday, U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) joined Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) and Senate colleagues in filing a public comment opposing the Department of Education proposed rule to expand Title IX to allow biological males to compete in women’s sports.

The senators stated: “We strongly oppose the proposed rule entitled ‘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.’”

The senators blasted the department for: “leaving women at a complete disadvantage in activities specifically meant for them.”

The letter made clear: “The Department must consider the resulting real-life inherent costs—the cost of lost opportunities for girls in academic settings. By expanding the pool of protected individuals and creating mass uncertainty at each individual school and school district, it stands to reason that biological girls will ultimately lose scholarship and athletic opportunities designated for them under the original intent of Title IX.”

The senators called on the department to: “Rather than expanding the definition of Title IX to fit the current progressive agenda, the administration should support Congress in strengthening its congressional intent and reinforce the protections Title IX afforded women and girls when it was first enacted in 1972.”

Senators Johnson and Tuberville are joined on this comment by U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), 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.), and Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Tedd Budd (R-N.C.), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska.), and Katie Britt (R-Ala.).

Full text of the comment can be found here.

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Capito Announces More Than $7.1 Million for Three WV Flood Repair Efforts

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 Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, and member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced three grants totaling $7,186,999.40 through the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Emergency Relief Program for infrastructure repairs and improvements following flood damage in West Virginia in 2017, 2018, and 2019.

“On multiple occasions over the past several years, heavy flooding has left West Virginia’s infrastructure systems in need of repair,” Ranking Member Capito said. “We haven’t forgotten about the need to address the damage done to roads and trails in communities across our state following these floods, which is why the funding being announced today is so critical. I look forward to seeing the rebuilding efforts in the impacted areas so residents and visitors alike can continue enjoying the Mountain State for years to come.”

Individual awards and details listed below:

  • $3,757,966.40 – for repairs following June 2019 flooding
    • On June 30, 2019, heavy rain and flooding caused damage to roads and trails in the Monongahela National Forest in Pocahontas, Pendleton, Tucker, Randolph, and Grant counties in the State of West Virginia. Damage to federally owned roads occurred at 28 sites on multiple roads and trails. Bridge abutments were scoured, with superstructure damage. There was also damage to aggregate road surface and culverts. Federally eligible emergency and permanent repairs include: replacing abutments, removal and resetting bridge superstructures, bridge replacement, culvert cleaning, embankment repairs with special rock embankment (riprap) and geotextile lining, gabion face and mechanically stabilized earth wall at the base of a slope, roadway reconditioning, aggregate surface, removing and replacing existing cross pipes, ditch reconditioning, and shoulder reconstruction.
  • $3,350,117 – for repairs following August 2018 flooding
    • On August 31, 2018, heavy rain and flooding caused damage to roads and trails in the Monongahela National Forest in Pocahontas, Webster, Nicholas, Pendleton, Tucker, Randolph, Grant, and Greenbrier Counties in the State of West Virginia. Damage occurred on nine sites on multiple federally owned roads and one trail. Federally eligible permanent repair includes bridge replacement and pavement reconstruction.
  • $78,916 – for repairs following October 2017 flooding
    • Starting on October 30, 2017 and ending on October 31, 2017, unusual heavy rains inundated Mid-Atlantic States all the way into New England. Both state and presidential disaster declarations were announced for multiple states. This storm affected several counties in West Virginia and New Hampshire. Damage to federally owned roads occurred at 25 sites on multiple roads and trails in the Monongahela National Forest. Federally eligible permanent repair includes bridge replacement and pavement reconstruction.

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Menendez, Booker, Colleagues Reintroduce the Bicameral Momnibus Act to End America’s Maternal Health Crisis

Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Bob Menendez

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-N.J.), along with U.S. Representatives Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.-14) and Alma Adams (D-N.C.-12), reintroduced the bicameral Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act, historic legislation to save the lives of pregnant women and mothers and address every driver of maternal mortality, morbidity, and disparities in the United States.

“New Jersey’s maternal mortality and morbidity rates are alarming – a reality that’s further exacerbated amongst Black and Brown pregnant women who experience higher rates of complications during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum,” said Sen. Menendez. “As members of Congress, we have a responsibility to undertake an all of government approach to address this crisis, and with today’s reintroduction of the bicameral Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act, I reaffirm to work with Senator Booker and my colleagues in both chambers to ensure pregnant women and mothers have the resources and holistic care they need to live long healthy lives.”

“The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate of industrialized nations, and the rate is only rising. The data is even more concerning for Black moms,” said Sen. Booker.“ No one deserves to be left behind by the health care system or face inadequate care during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. This legislation is a critical step towards saving lives, ending disparities in health care and outcomes, and ensuring our health care system treats all moms with the care and dignity they deserve regardless of their race or circumstance. I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bill that would address the drivers of the maternal health crisis, invest in social determinants of health, and ensure comprehensive support for all people. It’s time to prioritize the well-being of all, eliminate racial and ethnic disparities for Black and Brown moms, and create a brighter and healthier future for all families.”

The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate of any high-income country, and it’s rapidly getting worse. Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that maternal deaths in recent years have increased by a dramatic 89%. But there is hope: More than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. Comprehensive federal action is the solution we need to end this crisis and save moms’ lives.

The Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act makes critical investments to address social determinants of health, provide funding for community-based organizations, grow and diversify the perinatal health workforce, expand access to maternal mental health care, address the effects of climate change on maternal and infant health, and improve data collection processes.

The Momnibus is made up of thirteen bills sponsored by Black Maternal Health Caucus Members. The legislation will: 

  1.  Make critical investments insocial determinants of healththat influence maternal health outcomes, like housing, transportation, and nutrition. 
  2.  Extend WIC eligibilityin the postpartum and breastfeeding periods. 
  3.  Provide funding tocommunity-based organizationsthat are working to improve maternal health outcomes and promote equity. 
  4.  Increase funding for programs to improvematernal health care for veterans. 
  5.  Grow and diversify theperinatal workforceto ensure that every mom in America receives maternal health care and support from people they trust. 
  6.  Improvedata collection processes and quality measuresto better understand the causes of the maternal health crisis in the United States and inform solutions to address it. 
  7.  Support moms withmaternal mental healthconditions and substance use disorders. 
  8.  Improve maternal health care and support forincarcerated moms. 
  9.  Invest indigital toolsto improve maternal health outcomes in underserved areas. 
  10.  Promoteinnovative payment modelsto incentivize high-quality maternity care and non-clinical support during and after pregnancy. 
  11.  Invest in federal programs to addressmaternal and infant health risks during public health emergencies.  
  12.  Invest in community-based initiatives to reduce levels of and exposure toclimate change-related risks for moms and babies. 
  13.  Promotematernal vaccinationsto protect the health of moms and babies. 

The bill is cosponsored by U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.). Reps. Underwood and Adams were joined by 181 original cosponsors in the House of Representatives.

  • The full text of the bill can be found HERE.
  • Additional information about the individual bills in the Momnibus can be found on the Black Maternal Health Caucus website.
  • A list of more than 200 organizations endorsing the Momnibus can be found HERE.
  • Quotes in support of the Momnibus can be found HERE.

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Rosen,  Cortez MastoJoin New Legislation to Respond to Immediate Needs at the Southern Border

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

WASHINGTON, DC  – As Title 42 expires, U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) joined Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC), on legislation to respond to the immediate needs on our southern border by significantly increasing resources for frontline border personnel. The proposal provides immediate assistance to border officials and authorities to help secure the border and efficiently process asylum seekers. The bill also provides critical support to the communities across America that receive asylum seekers; cracks down on smugglers, cartels, and traffickers by increasing penalties; and funds new resources for inspections at ports of entry to stop the flow of fentanyl into the U.S. The legislation follows a letter that both Senators and Rep. Susie Lee sent to President Biden last week calling on the President to increase resources at our southern border.

 “We must ensure that our frontline border security personnel have the capacity and resources necessary to secure our border and ensure there’s an orderly and humane process,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m helping introduce legislation to significantly increase resources to secure our border while we continue pushing for comprehensive immigration reform.”

“Our legislation will provide Border Patrol and other frontline personnel the resources they need to bring order to our southern border while cracking down on human smuggling and trafficking,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “I will keep working to strengthen border security and ensure swift and humane asylum processing.”

Along with Durbin and Peters, the legislation is cosponsored by Senators Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), and Angus King (I-Maine).

The Border Management, Security, and Assistance Act of 2023 includes the following key elements:

  • Strengthens Border Security: This legislation would provide over $2 million in funding for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to increase capacity, personnel, and technology to strengthen security at the southern border.  It would provide $430 million in new resources for innovative technology and smarter capabilities that improve situational awareness between ports of entry, and significant investments to increase staff and improve technologies at ports of entry, including tools to prevent drug trafficking and other criminal activity. It would create a Transportation Coordinator to facilitate coordination between the federal government, and state and local governments.
  • Consequences for Unlawful Entry: This legislation would provide resources to deter unlawful migration by enforcing consequences for unauthorized border crossings.  The legislation would ensure efficient processing and swift removal of people whose applications are denied and are otherwise prohibited from remaining in the country, including by adding resources for immigration officers and judges to quickly screen and deny ineligible cases.  It would also enhance penalties for human smuggling, drug trafficking, and illegal surveillance of border security personnel, and add resources for U.S. attorneys for increased law enforcement activities related to southwest border enforcement.
  • Enhances Lawful Processes: This proposal would build upon the initial success of the Biden Administration’s Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela Parole program, which reduced apprehensions of nationals from those four countries by 97 percent, by providing resources for infrastructure to process migrants and asylum seekers in Latin America, and streamlining connections to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program for groups experiencing persecution in the region.  It would also increase resources for U.S. Citizenship Immigration Services (USCIS) to help the agency to ensure efficient processing of asylum claims and applications for employment authorization.  Finally, it would improve the employment authorization process for individuals who comply with legal requirements.
  • Supports American Communities: This proposal would provide local communities and nongovernmental organizations that are receiving asylum seekers—both at the border and in the interior of the United States—with the resources that they need and ensure that federal agencies are coordinating with such communities and organizations.
  • Supports Frontline Personnel: This bill would provide additional support to frontline officials through hiring 300 additional CBP officers, processing coordinators, and contracting staff to enable law enforcement personnel to carry out critical law enforcement duties.  In recognition that our frontline personnel are critical to the nation’s security, the bill also provides critical funding to support employee retention, recruitment, and wellness efforts.  

Bill text is available here. 

Senators Rosen and Cortez Masto have worked to pass meaningful immigration reform that balances critical border security measures with a path to citizenship for Dreamers, TPS holders, and essential workers.

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