Capito Announces CDS Award for Small Business Improvement Project in Wheeling

Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that the City of Wheeling will receive $500,000 from the Small Business Administration (SBA) for its Façade Improvement Program (FIP) that will help renovate qualified buildings across the city. This funding was made available through a Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) request made and secured by Senator Capito.

In total, Senator Capito secured $250,950,000 in direct spending measures for initiatives and projects across West Virginia through the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 appropriations omnibus package.

“As cities like Wheeling continue to grow, it’s important that we make the necessary investments, in partnership with private sector investment, to accommodate the economic and local needs of the community,” Senator Capito said. “I am proud to secure this funding that will directly support Wheeling’s economic development goals that play a key role in moving our state forward.”

“We are very thankful to the efforts of Senator Capito to secure funding for the City of Wheeling’s Façade Improvement Program. Expanding this very successful program’s funding for several additional roundsof façade grants will add more fuel to the engines of economic development that are moving Wheeling forward each and every day,” Wheeling Mayor Glenn Elliott said.

# # #

Cantwell, Murray Announce $3.9 Million to Develop New Engines of Tech Innovation Across the Pacific Northwest

Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

05.15.23

Cantwell, Murray Announce $3.9 Million to Develop New Engines of Tech Innovation Across the Pacific Northwest

Funding for the first-ever National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engines was authorized by the Cantwell-led CHIPS & Science Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Patty Murray (D-WA), chair of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, announced $3,916,387 in funding to develop four National Science Foundation (NSF) Regional Innovation Engines in the Pacific Northwest.

NSF announced 44 awards to develop Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines) nationwide. Today’s winners are expected to later compete for up to $160 million in NSF funding per engine over ten years. Each NSF Engine is a collaboration between local institutions such as universities, nonprofits, and businesses to drive technology innovation and commercialization in key technology areas like semiconductors or to address pressing national challenges like environmental sustainability or access to education. NSF Engines will work to advance U.S. technology leadership, boost local economies, and create new businesses and good paying jobs. The Cantwell-led and Murray-supported CHIPS & Science Act of 2022 authorized funding for these awards.

“More than a dozen Washington organizations are now partnering with the National Science Foundation to create good jobs and ensure that our state remains a leader in science and manufacturing, including in technologies that can reduce our carbon footprint and create next-generation chips,” said Sen. Cantwell. “With this announcement, we’re on our way toward the ultimate goal of the CHIPS & Science Act: for companies and universities to translate their scientific discoveries out of the lab and into the real world.”

“This new funding in our region will be a game changer for innovation across Washington state,” said Sen. Murray. “These institutions are drivers of innovation and research in the Northwest, creating jobs and spurring growth for countless communities in and around our state. And now, thanks to the CHIPS & Science Act, the National Science Foundation has the support they need to create partnerships that will boost our local economies and help our nation stay competitive globally.”

Promote Energy and Decarbonization Technologies in the Inland Northwest – $916,490

This award funds development of the Inland Northwest Center for Energy and Decarbonization (INTENT), a public-private collaboration aiming to lead the area’s transition to clean energy while keeping costs low for consumers. Led by Urbanova, the core partners of INTENT include Spokane-based utility Avista, Washington State University, McKinstry, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), the Spokane Workforce Council, and the University of Idaho.

Collaborating partners include Gonzaga University, the Spokane Tribe of Indians, the Nez Perce Indians, Okanogan County PUD, and Grant County Public Utility District.

If awarded a full ten-year Engine contract, these organizations would work together to develop new technologies, train the next generation of energy workers, and ensure that the transition to carbon-free energy is an equitable one.

Develop Smart Grid Technologies in the Pacific Northwest – $999,898

This award will fund the Smart, EQUitable, INteroperable, and Secure (SEQUINS) team, an interdisciplinary group of 31 academic, governmental, and private institutions across the Pacific Northwest seeking to create smart energy products and services that are dependable and safe.

Washington State University, Heritage University, Centralia College, and Pullman-based Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories will serve as collaborating organizations on this project.

PNNL is a leadership partner and subawardee organization. PNNL will be providing technical assistance on grid architecture and compatibility issues associated with deployment of smart grid technologies.

Develop Mass Timber Technologies in the Pacific Northwest – $999,999

This award provides funding to develop the Sustainable and Resilient Architecture, Engineering, and Construction in Mass Timber (RE-ACT) Engine, which would promote the use of mass timber products in construction. Mass timber construction materials are made from small pieces of wood that can be sourced from selectively harvested logs. They are a sustainable alternative to concrete and steel, and can reduce the carbon footprint of the U.S. building industry. The team’s goal is to create a thriving local ecosystem in mass timber architecture, engineering, and construction, along with manufacturing and forest management, to address social and environmental challenges in housing, workforce development, equity, and natural resource stewardship.

Led by the University of Oregon, the award also includes funds for Washington State University. PNNL and Seattle-based Clean Tech Alliance will serve as collaborating organizations on this project.

Develop Semiconductor Technologies in the Northwest – $1,000,000

This award will fund work by a consortium of public and private organizations to promote semiconductor research, training, entrepreneurship, and diversity recruitment. The vision of this Engine proposal is to develop a regional innovation ecosystem that advances new semiconductor technology, invents scalable chip manufacturing processes, innovates in energy-efficient computing architectures, expands entrepreneurship, and creates training programs to enable a diverse workforce.

Led by Oregon State University, the team includes the University of Washington as a subawardee and one of the program leaders. PNNL, Washington STEM, and Microsoft are collaborators on the project.

###

Booker, Underwood, Adams Reintroduce the Bicameral Momnibus Act to End America’s Maternal Health Crisis

Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and U.S. Representatives Lauren Underwood (IL-14) and Alma Adams (NC-12) reintroduced the bicameral Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act, historic legislation to save moms’ lives and address every driver of maternal mortality, morbidity, and disparities in the United States. 

“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 Senator 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.” 

“To save moms’ lives and end the maternal health crisis in our country, we need urgent action,”said Representative Underwood.“We know what’s needed to end this crisis, and the tools to get it done are within reach. The Momnibus is the solution, and I’m proud to introduce this legislation with Representative Alma Adams and Senator Cory Booker to make the investments we need to solve our country’s maternal health crisis.” 

“Maternal mortality and morbidity rates in the United States are unacceptable, and far higher than in other wealthy countries. The Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2023 addresses this urgent crisis that affects thousands of American parents every year,”said Representative Adams.“As many as 80% of maternal deaths are preventable with proper care and treatment. The Momnibus makes over $1 billion in historic investments in the health and care of moms. It is nothing short of a game-changer for Black mothers as well as every parent bringing a child into the world. Now more than ever, it is critical we pass the Momnibus and make sure no child grows up without a parent. As a Black mother and grandmother, take it from me: Black mamas can’t wait!”   

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.  

A one-page summary of the Momnibus, including a list of the 181 original House cosponsors, can be foundhere, and additional information about the individual bills in the Momnibus can be found on theBlack Maternal Health Caucus website

A list of more than 200 organizations endorsing the Momnibus can be foundhere

Quotes in support of the Momnibus can be foundhere

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

  • Make critical investments insocial determinants of healththat influence maternal health outcomes, like housing, transportation, and nutrition. 
  • Extend WIC eligibilityin the postpartum and breastfeeding periods. 
  • Provide funding tocommunity-based organizationsthat are working to improve maternal health outcomes and promote equity. 
  • Increase funding for programs to improvematernal health care for veterans. 
  • Grow and diversify theperinatal workforceto ensure that every mom in America receives maternal health care and support from people they trust. 
  • 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. 
  • Support moms withmaternal mental healthconditions and substance use disorders. 
  • Improve maternal health care and support forincarcerated moms. 
  • Invest indigital toolsto improve maternal health outcomes in underserved areas. 
  • Promoteinnovative payment modelsto incentivize high-quality maternity care and non-clinical support during and after pregnancy. 
  • Invest in federal programs to addressmaternal and infant health risks during public health emergencies.  
  • Invest in community-based initiatives to reduce levels of and exposure toclimate change-related risks for moms and babies. 
  • Promotematernal vaccinationsto protect the health of moms and babies. 

The bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Bob Casey (D-PA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Peter Welch (D-VT), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV).

The full text of the bill can be found here.

NEW: Hawley Outlines Missouri Priorities for Upcoming Farm Bill

Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)

Today U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) sent a letter to U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Ranking Member John Boozman (R-Ark.), outlining Missouri’s priorities for Title I and Title XI in the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill. These include the preservation of a strong farm safety net in light of high input prices and changing market conditions. Senator Hawley will continue to work in the Senate to advocate for the interests of Missouri’s farmers and ranchers during the Farm Bill process.

“The upcoming farm bill reauthorization provides a unique opportunity to strengthen our rural economy. As you begin drafting legislative text, I urge you to preserve a strong farm safety net in the 2023 Farm Bill,” wrote Senator Hawley. “I proudly represent one of the most diverse and productive agriculture states in the country. With 27.8 million acres of farmland production, Missouri farmers are leaders in cattle, corn, soybean, rice, cotton, hay production and more. At 95,000 farms, Missouri has the second highest number of farms in the country. Maintaining funding levels for these programs will help preserve small and mid-sized family farms in my state for generations to come.”

He continued, “Over the next year, I plan to be actively engaged in the farm bill process to ensure Missouri producers have a seat at the table. I look forward to working with you in the coming months to craft a farm bill that will serve the needs of farmers in my state and across the country.”

Read the full letter here or below.

May 15, 2023

The Honorable Debbie Stabenow
Chairwoman
U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture
United States Senate
Washington, DC, 20510

The Honorable John Boozman
Ranking Member
U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture
United States Senate
Washington, DC, 20510

Dear Chairwoman Stabenow and Ranking Member Boozman,

The upcoming farm bill reauthorization provides a unique opportunity to strengthen our rural economy. As you begin drafting legislative text, I urge you to preserve a strong farm safety net in the 2023 Farm Bill.

I proudly represent one of the most diverse and productive agriculture states in the country. With 27.8 million acres of farmland production, Missouri farmers are leaders in cattle, corn, soybean, rice, cotton, hay production and more. At 95,000 farms, Missouri has the second highest number of farms in the country. Maintaining funding levels for these programs will help preserve small and mid-sized family farms in my state for generations to come.

In the five years since the 2018 Farm Bill was passed, inflation of essential farm inputs has been one of the most pressing issues for Missouri farmers. I share producers’ concerns that current Price Loss Coverage (PLC) and Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) calculations do not reflect market conditions. For some commodities, PLC reference prices are lower than breakeven costs. This undermines the intent of the commodity price support programs, which is to help farmers navigate volatile market conditions. For this reason, I am supportive of efforts to increase Price Loss Coverage reference prices in the 2023 Farm Bill.

Maintaining crop insurance authorization levels should be a priority for Congress in the 2023 Farm Bill. It may also be necessary to direct the Risk Management Agency to expand starting and final planting dates across all insurable commodities. Farmers are the best equipped to decide when to plant their crops. Current planting dates can be restrictive on farmers in warmer climates. In addition, the next farm bill should not attempt to link crop insurance funding with “climate smart” practices.

Over the next year, I plan to be actively engaged in the farm bill process to ensure Missouri producers have a seat at the table. I look forward to working with you in the coming months to craft a farm bill that will serve the needs of farmers in my state and across the country. 

Sincerely,

Josh Hawley
United States Senator

Sens. Cramer, Tuberville Push Back Against Biden Administration Proposal to Allow Biological Males in Women’s Sports

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

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) joined Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) in submitting a comment letter to U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona regarding his department’s proposed changes to Title IX. The rulemaking would force schools to allow biological males and females to compete against each other in sports, undoing critical, longstanding safeguards for women’s athletics.

“This proposed rule is a monumental setback for the generations of women who have benefited from Title IX’s enactment over the last fifty years,” wrote the senators. “The Department should not move forward with this proposed rule, but should instead work with Congress on legislative action meant to strengthen the protections afforded to women in the original statute. Any interpretation of Title IX that permits biological males to participate in female athletics does irreparable harm to women as a protected class under the law.”

Joining Senators Cramer and Tuberville are Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Mike Braun (R-IN), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), Rick Scott (R-FL), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Mike Lee (R-UT), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Jim Risch (R-ID), Steve Daines (R-MT), Roger Wicker (R-MS), John Barrasso (R-WY), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Ted Budd (R-NC), Ron Johnson (R-WI), and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA).

Click here to access the senators’ full comment.

Background:

In June 2022, on the 50th anniversary of Title IX’s enactment, the U.S. Department of Education issued a proposal to allow biological males to compete in women’s sports. The Department finalized the rule and expects to make it effective during the 2023-2024 school year.

In the 117th and 118th Congresses, Senator Cramer cosponsored the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act. The bill ensures Title IX provisions determine gender “solely on a person’s reproductive biology and genetics at birth” and bans beneficiaries of federal funding from operating, sponsoring, or facilitating athletic programs which permit males to participate in women’s sporting events.

Sen. Markey, Rep. Underwood Announce Legislation to Protect Parental and Infant Health from Climate Change Risks

Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

Bill Text (PDF) | One-Pager (PDF)

Washington (May 15, 2023) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Subcommittee on Primary Health and Retirement Security and chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate, and Nuclear Safety, and Representative Lauren Underwood (IL-14) today reintroduced the Protecting Moms and Babies Against Climate Change Act, legislation to address climate change risks to pregnant and postpartum people and their infants.

The Protecting Moms and Babies Against Climate Change Act—a pillar of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act to end racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health outcomes, led by Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Representative Underwood—would create a federal grant program to invest in community-based efforts to mitigate exposure to extreme heat, air pollution and other climate change risks that pose a threat to vulnerable pregnant and postpartum people and their infants. The legislation would also provide funding for health profession schools to ensure that the future health care workforce can adequately support maternal and infant health in light of increasing risks from climate change.

“Climate justice is a matter of reproductive justice,” said Senator Markey. “We must ensure families and health care providers have the resources and support they need to protect the health and wellbeing of all parents and babies across the country as they face extreme heat, air pollution and the worst of the climate crisis. I thank Representative Underwood for her continued partnership in our shared fight to equip health care providers with the latest information, tools and resources they need as the climate crisis and extreme weather disasters increasingly contribute to illness and deaths of pregnant people.”

“Climate change has a significant impact on reproductive justice and maternal health,” said Senator Booker. “As we strive to address the racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health outcomes, we must also invest in community-based programs and health professional schools, so we can mitigate the harmful impacts of climate change-related risks on vulnerable mothers and babies. I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bill that would ensure that health professionals and vulnerable mothers and families have the tools they need to navigate the climate crisis, so we can work towards a more just and resilient future for all.”

“The evidence is clear: extreme heat, air pollution, and other effects of climate change are endangering moms and babies, and we need to take action,” said Representative Underwood. “The Protecting Moms and Babies Against Climate Change Act invests in community-based programs to help protect families from the health risks of climate change. I’m pleased to join Senator Markey in introducing this legislation, which is a critical part of the Momnibus, legislation I’m leading with Senator Booker and Representative Adams to solve our maternal health crisis. By passing the Protecting Moms and Babies Against Climate Change Act and the comprehensive Momnibus, we can save moms’ lives.”

Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) joined Senators Markey and Booker as a cosponsor.  

A copy of the legislation can be found HERE. A copy of the one-pager can be found HERE.

Specifically, the Protecting Moms and Babies Against Climate Change Act would:

  1. Invest in community-based programs to identify and address climate change-related maternal and infant health risks, especially in communities of color;
  2. Provide funding to health professional schools to protect vulnerable mothers and babies from climate change risks;
  3. Establish a National Institutes of Health (NIH) consortium to advance research on climate change and birth; and
  4. Develop a comprehensive strategy to identify and designate climate change risk zones for vulnerable mothers and babies.

The legislation is endorsed by more than 100 organizations, including 1,000 Days, American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Nursing, American Association of Colleges of Nursing, American College of Nurse-Midwives, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, American Psychological Association, American Public Health Association, Association of Black Cardiologists, Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs, Catholic Health Association of the United States, Center for American Progress, Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), Center for Reproductive Rights, Community Catalyst, Every Mother Counts, Families USA, March for Moms, March of Dimes, Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance, Mental Health America, Mom Congress, MomsRising, National Healthy Start Association, National Medical Association, National Rural Health Association, National Urban League, National Women’s Law Center, Physicians for Reproductive Health, Protect Our Care, Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, the National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund, the National Women’s Health Network, and Trust for America’s Health.

For years, Senator Markey has championed efforts to advance climate and health justice to protect communities and their public health. In May, Senator Markey reintroduced the Community Mental Wellness and Resilience Act with Representatives Paul Tonko (NY-20) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), bipartisan and bicameral legislation that would establish a first-of-its-kind $36 million pilot grant program through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide funding to local community-based mental wellness and resilience programs. Last month, Senator Markey and Representative Ro Khanna (CA-17) introduced the Green New Deal for Health to enable the U.S. health care system to respond to climate change by improving sustainability and supporting patients, providers, and communities. Also in April, Senator Markey applauded the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for heeding his call to modernize the energy infrastructure of health care facilities by issuing a new waiver that will allow U.S. health care facilities to transition to safer, cheaper and more reliable clean energy infrastructure in the form of renewable-powered microgrids or independent electric grids.

###

Washington (May 15, 2023) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Subcommittee on Primary Health and Retirement Security and chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate, and Nuclear Safety, and Representative Lauren Underwood (IL-14) today reintroduced the Protecting Moms and Babies Against Climate Change Act, legislation to address climate change risks to pregnant and postpartum people and their infants.

The Protecting Moms and Babies Against Climate Change Act—a pillar of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act to end racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health outcomes, led by Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Representative Underwood—would create a federal grant program to invest in community-based efforts to mitigate exposure to extreme heat, air pollution and other climate change risks that pose a threat to vulnerable pregnant and postpartum people and their infants. The legislation would also provide funding for health profession schools to ensure that the future health care workforce can adequately support maternal and infant health in light of increasing risks from climate change.

“Climate justice is a matter of reproductive justice,” said Senator Markey. “We must ensure families and health care providers have the resources and support they need to protect the health and wellbeing of all parents and babies across the country as they face extreme heat, air pollution and the worst of the climate crisis. I thank Representative Underwood for her continued partnership in our shared fight to equip health care providers with the latest information, tools and resources they need as the climate crisis and extreme weather disasters increasingly contribute to illness and deaths of pregnant people.”

“Climate change has a significant impact on reproductive justice and maternal health,” said Senator Booker. “As we strive to address the racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health outcomes, we must also invest in community-based programs and health professional schools, so we can mitigate the harmful impacts of climate change-related risks on vulnerable mothers and babies. I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bill that would ensure that health professionals and vulnerable mothers and families have the tools they need to navigate the climate crisis, so we can work towards a more just and resilient future for all.”

“The evidence is clear: extreme heat, air pollution, and other effects of climate change are endangering moms and babies, and we need to take action,” said Representative Underwood. “The Protecting Moms and Babies Against Climate Change Act invests in community-based programs to help protect families from the health risks of climate change. I’m pleased to join Senator Markey in introducing this legislation, which is a critical part of the Momnibus, legislation I’m leading with Senator Booker and Representative Adams to solve our maternal health crisis. By passing the Protecting Moms and Babies Against Climate Change Act and the comprehensive Momnibus, we can save moms’ lives.”

Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) joined Senators Markey and Booker as a cosponsor.  

A copy of the legislation can be found HERE. A copy of the one-pager can be found HERE.

Specifically, the Protecting Moms and Babies Against Climate Change Act would:

  1. Invest in community-based programs to identify and address climate change-related maternal and infant health risks, especially in communities of color;
  2. Provide funding to health professional schools to protect vulnerable mothers and babies from climate change risks;
  3. Establish a National Institutes of Health (NIH) consortium to advance research on climate change and birth; and
  4. Develop a comprehensive strategy to identify and designate climate change risk zones for vulnerable mothers and babies.

The legislation is endorsed by more than 100 organizations, including 1,000 Days, American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Nursing, American Association of Colleges of Nursing, American College of Nurse-Midwives, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, American Psychological Association, American Public Health Association, Association of Black Cardiologists, Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs, Catholic Health Association of the United States, Center for American Progress, Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), Center for Reproductive Rights, Community Catalyst, Every Mother Counts, Families USA, March for Moms, March of Dimes, Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance, Mental Health America, Mom Congress, MomsRising, National Healthy Start Association, National Medical Association, National Rural Health Association, National Urban League, National Women’s Law Center, Physicians for Reproductive Health, Protect Our Care, Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, the National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund, the National Women’s Health Network, and Trust for America’s Health.

For years, Senator Markey has championed efforts to advance climate and health justice to protect communities and their public health. In May, Senator Markey reintroduced the Community Mental Wellness and Resilience Act with Representatives Paul Tonko (NY-20) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), bipartisan and bicameral legislation that would establish a first-of-its-kind $36 million pilot grant program through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide funding to local community-based mental wellness and resilience programs. Last month, Senator Markey and Representative Ro Khanna (CA-17) introduced the Green New Deal for Health to enable the U.S. health care system to respond to climate change by improving sustainability and supporting patients, providers, and communities. Also in April, Senator Markey applauded the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for heeding his call to modernize the energy infrastructure of health care facilities by issuing a new waiver that will allow U.S. health care facilities to transition to safer, cheaper and more reliable clean energy infrastructure in the form of renewable-powered microgrids or independent electric grids.

###

Washington (May 15, 2023) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Subcommittee on Primary Health and Retirement Security and chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate, and Nuclear Safety, and Representative Lauren Underwood (IL-14) today reintroduced the Protecting Moms and Babies Against Climate Change Act, legislation to address climate change risks to pregnant and postpartum people and their infants.

The Protecting Moms and Babies Against Climate Change Act—a pillar of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act to end racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health outcomes, led by Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Representative Underwood—would create a federal grant program to invest in community-based efforts to mitigate exposure to extreme heat, air pollution and other climate change risks that pose a threat to vulnerable pregnant and postpartum people and their infants. The legislation would also provide funding for health profession schools to ensure that the future health care workforce can adequately support maternal and infant health in light of increasing risks from climate change.

“Climate justice is a matter of reproductive justice,” said Senator Markey. “We must ensure families and health care providers have the resources and support they need to protect the health and wellbeing of all parents and babies across the country as they face extreme heat, air pollution and the worst of the climate crisis. I thank Representative Underwood for her continued partnership in our shared fight to equip health care providers with the latest information, tools and resources they need as the climate crisis and extreme weather disasters increasingly contribute to illness and deaths of pregnant people.”

“Climate change has a significant impact on reproductive justice and maternal health,” said Senator Booker. “As we strive to address the racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health outcomes, we must also invest in community-based programs and health professional schools, so we can mitigate the harmful impacts of climate change-related risks on vulnerable mothers and babies. I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bill that would ensure that health professionals and vulnerable mothers and families have the tools they need to navigate the climate crisis, so we can work towards a more just and resilient future for all.”

“The evidence is clear: extreme heat, air pollution, and other effects of climate change are endangering moms and babies, and we need to take action,” said Representative Underwood. “The Protecting Moms and Babies Against Climate Change Act invests in community-based programs to help protect families from the health risks of climate change. I’m pleased to join Senator Markey in introducing this legislation, which is a critical part of the Momnibus, legislation I’m leading with Senator Booker and Representative Adams to solve our maternal health crisis. By passing the Protecting Moms and Babies Against Climate Change Act and the comprehensive Momnibus, we can save moms’ lives.”

Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) joined Senators Markey and Booker as a cosponsor.  

A copy of the legislation can be found HERE. A copy of the one-pager can be found HERE.

Specifically, the Protecting Moms and Babies Against Climate Change Act would:

  1. Invest in community-based programs to identify and address climate change-related maternal and infant health risks, especially in communities of color;
  2. Provide funding to health professional schools to protect vulnerable mothers and babies from climate change risks;
  3. Establish a National Institutes of Health (NIH) consortium to advance research on climate change and birth; and
  4. Develop a comprehensive strategy to identify and designate climate change risk zones for vulnerable mothers and babies.

The legislation is endorsed by more than 100 organizations, including 1,000 Days, American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Nursing, American Association of Colleges of Nursing, American College of Nurse-Midwives, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, American Psychological Association, American Public Health Association, Association of Black Cardiologists, Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs, Catholic Health Association of the United States, Center for American Progress, Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), Center for Reproductive Rights, Community Catalyst, Every Mother Counts, Families USA, March for Moms, March of Dimes, Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance, Mental Health America, Mom Congress, MomsRising, National Healthy Start Association, National Medical Association, National Rural Health Association, National Urban League, National Women’s Law Center, Physicians for Reproductive Health, Protect Our Care, Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, the National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund, the National Women’s Health Network, and Trust for America’s Health.

For years, Senator Markey has championed efforts to advance climate and health justice to protect communities and their public health. In May, Senator Markey reintroduced the Community Mental Wellness and Resilience Act with Representatives Paul Tonko (NY-20) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), bipartisan and bicameral legislation that would establish a first-of-its-kind $36 million pilot grant program through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide funding to local community-based mental wellness and resilience programs. Last month, Senator Markey and Representative Ro Khanna (CA-17) introduced the Green New Deal for Health to enable the U.S. health care system to respond to climate change by improving sustainability and supporting patients, providers, and communities. Also in April, Senator Markey applauded the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for heeding his call to modernize the energy infrastructure of health care facilities by issuing a new waiver that will allow U.S. health care facilities to transition to safer, cheaper and more reliable clean energy infrastructure in the form of renewable-powered microgrids or independent electric grids.

###

“Climate change has a significant impact on reproductive justice and maternal health,” said Senator Booker. “As we strive to address the racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health outcomes, we must also invest in community-based programs and health professional schools, so we can mitigate the harmful impacts of climate change-related risks on vulnerable mothers and babies. I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bill that would ensure that health professionals and vulnerable mothers and families have the tools they need to navigate the climate crisis, so we can work towards a more just and resilient future for all.”

“The evidence is clear: extreme heat, air pollution, and other effects of climate change are endangering moms and babies, and we need to take action,” said Representative Underwood. “The Protecting Moms and Babies Against Climate Change Act invests in community-based programs to help protect families from the health risks of climate change. I’m pleased to join Senator Markey in introducing this legislation, which is a critical part of the Momnibus, legislation I’m leading with Senator Booker and Representative Adams to solve our maternal health crisis. By passing the Protecting Moms and Babies Against Climate Change Act and the comprehensive Momnibus, we can save moms’ lives.”

Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) joined Senators Markey and Booker as a cosponsor.  

A copy of the legislation can be found HERE. A copy of the one-pager can be found HERE.

Specifically, the Protecting Moms and Babies Against Climate Change Act would:

  1. Invest in community-based programs to identify and address climate change-related maternal and infant health risks, especially in communities of color;
  2. Provide funding to health professional schools to protect vulnerable mothers and babies from climate change risks;
  3. Establish a National Institutes of Health (NIH) consortium to advance research on climate change and birth; and
  4. Develop a comprehensive strategy to identify and designate climate change risk zones for vulnerable mothers and babies.

The legislation is endorsed by more than 100 organizations, including 1,000 Days, American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Nursing, American Association of Colleges of Nursing, American College of Nurse-Midwives, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, American Psychological Association, American Public Health Association, Association of Black Cardiologists, Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs, Catholic Health Association of the United States, Center for American Progress, Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), Center for Reproductive Rights, Community Catalyst, Every Mother Counts, Families USA, March for Moms, March of Dimes, Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance, Mental Health America, Mom Congress, MomsRising, National Healthy Start Association, National Medical Association, National Rural Health Association, National Urban League, National Women’s Law Center, Physicians for Reproductive Health, Protect Our Care, Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, the National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund, the National Women’s Health Network, and Trust for America’s Health.

For years, Senator Markey has championed efforts to advance climate and health justice to protect communities and their public health. In May, Senator Markey reintroduced the Community Mental Wellness and Resilience Act with Representatives Paul Tonko (NY-20) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), bipartisan and bicameral legislation that would establish a first-of-its-kind $36 million pilot grant program through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide funding to local community-based mental wellness and resilience programs. Last month, Senator Markey and Representative Ro Khanna (CA-17) introduced the Green New Deal for Health to enable the U.S. health care system to respond to climate change by improving sustainability and supporting patients, providers, and communities. Also in April, Senator Markey applauded the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for heeding his call to modernize the energy infrastructure of health care facilities by issuing a new waiver that will allow U.S. health care facilities to transition to safer, cheaper and more reliable clean energy infrastructure in the form of renewable-powered microgrids or independent electric grids.

###

“Climate change has a significant impact on reproductive justice and maternal health,” said Senator Booker. “As we strive to address the racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health outcomes, we must also invest in community-based programs and health professional schools, so we can mitigate the harmful impacts of climate change-related risks on vulnerable mothers and babies. I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bill that would ensure that health professionals and vulnerable mothers and families have the tools they need to navigate the climate crisis, so we can work towards a more just and resilient future for all.”

“The evidence is clear: extreme heat, air pollution, and other effects of climate change are endangering moms and babies, and we need to take action,” said Representative Underwood. “The Protecting Moms and Babies Against Climate Change Act invests in community-based programs to help protect families from the health risks of climate change. I’m pleased to join Senator Markey in introducing this legislation, which is a critical part of the Momnibus, legislation I’m leading with Senator Booker and Representative Adams to solve our maternal health crisis. By passing the Protecting Moms and Babies Against Climate Change Act and the comprehensive Momnibus, we can save moms’ lives.”

Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) joined Senators Markey and Booker as a cosponsor.  

Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) joined Senators Markey and Booker as a cosponsor.  

A copy of the legislation can be found HERE. A copy of the one-pager can be found HERE.

Specifically, the Protecting Moms and Babies Against Climate Change Act would:

Klobuchar, Booker, Bennet Introduce Legislation to Regulate AI-Generated Content in Political Ads

Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration with oversight over federal elections, and U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) introduced the REAL Political Ads Act. This legislation would require a disclaimer on political ads that use images or video generated by artificial intelligence. Companion legislation is led in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY).

“The emergence of artificial intelligence has shown us just how rapidly things can change as technology grows more sophisticated. For the first time in history, we’re seeing how artificial intelligence could be used to generate images and videos in political ads, creating new avenues for misleading content. Our laws need to keep up,” said Klobuchar. “This commonsense legislation would update our disclosure laws to improve transparency and ensure voters are aware when this technology is used in campaign ads.” 

“Our democracy relies on transparency and accountability, especially when it comes to political advertising,” said Booker. “We must ensure that voters are fully aware of the source and authenticity of all political ads that seek to inform voters’ decisions. That’s why I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bill that will regulate AI-generated content in political ads and empower citizens to make informed choices.”

“We are already seeing political advertisements making use of new AI tools, with huge implications for our democracy. This bill will bring more transparency and accountability to our elections by informing voters when AI is being used in political ads – an important step toward aligning its use with our democratic values,” said Bennet.

“Given the recent technological advances in artificial intelligence, the threat of AI-powered disinformation and misinformation has never been stronger. We cannot afford a reactive approach to this emerging technology, particularly when the 2024 election cycle is poised to be the first election where AI-generated content is prevalent. I’m proud to work alongside Senator Klobuchar and our colleagues to protect against AI-generated content that has the potential to mislead and deceive America’s voters,” said Clarke. 

Klobuchar has long championed efforts to increase transparency in our elections and campaign finance system. 

In February, she reintroduced the Honest Ads Act with U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Mark Warner (D-VA), Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, to improve the transparency and accountability of online political advertising by requiring online political advertisements to adhere to the same disclaimer requirements as TV, radio, and print ads.

In July 2022, as Chairwoman of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee, Klobuchar held a hearing on the DISCLOSE Act, legislation to increase transparency in political spending by special interests. 

In September 2021, Klobuchar introduced the Freedom to Vote Act, landmark legislation to strengthen our democracy, which included important reforms to strengthen our campaign finance system by combatting secret money in our elections, including both the DISCLOSE Act and Honest Ads Act. All Senate Democrats cosponsored this legislation and voted to advance the bill in January 2022.

###

Bennet, Klobuchar, Booker Push to Regulate AI-Generated Content in Political Ads

Source: United States Senator for Colorado Michael Bennet

Washington, D.C. — Today, Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration with oversight over federal elections, joined Rules Committee Chairwoman Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) to introduce the REAL Political Ads Act. This legislation would require a disclaimer on political ads for federal campaigns that use content generated by artificial intelligence (AI). 

“We are already seeing political advertisements making use of new AI tools, with huge implications for our democracy,” said Bennet. “This bill will bring more transparency and accountability to our elections by informing voters when AI is being used in political ads – an important step toward aligning its use with our democratic values.”

“The emergence of artificial intelligence has shown us just how rapidly things can change as technology grows more sophisticated. For the first time in history, we’re seeing how artificial intelligence could be used to generate images and videos in political ads, creating new avenues for misleading content. Our laws need to keep up,” said Klobuchar. “This commonsense legislation would update our disclosure laws to improve transparency and ensure voters are aware when this technology is used in campaign ads.” 

“Our democracy relies on transparency and accountability, especially when it comes to political advertising,” said Booker. “We must ensure that voters are fully aware of the source and authenticity of all political ads that seek to inform voters’ decisions. That’s why I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bill that will regulate AI-generated content in political ads and empower citizens to make informed choices.”

Bennet is a leading advocate for reforming campaign finance and increasing trust in our elections. In February, Bennet joined colleagues to reintroduce the DISCLOSE Act to strengthen disclosure requirements for organizations spending money in elections. In 2021, he introduced the ZOMBIE Act to require politicians no longer running for office to close their old campaign accounts. In 2019, he introduced a constitutional amendment to reverse Citizens United by restoring authority to Congress, states, and the American people to regulate campaign finance. He is also the lead author of the Close the Revolving Door Act, which would permanently ban former Members of Congress from working as lobbyists. 

Bennet has also continuously pushed to improve U.S. oversight of emerging technologies, including AI. Last week, Bennet introduced the Oversee Emerging Technology Act to require relevant federal agencies to designate a senior official able to advise on the responsible use of emerging technologies like AI. Last month, Bennet introduced the ASSESS AI Act to create a task force to review existing AI policies across the federal government and ensure the federal government’s AI tools and policies respect civil rights, civil liberties, privacy, and due process. In 2022, Bennet introduced first-of-its-kind legislation to create a Federal Digital Platform Commission, an expert federal body empowered to provide common-sense rules of the road for digital platforms to protect consumers, promote competition, and defend the public interest.

The text of the bill is available HERE.

Manchin Announces $7.1 Million for West Virginia Road Repairs

Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Joe Manchin

May 15, 2023

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, announced $7,186,999 from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for repairs to public roads in West Virginia. The funding was made possible through the Emergency Relief for Federally Owned Roads (ERFO) program and will assist the Forest Service in reconstructing public roads damaged by flooding in October of 2017, August of 2018 and June of 2019.

“Improving and modernizing our roads, bridges and highways continues to be one of my top priorities, and I’m pleased the FHWA is investing more than $7.1 million in repairing roads in West Virginia damaged by severe flooding,” said Senator Manchin. “This announcement is welcome news and will help provide much needed support to communities impacted by the floods. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue advocating for resources to bolster our transportation infrastructure across the Mountain State.”

The ERFO program was established to assist federal agencies with the repair or reconstruction of tribal transportation facilities, federal lands transportation facilities and other federally owned roads that are open to public travel, which are found to have suffered serious damage by a natural disaster over a wide area or by a catastrophic failure.



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

Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

May 15, 2023

Washington, D.C.  – As Title 42 expires, U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) 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 Representative Susie Lee sent to President Biden last week calling on the President to increase resources at our southern border.

 “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.”                                                                                           

“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.”

Along with Senators Cortez Masto, Rosen, 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 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 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 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 Cortez Masto and Rosen 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. Cortez Masto has called on the administration to take action to protect TPS holders and other immigrants, as well as leading commonsense legislation to fix our broken immigration system and implement critical border security measures.

###