Category: US Senate

Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

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

Rosen’s Senior Resource Guide Is Designed To Provide Key Information About State And Federal Benefits, Services, And Resources Available To Help Nevada Seniors

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, during Older Americans Month, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) publicly released a Senior Resource Guide to help provide Nevada’s seniors with key information about federal, state, and community-based resources available to them, as well as benefits, services, and organizations that seniors in Nevada can access.

“Nevada’s seniors deserve full access to all of the federal and state resources available to them, and my office has created this resource guide to make sure they have the information they need,” said Senator Rosen. “This resource guide will help seniors take advantage of the numerous benefits, resources, and services available, like Social Security and Medicare. As someone who took care of my aging parents and in-laws, I’ll always fight to ensure seniors have access to the benefits they have earned.”

A digital version of Senator Rosen’s Nevada Senior Resource Guide can be found here.

Senator Rosen has been a leader for Nevada’s seniors. Senator Rosen was a strong supporter of the Inflation Reduction Act, which included provisions allowing Medicare to negotiate for lower prescription drug prices for seniors. She also introduced the Increasing Small Business Retirement Choices Act, which would make it easier for small businesses to offer more comprehensive retirement benefits to their workers by reducing administrative expenses. Rosen has continuously earned a perfect score voting record from the Alliance for Retired Americans for her commitment to retirees and older Americans, and the actions she’s taken to benefit them, including her strong support to protect Social Security.

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

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

HYDE-SMITH CELEBRATES 75th ANNIVERSARY OF ISRAEL’S FOUNDING

In Advance of May 14 Anniversary, Miss. Senator Also Cosponsors Senate Resolution Affirming U.S.-Israel Partnership

VIDEO:  Senator Hyde-Smith Offers Congratulatory Message for Israel’s 75th Anniversary.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today issued a statement in advance of Sunday’s celebration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel.

Hyde-Smith also cosponsored a bipartisan Senate Resolution commemorating the May 14, 1948 founding of the sovereign and independent State of Israel.

“I wish Israel a very happy 75th birthday!  A strong U.S.-Israel relationship is critical to both of our nations’ security, and I will continue to stand with Israel, as Israel stands with us,” Hyde-Smith said.  “I look forward to many more years of friendship, and wish the Jewish state a blessed and very happy Independence Day.”

Hyde-Smith is among 37 cosponsors of S.Res.188 which recounts the historic founding of Israel and its close and steadfast ties to the United States.  Among other things, the Senate resolution reaffirms:

• The longstanding and indelible partnership between the United States and Israel;
• The unshakeable commitment of the United States to the security of the State of Israel; and
• The right of Israel to exist in peace, prosperity, and security alongside its neighbors.

The text of the resolution, which was introduced by Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and Ranking Member Jim Risch (R-Idaho), is also available here.

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Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Chairman of the U.S Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia and Counterterrorism, joined U.S. Senators Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Chairman and Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, along with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), in introducing a bipartisan resolution to celebrate the 75^th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel (May 14). The bipartisan resolution reaffirms the United States’ steadfast commitment to Israel’s security, underscores our dedication to combatting antisemitism, and celebrates the indelible ties between our nations and our people.

“I’m proud to join this bipartisan resolution celebrating the historic 75^th anniversary of the founding of Israel. The United States was the first to recognize Israel as an independent state, and ever since, we have continued to build a strong relationship grounded in our shared democratic values. Israel is a partner and ally without comparison, and I look forward to continuing to work together to strengthen our bonds, combat anti-Semitism around the world, and advance a two state solution in the Middle East,” said Murphy.

“I am deeply proud to be joined by a great number of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in celebration of the historic 75^th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel,” Menendez said. “Today, we extend our warm congratulations to the Israeli people and honor their immense contributions to global society. We also demonstrate our unwavering support for Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish and democratic state in peace, prosperity, and security alongside its neighbors, and redouble our efforts to combat hate and antisemitism everywhere as instances of such heinous acts continue to rise. Since its founding, Israel and the United States have shared a special relationship grounded in shared democratic values, strategic interests, and genuine friendship and mutual respect. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in the Senate and around the world to advance our nations’ bond for generations to come.”

 “The United States and Israel share an unshakable relationship firmly rooted in our shared values and national interests,” said Risch. “On Israel’s 75^th anniversary, we applaud Israel as a symbol of strength and democracy in an often turbulent region, and recognize the significant role Israel has played to break down barriers through partnerships like the landmark Abraham Accords. Israel has no greater friend than the United States of America, and I look forward to our continued work to enhance peace, confront the forces of extremism and intolerance, and build a more peaceful Middle East.”

“75 years ago, the U.S. immediately recognized Israel at its establishment, marking the beginning of a deep relationship based on our shared values including democracy and the rule of law that has transcended time and politics,” said Schumer. “I look forward to further strengthening the U.S.-Israel relationship in the years to come and continuing the progress of normalization of relations between Israel and her neighbors.”

“The United States was the first country to formally recognize the state of Israel at its founding in 1948,” said McConnell. “It has been America’s honor to watch our friend and partner blossom into a vibrant democracy, a dynamic economy, and an inspiring beacon of welcome for the Jewish people. Our strong security partnership in the face of common threats continues to lead our two countries toward shared security, and the entire Middle East toward greater stability. I am proud to join friends of Israel everywhere in celebrating this joyous anniversary.”

U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) co-sponsored the resolution.

Find a copy of the resolution HERE.

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Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott

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Source: United States Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan

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Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Co-Chair of the Senate ALS Caucus, and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate ALS Caucus, reintroduced the Justice for ALS Veterans Act alongside Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.). This bipartisan measure would guarantee that surviving spouses of veterans receive all benefits due to them. This bill was previously introduced in January 2022 in the 117th Congress by Senators Coons and Murkowski.

“ALS is a particularly cruel and brutal disease that takes the lives of thousands of Americans each year, including many veterans who have sacrificed so much for this nation,” said Senator Coons. “Denying the families of veterans who succumb to this disease because of a bureaucratic test shortly after the death of a parent, spouse, or other loved one is simply adding insult to injury. Our military families deserve so much better, and that’s why I’m working with Senator Murkowski to ensure families impacted by ALS have access to the benefits they rightfully deserve.” 

“The average life expectancy for a person living with the cruel and unforgiving disease ALS is short, but the impact of the disease and toll of losing a loved one can remain with a family forever. I’ve made it a priority to support our veterans and their families, including those who have bravely battled ALS. I urge my colleagues in Congress to support this important measure for the sake of our veterans who pass from ALS, and the loved ones they leave behind,” said Senator Murkowski.

“It takes tremendous courage from patients, spouses, and families to cope with an ALS diagnosis – a relentless and debilitating disease that is twice as likely to affect veterans,” said Senator Whitehouse. “I’m pleased to join Senators Coons and Murkowski on the bipartisan Justice for ALS Veterans Act, which would cut down bureaucracy to ensure the families of veterans with ALS receive the full survivor benefits they are due.”

“Our men and women in uniform have made incredible sacrifices so that we can be free,” said Senator Rounds. “We have a responsibility to provide them with the benefits they have earned when their service is completed. Under current law, many veterans diagnosed with ALS do not survive the eight years that the VA requires in order for their loved ones to receive full benefits. This bill would extend increased VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) to the surviving spouse of a veteran who died from service-connected ALS, regardless of how long the veteran had the disease prior to death. I am pleased to work with Senator Coons on this bipartisan legislation to make certain military families receive their earned benefits.”

Currently, the surviving spouse and family of a deceased veteran who had a service-connected disability deemed fully debilitating for a continuous period of at least eight years prior to death receive an additional monthly financial benefit from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). However, the average life expectancy for an individual diagnosed with ALS is just two to five years after diagnosis, resulting in many families in which ALS-diagnosed veterans did not reach the eight-year threshold allowing family members access to this benefit. The Justice for ALS Veterans Act would ensure surviving spouses of veterans who die from ALS receive these payments, regardless of how long a veteran had ALS prior to death.

Veterans are at least twice as likely to develop ALS as the general public. That means those who enlisted in the military are at least twice as likely to experience ALS, a merciless illness that is currently 100% fatal.

“For our military veterans, the chances of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are significantly higher than it is for those who have not served in the armed forces. ALS is a neurodegenerative disease that is always fatal, usually within two to five years. Therefore, it is imperative that our nation supports veterans living with ALS, and their families, by passing the Justice for ALS Veterans Act. Surviving families should not be penalized from receiving increased compensation due to the fast progression of ALS,” said Calanet Balas, President and CEO, the ALS Association.

“Denying benefits to the surviving spouses of ALS veterans because they were unable to survive long enough to meet an arbitrary timeline is a disservice to the veteran community and their families. PVA thanks Senators Coons and Murkowski for the reintroduction of the Justice for ALS Veterans Act, which would ensure that ALS survivors are able to receive the additional compensation afforded to other survivors,” said Heather Ansley, Associate Executive Director of Government Relations, Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA).

“The VA recognizes ALS as a presumptive service-connected disease and, due to its aggressive nature, automatically rates any diagnosed veteran at 100% once it’s determined to be service-connected. After diagnosis, individuals with ALS have an average lifespan of two to five years. Sadly, many veterans are unable to meet DIC’s eight-year requirement for the additional amounts payable to survivors. The Justice for ALS Veterans Act would allow survivors of veterans who pass away due to service-connected ALS to receive that additional monthly compensation, regardless of the length of time it was service-connected. DAV applauds Senator Coons for his efforts in providing justice for ALS veterans and their families,” said Jim Marszalek, National Service Director, Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

“ALS is a 100% service-connected disease; veterans are twice as likely to be diagnosed. In addition to the tragic, debilitating, and 100% fatal diagnosis, loved ones of veterans with ALS are being denied financial resources under current law because of the rapid progression,” said Brian Wallach, advocate and founder of the advocacy organization I AM ALS, who is living with the disease. “We greatly appreciate the bipartisan leadership and continued dedication of Senators Coons and Murkowski to the ALS and veteran communities, and wholeheartedly support the Justice for ALS Veterans Act. This important legislation will ensure all survivors of veterans who died from ALS will receive the benefits they are due for their service to our country.”

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Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

Letter Text (PDF)

Washington (May 12, 2023) – Today, Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) wrote to U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Samantha Power urging the Agency to strengthen its commitment to Power Africa, an initiative convening federal resources and private efforts to accelerate the electrification of communities across sub-Saharan Africa.

Since 2021, the Biden administration has invested $193 million in Power Africa to support sub-Saharan Africa’s energy transition, with the aim of achieving energy security and connectivity for 60 million new households and businesses in the region by 2030. In his letter, Senator Markey underscored the need for USAID to prioritize accountability, transparency, and the long-term reliability of its financed projects and ensure that energy investments supported by Power Africa deliver on the promise of a cleaner, sustainable grid in the region.

The initiative’s implementation has raised concerns, following reports that Power Africa’s published results convey greater impact than the program has actually demonstrated. For example, over the course of Power Africa’s first four years in operation, USAID reported a total of more than 10 million electrical connections in the region, despite nearly 80 percent of those recipients only receiving hand-held solar lanterns, which have limited utility and longevity. Furthermore, Power Africa counted megawatts that were foreseen when deals were made, instead of counting real power generated, and has reported projects that were envisioned but never built.

“[Power Africa] can play a key role in the fight against climate change, to which many African countries are especially vulnerable,” Senator Markey wrote in his letter to Administrator Power. “As a supporter of both Power Africa and the global commitment to combatting climate change, I want to ensure that the program succeeds.”

“Despite these reported achievements, concerning questions remain regarding the validity of USAID’s methods for describing its successes with regard to power generation, transmission, and connection projects that Power Africa supports or brings to a ‘financial close,’” the letter continued. “[These] transparency, accountability, and intervention measures are vital to ensuring that Power Africa investments result in cleaner, sustainable power generation and transmission.”

Senator Markey requested USAID answer his questions—including those regarding the Agency’s methodology for the tracking of greenhouse gas emissions reductions, its monitoring of progress and continuity of financed projects, and its intent to finance any current or planned fossil-fuel projects—by June 2, 2023.

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Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

05.12.23

Cantwell Reintroduces Bipartisan Natural Carbon Removal Legislation to Help Avoid Future Extreme Weather Events

Cantwell: “Just reducing future emissions is no longer enough”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) joined Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) in reintroducing the Carbon Removal and Emissions Storage Technologies (CREST) Act, which would establish new research programs at the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of the Interior (DOI) focusing on natural carbon removal and storage strategies. The bill would additionally establish an innovative pilot purchasing program to accelerate carbon removal market commercialization.

The CREST Act ultimately aims to help reduce the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere in order to fight climate change and prevent more frequent and extreme weather events.

“Removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is essential to blunting the impacts of climate change. In other words, just reducing future emissions is no longer enough,” said Sen. Cantwell at a recent hearing of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. “So we need to figure out how to remove and trap carbon pollution from the atmosphere in order to avoid more frequent and intense extreme weather … If we allow global warming to reach two degrees Celsius – and we are on track to exceed that level – the Pacific Northwest will suffer from devastating heat waves.”

Sen. Cantwell first introduced the legislation with Sen. Collins in June 2022.

With increasing private and public sector commitments to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, companies are seeking ways to invest in quantifiable, durable, and verifiable carbon removal solutions. Despite the increased interest, current cost estimates show that private sector investment alone is unlikely to be sufficient to research and deploy carbon removal pathways.

Title I of the CREST Act builds upon previously authorized carbon removal research and development programs to include biomass, geological, aquatic, and atmospheric carbon removal solutions that can permanently sequester carbon dioxide or use carbon dioxide to produce valuable products such as biofuels.

A summary of the CREST Act is available HERE, and the full bill text is available HERE.

Key areas of focus include:

Biomass Carbon Removal: Expands the scope of the DOE’s current carbon capture research to include biological carbon removal from terrestrial and aquatic sources using techniques such as algae cultivation, soil enhancements, and enhanced photosynthesis and root growth. Provisions under this section will enhance our understanding of biomass feedstocks, supplies, and logistics with respect to bioenergy with carbon capture and storage, and thermochemical biomass conversion pathways for carbon removal, including fast pyrolysis.

 

This section also expands the DOE’s scope to include biological carbon dioxide conversion. This would improve modeling and understanding of high carbon-absorbing biomass as well as establish an initiative to focus on developing new products from carbon dioxide.

Geological Carbon Removal: Spurs research, experiments, and pilot programs for conducting carbon mineralization that can trap carbon dioxide in solid form.

Provisions under this section will expand the DOE’s scope to conduct carbon mineralization pilots in consultation with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

This section also directs the DOI, working through USGS, to develop a methodology for a national assessment of geological resources, mine tailings, and other alkaline industrial wastes to identify sustainable sources of reactive minerals suitable for mineralizing and durably trapping carbon dioxide. Finally, it directs USGS to conduct field experiments using mine tailings and industrial wastes for carbon mineralization and study the environmental impacts of carbon mineralization.

Aquatic Carbon Removal: Expands the DOE’s scope to include ocean carbon removal pathways, such as blue carbon management, focusing on coastal and marine biomass, as well as direct ocean capture, which directly removes carbon dioxide from the oceans through engineered or inorganic processes.

Provisions under this section also direct the DOE to establish a program in coordination with NOAA and NASA that monitors, researches, and models the ecological impacts of ocean carbon dioxide removal and storage techniques.

Additionally, this section expands the CarbonSAFE Initiative to complete a national carbon mineralization assessment examining storage potential for the Outer Continental Shelf. Finally, it directs the DOE, in consultation with the Environmental Protection Agency, NOAA, and the DOI to produce a report describing the results of a nationwide study on the offshore capacity for deep sea carbon storage through activities such as sinking biomass. The report will also include recommendations to improve the security of offshore carbon storage.

Atmospheric Carbon Removal: Directs the DOE to research, develop, and demonstrate manufacturing techniques for direct air capture technologies.

Carbon Removal Quantification: Provides grant funding to entities who are seeking financial assistance to complete a techno-economic assessment or life-cycle assessment of their emissions.

Carbon Removal Purchasing Program: Creates a five-year pilot carbon removal purchasing program which utilizes an innovative reverse auction mechanism to find the most cost-efficient strategies for domestic carbon removal solutions meeting specified performance metrics.

The purchasing program will be based on two permanence tiers: a medium-term tier for processes that remove and store carbon dioxide between 100 years and 1,000 years, and a long-term tier for processes that remove and store carbon dioxide for 1,000 years or more. Seventy percent of the funding is allocated for long-term tier permanence and 30% is for medium-term tier permanence.

Projects that demonstrate outstanding potential for local and regional economic development and use technology that has the potential to eventually remove carbon dioxide below $100 per ton all-in cost are given priority. 

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