{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Democrat\", state = \"OH\" and year = 2017 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/news-articles/could-2018-be-the-year-of-investigations", "Could 2018 be the year of investigations?", "2017-12-29", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Joyce Beatty", "B001281", "beatty.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Could 2018 be the year of investigations? \nIts hard to believe, but it hasnt even been a year since Donald Trump took the oath of office to become President of the United States.\nBut 11 months, ten days, and more than 2,400 tweets later, here we are.\nWell here we go. Put your seat belt on -- its been an interesting first year, said Rudy DeLeon with The Center for American Progress, looking back on Trumps presidency.\nBut its also time to look ahead to 2018 -- a year some believe could defined by investigations.\nSpecial counsel Robert Muellers isstill going strong, already resulting in charges against three former Trump campaign officials and a guilty plea by former National Security Agency Director Michael Flynn.\nDemocrats on Capitol Hill are hoping the investigation continues in as thorough a manner as possible.\nI am standing with Mueller. I am so comfortable standing with him, I signed on to a letter of support for him, said Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-Ohio, in a recent interview.\nRepublicans are calling for many more answers as well.\nSen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., in a tweet called for an investigation into Obama administration officials he says may have colluded to prevent a Trump election.\nOther GOP lawmakerswant to know whether Hillary Clinton got special treatmentby the FBI during the investigation into her emails.\nMy constituents say what is going on in the investigation into crimes of the previous administration, said Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., during a Capitol Hill hearing in July.\nWASHINGTON (SBG) Its hard to believe, but it hasnt even been a year since Donald Trump took the oath of office to become President of the United States.\nBut 11 months, ten days, and more than 2,400 tweets later, here we are.\n\nWell here we go. Put your seat belt on -- its been an interesting first year, said Rudy DeLeon with The Center for American Progress, looking back on Trumps presidency.\nBut its also time to look ahead to 2018 -- a year some believe could defined by investigations.\nSpecial counsel Robert Muellers isstill going strong, already resulting in charges against three former Trump campaign officials and a guilty plea by former National Security Agency Director Michael Flynn.\nDemocrats on Capitol Hill are hoping the investigation continues in as thorough a manner as possible.\nI am standing with Mueller. I am so comfortable standing with him, I signed on to a letter of support for him, said Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-Ohio, in a recent interview.\nRepublicans are calling for many more answers as well.\nSen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., in a tweet called for an investigation into Obama administration officials he says may have colluded to prevent a Trump election.\n \n\t\n \nMy constituents say what is going on in the investigation into crimes of the previous administration, said Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., during a Capitol Hill hearing in July.\nThe conservative watchdog group Judicial Watchis also behind multiple lawsuits looking into connections between the Democratic National Committee, The Clinton campaign and Fusion GPS,the group behind the infamous Trump dossier.\nThe more we have learned the more questions there are, said Judicial Watch Senior Attorney James Peterson\nTheyre questions that may spur even more investigations.\nDemocrats and Republicans on Capitol Hill, seem to be united on at least one matter - they say they are all just trying to get to the heart of the truth.\nThis article was originally published by WJLA on December 29, 2017.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-urges-labor-secretary-to-protect-miners-safety-health", "Brown Urges Labor Secretary to Protect Miners\u2019 Safety Health", "2017-12-29", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Friday, December 29, 2017\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), along with U.S. Sens. Joe Manchin (D-WV), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Warner (D-VA) and Bob Casey (D-PA), recently urged Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta to protect mine safety and miners health by protecting a recent rule aimed at limiting miners exposure to respirable coal mine dust. The Senators letter comes after the rule was listed among a number of rules to be re-examined for elimination. The rule was aimed at reducing work-related illnesses that miners face like black lung disease. Brown applauded the Department of Labors effort to limit coal dust exposure when it was announced in 2014.\r\nGiven this increase in black lung disease and the devastating impact that this disease has on coal miners and their families, we believe that it is critical that we maintain this rule, wrote the Senators in the letter. Claims that the Respirable Dust Rule is unnecessary, imposes a costly burden, or provides little to no benefit to society ignore the fact that it can take up to a decade or longer for simple black lung disease to develop. We are also keenly aware that the rate of black lung disease fell after Congress passed the Coal Act of 1969 and that comprehensive evidence that this rule has been effective will not be fully available until 2026 at the earliest. We should not abandon our coal miners three short years after the rule went into effect.\r\nRead the full letter below or click here.\r\nDear Secretary Acosta,\r\nOn December 14, 2017, the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) published its fall Unified Agenda and Regulatory Plan, a semiannual list of federal regulatory and deregulatory actions.We write to express our concerns regarding the decision to list several rules under the purview of the Mine Safety Health Administration (MSHA) for re-examination in the Unified Agenda.These rules are meant to protect the health and safety of our nations coal miners.\r\nThe Trump Administration has made clear its commitment to reducing regulatory burdens. We agree that unnecessary, outdated, or duplicative regulations should be examined for elimination or modification. However, we believe that worker safety is of the utmost importance and we unequivocally oppose rolling back the Respirable Dust Rule (the rule) which is meant to protect the safety, health, and  in effect  the livelihood of our coal miners.\r\nIn particular, the rule, which took effect in 2014, was promulgated by MSHA in an effort to reduce occupational lung diseases - namely coal workers pneumoconiosis (CWP), commonly known as black lung disease.Black lung disease is a common but preventable disease that has plagued coal miners in Appalachia for decades. The impacts of black lung disease are debilitating and, in the most serious cases, fatal.\r\nIn 2010, the Secretary of Labor, acting under the authority of the Federal Mine Safety Health Act of 1977, proposed the rule. The rule lowers the acceptable threshold for concentrations of respirable coal mine dust with the goal of making the air that miners breathe in coal mines less toxic. The final rule decreased the dust limits from 2.0 milligrams per cubic meter to an improved level of 1.5 milligrams per cubic meter.\r\nUnfortunately, recent research, most notably a report from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), has indicated the prevalence of black lung in Appalachian coalfields is worse than previously thought. Furthermore, black lung clinics in Appalachia report that younger coal miners are being diagnosed with the disease at increasing rates.\r\nGiven this increase in black lung disease and the devastating impact that this disease has on coal miners and their families, we believe that it is critical that we maintain this rule. Claims that the Respirable Dust Rule is unnecessary, imposes a costly burden, or provides little to no benefit to society ignore the fact that it can take up to a decade or longer for simple black lung disease to develop.\r\nWe are also keenly aware that the rate of black lung disease fell after Congress passed the Coal Act of 1969 and that comprehensive evidence that this rule has been effective will not be fully available until 2026 at the earliest. We should not abandon our coal miners three short years after the rule went into effect.\r\nIn short, we believe in worker safety first and foremost. MSHAs mission is a critical one for the safety and health of our nations miners and the Respirable Dust Rule is vital to ensuring that MSHA succeeds in that mission. We urge you to retain the Respirable Dust Rule and prevent the unnecessary erosion of vital mine safety and health standards.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/a-year-in-review_senator-brown-working-for-ohioans", "A Year in Review \u2013 Senator Brown Working for Ohioans", "2017-12-28", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Thursday, December 28, 2017\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tOver the last year, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown worked with Republicans and Democrats to introduce more than 165 bipartisan bills  more than 60 of which he introduced with Senator Portman. Brown successfully sent five bipartisan bills to President Trumps desk to become law, and secured priorities for Ohios military bases in the defense bill the President signed into law in December. Last Congress, Medill ranked Brown 4th on the list of Senators who had passed the most laws  thats because Senator Brown works with Republicans to get things done.\r\nBrown is the senior Senator from Ohio, having gained seniority on several of the Senates key committees where he has secured several wins for Ohioans. Brown is the ranking Democrat on the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee. He is also a member of the Senate Finance Committee, which oversees important issues like trade, healthcare, taxes and retirement. Brown also serves on the Senate Veterans Affairs and Agriculture Committees.\r\nHeres a look at Browns work on behalf of Ohio in 2017 and whats ahead next year, including fighting for a five-year extension of the Childrens Health Insurance Program and securing the pensions of thousands of Ohio retirees.\r\nBROWN BILLS SIGNED INTO LAW\r\n\r\nBill to Keep Fentanyl Out of Ohio\r\nAfter months of Brown and law enforcement groups calling for passage of Browns INTERDICT Act, Brown successfully forced a unanimous vote on his bill before the Senate adjourned for the year. The bill will help law enforcement detect fentanyl before it enters the U.S. and keep it from reaching Ohio streets. The bill had already passed in the U.S. House of Representatives, and now goes to President Trumps desk for his signature.\r\n\r\nBrownsINTERDICT Actwill provide U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) with additional hi-tech screening equipment and lab resources to detect fentanyl before it enters the U.S. Senator Portman supported Browns INTERDICT Act, and Brown is supporting Portmans STOP Act. Both are endorsed by law enforcement. The two bills work together to help block the deadly synthetic opioid from reaching Ohio communities. Brown and Portman have also teamed up to expand treatment for Ohioans struggling with addiction. Brown has also repeatedly called for additional investment in the opioid crisis and fought attempts to gut Medicaid, Ohios number one tool in the fight against opioids.\r\n\r\nBill to Expand Opportunities for Ohio Veterans\r\nIn August, President Trump signed into law bipartisan legislation Brown helped author on the Veterans Committee to expand educational opportunities for post-9/11 student veterans, including direct relief for veterans who attended ITT Tech and Corinthian Colleges, which failed and left veterans with meaningless degrees or without a degree at all.\r\n\r\nBill to Support Ohios Military Bases\r\nAs Co-Chair of the bipartisan Senate Air Force Caucus, Brown is uniquely positioned to fight for Ohios military installations and the jobs they support. Just this month, President Trump signed into law the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which included several Ohio priorities, thanks to Browns advocacy, including:\r\n \r\nWright-Patterson Air Force Bases Air Force Research Lab: Brown secured provisions to support jobs and research at Wright-Patterson Air Force Bases Air Force Research Lab.\r\nLimas Joint Systems Manufacturing Center: Brown secured nearly $2 billion make upgrades to the Abrams Tank and Stryker Brigade.\r\nToledos 180th Fighter Wing: Brown secured $15 million to make facility improvements for Toledos 180th Fighter Wing and install new hangars for F-16 aircraft needed to carry out the Aerospace Control Alert mission.\r\n \r\n\r\nBill to Hold North Korea, Russia, Iran Accountable\r\nThe Senate Banking Committee, on which Brown is the top Democrat, has jurisdiction over sanctions. In August, President Trump signed into law a package of sanctions Brown helped negotiate to crack down on Iran, Russia and North Korea. Brown recently introduced another tough, new sanctions package to continue holding North Korea accountable. This bill passed out of the Banking Committee with broad, bipartisan support.\r\n\r\nBill to Hire Veterans to Fill Law Enforcement Posts\r\nThe American Law Enforcement Heroes Act was also signed into law. The law, which Brown helped introduce, prioritizes federal grant applications for DOJs Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) funding for those departments and agencies that seek to use COPS funding to hire veterans.\r\n\r\nBill to Create Civil Rights Network at National Parks\r\nBrown worked with Republican Senator Lamar Alexander to pass a bipartisan bill to create an African American Civil Rights Network  a national network of historic sites, stories, research facilities, and educational programs connected to the African American Civil Rights Movement. The African American Civil Rights Network Act will establish a National Park Service (NPS) program to educate the public, and provide technical assistance for documenting, preserving, and interpreting the history of the Civil Rights Movement. The bill heads to President Trump to be signed into law.\r\nSERVING OHIOANS\r\nBrowns office is here to help Ohioans  whether it is seeking trade relief for Ohio companies, drawing investment and jobs to the state, or helping veterans get their medals. Browns office routinely works on behalf of Ohioans for help with federal agencies from the IRS to the VA. In addition, Brown and his office have developed new ways to hear from Ohio residents, leaders and business owners to support Ohio communities. \r\n\r\nHearing from Ohioans\r\nDuring Browns second term in the U.S. Senate, he has held more than 300 roundtables across Ohio and held public events in each of Ohios 88 counties. Brown and his office have also hosted the Ohio Womens Leadership Summit and the Propel Ohio Collegiate Leadership Summit for three years running. The Womens Leadership Summit brings together Ohio women to share ideas on their personal and professional development, and Propel Ohio helps inspire Ohio students to lead in their communities.\r\n\r\nHelping Ohioans with Federal Agencies                 \r\nMike Young of Woodsfield Ohio is the president of the Monroe County Firefighters Association, Inc. He filed for nonprofit status for the firefighters association with the IRS. After no response from the IRS for three months, Mr. Young contacted Browns office. Browns office, by working with the Taxpayer Advocate Service, was able to advise Mr. Young on what additional information was needed to process his application. With the additional information, the IRS awarded the Firefighters Association the nonprofit status. This is just one example of the way Browns office assists Ohioans with federal agencies.\r\n\r\nGetting Ohio Students Interested in Manufacturing\r\nFor the fifth year in a row, Brown teamed up with local manufacturers, plants, community partners and schools to host 18 Summer Manufacturing Camps where young Ohioans learned about Ohios manufacturing sector. Campers visited local manufacturers, toured plants, and worked with their peers on hands-on projects specific to their communities. Browns office started organizing summer manufacturing camps in 2013, and since then, the number of camps throughout the state has grown every year. This year, Browns office helped organize 18 camps in 16 counties.\r\n\r\nSecuring Trade Relief for Ohio Workers Wronged By Unfair Trade\r\nBrown has worked with Senator Portman to seek relief for Ohio workers at Whirlpools plant in Clyde, Ohio. The two both testified on behalf of the company at the International Trade Commission, requesting relief for workers at the plant whod been hurt by unfairly traded washing machine imports. Following Browns call, ITC rule in favor of Ohio workers. Now, Brown is pushing the Administration to provide real relief in the case. The case builds on Browns work to provide trade relief to Ohio companies and workers, including Browns legislation, the Leveling the Playing Field Act, signed into law in June 2015.\r\n\r\nWHATS AHEAD\r\nNext year, Brown intends to build on his work in 2017 to pass legislation to extend CHIP, secure Ohioans pensions, make work more valuable for Ohioans on the job, and rebuild the nations infrastructure. Hell also continue efforts to work with President Trump to retool U.S. trade policy so it works better for working Ohioans, and continue his fight to protect Ohioans healthcare, and the Social Security and Medicare benefits theyve paid into for years. Brown will also help write the next farm bill, from his position on the Agriculture Committee.\r\n\r\nReauthorizing Childrens Health Insurance Program\r\nOne of Browns main priorities at the end of this year was to reauthorize CHIP for Ohio kids for five years. Unfortunately, Congress went home without giving Ohio children and families the certainty that theyll have healthcare. Brown is a sponsor of the bipartisan bill to extend the program for five years, and plans to work with his Republican colleagues to get it passed next year.\r\n\r\nSecuring Ohio Pensions\r\nBrown is leading efforts in Congress to ensure Ohio retirees can keep the pensions they have earned. Brown has introduced legislation named for late Ohioan Butch Lewis, a Teamster, that would put the plans on solid footing so they can meet their obligations to current retirees and workers for decades to come without cuts. Brown has successfully garnered strong support in both the House and Senate, where Leadership has indicated Browns bill is a top priority, increasing its chances for passage.\r\n\r\nMaking Work Pay\r\nIn March, Brown unveiled a plan to increase the value of work in America for all workers  whether they punch a time sheet, make a salary or earn tips. For more than a year, Brown and his office studied the challenges facing workers in Ohio and across the country to compile an agenda of solutions outlined in his plan, Working Too Hard for Too Little: A Plan for Restoring the Value of Work in America. Browns plan aims to make hard work pay off once again by doing four things: raising workers wages and benefits; giving workers more power in the workplace; making it possible for more workers to save for retirement; and encouraging more companies to invest in their workforces. As part of his plan, Brown has also introduced legislation to provide employees advanced notice of their work schedules, expand two anti-poverty tax credits that help put money back in the pockets of working Ohioans and families, provide paid sick leave and paid family and medical leave, expand overtime pay and strengthen collective bargaining rights.\r\n\r\nRebuilding Crumbling Infrastructure\r\nBrown has offered to work with President Trump on Trumps promise to invest $1 trillion in our nations infrastructure and put Ohioans back to work rebuilding our roads and bridges. In January, Brown unveiled a comprehensive infrastructure plan with his colleagues, and early next year, Brown will introduce legislation aimed at rebuilding our nations bridges, which are critical to the flow of Ohio-made products and the safety of Ohioans as they travel to work, school or the grocery store.\r\n\r\nPushing for Better Trade Policy for Ohio Workers      \r\nSince just days after President Trumps election, Brown has offered to work with President Trump and his team to retool U.S. trade policy to support Ohio jobs. Brown outlined his priorities in a letter, and President Trump responded with a handwritten note. Brown has built strong relationships with top trade officials, including fellow Ohioan U.S. Trade Rep. Bob Lighthizer and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross. Brown successfully requested the President withdraw from the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Next year, Brown will continue to work with the Administrations trade team to renegotiate a strong NAFTA, crackdown on unfair trade and reduce Chinas steel overcapacity, which has hurt Ohios steel sector.\r\n\r\nProtecting Ohioans Healthcare\r\nBrown spoke out time and again in 2017 against attempts to take away care from more than 900,000 Ohioans who got coverage through the Affordable Care Act.\r\nBrown hasoffered specific legislation to make improvements to the Affordable Care Act including: legislation to add a public option to individual marketplaces so all consumers can access an affordable plan no matter where they live; legislation to repeal the so-called Cadillac tax on certain high-cost plans; legislation to repeal the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) to prevent arbitrary cuts to Medicare; and legislation to fix a glitch in the law that prevents spouses or children from accessing subsidies to help get coverage in the exchange if one spouse gets employer coverage.\r\nBrown has introduced a package of proposals to help bring down the cost of prescription drugs, including language he authored to increase access to biosimilar drugs and tax the windfall profits of drug companies when they drive up costs of drugs overnight. Browns bill has been described as just about every policy idea drug lobbyists hate. And thats something hes proud of.\r\nNow, as Congressional Republicans have set their sights on so-called entitlement reform, Brown will lead efforts in the Senate to protect the Medicare and Social Security Ohioans have paid into for years.\r\n\r\nWriting the 2018 Farm Bill\r\nIn 2014, Brown was part of the Farm Bill Conference Committee that successfully negotiated a five-year farm bill, helping secure key provisions for Ohio farmers. Over the summer, Brown kicked off a series of discussions with Ohio farmers and stakeholders to get input as helps write the 2018 Farm Bill. Brown is the first Ohioan to serve on the Senate Agriculture Committee in nearly 50 years.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://fudge.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1916", "REP. FUDGE APPOINTS DISTRICT OUTREACH COORDINATOR FOR SUMMIT COUNTY", "2017-12-27", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Marcia Fudge", "F000455", "fudge.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) announced today the appointment of Dr. Joan M. Williams as her new District Outreach Coordinator for Summit County. Dr. Williams will be based in Congresswoman Fudges Summit County office and will begin her duties effective Wednesday, January 3.\r\n\r\n\tDr. Williams brings more than two decades of experience building sustainable community partnerships. As Outreach Coordinator, she will manage day-to-day operations of the district office in Summit County, assist constituents and community stakeholders with concerns regarding federal government issues and programs, and serve as a liaison to other district staff.\r\n\r\n\tI am pleased to welcome Dr. Williams to my staff and introduce the community to my newest representative in Summit County. She brings a wealth of knowledge, talent, and the leadership skills that will help complement our work on behalf of the constituents of the 11th Congressional District, said Congresswoman Fudge.\r\n\r\n\tDr. Williams earned her bachelors degree from Colgate University, a masters degree in education from SUNY College at Brockport, a masters degree in social work from Columbia University, and a doctorate from Alliance Theological Seminary. She most recently served as Executive Director of Beth-Hark Christian Counseling Center, and is a Licensed Minister of Counseling.\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/news-articles/house-passes-spending-bills-senate-expected-to-follow", "House passes spending bills; Senate expected to follow", "2017-12-22", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Joyce Beatty", "B001281", "beatty.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "House passes spending bills; Senate expected to follow \n\nCongress Thursday appeared poised to effectively evade the last-minute threat of a government shutdown, with the House passing a bill to keep the government open through Jan. 19 and the Senate poised to follow suit later Thursday or early Friday.\nThe spending bill  which included a $2.85 billion down payment aimed at keeping the federal Childrens Health Insurance Program operational as well as reauthorizing federal surveillance powers  passed after House leadership was able to convince a group of Defense hawks including Rep. Mike Turner, RDayton, to overcome their reservations about the spending bill.\nTurner said House GOP leadership had secured their support for an earlier bill by promising that a December spending bill would include fullyear Defense funding, but, in a Wednesday night meeting on Capitol Hill, GOP leaders acknowledged that they wouldnt have the votes to pass such a measure.\nInstead, in a meeting Thursday morning, GOP leadership and defense hawks were able to agree on a short term boost of $5 billion while Congress prepares for its new Jan. 19 deadline to pass another spending bill.\nTurner said hes hopeful that after the House comes back in January, it will be able to reach a twoyear budget deal that will eliminate mandatory spending cuts for Defense that are part of federal law.\nThe final House vote was 231-188. The delegations four Democrats  Reps. Tim Ryan of Niles, Joyce Beatty of Jefferson Township, Marcy Kaptur of Toledo and Marcia Fudge of Cleveland  opposed it. Among Ohio Republicans, only Rep. Jim Jordan, RUrbana, opposed it. Rep. Jim Renacci, RWadsworth, did not vote.\nRyan said he was disappointed that the House was passing another short-term funding bill and also disappointed that it did not address a program that keeps children brought to the U.S. as immigrants from being deported. We need to be making strategic investments in education, infrastructure, and our national defense  something these continuing resolutions do not allow, he said.\nBy contrast, Rep. Steve Stivers, R-Upper Arlington, said he supports the bill in part because it keeps CHIP funding. One of the primary responsibilities of Congress is to fund the government - shutting down is simply not an option for me, he said.\n\nThe House also Thursday approved an $81 billion emergency spending bill aimed at paying for hurricanes and wildfire relief. The bill passed 251169 with 70 Democrats crossing the aisle to support the Republican bill. Fifty Republicans, including Reps. Warren Davidson of Troy, Steve Chabot of Cincinnati and Jordan opposed that bill. Renacci also missed that vote. The remaining Ohio Republicans supported it while all four Ohio Democrats in the House opposed it.\nThe bill was finished hours before the federal government was scheduled to run out of cash  midnight on Dec. 22.\nThough Republicans managed to escape the most scathing criticism about the possibility that theyd allow the Childrens Health Insurance Program to expire just days after passing tax cuts criticized as disproportionately aiding large corporations and wealthy Americans, some Democrats said the CHIP patch was not enough.\nSen. Sherrod Brown, DOhio, said the $2.85 billion in funding would effectively pay for the three months since the program has expired  basically, doling out back pay for unpaid obligations. This provides no certainty to states that are running CHIP programs, he said, speaking in front of a photo of Noble Lett, a Dublin first grader who suffers from a rare genetic disorder. Letts mother, Crystal, came to D.C. in July to lobby for an extension of the CHIP program, telling Brown that the CHIP program helped make the difference between her family living a middle-class lifestyle and living under the poverty line.\nCongress had time to hand out massive tax cuts for rich Americans and big corporations, but they didnt have time to help these families, Brown said. Its a disgrace.\nThis article was originally published byThe Columbus Dispatch on December 22, 2017.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-sends-bipartisan-letter-speaker-ryan-urging-action-address", "Kaptur sends bipartisan letter to Speaker Ryan urging action to address looming private pension crisis", "2017-12-22", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Marcy Kaptur", "K000009", "kaptur.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), sent a bipartisan letter to Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-WI), requesting action to address the looming crisis in Americas private pensions, which puts the retirement of millions at risk. The letter was signed by Reps. David B. McKinley (R-WV), Rick Nolan (D-MN), Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Don Young (R-AK).\nAmericas largest multi-employer pension plans face a looming stability crisis that requires immediate action. The retirement income on which millions of Americans depend is in jeopardy as plans like the United Mine Workers Pension Fund, the Central States Fund, and many others lurch toward insolvency. If serious discussion about a solution does not begin imminently, the options available to provide relief will become less flexible, and their cost will grow, said the Members.\nWe urge you, Mr. Speaker, to support us in the coming months and please give this issue the courtesy of being heard and addressed, the Members concluded.\nRead the full letter here: 12-21-17 Pension Caucus Letter to Ryan - Signed.pdf\nRecently Kaptur shared the stories of several retirees and workers who discussed the importance of their pension and how they have paid into this earned benefit for more than 30 years. Watch those videos here.\nBACKGROUND:\nKaptur is a cosponsor of several efforts to address the pension crisis and is a leader in Congress to protect the pensions of millions of Americans whose retirement is at risk through no fault of their own.\nIn December 2014, Congress approved and the president signed a spending bill that included provisions that allow for dramatic cuts to financially troubled multiemployer pensions. Under this provision, the pension benefits of retirees could be cut by 70 percent or more. Before the law was changed, it was illegal for an employer to cut the pension benefits retirees had earned.\nKaptur has championed the Butch Lewis Act and her bill, the Keep our Pension Promises Act, which establishes a legacy fund within the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation to ensure that multiemployer pension plans can continue to provide pension benefits to every eligible American for decades to come. This legislation is paid for by closing two tax loopholes that allow the wealthiest Americans to avoid paying their fair share of taxes. For a one-pager on KOPPA bill click here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/article/congress-passes-sherrod-brown-bill-to-buy-fentanyl-detection-devices", "Congress passes Sherrod Brown bill to buy fentanyl detection devices", "2017-12-22", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Cleveland.com\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tFriday, December 22, 2017\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON - The U.S. Senate on Thursday unanimously passed a bipartisan bill co-sponsored by Ohio Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown that allocates $15 million for U.S. Customs and Border Protection to buy and use portable screening equipment to detect fentanyl before it enters the United States.\r\nThe legislation will provide customs and border patrol agents with additional drug screening devices at ports of entry, mail and express consignment facilities, more fixed chemical screening devices at its laboratories, and the personnel and scientists to interpret the screening test results.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tCongress passes Sherrod Brown bill to buy fentanyl detection devices", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/multimedia/watch/browns-bipartisan-bill-to-keep-fentanyl-out-of-ohio-heads-to-presidents-desk", "Brown\u2019s Bipartisan Bill to Keep Fentanyl out Of Ohio Heads to President\u2019s Desk", "2017-12-22", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "If youre afraid you might be a victim of the Equifax data breach, Senator Brown encourages you to visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureaus website for more information and resources  www.consumerfinance.gov.\n  \nFor information on how to help recovery efforts for recent hurricanes, go to www.fema.gov", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senators-urge-cdc-hhs-to-reverse-course-on-dangerous-banned-words-list", "Senators Urge CDC, HHS to Reverse Course On Dangerous Banned Words List", "2017-12-22", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senators: Banning Words like Fetus, Transgender and Science/Evidence-Based Could Lead to Censorship, Impact Public Health Goals\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tFriday, December 22, 2017\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Tom Carper (D-DE), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Al Franken (D-MN),Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) are calling for the reversal of reported internal policies across the Department of Health and Human Service (HHS) that ban the use of seven words, including vulnerable, entitlement, diversity, transgender, fetus, evidence-based, and science-based.\r\n\r\nIn a letter to HHS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the Senators, led by Brown, warned that this policy could result in censorship and unscientific language that is damaging to public health and the goals of the agencies, particularly in the areas of minority health and health equity.\r\n\r\nWords matter, said Brown. Highlighting certain words may result in self-censorship and imprecision by CDC employees conducting work on important public health issues like minority health and health equity.\r\n\r\nFull text of the Senators letter is below and a PDF is available here.\r\nDear Acting Secretary Hargan, Director Mulvaney, and Director Fitzgerald,\r\n\r\nWe write to seek clarification over internal policies regarding the use of public health terminology across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). On Friday, December 15th, The Washington Post reported that policy analysts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) were verbally instructed to avoid using a list of seven prohibited words and phrases in official department budget documents, including vulnerable, entitlement, diversity, transgender, fetus, evidence-based, and science-based. Employees from other HHS agencies confirmed that similar lists of forbidden words were banned from use in official documents. If these allegations are indeed true, we respectfully request that you immediately reverse these policies. Additionally, we request that you follow up with a written response to Congress regarding your plans to mitigate the adverse effects from these reports on HHSs commitment to science.\r\n\r\nAccording to The Washington Posts report, CDC analysts were told that the list of prohibited words should be applied to the budget and any supporting materials distributed to collaborators and members of Congress. Multiple HHS officials confirmed the existence of a list of discouraged words. According to the report, the announcement was met with alarm and incredulity from CDC staff members. Once published by the Post, the situation prompted outrage from the wider public health community, with groups such as the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health, Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, and American Association for the Advancement of Science taking a public stance in opposition to the reported decision. We share their outrage.\r\n\r\nDr. Fitzgeralds December 17th email to CDC staff, while not denying the existence of the seven banned words, asserted that science is and will remain the foundation of [CDCs] work. It is cold comfort that the Director of one of the worlds leading public health organizations is committed to sound science. Yet, the American people demand more than that. They deserve a Director and an agency committed to the highest quality science not hindered by political interference. As such, we believe that this issue warrants further discussion and clarification.\r\n\r\nWords matter. Experts in the field have noted that banning words from budget documents can send a signal to people in the agency that this is not just about the budget process. Highlighting certain words may result in self-censorship and imprecision by CDC employees conducting work on important public health issues like minority health and health equity. While HHSs guidance recommended clunky phrases such as CDC bases its recommendations on science in consideration with community standards and wishes in lieu of science-based or evidence-based, such substitutions cannot be made for the word fetus when studying the in utero effects of Zika virus or for transgender when studying LGBT health. Particularly in light of additional media reports from December 18th, which revealed that HHS had withheld over 10,000 public comments about abortion and transgender health in the context of regulations for religious and faith-based groups, it is critically important that the agency rethink its policy decisions around censorship and transparency  both within the agency and when soliciting stakeholder feedback.\r\n\r\nThe CDCs Pledge to the American People states that CDC will [b]ase all public health decisions on the highest quality scientific data that is derived openly and objectively, and [p]lace the benefits to society above the benefits to our institution. In order to carry out these promises, the agency must remain steadfast in its commitment to the best science and the best words to describe that science. It is essential that CDC rely on science-based and evidence-based decisions, and use specific and accurate language to promote its work. In short, there is no place for censorship within the CDC, or within HHS at large. Furthermore, if other HHS agencies have promoted similar censorship policies, these steps must be reversed. We kindly request your response in writing regarding the agencys plans to reverse its budgetary language decision, as well as to address its broader implications.\r\n\r\nThank you for your prompt attention to this serious issue. We look forward to receiving your response.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://fudge.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1915", "Rep. Fudge Votes NO on Both the Continuing Resolution and Supplemental Disaster Relief Funding", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Marcia Fudge", "F000455", "fudge.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) issued the following statement after voting no on both the continuing resolution and supplemental disaster relief package that passed the House today:\r\n\r\n\tToday I voted no on yet another short-term, stop-gap funding measure. This Continuing Resolution provides only temporary relief for the nearly nine million children depending on the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and health care providers working tirelessly at our Community Health Centers.\r\n\r\n\tHouse Republicans wasted another opportunity to work with Democrats in a bipartisan way on behalf of millions of children and their families. I would have supported a bill that addressed the needs of the hardworking Americans that sent us to Congress; a bill that provided stable reauthorization and funding for CHIP and Community Health Centers, funding to combat the opioid epidemic, stabilized the health insurance marketplace, protected DREAMers, and addressed the pension crisis.\r\n\r\n\tToday, House Republicans also put forth a supplemental disaster relief funding package that does nothing to guarantee help for our fellow Americans in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This is a bill the Senate is not expected to consider until 2018. People without homes or electricity in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Texas, Florida, and California cannot wait. Rather than spending valuable time passing a tax cut that predominately benefits the wealthiest Americans, we should have been working to protect sick children and disaster victims. We should be voting on things that will affect peoples lives now.\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-and-house-democrats-send-letter-support-special-counsel-robert", "Kaptur and House Democrats send letter of support for Special Counsel Robert Mueller", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Marcy Kaptur", "K000009", "kaptur.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) and 171 Members of Congress, sent a letter to the Deputy Attorney General of the United States, Rod J. Rosenstein, to express their support for the investigation being conducted by Special Counsel Robert S. Mueller, III. The effort was led by Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43).\nWe write to express our support for the work of Special Counsel Robert S. Mueller III, and to urge you to ensure that he be allowed to continue his investigation  unfettered by political influence or threats to his authority  to its natural and appropriate conclusion based on the law, the facts, and the evidence, the Members wrote.\nKaptur spoke at a press conference which you can watch here (Kaptur speaks at the 10 min mark).\nSpecial Counsel Mueller was appointed by Mr. Rosenstein on May 17, 2017 to lead an investigation into important matters arising out of the 2016 elections, including any links and/or coordination between the Russian government and individuals associated with the campaign of President Donald Trump.\nHowever, despite Mr. Muellers record of integrity, established through his previous service as the FBI Director for 12 years over two presidential administrations, and the clear progress that Mr. Mueller is making in his investigation, the partisan media, Republican Members of Congress and President Donald Trump, himself, have attempted to undermine Mr. Muellers investigation by advancing a false narrative that Special Counsel Muellers investigation is biased.\nRead the full text of the letter here: 2017-12-21 Letter from 171 MOCs to DOJ Rosenstein.pdf", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-congratulates-winners-ninth-congressional-district-invitational", "Kaptur congratulates winners of Ninth Congressional District Invitational Art Exhibition today at Light Up Toledo Event", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Marcy Kaptur", "K000009", "kaptur.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Toledo, OH  Today Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), congratulated Ms. Micah Inak of Lakewood High School, Lakewood, OH and Mr. Ben Car of Bowsher High School, Toledo, OH for receiving the Downtown Toledo Coffee Cup Award as a result of their participation in the Ninth Congressional District Invitational Art Exhibition. The awards will be presented today at 4:00 p.m. at Claro Coffee Bar, 1801 Adams Street, Toledo, Ohio.\nThe student artwork we received this year showed great skill from many young artists throughout the region, and I commend each of our participants for their creativity and initiative. said Kaptur. Micahs and Bens work stood out among the many compelling pieces we reviewed. The Arts uplift all of us and we are fortunate to have such talent in the Ninth Congressional District.\nThe Ninth Congressional District Invitational Art Exhibition is hosted each year by Rep. Kaptur and The Arts Commission. The theme of todays Art Loop is Light Up Toledo in celebration of the holiday season. The artwork of the winners of the Art Exhibition will be on display, as well as artwork and creative talent by local artists throughout various venues in Downtown Toledo that are showcased during the Art Loop. The public is encouraged to attend the Art Loop today to support local artists.\nBelow are the coffee cups that have been created for the winners of the Downtown Toledo Coffee Cup Award which will be on display at the event today. The title of Ms. Inaks work is I Have Rivers On My Mind. The title of Mr. Cars work is Puzzled.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://timryan.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-tim-ryan-votes-against-continuing-resolution-and-inadequate-aid", "Congressman Tim Ryan Votes Against Continuing Resolution and Inadequate Aid Package", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Tim Ryan", "R000577", "timryan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Congressman Tim Ryan today voted against the Continuing Resolution and legislation that inadequately funds disaster aid.\nAs we continue to lurch from short-term funding bill to short-term funding bill, attempting to avert a last minute Congressional created crisis, the Republican majority continues to prove itself unable to govern. We need to be making strategic investments in education, infrastructure, and our national defensesomething these continuing resolutions do not allow. I cannot in good conscience vote for more temporary fixes that damage our ability to invest in our own future, especially without assurances that Congress will take up a permanent solution for the DACA program. The same goes with the inadequate disaster relief supplemental aid legislation, which was woefully insufficient. The Governor of Puerto Rico previously requested $94 billion just for its recovery efforts, but this measure only provided $81 billion to be split between Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It also included an unacceptably low amount of funding to combat the ever-growing opioid epidemic. There were 63,600 overdose deaths in 2016, far more than the 58,000 deaths in the entire Vietnam War. Congress must get serious about the funding needed to turn the tide of this crisis, said Congressman Ryan.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://timryan.house.gov/press-release/congressman-tim-ryan-votes-against-continuing-resolution-and-inadequate-aid-package", "Congressman Tim Ryan Votes Against Continuing Resolution and Inadequate Aid Package", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Tim Ryan", "R000577", "timryan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Congressman Tim Ryan today voted against the Continuing Resolution and legislation that inadequately funds disaster aid.\nAs we continue to lurch from short-term funding bill to short-term funding bill, attempting to avert a last minute Congressional created crisis, the Republican majority continues to prove itself unable to govern. We need to be making strategic investments in education, infrastructure, and our national defensesomething these continuing resolutions do not allow. I cannot in good conscience vote for more temporary fixes that damage our ability to invest in our own future, especially without assurances that Congress will take up a permanent solution for the DACA program. The same goes with the inadequate disaster relief supplemental aid legislation, which was woefully insufficient. The Governor of Puerto Rico previously requested $94 billion just for its recovery efforts, but this measure only provided $81 billion to be split between Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It also included an unacceptably low amount of funding to combat the ever-growing opioid epidemic. There were 63,600 overdose deaths in 2016, far more than the 58,000 deaths in the entire Vietnam War. Congress must get serious about the funding needed to turn the tide of this crisis, said Congressman Ryan.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/multimedia/watch/brown-takes-to-senate-floor-to-demand-funding-extension-for-chip", "Brown Takes To Senate Floor to Demand Funding Extension for Chip", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "If youre afraid you might be a victim of the Equifax data breach, Senator Brown encourages you to visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureaus website for more information and resources  www.consumerfinance.gov.\n  \nFor information on how to help recovery efforts for recent hurricanes, go to www.fema.gov", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/as-ohio-tops-overdose-list-brown-calls-for-passage-of-his-bipartisan-bill-to-keep-fentanyl-out-of-ohio", "As Ohio Tops Overdose List, Brown Calls For Passage of His Bipartisan Bill to Keep Fentanyl Out Of Ohio", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CDC Releases Overdose Data for 2016, Ohio Has Second Highest Death Rate by Drug Overdose in Nation; Browns Bipartisan INTERDICT Act Passed House, Awaits Senate Action\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tThursday, December 21, 2017\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) called for Senate passage of his bipartisan bill to keep deadly synthetic opioids like fentanyl out of Ohio as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new data showing Ohio had the second highest death rate by drug overdose in the U.S in 2016. The CDC data reveals Ohios age-adjusted drug overdose death rate was 39.1 per 100,000 in 2016, second only to West Virginia. The report pointed to the rise in fentanyl as a major drive of drug-related deaths. Browns bill to help law enforcement detect fentanyl before it enters the U.S. has passed the House and awaits action by the Senate.\r\nBrownsINTERDICT Actwould provide U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) with additional hi-tech screening equipment and lab resources to detect fentanyl before it enters the U.S.\r\nThis report confirms what too many Ohioans already know  the opioid epidemic is devastating our communities, said Brown. Law enforcement officers need every tool available to keep fentanyl out of the country and off of Ohio streets.\r\nThis week, the FOP sent a letter to Senate leadership calling for passage of Browns bill to help law enforcement officers as they work to keep deadly synthetic opioids from entering the country. Browns bill is also supported by U.S. Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) and Brown is supporting Portmans STOP Act, which is also endorsed by law enforcement. The two bills work together to help block the deadly synthetic opioid from reaching Ohio communities.\r\nDuring a Senate Finance Committee Hearing in October, Brown secured a commitment from CBP Commissioner Kevin McAleenan to work with Brown to make sure customs agents have the equipment to identify fentanyl and keep the deadly drug out of Ohio.\r\nBrowns bill would authorize $15 million for hundreds of new screening devices, laboratory equipment, facilities, and personnel for 24x7 lab support. The money will be used to:\r\n \r\nProvide more portable chemical screening devices at ports of entry and mail and express consignment facilities and additional fixed chemical screening devices available in CBP laboratories.\r\n \r\n \r\nProvide CBP with sufficient resources, personnel, and facilities  including scientists available during all operational hours  to interpret screening test results from the field.\r\n \r\nProviding CBP with more screening devices and lab support will not only stop more Fentanyl from coming into the U.S., it will also protect more agents in the field from exposure to dangerous substances.\r\nBrown is also leading legislation with Portman to increase access to treatment for opioid addiction. The Medicaid CARE Act would modify current law to allow Medicaid coverage for up to 40 beds at accredited residential addiction treatment facilities for up to 60 consecutive days. Medicaid covers 50 percent of all addiction treatment in Ohio, so lifting this cap is critical to ensuring that Ohioans on Medicaid get care.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-congress-should-stay-in-town-do-our-jobs", "Brown: Congress Should Stay in Town, Do Our Jobs", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Calls for Passage of CHIP Funding, Pensions Fix before Breaking for Christmas; So-Called Three-Month CHIP Extension Doesnt Provide Enough Funding to Cover All Kids \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tThursday, December 21, 2017\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) said today that instead of going on Christmas break, Congress should stay in Washington until members do their jobs and pass a long-term extension of the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and secure the pensions of Ohio workers. Brown pointed out that the so-called three-month extension of CHIP, also known as Healthy Start in Ohio, doesnt provide enough funding to actually cover all children and pregnant women in every state for a full three months. And, because the bill does nothing to provide certainty for states, parents will continue getting letters that their children may lose insurance. \r\nCongress hasnt done its job all year long, and now Leader McConnell wants to pass another short term band aid and go on Christmas vacation,said Brown.Meanwhile, families are living in fear that their children are going to lose health insurance and retired workers are headed into Christmas without any security that the pensions theyve earned will be there next year. Congress needs to stay here and do our jobs.\r\nThis afternoon on the Senate floor, Brown called on Congress to extend funding for CHIP for five years rather than the current three-month extension proposed by Congressional leadership. In October,Browns bipartisan bill to extend funding for CHIPfor five years passed the Senate Finance Committee, but Senate leadership has yet to take up the bill on the Senate floor.\r\nBrown has also called for passage of theButch Lewis Act, his legislation to ensure that Ohio retirees can keep the pensions theyve earned. His legislation has been consistently named as a top priority by Senate and House leadership.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-takes-to-senate-floor-to-demand-funding-extension-for-chip", "Brown Takes to Senate Floor to Demand Funding Extension for CHIP", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator has Led Efforts to Extend Funding for Program that Insures More Than 209,000 Ohio Children\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tThursday, December 21, 2017\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\n**Production Quality Video Available HERE**\r\n**Production Quality Audio Available HERE**\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) took to the Senate floor to call on Congress to extend funding for the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP), known as Healthy Start in Ohio, for five years rather than the current three-month extension proposed by Congressional leadership. In October, Browns bipartisan bill to extend funding for CHIP for five years passed the Senate Finance Committee, but Senate leadership has yet to take up the bill on the Senate floor.\r\nThis body passed massive, permanent tax cuts for corporations, but cant give families more certainty than three months? Its past time for folks in Congress with taxpayer-funded health care, to do their jobs and extend CHIP, so families dont pay the price, said Brown.\r\n \r\nThe Affordable Care Act reauthorized CHIP through 2019, but Congress allowed funding for the program to expire in September.\r\n \r\n \r\nBrown has led Senate efforts to extend funding for CHIP, which is also called Healthy Start in Ohio. Healthy Start insures more than 209,000 Ohio children.\r\n \r\n\r\nBrown highlighted the story of Noble Lett on the Senate Floor. Noble was born with a rare genetic disorder, and while the Letts insurance plan would only cover part of Nobles treatment, because of CHIP, Noble has access to the high-quality healthcare he deserves.\r\nCHIP, which was created in 1997, is a joint state-federal health insurance program for low to moderate income children and pregnant women who are not Medicaid eligible. Within three years of its initial passage, all 50 states opted into the program, providing millions with access to health insurance. Nationwide, CHIP provides access to comprehensive, affordable coverage to more than nine million children and Healthy Start helps cover more than 209,000 Ohioans.\r\nBrown led efforts in the Senate to protect CHIP and the vital coverage it provides children and pregnant women nationwide in 2015. The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 extended funding for CHIP for two years, through September of 2017.\r\nIn September, Brown joined families in Cincinnati and Cleveland to call for funding extension for CHIP. Earlier this year, Brown also secured a commitment from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Seema Verma to work with Brown on extending CHIP.\r\nBrown was the lead sponsor of the Protecting and Retaining Our Childrens Health Insurance Program (PRO-CHIP) Act of 2015 in the Senate, which would have extended the program through 2019.\r\nText of Browns remarks as prepared for delivery can be found below:\r\n\r\nYesterday, a bunch of members of Congress with healthcare paid for by taxpayers were at the White House celebrating a handout for corporations that send jobs overseas  while families here in America were getting letters in the mail saying their kids are about to get kicked off of their health insurance through CHIP.\r\nThats right, because Congress hasnt done its job, families in some states have already started getting letters bringing devastating news: their children could lose their health care in the New Year.\r\nA new report from the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families reports that 1.9 million children could lose coverage in January  next month  if Congress doesnt act.\r\nAnother one million could lose insurance by the end of February.\r\nParents are panicked and confused.\r\nThink about those families, getting that letter in the mail.\r\nIt should be a joyful time of year for families, spending time with family and enjoying the holidays.\r\nImagine checking your mailbox, expecting Christmas cards, and finding that letter instead.\r\nImagine having to tell your daughter, Im sorry, Santa probably isnt bringing much this year, and we wont have many presents under the tree.\r\nImagine trying to not let your child see the worry in your eyes, because you just got this letter in the mail, and now youre wondering how youll afford to take her to the doctor when she gets sick.\r\nThese are often families with two working parents, who arent lucky enough to work for companies that offer health insurance coverage for their entire family.\r\nOr theyre families with children who have special needs, like Crystal Lett and her son Noble, a first-grader in Dublin, Ohio.\r\nI met Crystal and Noble this spring, when they came all the way from Ohio to talk about what CHIP means to their family.\r\nNoble was born with a rare genetic disorder. He needs three therapy sessions a week, and daily hormone injections, to treat his condition. His medications run $1,500 a month.\r\nI talked to Crystal at the end of last month. She and her family are scared to death about what will happen to them if Congress doesnt save CHIP.\r\nShe said, CHIP is the difference between living a middle class lifestyle, or being part of the poverty line.\r\nCongress had time to hand out massive tax cuts to the richest Americans and the biggest corporations, but doesnt have the time to help these families?\r\nIts a disgrace.\r\nThis is a program that was created in a bipartisan way, that has always been bipartisan, and that still has bipartisan support today.\r\nWe passed a bipartisan CHIP extension out of the Finance Committee overwhelmingly.\r\nIts ready to go. And if Republican leaders put it on the floor today, it would pass. There is no excuse for this delay that is hurting families.\r\nRight now, theres talk the House is going to pass a three-month CHIP extension.\r\nThis is unacceptable.\r\nThree months provides no certainty for families. And it provides no certainty for states.\r\nStates like Alabama and Virginia are already taking steps to close down their programs and freeze enrollment.\r\nThey have to give families a heads up, so these parents have time to do what they can  whether its try to find an alternative source of coverage, or try to fit in one more doctors appointment before their coverage lapses.\r\nProviding a three-month extension doesnt solve the problem, it just makes the situation more complicated for families and kids across the country.\r\nThis body passed massive, permanent tax cuts for corporations, but cant give families more certainty than three months?\r\nI want my colleagues here in Congress to explain to Crystal and so many mothers and fathers like her why corporate tax cuts are more important than their childrens health.\r\nThere are more than 209,000 Ohio children who rely on this program. Thats more than enough to fill the Buckeye football stadium twice over.\r\nSenator Hatch said last month that we were going to get this done, but now were hearing that Senator McConnell is only going to let us vote on a three month extension of the program.\r\nThis is about whose side youre on. Do we work for the corporations that send our jobs overseas, or for the children who may wake up on Christmas morning without health insurance?\r\nIts past time for folks in Congress with taxpayer-funded health care, to do their jobs and extend CHIP, so families dont pay the price.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/browns-bipartisan-bill-to-keep-fentanyl-out-of-ohio-heads-to-presidents-desk", "Brown\u2019s Bipartisan Bill to Keep Fentanyl Out of Ohio Heads To President\u2019s Desk", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Forced Senate Vote on Legislation Today After CDC Placed Ohio at Top of List for Overdose Deaths, Now He is Urging President Trump to Sign the Bill into Law\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tThursday, December 21, 2017\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n**Download Production Quality Footage HERE**\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C.  The U.S. Senate unanimously passed U.S. Sen. Sherrod Browns bipartisan bill to keep illegal fentanyl out of Ohio, sending it to President Trumps desk to become law.\r\nPassage of the bill comes just as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new data showing Ohio had the second highest death rate by drug overdose in the U.S in 2016. After months of Brown and law enforcement groups calling for passage of Browns bill, Brown joined his colleague Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) to force a vote on the legislation, which will help law enforcement detect fentanyl before it enters the U.S. The bill has already passed in the U.S. House of Representatives, and now goes to President Trumps desk for his signature. BrownsINTERDICT Actwill provide U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) with additional hi-tech screening equipment and lab resources to detect fentanyl before it enters the U.S.\r\nOhioans are dying from overdoses at the second highest rate in the country. Families are being torn apart. Children are losing parents. Parents are losing sons and daughters. And we know fentanyl is one of the main culprits, said Brown. I urge President Trump to sign our bipartisan bill into law immediately, so we can give law enforcement the tools they need to keep this drug out of Ohio and off our streets.\r\nThis week, the FOP sent a letter to Senate leadership calling for passage of Browns bill to help law enforcement officers as they work to keep deadly synthetic opioids from entering the country. Browns bill is also supported by U.S. Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) and Brown is supporting Portmans STOP Act, which is also endorsed by law enforcement. The two bills work together to help block the deadly synthetic opioid from reaching Ohio communities.\r\nDuring a Senate Finance Committee Hearing in October, Brown secured a commitment from CBP Commissioner Kevin McAleenan to work with Brown to make sure customs agents have the equipment to identify fentanyl and keep the deadly drug out of Ohio.\r\nBrowns bill will authorize $15 million for hundreds of new screening devices, laboratory equipment, facilities, and personnel for 24x7 lab support. The money will be used to:\r\n \r\nProvide more portable chemical screening devices at ports of entry and mail and express consignment facilities and additional fixed chemical screening devices available in CBP laboratories.\r\n \r\n \r\nProvide CBP with sufficient resources, personnel, and facilities  including scientists available during all operational hours  to interpret screening test results from the field.\r\n \r\nProviding CBP with more screening devices and lab support will not only stop more Fentanyl from coming into the U.S., it will also protect more agents in the field from exposure to dangerous substances.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/national-law-enforcement-group-joins-call-for-immediate-passage-of-browns-bill-to-keep-illegal-fentanyl-out-of-ohio", "National Law Enforcement Group Joins Call for Immediate Passage of Brown\u2019s Bill to Keep Illegal Fentanyl out of Ohio", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Letter Follows CDC Data Showing Ohio Has Second Highest Death Rate by Drug Overdose in Nation - Browns Bipartisan Bill Passed House, Awaits Action by Senate\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tThursday, December 21, 2017\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, the Police Assisted Addiction Recovery Initiative (PAARI), a nonprofit law enforcement organization, sent a letter to Senate leadership urging immediate passage of U.S. Sen. Sherrod Browns bipartisan bill to keep deadly synthetic opioids like fentanyl out of Ohio. Browns bill, the INTERDICT Act, has passed the House and is currently awaiting action in the Senate.\r\nPAARIs letter follows data released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showing Ohio had the second highest death rate by drug overdose in the U.S in 2016. The Fraternal Order of Police also sent a letter to Senate Leaders yesterday calling for passage of Browns bill, the INTERDICT Act.\r\nNow is the time to act. This holiday season too many seats at too many tables are empty due to the unrelenting flow of fentanyl into the United States. We must give our law enforcement personnel the tools necessary to stop this flow. We can do that, in part, by getting the INTERDICT Act to the Presidents desk this year. That is why PAARI strongly supports this important legislation which will give U.S. Customs and Border Protection the additional resources it needs to fight the flow of fentanyl and other deadly drugs into the United States, wrote Chief Frederick Ryan, PAARI Board of Directors Co-Chair.\r\nSeveral state and national law enforcement organizations, including the Ohio FOP and the Buckeye Sheriffs Association, have endorsed Browns bill.Browns bill is also supported by U.S. Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) and Brown is supporting Portmans STOP Act, which is also endorsed by law enforcement. The two bills work together to help block the deadly synthetic opioid from reaching Ohio communities.\r\nDuring a Senate Finance Committee Hearing in October, Brown secured a commitment from CBP Commissioner Kevin McAleenan to work with Brown to make sure customs agents have the equipment to identify fentanyl and keep the deadly drug out of Ohio.\r\nBrowns bill would authorize $15 million for hundreds of new screening devices, laboratory equipment, facilities, and personnel for 24x7 lab support. The money will be used to:\r\n \r\nProvide more portable chemical screening devices at ports of entry and mail and express consignment facilities and additional fixed chemical screening devices available in CBP laboratories.\r\n \r\n \r\nProvide CBP with sufficient resources, personnel, and facilities  including scientists available during all operational hours  to interpret screening test results from the field.\r\n \r\nProviding CBP with more screening devices and lab support will not only stop more Fentanyl from coming into the U.S., it will also protect more agents in the field from exposure to dangerous substances.\r\nFull text of PAARIs letter to Senate leadership can be found here and below:\r\nDear Senators McConnell and Schumer,\r\nThe Police Assisted Addiction Recovery Initiative (PAARI) is a nonprofit organization that trains and supports more than 360 law enforcement agencies that have launched programs that serve as a pre-arrest bridge to treatment. PAARI was pleased to offer its strong support for S.708, the bipartisan INTERDICT Act, which was introduced by Senators Markey, Rubio, Brown, and Capito. This bill will expand U.S. Customs and Border Protections ability to use technology to detect fentanyl and other narcotics coming into the United States from abroad and which are causing a public health epidemic in our communities.\r\nWhile the Senate has yet to act on S. 708, the House of Representatives took action and on 25\r\nOctober 2017, passed companion legislation HR 2142, by a vote of 412-3. As this year draws to a close, we urge the Senate to take up and pass the House version of INTERDICT this year.\r\nDrug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the United States, with more than\r\n54,000 overdose deaths reported in 2015. Almost 33,000 of those overdose deaths  roughly\r\n60 percent  involved opioids, including prescription opioid pain relievers, heroin, or the synthetic opioid fentanyl. In particular, as the CDCs recent report has just shown, fentanyl and its analogs are becoming increasingly responsible for these overdose deaths.\r\nFentanyl is up to 50 times more powerful than heroin and 100 times more powerful than morphine. It is dangerous and potentially life-threatening to simply touch or accidentally inhale the white powdery substance. Sometimes, unbeknownst to the user, fentanyl is often mixed with heroin or other substances, or formed to resemble prescription opioid pills. Most illicit fentanyl comes to the United States from China and Mexico, delivered through the mail or express consignment carriers, or smuggled across the southwest border of the United States. The INTERDICT Act will help the United States better identify and stop these dangerous substances from landing in communities across America.\r\nNow is the time to act. This holiday season too many seats at too many tables are empty due to the unrelenting flow of fentanyl into the United States. We must give our law enforcement personnel the tools necessary to stop this flow. We can do that, in part, by getting the INTERDICT Act to the Presidents desk this year. That is why PAARI strongly supports this important legislation which will give U.S. Customs and Border Protection the additional resources it needs to fight the flow of fentanyl and other deadly drugs into the United States.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/news-articles/7-reasons-to-support-congresswoman-joyce-beatty", "7 Reasons to Support Congresswoman Joyce Beatty", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Joyce Beatty", "B001281", "beatty.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "HER TERM: \nU.S. House, Ohio, District 3 - Incumbent\n Party: Democratic\n\tTenure: January 3, 2013 - Present\n\tTerm Ends: January 3, 2019\n  HER EXPERIENCE: \n 1999-2008: Ohio State Representative\n\t1983-1992: Director, Montgomery County Department of Community Human Services\n  HER STORY: \nJoyce Beatty was once named one of Ebony Magazine's 150 Most Powerful African-Americans in the United States.\nShe is a native Ohioan who currently owns a small retail business in downtown Columbus. She has also been a professor at Sinclair Community College.\nJoyce is a big supporter of the Congressional Black Caucus as well as the Office of Minority and Women Inclusion.\n\n HER VIEWS: \n Economy: \nThe Democratic Congresswoman is a staunch advocate for tax reform to lessen the gap between the rich and the poor in America.\nThe Senate GOP has officially passed its tax bill, but the fight is not over yet.\nWhen it comes to the economy and taxes, Joyce opposes the Republican's recent budget resolution and disagrees with President Trump's budget request.\nShe believes that the tax cuts would only benefit the wealthiest Americans, while depriving seniors, students, veterans, the disabled, and working families of food, housing, jobs, and more.\n Education: \nHaving previously worked on the faculty of a college, Joyce is passionate about raising students to be our nations future leaders.\nJoyces experience working as a college instructor has given her unique insight into the need for education reform.\nJoyce opposes Betsy DeVos being appointed to head the U.S. Department of Education, believing she is unqualified and on track to undercut the country's public education system.\nJoyce also introduced a bill called the 21st Century STEM for Girls and Underrepresented Minorities Act, empowering school districts to engage underrepresented students in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math.\n Environment: \nJoyce strongly believes in protecting the environment, wildlife, and our natural resources. She is a huge promoter of policies that help reduce air pollution and protect our land and water.\n Foreign Policy: \nJoyce is committed to keeping Americans safe at home and abroad. She voted for the Iran Nuclear Agreement and believes the security of our nation requires strategic planning and working together with our allies.\n Health Care: \nWhen it comes to health care, Joyce believes all Americans should have access to affordable health care.\nShe is in favor of improving on the Affordable Care Act and did not support Republicans attempts to repeal and replace it.\n Immigration: \nJoyce does not support President Trumps attempts to ban Muslims and refugees from coming to the United States, seeing it as unconstitutional and un-American. She supports protecting DACA \"Dreamers\" from being deported.\n Women's Rights: \nThe Democratic Congresswoman is a staunch advocate for women's rights, supporting groups like the Office of Minority and Women Inclusion.\nJoyce is pro-choice and supports access to safe, legal abortions without restrictions. She co-sponsored the Womens Health Protection Act which banned anti-abortion limitations on services.\nShe has also been a longtime advocate to end human trafficking, introducing legislation that was signed into law by President Obama.\nThis article was originally published by women.com on December 20, 2017.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-beatty-stands-with-americans-votes-no-on-gop-tax-bill", "Congresswoman Beatty Stands with Americans: Votes No On GOP Tax Bill", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Joyce Beatty", "B001281", "beatty.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Beatty Stands with Americans: Votes No On GOP Tax Bill \nNumerous polls indicate Americans overwhelmingly oppose plan andbelieve bill primarily benefits the wealthiest Americans \nWASHINGTON, D.C.Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Congressional Republican tax scam bill, H.R. 1 by a vote of 224 to 201. The planwhich Americans oppose by a nearly two-to-one margin according to numerous pollswill add at least $1.4 trillion dollars to the national debt, and the Tax Policy Center concluded that 83 percent of the bills benefits will go to the wealthiest Americans in 2027. In response, U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) issued the following statement:\nI support tax reform that helps Americans most in need: the middle-class, seniors, veterans, students, small business owners and hardworking families. Unfortunately, Congressional Republicans and Donald Trumps hastily written, haphazard plan does the exact oppositegiving a totally unnecessary, budget-busting tax cut to the super-wealthy and well-connected at the expense of ordinary Americans. Adding insult to injury, the bills $1.4 trillion price tag will be paid for by future cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and other vital programs that help our most vulnerable Americans. This bill is nothing more than a trumped-up, trickle-down scheme that overwhelmingly benefits the fortunate fewpeople like Donald Trump and his croniesand scams the rest of us.\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/newsletters/protecting-ohio-seniors-from-medicare-cuts", "Protecting Ohio Seniors from Medicare Cuts", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wednesday, December 20, 2017\n\t\t\tThis week, Congressional Republicans are expected to blow a $1.5 trillion hole in the national debt in order to cut taxes for millionaires and corporations that send jobs overseas.\r\nIndependent analysis confirms that 83 percent of the benefit of the tax bill will go to the richest one percent of Americans. And everyone else will pay for it through cuts to Medicare, border security, and help for Ohio farmers and rural communities.\r\nThats because of a law known as PAYGO, or the Pay-As-You-Go Act. Under PAYGO, the deficit increase caused by the tax bill will trigger an automatic $25 billion cut to Medicare next year alone, and a $16.4 billion Medicare cut for Ohio over ten years. Thats your money  money youve paid in over a lifetime of hard work.\r\nBecause of these cuts, 2.1 million Ohio seniors on Medicare could see cuts to their care, doctors could choose to cover fewer Medicare patients or none at all, home health services will get much more expensive, and Ohioans in the health industry could lose jobs.\r\nIm calling on everyone in Congress to take immediate action to waive these PAYGO requirements so millions of Ohioans dont suffer from significant cuts to Medicare.\r\nAnd Medicare isnt the only program facing drastic, arbitrary cuts. U.S. Customs and Border Protections operations and support will be cut by $1.3 billion. That makes U.S. borders less secure overall and takes critical resources away from Customs and Border Patrol officers working to keep fentanyl from entering Ohio communities. Support for Ohio farmers, transportation funding, payments to the Military Retirement Fund, the Appalachian Regional Commission  all of these initiatives and more that Ohioans rely on will be automatically cut if Congress doesnt act.\r\nReckless partisan politics shouldnt be the reason Ohioans face cuts to critical programs they depend on. Congress must take immediate action to waive PAYGO and prevent these cuts.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-pushes-year-end-legislative-priorities-for-ohio-workers-and-families", "Brown Pushes Year-End Legislative Priorities for Ohio Workers and Families", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Calls for Host of Ohio Initiatives, Including Extending Funding for CHIP, Bill to Secure Pensions for Retirees \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWednesday, December 20, 2017\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) hosted a news conference call to outline important priorities he is working to secure on behalf of Ohio workers and families before the end of the year.\r\nBrown discussed important legislative initiatives for Congress to act on, including:\r\n \r\nThe need to extend funding for the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP), known as Healthy Start in Ohio.\r\n \r\n \r\n\r\nCHIP covers more than 209,000 children in Ohio. Browns bipartisan bill to extend CHIP funding for five years passed the Senate Finance Committee, but has yet to be taken up by the full Senate.\r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nEfforts to ensure Ohio retirees can keep the pensions they have earned.\r\n \r\n \r\n\r\nBrown has introduced legislation that will put the pension plans back on solid footing and ensure they can meet their obligations to current retirees and workers for decades to come, without cuts. Brown named the bill after Butch Lewis, the former retired head of Teamsters Local 100 in Evendale, Ohio.\r\n\r\n \r\nIts despicable that this Congress has spent all its time on a tax bill that rewards corporations that ship Ohio jobs overseas, when we have urgent business that must be done for working families, said Brown. Its time to stop the politics, roll up our sleeves, and get to work for the people we represent, before they pay the price for Republican leaders wrong priorities.\r\nWhile Ohio families anxiously await action on childrens healthcare and pensions for retirees, Senate Republicans last night passed a tax reform bill that will force Ohioans to pay for tax cuts for millionaires and corporations by taking away their healthcare, driving up insurance premiums and forcing cuts to Medicare. \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/fop-calls-for-immediate-passage-of-browns-bill-to-keep-illegal-fentanyl-out-of-ohio", "FOP Calls for Immediate Passage of Brown\u2019s Bill to Keep Illegal Fentanyl Out of Ohio", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Browns Bipartisan Bill Passed House, Awaits Action by Senate\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWednesday, December 20, 2017\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) urged Senate leaders to pass U.S. Sen. Sherrod Browns (D-OH) bill to keep deadly synthetic opioids like fentanyl out of Ohio. Citing the increasingly deadly opioid epidemic, National FOP President Chuck Canterbury pointed to Browns legislation as a priority for making sure law enforcement officers have the necessary resources as they work to keep deadly synthetic opioids from entering the country.\r\nOur law enforcement officers at the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are on the forefront of stopping the deadly influx of synthetic fentanyl into our communities from these foreign countries. The CBP needs all the resources they can get to stop this devastating flow of drugs into our country, President Canterbury wrote.\r\nSeveral state and national law enforcement organizations, including the Ohio FOP and the Buckeye Sheriffs Association, have endorsed Browns bill.Browns bill is also supported by U.S. Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) and Brown is supporting Portmans STOP Act, which is also endorsed by law enforcement. The two bills work together to help block the deadly synthetic opioid from reaching Ohio communities.\r\nDuring a Senate Finance Committee Hearing in October, Brown secured a commitment from CBP Commissioner Kevin McAleenan to work with Brown to make sure customs agents have the equipment to identify fentanyl and keep the deadly drug out of Ohio.\r\nBrowns bill would authorize $15 million for hundreds of new screening devices, laboratory equipment, facilities, and personnel for 24x7 lab support. The money will be used to:\r\n \r\nProvide more portable chemical screening devices at ports of entry and mail and express consignment facilities and additional fixed chemical screening devices available in CBP laboratories.\r\n \r\n \r\nProvide CBP with sufficient resources, personnel, and facilities  including scientists available during all operational hours  to interpret screening test results from the field.\r\n \r\nProviding CBP with more screening devices and lab support will not only stop more Fentanyl from coming into the U.S., it will also protect more agents in the field from exposure to dangerous substances.\r\nFull text of FOPs letter to Senate leadership can be found here and below:\r\nDear Senators McConnell and Schumer,\r\nI am writing on behalf of the members of the Fraternal Order of Police to urge the Senate to consider H.R. 2142, the International Narcotics Trafficking Emergency Response by Detecting Incoming Contraband with Technology (INTERDICT) Act, which passed the House 412-3 in October.\r\nHeroin and prescription opiates have created a devastating epidemic across our country, and now these overdoses outnumber gunshot deaths and motor vehicle deaths. This epidemic has worsened with the influx of synthetic opiates like fentanyl from foreign countries, especially China and Mexico. For example, synthetic fentanyl is cheaper than normal opiates bought on the street and is 50 times more deadly than heroin.\r\nOur law enforcement officers at the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are on the forefront of stopping the deadly influx of synthetic fentanyl into our communities from these foreign countries. The CBP needs all the resources they can get to stop this devastating flow of drugs into our country.\r\nThis legislation will ensure that CBP will have additional portable chemical screening devices at ports of entry, mail and express consignment facilities, and more fixed chemical screening devices at CBP laboratories. The bill will also provide CBP with sufficient resources, personnel, and facilities; including scientists to interpret the screening test results from the field.\r\nWith all the additional resources CBP will be better equipped on all fronts to thwart the deadly flow of synthetic opiates across our borders.\r\nOn behalf of the more than 330,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police, I want to thank you for helping fight against the heroin and opioid epidemic and fighting every day to rid our communities of these drugs. If I can be of any additional help to you, please feel free to contact me or my Senior Advisor, Jim Pasco, in my Washington office.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://fudge.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1914", "Fudge Statement on House Passage of the GOP Tax Bill", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Marcia Fudge", "F000455", "fudge.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) released the following statement after the House voted today to pass the Republican tax bill:\r\n\r\n\tToday, House Republicans voted to raise taxes on low and middle income families and explode the deficit, all to give tax cuts to the wealthy and corporations. The Republican tax bill will widen the income inequality gap and make it more difficult for working Americans to realize the American dream.\r\n\r\n\tThe Republican tax bill means working families will pay more in taxes than corporations. The bill will increase health insurance premiums and leave 13 million Americans uninsured. With Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security next on the chopping block, this tax bill will disproportionately hurt our nations seniors, people with disabilities, veterans and the poor while benefiting the wealthy.\r\n\r\n\tDespite what Republicans claim, trickle-down economics doesnt work. History has proven that tax cuts for the wealthy add to our nations deficit, they do not decrease the debt or create jobs.\r\n\r\n\tI urge my Senate colleagues to grow a conscience and reject this partisan bill on behalf of the millions of hardworking American families across the country. We must get back to work on bipartisan solutions, not ramming through partisan bills that the majority of Americans oppose.\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-and-house-democrats-urge-speaker-ryan-take-action-protect-us", "Kaptur and House Democrats Urge Speaker Ryan to Take Action to Protect U.S. Elections from Foreign Hacking and Cyber Attacks", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Marcy Kaptur", "K000009", "kaptur.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) and Members of Congress from 18 states targeted by Russian hackers in 2016 called on House Speaker Paul Ryan to take immediate action to protect state voting systems from cyberattacks and to bolster state election infrastructure.\nIn a letter, the Members asked Speaker Ryan to request a briefing from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) about Russian cyberattacks on state election systems in 2016. The letter also urged Speaker Ryan to direct all relevant House committees to investigate the attacks and to support bipartisan legislation to strengthen the security of state election systems around the country.\nWhen a sovereign nation attempts to meddle in our elections, it is an attack on our country, the Members wrote. The attacks in 2016 were not a one-off occurrence. In March 2017, then-FBI Director James Comey testified before the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence that: [T]heyll be back. Theyll be back in 2020. They may be back in 2018.  The threat remains, and Congress must act.\nOhio was among the 21 states whose election systems were targeted by Russian hackers in 2016. To date, the Republican-led Congress has not held any hearings or opened any investigations into the Russian cyberattacks. It has also failed to take up any legislation to help improve the security and integrity of state voting systems.\nSee below for a full copy of the letter: Letter_To_Speaker_Ryan_On_Election_Security_FINAL.pdf\n* * *\nThe Honorable Paul Ryan  \n\tSpeaker of the House  \n\tH-232, United States Capitol  \n\tWashington, D.C. 20515\n\nDear Mr. Speaker:\nWe represent 18 of the 21 states whose elections were targeted by Russian hackers in 2016, and we write because we are deeply concerned about the security of Americas election infrastructure. Fair, free, and secure elections are the cornerstone of our democracy. Accordingly, we respectfully request that you ask DHS and the FBI to brief all Members of Congress on the Russian attack on 21 states voting systems, direct the relevant Congressional committees to investigate this attack, and seek bipartisan solutions to secure our elections going forward.\nThe attacks in 2016 were not a one-off occurrence. In March 2017, then-FBI Director James Comey testified before the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence that: [T]heyll be back. Theyll be back in 2020. They may be back in 2018.[1] Days before the 2017 elections, Bob Kolasky, the acting Deputy Undersecretary of the National Protection and Programs Directorate at the Department of Homeland Security said, We saw in 2016 that Russia had an intent to be involved in our elections and some capability to be active or to attempt to be active in scanning election systems. We have not seen any evidence that intent or capability has changed.[2] The threat remains, and Congress must act.\nOver the past six months, the Election Security Task Force, comprised of Democratic Members of the Committee on Homeland Security and the Committee on House Administration, has conducted an in-depth examination of Americas voting systems. The Task Forces preliminary findings demonstrate that this issue needs urgent, bipartisan attention.\nOur voting machines can easily be hacked. In July, at DefCon, one of the worlds largest, longest-running, and best-known hacker conferences, 25 pieces of election equipment were successfully breached by participants with little prior knowledge and limited tools.[3] In over 40 states, elections are carried out using voting machines that were purchased more than a decade ago.[4] These machines are now either obsolete or at the end of their useful life. Some of these machines rely on operating systems like Windows XP or Windows 2000 which pose a particularly significant security risk as those operating systems either do not receive regular security patches, or have stopped receiving support altogether.[5] These issues are exacerbated by the fact that twenty percent of Americans cast their ballot on voting machines that do not have any kind of paper backup.[6] In other words, if these paperless machines were hacked, it would be nearly impossible to tell.[7]\nState voter registration databases are also vulnerable to attack. In Illinois, hackers successfully breached registration databases and attempted, but failed, to alter and delete voting records.[8] In Arizona, hackers successfully installed malware on a county election officials computer.[9] Russian hackers also targeted at least one election vendor with the hope of ultimately obtaining access into numerous state and local voter registration databases.[10] If these attacks had been successful, hackers would have been able to alter or delete voter registration records, causing a great deal of chaos on Election Day and potentially swaying the results of the election.\nState and local election officials are acutely aware of these issues, but many are struggling to get the necessary funding from their legislatures,[11] and are frustrated by Congressional inaction.[12] The plea for Congress to act is echoed by a bipartisan group of former government officials, academics and cyber security experts. Michael Chertoff, former Secretary of Homeland Security wrote in The Wall Street Journal, [L]awmakers and election officials lackadaisical response is both staggering and distressingThis is a matter of national security, and Congress should treat it as such. Given that were still dealing with the unfunded mandates of 2002s Help America Vote Act, theres a clear need for action to upgrade security systems and create meaningful standards. In June, a group of over 100 computer scientists and cyber experts wrote to Congress to take simple, straightforward, and cost-effective actions to set meaningful standards to protect American elections. [13]\nWhen a sovereign nation attempts to meddle in our elections, it is an attack on our country. We urge you to recognize that ensuring the security and integrity of our election system is a bipartisan issue, to request a briefing for all Members of Congress from DHS and the FBI, and to direct the relevant committees to open an investigation on securing Americas election infrastructure.\nThank you for your attention to this matter.\nSincerely,\n\n\n###\n[1] United States Cong. House. House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Open Hearing on Russian Active Measures Investigation, March 20, 2017. 115th Congress. 1st session, 2017.\n2 Morgan Chalfant, Homeland Security Cyber Unit on Alert for Election Day, The Hill (Nov. 4, 2017), available at http://thehill.com/policy/cybersecurity/358710-homeland-security-cyber-unit-on-alert-for-election-day.\n3 Matt Blaze et al., DEFCON 25 Voting Machine Hacking Village: Rep. on Cyber Vulnerabilities in U.S. Election Equipment, Databases, and Infrastructure, 4 (2017) https://www.defcon.org/images/defcon-25/DEF%20CON%2025%20voting%20village%20report.pdf.\n4 Lawrence Norden & Ian Vanderwalker, Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law, Securing Elections from Foreign Interference, 9 (2017).\n5 Id.\n6 Norden & Vandewalker, 11.\n7 Eric Geller, Virginia Bars Voting Machines Considered Top Hacking Target, POLITICO (Sept. 8, 2017) http://www.politico.com/story/2017/09/08/virginia-election-machines-hacking-target-242492.\n8 Pam Fessler, 10 Months After Election Day, Feds Tell States More About Russian Hacking, NPR (Sept. 22, 2017)\nhttps://www.npr.org/2017/09/22/552956517/ten-months-after-election-day-feds-tell-states-more-about-russian-hacking.\n9 Id.\n10 Matthew Cole et al., Top-Secret NSA Report Details Russian Hacking Effort Days Before 2016 Election, The Intercept (June 5, 2017) https://theintercept.com/2017/06/05/top-secret-nsa-report-details-russian-hacking-effort-days-before-2016-election/.\n11 Cory Bennett et al., Cash-Strapped States Brace for Russian Hacking Fight, POLITICO (Sept. 3, 2017), http://www.politico.com/story/2017/09/03/election-hackers-russia-cyberattack-voting-242266.\n12 Reid Wilson, Election Officials Race to Combat Cyberattacks, The Hill (Nov. 8, 2017) http://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/359243-election-officials-race-to-combat-cyberattacks.\n13 National Election Defense Coalition, Expert Sign-On Letter to Congress: Secure American Elections (2017). https://www.electiondefense.org/election-integrity-expert-letter/.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-statement-after-voting-no-house-passage-gop-tax-bill", "Kaptur statement after voting no on House passage of GOP tax bill", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Marcy Kaptur", "K000009", "kaptur.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), today issued the following statement after the House passed the final version of the GOP tax proposal:\nThis bill does nothing to guarantee higher wages, create good jobs or even to prevent corporations from outsourcing jobs. This scam gives the bulk of its trillion-dollar windfall to real estate investors and the millionaire donor class. Where is the middle-class windfall?\nThe American people deserve better than this tax deal that was negotiated in secret and rammed through Congress in a matter of weeks. Tax cuts for the rich wont grow the economy nor will it provide relief to the millions of Ohioans who need a leg up.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://timryan.house.gov/press-release/congressman-tim-ryan-statement-house-passage-gop-tax-conference-report", "Congressman Tim Ryan Statement on House Passage of GOP Tax Conference Report", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Tim Ryan", "R000577", "timryan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Congressman Tim Ryan released the following statement in response to the House passage of the GOP Tax Conference Report.\nPresident Trump and Congressional Republicans have lied to the American people about the impact of this tax legislation since the beginning. This bill will increase taxes on half of all Americans, decrease long term economic growth, and send our national debt skyrocketing  all to give huge multinational corporations who have been making record profits a tax break. We have pensions collapsing and communities that have been wiped out, and yet the GOP plan to fix all of this is to raise taxes on 82 million hardworking families. To make matters worse, we are going to need to borrow huge sums of money from China to give tax breaks to these corporations and inflict further pain on the middle class by cutting Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, education, and other important programs Americans rely on every day. As the House took this final vote to raise taxes on hardworking people, families back in Youngstown and Akron are getting ready for the holidays: buying gifts, arranging travel, and cooking for their families. I wish Congressional Republicans cared as much about these men and women as they did about lining their donors pockets. But as this vote shows, clearly they do not, said Congressman Ryan. Washington, DC  Congressman Tim Ryan released the following statement in response to the House passage of the GOP Tax Conference Report.\nPresident Trump and Congressional Republicans have lied to the American people about the impact of this tax legislation since the beginning. This bill will increase taxes on half of all Americans, decrease long term economic growth, and send our national debt skyrocketing  all to give huge multinational corporations who have been making record profits a tax break. We have pensions collapsing and communities that have been wiped out, and yet the GOP plan to fix all of this is to raise taxes on 82 million hardworking families. To make matters worse, we are going to need to borrow huge sums of money from China to give tax breaks to these corporations and inflict further pain on the middle class by cutting Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, education, and other important programs Americans rely on every day. As the House took this final vote to raise taxes on hardworking people, families back in Youngstown and Akron are getting ready for the holidays: buying gifts, arranging travel, and cooking for their families. I wish Congressional Republicans cared as much about these men and women as they did about lining their donors pockets. But as this vote shows, clearly they do not, said Congressman Ryan.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-opening-statement-at-banking-committee-executive-session-on_export-import-bank-nominations", "Brown Opening Statement at Banking Committee Executive Session on  Export-Import Bank Nominations", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tuesday, December 19, 2017\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH)  ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs  released the following opening statement at todays executive session on the nominations to the Export-Import Bank of the United States.\r\nSen. Browns remarks, as prepared for delivery, follow\r\nMr. Chairman, thank you for scheduling todays votes. To put it plainly, we have lost American jobs because of the games that have been played with the Export-Import Bank.\r\nOur manufacturers and their employees dont have a level playing field when competing for overseas business. While the Export-Import Bank has been sidelined, 95 other export credit agencies around the globe have been aggressively helping foreign competitors win sales.\r\nAmerican jobs have been lost as deals stall and U.S. manufacturers consider moving their production abroad.\r\nThe responsibility for Ex-Ims empty board starts here in the Senate when our Committee failed to consider any Ex-Im nominees last Congress and never even had a hearing on the Obama nominees.\r\nThis year, the Trump Administration has wasted six months by forcing us to debate Mr. Garretts inappropriate nomination. If the President is serious about a functioning Bank, he didnt show it by choosing Mr. Garrett and digging in when we tried in a bipartisan way to fix it.\r\nMost of our nominees credibly testified to their support of the Bank. Ms. Reed, Congressman Bachus, Ms. Slacik, and Ms. Pryor are all qualified to serve on the Banks board, and Mr. Greenblatt is well suited to be Inspector General. They support the Banks mission, and they want to provide leadership and oversight as the Bank resumes full operations.\r\nIn sharp contrast, Mr. Garrett was a leader of the effort to slam shut the doors of Americas export financing bank, and he cannot hide his contempt for Ex-Im.\r\nMr. Garretts testimony expressed no regret for his work to close the Bank. In his written responses, he would not acknowledge that American manufacturers have been harmed while Ex-Im has been hobbled.\r\nBut most importantly, he did not and could not answer the key question posed by several of us  what has changed? Why did he vote repeatedly in 2012 and 2015 to kill the Bank, but now wants to lead it?\r\nI asked that question, and I recall Senators Tester, Rounds, Donnelly, and Scott all asking that too, but we didnt get a straight answer.\r\nIt is clear to me that Mr. Garrett is not being honest with this Committee about why he wants to lead the Bank, and many others feel the same.\r\nThe National Association of Manufacturers, Chamber of Commerce, Aerospace Industries Association and the Ohio Manufacturing Association all oppose Mr. Garrett. Small business men and women have also registered their opposition.\r\nI hope this Committee will reject Mr. Garretts nomination.\r\nIve had many conversations with Ohio business about Ex-Im, like Davenport Aviation in Columbus and U.S. Bridge in Cambridge. They have a simple, consistent message: we need the Ex-Im Bank.\r\nThere are $37.5 billion of pending transactions that cant move forward because the board lacks a quorum, with $8 to $10 billion of deals that could be approved within a month.\r\nWithout new transactions, the Bank will not be able to self-finance its operations next year. Every day of delay harms American workers and costs taxpayers money. \r\nWe have four qualified nominees for the Board and one for Inspector General. Our Committee should advance them today, and the full Senate should immediately confirm them.\r\nThank you, Mr. Chairman.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-urges-defense-department-to-invest-in-c-130j-planes-as-he-continues-call-for-upgrades-at-mansfield-lahm-air-national-guard-base", "Brown Urges Defense Department to Invest In C-130J Planes As He Continues Call for Upgrades at Mansfield Lahm Air National Guard Base", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bipartisan Letter Calls for Increased Investment as Cost-Saving Measure to Support Critical Missions\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tTuesday, December 19, 2017\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH)  co-chair of the Senate Air Force Caucus  joined a bipartisan group of Senators to call on the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to increase investment in C-130J planes as he continues to highlight the need to upgrade the C-130H planes flown at the Mansfield Lahm Air National Guard Base. The letter urges the DoD to abandon proposed cuts to the program and instead invest in more C-130J planes as a long-term, cost-saving measure.\r\nThe Senators letter points to savings of more than 10 percent per aircraft over the course of the DoDs current procurement program to invest in C-130J planes.\r\nBy design, the C-130J provides significant operational and support savings, more operational capability per aircraft, lower life-cycle costs, common logistics and training support, and improved active duty and air reserve component interoperability, the Senators wrote.\r\nIn meetings this year with U.S. Secretary of Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Air Force Secretary Dr. Heather Wilson, Brownhighlighted the need to upgrade the C-130H planesflown at the Mansfield Lahm Air National Guard Base.\r\nIn June 2015, Brown co-sponsored an amendment offered by Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) that would support jobs at Mansfield Lahm ANGB by calling on the Air Force to coordinate with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to meet safety and compliance regulations by the 2020 deadline.\r\nFull text of Browns letter to the DoD can be found below:\r\n\r\nDear Under Secretary Lord,\r\nWe are writing to encourage the Department of Defense to consider a follow-on Multi-Year Procurement Program for the C-130J program. The current C-130J MYPII for FY14-18 has been a remarkable success. The MYPII resulted in validated DOD savings of greater than 10 percent per aircraft, and greater than $600 million over more than 80 C-130J aircraft.\r\nWe were disappointed to see that last years sequestration-constrained budget plans for FY19-23 projected drastic cuts to annual C-130J purchases that we feel could threaten the future of the only remaining active U.S. airlifter production line.\r\nThe C-130J is the longest continuously-running military production line in history. The current C-130J variant is the most capable tactical airlifter in the world. C-130J production is currently at a healthy rate of 24 aircraft per year, which includes 16 DOD aircraft per year. Last years forecasts suggest that future DOD procurement for FY19 and beyond would drop to approximately 7-8 aircraft per year. We are concerned that such a significant drop in production could increase C-130J pricing and undermine the only active tactical airlifter production line.\r\nThe DOD has validated requirements for additional C-130Js that would be appropriate candidates for a follow-on MYP. This does not include any potential future recapitalization of 150 legacy C-130H aircraft currently flying in the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve. While the USAF, AFSOC, USMC, USCG, and others have embraced full fleet recapitalization with C-130J models, the proven concepts of proportional and concurrent fielding of C-130Js in the Air National Guard and USAF Reserve fleets appear to have been abandoned.\r\nBy design, the C-130J provides significant operational and support savings, more operational capability per aircraft, lower life-cycle costs, common logistics and training support, and improved active duty and air reserve component interoperability.\r\nWith those facts in mind, we respectfully urge the Department reassess its previous constraints-driven projections for FY19-23 for C-130J variants during the annual budget process, and return to a needs and strategy-driven request for C-130Js going forward. Further, in a resource-constrained environment, we request you consider an additional Multi-Year Procurement program, with accelerated buys to more sustainable quantities per year in the FY19-23 time frame, to realize cost savings and maintain the health of the industrial base.\r\nWe look forward to your response.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-urges-defense-department-to-invest-in-c-130j-planes-as-he-continues-call-for-upgrades-at-youngstown-air-reserve-station", "Brown Urges Defense Department to Invest In C-130J Planes As He Continues Call for Upgrades at Youngstown Air Reserve Station", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bipartisan Letter Calls for Increased Investment as Cost-Saving Measure to Support Critical Missions\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tTuesday, December 19, 2017\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH)  co-chair of the Senate Air Force Caucus  joined a bipartisan group of Senators to call on the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to increase investment in C-130J planes as he continues to highlight the need to upgrade the C-130H planes flown at the Youngstown Air Reserve Station (YARS). The letter urges the DoD to abandon proposed cuts to the program and instead invest in more C-130J planes as a long-term, cost-saving measure.\r\nThe Senators letter points to savings of more than 10 percent per aircraft over the course of the DoDs current procurement program to invest in C-130J planes.\r\nBy design, the C-130J provides significant operational and support savings, more operational capability per aircraft, lower life-cycle costs, common logistics and training support, and improved active duty and air reserve component interoperability, the Senators wrote.\r\nIn meetings this year with U.S. Secretary of Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Air Force Secretary Dr. Heather Wilson, Brownhighlighted the need to upgrade the C-130H planesflown at YARS.\r\nLast December, Brown and Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH)announcedthe inclusion of their amendment to prioritize the C-130 upgrades at YARS in theNational Defense Authorization Act(NDAA), which was signed into law by President Obama. The law will encourage the Air Force to act on these upgrades by requiring it to report on how it will prioritize upgrades from C-130H aircrafts to new C-130J units for wings that fly specialty missions, like the 910th at YARS.\r\nIn December 2015, Brown and Portmanwrotea letter with U.S. Reps. Tim Ryan (D-OH-13), Bill Johnson (R-OH-6), and Dave Joyce (R-OH-14) urging the United States Air Force to replace the 910th Airlift Wings current fleet of C-130H aircraft with new C-130J aircrafts to ensure that the 910ths Department of Defense (DoD)-mandated specialized aerial spray mission continues safely and without interruption.\r\n\r\nFull text of Browns letter to the DoD can be found below:\r\nDear Under Secretary Lord,\r\nWe are writing to encourage the Department of Defense to consider a follow-on Multi-Year Procurement Program for the C-130J program. The current C-130J MYPII for FY14-18 has been a remarkable success. The MYPII resulted in validated DOD savings of greater than 10 percent per aircraft, and greater than $600 million over more than 80 C-130J aircraft.\r\nWe were disappointed to see that last years sequestration-constrained budget plans for FY19-23 projected drastic cuts to annual C-130J purchases that we feel could threaten the future of the only remaining active U.S. airlifter production line.\r\nThe C-130J is the longest continuously-running military production line in history. The current C-130J variant is the most capable tactical airlifter in the world. C-130J production is currently at a healthy rate of 24 aircraft per year, which includes 16 DOD aircraft per year. Last years forecasts suggest that future DOD procurement for FY19 and beyond would drop to approximately 7-8 aircraft per year. We are concerned that such a significant drop in production could increase C-130J pricing and undermine the only active tactical airlifter production line.\r\nThe DOD has validated requirements for additional C-130Js that would be appropriate candidates for a follow-on MYP. This does not include any potential future recapitalization of 150 legacy C-130H aircraft currently flying in the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve. While the USAF, AFSOC, USMC, USCG, and others have embraced full fleet recapitalization with C-130J models, the proven concepts of proportional and concurrent fielding of C-130Js in the Air National Guard and USAF Reserve fleets appear to have been abandoned.\r\nBy design, the C-130J provides significant operational and support savings, more operational capability per aircraft, lower life-cycle costs, common logistics and training support, and improved active duty and air reserve component interoperability.\r\nWith those facts in mind, we respectfully urge the Department reassess its previous constraints-driven projections for FY19-23 for C-130J variants during the annual budget process, and return to a needs and strategy-driven request for C-130Js going forward. Further, in a resource-constrained environment, we request you consider an additional Multi-Year Procurement program, with accelerated buys to more sustainable quantities per year in the FY19-23 time frame, to realize cost savings and maintain the health of the industrial base.\r\nWe look forward to your response.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/-brown-releases-new-episode-of-canarycast-focused-on-retirement", "Brown Releases New Episode of “Canarycast,” Focused On Retirement", "2017-12-18", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Latest Podcast Episode Features Ohioans Working with Brown to Save Pensions; Canarycast Builds on Browns Plan to Make Hard Work Pay Off\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tMonday, December 18, 2017\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) released a new episode of his new podcast, Canarycast. The latest episode is titled, Dont take what we earned, and features discussions with Ohio Teamsters in danger of losing the pensions they worked for. Brown introduced legislation to ensure that Ohio retirees can keep the pensions they have earned.\r\nDownload Canarycast, Episode 2 Dont take what we earned:\r\n\r\nBrown joins Mike Walden, President of the National United Committee to Protect Pensions, and Rita Lewis, a widow of a southwest Ohio Teamster, who has continued her late husbands fight for the retirement security American workers earned over a lifetime of hard work. Brown named the bill The Butch Lewis Act, after Butch Lewis, Ritas husband and the former retired head of Teamsters Local 100. Browns legislation would put the pension plans back on solid footing.\r\nWorkers gladly gave up higher pay for the promise of a pension to be there when they retired, said Brown. They earned their pensions and they gave up pay raises to do it. Americans value hard work and they deserve a government and a society that does the same. One way Congress can value work right away is to pass the Butch Lewis Act and protect these pensions.\r\nBrowns podcast is named Canarycast, a nod to the canary pin Brown wears on his lapel instead of the official Senate pin. An Ohio steelworker gave Brown the pin. He wears it as a reminder of the progress the country has made since the days when the only thing coal miners had to protect them was a canary  and all the work still left to do to ensure American workers are valued.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-stands-with-ohio-retirees-to-call-for-action-on-plan-to-protect-ohio-pensions-keep-promises-to-ohio-workers", "Brown Stands with Ohio Retirees to Call for Action on Plan to Protect Ohio Pensions, Keep Promises to Ohio Workers", "2017-12-18", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Browns Bill to Protect Pensions Named in Honor of Southwest Ohio Teamster, Butch Lewis\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tMonday, December 18, 2017\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nCINCINNATI, OH  Today, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) joined Ohio retirees at Teamsters Local 100 as he calls for Congressional action on his legislation to ensure that Ohio retirees can keep the pensions they have earned. Brown named the bill the Butch Lewis Act, after Butch Lewis, the former retired head of Teamsters Local 100.\r\nNumerous Ohio pension plans, including the massive Central States Teamsters Pension Plan, the United Mine Workers Pension Plan, the Ironworkers Local 17 Pension Plan, the Ohio Southwest Carpenters Pension Plan and the Bakers and Confectioners Pension Plan are currently on the brink of failure and threatened by massive cuts.\r\nBrowns legislation would put the pension plans back on solid footing and ensure they can meet their obligations to current retirees and workers for decades to come, without cuts. Brown intends to lead the charge in Congress to include the fix for pensions in any year end legislative priorities.\r\nIf we truly value a hard days work in this country, we can start by keeping our promise to these Teamsters and these miners, said Brown. Workers gladly gave up higher pay for the promise of a pension to be there when they retired. They earned their pensions and they gave up pay raises to do it.\r\nBrown was joined by Rita Lewis, Butchs widow, who has continued her late husbands fight for the retirement security these workers earned over a lifetime of hard work.\r\nThe Butch Lewis act, and the passing if it, will restore our dignity, our security and peace of mind, knowing we will have security at last! No one should ever be forced to fight for, or die for the pension they were promised! A promise, is a promise, is a promise, said Lewis.\r\nIf nothing is done to the plans they will fail and retirees will face massive cuts to the benefits they earned over decades of work. If the plans are allowed to fail, not only will they no longer be able to pay promised benefits, but taxpayers would be at risk of having to pay billions because the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation (PBGC) would be on the hook for billions of dollars it cannot pay. PBGC is the arm of the federal government that insures pension plans.\r\nBrowns Butch Lewis Act would:\r\n1. Put failing pension plans back on solid ground to ensure they can meet their commitments to retirees today and workers for decades to come. \r\n2. Do so without cutting a single cent from the benefits retirees have earned. \r\n3. Put safeguards in place to encourage pensions to remain strong so they can be there for todays workers when they retire.\r\nBrowns plan is supported by the National United Committee to Protect Pensions.\r\nLike many of my fellow Teamsters, I served my country proudly in the military and worked hard for decades to provide for my family, said Mike Walden, retired Teamster, President of the National United Committee to Protect Pensions, and Vietnam Veteran. Ive never asked for anything from this country, but I dont want to see my government take away something weve worked hard for and earned.\r\nHow does the Butch Lewis Act Work?\r\nThis legislation creates a mechanism for the Treasury Department to allow pension plans to borrow the money they need to remain solvent and continue providing retirement security for retirees and workers for decades to come.\r\nThe money for the loans would come from the sale of Treasury-issued bonds to financial institutions.\r\nTo ensure that the pension plans can afford to repay the loans, Treasury would lend them money for 30 years at low interest rates. The 30-year loans would buy time for the pension plans to make smart long-term investments for the future, while continuing to pay benefits owed to current retirees. \r\nThe bill would not allow any plan to borrow more than it can pay back to taxpayers. It would also prohibit any borrowed funds from being used to make risky investments. And it requires plans that borrow money to submit reports every three years to demonstrate that the plans are on track to getting back on solid footing.\r\nThe PBGC would fill the gap between money borrowed and any additional funding needed to pay benefits owed to current retirees while the plans get back on track. The bill provides this money to the PBGC, but any money needed for the PBGC would be a tiny fraction of what it would otherwise be on the hook for if Congress fails to act.\r\nWho is Butch Lewis?\r\nEstil Butch Lewis was a Vietnam War veteran who returned home and worked for 40 years as a trucker and Teamster. He was the retired head of Teamsters Local 100 in Evendale, Ohio. Butch led the fight to preserve his fellow Teamsters pensions, and passed away due to a stroke on New Years Eve in 2015. Doctors attributed his stroke, at least in part, to the stress he faced fighting the proposed pension cuts. His wife Rita Lewis, with whom he was set to celebrate his 40th wedding anniversary before he died, has continued her late husbands fight for the retirement security these workers earned over a lifetime of hard work.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/news-articles/cbs10-face-the-state-beatty-on-sexual-harrasment", "CBS10 Face the State: Beatty on Sexual Harrasment", "2017-12-17", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Joyce Beatty", "B001281", "beatty.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "471 East Broad Street, Suite 1100\nColumbus, Ohio 43215\nPhone: 614-220-0003\nFax: 614-220-5640\nHours: Monday-Friday 9:00am-5:00pm", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/news-articles/ohio-lawmakers-react-to-details-of-tax-bill", "Ohio Lawmakers React to Details of Tax Bill", "2017-12-15", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Joyce Beatty", "B001281", "beatty.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Republican Sen. Rob Portman and Rep. Mike Turner, R-Dayton, hailed the final version of the bill to overhaul the tax code that was unveiled Friday, while Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown denounced the measure as a tax cut for millionaires and corporations.\nWith the House and Senate expected to vote next week on the package, lawmakers from both parties had predictable reactions to the details released about the bill, with GOP lawmakers insisting the $1.5 trillion tax cut would help expand economic growth.\nPortman, one of the chief architects of the bill, said it would provide tax relief for middle-class families and reform our business tax code to create more jobs and increase wages for American workers.\nBut Rep. Joyce Beatty, a Columbus Democrat, called it a hastily written, haphazard plan that provides a totally unnecessary, budget-busting tax cut to the super-wealthy and well-connected at the expense of ordinary Americans.\nThis bill is nothing more than a trumped-up, trickle-down plan that overwhelmingly benefits the fortunate few  people like Donald Trump  and scams the rest of us, Beatty said.\nPortman, a member of the conference committee that hammered out final details with House Republicans, said he was proud to play a significant role in this conference, working alongside my colleagues in the House and Senate to craft this bill and improve it on behalf of middle-class families.\n\n\tRep. Mike Turner, R-Dayton, said a family of four in my district making $59,000 a year will see about $1,000 additionally in their pockets that they can use for home improvements or sending their kids to college.\n\n\n\tSome final tweaks to the bill brought in wavering Republicans like Sen. Marco Rubio Friday, and the GOP appeared poised to pass the bill next week without any Democratic support.\n\n\n\tBrown complained President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans rejected a chance to craft a bipartisan bill and instead chose to cut taxes for millionaires and corporations and pay for it by cutting Medicare and kicking people off their health insurance.\n\nIn a sharply worded statement, Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Niles, said Trump and GOP lawmakers have lied to the American people about the impact of this abhorrent tax legislation. This bill will increase taxes on half of all Americans, decrease long term economic growth, and send our national debt skyrocketing  all to give companies like Apple a $47 billion tax break, he said.\n\n\tTurner had a very different take, saying the bill will help both businesses and middle-class families.\n\n\n\tBusinesses here will get an incentive to buy new equipment, expand, hire new employees, he said. That means well be growing the economy at the same time people see more money in their pockets.\n\n\n\tTax bill key details\n\tIndividual Brackets: 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, 37%\n\tCorporate Tax Rate: Cut from 35% to 21%\n\tChild Tax Credit: Increased from $1,000 to $2,000, $1,400 of which is fully refundable.\n\tStandard Deduction: Roughly doubled to $12,000 for singles and $24,000 for couples. Those taking standard deduction cannot itemize.\n\tHome mortgage interest deduction for new homes: Deduct up to $750,000 per new home.\n\tState and Local Tax Deduction: Caps at $10,000 annually, including property taxes.\n\tObamacare mandate: Ends fines for those who dont buy health insurance.\n\tDeductions: Stays same for 401ks and charitable contributions.\n\tMedical Deductions: Increase to 10 percent of adjusted gross income starting in 2020.\n\tThis article was originally published by The Dayton Daily News on December 15, 2017.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://timryan.house.gov/press-release/congressman-tim-ryan-statement-republican-tax-bill", "Congressman Tim Ryan Statement on Republican Tax Bill", "2017-12-15", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Tim Ryan", "R000577", "timryan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Congressman Tim Ryan made the following statement after Congressional Republicans released their compromise tax legislation.\nFrom day one, President Trump and the Republicans in Congress have lied to the American people about the impact of this abhorrent tax legislation. This bill will increase taxes on half of all Americans, decrease long term economic growth, and send our national debt skyrocketing  all to give companies like Apple a $47 billion tax break. Today, 63% of families could not withstand a $500 emergency. We have pensions collapsing and communities that have been wiped out, and yet the GOP plan to fix all of this is to raise taxes on 82 million middle class families. To make matters worse, we are going to need to borrow huge sums from China to give tax breaks to these corporations already making record profits, and inflict further pain on the middle class by cutting Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, education, and other important programs Americans rely on. This bill weakens our country and will make it impossible for us to grow our economy, lift wages, and secure pensions for American families.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-portman-work-to-ensure-ohio-and-erie-canalway-can-continue-supporting-northeast-ohio-jobs", "Brown, Portman Work to Ensure Ohio & Erie Canalway Can Continue Supporting Northeast Ohio Jobs", "2017-12-15", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area Supports 4,200 Jobs, Generates $408 Million Each Year\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tFriday, December 15, 2017\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Rob Portman (R-OH) this week introduced legislation to ensure that the Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area, which spans more than 110 miles between New Philadelphia and Cleveland, can continue to draw investment, and support local jobs, tourism and economic development in northeast Ohio.\r\nOhioans take great pride in our states historic role in building the Erie Canal and connecting our state to the rest of the country, said Brown. From Tuscarawas County to Cuyahoga County, the Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area draws millions of dollars to our state each year, supporting thousands of jobs. We owe it to all Ohioans and visitors to continue to support this treasure.\r\nThis legislation will provide greater funding certainty for the Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area, which will help ensure that this site is protected and continues to attract jobs and investment, said Portman. The canal holds great significance to the state of Ohio, from helping our early towns and communities prosper to linking our state to the rest of the nation. I am proud to be one of the 2.5 million visitors who enjoy the canals towpath trail each year, and I look forward to working with my colleague Senator Brown on getting this legislation signed into law.\r\nThe Senators bill makes a legislative fix to make sure the Canalway doesnt face funding uncertainty each year. In 2015, Congress reauthorized the Canalway through 2021, but failed to simultaneously lift its funding cap to reflect its extended authorization, leaving the Canalways work to enrich the communities it spans in jeopardy each year. The Senators want to permanently lift this cap, so it can continue to receive its federal funding, which helps it raise additional funds from the State of Ohio, private organizations and foundations.\r\nThe Ohio and Erie Canalway Coalition supports Brown and Portmans efforts.\r\nOn behalf of all of our partners along the Ohio and Erie Canalway National Heritage Area, we are grateful to Senator Brown and Senator Portman for their continued strong support and commitment for the Ohio and Erie Canalway, Towpath Trail and Connector Trail Trails, said Daniel Rice, Co-Executive Director, and President and CEO of the Ohio and Erie Canalway Coalition. Working together, we are fulfilling the legacy of Congressman Ralph Regula and creating a legacy for future generations.\r\nOhio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area spans the first 110 miles of the canal. The annual economic impact on Ohio is more than $408 million.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-tax-bill-takes-healthcare-away-from-ohioans-to-pay-for-handouts-to-millionaires-corporations", "Brown: Tax Bill Takes Healthcare Away From Ohioans to Pay for Handouts to Millionaires, Corporations", "2017-12-15", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Latest Version Cuts Taxes for Millionaires Even Further than Senate Bill\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tFriday, December 15, 2017\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) said the latest version of the GOP tax reform bill released this evening will force Ohioans to pay for tax cuts for millionaires and corporations by taking away their healthcare, driving up insurance premiums and forcing cuts to Medicare. The latest version of the bill cuts taxes for millionaires even further than the Senate bill by dropping the top statutory tax rate.\r\nTax reform should have been an opportunity to work together to cut taxes for working people. I offered to work with the President and Republicans, and I introduced multiple amendments that could have put real money in the pockets of Ohioans. Instead Washington chose to cut taxes for millionaires and corporations and pay for it by cutting Medicare and kicking people off their health insurance, said Brown. And it wont stop there  Congressional Republicans are already planning to steal the money Ohioans have paid into Medicare and Social Security to pay for the hole they are blowing in the deficit.\r\nIn order for Republicans to pay for their permanent tax cuts for corporations, many Republicans  including President Trump and House Speaker Paul Ryan  have said they will take up so-called entitlement reform and make cuts to Medicare and Social Security. Learn more about those cuts HERE.\r\nBrown has repeatedly called for a bipartisan process and offered to work with his colleagues. Throughout the process, Brown offered several amendments, including one to expand the child tax credit and another to cut taxes only for corporations that do not send jobs overseas. The amendments were blocked from passage.\r\nHere are quick facts on the GOP proposal:\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://fudge.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1913", "Rep. Fudge Encourages All Eligible Ohioans to Sign Up for Affordable Health Insurance", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Marcia Fudge", "F000455", "fudge.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\u201cAccording to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, nearly 4.7 million Americans have signed up for health care coverage since November 1, including more than 109,000 Ohioans. \u00a0Despite Republicans\u2019 repeated attempts to sabotage the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Americans across the country continue to prove the need for access to quality, affordable health insurance. \u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cLast year, eight in ten people qualified for financial help to pay their monthly premiums. \u00a0Millions of Americans can find health insurance coverage for little or no cost per month. \u00a0I encourage my fellow Ohioans to sign up for healthcare coverage online at HealthCare.gov or by calling 1-800-318-2596 before Open Enrollment closes tomorrow.\u201d\r\n\r\n\tSince the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was enacted in 2010, more than 664,000 Ohioans have gained health coverage. \u00a0The ACA also expanded Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in Ohio to cover 1,260,252 children and 206,885 seniors and people with disabilities covered by both Medicaid and Medicare.\r\n\r\n\tIn November, Congresswoman Fudge released a video to remind Ohioans about the start of the 2018 Open Enrollment period. \u00a0You can watch the video here.\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/news-articles/congresswoman-joyce-beatty-knows-students-are-the-future", "Congresswoman Joyce Beatty Knows Students Are The Future", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Joyce Beatty", "B001281", "beatty.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Joyce Beattyis a native Ohioan who has worked as a professor at Sinclair Community College.\nHaving previously worked on the faculty of a college, Joyce is passionate about raising students to be our nations future leaders.\nJoyces experience working as a college instructor has given her unique insight into the need for education reform.\nJoyce opposes Betsy DeVos being appointed to head the U.S. Department of Education, believing she is unqualified and on track to undercut the country's public education system.\nJoyce also introduced a bill called the 21st Century STEM for Girls and Underrepresented Minorities Act, empowering school districts to engage underrepresented students in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math.\nWatch Joyce talk about the the important of college education and honor the legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities below.\nThis article was originally published by women.com on December 14, 2017.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-trump-administration-should-stand-consumers-not-big-corporations", "Kaptur: Trump Administration should stand with consumers, not big corporations on Net Neutrality", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Marcy Kaptur", "K000009", "kaptur.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), issued the following statement on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) decision to repeal Net Neutrality protections.\n\u201cRepealing Net Neutrality is the opposite of President Trump\u2019s promise to drain the swamp. Instead, the Trump Administration is taking America backward on key consumer protections and safeguards against corporate overreach,\u201d said Kaptur.\n\u201cAs I have stated before, over the last several weeks I heard from citizens across Northern Ohio who have made their voices clear. They support Net Neutrality, and they support an internet that is open and free from overt meddling by big corporations to juice their profits,\u201d Kaptur continued.\nThis week Kaptur signed onto a letter with 118 colleagues urging the FCC to delay their vote in order to ensure that voices of the American people are heard. Additionally, Kaptur has announced support for an upcoming legislative effort by Congressman Mike Doyle of Pennsylvania that will reverse the FCC\u2019s decision and codify Net Neutrality into law.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://timryan.house.gov/press-release/congressman-tim-ryan-statement-indefensible-gop-rollback-net-neutrality", "Congressman Tim Ryan Statement on Indefensible GOP Rollback of Net Neutrality", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Tim Ryan", "R000577", "timryan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congressman Tim Ryan released the following statement on the indefensible Republican rollback of net neutrality.\n\u201cPresident Trump\u2019s hand-picked FCC chairman and the Republican majority on the FCC just voted to overturn net neutrality, striking a huge blow against Americans\u2019 right to a free and open internet. With this decision, internet service providers like Comcast, AT&T, and Time Warner Cable will now have the power to dictate the speed of websites, charge higher fees to access certain websites, and prioritize their own services over those of their competitors. The internet is an indispensable part of American life and it should be classified in a way that reflects the world we live in today. The effort to repeal net neutrality is a glaring example of the Republican Party siding with multinational corporations and big business over the interests of the American people. Shame on them for going against the will of the people with such wanton disregard for how this policy will impact their lives,\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/gallery/photos/sen-browns-constituent-coffee-12-14-2017", "Sen. Brown's Constituent Coffee 12-14-2017", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "If youre afraid you might be a victim of the Equifax data breach, Senator Brown encourages you to visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureaus website for more information and resources  www.consumerfinance.gov.\n  \nFor information on how to help recovery efforts for recent hurricanes, go to www.fema.gov", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/multimedia/watch/brown-launches-essay-series-wall-streets-war-on-workers", "Brown Launches Essay Series: “Wall Street’s War on Workers\"", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "If you\u2019re afraid you might be a victim of the Equifax data breach, Senator Brown encourages you to visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau\u2019s website for more information and resources \u2013 www.consumerfinance.gov.\n  \nFor information on how to help recovery efforts for recent hurricanes, go to www.fema.gov", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-introduces-resolution-to-restore-net-neutrality-rules-following-fcc-vote", "Brown Introduces Resolution to Restore Net Neutrality Rules Following FCC Vote", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Thursday, December 14, 2017\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Following today\u2019s Federal Communications Commission\u00a0 (FCC) vote to repeal net neutrality rules, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) has introduced a resolution to undo today\u2019s actions and restore the net neutrality rules. Today, the FCC gutted the 2015 Open Internet Order, which the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld in 2016. The Open Internet Order prohibited internet service providers from setting up internet fast and slow lanes and ensured they could not block or slow down internet traffic.\r\n\u201cInternet providers should not be able to slow down your internet access or charge you more based on the shows you watch, the teams you cheer for or your political views,\u201d said Brown. \u00a0\r\nBrown and several of his colleagues introduced a resolution of disapproval to rescind FCC Chairman Ajit Pai\u2019s move and fully restore the Open Internet Order. CRA resolutions allow Congress to overturn regulatory actions at federal agencies with a simple majority vote in both chambers.\u00a0In accordance with the Congressional Review Act (CRA), the Senators will formally introduce the resolution once the rule is submitted to both houses of Congress and published in the federal register. Congressman Mike Doyle (D-Penn.) plans to introduce a CRA resolution in the House of Representatives.\u00a0A copy of the CRA can be found HERE.\r\nBrown had requested the FCC delay today\u2019s vote in two separate letters, available here and here.\r\nBrown joined U.S. Sens. Ed Markey (D-MA), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii.), Richard Blumenthal (D\u2013Conn.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) to introduce the resolution.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-launches-online-essay-series-wall-streets-war-on-workers", "Brown Launches Online Essay Series: “Wall Street’s War on Workers”", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On Medium, Senator to Explore Growing Gap between Wall Street and Main Street\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tThursday, December 14, 2017\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 On the Senate floor, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) launched his new essay series titled \u201cWall Street\u2019s War on Workers.\u201d Brown plans to release several essays on Medium to explore how Wall Street undermines U.S. workers as he offers solutions to grow the middle class and restore the value of work.\u00a0\r\n \r\nBrown\u2019s first essay in the series, \u201cWall Street Doesn\u2019t Want You to Get a Raise,\u201d can be read HERE.\u00a0\r\n \r\n\u201cTime and again, our economy, our leaders, and our politics reward Wall Street not just instead of workers, but at the expense of workers,\u201d said Brown on the Senate floor. \u201cPeople in Ohio and around the country are working harder and longer than ever, but with less and less to show for it.\u201d\r\nIn March, Brown unveiled a plan to make hard work pay off for Ohioans. For more than a year, Brown and his office studied the challenges facing workers in Ohio and across the country and compiled a comprehensive agenda of solutions.\r\nBrown has also introduced a podcast, \u201cCanarycast,\u201d featuring discussions on how to restore the value of work in America.\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/news-articles/congresswoman-joyce-beatty-is-a-champion-for-affordable-health-care", "Congresswoman Joyce Beatty Is A Champion For Affordable Health Care", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Joyce Beatty", "B001281", "beatty.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Joyce Beatty is a Democratic Congresswoman who is fighting for the rights of all Americans to have access to affordable health care.\nWhen it comes to health care, Joyce believes all Americans should have access to affordable health care.\nShe is in favor of improving on the Affordable Care Act and did not support Republicans attempts to repeal and replace it.\nWatch Joyce's powerful statement on the importance of the Affordable Care Act for all Americans below.\nThis article was originally published by Women.com on December 13, 2017.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/beatty-anti-human-trafficking-amendment-earns-strong-bipartisan-support", "Beatty Anti-Human Trafficking Amendment Earns Strong Bipartisan Support", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Joyce Beatty", "B001281", "beatty.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Beatty Anti-Human Trafficking Amendment Earns Strong Bipartisan Support \nBeatty-authored amendment included in the End Banking for Human Traffickers Act\nWASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, the House Financial Services Committee passed the bipartisan End Banking for Human Traffickers Act, H.R. 2219, which included language from an amendment authored by U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03). \u00a0\nBeatty\u2019s amendment would require the President\u2019s Interagency Taskforce to Monitor and Combat Trafficking to include in its report to Congress recommended changes to existing law to more effectively detect and deter the use of emerging technologies and virtual currencies to launder money gained from human trafficking.\n\u201cHuman trafficking represents an estimated multi-billion dollar a year international enterprise and, according to the U.S. State Department, it is among the world\u2019s top three criminal enterprises,\u201d Beatty said during the Committee markup. \u201cBack in 2013, Acting Assistant Attorney General Raman testified before a Senate Committee on the challenges the use of virtual currencies present to law enforcement when used for illicit purposes like human trafficking.\u201d She concluded, \u201cTechnology evolves by the hour in today\u2019s world, and the rise in popularity of virtual and digital currencies makes it paramount that Congress and regulators ensure that these innovations are not being used to launder money gained through the travesty of human trafficking.\u201d\nThe bill, of which Beatty is a cosponsor, would add the Secretary of Treasury as a member of the President\u2019s Taskforce. As a member of the Taskforce, the Secretary would help submit to Congress recommendations to better identify money-laundering activities related to human trafficking.\nH.R. 2219 was unanimously approved by the House Financial Services Committee by a vote of 59-0 and is now awaiting further consideration by the full U.S. House of Representatives. A companion piece of legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-statement-election-senator-elect-doug-jones-alabama", "Kaptur statement on election of Senator-elect Doug Jones of Alabama", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Marcy Kaptur", "K000009", "kaptur.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), the longest-serving woman in Congress, issued the following statement of congratulations regarding the election of Doug Jones as the new Senator from Alabama:\n\u201cCongratulations to Senator-elect Doug Jones, and the citizens of Alabama, on their hard-fought victory for the\u00a0future of Alabama and our nation.\n\u201cHis distinguished career as a reasoned and passionate voice for justice and the rule of law will well serve America\u2019s highest aspirations. His election will help blot out the vitriol, prejudice and hate that underlaid this race and must be cleansed from our body politic.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/joined-by-retirees-congressional-democrats-call-for-passage-of-proposal-to-ensure-15-million-retired-workers-across-country-keep-their-earned-pensions-", "Joined by Retirees, Congressional Democrats Call for Passage of Proposal to Ensure 1.5 Million Retired Workers Across Country Keep Their Earned Pensions", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Without Congressional Action, The Retirement Benefits Of 1.5 Million Pension Plan Participants Across The Country Could Be At Risk\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWednesday, December 13, 2017\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, DC\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Joined by retired Teamsters and miners today, Congressional Democrats called for immediate passage of their legislation to ensure the pensions that American workers have earned over a lifetime of work are protected into the future. The legislation would ensure Teamsters, miners, and thousands of other American workers can keep the retirement they have earned so their families and livelihoods are not put at risk. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) have consistently listed pensions as a top Democratic priority in spending legislation, and today Teamsters President Jim Hoffa joined Senate and House Democrats to call for its passage.\r\n\u201cThis is the only legislative solution that would keep intact the pensions that our actives and retirees have earned \u2013 there would be no cuts,\u201d said Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa. \u201cThat is why our active and retired members have been meeting with members of Congress over the past year to fight for their retirement security and they will continue to do so until this legislation becomes law.\u201d\r\nPension plans \u2013 including the massive Central States Teamsters Pension Plan, the United Mine Workers Pension Plan, and over 200 more plans impacting 1.5 million active and retired workers in every state in the country \u2013 are on the brink of failure and threatened by massive cuts.\r\nIf pension plans are allowed to fail, not only will employers no longer be able to pay promised benefits, but taxpayers would be at risk of having to pay billions when the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation (PBGC), the government sponsored insurance company for multiemployer pensions, has an exposure of $59 billion and is projected to become insolvent by 2025. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the cost of backstopping the PBGC, should it fail, would be $101 billion dollars over 20 years. The Democrats therefore said these workers, retirees, families and communities are at risk through no fault of their own and must be protected.\r\nThe Butch Lewis Act of 2017 would put the pension plans back on solid footing, ensure they can meet their obligations to current retirees and workers for decades to come without cutting the benefits retirees earned, and safeguard them for the future. The Democrats\u2019 legislation would allow the Treasury Department to loan money, leveraged by safe investments, to pension plans to ensure that retirees and their families are guaranteed their promised benefits. A detailed explanation of the Butch Lewis Act of 2017 is available HERE.\r\nThe legislation was introduced by Brown in the Senate and is cosponsored by Sens. Stabenow (D-MI), Baldwin (D-WI), Donnelly (D-IN), Duckworth (D-IL), Durbin (D-IL), Franken (D-MN), Heitkamp (D-ND), Klobuchar (D-MN), Manchin (D-WV), McCaskill (D-MO), Nelson (D-FL), Peters (D-MI). The legislation was introduced by Reps. Richard Neal (D-MA) and Cheri Bustos (D-IL) in the House and has over 80 cosponsors, including Reps. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Rick Nolan (D-MN), Donald Norcross (D-NJ), Bobby Scott (D-VA), Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Marcy Kaptur (D-OH).\r\nSenate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said, \u201cAs miners, truck drivers, construction workers, and food service workers approach retirement age, we have to make sure the pension plans promised to them have enough in the bank to fulfill that promise. One of the main things we Democrats have been pushing for - and will continue to push for - in the bipartisan budget negotiations is to help these workers out. Democrats are fighting for a pension solution.\u201d\r\nHouse Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) said, \u201cDefending every American\u2019s right to a secure retirement is an urgent moral priority. The Congress must deliver on our promises and protect working families\u2019 economic security now.\u00a0 There is no time to waste, and Democrats will not rest until we have saved America\u2019s endangered pensions.\u201d\r\nSenator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) said, \u201cThese retirees sacrificed pay raises and benefits so that when they retired, they could do so with dignity. They earned every dollar of their retirement, and out of no fault of their own, the money they earned is at risk. They held up their end of the bargain and it\u2019s time Congress held up ours and ensure they can keep what they\u2019ve earned.\u201d\u00a0\r\nRep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) said, \u201cIn America if you work hard and play by the rules, you should be able to retire with grace and dignity. However, for many hardworking Americans that basic promise has been broken as a result of hard-earned pensions in distress.\u00a0 That is not acceptable, which is why Congress must pass the Butch Lewis Act of 2017 immediately.\"\r\nSenator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) said, \u201cThe Butch Lewis Act is a win-win--for employers, employees, retirees, and Americans across the country. It would put the pension plans back on solid footing and ensure that the plans can meet their obligations to retirees and workers for decades to come. No more stalling. No more false promises. We need to act now.\u201d\r\nRep. Rick Nolan (D-MN) said, \u201cMake no mistake about it. We will not rest until every single worker is assured of receiving every single hard-earned penny, dime and dollar of their pensions that they have earned, contributed to, and were promised.\u201d\r\nSenator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) said, \u201cA pension is a promise. People who worked hard to earn their retirement benefits should not have to worry about heating their homes, putting food on their tables, or being able to retire with dignity.\u00a0 This legislation will do right by thousands of retirees in Michigan by providing opportunities to put pension plans back on solid footing.\u201d\r\nRep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ) said, \u201cThese Americans earned their pensions through a lifetime of hard work. Now we need to help keep the promises we made so they can retire with dignity. I\u2019m an electrician by trade and spent years installing and restoring power for New Jersey homes, businesses and industrial sites. As a participant in a pension plan myself, I know how these workers feel. Through no fault of their own, their livelihoods are at risk. We must act now on solutions that honor their work and grow membership so future generations of Americans can have the peace of mind of a secure retirement.\u201d\r\nRep. Bobby Scott (D-VA) said, \u201cThe multiemployer pension system remains in significant financial distress, threatening the retirement security of millions of Americans. The Butch Lewis Act of 2017 proposes a solution to prevent troubled multiemployer plans from failing and, most importantly, does not cut retirees\u2019 hard-earned pensions.\u00a0 Congress must work together in a bipartisan way to responsibly address the multiemployer pension crisis, and we must do so this year.\u201d\r\nRep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI): \u201cHardworking men and women in my district and across the country were made a promise when they started working \u2013 that they would get to retire with a pension that allows them to live with dignity and security. Now, the pensions they\u2019ve earned over a lifetime of hard work are under attack and in jeopardy of being cut by as much as 70 percent. We cannot allow this to happen. The Butch Lewis Act ensures workers and retirees can keep the retirement they have earned, and must be passed by Congress immediately.\u201d\r\nRep. Marcy Kaptur said (D-OH), \u201cOn Sunday, the Central States Pension Fund lost 1,800 active workers with Kroger\u2019s announcement to withdraw, leaving more uncertainty for the nearly 400,000 workers and retirees the Fund supports. Congress can ensure stable retirement benefits for all these individuals simply by passing the Butch Lewis Act. Congress must act soon and deliver peace of mind and economic security this holiday season to the 1.5 million workers and retirees in multiemployer pension plans.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senate-house-leadership-call-for-passage-of-browns-bill-to-ensure-retired-workers-keep-pensions-theyve-earned", "Senate, House Leadership Call for Passage of Brown’s Bill to Ensure Retired Workers Keep Pensions They’ve Earned", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Two Ohio Retirees, a Teamster and a Miner, Stood with Brown Today in Support of Bill\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWednesday, December 13, 2017\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n**Watch Today\u2019s Press Conference HERE**\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi called for passage of U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown\u2019s legislation to ensure that Ohio retirees can keep the pensions they\u2019ve earned. The support of Senate and House leadership will help make it clear that passing this fix is a priority to Democrats, boosting the chances it will get included in a spending package.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cThese retirees sacrificed pay raises and benefits so that when they retired, they could do so with dignity,\u201d said Brown. \u201cThey earned every dollar of their retirement, and out of no fault of their own, the money they earned is at risk. They held up their end of the bargain and it\u2019s time Congress held up ours and ensure they can keep what they\u2019ve earned.\u201d\u00a0 \r\n\u00a0\r\nBrown was joined by two Ohio retirees today, retired miner and United Mine Workers of America member Norm Skinner and Teamster retiree Mike Walden. Both called for passage of the bill. Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa also joined Brown and Senate and House leaders today to reiterate the union\u2019s support for the bill.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cThis is the only legislative solution that would keep intact the pensions that our actives and retirees have earned \u2013 there would be no cuts,\u201d said Hoffa. \u201cThat is why our active and retired members have been meeting with members of Congress over the past year to fight for their retirement security and they will continue to do so until this legislation becomes law.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nSenate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said, \u201cAs miners, truck drivers, construction workers, and food service workers approach retirement age, we have to make sure the pension plans promised to them have enough in the bank to fulfill that promise. One of the main things we Democrats have been pushing for - and will continue to push for - in the bipartisan budget negotiations is to help these workers out. Democrats are fighting for a pension solution.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nHouse Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) said, \u201cDefending every American\u2019s right to a secure retirement is an urgent moral priority,\u201d said Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi.\u00a0 \u201cThe Congress must deliver on our promises and protect working families\u2019 economic security now.\u00a0 There is no time to waste, and Democrats will not rest until we have saved America\u2019s endangered pensions.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nNumerous Ohio pension plans, including the massive Central States Teamsters Pension Plan, the United Mine Workers Pension Plan, the Ironworkers Local 17 Pension Plan, the Ohio Southwest Carpenters Pension Plan and the Bakers and Confectioners Pension Plan are currently on the brink of failure and threatened by massive cuts.\r\n\u00a0\r\nLast month, Brown introduced the Butch Lewis Act to put the pension plans back on solid footing and ensure they can meet their obligations to current retirees and workers for decades to come, without cuts. A version of the bill was also introduced in the House of Representatives. Brown named the bill after Butch Lewis, the former retired head of Teamsters Local 100 in Evendale, Ohio, where he led the fight to preserve his fellow Teamsters\u2019 pensions. He passed away in 2015, and now his wife, Rita, continues his fight, lobbying for Teamsters\u2019 retirement security.\r\n\u00a0\r\nBrown\u2019s Butch Lewis Act would:\r\n\u00a0\r\n1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Put failing pension plans back on solid ground to ensure they can meet their commitments to retirees today and workers for decades to come. \r\n2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Do so without cutting a single cent from the benefits retirees have earned. \r\n3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Put safeguards in place to encourage pensions to remain strong so they can be there for today\u2019s workers when they retire. \r\n\u00a0\r\nIf nothing is done to the plans, they will fail and retirees will face massive cuts to the benefits they earned over decades of work. If the plans are allowed to fail, not only will they no longer be able to pay promised benefits, but taxpayers would be at risk of having to pay billions because the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation (PBGC) would be on the hook for billions of dollars it cannot pay. PBGC is the arm of the federal government that insures pension plans. \u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/with-friday-deadline-to-enroll-in-health-insurance-brown-alerts-ohioans-to-free-help-signing-up", "With Friday Deadline to Enroll in Health Insurance, Brown Alerts Ohioans to Free Help Signing Up", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Joined by Dayton Small Business Owner who Saved Hundreds by Working with Health Insurance Assister \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWednesday, December 13, 2017\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014Today, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) hosted a news conference call to alert Ohioans about ways they can enroll in a new healthcare plan or update their current coverage. The deadline for Ohioans to sign up for coverage or change their plan is Friday, December 15th.\r\nOhioans can enroll or change their healthcare plan in a variety of ways:\r\n\r\n \r\nBy Phone: Call the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596 with questions or to enroll over the phone.\r\n \r\n \r\nIn-Person: Visit\u00a0LocalHelp.HealthCare.gov\u00a0or call the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596 to obtain a list of assisters in northeast Ohio who are trained and certified to help individuals enroll in person.\r\n \r\n\u201cOf course we still have a lot to do to improve our healthcare system, and I\u2019m ready to work with folks on both sides of the aisle to lower premiums and prescription drug costs,\u201d said Sen. Brown. \u201cBut free assistance sites can help many Ohioans find cheaper overage, right now, during open enrollment.\u201d\r\nSince 2013, more than 900,000 Ohioans have obtained insurance coverage through the health law \u2014 many for the first time. Last year, many Ohioans who shopped around for coverage were able to find cheaper coverage.\u00a0\r\nBrown was joined on the call by Mary Bohn, a Dayton small business owner who will save hundreds of dollars on her 2018 health insurance plan thanks to the Affordable Care Act and her work with a healthcare enrollment assister.\u00a0\r\n\u201cFor\u00a02017 and 2018 coverage, I had discovered Resolute, in Dayton, Ohio, who also have been extremely helpful in researching the\u00a0health plans I qualified for\u00a0with major carries, and they also fit my specific\u00a0health needs and were affordable. I am now\u00a0paying less money on my premiums and also\u00a0have a deductible that I am pleased with,\u201d said Bohn.\r\n***A list of healthcare insurance assister sites by region in Ohio can be found \r\nby visiting localhelp.healthcare.gov***\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/announcements/congresswoman-beatty-calls-for-action-on-gun-violence", "Congresswoman Beatty Calls for Action on Gun Violence", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Joyce Beatty", "B001281", "beatty.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Beatty Calls for Action on Gun Violence\u00a0 \nToday, U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) joined House Democrats to call for greater Congressional action on gun violence. Congresswoman Beatty's statement printed in the Congressional Record\u00a0is as follows:\u00a0\nI would like to thank my good friend and colleague, Congresswoman Robin Kelly for tonight\u2019s special order hour on gun violence. Congresswoman Kelly is a stalwart leader against gun violence and serves as a visible, out-front advocate for putting an end to the gun violence epidemic. \nFar too many children, families, and communities have been devastated and destroyed by a gun inappropriately in the hands of a shooter.\u00a0We have seen far too many deaths, too many young African-Americans with guns, too many killed by guns.\u00a0My district in Central Ohio has seen an alarming rise in gun violence. Just this week, Columbus saw its 130th homicide of the year, which is closing in on an all-time record.\u00a0We can and must do better.\u00a0\nI stand with Congresswoman Kelly in her relentless efforts, calling on the Congress to honor victims through action.\u00a0We can join together to pass commonsense gun laws \u2013 background checks; no fly-no buy; and safety locks. \nGun violence is a health epidemic \u2013 one that we cannot address in isolation. We must fund mental health programs, we must address the needs of urban communities, and we must provide sustainable community and economic development initiatives to reduce violence \u2013 like community policing coupled with commonsense gun reforms. \nTonight, Congresswoman Kelly puts a face on the victims of gun violence.\u00a0I join and salute her for reading the names of victims. As we read the names, let us remember that gun violence isn\u2019t a Democrat or Republican issue \u2013 it is an American issue requiring an American solution.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/news-articles/cota-commends-congresswoman-beatty-and-congressman-stivers-for-membership", "COTA Commends Congresswoman Beatty and Congressman Stivers for Membership on Newly Formed Bipartisan Congressional Bus Caucus", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Joyce Beatty", "B001281", "beatty.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Central Ohio Transit Authority commended Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, U.S. Representative for Ohios 3rd congressional district, and Congressman Steve Stivers, U.S. Representative for Ohios 15th congressional district, for their membership on the newly formed Bipartisan Congressional Bus Caucus (BCBC).\nWe are pleased to see the formation of a bipartisan Congressional Caucus, emphasizing the importance of bus transit service and adequate federal funding, said COTA Interim President/CEO Emille Williams.\nGrowth projections in the central Ohio region would increase population by nearly 1 million people and more than 300,000 new jobs. In order to meet the needs of a growing metropolitan area, COTA strongly supports federal investments through the Federal Transit Administration's Bus and Bus Facility program.\nThe launch of the BCBC was announced on Thurs., Nov. 30, and is co-chaired by Congressmen David Young (R-IA) and Rick Larsen (D-WA). The purpose of the Caucus is to give a stronger voice to the over 1,100 bus transit systems across the country and highlight the need for adequate federal funding of bus transit programs.\nI am proud to join the Bipartisan Congressional Bus Caucus, said Beatty. As Representative of Ohios Third Congressional District, I have witnessed first-hand the positive impact the Central Ohio Transit Authority has on the lives of nearly 1 million Central Ohioans and its effect on the entire region. I will continue working hard in Congress to increase awareness and support of our nations public transportation system, and look forward to helping COTA build on their many transit successes.\nMillions across the country rely on buses and other forms of public transportation every day, and Central Ohio is no exception, said Stivers. The Central Ohio Transit Authority does incredible work to ensure our regions transportation system is reliable and efficient. I am proud to join the Bipartisan Congressional Bus Caucus to advocate for investment and innovation in our nations bus transit systems.\nThe Caucus seeks to highlight the benefits of investing in bus systems, the challenges accompanying aging bus fleets and facilities, and encourage innovation in a rapidly changing transportation climate. The Caucus will raise awareness on Capitol Hill by holding occasional events to highlight the importance of transit agencies striving to deliver reliable service and meet a state of good repair.\nAccounting for more than one-half of all transit trips each year, buses are truly the backbone of transit service, providing critical service in communities of all sizes. Proper maintenance and timely replacement of our nation's buses and facilities is critical to the preservation of this reliable, efficient and affordable transportation staple\nEvery day, 14.9 million passenger trips are made across the country on buses, with more than 60,000 in central Ohio alone. These bus transit trips provide access for people with disabilities, cost-effective transportation for low income riders, and help commuters get to work, students to school and patients to see their doctor.\nThis article was originally published by MassTransitMag.com on Decmeber 12, 2017.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cota-commends-reps-beatty-and-stivers-for-membership-on-newly-formed", "COTA Commends Reps. Beatty and Stivers for Membership on Newly Formed Bipartisan Congressional Bus Caucus", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Joyce Beatty", "B001281", "beatty.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "COTA Commends Reps. Beatty and Stivers for Membership on Newly Formed Bipartisan Congressional Bus Caucus \nCOLUMBUS, OH\u2014The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) commends Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, U.S. Representative for Ohio\u2019s Third Congressional District, and Congressman Steve Stivers, U.S. Representative for Ohio\u2019s Fifteenth Congressional District, for their membership on the newly formed Bipartisan Congressional Bus Caucus (BCBC).\n\u201cWe are pleased to see the formation of a bipartisan Congressional Caucus, emphasizing the importance of bus transit service and adequate federal funding,\u201d said COTA Interim President/CEO Emille Williams.\n\u201cGrowth projections in the central Ohio region would increase population by nearly one million people and more than 300,000 new jobs. In order to meet the needs of a growing metropolitan area, COTA strongly supports federal investments through the Federal Transit Administration's Bus and Bus Facility program.\u201d\nThe launch of the BCBC was announced on Thurs., Nov. 30, and is co-chaired by Congressmen David Young (R-IA) and Rick Larsen (D-WA). The purpose of the Caucus is to give a stronger voice to the over 1,100 bus transit systems across the country and highlight the need for adequate federal funding of bus transit programs.\n\u201cI am proud to join the Bipartisan Congressional Bus Caucus,\u201d said Beatty. \u201cAs Representative of Ohio\u2019s Third Congressional District, I have witnessed first-hand the positive impact the Central Ohio Transit Authority has on the lives of nearly one million Central Ohioans and its effect on the entire region. I will continue working hard in Congress to increase awareness and support of our nation\u2019s public transportation system, and look forward to helping COTA build on their many transit successes.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\n\u201cMillions across the country rely on buses and other forms of public transportation every day, and Central Ohio is no exception,\u201d said Stivers. \u201cThe Central Ohio Transit Authority does incredible work to ensure our region\u2019s transportation system is reliable and efficient. I am proud to join the Bipartisan Congressional Bus Caucus to advocate for investment and innovation in our nation\u2019s bus transit systems.\u201d\nThe Caucus seeks to highlight the benefits of investing in bus systems, the challenges accompanying aging bus fleets and facilities, and encourage innovation in a rapidly changing transportation climate. The Caucus will raise awareness on Capitol Hill by holding occasional events to highlight the importance of transit agencies striving to deliver reliable service and meet a state of good repair.\nAccounting for more than one-half of all transit trips each year, buses are truly the backbone of transit service, providing critical service in communities of all sizes. Proper maintenance and timely replacement of our nation's buses and facilities is critical to the preservation of this reliable, efficient and affordable transportation staple.\nEvery day, 14.9 million passenger trips are made across the country on buses, with more than 60,000 in central Ohio alone. These bus transit trips provide access for people with disabilities, cost-effective transportation for low income riders, and help commuters get to work, students to school and patients to see their doctor.\n* This release was previously sent by COTA on December 11, 2017, and republished with their consent.\u00a0 \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-op-ed-kaptur-urges-officials-nafta-nations-create-trade-model", "ICYMI: In op-ed, Kaptur urges officials in NAFTA nations to create a trade model that values workers and wages", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Marcy Kaptur", "K000009", "kaptur.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) authored an op-ed in The Hill newspaper urging Canadian officials to join her and her colleagues in holding President Trump to his promises to American workers. Kaptur urged trade negotiators to create a new trade agreement that lifts workers and raises wages across the continent.\nRead the op-ed in The Hill below:\nIf we put workers first, all three NAFTA nations will win in a new trade agreement  By Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio), Opinion Contributor \u2014 12/11/17 11:30 AM EST\nFor many members of Congress renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has been more than 20 years in the making. A chance to create a new trade model that benefits workers across the North American continent.\nI led the opposition to NAFTA in 1993, and have made trade a top priority in my tenure in Congress. It is not for a lack of support for global trade, but because trade must be an economic system that lifts economic prospects for all people. It must be fair. A drive through my district in Northern Ohio, spanning five counties from Toledo to Cleveland, is a reminder of the plight workers experienced following NAFTA\u2019s passage. From shuttered factories, hollowed out neighborhoods, and chronic economic stress due to reduced income and outsourced jobs.\nIn a recent letter to U.S. Trade Ambassador Robert Lighthizer, I emphasized that the voices of workers from Ohio and our industrial heartland should guide this administration\u2019s renegotiations process.\nThis Summer I held a NAFTA renegotiation field hearing in Brook Park, Ohio near Cleveland. Testimony from the United Steelworkers, the United Auto Workers, National Farmers Union, Teamsters, the Blue Green Alliance, Sierra Club, and Policy Matters Ohio was consistent: put workers first.\nThough the situations and analysis varied, their stories were all too similar. Millions of Americans witnessed jobs disappear due to outsourcing, and with significant wage and benefit losses as a result of NAFTA\u2019s economic impact. Northern Ohio families lost on average, $7,000 in annual wages since 1990!\nThe U.S. has never achieved a trade balance with our NAFTA competitors. Indeed the red ink runs deep. Technically, in 2016 the U.S. had a $12.5 billion trade surplus with Canada when services are included. But if you look at just goods, the products that we make, that number flips into a $12.1 billion trade deficit with our neighbors to the North. Now with our neighbor to the South, according to data from the office of the U.S. Trade Representative, our overall trade deficit with Mexico in 2016 was $55.6 billion, and our goods deficit with Mexico is $63 billion. It is clear where our imbalance lies.\nSince NAFTA\u2019s passage, the cumulative trade deficit with Mexico and Canada is well over $1 trillion which translates into thousands and thousands of lost jobs and lower wages for U.S. workers. We must stop these trade practices that snuff out American jobs and hurt our communities. My bill, the Balancing Trade Act, would require the administration to address the trade deficit seriously.\nDeficits aside, signals and statements from Canada hold promise in these renegotiations. Though we don\u2019t agree on everything when it comes to trade, Canada\u2019s statements urging the end of so-called \u201cRight to Work\u201d laws, which are anti-worker, as a part of NAFTA is positive. It is an affirmative statement of Canada\u2019s values and the priorities of their government. In theory, each nation is going to represent itself and its elected leaders, but Canadian overtures on worker protections and worker\u2019s rights holds value for all workers in all three nations.\nAdditionally, there is promise we can find common ground to rid North America\u2019s trade system of the corporate-friendly Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) system, which only further bloats transnational interests.\nOver the course of this year, I repeatedly called for the inclusion of a tri-party Independent Labor Secretariat, to ensure labor standards are enforced. This idea is supported by the AFL-CIO. Perhaps this idea is one our friends in Canada and Mexico can get behind. Having an instrument with a clear purpose to represent North American workers will help remedy labor inequities that vastly harmed workers across our continent.\nAs we enter the next round of NAFTA negotiations, which are to take place in Washington, D.C. in December, I call on my counterparts in Canada to join me to fight for a continental compact that values workers and raises wages. Let us elevate the rule of law and democratic principles. The Trump administration has signaled its intent to follow through on President Donald Trump\u2019s campaign rhetoric; our Canadian colleagues should join in holding his feet to the fire.\nWe have a rare opportunity to attempt to finally focus on the workers. Now is not the time for politics or pandering to corporations and wealthy special interests. Ultimately, the American worker, and workers throughout North America need a level playing field. Congress will supply the votes to support such an achievement if the deal puts American workers\u2019 interests first.\nCongresswoman Marcy Kaptur represents Ohio\u2019s Ninth District. Kaptur is the Dean of the Ohio Delegation and senior-most woman in the U.S. Congress.\nhttp://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/politics/364261-if-we-put-workers-first-all-three-nafta-nations-will-win-in-a \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/multimedia/watch/senator-brown-speaks-out-for-ohios-dreamers", "Senator Brown Speaks Out For Ohio’s Dreamers", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "If you\u2019re afraid you might be a victim of the Equifax data breach, Senator Brown encourages you to visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau\u2019s website for more information and resources \u2013 www.consumerfinance.gov.\n  \nFor information on how to help recovery efforts for recent hurricanes, go to www.fema.gov", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/funding-secured-by-brown-in-defense-bill-for-toledos-180th-fighter-wing-signed-into-law-", "Funding Secured by Brown in Defense Bill for Toledo’s 180th Fighter Wing Signed into Law", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Brown Requested $15 Million for Hangar Updates, Raised Need for Upgrades with Air Force Secretary\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tTuesday, December 12, 2017\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) was signed into law, including a provision secured by U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) to authorize $15 million to make facility improvements for Toledo\u2019s 180th Fighter Wing to perform its Aerospace Control Alert mission. Brown is the co-chair of the bipartisan Senate Air Force Caucus and requested that the Armed Services Committee include this critical authorization in its bill, which passed the full Senate this September. This authorization of funding will enable Congress to provide funds to install new hangars for F-16 aircraft that are needed to carry out the mission at Toledo.\r\n\u201cThe men and women of Toledo\u2019s 180th Fighter Wing perform important missions every day that require the most up-to-date facilities,\u201d said Brown. \u201cThis is a significant investment in the 180th Fighter Wing\u2019s future that will allow these Airmen to maintain their proven record of success.\u201d\u00a0\r\nIn April, Brown met with Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson ahead of her confirmation and highlighted key priorities for Ohio Air Force bases. During the meeting, Brown urged Wilson to support the funding needed at Toledo\u2019s Air National Guard Base.\r\nThe 180th Fighter Wing employs approximately 1,400 individuals in northwest Ohio and conducts the nation\u2019s number one homeland defense mission, Aerospace Control Alert. Last year, then Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James visited the Toledo Air National Guard Base at Brown\u2019s invitation.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/key-priorities-secured-by-brown-for-limas-joint-systems-manufacturing-center-signed-into-law", "Key Priorities Secured by Brown for Lima’s Joint Systems Manufacturing Center Signed into Law", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Brown Helped Secure Funding for JSMC Projects\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tTuesday, December 12, 2017\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) was signed into law, including a provision secured by U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) to authorize projects that will sustain and support the workforce at Lima\u2019s Joint Systems Manufacturing Center (JSMC). Brown requested that the Senate Armed Services Committee support these critical programs in the NDAA.\r\n\u201cThe work done at JSMC on the Abrams Tank and the Stryker Vehicle is among the most advanced in the world,\u201d said Brown. \u201cThis investment will allow Lima workers to continue their vital national security work while also bolstering northwest Ohio\u2019s economy.\u201d\u00a0\r\nThe funding authorized in the Senate bill will support the following projects:\r\n \r\nAbrams Tank Upgrades and Modifications ($1.651 billion): Brown requested \u2013 in line with the Army\u2019s needs \u2013 continued funding to upgrade the Abrams Tank. Upgrades include expanded firepower and enhanced protections against threats like improvised explosive devices. This additional funding will ensure that Abrams Tanks are able to combat all enemies on the battlefield while protecting American soldiers. \r\nFourth Double-V Hull Stryker Brigade and Lethality Upgrades ($622 million): Brown has supported the Army\u2019s initiative to improve Stryker vehicles to better withstand improvised explosive devices and protect American soldiers. The Army has been upgrading all Stryker Brigade Combat Teams to the Double-V Hull.\u00a0 Brown requested that the Senate Armed Services Committee authorize funding for more Stryker Double-V Hull (DVH) vehicles because the new design better protects American soldiers and supports domestic manufacturing. The President\u2019s budget did not include any funding for the DVH upgrades. Funding for these critical upgrades and modifications support Ohio jobs and ensures that our soldiers are equipped for every level of engagement. \r\n \r\nIn March 2017, Brown met with U.S. Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis to highlight the importance of continued funding for the Abrams Tank and the Stryker Vehicle. Critical work is done on both systems at the JSMC.\r\nIn May 2017, Brown wrote to his Senate Armed Services and Appropriations Committee colleagues to support inclusion of the Abrams Tank and Stryker Vehicle in both the NDAA and the Defense Appropriations bill.\r\nIn October 2016, Brown and U.S. Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) brought Under Secretary of the Army Patrick J. Murphy to Lima for a tour of the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center (JSMC). Brown and Portman have been longtime champions of the JSMC and have worked over the years with the Senate Armed Services Committee, the Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) leadership to promote the work done in Lima.\r\nIn February 2016, Brown applauded the inclusion of funding for the Abrams Tank and the Stryker Vehicle in President Obama\u2019s Fiscal Year 2017 budget proposal. Brown wrote to U.S. Secretary of the Army John McHugh in August 2015 to request these funds.\r\n\u00a0###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/president-signs-into-law-brown-portman-amendments-to-support-jobs-and-research-at-wright-patts-air-force-research-lab", "President Signs into Law Brown, Portman Amendments to Support Jobs & Research at Wright-Patt’s Air Force Research Lab", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tuesday, December 12, 2017\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Rob Portman (R-OH) announced today that President Trump signed into law the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Conference Report, which includes several bipartisan amendments the Senators offered that will support jobs and the important research mission at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base's Air Force Research Lab.\r\n\u201cThe men and women at Wright-Patt\u2019s Air Force Research Lab provide needed research to our military and the Department of Defense,\u201d said Brown. \u201cThis law will make sure these highly-skilled workers can continue to do their jobs and help meet our national security needs.\u201d\r\n\u201cI have seen firsthand the innovative research and development conducted at the Air Force Research Lab at Wright-Patt that is critical to our national security and to maintaining our military\u2019s technological edge,\u201d said Portman. \u201cI am pleased the president signed this legislation into law that will further support Wright-Patt\u2019s mission, and I will continue to work with Senator Brown to support Wright-Patt and ensure that its highly-skilled workforce has the tools and resources it needs to carry out its missions.\u201d\u00a0\r\nThe Senators\u2019 amendments will:\r\n \r\nIncrease payments to researchers who develop innovations and technology to support our nation\u2019s military. Federal researchers - including those at Wright-Patterson\u2019s Air Force Research Lab - are responsible for major innovations that have helped our military and servicemembers. The Brown- Portman amendment would encourage the best in this field to remain in government service by increasing royalties for patented or licensed innovations.\u00a0\r\n \r\n \r\nProvide flexibility for minor military construction. The amendment would make permanent programs to fund repairs or minor military construction to a laboratory\u2019s infrastructure ensuring that facilities are updated and have the capacity for new innovation. The amendment would require labs to report unfunded minor construction projects so that Congress can take action to close capacity gaps, which could hamper research. The amendment also makes permanent additional flexibility to fund research and train and retain personnel.\r\n \r\n \r\nSupport U.S. manufacturing jobs that help meet national defense needs. The Manufacturing Technology Division of Wright-Patterson\u2019s Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) manages a key national defense industrial base and manufacturing program that enables the federal government to support defense-related manufacturing when domestic capabilities aren\u2019t able to meet national security needs. The Brown-Portman amendment would prohibit the Pentagon from abruptly shifting project management responsibility away from the experts at AFRL to others in the Pentagon until a formal assessment of the program\u2019s management is conducted, and Congress is briefed on the results. Prohibiting this sudden shift in management\u00a0would ensure that any major changes that could impact ongoing or future projects or personnel would first be reviewed by the Senate Banking Committee, on which Brown is the lead Democrat, and which oversees the program. It would also ensure that in the interim skilled managers and specialized personnel with years of experience will continue to oversee this critical program, saving taxpayers money by controlling costs, eliminating wasteful administrative duplication, and maintaining efficient project oversight.\r\n \r\n \r\nSupport Wright-Patterson\u2019s role in developing unmanned aerial systems. The amendment will boost collaboration between the Department of Defense and the Federal Aviation Administration so the two can work together to integrate UAS into the national airspace and develop best practices for use \u00a0of this new technology. Wright-Patterson's Air Force Lab is a center for developing UAS.\u00a0\r\n \r\n\u00a0###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/news-articles/congresswoman-joyce-beatty-knows-how-to-empower-women", "Congresswoman Joyce Beatty Knows How To Empower Women", "2017-12-11", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Joyce Beatty", "B001281", "beatty.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Ohio Representative is a huge advocate for women's rights.\nJoyce Beatty was once named one of Ebony Magazine's 150 Most Powerful African-Americans in the United States.\nThe Democratic Congresswoman is a staunch advocate for women's rights, supporting groups like the Office of Minority and Women Inclusion.\nJoyce is pro-choice and supports access to safe, legal abortions without restrictions. She co-sponsored the Womens Health Protection Act which banned anti-abortion limitations on services.\nShe has also been a longtime advocate to end human trafficking, introducing legislation that was signed into law by President Obama.\nWatch Beatty discuss the important contributions of women to society below.\nThis article was originally published by Women.com on December 11, 2017.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/news-articles/congresswoman-joyce-beatty-takes-on-trumps-tax-plan", "Congresswoman Joyce Beatty Takes On Trump's Tax Plan", "2017-12-11", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Joyce Beatty", "B001281", "beatty.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Joyce Beatty is a native Ohioan who currently owns a small retail business in downtown Columbus.\nThe Democratic Congresswoman is a staunch advocate for tax reform to lessen the gap between the rich and the poor in America.\nThe Senate GOP has officially passed its tax bill, but the fight is not over yet.\nWhen it comes to the economy and taxes, Joyce opposes the Republican's recent budget resolution and disagrees with President Trump's budget request.\nShe believes that the tax cuts would only benefit the wealthiest Americans, while depriving seniors, students, veterans, the disabled, and working families of food, housing, jobs, and more.\nWatch Joyce's passionate words about the GOP tax plan below.\nThis article was originally published by women.com on December 11, 2017.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cleveland-health-center-kaptur-urges-northeast-ohio-get-covered-and-sign", "At Cleveland health center, Kaptur urges Northeast Ohio to get covered and sign up for health care during final days of open enrollment", "2017-12-11", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Marcy Kaptur", "K000009", "kaptur.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Cleveland \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) joined with officials at Neighborhood Family Practice, a community health center in Cleveland, Ohio. Kaptur encouraged Northeast Ohio citizens who do not already have health insurance to sign up for health care coverage during the final week of open enrollment. Open enrollment ends on Friday, December 15.\u00a0\n\u201cIt is imperative that anyone who needs health care, can get it, but to do that they need to sign up for care by December 15,\u201d said Kaptur. \u201cI thank the good people here at the Neighborhood Family Practice for having Ohioans' backs. Millions of people have already signed up for insurance, so make sure you, your family, your friends and your neighbors sign up to get the care they need.\u201d\nPeople in the Cleveland area can call the Neighborhood Family Practice at (216) 281-0872 or Ohioans can also call 1-800-318-2596 or visit http://healthcare.gov to enroll or to learn more.\n\u00a0\nKaptur highlighting the Neighborhood Family Practice helpline. Pictured with Beverly Roach of CareSource, Ohio State Rep. Martin Sweeney and Neighborhood Family Practice CEO Jean Polster.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://timryan.house.gov/press-release/congressman-tim-ryan-statement-passing-civil-rights-icon-simeon-booker", "Congressman Tim Ryan Statement on the Passing of Civil Rights Icon Simeon Booker", "2017-12-11", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Tim Ryan", "R000577", "timryan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Youngstown, Ohio \u2013 Congressman Tim Ryan made the following statement on the passing of journalist and civil rights icon Simeon Booker.\n\u201cToday we lost a groundbreaking journalist, a civil rights icon, and a true American hero. Simeon Booker devoted his life\u2019s work to breaking barriers and changing the hearts and minds of all those he touched through his writing. Simeon Booker was the definition of American exceptionalism, his work changed the course of history and helped transform our country to the place it is today. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones,\u201d said Congressman Ryan.\u00a0\u00a0\nRyan has introduced legislation to award Booker the Congressional Gold Metal \u2013 Congress\u2019s highest honor.\u00a0Read more here.\nRyan has introduced legislation to award Booker the Presidential Medal of Freedom \u2013 the highest civilian honor bestowed by the President of the United States.\u00a0Read more here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://timryan.house.gov/press-release/ohio-reps-tim-ryan-and-dave-joyce-lead-bipartisan-call-additional-federal-opioid", "Ohio Reps. Tim Ryan and Dave Joyce Lead Bipartisan Call for Additional Federal Opioid Relief", "2017-12-11", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Tim Ryan", "R000577", "timryan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13) and Dave Joyce (OH-14) led 48 bipartisan lawmakers in asking the administration for additional emergency funding to combat the nation\u2019s opioid epidemic.\nThe letter, written to the Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney, is requesting additional funding and resources to address the opioid epidemic across the nation. The request for additional funding comes after President Trump declared the opioid crisis a national public emergency. The necessary additional funding will be used to combat the crisis directly at the community lever where we have seen an increase in lack of resources and training for our law enforcement and other emergency officials.\nAs stated in the letter, \u201cIn light of the declaration by the Administration that the opioid epidemic is a public health emergency, and based on the recommendations from the Commission\u2019s report, we urge you to develop and issue a comprehensive funding proposal to Congress to combat this crisis in the next supplemental appropriations bill.\u201d\n\u201cDuring my time in Congress I have met with countless local officials and representatives from Ohio and across the country who have expressed an urgent need for more resources to combat drugs like heroin and fentanyl. The rise of synthetic opioids are compounding the devastation already being caused by the heroin and opioid addiction epidemic. I have urged, and will continue to urge, President Trump and Congress to provide the additional funding needed to our local officials, emergency rooms, treatment facilities, child care services, and law enforcement,\u201d said Congressman Ryan.\n\u201cThe nation has wrongfully stood by and watched this problem became an epidemic. The sad truth is that this is effecting more and more families daily in Ohio and families across the United States,\u201d said Congressman Dave Joyce. \u201cIt is no longer acceptable for us to stand by and allow more lives to be lost. In order to do this, we need to know more information and have more resources available sent directly to our communities now.\u201d\nDownload the full letter here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-leads-amicus-brief-supporting-cfpb-independence-under-dodd-frank-law", "Brown Leads Amicus Brief Supporting CFPB Independence Under Dodd-Frank Law", "2017-12-11", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Monday, December 11, 2017\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), ranking member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, along with 36 current and former Members of Congress including Sen. Chris Dodd and Rep. Barney Frank, filed an amicus brief in support of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Deputy Director Leandra English\u2019s motion to obtain a preliminary injunction in order to be reinstated as acting Director of the CFPB.\r\n\u201cThe Dodd-Frank law is clear that Deputy Director English is the legal Acting Director, and she must be allowed to continue the agency\u2019s work standing up for working families against financial abuse until a permanent Director is confirmed by the Senate,\u201d Brown said. \u201cThe White House must follow the law and nominate a permanent director swiftly who will fight for working people instead of the lenders that cheat them.\u201d\r\nThe amicus brief argues that in order to preserve the independence of the CFPB, Congress provided for the CFPB\u2019s Deputy Director to assume the role of acting Director in the event of a vacancy.\u00a0 In section 1011(b)(5) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, Congress instructed that the Deputy Director \u201cshall\u2026serve as acting Director\u201d when the Director\u2019s office becomes vacant.\r\nOn November 29th, current and former Members of Congress filed an amicus brief in support of a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO), against OMB Director Mick Mulvaney. This preliminary injunction will allow for a more thorough consideration of the merits of the case that Judge Kelly called \u201ccomplicated\u201d and \u201cunusual\u201d.\r\nLIST OF AMICUS SIGNATORS\r\n(Alphabetical Order)\r\nBeatty, Joyce\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\u00a0Representative of Ohio\r\nBrown, Sherrod\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\u00a0Senator of Ohio\r\nCapuano, Michael E.\r\n\u00a0\u00a0Representative of Massachusetts\r\nClay Jr., William \u201cLacy\u201d\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\u00a0Representative of Missouri\r\nCleaver, Emanuel\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\u00a0Representative of Missouri\r\nCortez Masto, Catherine\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\u00a0Senator of Nevada\r\nCrist, Charlie\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\u00a0Representative of Florida\r\nCrowley, Joseph\r\n\u00a0\u00a0Representative of New York\r\nDelaney, John K.\r\n\u00a0\u00a0Representative of Maryland\r\nDodd, Christopher\r\n\u00a0\u00a0Former Senator of Connecticut\r\nEllison, Keith\r\n\u00a0\u00a0Representative of Minnesota\r\nFoster, Bill\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\u00a0Representative of Illinois\r\nFrank, Barney\r\n\u00a0\u00a0Former Representative of Massachusetts\r\nGreen, Al\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\u00a0Representative of Texas\r\nHeck, Denny\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\u00a0Representative of Washington\r\nHimes, Jim\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\u00a0Representative of Connecticut\r\nHirono, Mazie K.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\u00a0Senator of Hawai?i\r\nHoyer, Steny\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\u00a0Representative of Maryland\r\nJohnson, Tim\r\n\u00a0\u00a0Former Senator of South Dakota\r\nKanjorski, Paul E.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\u00a0Former Representative of Pennsylvania\r\nKildee, Dan\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\u00a0Representative of Michigan\r\nLynch, Stephen F.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\u00a0Representative of Massachusetts\r\nMaloney, Carolyn\r\n\u00a0\u00a0Representative of New York\r\nMeeks, Gregory W.\r\n\u00a0\u00a0Representative of New York\r\nMenendez, Robert\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\u00a0Senator of New Jersey\r\nMerkley, Jeff\r\n\u00a0\u00a0Senator of Oregon\r\nMiller, Brad\r\n\u00a0\u00a0Former Representative of North Carolina\r\nMoore, Gwen\r\n\u00a0\u00a0Representative of Wisconsin\r\nPelosi, Nancy\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\u00a0Representative of California\r\nSchatz, Brian\r\n\u00a0\u00a0Senator of Hawai?i\r\nSchumer, Charles E.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\u00a0Senator of New York\r\nSherman, Brad\r\n\u00a0\u00a0Representative of California\r\nVan Hollen, Chris\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\u00a0Senator of Maryland\r\nVargas, Juan\r\n\u00a0\u00a0Representative of California\r\nVel\u00e1zquez, Nydia M.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\u00a0Representative of New York\r\nWarren, Elizabeth\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\u00a0Senator of Massachusetts\r\nWaters, Maxine \u00a0\r\n\u00a0\u00a0Representative of California\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-urges-fcc-chairman-pai-to-delay-net-neutrality-vote-based-on-chairmans-own-standards", "Brown Urges FCC Chairman Pai to Delay Net Neutrality Vote Based on Chairman’s Own Standards", "2017-12-11", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Monday, December 11, 2017\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) joined colleagues in urging Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai to delay the FCC\u2019s December 14th vote to repeal net neutrality rules until the full impact of repeal could be considered, in accordance with Pai\u2019s own standards of rulemaking.\r\nIn a letter sent to Pai, the Senators quoted Pai\u2019s statements from his dissent of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for the 2015 Open Internet Order, which established the rules \u2013 known as net neutrality \u2013 that protect the open internet.\r\nIn his dissent, Pai reprimanded his FCC colleagues for their failure to \u201cgive the American people a full and fair opportunity to participate in this process,\u201d and \u201censure that [FCC\u2019s] decisions are based on a robust record.\u201d To meet these standards, Pai suggested commissioning a series of studies by ten economists that would fully evaluate the impact of net neutrality.\r\n\u201cAccordingly, we ask that you heed your own advice and delay your planned vote on this item until you have faithfully executed all of the steps outlined above and provided the American people \u2018a full and fair opportunity to participate in this process,\u2019\u201d wrote the Senators.\r\nThe full text of the Senators\u2019 letter is available for download here, and copied below.\r\n\u00a0\r\nDear Chairman Pai:\r\nWe understand that you intend the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to vote on your draft order to dismantle our current net neutrality rules at the upcoming Open Commission Meeting on Thursday, December 14. We write calling on you to delay this vote.\r\nAs you will remember, in your dissent of the 2015 Open Internet Order (Protecting and Promoting the Open Internet, GN Docket No. 14-28), you stated:\r\n\u201cGoing forward, we need to give the American people a full and fair opportunity to participate in this process. And we must ensure that our decisions are based on a robust record.\r\n\u201cSo what is the way forward? Here is one suggestion. Just as we commissioned a series of economic studies in past media-ownership proceedings, we should ask ten distinguished economists from across the country to study the impact of our proposed regulations and alternative approaches on the Internet ecosystem. To ensure that we obtain a wide range of perspectives, let each Commissioner pick two authors. To ensure accuracy, each study should be peer\u00a0reviewed. And to ensure public oversight, we should host a series of hearings where Commissioners could question the authors of the studies and the authors of those studies could discuss their differences. Surely the future of the Internet is no less important than media ownership.\r\n\u201cBut we should not limit ourselves to economic studies. We should also engage computer scientists, technologists, and other technical experts to tell us how they see the Internet\u2019s infrastructure and consumers\u2019 online experience evolving. Their studies too should be subject to peer review and public hearings.\u201d\r\nAccordingly, we ask that you heed your own advice and delay your planned vote on this item until you have faithfully executed all of the steps outlined above and provided the American people \u201ca full and fair opportunity to participate in this process.\u201d It is vital that all aspects of the draft order are subject to the same peer review and public hearings you have always advocated. This is necessary to ensure \u201cour decisions are based on a robust record.\u201d\r\nThank you for your immediate attention to this matter.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-urges-va-secretary-to-protect-funding-for-homeless-veterans", "Brown Urges VA Secretary to Protect Funding For Homeless Veterans", "2017-12-11", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Monday, December 11, 2017\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) joined Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) in a letter to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary David Shulkin urging him to fully reverse a plan to shift funding for VA programs that support homeless veterans. Earlier this month, the VA announced its intent to redirect the funding into a larger pool used by local VA hospitals at their discretion, risking a misuse of funds intended for homeless veterans.\r\nAfter reporting of VA\u2019s plan prompted public outcry last week, Shulkin issued a statement claiming: \u201cThere will be absolutely no change in the funding to support our homeless programs.\u201d He failed to clarify in his statement, however, whether funds would still be redirected into a larger funding pool.\r\nAs members of the Senate Committee on Veterans\u2019 Affairs, Brown and Blumenthal called on Shulkin to ensure funds for programs for homeless veterans are not used for purposes outside their intent. They further admonished Shulkin for his failure to work with Members of Congress and advocates on this decision.\r\n\u201cThe national statistics remain staggering, heartbreaking, and unacceptable \u2013 approximately 40,000 veterans are homeless in America today,\u201d\u00a0the Senators wrote.\u00a0\u201cAlthough you have said time and time again that the VA cannot allow another veteran to slip through the cracks, your actions have said otherwise. Our veterans deserve better than this funding proposal and we ask that you provide them assurance that the VA is not simply turning its back on homeless veterans to provide funding to other programs and priorities.\u201d\r\nBrown and Blumenthal\u2019s full letter to Shulkin is available for download\u00a0here\u00a0and copied below.\r\n\r\nDear Secretary Shulkin:\r\nWe are deeply disturbed by recent reports that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) intended to redirect $460 million in funding for programs that provide direct assistance to homeless veterans to a General Purpose fund to be used by local VA hospitals at their discretion. Despite the VA\u2019s statement that they have walked back this decision, we remain concerned that this is another example of the Administration\u2019s actions running contrary to the best interest of veterans. As such, we demand your full commitment that you will not follow through with this plan and ask that you work with all members of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee and Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies to ensure funds for programs for homeless veterans are never used for purposes outside their intent.\r\nEven the consideration of redirecting funding from programs that support homeless veterans contradicts your repeated commitments to end veterans\u2019 homelessness. The VA\u2019s cruel and callous plan would disseminate targeted funding from services that specialize in addressing the needs of homeless veterans to an account for general purposes. Doing so would likely result in pressure for facilities to use funding in contradiction with the intended use as identified by Congress: to specifically assist homeless veterans. Aside from being short sighted and misguided, this decision is an indication that the VA continues to let their poor financial management policies fall on the backs of our nation\u2019s most vulnerable veterans. This is unacceptable and will not go unnoticed. Additionally, we find it unconscionable that this decision would be made without consultation with interagency and community partners who implement the programs on the ground. We request that you provide a full explanation of the VA\u2019s rationale for this proposal, specifically discussing any current funding shortfalls the VA apparently intends to fill with money designed to combat homelessness.\u00a0\r\nAdditionally, the VA\u2019s statement to these recent reports is insufficient and opaque. In response to public outrage from advocates and Congress, you stated \u201cThere will be absolutely no change in the funding to support our homeless programs. We will not be shifting any homeless program money to the Choice program.\u201d This response only references the Choice Program and does not address the VA\u2019s original plan to redirect funding to local VA medical centers. It further does not clarify if \u201cno change in the funding\u201d includes the VA\u2019s plan to allow local Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) and Medical Center Directors the ability to shift funding for homeless veterans among different programs and services.\r\nThe national statistics remain staggering, heartbreaking, and unacceptable \u2013 approximately 40,000 veterans are homeless in America today. Although you have said time and time again that the VA cannot allow another veteran to slip through the cracks, your actions have said otherwise. Our veterans deserve better than this funding proposal and we ask that you provide them assurance that the VA is not simply turning its back on homeless veterans to provide funding to other programs and priorities.\r\nWe appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to your timely response.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/icymi-tax-expert-confirms-gop-tax-bill-will-send-jobs-profits-overseas", "ICYMI: Tax Expert Confirms GOP Tax Bill will Send Jobs, Profits Overseas", "2017-12-11", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Monday, December 11, 2017\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tIn case you missed it, in an article for Tax Policy Center, an independent, nationally recognized tax policy research organization, tax expert Steven Rosenthal confirmed that the current GOP tax bill would encourage U.S. corporations to move their jobs and profits overseas.\r\n\u201cThe Tax Cut and Jobs Act (TCJA) that the Senate is debating this week would fundamentally change the way US-based multinational corporations are taxed on their overseas income. But contrary to the claims of President Trump and congressional supporters, the new approach may still encourage US companies to shift production overseas,\u201d writes Rosenthal.\r\nDuring a hearing of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) highlighted how the GOP tax bill would encourage corporations to outsource jobs.\u00a0An expert tax witness confirmed to Brown that the tax bill encourages corporations to outsource jobs and the current bill would incentivize companies to keep their profits overseas.\r\nBrown pushed for an amendment to the Senate tax bill to reward employers who keep jobs in the United States and pay workers well \u2013 encouraging them to create even more good-paying jobs in the U.S.\u00a0Senate Republicans voted down Brown\u2019s amendment.\r\nRosenthal\u2019s article can be found here and below: \r\nCurrent Tax Reform Bills Could Encourage US Jobs, Factories and Profits to Shift Overseas\r\nSteven Rosenthal, Tax Policy Center\r\nNovember 28, 2017\r\nThe Tax Cut and Jobs Act (TCJA) that the Senate is debating this week would fundamentally change the way US-based multinational corporations are taxed on their overseas income. But contrary to the claims of President Trump and congressional supporters, the new approach may still encourage US companies to shift production overseas. Under the current worldwide corporate income tax model used by the United States, all profits earned by foreign subsidiaries of US firms are supposed to be taxed in the US at a 35 percent rate.\u00a0 But the tax is imposed only when the earnings are repatriated, such as when the foreign subsidiary pays its US parent a dividend.\u00a0Companies can defer the US tax indefinitely by postponing dividends, and they often do. More than $2.6 trillion in such profits are booked abroad by foreign subsidiaries of US firms. By contrast, both the House version of the TCJA and the bill being debated in the Senate would shift to a territorial system. These bills generally would not tax profits of US firms earned in foreign countries, except for returns on securities and other passive activities, such as investments.\u00a0Instead, the proposals would allow income to be taxed only in the country where it is earned.\u00a0Within the OECD, the statutory corporate income tax rates range from more than 30 percent in France and Australia to 12.5 percent in Ireland and 9 percent in Hungary. Tax havens like Bermuda have no corporate income tax at all. Supporters of the TCJA argue that a territorial approach would allow US companies to compete abroad without the burden of additional US taxes. \u00a0But to prevent US multinationals from shifting production and profits to low-tax or zero-tax jurisdictions, both the House and Senate bills establish a guardrail:\u00a0 a 10 percent minimum US tax that applies to profits that exceed the firm\u2019s \u201croutine\u201d returns on tangible property held abroad. The minimum tax is intended to target, indirectly, profits from intangible property held abroad (such as patents, trademarks, brand names, and software), which can be highly mobile.\u00a0 Unfortunately,\u00a0the bills\u2019 approach could still encourage production and profits to be shifted abroad, for three principal reasons.\u00a0\r\nRead more here.\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/news-articles/ohioans-in-congress-have-vastly-different-views-of-tax-reform-bill", "Ohioans in Congress have Vastly Different Views of Tax Reform Bill", "2017-12-10", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Joyce Beatty", "B001281", "beatty.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON (WCMH)  Republicans are on their way to delivering a big win to President Donald Trump: a sweeping tax reform package.\nCongressional representatives from Ohio disagree on what the bill means for Ohioans. Republican Senator Rob Portman is an architect of the tax reform measure and says it will help the middle class.\nThe median income family in Ohio will see about a $2,375 tax cut, Portman said. If youre making $50,000 a year, its about a 36% tax cut. If you are making $58,000 a year, it is about a 20% tax cut. If you are making $180,000 year, it is an 8% tax cut.\nPortman also says the bill will spur economic growth with tax savings for businesses creating more jobs with higher wages.Portman also says the bill will spur economic growth with tax savings for businesses creating more jobs with higher wages.\nPortmans colleagues on the other side of the aisle have a totally different view of the bill. Democrats say the tax plan will hurt middle-class families by eliminating deductions for things like state and local taxes. They also say the plan delivers the greatest level of relief for the ultra-rich.\nIt is a tax hike, said Congresswoman Joyce Beatty. It will cause problems for seniors, millennials, college students and hard-working Americans.\nBeatty says the bill will limit deductions for property taxes, mortgages, and payments on student loan interest. She also said that the provision that repeals the individual mandate for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, will hurt more Americans.\nIt is going to take away $25 billion from Medicare, she said. When you look at the deficit that it is going to put this country in, it bothers me that this trickle-down effect is going to help the wealthiest folks.\nThis article was originally published by NBC4-WCMH Columbus on December 10, 2017.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-great-lakes-region-members-congress-offer-formal-comments", "Kaptur, Great Lakes region Members of Congress, offer formal comments regarding Brandon Road Study and Asian carp effect on Great Lakes", "2017-12-08", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Marcy Kaptur", "K000009", "kaptur.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Co-Chair of the House Great Lakes Task Force, along with Members of Congress from the Great Lakes region, offered formal comments to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers\u2019 (USACE) Great Lakes and Mississippi River Interbasin Study (GLMRIS) Brandon Road report. Today is the final day for public comment on the draft Tentatively Selected Plan (TSP) of the USACE, which details options for how to prevent the Asian carp from reaching the Great Lakes.\n\u201cMy colleagues and I have long sounded the alarm on the threat of Asian carp across the Great Lakes region,\u201d said Kaptur. \u201cJust a few short months ago, we urged the need for action when a live Asian carp was caught about nine miles from Lake Michigan just past the protective barriers. Current estimates show it will take as long as eight years to have a barrier installed at the Brandon Road Lock and Dam \u2013 a timeframe which is unacceptable. With the Asian carp on the doorstep of our region\u2019s most vital natural resource, we have a small window of opportunity to stop this invasive species. Once the Asian carp are in the Great Lakes, it will be too late to stop the destruction they will cause.\u201d\nThe letter sent to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer\u2019s\u2019 Great Lakes and Mississippi River Interbasin Study Brandon Road report can be viewed here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-leads-bipartisan-resolution-recognizing-human-rights-day-", "Brown Leads Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing Human Rights Day", "2017-12-08", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Brown Has Led Efforts to Fight Human Rights Abuses in Ohio and Abroad \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tFriday, December 8, 2017\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 This week, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and a group of his bipartisan colleagues introduced a Senate Resolution recognizing the 69th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948, the declaration set forth the foundation for which all countries should strive to protect the rights of individuals. The resolution also recognizes December 10 as Human Rights Day in the U.S. and encourages every country to protect human rights as rule of law.\r\n\u201cProtecting human rights is one of the most important things we can do as a nation,\u201d Brown said. \u201cWe should all strive to protect the rights of others, prevent human rights abuses at home and internationally and promote peace.\u201d\r\nBrown has led a number of efforts to protect human rights in the U.S. and abroad.\r\nLast month, Brown introduced the \u201cOtto Warmbier Banking Restrictions Involving North Korea Act of 2017,\u201d named in honor of Ohioan Otto Warmbier, who lost his life after suffering at the hands of North Korea\u2019s human rights abuses. Brown\u2019s legislation would strengthen and expand current U.S. sanctions on North Korea.\r\nBrown has also led efforts to combat human trafficking, introducing a bill in June to support survivors of human trafficking and help local, state and national law enforcement on the front lines of the fight against trafficking. The Senate passed Brown\u2019s bill in September. Brown is also supporting Sen. Rob Portman\u2019s (R-OH)\u00a0bipartisan bill to secure justice for victims of sex trafficking, and ensure websites like Backpage.com, which knowingly facilitate sex trafficking, can be held liable and brought to justice.\r\nFull text of the resolution is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/waters-brown-and-green-statement-on-gao-report-on-management-representation-of-minorities-and-women-and-diversity-practices-in-the-financial-services-industry", "Waters, Brown and Green Statement on GAO Report on Management Representation of Minorities and Women and Diversity Practices in the Financial Services Industry", "2017-12-08", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Friday, December 8, 2017\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, following the public release of a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report entitled \u201cFinancial Services Industry: Trends in Management Representation of Minorities and Women and Diversity Practices, 2007-2015,\u201d Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Financial Services, Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, and Congressman Al Green (D-TX), Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, issued the following comments:\r\n\u201cIt is important that we improve the racial, ethnic and gender diversity in the financial services industry workforce,\u201d said Ranking Member Waters. \u201cIn this report, the GAO found only a modest improvement in the overall representation of minorities in management positions in the financial services industry from 2007 through 2015, and the report very troublingly shows that representation of African Americans actually decreased at various management levels, despite the increasingly diverse racial and ethnic demographic makeup of the American population. This is unacceptable. Diverse representation in the management of these institutions is essential in order to ensure that all consumers have fair access to credit, capital and banking and financial services.\u201d \u201cThe GAO report is troubling,\u201d said Ranking Member Brown. \u201cImproving diversity in these positions, particularly senior level positions, is critical to ensure all communities are well-served. American prosperity succeeds when everyone has access to financial services tools and are able to fully participate in the economy.\u201d \u201cAlthough I am heartened to see that overall representation of women and minorities in the financial services industry has increased, I am deeply concerned that representation of African-Americans at various management levels has decreased,\u201d said Ranking Member Green. \u201cTo continue to meet the challenge of improving workforce diversity, I strongly support making firm-level diversity data publicly available. As a major source of U.S. economic growth, the management should indeed reflect the consumers they serve. \u201d\r\nThe GAO report found that:\r\n \r\nFrom 2007 through 2015, representation of African-Americans at various management levels decreased while representation of other minorities increased. The proportion of African-American in management positions decreased from 6.5 percent to 6.3 percent. Representation of minorities at the overall management level increased by 3.7 percentage points and representation of minorities among senior-level managers increased by 1.7 percentage points during this period.\r\nOverall representation of women was generally unchanged from 2007 through 2015. Representation of women among first- and mid-level managers remained around 48 percent and senior-level managers remained about 29 percent during this period.\r\n \r\nThe GAO report, which is an update to an April 2013 report, was requested by Ranking Member Waters, Ranking Member Brown, and Ranking Member Green.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/with-one-week-left-to-enroll-in-health-insurance-brown-alerts-ohioans-to-free-help-signing-up", "With One Week Left to Enroll In Health Insurance, Brown Alerts Ohioans to Free Help Signing Up", "2017-12-08", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Brown Joins Healthcare Assister at Cleveland Site Where Ohioans Can Get Free Help Enrolling, Updating Health Coverage\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tFriday, December 8, 2017\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nCLEVELAND, OH \u2014Today, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) visited Circle Health Services, a health insurance enrollment site in Cleveland, to alert Ohioans about ways they can enroll in a new healthcare plan or update their current coverage. The deadline for Ohioans to sign up for coverage or change their plan is Friday, December 15th.\r\nOhioans can enroll or change their healthcare plan in a variety of ways:\r\n\r\n \r\nBy Phone: Call the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596 with questions or to enroll over the phone.\r\n \r\n \r\nIn-Person: Visit\u00a0LocalHelp.HealthCare.gov\u00a0or call the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596 to obtain a list of assisters in northeast Ohio who are trained and certified to help individuals enroll in person.\r\n \r\n\u201cOf course we still have a lot to do to improve our healthcare system, and I\u2019m ready to work with folks on both sides of the aisle to lower premiums and prescription drug costs,\u201d said Brown. \u201cBut free assistance sites like this one can help many Ohioans find cheaper coverage, right now, during open enrollment.\u201d\r\nSince 2013, more than 900,000 Ohioans have obtained insurance coverage through the health law \u2014 many for the first time. Last year, many Ohioans who shopped around for coverage were able to find cheaper coverage.\u00a0\r\nBrown was joined at Circle Health Services by Rachel Rosen DeGolia, who helps northeast Ohioans enroll in healthcare coverage.\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s important that people know that the ACA \u2013 the Affordable Care Act \u2013 is still in force and helping millions of people,\u201d said Ms. DeGolia.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n*A list of healthcare insurance assister sites in the Greater Cleveland can be found below or by visiting localhelp.healthcare.gov.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOutlet/Assister \r\n\r\n\r\nAddress \r\n\r\n\r\nPhone\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nCircle Health Services\r\n\r\n\r\n12201 Euclid Avenue\r\nCleveland, OH 44106\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n(216) 721-4010\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nCare Alliance Health Center\r\n\r\n\r\n1795 West 25th St 2nd Floor Cleveland, OH 44113\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n(216) 535-9100\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nNeighborhood Family Practice Tremont Health Center\r\n\r\n\r\n2358 Professor Avenue\r\nCleveland, OH 44113\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n(216) 281-0872\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nCuyahoga County Corrections Planning Board, TASC\r\n\r\n\r\n1276 West 3rd Street, Suite 210 Cleveland, OH 44113\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n(216) 443-8250\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nCleveland Institute of Healthcare\r\n\r\n\r\n55 Erieview Plaza\r\nCleveland, OH 44115\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n(216) 965-7032\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nCare Alliance Health Center\r\n\r\n\r\n2916 Central Avenue\r\nCleveland, OH 44115\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n(216) 535-9100\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nCare Alliance Health Center\r\n\r\n\r\n1530 St. Clair Avenue, NE Cleveland, OH 44114\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n(216) 535-9100\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe MetroHealth System\r\n\r\n\r\n2500 MetroHealth Drive Cleveland, OH 44109\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n(216) 957-2325\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nNeighborhood Family Practice Detroit Shoreway Health Center\r\n\r\n\r\n6412 Franklin Boulevard Cleveland, OH 44102\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n(216) 281-0872\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAsian Services in Action, Inc.\r\n\r\n\r\n3631 Perkins Ave., Ste. 2A-W Cleveland, OH 44114\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n(216) 881-0330\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nCare Alliance Health Center\r\n\r\n\r\n6001 Woodland Avenue\r\nCleveland, OH 44104\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n(216) 535-9100\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nNueva Luz Urban Resource Center\r\n\r\n\r\n2226 W 89th Street\r\nCleveland, OH 44102\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n(216) 651-8236\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nNeighborhood Family Practice Ridge Road Health Center\r\n\r\n\r\n3569 Ridge Road\r\nCleveland, OH 44102\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n(216) 281-0872\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nHough Health Center\r\n\r\n\r\n8300 Hough Avenue\r\nCleveland, OH 44103\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n(216) 231-7700\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nMt. Haven Baptist Church\r\n\r\n\r\n3484 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. Cleveland, OH 44104\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n(216) 441-2770\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nNorth Coast Health Ministry\r\n\r\n\r\n16110 Detroit Avenue\r\nLakewood, OH 44107\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n(216) 206-6581\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nNeighborhood Family Practice Puritas Health Center\r\n\r\n\r\n14625 Puritas Avenue\r\nCleveland, OH 44135\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n(216) 281-8945\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSoutheast Seventh-Day Adventist Church\r\n\r\n\r\n16602 Tarkington Ave.\r\nCleveland, OH 44128\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n(216) 662-3080\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland\r\n\r\n\r\n2829 Euclid Avenue\r\nCleveland, OH 44115\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n(216) 621-0766\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nHHC Ohio Inc\r\n\r\n\r\n35900 Euclid Ave\r\nWilloughby, OH 44094\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n(440) 953-3000\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nLorain County Health & Dentistry\r\n\r\n\r\n1205 Broadway Avenue\r\nLorain, OH 44052\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n(440) 240-1655\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSummit County Public Health\r\n\r\n\r\n1867 W. Market Street\r\nAkron, OH 44313\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n(330) 923-4891\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFamily Planning Association Of Northeast Ohio, Inc.\r\n\r\n\r\n54 S. State Street, Suite 203 Painesville, OH 44077\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n(440) 352-0608\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nLake County General Health District\r\n\r\n\r\n33 Mill Street\r\nPainesville, OH 44077\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n(440) 350-2056\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPortage Path Behavioral Health\r\n\r\n\r\n340 South Broadway Street\r\nAkron, OH 44308\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n(330) 253-3100\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAxesspointe Community Health Center, Inc.\r\n\r\n\r\n1993 State Route 59\r\nKent, OH 44240\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n(888) 975-9188\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAsian Services in Action, Inc.\r\n\r\n\r\n730 Carroll St.\r\nAkron, OH 44304\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n(216) 881-0330\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAxesspointe Community Health Center, Inc.\r\n\r\n\r\n1400 S. Arlington Street, Suite 38\r\nAkron, OH 44306\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n(888) 975-9188\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAxesspointe Community Health Center, Inc.\r\n\r\n\r\n390 Robinson Avenue, Suite E Barberton, OH 44203\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n(888) 975-9188\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOne Health Ohio at Newton Falls\r\n\r\n\r\n175 E. Broad Street\r\nNewton Falls, OH 44444\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n(330) 872-2010\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nHealthcare 2000 Community Clinic\r\n\r\n\r\n1874 Cleveland Road\r\nWooster, OH 44691\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n(330) 262-2500\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAffinity Medical Center\r\n\r\n\r\n875 8th Street, N.E.\r\nMassillon, OH 44648\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n(330) 830-6990\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWarren West\r\n\r\n\r\n716 Tod Avenue\r\nWarren, OH 44485\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n(330) 373-0222\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/border-security-farm-payments-and-more-to-be-slashed-by-gop-tax-bill", "Border Security, Farm Payments & More to be Slashed by GOP Tax Bill", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Thursday, December 7, 2017\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tLast week the Joint Committee on Taxation confirmed that the GOP tax bill will add $1 trillion to the federal deficit, even after accounting for economic growth. We know that will force an automatic $25 billion cut to Medicare next year\u00a0and a $16.4 billion cut for Ohio over ten years, according to the Joint Economic Committee.\r\nBut what other programs will be slashed to pay for tax cuts to corporations that send jobs overseas? Here are just a few:\r\n \r\nBorder Security: U.S. Customs and Border Protection\u2019s operations and support will be cut by $1.3 billion. That makes U.S. borders less secure overall and takes critical resources away from Customs and Border Patrol officers working to keep fentanyl from entering Ohio communities.\r\n \r\n \r\nSupport for Ohio farmers: More than $18 billion would be cut from programs that help Ohio farmers do everything from stabilize farm prices to protect Lake Erie.\r\n \r\n \r\nBenefits for Public Safety Officers: $10 million would be cut from the Public Safety Officers\u2019 Benefits Program, which provides disability benefits to Ohio officers injured in the line of duty as well as survivor and education benefits to family members killed in the line of duty.\r\n \r\n \r\nTransportation Funding: More than $850 million would be cut from federal programs to build and maintain Ohio\u2019s roads, bridges, and airports.\r\n \r\n \r\nPayments to the Military Retirement Fund: The Military Retirement Fund, which supports retirement benefits for Ohio members of the military who have retired from active duty, as well as disability and survivor benefits, would be cut by $7.5 billion.\r\n \r\n \r\nAppalachian Regional Commission: $4 million would be cut from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), which supports Ohio and twelve other states across Appalachia to stimulate local economies, provide job training, expand broadband access in rural areas, and support local infrastructure needs.\r\n \r\n\r\n\u00a0Wait, why are there programs going to get cut?\r\nPay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) is a little-know law that requires Congress to calculate the costs and savings that any piece of legislation will have over a ten-year period. Under PAYGO, if by the end of 2017, the cost of all legislation passed this year would increase the deficit compared to previous years, it triggers automatic spending cuts across the budget, including Medicare and other critical programs.\r\nThat means money will automatically be taken from Medicare and other programs like support for Ohio farmers and funding that ensure Customs and Border Protection can keep out borders secure in order to pay for the $1 trillion hole the Republican tax plan blows in the deficit.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nA full list of federal programs threatened by the GOP tax plan can be found here.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-calls-on-franken-to-resign", "Brown Calls on Franken to Resign", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wednesday, December 6, 2017\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today issued the following statement calling on U.S. Sen. Al Franken to resign, and for the Senate Ethics Committee to continue its investigation:\r\n\u201cWe have a serious problem in this country with sexual harassment and assault \u2013 in Congress, in Hollywood, in business, in the military \u2013 everywhere. I am grateful to the victims who have had the bravery to come forward. Their courage has created a movement that is bringing about change.\r\n\u201cI have listened to them. I have listened to my female colleagues, to women I work with and women in my life. And I agree the time has come for Senator Franken to step aside.\r\n\u201cI also believe the ethics committee should continue to investigate. He is entitled to the investigation. And their findings will be important to informing changes that are needed in Congress. To that end, I am also signing on to Senator Gillibrand\u2019s bill to reform the way Congress deals with complaints. Congress should be held to the highest standards.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-joins-ohio-veteran-as-he-leads-effort-to-improve-veteran-healthcare", "Brown Joins Ohio Veteran as He Leads Effort to Improve Veteran Healthcare", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Veteran Healthcare Package Includes Several Provisions Authored by Brown\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWednesday, December 6, 2017\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014Today, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) joined an Ohio veteran on a news conference call as he works to improve healthcare for veterans. Last week, the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee passed a veteran healthcare package, the Caring for Our Veterans Act of 2017, which included several provisions authored by Brown.\r\nThe bill would:\r\n \r\nCreate the \u201cVeterans Community Care Program,\u201d so veterans, along with their doctors, can decide whether to seek medical care at the Department of Veterans\u2019 Affairs (VA) or in their community.\r\n \r\n \r\nExpand eligibility for VA\u2019s veteran caregivers program to include veterans of all generations. Also implement programs to better support veteran caregivers.\r\n \r\n \r\nGive specific training to doctors outside the VA system on how to address veterans\u2019 unique medical needs.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n \r\n \r\nStrengthen VA opioid prescribing guidelines and require community providers to adhere to those guidelines.\r\n \r\n\u201cOur servicemembers and their families sacrifice so much to keep our country safe, and we need to ensure that when they return home, they have access to the best healthcare available,\u201d said Brown. \u201cWhile too much in Washington gets politicized, this is one area where we are still able to come together, roll up our sleeves, and get to work for our veterans and their families.\u201d\r\nBrown was joined on the call by Holly Koester from the Paralyzed Veterans of America, Buckeye Chapter to speak on the importance of the bill to Ohio veterans and their families.\r\n\u201cAs a wheelchair athlete and veteran I promote and advocate that there is life after injury, so we need the care that will physically give us the ability to meet life\u2019s challenges and the peace of mind that we will receive the best\u00a0medical care when and where we need it,\u201d said Ms. Koester.\r\nThe bill also includes key provisions authored by Brown, which would require VA to publically post all vacancies at medical facilities, and quickly identify and fully hire mental health and primary care provider vacancies at VA.\r\nThe Caring for Our Veterans Act is supported by the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, IAVA, Military Officers Association of America, Paralyzed Veterans of America, the Wounded Warriors Project, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-beatty-hosts-community-leaders-forum-in-honor-of-rosa", "Congresswoman Beatty Hosts Community Leaders Forum  in Honor of Rosa Parks", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Joyce Beatty", "B001281", "beatty.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Beatty Hosts Community Leaders Forum\u00a0in Honor of Rosa Parks \nBeatty led effort to make Buckeye State first in the nation to recognize \u201cRosa Parks Day\u201d\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Last night, U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) held her Community Leaders Forum in Honor of Rosa Parks, \u201cThe Power of One: We Are Walking In It.\u201d The Forum recognizes the courage and legacy of \u201cthe Mother of the Modern Civil Rights Movement,\u201d and provides an important venue to discuss the power of diversity, inclusion, community, and their importance to the legislative work of the 115th Congress. Special guests Jeanne Theoharis, author of The Rebellious Life of Rosa Parks, Emille Williams, Interim President and CEO of the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA), and Dr. Michael Drake, President of The Ohio State University, joined Beatty at the Forum held at the Fawcett Event Center Auditorium.\u00a0\n\u201c62 years ago, Rosa Parks\u2014by refusing to give up her seat on a segregated Montgomery city bus\u2014showed how the \u2018Power of One\u2019 individual can forever change history,\u201d Beatty said. \u201cRosa Parks is an inspiration to us all.\u201d Beatty continued, \u201cThat is why it is our collective responsibility to preserve and advance her rich legacy\u2014because each of us is \u2018walking in it\u2019 every day.\u201d\u00a0\nBeatty\u2019s Community Leaders Forum coincides with the State of Ohio\u2019s annual observance of \u201cRosa Parks Day,\u201d a statewide tribute first conceived by then-State Representative Joyce Beatty. In 2005, Beatty wrote, advocated and won unanimous support for a bill to designate December 1st as \u201cRosa Parks Day\u201d in the Buckeye State. Her piece of legislation was signed into law by former Governor Bob Taft and made the State of Ohio the very first state in the nation to recognize \u201cRosa Parks Day.\u201d\nImmediately following her Forum, Beatty participated in a panel discussion alongside Brenda Drake, attorney, former foundation executive and First Lady of The Ohio State University, and Theorharis. Those in attendance heard a riveting discussion on how the legacy of Rosa Parks has impacted and continues to shape our country. The Panel Discussion was moderated by Jerry Revish, WBNS-10 TV News Anchor, and a live stream of the panel discussion can be viewed on\u00a010TV.com.\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://timryan.house.gov/press-release/congressman-tim-ryan-releases-2017-congressional-app-challenge-winners-ohios-13th", "Congressman Tim Ryan Releases 2017 Congressional App Challenge Winners for Ohio's 13th Congressional District", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Tim Ryan", "R000577", "timryan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Akron, OH \u2013 Congressman Tim Ryan is proud to announce the winning team for the 2017 Congressional App Challenge: Nathan Dort and Robert Frazier from the National Inventors Hall of Fame High School. Their app entitled \u201cThe Truth About Opioids\u201d was developed in response to the topic derived from a problem-based learning scenario involving Summit County Public Health and the Akron Fire Department.\n\u201cThis year, I was blown away by the creativity of all the students who submitted their apps. I want to congratulate Nathan Dort and Robert Frazier from NIHF STEM High School in Akron for their work on this worthwhile project,\u201d said Congressman Ryan. \u201cI also want to commend the goals of the Congressional App Challenge, which is to ensure continued growth and innovation in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields and to encourage students to excel in those occupations. By 2018 we are going to need up to three million new highly-skilled workers in the STEM field, and it is crucial that we make every effort to provide students with an opportunity to develop the skills necessary for tomorrow\u2019s job market.\u201d\n\t\t\t\tNathan (left), Robert (right), and Sam (back)\u00a0\n\t\t\t\n\t\t  \n\t\u201cThis is a tremendous honor for Nathan and Robert, and we heartily congratulate them on their hard work, creativity and dedication to learning. This award is also for our educators and administrators who inspire our students every day,\u201d said Superintendent David James, Akron Public Schools. \u201cWe thank Congressman Tim Ryan for this opportunity to give America a glimpse at the bright light that glows inside students in our public schools. The best and the brightest are all around us.\u201d\n\u201cThe Congressional App Challenge was an amazing opportunity and experience for our Akron STEM High School learners to employ their 21st-century skills in an authentic situation. Nathan and Robert were able to use their collaborative, innovative and critical thinking skills that are embedded their AP Computer Science course to develop their app and tie it to our local community, said Dina Popa, Principal of NIHF STEM High School. \u201cThis App was a solution developed during their Problem Based Learning unit where they explored ways to educate our community and create a safer environment by addressing the opioid epidemic in Northeast Ohio. We appreciate Congressman Ryan's commitment to support STEM education by running this competition.\u201d\n\"I would say that this particular Problem Based Learning Unit really helped to give me hope,\u201d said Sam Appleby, Learning Coach of NIHF STEM High School. \u201cMy brother Dan passed away in 2013 after overdosing on Heroin.\u00a0 Over the last 4 years, I have gone from experiencing helplessness in dealing with the Opioid Epidemic to now experiencing Hope that our future generations will provide relief to both addicts and families.\"\n\u201cWinning the Congressional App Challenge has been an honor and I believe it has positively impacted my life for the long term,\u201d said Robert Frazier. \u201cLearning how to code from doing the Congressional App Challenge has been a fun experience for me, but it also has opened my eyes to the larger world of coding and how I can apply it to my life and community.\u201d\n\u201cAs we began the Problem Based Learning scenario, Robert and I used the design process to develop our final version which was selected as the winning app,\u201d said Nathan Dort. \u201cWe are very excited to be part of Congressman Ryan's program and look forward to continuing the development of our app.\u201d\nAbout The Congressional App Challenge:\nThe Congressional App Challenge was created because Congress recognized that STEM and computer-based skills are essential for economic growth and innovation, and that the U.S. has been falling behind on these fronts. By some estimates, the U.S. may be short by as many as a million programmers by 2020. These are high-paying, high-demand jobs. To maintain American competitiveness, it\u2019s crucial that the U.S. invests in our youth now and helps them acquire the skills necessary to pursue these careers in the future. This nationwide competition highlights the creativity and talent of the students in each Congressional District, with each district selecting a winner(s) and their app to be prominently featured at the U.S. Capitol. Congressman Ryan was one of two Congressional Co-Chairs for this year\u2019s challenge.\nRecognizing the racial, gendered, and other disparities in the tech sector, the CAC also focuses on inclusivity and making the Challenge widely accessible to students from all backgrounds. For more information about the Congressional App Challenge, please visit www.CongressionalAppChallenge.us.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-opening-statement-at-banking-committee-executive-session-on_federal-reserve-nomination", "Brown Opening Statement at Banking Committee Executive Session on  Federal Reserve Nomination", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tuesday, December 5, 2017\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) \u2013 ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs \u2013 released the following opening statement at today\u2019s executive session on the nomination of Jerome H. Powell to be Chair of the Federal Reserve.\r\nBrown\u2019s remarks, as prepared for delivery, follow\r\nThank you, Mr. Chairman.\r\nI congratulate Governor Powell once again on his nomination, and I look forward to having the same good relationship I had with both Chair Bernanke and Chair Yellen.\r\nWhile I am disappointed that Chair Yellen was not re-nominated, I believe the nomination of Governor Powell provides our economy with the best chance of continued economic growth.\u00a0\r\nOn monetary policy, I believe Governor Powell will continue with the gradual rate increases supported by the current FOMC.\u00a0 This has been helpful to those who were hurt most by the crisis and are still recovering.\r\nOn independence of the central bank, I hope Governor Powell will work to conduct monetary policy free from political influence in order to achieve, in his words, \u201cbetter economic performance.\u201d\r\nAnd, I appreciate all of the work Governor Powell has done, since he was first confirmed in 2012, to help shape and implement strong rules required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act.\r\nBut, I also have concerns.\r\nI am concerned about the direction the Administration is taking on financial regulation, and I am worried that it will put pressure on the Federal Reserve to weaken its strong rules.\r\nI am worried about many of the things the new Federal Reserve Vice Chair for Supervision Randy Quarles has said about his plans for financial rules.\r\nAnd because Republicans in the last Congress refused to confirm President Obama\u2019s nominees to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve, we run the risk of too little oversight of the banking industry.\u00a0 If the future nominees to the Fed share the amnesia of many in Congress, they may further weaken important safety and soundness, consumer, and financial stability rules put in place after the 2008 financial crisis that devastated our country.\u00a0\r\nI will support Governor Powell today, but I will be watching the Federal Reserve very closely.\u00a0 Americans need a strong financial watchdog that has not forgotten the lessons from the last crisis.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-opening-statement-at-banking-committee-markup-of-s2155", "Brown Opening Statement at Banking Committee Markup of S.2155", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tuesday, December 5, 2017\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) \u2013 ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs \u2013 released the following opening statement at today\u2019s executive session on S.2155, the \u201cEconomic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act.\u201d\r\nBrown\u2019s remarks, as prepared for delivery, follow\r\n\u00a0\r\nThank you, Mr. Chairman.\r\nMr. Chairman, I was hopeful we could have reached an agreement on a bill to provide meaningful relief to consumers, small banks and credit unions, and regional banks.\u00a0 Unfortunately, I do not believe this bill that does that, and am also concerned that we have not appropriately vetted this bill.\r\nLast week, the Senate passed a tax bill that helps pass-throughs, corporations and the wealthiest Americans.\u00a0 I guess the idea behind it is that adding to their wealth will trickle down to working people in America.\r\nThis week, we seem to be applying the same theory to the banking industry.\u00a0 This bill makes changes to help some of the largest banks in this country -- and the world -- while rolling back some of the protections put in place after the Great Recession to protect homebuyers and homeowners.\r\nThis bill does make a number of small changes for consumers, and perhaps there more will be adopted. Here\u2019s the key difference \u2013 the banks will be saving real money; but what about working people?\u00a0\r\nThere\u2019s nothing to help people with record high levels of student loan debt; nothing to help those with underwater mortgages; and nothing to help workers who are struggling to get by.\u00a0 Some 60% of Americans have seen their wages decrease on a real basis since 2006.\u00a0\r\nThis bill claims to promote economic growth, regulatory relief, and consumer protection.\u00a0 As Meat Loaf tells us, \u201cTwo Out of Three Ain\u2019t Bad.\u201d\u00a0 But this bill doesn\u2019t even meet the Meat Loaf minimum.\r\nIf we learned anything from the financial crisis, it is that deregulation of the banks doesn\u2019t create economic growth, instead it puts millions of Americans at risk\u2014like the five million families who were foreclosed upon during the crisis.\r\nAnd it is clear this Administration is heading down the same path this country traveled prior to the financial crisis.\r\nIt has installed individuals as financial watchdogs who won\u2019t bother to bark at the former colleagues they know so well.\r\nAnd then look at what the Administration did last week at the CFPB\u2014the only agency devoted to protecting consumers from financial institutions.\u00a0 It ignored the clear language of Dodd-Frank and named Mick Mulvaney, a member of the President\u2019s cabinet, to run an independent agency.\u00a0\r\nHis first action at what he called a \u201csick, sad\u201d joke of an agency was to block the payment of funds owed to consumers.\u00a0\r\nMerry Christmas.\r\nAnd then there is this bill.\u00a0\r\n \r\nIt puts taxpayers at greater risk of bank bailouts by weakening the rules on the some of the nation\u2019s largest banks.\u00a0 Banks between $100-$250 billion took $239 billion in TARP funds;\r\n \r\n \r\nIt weakens stress tests for both regional banks and larger banks.\u00a0 Stress tests are one of the most important tools put in place after the crisis to ensure banks can withstand the next crisis;\r\n \r\n \r\nIt reduces capital requirements and other important rules for banks above $50 billion;\r\n \r\n \r\nThe provisions in the bill related to qualified mortgages, manufactured housing, escrow accounts, appraisals, and mortgage data remove consumer protections put in place after the housing crisis, especially the most vulnerable;\r\n \r\n \r\nIt does virtually nothing to help hardworking Americans who haven\u2019t seen the benefits of the economic recovery.\r\n \r\nI support providing some relief to small banks and credit unions, but I think this bill unwisely chooses to do so by rolling back protections for people from the very activities that led to the crisis.\u00a0 Just as the nation\u2019s smallest banks didn\u2019t cause the crisis, neither did mortgage customers.\u00a0\r\nMr. Chairman, I\u2019d like to enter into the record letters from consumer advocacy and civil rights groups that are also concerned about this bill and its impact on American families.\u00a0\r\nMy colleagues and I will offer amendments today to try to make improvements to this bill.\u00a0 But I am not optimistic that many will be adopted, because what is driving this bill is the demands of the banking industry, not the needs of ordinary Americans.\r\nThis bill, like the tax bill last week and the health care bill before it, sends the message that this Congress is not very interested in helping hardworking middle class Americans.\r\nIt\u2019s Christmas for the C-suite, and crumbs for the Cratchits.\r\nThank you, Mr. Chairman.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-stands-up-for-working-families-during-consideration-of-bill-to-roll-back-wall-street-reform-law", "Brown Stands Up for Working Families During Consideration of Bill to Roll Back Wall Street Reform Law", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Ranking Member Voted for over 30 Amendments to Improve S.2155 for Taxpayers, Homeowners, Consumers in Banking Committee Markup\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tTuesday, December 5, 2017\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) \u2013 ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs \u2013 supported over 30 amendments today during the Committee\u2019s consideration of S. 2155, the \u201cEconomic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act.\u201d Brown supported amendments to address concerns that the bill as written does nearly nothing for consumers, while putting taxpayers at risk of another bank bailout and scaling back protections for homeowners. With the exception of one amendment by the bill\u2019s author, no amendments to improve the bill to support consumers were adopted.\r\n\u00a0\u201cWe missed an opportunity to provide real relief to Americans burdened with student loan debt, homeowners stuck in underwater mortgages or workers who haven't had a raise in years,\u201d Brown said. \u201cRegional and community banks and credit unions provide critical services to customers, homeowners and small businesses, and I support many of the efforts to help those institutions. But I do not support efforts to roll back accountability measures on the largest banks with nothing to help hardworking Americans who have the most to lose.\u201d\r\nBrown offered several amendments including provisions to: \r\n \r\nprovide relief from student debt for borrowers in distress,\r\nrestore protections for homebuyers from bad mortgage practices,\r\nprotect taxpayers from another bailout by ensuring stress tests are only relaxed for smaller banks,\r\nrestore oversight of large foreign banks that operate in the U.S., and\r\npromote economic growth by prohibiting large banks that benefit from the bill from raising CEO pay or buying back stock.\r\n \r\nIn addition, Brown supported amendments offered by several other Senators to provide support for seniors, servicemembers, and victims of Wells Fargo and Equifax.\r\nSenator Brown opposed S.2155 because it puts taxpayers at risk of another bank bailout and puts homeowners at risk of the same traps that led to the foreclosure crisis, all while doing virtually nothing for hardworking Americans.\r\nToday\u2019s Banking Committee\u2019s Markup of S. 2155 can be viewed here.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-urges-fcc-to-ensure-public-is-heard-before-voting-on-net-neutrality-rules", "Brown Urges FCC to Ensure Public is Heard Before Voting on Net Neutrality Rules", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Letter Follows Reports that Bots may have Filed Hundreds of Thousands of Comments to FCC during Net Neutrality Policymaking Process, Senators Urge FCC to Delay Vote Until Investigation is Complete \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tTuesday, December 5, 2017\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, along with U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and 26 of their colleagues, urged Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai to delay the planned December 14 vote to roll back net neutrality rules until an investigation is conducted following reports that bots filed hundreds of thousands of comments to the FCC during the net neutrality policymaking process.\r\n\u201cA free and open Internet is vital to ensuring a level playing field online, and we believe that your proposed action may be based on an incomplete understanding of the public record in this proceeding,\u201d the Senators wrote. \u201cIn fact, there is good reason to believe that the record may be replete with fake or fraudulent comments, suggesting that your proposal is fundamentally flawed.\u201d\r\n\u201cWithout additional information about the alleged anomalies surrounding the public record, the FCC cannot conduct a thorough and fair evaluation of the public\u2019s views on this topic, and should not move forward with a vote on December 14, 2017,\u201d the Senators continued.\r\n\u201cThe FCC must invest its time and resources into obtaining a more accurate picture of the record as understanding that record is essential to reaching a defensible resolution to this proceeding,\u201d the Senators concluded.\r\nBrown and Hassan were joined by U.S. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Bernie Sanders (D-VT), Ed Markey (D-MA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Patty Murray (D-WA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Jack Reed (D-RI), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Mark Warner (D-VA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Angus King (I-ME), Al Franken (D-MN), and Cory Booker (D-NJ).\r\nSee below for the full text of the letter or click here:\r\nDecember 4, 2017\r\nThe Honorable Ajit Pai\r\nChairman\r\nFederal Communications Commission\r\n445 12th Street Southwest\r\nWashington, DC 20554\r\nDear Chairman Pai:\r\nWe are deeply concerned by your recently released proposal to roll back critical consumer protections by dismantling the Federal Communications Commission\u2019s (FCC) current net neutrality rules. A free and open Internet is vital to ensuring a level playing field online, and we believe that your proposed action may be based on an incomplete understanding of the public record in this proceeding. In fact, there is good reason to believe that the record may be replete with fake or fraudulent comments, suggesting that your proposal is fundamentally flawed.\r\nTo this end, we request a thorough investigation by the FCC into reports that bots may have interfered with this proceeding by filing hundreds of thousands of comments. Furthermore, an additional 50,000 consumer complaints seem to have been excluded from the public record in this proceeding, according to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests filed by the National Hispanic Media Coalition.\u00a0 Without additional information about the alleged anomalies surrounding the public record, the FCC cannot conduct a thorough and fair evaluation of the public\u2019s views on this topic, and should not move forward with a vote on December 14, 2017.\u00a0\r\nNew York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has spent the past six months conducting an investigation into the fraudulent comments, and found that \u201chundreds of thousands\u201d of comments may have impersonated New York residents, a violation of state law. He further asserts that the FCC has not cooperated with requests for additional data and information. Data scientist Jeff Kao has also run an analysis of the public record, and estimates that over a million comments filed in support of repealing net neutrality may have been fake. These reports raise serious concerns as to whether the record the FCC is currently relying on has been tampered with and merits the full attention of, and investigation by, the FCC before votes on this item are cast.\r\nA transparent and open process is vitally important to how the FCC functions. The FCC must invest its time and resources into obtaining a more accurate picture of the record as understanding that record is essential to reaching a defensible resolution to this proceeding.\u00a0 As a result, we are requesting that you delay your planned vote on this item until you can conduct a thorough review of the state of the record and provide Congress with greater assurance of its accuracy and completeness.\u00a0\r\nThank you for your immediate attention to this matter.\r\nSincerely,\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://timryan.house.gov/press-release/congressman-tim-ryan-statement-passage-disastrous-senate-gop-tax-bill", "Congressman Tim Ryan Statement on Passage of Disastrous Senate GOP Tax Bill", "2017-12-04", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Tim Ryan", "R000577", "timryan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congressman Tim Ryan released the following statement in response to the Senate passing a Republican tax scheme that will devastate hardworking American families in the dead of night.\u00a0\n\u201cNow that Republicans in the Senate have passed this abhorrent tax legislation, members of both chambers will go to a Conference Committee to hammer out a final bill. If this GOP-controlled Congress had an ounce of moral authority left, the Committee\u2019s job would be a simple one: toss both bills into the nearest dumpster. Half of all Americans and 82 million middle-class families will face a tax increase under this scam. The GOP is mortgaging away our long-term economic future for the short-term gains of a wealthy few. They are prepared to blow a giant hole in our deficit, borrow huge sums from China to give tax breaks to corporations already making record profits, and inflict further pain on the middle class by cutting Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, education, and other important programs Americans rely on. Congress should be doing everything in our power to make life easier\u2014not harder\u2014for the hardworking men and women of this country. This bill seems to have been written to accomplish exactly the opposite. It steals precious resources from key investments like education, building a twenty first century transportation system, and fighting the opiate addiction epidemic. It weakens our country and will make it impossible for us to grow our economy, lift wages, and secure pensions for American families,\u201d said Congressman Ryan.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-on-tax-bill-passage-ohioans-shouldnt-be-forced-to-pay-for-handouts-to-corporations-that-send-jobs-overseas", "Brown on Tax Bill Passage: Ohioans Shouldn’t Be Forced to Pay for Handouts to Corporations that Send Jobs Overseas", "2017-12-02", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Offered Amendments to Try to Improve Bill by Encouraging Companies to Stay in U.S., Cutting Taxes for Working Ohioans - Final Bill Will Add $1 Trillion to Deficit, Forcing Cuts to Medicare, Other Critical Programs - Final Bill Includes Healthcare Repeal\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSaturday, December 2, 2017\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today called the GOP tax reform plan a missed opportunity to cut taxes for working Ohioans. The final bill was released late Friday evening and passed hours later on a party-line vote before Senators even had time to read the entire text. Throughout the process, Brown offered several amendments, including one to expand the child tax credit and another to cut taxes only for corporations that do not send jobs overseas. The amendments were blocked from passage.\r\nThe Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) confirmed the GOP tax bill won\u2019t grow the economy, it won\u2019t create jobs and it won\u2019t pay for itself. It will, according to JCT, add $1 trillion to the federal deficit even after accounting for economic growth. The deficit increase will force an automatic $25 billion cut to Medicare next year along with cuts to other priorities like border security and support for Ohio farmers.\u00a0\r\n\u201cTax reform should have been an opportunity to work together to cut taxes for working people. I offered to work with the President and Republicans, and I introduced multiple amendments that could have put real money in the pockets of Ohioans. Instead Washington chose to cut taxes for corporations that send American jobs overseas, blow a hole in the deficit, and pay for it by cutting Medicare and kicking people off their health insurance,\u201d said Brown.\r\nGOP Tax Bill Quick Facts:\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/announcements/congresswoman-beatty-marks-rosa-parks-day", "Congresswoman Beatty Marks Rosa Parks Day", "2017-12-01", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Joyce Beatty", "B001281", "beatty.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Beatty Marks Rosa Parks Day \nHolds Community Leaders Forum on \u201cThe Power of One: We Are Walking In It\u201d \nOn December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks, an Alabama seamstress, refused to give up her seat to a white man on a segregated Montgomery, Alabama bus. Her defiance and subsequent jailing sparked the peaceful, 381-day Montgomery Bus Boycott that eventually led to the complete desegregation of our nation\u2019s public transportation system.\n\u201cRosa Parks forever changed the world\u2014she epitomized the \u2018Power of One,\u2019\u201d Beatty said. \u201cHer life and actions on that historic December day inspired me and so many Americans\u2014not to mention people across the world\u2014to stand up for what is right and just.\u201d Beatty continued, \u201cIt is our collective responsibility to honor Rosa Parks and the Power of One. Today, and always, we are walking in it.\"\nThough small in stature, Parks became an enormous figure in the Civil Rights Movement, working alongside Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and others to extend civil rights, greater freedom and opportunities for all Americans. Soon after, Parks earned the title: \u201cMother of the Civil Rights Movement.\u201d\n50 years later, in 2005, U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03), then-State Representative of the Ohio General Assembly, spearheaded legislation to designate December 1st as \u201cRosa Parks Day\u201d in the State of Ohio\u2014making the Buckeye State the first in the nation to formally recognize the Civil Rights icon. Since that time, Ohioans from all walks of life, join together annually to honor Parks and reflect on the \u201cPower of One\u201d individual to make a difference in the lives of others.\nThis year, marks the 13th Annual Statewide Tribute to Rosa Parks. The theme is \u201cThe Power of One: We Are Walking In It.\u201d Coinciding with this year\u2019s Statewide Tribute, Congresswoman Beatty is hosting a Community Leaders Forum that will bring local, national and civil rights leaders together for an important discussion on the power of diversity, inclusion and community, and their importance to the legislative work of the 115th Congress.\nFor more information on the Community Leaders Forum, please visit Congresswoman Beatty\u2019s events page.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://timryan.house.gov/press-release/congressman-tim-ryan-statement-michael-flynn-guilty-plea", "Congressman Tim Ryan Statement on Michael Flynn Guilty Plea", "2017-12-01", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Tim Ryan", "R000577", "timryan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congressman Tim Ryan made the following statement regarding former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn pleading guilty to making false statements to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) about his communications with the Russian government.\n\u201cEvery American citizen should be deeply troubled by this admission of lying by a former Trump Administration national security official. President Trump\u2019s hand-picked National Security Advisor\u2014who Trump referred to as \u201ca wonderful man\u201d\u2014has plead guilty in federal court for committing a felony. Michael Flynn was the highest-ranking White House official in charge of U.S. national security and he lied to the FBI about his communications with a foreign adversary. This further proves why we must allow the Russia investigation to continue without influence from the Trump Administration.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/multimedia/watch/brown-pushes-tax-bill-amendment-to-put-more-money-in-pockets-of-working-families", "BROWN PUSHES TAX BILL AMENDMENT TO PUT MORE MONEY IN POCKETS OF WORKING FAMILIES", "2017-12-01", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "If you\u2019re afraid you might be a victim of the Equifax data breach, Senator Brown encourages you to visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau\u2019s website for more information and resources \u2013 www.consumerfinance.gov.\n  \nFor information on how to help recovery efforts for recent hurricanes, go to www.fema.gov", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-pushes-tax-bill-amendment-to-put-more-money-in-pockets-of-working-families", "Brown Pushes Tax Bill Amendment to Put More Money in Pockets of Working Families", "2017-12-01", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator\u2019s Amendment Would Expand Child Tax Credit\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tFriday, December 1, 2017\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\n**Download Brown\u2019s Remarks HERE**\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) pushed for an amendment to the Senate tax bill to ensure that working parents get a meaningful tax break under the Senate bill. Brown\u2019s amendment would allow families to earn the Child Tax Credit more quickly, increase the Child Tax Credit to $2,000, and $2,500 for families with children under six, and it would make the credit fully-refundable for the first time. Brown\u2019s amendment would do significantly more for families with incomes below $50,000 and families with two or more children than the Republican proposal.\r\n\u201cIf we want to cut taxes for the middle class, let\u2019s cut taxes for the middle class,\u201d said Brown. \u201cInstead of giving the money to corporations and hoping it trickles down \u2013 let\u2019s cut out the middle-man and put the money directly in the pockets of working families.\u201d\r\nSenate Republicans voted down Brown\u2019s amendment.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/icymi_jct-confirms-again-tax-cuts-for-corporations-wont-grow-economy-deficit-will-explode-and-middle-class-families-will-pay-for-it", "ICYMI – JCT Confirms, AGAIN, Tax Cuts for Corporations Won’t Grow Economy, Deficit will Explode & Middle Class Families will Pay for It", "2017-12-01", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Friday, December 1, 2017\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tYesterday, the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) confirmed what we have known all along: the GOP tax bill won\u2019t grow the economy, it won\u2019t create jobs and it won\u2019t pay for itself. It will, according to JCT, add $1 trillion to the federal deficit even after accounting for economic growth. The deficit increase will force an automatic $25 billion cut to Medicare next year and give Republican leaders a reason to further cut Medicare and Social Security.\u00a0 The $25 billion cut to Medicare next year will mean a $16.4 billion cut for Ohio over ten years, according to the Joint Economic Committee.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nWhy will Medicare get Cut?\u00a0\r\nPay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) is a little-know law that requires Congress to calculate the costs and savings that any piece of legislation will have over a ten-year period. Under PAYGO, if by the end of 2017, the cost of all legislation passed this year would increase the deficit compared to previous years, it triggers automatic spending cuts across the budget, including Medicare.\r\nThat means money will be taken from Medicare and other programs like support for Ohio farmers and funding that ensure Customs and Border Protection can keep out borders secure \u2013 all to pay for the $1 trillion hole the Republican tax plan blows in the deficit.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nWhat will happen if Medicare loses millions?\r\n \r\nOhio\u2019s 2.1 million Medicare beneficiaries could see cuts to their care.\r\nDoctors could choose to cover fewer Medicare patients or none at all \u2013 making it harder for Ohioans to get the care they need.\r\nHome health services will get much more expensive. Home health agencies get 70 percent of their revenue from Medicare and Medicaid, and only 17 percent from private insurance. By cutting Medicare, seniors could face increased out-of-pocket costs for these services.\r\nPeople will lose their jobs. The American Hospital Association projects that the cuts under consideration right now could threaten more than 115,000 jobs alone.\r\n \r\nHow do we know Republicans want to use the deficit to cut Medicare and Social Security? They told us so:\r\n \r\nPresident Trump: At a cabinet meeting President Trump said: \u201cWe\u2019re looking very strongly at welfare reform, and that\u2019ll all take place right after taxes, very soon, very shortly after taxes.\u201d (here)\r\nSpeaker Ryan: At a town hall-style event in Virginia on Tuesday night, Paul D. Ryan, the House speaker, said the most important steps that could be taken to reduce the national debt were spurring economic growth and making changes to entitlement programs. (here)\r\nChairman Brady: Representative Kevin Brady, Republican of Texas and the chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, said this month that tax overhaul \u201calone won\u2019t get us back to a balanced budget.\u201d He said that House Republicans would soon turn toward \u201cwelfare reform and tackling the entitlements.\u201d (here)\r\nChairman Hatch: Senator Orrin Hatch, the Republican chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, blamed \u2018liberal programs\u2019 for the nation\u2019s debt. (here)\r\nSenator Rubio: Republican Senator Marco Rubio said this week: \u201cThe driver of our debt is the structure of Social Security and Medicare for future beneficiaries,\u201d as he called for federal spending cuts. (here)\u00a0\r\n \r\nWhat else does the tax bill do?\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-and-house-democrats-press-stephen-miller-russia-disclosures", "Kaptur and House Democrats press Stephen Miller on Russia disclosures following Papadopoulos revelations", "2017-11-30", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Marcy Kaptur", "K000009", "kaptur.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) and 20 House Democrats today requested answers from Senior White House Advisor Stephen Miller about his knowledge of Russian meetings and contacts during the 2016 presidential campaign. Their inquiry came after a series of news reports revealed that Miller, then a senior aide on Donald Trump\u2019s presidential campaign, was alerted to Russian offers of assistance to that campaign by his subordinate George Papadopoulos, who later pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about Russian meetings and contacts.\n\u201cWe write with questions about your role in attempts to coordinate action between the Trump campaign and Russian government officials or operatives during the 2016 presidential election. These questions arise from recent admissions of Trump campaign foreign policy adviser George Papadopoulos, who pleaded guilty earlier this year to lying to the FBI about his meetings and contacts with Russian government officials,\u201d said the Members in the letter.\n\u201c\u2026We also share grave concerns about any official in the White House with a position of influence over national security who knew about, or even participated in, covert arrangements designed to help a foreign adversary of the United States subvert our democratic elections processes,\u201d the Members continued.\nKaptur and the Representatives went on to note that Miller remains a senior figure in the Trump White House with a security clearance and access to sensitive classified information. They asked Miller to outline any knowledge he had of Russian offers of assistance to the Trump campaign, and steps that he took after learning of such offers, including notification of his superiors. They also asked whether Miller properly disclosed all meetings and contacts with Russian officials on his Standard Form 86 (SF-86).\nThe letter was led by Rep. Donald Beyer (VA) and was signed by Democratic Representatives Jerrold Nadler (NY), Ted Lieu (CA), Jamie Raskin (MD), Peter Welch (VT), Zoe Lofgren (CA), Keith Ellison (MN), Pramila Jayapal (WA), Debbie Wasserman-Shultz (FL), Nydia Velazquez (NY), Dina Titus (NV), Lloyd Doggett (TX), Yvette Clarke (NY), Steve Cohen (TN), Tim Walz (MN), Grace Napolitano (CA), Ruben Gallego (AZ), Betty McCollum (MN), Bonnie Watson-Coleman (NJ), and Donald Payne Jr. (NJ).\nPlease see the full text of the letter below.\nStephen Miller\n\tSenior Advisor to the President\n\tThe White House\n\t1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW\n\tWashington, DC, 20500\nDear Mr. Miller:\nWe write with questions about your role in attempts to coordinate action between the Trump campaign and Russian government officials or operatives during the 2016 presidential election. These questions arise from recent admissions of Trump campaign foreign policy adviser George Papadopoulos, who pleaded guilty earlier this year to lying to the FBI about his meetings and contacts with Russian government officials. \nMr. Papadopoulos attested in court filings that he had written to a \u201csenior policy adviser\u201d on the Trump campaign that then-candidate Donald Trump had been extended an \u201copen invitation\u201d from Vladimir Putin to visit Russia. The New York Times recently identified you as that senior policy adviser. \nMr. Papadopoulos also attested in court documents that he met with a Maltese professor, Joseph Mifsud, who told him that the Russians had \u201cdirt\u201d on Hillary Clinton, which he specified to mean \u201cthousands of e-mails.\u201d This exchange occurred weeks after the initial hack of Clinton campaign e-mails, which were later published by Wikileaks, e-mails which the CIA assessed were provided to Wikileaks by the Russian government.\nUnlike Mr. Papadopoulos and many of the other Trump campaign officials whose names have been linked to this investigation, you now serve in the White House as a member of the President\u2019s senior staff, with a security clearance and ongoing access to vital US intelligence. We therefore seek your prompt answers to the following questions:\n Were you aware that George Papadopoulos had received credible offers of assistance, on behalf of the Trump campaign, from the Russian government? When did you learn of them, and what actions did you take to notify your superiors in the Trump campaign?\n\tDid you encourage Papadopoulous\u2019 attempts to coordinate information sharing between the Kremlin and the Trump campaign, with regard to Clinton campaign emails or any other matter?\n\tDid you properly disclose any offer of assistance, meeting, or other relationship with any Russian officials into which you entered\u2014either prior to or during the 2016 presidential campaign\u2014on\u00a0 your Standard Form 86 when you applied for a security clearance during the transition period?\n We respect the investigation being conducted by Special Counsel Robert Mueller and for the multiple investigations currently underway in House and Senate committees. We also share grave concerns about any official in the White House with a position of influence over national security who knew about, or even participated in, covert arrangements designed to help a foreign adversary of the United States subvert our democratic elections processes. Repeated failures by your White House colleague, Jared Kushner, and former employer, Attorney General Jeff Sessions, to properly disclose their meetings and contacts with Russian officials have only increased the need for vigorous oversight into ethics and security disclosures by other senior officials in this Administration. \nWe thank you for your timely attention to this critical matter.\nSincerely,\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://timryan.house.gov/press-release/congressman-tim-ryan-calls-governor-kasich-increase-drug-chemistry-unit-lab-funding", "Congressman Tim Ryan Calls on Governor Kasich to Increase Drug Chemistry Unit Lab Funding", "2017-11-30", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Tim Ryan", "R000577", "timryan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congressman Tim Ryan called on Governor John Kasich to increase funding for Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) Drug Chemistry Laboratories. BCI\u2019s labs need additional resources to help expedite drug testing and clear state backlogs. This is an integral part of holding drug traffickers accountable, and keeping them, and their products, out of our communities.\n\u201cMany law enforcement officers are confronting devastating scenes of overdose on a regular basis, and are saving lives everyday with naloxone. These men and women should be commended for their work on the front lines of this crisis. Last week I held a roundtable conversation with local officials to continue to make sure we're tackling the addiction crisis the best we can. It became clear over the course of that conversation that helping to clear these drug lab backlogs are an important step for our local law enforcement to successfully combat the availability of these drugs in our communities,\u201d said Congressman Ryan.\nThe letter can be found here, With the full text provided below:\n###\nNovember 30, 2017\nGovernor John Kasich  \n\tRiffe Center, 30th Floor  \n\t77 South High Street  \n\tColumbus, OH 43215-6117\nDear Governor Kasich:\nOhio\u2019s opioid epidemic has continued to worsen over the past year with fentanyl and carfentanil becoming more commonplace throughout our state. As you are aware, overdose deaths increased from 3,050 in 2015 to 4,050 last year, due to increased fentanyl use. As Governor, I applaud your efforts to curb the opioid epidemic. However, there is no question that we can all be doing more to help our local communities respond to this challenging and overwhelming crisis.\nI have heard repeatedly from local law enforcement in Ohio\u2019s 13th Congressional District about their frustrations and concerns regarding the delays at the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) Laboratory Division crime labs in performing drugs tests. I understand that demand continues to increase with the BCI expecting more than 27,000 drugs tests this year, nearly double the number of tests conducted in 2010. The increase in chemistry cases and the complexity of the substances cause long backlogs that prevent the results from being returned to local communities in a timely manner. These delays make it harder to quickly move cases through the judicial system and get dangerous drugs off the market.\u00a0\nOhio BCI\u2019s labs need additional resources to help expedite drug testing and clear state backlogs. While I was encouraged by your most recent budget increase for the BCI, the constant delays show that more funding and attention to this problem is needed. It is imperative that we not only decrease the number of drugs available, but also hold traffickers responsible. I appreciate your attention to this important issue and urge you to increase funding for Ohio\u2019s BCI Laboratory Division.\nThank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to working with you on this proposal in the future.\nSincerely,\nTim Ryan  \n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/multimedia/watch/brown-pushes-for-measure-in-tax-reform-legislation-to-keep-jobs-in-us", "Brown Pushes for Measure in Tax Reform Legislation to Keep Jobs In U.S.", "2017-11-30", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "If you\u2019re afraid you might be a victim of the Equifax data breach, Senator Brown encourages you to visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau\u2019s website for more information and resources \u2013 www.consumerfinance.gov.\n  \nFor information on how to help recovery efforts for recent hurricanes, go to www.fema.gov", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-announces-more-than-890000-in-funding-for-oardc-to-ensure-ohioans-food-is-safe-to-eat", "Brown Announces More Than $890,000 in Funding for OARDC to Ensure Ohioans’ Food is Safe to Eat", "2017-11-30", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Thursday, November 30, 2017\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014Today, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced an $896,255 investment for The Ohio State University\u2019s Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC) in Wooster to conduct research that promotes food safety and nutrition. Researchers at OARDC received two grants, one to research effective ways to ensure canned foods are safe for consumers to eat and another to extend the storage life of healthy fruit juices.\r\n\u201cAs a national leader in agricultural research and food production, Ohio has the experience and expertise to ensure our food is safe and nutritious to eat,\u201d said Brown. \u201cThis investment will help OARDC researchers advance the science that protects the food that Ohio families eat.\u201d\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\r\nOSU Wooster received the grant investment through the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s (USDA) Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) program. The program was authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill, which Brown helped to negotiate.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-murray-scott-takano-introduce-bill-to-expand-overtime-pay-for-millions-of-workers", "Brown, Murray, Scott, Takano Introduce Bill to Expand Overtime Pay for Millions of Workers", "2017-11-30", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bill Would Make At Least Four Million Workers Newly Eligible for Overtime Pay\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tThursday, November 30, 2017\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Patty Murray (D-WA), along with U.S. Reps. Bobby Scott (D-VA) and Mark Takano (D-CA), today introduced legislation to make at least four million\u00a0American workers newly eligible for overtime pay when they work more than 40 hours a week, providing economic security to millions of working families.\u00a0 \u00a0\r\nThe Restoring Overtime Pay Act would increase the overtime salary level from $23,660 per year to $48,412 per year, making at least four million workers newly eligible for overtime pay. This bill codifies the Obama Administration\u2019s 2016 overtime rule, which would have strengthened overtime protections for millions of workers. However, an August 2017 ruling out of a federal district court in Texas has prevented the rule from being enforced. The Trump Administration has signaled it is considering lowering the overtime salary level. This means, compared to the 2016 rule, fewer workers would get the pay they have earned. Due to this uncertainty, Brown, Murray, Scott and Takano have introduced to bill to finally increase the outdated salary level.\r\n\u201cPeople who work 50 or 60 hours a week should be paid the wages they\u2019ve earned. Period,\u201d said Brown, who introduced the legislation as part of his plan to restore the value of work in America. \u201cWhen we don\u2019t pay workers what they\u2019ve earned, it drives down the value of work. Let\u2019s make sure workers are paid for every hour they put in.\u201d\r\n\u201cMillions of Americans work more than 40 hours a week and are still unable to support their families or join the middle class,\u201d said Murray. \u201cTo help working families get ahead, we must build our economy from the middle out, not the top down. So while the Trump Administration continues to undermine protections for workers, I\u2019m proud to introduce the Restoring Overtime Pay Act to provide a much-needed update to our nation\u2019s overtime rules and give millions of families the financial security they need.\u201d\r\n\u201cIn order to ensure that our economy works for all working people and not just the wealthy few, workers must be paid for every hour they spend on the job,\u201d said Scott. \u201cThis means ensuring that low- and mid-wage salaried workers are not forced to work overtime without additional pay. Unfortunately, the Trump Administration\u2019s Department of Labor has indicated they will not support a robust salary level that ensures adequate protections. The Restoring Overtime Pay Act will guarantee that more salaried workers get much-deserved compensation for every hour they spend on the job.\u201d\r\n\u201cThis legislation is based on a simple principle: America\u2019s workers deserve to be paid for all of the hours they work,\u201d said Takano. \u201cIt is unacceptable for middle-class employees to be working 50- and 60-hour weeks without receiving the pay or time with their families that they earned. After four decades without a meaningful update to the overtime rule or a meaningful raise for middle-class workers, the time for modest tweaks to the overtime rule passed a long time ago. This is a moment for bold action on behalf of working families, and that\u2019s what this legislation would deliver.\u201d\r\nThe Restoring Overtime Pay Act strengthens overtime protections by attaching the salary level to the 40th percentile of wages in the lowest wage census region. The bill also requires automatic updates every three years to ensure the level remains in line with the changes in our economy. This means that if the bill were enacted today, the salary level would increase from $23,660 per year to $48,412 per year, making at least four million workers newly eligible for overtime.\r\nThe level for overtime pay is out-of-date and does not support working families who are struggling to make ends meet. Only full-time, salaried workers who currently earn $455 or less per week or $23,660 annually are automatically guaranteed overtime pay when working over 40 hours per week. Under the Restoring Overtime Pay Act, full-time, salaried workers will be paid for every hour they spend on the job.\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-pushes-for-measure-in-tax-reform-legislation-to-keep-jobs-in-us", "Brown Pushes for Measure in Tax Reform Legislation to Keep Jobs in U.S.", "2017-11-30", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator\u2019s Amendment Would Reward Corporations that Keep Good-Paying Jobs in America\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tThursday, November 30, 2017\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) pushed for an amendment to the Senate tax bill to reward employers who keep jobs in the United States and pay workers well \u2013 encouraging them to create even more good-paying jobs in the U.S. During a hearing of the Senate Finance Committee earlier this month, a tax expert confirmed to Brown that the current Senate Republican tax plan would encourage corporations to outsource jobs and incentivize companies to keep their profits overseas.\r\nBrown\u2019s amendment, the Patriot Employers Tax Credit, would give tax cuts only to those corporations that keep good-paying jobs here in the U.S., instead of those that ship jobs overseas.\r\n\u201cIf we are going to give tax cuts to corporations, let\u2019s focus those tax cuts on employers that keep jobs in the U.S. and invest in American workers with the Patriot Corporation Act,\u201d said Brown. \u201cThis is something we should all come together to support: tax cuts for businesses that create and support good-paying American jobs.\u201d\u00a0\r\nSenate Republicans voted down Brown\u2019s amendment.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/browns-bill-to-ensure-veterans-get-healthcare-they-deserve-clears-key-hurdle", "Brown's Bill to Ensure Veterans Get Healthcare They Deserve Clears Key Hurdle", "2017-11-30", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator\u2019s Bill to Train Doctors to Serve Veterans\u2019 Needs Was Included in Larger Bill to Improve Care for Veterans\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tThursday, November 30, 2017\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 This week, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown's (D-OH) bill to help improve healthcare for our nation's veterans passed out of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee with unanimous support. The bill would give specific training to doctors outside the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) system on how to address veterans\u2019 unique medical needs. It was included with other bills in a larger package titled the Caring for Our Veterans Act of 2017, to improve access to healthcare for all veterans.\u00a0\r\n\u201cOur veterans have unique health needs connected to their service to our country,\u201d said Brown. \u201cIt\u2019s critical to give all doctors who treat our veterans the training they need to provide the best care possible to our heroes.\u201d \r\nThe Community Care Core Competency Act would help the VA offer continuing medical education specific to veterans for doctors outside the VA. It would help these doctors prepare to care for injuries or illnesses caused by veterans\u2019 service, including traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder.\r\nBrown's bill was included in a larger veterans healthcare package that\u00a0would establish a new program to better provide timely care to veterans closer to where they live. The bill would create the \"Veterans Community Care Program,\" so veterans, along with their doctors, can decide whether to seek medical care at VA or in their community. The bill would also improve VA\u2019s opioid prescribing guidelines and require community providers to adhere to those guidelines. The bill also includes key provisions authored by Brown, which would require VA to publically post all vacancies at medical facilities, and quickly identify and fully hire mental health and primary care provider vacancies at VA. Additionally, the bill expands much needed support for the caregivers of severely injured, ill, or wounded veterans by including legislation Brown introduced in March. These provisions will strengthen the medical services VA provides to better serve Ohio veterans and their families.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-statement-statement-resolution-mandating-sexual-harassment", "Kaptur statement on resolution mandating sexual harassment awareness training", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Marcy Kaptur", "K000009", "kaptur.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington D.C. -- Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), the longest-serving woman in Congress, released the following statement regarding the passage of a House resolution mandating sexual harassment and anti-discrimination training:\n\"This resolution is a start to ensuring our staff, Members of Congress and interns all take appropriate anti-discrimination and anti-harassment training. Congress should set an example for America and this simple step helps us live up to the standards that the American people expect of us.\"\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://timryan.house.gov/press-release/congressman-tim-ryan-statement-most-recent-north-korean-ballistic-missile-test", "Congressman Tim Ryan Statement on Most Recent North Korean Ballistic Missile Test", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Tim Ryan", "R000577", "timryan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congressman Tim Ryan released the following statement in response to North Korea\u2019s most recent ballistic missile test.\n\u201cNorth Korea has now successfully tested a missile that can hit anywhere in United States. Clearly, they are not intimidated by President Trump\u2019s threats or boasts. America is less safe and more vulnerable to North Korea than the day President Trump took office. The President\u2019s strategy -- if he even has one -- is not working. Foreign policy is not conducted on Twitter. Our allies need to know they can count on clear, level-headed American leadership. Laying out and executing a firm diplomatic strategy for North Korea is vital to assuring America and our allies that they can trust our steady hand.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 1454, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Democrat", "p1": "OH", "p2": "2017"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=OH&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 1454, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=OH&year=2017", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=OH&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 1454, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=OH&year=2017&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=OH&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "OH", "label": "OH", "count": 1454, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&year=2017", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=OH&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "2017", "label": "2017", "count": 1454, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=OH", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2017-11-29,https~3A~2F~2Ftimryan~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fpress-release~2Fcongressman-tim-ryan-statement-most-recent-north-korean-ballistic-missile-test", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=OH&year=2017&_next=2017-11-29%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Ftimryan~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fpress-release~2Fcongressman-tim-ryan-statement-most-recent-north-korean-ballistic-missile-test&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 473.34983199834824, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}