{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Democrat\", state = \"RI\" and year = 2015 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["http://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-leads-house-effort-fully-fund-blackstone-river-valley-national-park", "Cicilline Leads House Effort to Fully Fund Blackstone River Valley National Park", "2015-12-31", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "David Cicilline", "C001084", "cicilline.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PAWTUCKET  One year after leading the effort in the U.S. House to establish the Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park, U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (D-RI) helped secure full funding for the new National Parks operations in 2016.\n\nThe creation of the Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park will help preserve the legacy of Rhode Islands role as the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution, said Cicilline, who led a letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committees Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies to request robust funding for the National Park Service. I am delighted that the Federal government will provide full funding to support our new National Park in 2016. I look forward to continuing to work with community leaders in Rhode Island as this process moves ahead.\n\nEarlier this month, Congress passed legislation to fund the federal government through September 2016. Included in the bill, which President Obama has signed into law, is $927,000 in funding to fully support operations at the Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park. Last year, Cicilline introduced  and the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources later approved  the Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park Establishment Act (H.R. 706). The legislation was later included as part of the National Defense Authorization Act that President Obama signed into law in December 2014.\n\nThe Blackstone River Valley National Park is comprised of sites and districts in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts including the Blackstone River and its tributaries; the Blackstone Canal; the non-contiguous nationally significant historic districts of Old Slater Mill in Pawtucket; the villages of Slatersville (in North Smithfield) and Ashton (in Cumberland) Rhode Island; and Whitinsville and Hopedale in Massachusetts.\n\nSpanning from Worcester, MA to Providence, RI, the Blackstone River Valley is the Birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution. The Valleys beauty and history embodies a landscape rich in natural, historic, and cultural treasures. The new Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park will help preserve these icons of industry, environment, and history for generations to come.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/increased-funding-alzheimer%E2%80%99s-research-federal-spending-bill-will-benefit-rhode-island", "Increased Funding for Alzheimers Research in Federal Spending Bill Will Benefit Rhode Island", "2015-12-31", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "David Cicilline", "C001084", "cicilline.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PAWTUCKET  During negotiations over federal spending for 2016, U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (D-RI) successfully advocated to significantly increase funding for Alzheimers disease research. The increase in available funding will also create new opportunities for colleges and universities in Rhode Island, including the University of Rhode Island, which received nearly $14 million in 2012 to improve care for individuals with Alzheimers disease.\n\nCurrently, available treatments for Alzheimers disease are only able to provide modest relief of symptoms over time, while effective long-term treatments and preventative measures are not yet available. Funding for Alzheimers research is not keeping pace with Medicare and Medicaid spending, Cicilline wrote in a letter to the Chair and Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee. \n\nThe federal spending bill passed by Congress earlier this month expanded funding for Alzheimers research from $586 million in 2015 to $936 million in 2016  an increase of nearly 60%. The increase in funding for Alzheimer's initiatives will expand resources available through theU.S. Department of Health and Human Services, including theNational Alzheimer's Project.\n\nThe Secretary of Health and Human Serviceswill be required to coordinate Alzheimer's disease research and services across all federal agencies to accelerate the development of treatments that would prevent, halt, or reverse the course of Alzheimer's disease. This includes vital NIH research efforts to identify research priorities andmilestonesas well as expand research aimed at preventing and treating Alzheimer's.\n\nAccording to the Alzheimers Association, more than 5.3 million Americans, including 22,000 Rhode Islanders, are living with Alzheimers disease today. By 2025, the number of Americans with Alzheimers disease is expected to increase to 7.1 million.\n\nExperts believe robust funding for Alzheimers research could help develop a cure by 2025. The development of a treatment by 2025 could save the United States as much as $220 billion over the first five years, according to the Alzheimers Association.\n\nDuring his time in office, Cicilline has fought to increase resources for Alzheimers research and ensure Rhode Islanders suffering from this disease get the treatment and care they need. In September, Cicilline announced that Seven Hills Rhode Island would receive nearly $1 million from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to strengthen care for older adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), as well as Alzheimers disease and related disorders.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-releases-2015-year-end-report", "Cicilline Releases 2015 Year-End Report", "2015-12-30", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "David Cicilline", "C001084", "cicilline.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PAWTUCKET  U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline today released a 2015 Year-End Report that highlights some of the work his office completed this year in four key areas: getting Rhode Islanders back to work, promoting efficiency in government, delivering federal resources to Rhode Island, and leading on critical policy issues.\n\nAs 2015 draws to a close, I am extraordinarily grateful for the opportunity you have given me to represent you in the Congress of the United States, wrote Cicilline. The progress we have made would never have been possible if it werent for the active support and engagement I have received from folks all across Rhode Islands First District. I want to sincerely thank you for the work that you do. It is an honor to serve on your behalf.\n\nA copy of Congressman Cicillines 2015 Year-End Report can be downloaded by clicking here. Among the highlights included in the report are:\n\n \nHelped deliver $335.5 million in federal funding back to Rhode Island.\nIntroduced and passed the Brickle Amendment into law, requiring the Departments of Defense and State to publicly document their work to notify American manufacturers regarding overseas procurement opportunities.\nWorked with Republican Congressman Steve Chabot to introduce and pass the Small Business Investment Company Capital Act through the House to expand access to capital for small businesses.\nAssisted with 1,437 constituent requests for casework, including help with Social Security benefits, IRS tax refunds, health care services, and more.\nResponded to 20,883 letters and emails from constituents.\n \n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-casey-seek-to-raise-student-achievement-by-improving-teacher-preparation", "Reed, Casey Seek to Raise Student Achievement by Improving Teacher Preparation", "2015-12-29", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12/29/2015CRANSTON, RI  In an effort to boost student achievement in the classroom, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Bob Casey (D-PA) have introduced the Educator Preparation Reform Act, aimed at better preparing teachers, principals, librarians, and other school leaders by developing the skills and knowledge they need to be effective and profession-ready on day one.\r\nThe Educator Preparation Reform Act would overhaul federal laws governing teacher preparation, including reporting requirements, accountability provisions, and the TEACH Grant scholarship program.\r\nEarlier this month, the Washington Post reported that many high poverty schools struggle to fill their teaching positions and rely on a rotating cast of substitutes. The report went on to explain that inner-city schools tend to employ teachers who are more inexperienced than the hires at affluent schools, and the teachers often are not adequately trained for the intense environments they will face.\r\nWe need to help motivated teachers and principals so they hit the ground running, especially in our highest need schools. We know that quality teachers and principals make a real positive difference for kids and help raise student achievement in the classroom. If we want to improve our schools, it is essential that teachers, principals, and other educators have a comprehensive system that supports their preparation, professional growth, and development, before the first day of school and continuing throughout their careers. There is a looming shortage of fully-prepared teachers and we must do better by our students and our schools. The legislation were introducing today encourages an increased level of investment in our teachers for the sake of our students, said Senator Reed.\r\nWhen children learn more at an early age they earn more later in life. One of the keys to helping our children learn more at a young age is a teacher who is ready to enrich students from day one, Senator Casey said. Giving our nations teachers the tools to succeed is an essential part of helping students get off to a strong and smart start to their lives. This legislation will help teachers grow their skills and ultimately help students achieve.\r\nReed and Casey teamed up earlier this year on the Better Educator Support & Training (BEST) Act, an effort to equip educators with the necessary resources through additional, targeted funding. The Senators worked behind the scenes to include the BEST Act language in the Every Student Succeeds Act, signed into law this month. The Educator Preparation Reform Act will build on that reform, and the success of the Teacher Quality Partnership Program, which Reed helped author in the 1998 reauthorization of the Higher Education Act.\r\nThe Educator Preparation Reform Act places specific attention and emphasis on principals with the addition of a residency program for new principals. The bill better connects teacher preparation with principal preparation, and the legislation would also allow partnerships to develop preparation programs for other areas of instructional need, such as for school librarians, counselors, or other academic support professionals.\r\nThe bill streamlines the accountability and reporting requirements for teacher preparation programs to provide greater transparency on key quality measures such as admissions standards, requirements for clinical practice, placement of graduates, retention in the field of teaching, and teacher performance, including student learning outcomes. All programs  whether traditional or alternative routes to certification  will be asked to report on the same measures. Under the legislation, states will be required to identify at-risk and low-performing programs and provide them with technical assistance and a timeline for improvement, and states would be encouraged to close programs that do not improve.\r\nThe Educator Preparation Reform Act is supported by: Alliance for Excellent Education; American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education; American Association of State Colleges and Universities; American Council on Education; Association of American Universities; Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities; Association of Public and Land-grant Universities; Council for Christian Colleges and Universities; First Focus Campaign for Children; Higher Education Consortium for Special Education; Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities; National Association of Elementary School Principals; National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities; National Association of Secondary School Principals; National Association of State Directors of Special Education; National Center for Learning Disabilities; National Disability Rights Network; National Education Association; Public Advocacy for Kids; Rural School and Community Trust; and Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children.\r\n-end-\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-newly-passed-tax-benefits-will-help-working-riers-businesses-and-long-term-unemployed", "Reed: Newly Passed Tax Benefits will Help Working RIers, Businesses, & Long-Term Unemployed", "2015-12-28", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12/28/2015PROVIDENCE, RI  In an effort to help working families keep more of the money they earn, boost Rhode Islands economy, and provide local businesses with the financial stability and certainty they need to succeed, U.S. Senator Jack Reed helped pass legislation earlier this month to enhance and extend several targeted tax benefits. Attached to the omnibus appropriations bill that Congress passed on December 18 was a tax extenders package that includes several provisions supported by Senator Reed designed to help working families and grow our economy. The extenders package includes an expanded Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and improvements to the Child Tax Credit (CTC), the American Opportunity Tax Credit, and the Work Opportunity Tax Credit. And in an effort intended to spur innovation, the bill also permanently extends the Research and Development Tax Credit and extends tax credits for investments in clean, renewable energy that will support green jobs in Rhode Island.\r\nWe need a multi-faceted approach to growing our economy and increasing living standards for working families, said Senator Reed. Congress recently passed a law providing significant tax relief for hardworking Rhode Islanders. I hope businesses will follow through on the bill's provisions which are intended to encourage more hiring and wage growth. Although I did not support every provision in the tax extenders package, I voted for the bill because it helps working families keep more of their hard earned money and provides the financial certainty businesses need to better plan for the future.\r\nSenator Reed, who earlier this year cosponsored the Working Families Tax Relief Act of 2015, outlined several key provisions he supported that will benefit Rhode Island, including:\r\nEarned Income Tax Credit (EITC): The new law provides $30 billion to permanently extend an increased credit for working families. The EITC for low- and moderate-income workers rewards work, offsets federal payroll and income taxes, and helps families meet their basic needs. The new law makes permanent the enhanced credit for families with three or more children and increased phase-out range for married couples filing jointly.\r\nAccording to a December 2015 report by the Middle Class Prosperity Project, the permanently expanded EITC would help 29,000 Rhode Island families and individuals, and boost the local economy by $19.4 million.\r\nChild Tax Credit (CTC): The new law provides $88 billion to permanently extend and expand the CTC, which is critical to helping middle- to low-income families with the cost of raising a child. In addition to a $1,000 credit per qualifying child, since 2009 parents have been granted an additional refundable credit equal to 15% of earned income in excess of $3,000. This threshold was set to revert back to $10,000 in 2017. But the new law makes the lower threshold permanent, putting additional cash in the pockets of thousands of Rhode Islanders.\r\nAccording to the latest estimates from the Center on Budget Policy and Priorities, 84,000 Rhode Island households received the EITC in 2012, while 54,000 Rhode Island households received the low-income part of the CTC in 2012. And 29,000 Rhode Islanders were lifted out of poverty by the EITC and CTC, including 14,000 children, each year, on average, during 2011 to 2013. The EITC put about $181 million into Rhode Islands economy in 2012.\r\nReed noted that if the EITC and CTC were allowed to expire, it would have meant a loss of about $940 per year to the average Rhode Island family that currently receives the benefit.\r\nAmerican Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC): The new law provides $80 billion to permanently extend the AOTC, which helps students and families afford postsecondary education. First established under the Recovery Act in 2009, the AOTC provides many middle-class families with $1 back on their taxes for every $1 spent on undergraduate college education expenses for the first $2,000 and 25% of the next $2,000 for a total of up to $2,500 per year.\r\nThe American Opportunity Tax Credit is designed to help make college more affordable for middle-class families. I want to ensure that all eligible Rhode Islanders are taking advantage of this opportunity to help pay for college, stated Reed, who helped inform hundreds of families about the AOTC at his annual financial aid workshop last month.\r\nWork Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a tax incentive program designed to encourage employers to hire and retain individuals from specific target groups with employment barriers. These groups include veterans, Empowerment Zone residents, and SNAP recipients. The new law adds a long-term unemployed category. Long-term unemployed recipients are defined as individuals who are unemployed for not less than 27 consecutive weeks and received unemployment compensation for a period of time under State or Federal law. This new category is effective for employees who start work after December 31, 2015.\r\nThe national economy has made great strides, but there are still more than two million Americans who have been out of work for more than six months. It is imperative that we keep working to strengthen our economy, create jobs, and provide a fair shot for everyone. This provision will encourage more companies to give applicants whove experienced long-term unemployment a second look by providing a $2,400 incentive to hire them, said Reed.\r\nResearch & Development Tax Credit: The new law provides $113 billion to permanently extend the Research and Development Tax Credit, which helps encourage business innovation and research. Starting in 2016, businesses with under $50 million in gross receipts will be free to use the credit to offset the alternative minimum tax. Also, certain start-up businesses which may not have an income tax liability will be able to offset payroll taxes with the credit.\r\nEnergy Tax Provisions: In an effort to keep America on track toward a more sustainable energy future, Senator Reed cosponsored the Incentivizing Offshore Wind Power Act and the new law contains key elements of that bill, providing multi-year extensions of wind, solar, and alternative fuel credits. It provides a 10 percent tax credit, up to $500, for qualified energy-efficiency improvements to homes. So Rhode Islanders adding insulation or weatherizing homes may be eligible to get rebates. The $500 limit includes any amount claimed previously under the same tax credit. The new law also includes new deductions for qualified conservation contributions based on provisions from the Conservation Easement Incentive Act of 2015, which Senator Reed cosponsored. This federal tax deduction for people donating conservation easements could make it easier to protect open space and farm land from development. \r\nEducator Expense Deduction for Teachers Buying School Supplies: K-12 teachers who purchase classroom supplies for their students out of their own pockets will now be eligible for an above-the-line deduction of up to $250. And the deduction will be indexed to inflation so its value will increase over time. Professional development costs will be eligible too, starting in 2016.\r\nTax-Free Transfers to Charity Renewed for IRA Owners 70 or Older: The new law includes several charitable giving incentives that could benefit Rhode Islanders, including allowing taxpayers over 70  years old to make tax-free donations of up to $100,000 directly from an individual retirement account (IRA).\r\n-end-\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-increases-federal-resources-to-confront-heroin-crisis-and-overcome-barriers-to-treatment-and-recovery", "Reed Increases Federal Resources to Confront Heroin Crisis & Overcome Barriers to Treatment and Recovery", "2015-12-26", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12/26/2015PROVIDENCE, RI  In an effort to prevent heroin and prescription drug addiction from cutting short more lives in Rhode Island and nationwide, U.S. Senator Jack Reed is working to increase resources for Rhode Island and expand access to life-saving treatment for those in need.\r\nWhether it is helping an individual recover from addiction or helping entire communities overcome this opiate epidemic, they both require a multi-faceted, sustained approach. It also takes a real investment in resources. That is why I am working at the federal level to deliver additional funding to help communities across Rhode Island reduce abuse of opioids and prescription drugs. We need to improve addiction recovery outcomes and ensure people who need help have access to life saving treatments, said Reed. No community is immune to this problem and we have to overcome barriers to treatment.\"\r\nThis week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report showing that drug overdose-induced deaths reached a record high last year, with 47,000 Americans lives being cut short. In Rhode Island, 241 people died from overdoses last year, an increase from 232 fatal overdoses in 2013, according to the Rhode Island Department of Health.\r\nSenator Reed, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, helped include a provision to provide $7 million to fund anti-heroin task forces within the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program. Rhode Island may compete for competitive grants from this pot of funding for improving drug prevention strategies, including investigations and activities related to stopping the distribution of heroin or unlawful diversion and distribution of prescription opioids. The bill also provides $12 million in funding for residential drug treatment, $13 million for prescription drug monitoring, and $42 million for drug courts and the CDCs state-based anti-drug program.\r\nWe need coordinated action to save lives and help people struggling with addiction to heroin and drugs. This federal funding will strengthen programs that provide needed services to Rhode Islanders struggling with substance abuse and help the state develop more effective approaches to treatment and prevention, said Reed, who supported efforts to ensure Rhode Island is eligible for additional federal funding through the CDCs Prescription Drug Overdose Prevention for States program. This program will invest a total of up to $20 million in 16 eligible states around the country, giving them additional resources and expertise to help prevent overdose deaths related to prescription opioids. The other states who may apply for a share of the federal funding include: Arizona, California, Illinois, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont and Wisconsin. Federal grants through the program will be distributed during the next four years and Rhode Island is projected to receive about $940,000 annually.\r\nJust this week, Brown Universitys medical school and Rhode Island Hospital were awarded $916,851 and $788,403 respectively to integrate extensive training in substance abuse screening and intervention into the curriculum to help future doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and social workers better address opioid addiction and overdose. The federal funds were awarded through the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).\r\nAccording to the Naloxone and Overdose Prevention Education Program of Rhode Island (NOPE-RI), Rhode Island has the 7th highest fatal overdose rate in the nation and overdoses cost the state $280 million last year.\r\nReed is also urging Congress to focus on the issue and hold votes when they return in the new year on measures like the Overdose Prevention Act, which Reed authored to help decrease the rate of drug overdose deaths by improving access to naloxone. The bill would also encourage the implementation of overdose prevention programs, improve surveillance of overdose occurrences, and establish a coordinated federal plan of action to address the epidemic. He is also backing a vote on the bipartisan Treatment and Recovery Investment Act, which could increase funding for states so they can better assist individuals with substance use disorders. The legislation is designed to expand the ability of addiction medicine specialists and other clinicians to prescribe life-saving medication to patients struggling with addiction to heroin and other opioids. The bill will expand access to medications that have been proven effective at treating opioid addiction by increasing the number of patients a provider is initially allowed to treat from 30 to 100 patients per year, and removing the patient cap entirely after one year for qualified physicians. Specifically, the bill allows nurse practitioners and physician assistants to treat up to 100 patients per year as long as they are licensed in a state that already allows them to prescribe controlled substances, complete approved training on opioid addiction treatment and are supervised by a physician or work with a physician who is also approved to prescribe opioid addiction medication.\r\nIn addition to immediately expanding access to treatment for patients suffering from heroin and opioid addiction, the legislation also requires the GAO to examine changes in treatment availability, the quality of treatment programs, integration with routine healthcare services, prevalence of diversion, the impact on the state-policies and legislation and the use of nurse practitioner and physicians assistant prescribers.\r\nRhode Islanders struggling with drug abuse may call United Ways 2-1-1 hotline to connect with help and recovery services.\r\n-end-\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-celebrates-christmas-us-troops-serving-iraq", "Cicilline Celebrates Christmas with U.S. Troops Serving in Iraq", "2015-12-25", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "David Cicilline", "C001084", "cicilline.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PAWTUCKET U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline spent the Christmas holidays in Baghdad, Iraq where he thanked American troops for their service and sacrifice during the holiday season. During his visit, Cicilline met and had dinner with Rhode Islanders who are among the 3,000 American troops currently serving in Iraq. Cicilline, who serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, also participated in multiple briefings on the status of American military operations in the region.  \n\t  It was an incredibly humbling experience to spend Christmas in Iraq with the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces and to have the opportunity to thank them on behalf of all Rhode Islanders. Our troops and their families are making extraordinary sacrifices in service to our nation and their example is an inspiration to us all, said Cicilline. Those who have served our country in uniform embody the very best that our country has to offer. They deserve our strong support and deep gratitude. I wish all of our troops, their families, and loved ones a safe and happy holiday.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/-president-signs-reed-backed-bill-to-improve-access-to-bone-marrow-and-cord-blood-treatments-and-transplants", "President Signs Reed-backed Bill to Improve Access to Bone Marrow & Cord Blood Treatments and Transplants", "2015-12-24", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12/24/2015WASHINGTON, DC - In an effort to help thousands of patients suffering from diseases requiring bone marrow and cord blood transplants, President Obama signed the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2015 into law. This critical measure, which was co-authored by U.S. Senators Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Jack Reed (D-RI), reauthorizes the National Marrow Donor Program and the National Cord Blood Inventory, renewing until 2020 these federal programs for using bone marrow and cord blood to treat diseases and conduct research.\r\nThis bipartisan law builds upon the highly successful National Marrow Donor Program that has been a lifeline for thousands of transplant patients over the last several decades. It helps bring hope and a second chance at life to thousands of patients in need this year, said Senator Reed. Bone marrow and cord blood transplants continue to offer effective treatments for a number of diseases and disorders, and renewal of this bipartisan law marks a critical step forward in expanding access to lifesaving therapies to millions of patients with conditions that can be treated and even cured with bone marrow or cord blood.\r\nReauthorization of this significant, life-saving bill will advance the important work of the bone marrow and cord blood programs to promote new discoveries within the fields of cellular therapy and regenerative medicine, said Senator Hatch. Enacting this bill will also reaffirm the commitment that Congress made three decades ago to help patients with blood cancers and other life-threatening diseases by increasing access to life-saving transplants.\r\nCord blood is the blood that remains in the placenta and in the attached umbilical cord after childbirth. It is collected and used in research because it is rich in blood-forming stem cells, which can be used to treat a range of diseases.\r\nThe bill also reauthorizes the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program, which houses the National Registry, known as Be the Match; the Office of Patient Advocacy; and the Stem Cell Therapeutic Outcomes Database.\r\nAccording to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), about 12,600 people annually depend on programs made available by this law to find an unrelated adult marrow donor or cord blood unit for treatment.\r\nToday, Americans have access to more than 12 million adult volunteer donors and over 200,000 cord blood units through Be The Match. Transplants involving these adult stem cells are often the only hope for patients battling blood cancers like leukemia and can cure sickle cell anemia and other bone marrow disorders and conditions. Since the inception of the registry, the program has successfully facilitated 68,000 transplants.\r\nIn Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Blood Center holds bone marrow drives on a weekly basis. Since 1994, Roger Williams Medical Center has been home to Rhode Island's only Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program. In this comprehensive transplant center, autologous, allogeneic (related and unrelated) and cord blood transplantation services are offered.\r\nThe Hatch-Reed law reauthorizes funding from fiscal year 2016 through fiscal year 2020, with $23 million annually for the National Cord Blood Inventory and $30 million a year for the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation program.\r\nIn the U.S. House of Representatives the bill was cosponsored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Rep. Doris Matsui (D-CA). It passed Congress with bipartisan support on December 16 and was signed by President Obama on December 18.\r\n-end-\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-airport-officials-celebrate-completion-of-tf-greens-runway-safety-project", "Reed, Airport Officials Celebrate Completion of T.F. Green’s Runway Safety Project", "2015-12-21", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12/21/2015WARWICK, RI  As the work upgrading T.F. Green Airport continues, U.S. Senator Jack Reed today joined with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Regional Administrator Amy Corbett, Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) President and CEO Kelly J. Fredericks, and airport officials to celebrate a new milestone in the airports modernization.\r\nA major project to improve the runway safety areas on Runway 16-34 has been completed and brings the runway into compliance with federal safety standards. Workers added an engineered materials arresting system (EMAS) to each end of the runway. EMAS is a bed of high-tech, energy-absorbent blocks that are designed to help safely stop a plane that overshoots the runway on an aborted takeoff or landing. The EMAS beds are comprised of a total of 7,662 individual, crushable blocks.\r\nAdditionally, the project, which cost about $40 million, includes reconstruction of approximately 1,650 feet of Runway 16-34 and a portion of Taxiway C, as well as improvements to navigational aids and construction related to wetlands mitigation.\r\nSafety is our top priority and these new high-tech buffers will enhance safety, particularly for larger planes. I commend RIAC and Rhode Island workers for making these important safety upgrades on time and on budget. The extension of the runway can have a positive impact on job growth and attracting new businesses and visitors to Rhode Island. With this important safety project complete, our attention now can turn to making sure the runway extension project stays on target for completion by the end of 2017, said Senator Reed.\r\nIn 2011, the FAA approved plans for T.F. Green to extend the primary runway, Runway 5-23, to the south by 1,530 feet to a total length of 8,700 feet. The longer runway will allow for larger, heavier planes which could mean enhanced West Coast and international flight options for travelers.\r\nWe are grateful to Senator Reed and the Federal Aviation Administration for their steadfast support of T.F. Green Airport and the Airport Expansion Program. Today marks an important milestone in the project with the completion of the runway safety areas and reopening of runway 16-34. Now we look to the future as we work toward December of 2017 and the opening of an extended runway, said Kelly J. Fredericks, President & CEO, Rhode Island Airport Corporation.\r\nWith strong support from state and local officials, the business community, and labor, the T.F. Green runway expansion project has taken off and is well under way. Senator Reed, the Ranking Member of the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development and Related Agencies (THUD) Appropriations Subcommittee, has led efforts to work with the FAA on plans to invest approximately $110 million in upgrading T.F. Green Airport and expanding the runway. Last week, he helped pass an Omnibus Appropriations bill to provide $16.28 billion in total budgetary resources for the FAA, an increase of $564 million above fiscal year 2015. This level of funding for the FAA should help keep improvements for T.F. Green on schedule.\r\nOther work on the airport modernization project -- including building a new de-icing treatment facility and the relocation of athletic fields  are complete and operational bringing immediate environmental and recreational benefits to Rhode Island. Construction now focuses on the relocation of Main Avenue and the runway extension, with final completion scheduled for December 2017.\r\nDuring the event, Reed also noted that all of these efforts are starting to pay off with the successful launch of seasonal international service to Germany and Cabo Verde. Domestic carriers are also increasing frequency and routes and T.F. Green continues to be recognized by travelers as one of the best airports in the country for its easy accessibility.\r\nAccording to Aviation Week: The case for improving runway safety areas (RSAs) is evident in safety data. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board say that, in the U.S., overruns account for approximately 10 incidents or accidents every year with varying degrees of severity, while an FAA study found that 90% of overruns result in an aircraft coming to rest within 1,000 ft. of the runway end. Boeing data show that landing-phase accidents accounted for 18 fatal commercial airline accidents globally from 2004-13, more than any other flight phase. Those accidents killed 796 people, third-most behind loss-of-control and controlled-flight-into-terrain mishaps, and more than the next eight categories combined.\r\n-end-\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-supports-omnibus-spending-bill", "Langevin Supports Omnibus Spending Bill", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jim Langevin", "L000559", "langevin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) today voted to support H.R. 2029, a $1.1 trillion omnibus spending bill to fund the government for fiscal year 2016. The legislation contains several of Langevins priorities, including a boost in funding for respite care services and job training, and support for cybersecurity.\nWhile there are elements of this omnibus that trouble me deeply, such as the lifted ban on crude oil exports or the absence of support for gun violence research, this bill represents a truly bipartisan compromise, Langevin said. It brings stability to government and makes investments in important priorities like medical research, education, workforce development, as well as the environment through an extension of tax breaks for solar, wind and other renewable energy producers, and funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund for three more years.\nThe omnibus spending package provides a $1 million boost for Lifespan Respite Care programs, bringing this years total funding level to $3.36 million. Langevin authored and first introduced the Lifespan Respite Care Act in 2002, and it was signed into law in 2006. The omnibus measure also provides a $2 billion increase in funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and reauthorizes the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act that provides lifetime health care benefits for 9/11 first responders.\nAs co-chair of the Congressional Career and Technical Education Caucus, Langevin applauded the $86 million boost for job training grant funding, calling it a victory for workforce development programs that put people back to work. He likewise lauded the $570 million increase in Head Start funding, noting that early education and intervention programs keep at-risk youth from falling through the cracks and help them find a path to success.\nLangevin, who co-chairs the Congressional Cybersecurity Caucus, is particularly pleased that the omnibus includes his language from the Cybercrime Antitheft Resale Deterrent Extraterritoriality Revision (CARDER) Act. The CARDER Act, which passed favorably out of the House Judiciary Committee earlier this month, would make it easier for law enforcement to prosecute foreign criminals who trade in Americans stolen credit cards. The omnibus also includes a proposal to improve information-sharing between government and the private sector.\nCybercrime, cyber espionage and cyber warfare are realities that we cannot ignore. Information-sharing legislation is not a complete solution, but it is a critical component that will strengthen our nations cyber defenses and enable us to respond to threats more quickly and effectively. The cyber language included in the omnibus ensures that personal data is stripped out before information is shared, marking a significant step forward in cybersecurity while preserving privacy and civil liberties.\nAs a senior member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, Langevin noted that this spending package doesnt just improve our cybersecurity, it also fortifies our overall national security. The Visa Waiver Program currently allows nationals from 38 countries to enter the United States for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. Under this legislation, individuals would not be able to enter the United States without a visa if they hold dual citizenship from Iran, Iraq, Sudan or Syria, or if they have visited those countries since 2011.\nIn his capacity as a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, Langevin was also pleased to report that the Ohio Replacement Program and the Virginia Payload Module, centerpieces of the work being done by General Dynamics Electric Boat in Rhode Island, will receive an additional $118 million and $47 million, respectively, over 2015 levels.\nRhode Islands defense industry plays an integral role in our national security, and fully funding these two programs will not only ensure our military has the greatest possible capabilities at their disposal, but it will also support jobs and spur innovation in my home state, said Langevin. These are challenging times we face, but I believe that this spending bill reaffirms our promise to protect national security, improve quality of life for Americans, and invest in our future.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/congress-passes-omnibus-appropriations-bill-that-benefits-ri", "Congress Passes Omnibus Appropriations Bill that Benefits RI", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12/18/2015WASHINGTON, DC  Today Congress approved the $1.15 trillion Fiscal Year 2016 Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations bill, also known as the omnibus, that included many important provisions for Rhode Island families.\r\nU.S. Senator Jack Reed, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Ranking Member of the panels Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Subcommittee, played an important role in crafting key pieces of the bill to help strengthen the economy, create jobs, and make critical investments in Americas future. The THUD section of the bill authored by Reed and THUD Chairman Susan Collins (R-ME) provides a total of $57.3 billion  an increase of $3.53 billion over fiscal year 2015 -- for programs that build the U.S. transportation network, support housing programs, and spur economic development.\r\nThroughout the year, Senator Reed played a leadership role in working to reverse the harmful sequester caps and helped pass a bipartisan budget agreement to provide $80 billion in sequester relief over the next two years, evenly split between defense and domestic funding. As a result, the omnibus includes increased investments in education, infrastructure, economic development programs, public safety and national security.\r\nThis bill provides the resources we need to maintain a strong defense and a strong economy. It restores our ability to make critical investments in education, housing, public health, and public safety as well as new resources to strengthen our workforce and grow the middle-class. We were able to include federal funds to boost transportation and community development projects in Rhode Island that will help keep our economy moving forward, said Reed, who highlighted several key areas of the bill that will benefit Rhode Island, including:\r\nStrengthening Our Transportation Infrastructure\r\nSenator Reed helped increase funds for the Federal-Aid Highway program, resulting in a projected allocation for Rhode Island of $229 million in highway grants and $38 million in transit grants.\r\nKeeping T.F. Green Airport Improvements on Schedule\r\nSenator Reed helped protect core operations of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), fully funding the budget request for air traffic control, safety oversight, and its facilities and equipment. These funds should help keep improvements for T.F. Green Airport on schedule. Reed also included report language directing the Federal Railroad Administration and Amtrak to assess the feasibility of connecting intercity passenger rail services at commercial airports that are adjacent to the mainline of Amtraks Northeast Corridor, such as T.F. Green.\r\nCommunity Development Block Grants (CBDG)\r\nSenator Reed led the effort to restore funding for CDBG and succeeded in providing $3 billion for the program. As a result, Rhode Island should receive over $20 million in CDBG funds in the coming year.\r\nBuilding Submarines in Rhode Island\r\nSenator Reed led the effort to include $5.32 billion for the Virginia-Class submarine program, including advanced procurement for the two ships planned in 2017.\r\nConfronting RIs Drug Overdose Epidemic\r\nSenator Reed helped include a provision to provide $7 million to fund anti-heroin task forces within the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program. Rhode Island may compete for competitive grants from this pot of funding for improving drug prevention strategies, including investigations and activities related to stopping the distribution of heroin or unlawful diversion and distribution of prescription opioids. The bill also provides $12 million in funding for residential drug treatment, $13 million for prescription drug monitoring, and $42 million for drug courts and the CDCs state-based anti-drug program.\r\nHelping the RI Community Food Bank Combat Hunger\r\nSenator Reed included $222 million for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CFSP) and $54 million for the Emergency Food Assistance Program to assist low-income Americans with food provided through food banks, pantries, and soup kitchens. Last year, Reed successfully inserted language into the Fiscal Year 2015 Agriculture Appropriations bill making it possible for Rhode Island to start participating in CSFP, along with six other states that did not have the program. Thanks to Senator Reeds efforts, the state will once again receive USDA commodities to distribute directly to Rhode Island seniors and over $100,000 in federal funding to help administer the program.\r\nAssisting Local Law Enforcement\r\nReed backed key operational grant programs that benefit Rhode Island, such as $476 million for Byrne Justice Assistance Grants; $480 million for Violence Against Women Act programs; $270 million for juvenile justice and mentoring grants; and $187 million for Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) hiring grants. Reed also backed a measure to provide $70 million for programs to improve police-community relations, including the purchase of body-worn cameras for police.\r\nLIHEAP & Weatherization Funding for RI\r\nReed and Senator Collins led the effort to include $3.39 billion for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), to allow states to provide home energy assistance to low-income households this winter and coming summer. As a result, Rhode Island will likely receive over $23 million in the coming year to help Rhode Islanders from being left out in the cold. He also led efforts to include $2.07 billion for Energy and Efficiency and Renewable Energy programs. This includes $215 million for the Weatherization Assistance Program and $50 million for the State Energy Program.\r\nImproving Our Schools, Preserving Pell Grants, & Making College More Affordable\r\nSenator Reed helped pass a $500 million increase in Title I funding to help schools meet high academic achievement standards. He also helped boost funds for Head Start and special education programs. The bill also provides $22.475 billion for Pell Grants to maintain the maximum discretionary award level at $4,860 for the 2016-2017 school year. Combined with mandatory funding, the total maximum award is estimated to increase by $140 to $5,915. There will be approximately 8.4 million Pell Grant recipients during the 2016-2017 school year, an increase of more than 100,000 students compared to the current school year. This funding level represents a $300 million increase from previous bills. Reed also helped increase funding for the Student Aid Administration by $155 million to support high-quality loan servicing and administration of student aid programs.\r\nImproving Preschool Programs in RI and Expanding Access to Quality, Affordable Childcare\r\nReed helped provide $250 million to continue support for Preschool Development Grants. At this level of funding, Rhode Island is slated to receive about $6 million to support and expand pre-K programs in Rhode Island. Senator Reed also supported $2.76 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), a $326 million increase. As a result, Rhode Island should be eligible to receive over $17 million in federal child care subsidies from the Child Care and Development Fund.\r\nCoastal Management & NOAA Resources in RI\r\nSenator Reed backed critical funding for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to begin building a new Ocean Survey Vessel for NOAA and $1 million to conduct a planning and design study that will evaluate the feasibility of utilizing the pier at Naval Station Newport for NOAA vessels. Naval Station Newport is currently home to the Fisheries Survey Vessel Henry Bigelow and hosts visiting NOAA vessels. Reed also helped include $75 million for Coastal Zone Management Grants (that support CRMC), $64 million for Sea Grant, $61 million for Habitat Restoration (including $10 million for Coastal Ecosystem Resiliency grants), $32 million for Ocean Exploration (which supports the Okeanos Explorer and partnerships with URIs Inner Space Center), $29.5 million for Integrated Ocean Observing Systems, $26.6 million for NOAA ocean education programs, $9 million for Marine Aquaculture (under Sea Grant), and $6.3 million for NOAA aquaculture.\r\nEnergy, Water Projects in RI\r\nReed backed $5.99 billion for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, including funding for operation and maintenance of water resources projects in Rhode Island, such as Fox Point Barrier ($2,636,000); Woonsocket Flood Control Project ($499,000); Block Island Harbor of Refuge ($350,000); and Great Salt Pond, Block Island ($350,000).\r\nRestoring Narragansett Bay & Neighboring Watersheds\r\nSenator Reed included $5 million to benefit the Southeast New England Program (SNEP) for Coastal Watershed Restoration. The series of federal grants will contribute to the restoration, protection, and preservation of the Narragansett Bay Watershed and other surrounding watersheds in the southeast New England region. Senator Reed led efforts to establish and fund the SNEP for Coastal Watershed Restoration in fiscal year 2014.\r\nClean Water Infrastructure Projects for RI\r\nReed led efforts to include $1.394 billion for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and $863 million for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, which help create jobs and provide clean water to communities throughout the country by supporting water infrastructure modernization projects. As a result, Rhode Island should receive at least $9.4 million through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and $8.8 million through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF), for a total of $18.2 million in clean water financing for water quality protection projects and enhancements.\r\nStrengthening RI Manufacturing\r\nSenator Reed advocated for the inclusion of $964 million for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which helps provide technical resources to promote the global competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers and aspiring start-ups. NISTs Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) and Advanced Manufacturing Technology Consortia (AMTech) will help manufacturers accelerate development and adoption of cutting-edge manufacturing technologies for making new, globally competitive products. These funds could provide additional support to groups like Providence-based Polaris MEP.\r\nIncreasing Opportunity & Strengthening RIs Workforce\r\nSenator Reed helped deliver over $5 billion for innovative programs to improve our workforce, including programs like Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Grants to states to provide job training skills and assistance to low-skilled adults, dislocated workers and low-income youth with barriers to employment, as well as Job Corps and the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS).\r\nTIGER Grants\r\nReed led efforts to include a pot of $500 million for TIGER grants to support significant transportation projects. States can compete for TIGER grants for a variety of transportation projects, including highways and bridges, public transportation, passenger and freight railroads, and port infrastructure.\r\nLead-Based Paint Monitoring and Removal\r\nThe bill includes funding for critical federal programs at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The CDCs Healthy Homes and Lead Poisoning Prevention Program is the only federal program that provides funding for states and local health departments to conduct surveillance of where, how, and when children are exposed to lead will receive $17 million. HUDs Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes helps protect children from health and safety hazards related to lead-based paint and other home hazards. It will receive $110 million for this program.\r\nSupporting Public Libraries\r\nSenator Reed led the effort to include $230 million for the Institute of Museum and Library Services including $182.94 million for the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). This is in addition to the $27 million Senator Reed secured for the Innovative Approaches to Literacy Programs to support effective school library programs and literacy initiatives to ensure that disadvantaged children have books at home.\r\nLastly, Reed noted that he helped successfully beat back attempts to add several partisan policy riders to the bill, such as those that would have weakened Wall Street reform, eliminated protections for clean air and water, and interfered with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureaus (CFPB) ability to protect consumers.\r\nReed stated that instead of passing an omnibus appropriations bill at the end of the year, Congress should get back to regular order and focus on passing the dozen appropriation measures included in the bill separately, with individual attention, debate, and votes on each major section.\r\nThe House passed the bill by a vote of 316-113, and it was then approved by the full U.S. Senate on a vote of 65-33. The bill heads to the Presidents desk to be signed into law.\r\n-end-\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-helps-pass-bill-to-better-regulate-toxic-chemicals", "Reed Helps Pass Bill to Better Regulate Toxic Chemicals", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12/18/2015WASHINGTON, DC  Late last night the Senate unanimously passed critical legislation to update safety standards for tens of thousands of chemicals that are currently unregulated.\r\nU.S. Senator Jack Reed, a cosponsor of the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, hailed the bipartisan passage of the bill as an important step toward protecting families from dangerous, unregulated chemicals.\r\nThe chemical safety reform bill would finally update the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 (TSCA) for the first time in nearly 40 years. The 1976 law is deeply flawed because it does not provide the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with adequate authority to regulate toxic chemicals in commerce. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, the law allowed 62,000 chemicals to remain on the market without testing when it first passed and over the last several decades the EPA has only required testing for about 200 of those chemicals, and has partially regulated just five.\r\nThe nations forty year old law regulating toxic chemicals is badly outdated and in need of reform. Passage of this bill brings us a big step closer to setting clearer and stronger regulatory standards when it comes to chemical safety evaluations. These chemicals are found in everything from kids toys to furniture and cleaning and personal items and the American people deserve to know what chemicals they are being exposed to and should have confidence that they are truly safe because the government is doing its due diligence to help protect them. I will continue working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure we continue to make progress on this much-needed reform and fortify both strong federal and state regulation of dangerous chemicals, said Reed.\r\nThe Senate-passed bill would:\r\n \r\nRequire safety reviews for all dangerous chemicals in active commerce  literally thousands of chemicals will need review;\r\nGoing forward, require EPA to review and approve new chemicals that come on the market each year;\r\nEnsure the EPA takes into consideration only the impact on health and the environment when determining whether to allow a chemical to be sold or manufactured;\r\nRequire chemical companies to contribute to the cost of regulations;\r\nPrevent industry from hiding information on their chemicals from the public view;\r\nPreserve strong private rights of action to hold industry accountable for negligence and harm;\r\nAnd explicitly require that EPA base its decisions on how chemicals impact the most vulnerable among us  children, pregnant women, the elderly, and chemical workers.\r\n \r\nThe legislation is named in tribute to the late Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), who Senator Reed served with in the Senate and who championed the efforts to overhaul TSCA.\r\nNow that the Senate passed its version of the bill, it must be reconciled with a version that has already approved by the U.S. House of Representatives. Once lawmakers resolve differences between the two measures, the bill must be approved by both the House and the Senate before it is sent to President Obamas desk to be signed into law.\r\n-end-\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/congress-reaches-end-of-year-compromise-on-spending-taxes", "Congress Reaches End-of-Year Compromise on Spending, Taxes", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Sheldon Whitehouse", "W000802", "www.whitehouse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.18.15\n\t\t\t Congress Reaches End-of-Year Compromise on Spending, Taxes \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Whitehouse Worked to Include Oceans Fund, Other Key Provisions\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, DC  Congress today passed a comprehensive legislative package to fund the federal government through September 2016 and extend or make permanent a number of expired or expiring tax incentives. U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) expressed support for the package, which includes a number of provisions he authored or advocated for.\r\nThis bipartisan agreement is good news for the economy. It will prevent a catastrophic government shutdown, and add a measure of certainty to the tax code for American families and businesses, said Whitehouse. Im particularly pleased that this legislation establishes, for the first time, a fund dedicated to the protection of our ocean and coastal resources. The agreement also permanently preserves tax credits critical to working families, like the American Opportunity Tax Credit for tuition and college expenses. This deal is far from perfect. I would have preferred, for example, that the tax cuts not add to the deficit. But it includes a number of important measures that will support middle-class jobs, increase access to college, protect our oceans and environment, and boost the renewable energy sector in Rhode Island and across the country. Democrats were able to fend off harmful riders that would have undermined the Clean Water Rule, Clean Power Plan, Endangered Species Act, and other landmark environmental protections.\r\nThe deal establishes the National Oceans and Coastal Security Fund, a program authored by Whitehouse, which will provide funding for research, conservation, and restoration of our oceans and coasts. The fund will support work that helps Americans understand and adapt to forces like sea level rise, severe storms, and ocean acidification, which threaten lives and economic prosperity in coastal communities across the country. The program is modelled on the National Endowment for the Oceans, which Senator Whitehouse championed in previous Congresses. The package also includes $15 million in new funding for ocean and coastal research and restoration projects.\r\nAmong the tax provisions in the package are five-year extensions of tax incentives for wind, solar, and other clean energy technologies, providing certainty for renewable energy developers. Previous year-by-year extensions undermined the planning and development of clean energy projects.\r\nOther Whitehouse-supported provisions contained in the package include:\r\n \r\nFunding to provide Pell Grants of up to $5,915 for low-income college students in the next school year, up $140 from the current year.\r\nBoosted investments in health research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The NIH will receive $32.1 billion, an increase of $2 billion, and the CDC will receive $7.2 billion, an increase of nearly $300 million.\r\n$3.4 billion to help low income families pay their energy bills through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).\r\nThe Cyber Information Sharing Act, legislation that will encourage greater coordination between the government and private sector to identify and respond to cyber threats. The act includes a provision championed by Rep. Jim Langevin (D-RI) in the House of Representatives and by Whitehouse in the Senate to eliminate a loophole that allows foreign cybercriminals who traffic in stolen American financial information to escape prosecution in the United States.\r\n$150 million for the Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative at the National Institutes of Health, an increase of $85 million. The collaborative research initiative focuses on revolutionizing our understanding of the human brain, a major area of research at a number of Rhode Island hospitals and universities.\r\n \r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-cheers-passage-of-bill-to-protect-the-public-from-toxic-chemicals", "Whitehouse Cheers Passage of Bill to Protect the Public from Toxic Chemicals", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Sheldon Whitehouse", "W000802", "www.whitehouse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.18.15\n\t\t\t Whitehouse Cheers Passage of Bill to Protect the Public from Toxic Chemicals \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Senate Clears Priority for Rhode Island Officials and Leading Companies\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, DC  Senator Sheldon Whitehouse applauded the Senates unanimous approval last evening of legislation to help protect Americans from toxic chemicals in everyday products by improving the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).\r\nOur main toxic chemicals law hasnt done nearly enough to protect Americans health and our environment. Its stuck states like Rhode Island with the difficult job of protecting the public from complicated chemicals and saddled businesses with a confusing patchwork of rules and regulations, said Whitehouse. This bill will provide consumers with confidence that the products they use are safe. It will also give more certainty to businesses. Im proud of the work weve done to craft this legislation and glad to see it advance.\r\nFirst passed in 1976, TSCA was supposed to protect the public and our environment from new and existing chemicals in the marketplace. However, in the almost 40 years since, the government has only been able to use TSCA to restrict the use of just five chemicals of the tens of thousands in useand even failed to ban asbestos. As a result, potentially harmful chemicals like BPA and flame retardants continue to be used in everyday products, like the thermal paper used at ATMs, couches, and even baby products. This exposes millions of Americans to substances that research suggests could be linked to a range of harmful effects.\r\nWhile allowing states to maintain their toxic chemical protection regimes, the legislation that passed last evening ensures review of all chemicals currently in commerce and that new chemicals are safe before they enter the marketplace.\r\nConcerns over the federal governments failure to act have prompted several states, including Rhode Island, to regulate chemical substances on their own, resulting in a complex patchwork of regulations across the country that are burdensome for businesses. Both Rhode Island officials and leading Ocean State businesses have been outspoken in their support of improving TSCA.\r\nThe passage of this Act is long overdue and puts in place significant measures to protect the health and welfare of the public and our environment, said Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin. I commend Senator Whitehouse for his leadership on this issue and his work to build a bi-partisan consensus to support and pass the Act.\r\nThe new legislation, the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, makes a number of changes to the way the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) protects consumers from toxic chemicals. Named for former-Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), who was a tireless champion for reforming TSCA before his death in 2013, the bill would:\r\n \r\nRequire safety reviews for all chemicals in commerce;\r\nGoing forward, require EPA to ensure new chemicals are safe before they can enter into commerce;\r\nEnsure the EPA takes into consideration only the impact on health and the environment when determining whether to allow a chemical to be sold or manufactured;\r\nRequire chemical companies to help cover the cost of testing chemicals for safety;\r\nPreserve strong private rights of action to hold industry accountable for negligence and harm;\r\nSet federal standards that will provide regulatory certainty for industry; and,\r\nRequire EPA to base its safety determinations on ensuring the most vulnerable among uschildren, pregnant women, the elderly, and chemical workersare protected.\r\n \r\nSenator Whitehouse initially opposed the bill because of a regulatory void that would have prohibited states from creating or enforcing state policies while EPA assessed chemicals for safetywhat he dubbed a regulatory death zone. Working with the bills chief sponsors, Whitehouse helped broker a compromise to strengthen the bill, including a protection for states to protect their citizens from hazardous chemicals if the state regulation meets basic criteria. This solution enabled environmentally-minded Senators on the Environment and Public Works Committee like Whitehouse, Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Cory Booker (D-NJ) to support the legislation, and got it out of the EPW Committee with a strong 15-5 bipartisan vote.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-statement-tax-extender-package", "Langevin Statement on Tax Extender Package", "2015-12-17", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jim Langevin", "L000559", "langevin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) issued the following statement in response to the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act of 2015, which was approved today by the House by a vote of 318-109:\nI supported todays tax extenders package with serious reservations. I am deeply dismayed that my Republican colleagues have once again failed to adhere to their oft-stated desire for deficit reduction and fiscal responsibility by crafting a package of tax cuts that are completely unpaid for. I also fear that passing this measure outside the context of comprehensive tax reform will ultimately make our efforts to reach a future bipartisan compromise much more difficult. However, I ultimately believe this proposal contains important provisions that will support working families and invest in our economic future as a nation.\nFor small businesses, this package restores certainty, particularly by making permanent enhanced capital expensing under Section 179, which allows them to invest in the future of their companies and implement a plan for creating jobs. It also permanently authorizes the research and development tax credit that propels innovation and economic growth. And for millions of Americans, I am very pleased to see the inclusion of provisions that we know will keep more money in the pockets of working families, including expanded versions of the Earned Income Tax Credit and child tax credit, as well as the Work Opportunity Tax Credit. This proposal extends important tax provisions that allow families to provide for their children, empower Americans to pursue higher education, and support teachers who give so much to their students and classrooms.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/after-reed-urges-action-congress-revives-perkins-student-loan-program", "After Reed Urges Action, Congress Revives Perkins Student Loan Program", "2015-12-17", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12/17/2015WASHINGTON, DC  After months of urging following the programs abrupt expiration in September, U.S. Senator Jack Reed today announced that Congress has passed a two-year extension of the popular Perkins Student Loan Program, a vital federal student lending program utilized by more than 9,000 students in Rhode Island to help them afford their college education. The bipartisan Federal Perkins Loan Program Extension Act of 2015 breathes new life into the program until a long-term solution can be found as part of the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act.\r\nThe Perkins Loan Program, the nations oldest federal student loan program, has existed with broad bipartisan support since 1958 and has provided more than $28 billion in loans through almost 26 million awards to students in all 50 states. In the last academic year alone, the program lent $1.1 billion to more than half a million students with financial need across more than 1,500 institutions of higher education. For the 2013-14 school year, the program lent over $18 million to more than 9,000 Rhode Island students.\r\nReed called on Congress to revive the program this fall after political infighting and two failed extension votes led to its expiration on September 30th. In October, Senator Reed helped to lead a bipartisan group of 54 Senators in demanding congressional leadership hold a vote and pass legislation to reauthorize the Perkins program as soon as possible. This week, a compromise was reached and Congress voted to extend the life of the program for two more years.\r\nPerkins is a cost-effective program that has helped thousands of deserving students in Rhode Island finance their education, and I am pleased to see this lifeline for students and families come back to life. While I am concerned about some of the eligibility changes included in the compromise legislation, this is good news for hardworking young people in need of assistance to afford college. Any future changes to student loan programs should be handled more responsibly so families dont face gaps in their ability to finance an education. Congress should be working to make higher education more affordable and accessible for all students, said Senator Reed.\r\nThe Federal Perkins Loan Program Extension Act of 2015 passed this week is a bipartisan compromise that extends the Perkins loan program for two years while altering the programs eligibility requirements. The deal will allow current and new undergraduate borrowers to complete the 2016-17 and 2017-18 academic years with the support of Perkins Loans. The legislation also provides current graduate students with a Perkins Loan an additional year of eligibility, through September 30, 2016, but graduate students will eventually be phased out of the program as part of the compromise. Beginning in the 2016-2017 school year, graduate students can no longer apply for the loans and undergraduate students will need to hit the borrowing limit on federal Stafford loans before the government will award them a Perkins loan. The bill also provides for a wind-down of the Perkins program in two years, as some Republicans prefer to dispense with the program permanently as part of a larger effort to streamline federal student aid. \r\nPerkins provides a low-interest rate of 5% to help undergraduate, graduate, or professional students with exceptional financial need afford their education. No interest accrues until the student enters repayment, which starts after a nine-month grace period, giving the recent graduate time to get on his or her feet. The Perkins Loan Program also encourages public service, offering generous loan forgiveness for many public sector careers, including for school librarians, something that Reed has long-championed.\r\nA compelling feature of the Perkins Loan Program is that participating institutions must contribute their own resources  one dollar for every two federal dollars. Congress has not contributed money to the program for about a decade. Instead, the 1,500 schools that offer Perkins loans rely on their own contributions and repayment from prior recipients to fund the loans. Many institutions, including colleges and universities in Rhode Island, have invested more than their legal obligation. As students repay their loans, institutions are able to make new loans. In other words, participating colleges and universities have a real stake in students being able to repay their loans, something that is missing from our other federal student loan programs, and something that Reed has argued should be more commonplace.\r\nThe measure now heads to President Obama, who is expected to sign the bill into law.\r\n-end-\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-collins-seek-to-prioritize-cybersecurity-at-public-companies-through-sec-disclosures", "Reed, Collins Seek to Prioritize Cybersecurity at Public Companies Through SEC Disclosures", "2015-12-17", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12/17/2015WASHINGTON, DC  In an effort to increase transparency for investors and consumers in an age of persistent cybersecurity threats, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Susan Collins (R-ME) today introduced the bipartisan Cybersecurity Disclosure Act of 2015. The bill seeks to strengthen and prioritize cybersecurity at publicly traded companies by encouraging the disclosure of cybersecurity expertise, or lack thereof, on corporate boards at these companies.\r\nIn response to recent data breaches at various companies, which exposed the personal information of millions of customers, the Reed-Collins legislation asks each publicly traded company to include in its Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) disclosures to investors information on whether any member of the companys Board of Directors is a cybersecurity expert, and if not, why having this expertise on the Board of Directors is not necessary because of other cybersecurity steps taken by the publicly traded company. The legislation does not require companies to take any actions other than to provide this disclosure.\r\nCyberattacks on large companies skyrocketed 44% last year over 2013 levels, and cybercrime costs businesses more than $400 billion a year, according to Lloyd's of London.\r\nCybersecurity is one of the most significant and enduring challenges businesses face and should be accounted for as part of the corporate risk management process. Investors and customers deserve a clear understanding of whether public companies are prioritizing cybersecurity and whether they have directors who can play an effective role in cyber-risk oversight, said Senator Reed, a senior member of the Senate Banking Committee. This legislation will highlight how focused firms are in terms of data security and safeguarding private information and should encourage more companies to improve their cybergovernance.\r\nFor decades the SEC has had the mandate to make sure investors and shareholders have similar information as insiders. Unfortunately, the annual disclosures made by publicly traded companies have not kept pace with the pace of technological innovation. Our bill fixes that by making sure that firms provide a basic amount of information about the degree to which a firm is protecting the economic and financial interests of the firm from cyber attacks, said Senator Collins, a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.\r\nAccording to the National Association of Corporate Directors, just 11% of public-company boards questioned this year reported a high-level understanding of cybersecurity. According to the Los Angeles Times, a review by the New York Stock Exchange and security firm Veracode found that two-thirds of board members questioned think their companies are ill-prepared for a cyberattack. An analysis by PricewaterhouseCoopers found that 30% of boards surveyed never talk about cybersecurity at all.\r\nBoard directors who participated in National Association of Corporate Directors roundtable discussions on cybersecurity late in 2013 admitted that the lack of adequate knowledge has made it challenging for them to effectively oversee managements cybersecurity activities. Participating board members also suggested that without sound knowledge ofor adequate sensitivity tothe topic, directors cannot easily draw the line between oversight and management, and that once in the technical weeds, directors find it difficult to assess the appropriate level of [the boards] involvement in risk management.\r\nThe bipartisan Reed-Collins Cybersecurity Disclosure Act of 2015 is supported by consumer advocates and securities law experts, including the Consumer Federation of America; Harvard University School of Law Professor John Coates; Columbia University School of Law Professor John Coffee; and former International Monetary Fund Chief Economist and Massachusetts Institute of Technology Professor Simon Johnson.\r\n-end-\r\nSupport for the Reed-Collins Cybersecurity Disclosure Act of 2015:\r\nThe Cybersecurity Disclosure Act of 2015 would encourage corporate boards to take responsibility for cybersecurity seriously and ensure that they have the expertise needed to identify risks and implement strong defenses against hackers and other threats, said Susan Grant, Director of Consumer Protection and Privacy at Consumer Protection of America. Customers and investors will have more information about how companies deal with cybersecurity issues and more confidence in the safety of the sensitive data that they hold.\r\nThe Bipartisan Policy Center appreciates Senator Reed and Senator Collins bipartisan efforts to address cybersecurity challenges as they relate to issues involving publicly traded companies, which is an important topic of growing concern. We look forward to working with Senator Reed, Senator Collins, and their colleagues to highlight this issue and would welcome the opportunity to facilitate further discussion about this bipartisan proposal, said Aaron Klein, Director of Financial Regulatory Reform at the Bipartisan Policy Center.\r\nThe bill would encourage boards to be take direct responsibility for cybersecurity through a light touch comply or disclose approach, preserving flexibility for companies to respond to cyber threats in a tailored and cost-effective way, said Harvard University School of Law Professor John Coates.\r\n\"In my judgment, the Reed-Collins Bill on cybersecurity amounts to a moderate,and reasonable regulatory nudge that pushes public companies to give greater attention to cybersecurity issues without mandating an inflexible board structure or insisting that one size fits all. This will help spur action, but still permit diverse approaches to a developing problem, said Columbia University School of Law Professor John Coffee.\r\nThis important legislation will require companies to disclose their board level expertise in cyber security. It is entirely appropriate for investors to know the extent to which a company gives top priority to protecting the data that it holds. This disclosure will also enable customers to potentially assess the risks of doing business with particular firms, said Simon Johnson, Professor at the MIT Sloan School of Management\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-and-121-house-colleagues-introduce-assault-weapons-ban-2015", "Cicilline and 123 House Colleagues Introduce Assault Weapons Ban of 2015", "2015-12-16", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "David Cicilline", "C001084", "cicilline.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (D-RI), along with 123 co-sponsors, today introduced the Assault Weapons Ban of 2015 to prohibit the sale, transfer, production, and importation of new military-style weapons and high-capacity magazines that have become the firearm of choice for many mass shooters in the United States. Cicillines legislation also includes new safeguards on the sale or transfer of assault weapons already in circulation.\nSince 2011, the frequency of mass shootings has increased by a factor of three. And according to one study, more than half of all mass shooters used an assault weapon, a gun with a military-style feature, or a high-capacity magazine. The sole purpose of these types of weapons is to kill as many people as quickly as possible, said Cicilline. It is unconscionable that we continue to allow military-style weapons to be bought and sold while mass shootings are growing more common. This bill is an important first step that will restore some sanity to the way we treat guns in the United States. \nCongressman Cicillines leadership on the issue of gun violence prevention in our communities has been relentless, said Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi.As we push to expand and strengthen background checks and close the loophole that allows suspected terrorists to buy guns, it is essential that we keep assault weapons out of the hands of those who should not have them.\nThere is no place for dangerous, military-style assault weapons on the streets of America, said House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer. Since the federal assault weapons ban lapsed in 2004, tens of thousands of people have been killed by high-powered, high-capacity firearms in communities across our country. We must take action, and I commend Rep. Cicilline for leading on this critical issue of public safety.\nThe Assault Weapons Ban of 2015 will prohibit the sale, transfer, production, and importation of:\n Semi-automatic rifles and handguns with a military-style feature that can accept a detachable magazine;\nSemi-automatic rifles and handguns with a fixed magazine that can hold more than 10 rounds;\nSemi-automatic shotguns with a military-style feature;\nAny ammunition feeding device that can hold more than 10 rounds;\nAnd 157 specifically-named and listed firearms.\n Our number one priority is to keep Americans safe, yet every single day we hear about mass shootings devastating our cities and towns. Congress can no longer just offer up thoughts and prayers while it sits on its hands and watches the almost daily reports of gun violence on the evening news  its time to act, said Rep. Steve Israel. Im joining Congressman Cicilline in introducing legislation to ban military-style assault weapons and high capacity magazines because we need to protect our children and families from more tragic incidences of gun violence.\nCongress must enact commonsense gun violence prevention efforts that can save lives and stop American communities from being ripped apart, said Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro. Three years after the tragedy in Newtown, Congress still has not reinstituted the assault weapons ban, allowing more high-capacity guns and magazines to flood our streets. We cannot continue to sit silently while these tragedies take place in American communities.\nThe Assault Weapons Ban of 2015 also sets new standards to close the Charleston Loophole  the standard that allows firearms dealers to complete a sale if a buyers background check is not completed within three days. Between 2010 and 2014, more than 15,000 gun sales were completed to prohibited individuals because their background check was not completed on time. Individuals prohibited from purchasing a gun include felons, domestic abusers, drug users, and those who have been adjudicated mentally ill.\nUnder the Assault Weapons Ban of 2015, the background check period is extended to 14 days for the sale or transfer of an existing assault weapon. If it is determined that a gun was sold to a prohibited individual, the FBI will be required to notify federal, state, and local law enforcement so the weapon can be retrieved as quickly as possible and the buyer can be held accountable for violating federal law.\nAssault weapons were used in attacks last month in San Bernardino and Colorado Springs. Shooters also used them to commit mass murder at Sandy Hook Elementary School, a movie theatre in Aurora, Colorado, and a community college in Roseburg, Oregon.\nI would like to commend my friend, Congressman David Cicilline, for leading this effort and introducing this life-saving legislation, said Congresswoman Janice Hahn. The guns we are talking about today are not for hunting nor for target practicethey are weapons of war. These assault weapons are designed to inflict the maximum amount of death and injury and have no place on our streets. Frankly, we should be ashamed that Congress allowed the original Assault Weapons Ban to expire in the first place.\n\tIt is critical that we act now to end this epidemic of mass gun violence driven primarily by individuals armed with assault weapons that are designed for combat zones and that have become the tool of choice for domestic terrorists, added Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence, a co-chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Taskforce to End Gun Violence.\nWhen an assault weapon or a high-capacity magazine is used in a shooting, the number of victims who are killed increases by 63%. There have been almost 50,000 incidents of gun violence in our country this year. More than 12,000 Americans have lost their lives. More than 3,000 children have been killed or injured.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/delegation-announces-277850-uri-fisheries-research", "Delegation Announces $277,850 for URI Fisheries Research", "2015-12-16", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "David Cicilline", "C001084", "cicilline.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, the Rhode Island congressional delegation announced $227,850 in National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) funding for a team based at the University of Rhode Island (URI) to research the effects of climate change on Atlantic fisheries. The team will be headed by Dr. Jeremy Collie, a leading researcher at the URI Graduate School of Oceanography (GSO), and will include scientists from NOAAs Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NFSC), Narragansett Laboratory located on URIs Bay Campus.\nNarragansett Bay and the Atlantic are important drivers for our economy, and we need the best information possible to understand how climate change is affecting these waterways and our local fisheries. Luckily, we have some of the best researchers in this field right here in Rhode Island, and I congratulate Dr. Collie and his team on this award. This federal funding will allow scientists at the URI Graduate School of Oceanography to help us better prepare for the challenges posed by climate change, and make informed decisions about how to adapt to this evolving threat to our environment, said Senator Jack Reed, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.\nFishermen whose families have made a living on Narragansett Bay and the Atlantic Ocean for generations have told me Sheldon, its getting weird out there. Climate change is disturbing their fisheries in ways were just beginning to understand. We have to learn whats going on to better prepare for changes that are taking place, said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, a founder and co-chair of the Senate Oceans Caucus. Im glad this federal funding will go to a team led by one of the best oceanographic institutions in the world. Congratulations to Dr. Collie and the GSO on this award.\nClimate change has a significant impact, not just on the environment of our state, but on our economy as well. This research will shore up fisheries in Rhode Island, creating a more sustainable industry that can better withstand and adapt to a changing climate and the subsequent consequences to our ecosystem, said Congressman Jim Langevin.\nI am delighted that URI is receiving critical federal funding that will support research into the effects of climate change on Rhode Island fisheries and provide benefits for our states fishermen. I congratulate Dr. Collie on receiving this significant award, and I look forward to continuing to support his research that benefits our fishing industry, said Congressman David Cicilline.\nThe URI team is one of seven to win a portion of $5 million in competitive NOAA grants that have been designated for research to increase understanding of climate-related effects on fish stocks and fisheries. Six of the projects support research on the Atlantic Oceans Northeast Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem, which extends from the Gulf of Maine to Cape Hatteras. The ecosystem is a crucial breeding ground and habitat for recreational and commercial fisheries in the Atlantic. The seventh award will support a project in the North Pacific.\nU.S. commercial and recreational marine fisheries contributed $195 billion in sales and supported 1.7 million American jobs in 2013. As part of NOAAs Climate Science Strategy to better protect those critical industries, the agency is working to produce and deliver climate-related information on protected species conservation and fishery management to industry, states, and coastal communities.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://langevin.house.gov/press-release/delegation-announces-277850-uri-fisheries-research", "Delegation Announces $277,850 for URI Fisheries Research", "2015-12-16", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jim Langevin", "L000559", "langevin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, the Rhode Island congressional delegation announced $227,850 in National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) funding for a team based at the University of Rhode Island (URI) to research the effects of climate change on Atlantic fisheries. The team will be headed by Dr. Jeremy Collie, a leading researcher at the URI Graduate School of Oceanography (GSO), and will include scientists from NOAAs Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NFSC), Narragansett Laboratory located on URIs Bay Campus.\nNarragansett Bay and the Atlantic are important drivers for our economy, and we need the best information possible to understand how climate change is affecting these waterways and our local fisheries. Luckily, we have some of the best researchers in this field right here in Rhode Island, and I congratulate Dr. Collie and his team on this award. This federal funding will allow scientists at the URI Graduate School of Oceanography to help us better prepare for the challenges posed by climate change, and make informed decisions about how to adapt to this evolving threat to our environment, said Senator Jack Reed, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.\nFishermen whose families have made a living on Narragansett Bay and the Atlantic Ocean for generations have told me Sheldon, its getting weird out there. Climate change is disturbing their fisheries in ways were just beginning to understand. We have to learn whats going on to better prepare for changes that are taking place, said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, a founder and co-chair of the Senate Oceans Caucus. Im glad this federal funding will go to a team led by one of the best oceanographic institutions in the world. Congratulations to Dr. Collie and the GSO on this award.\nClimate change has a significant impact, not just on the environment of our state, but on our economy as well. This research will shore up fisheries in Rhode Island, creating a more sustainable industry that can better withstand and adapt to a changing climate and the subsequent consequences to our ecosystem, said Congressman Jim Langevin.\nI am delighted that URI is receiving critical federal funding that will support research into the effects of climate change on Rhode Island fisheries and provide benefits for our states fishermen. I congratulate Dr. Collie on receiving this significant award, and I look forward to continuing to support his research that benefits our fishing industry, said Congressman David Cicilline.\nThe URI team is one of seven to win a portion of $5 million in competitive NOAA grants that have been designated for research to increase understanding of climate-related effects on fish stocks and fisheries. Six of the projects support research on the Atlantic Oceans Northeast Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem, which extends from the Gulf of Maine to Cape Hatteras. The ecosystem is a crucial breeding ground and habitat for recreational and commercial fisheries in the Atlantic. The seventh award will support a project in the North Pacific.\nU.S. commercial and recreational marine fisheries contributed $195 billion in sales and supported 1.7 million American jobs in 2013. As part of NOAAs Climate Science Strategy to better protect those critical industries, the agency is working to produce and deliver climate-related information on protected species conservation and fishery management to industry, states, and coastal communities.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-and-mccaul-urge-administration-weigh-wassenaar", "Langevin and McCaul Urge Administration to Weigh in on Wassenaar", "2015-12-16", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jim Langevin", "L000559", "langevin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressional Cybersecurity Caucus Co-chairs Congressmen Jim Langevin (D-RI) and Michael McCaul (R-TX) today sent a letter to National Security Advisor Susan Rice urging the Administrations involvement in revising the U.S. implementation of export controls on cybersecurity software. The letter, which is signed by 125 bipartisan Members of Congress, expresses concerns that, without careful tailoring, export controls could have both a chilling effect on research and a negative impact on the nations overall cybersecurity posture.\nThe underlying goal of the export controls, which were agreed to by the 41 member states of the Wassenaar Arrangement, is to restrict the export of hacking tools, or intrusion software, that could be used for cybercrime and illegal surveillance. Although well intended, the legislators argue such terminology is very broadly defined in the original language of the Arrangement and that the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) did not sufficiently tailor the definition when issuing its draft regulations. As a result, the original rule could have included a number of cybersecurity research products and defensive tools, thereby potentially hindering the ability of network operators to defend against cyber-attack. Langevin and McCaul, along with Congressmen Ted Lieu (D-CA) and David Schweikert (R-AZ), submitted public comments in July outlining flaws in the original draft.\nBIS has conducted an unprecedented degree of outreach on this issue, and I greatly appreciate their flexibility and transparency, said Langevin, a senior member of the House Committee on Homeland Security and its Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection and Security Technologies. However, I think it is incumbent upon the White House to weigh in and help deconflict the guidance BIS has been receiving from the various agencies, particularly the State Department.\nThis proposed rule  and perhaps the underlying agreement itself  would have significant unintended consequences for security researchers, cybersecurity providers, and our overall cyber posture. As reports emerge that the Departments of Homeland Security and Commerce share our concerns, I hope that this bipartisan message from the House of Representatives will spur the rest of the Administration to right the ship. We cannot let the good intentions of these export controls trump the fact that in their current form they would depreciate cyber security at home and for billions around the world, said McCaul, chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security.\nThe letter calls for the revised rule to greatly narrow the range of affected technologies so that the regulations conform to the United States broader cybersecurity strategy. In addition to sending the letter to Ambassador Rice, Langevin and McCaul today called for oversight hearings on the implementation of cybersecurity export controls and their potential implications on national security.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/delegation-announces-277850-for-uri-fisheries-research", "Delegation Announces $277,850 for URI Fisheries Research", "2015-12-16", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12/16/2015WASHINGTON, DC  Today, the Rhode Island congressional delegation announced $227,850 in National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) funding for a team based at the University of Rhode Island (URI) to research the effects of climate change on Atlantic fisheries. The team will be headed by Dr. Jeremy Collie, a leading researcher at the URI Graduate School of Oceanography (GSO), and will include scientists from NOAAs Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NFSC), Narragansett Laboratory located on URIs Bay Campus.\r\nNarragansett Bay and the Atlantic are important drivers for our economy, and we need the best information possible to understand how climate change is affecting these waterways and our local fisheries. Luckily, we have some of the best researchers in this field right here in Rhode Island, and I congratulate Dr. Collie and his team on this award. This federal funding will allow scientists at the URI Graduate School of Oceanography to help us better prepare for the challenges posed by climate change, and make informed decisions about how to adapt to this evolving threat to our environment, said Senator Jack Reed, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.\r\nFishermen whose families have made a living on Narragansett Bay and the Atlantic Ocean for generations have told me Sheldon, its getting weird out there. Climate change is disturbing their fisheries in ways were just beginning to understand. We have to learn whats going on to better prepare for changes that are taking place, said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, a founder and co-chair of the Senate Oceans Caucus. Im glad this federal funding will go to a team led by one of the best oceanographic institutions in the world. Congratulations to Dr. Collie and the GSO on this award.\r\nClimate change has a significant impact, not just on the environment of our state, but on our economy as well. This research will shore up fisheries in Rhode Island, creating a more sustainable industry that can better withstand and adapt to a changing climate and the subsequent consequences to our ecosystem, said Congressman Jim Langevin.\r\nI am delighted that URI is receiving critical federal funding that will support research into the effects of climate change on Rhode Island fisheries and provide benefits for our states fishermen. I congratulate Dr. Collie on receiving this significant award, and I look forward to continuing to support his research that benefits our fishing industry, said Congressman David Cicilline.\r\nThe URI team is one of seven to win a portion of $5 million in competitive NOAA grants that have been designated for research to increase understanding of climate-related effects on fish stocks and fisheries. Six of the projects support research on the Atlantic Oceans Northeast Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem, which extends from the Gulf of Maine to Cape Hatteras. The ecosystem is a crucial breeding ground and habitat for recreational and commercial fisheries in the Atlantic. The seventh award will support a project in the North Pacific.\r\nU.S. commercial and recreational marine fisheries contributed $195 billion in sales and supported 1.7 million American jobs in 2013. As part of NOAAs Climate Science Strategy to better protect those critical industries, the agency is working to produce and deliver climate-related information on protected species conservation and fishery management to industry, states, and coastal communities.\r\n-end-\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-boosts-transportation-and-housing-resources-for-ri-in-omnibus-appropriations-bill", "Reed Boosts Transportation & Housing Resources for RI in Omnibus Appropriations Bill", "2015-12-16", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12/16/2015WASHINGTON, DC  Today, the House and Senate Appropriations committees filed a $1.15 trillion fiscal year 2016 omnibus spending bill to fund the federal government through September 30, 2016.\r\nU.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), Ranking Member of the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development and Related Agencies (THUD) Appropriations Subcommittee, played a major role in crafting key pieces of the bill that will help strengthen our economy, create jobs, and make critical investments in Americas future. The THUD section of the bill provides a total of $57.3 billion  an increase of $3.53 billion over fiscal year 2015 -- for programs that build our transportation network, support housing programs, and spur economic development.\r\nI plan to support this legislation. While imperfect, this compromise appropriations bill goes a long way toward responsibly meeting our most pressing national needs and benefits Rhode Island. This bill will help protect the American people, improve our infrastructure, and wisely invests in education, innovation, and economic growth, said Reed.\r\nSpeaking about the THUD title of the bill, Reed noted: These investments yield a high rate of return for the American people. We were able to protect critical funding for the FAA, which should help keep improvements for T.F. Green on schedule. The bill includes federal funds to boost transportation and community development projects in Rhode Island that will help keep our economy moving forward.\r\nReed also noted that he helped successfully beat back attempts to add several partisan policy riders to the bill, such as those that would have weakened Wall Street reform, eliminated protections for clean air and water, and interfered with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureaus (CFPB) ability to protect consumers.\r\nReed helped ensure the final the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 includes key national investments in several areas, including:\r\nTransportation, Housing and Urban Development (T-HUD): $57.3 billion\r\nSenator Reed is the Ranking Member of Transportation-HUD Subcommittee.\r\n  $42.4 billion for the Federal-Aid Highway program, honoring the funding level authorized in the Fixing Americas Surface Transportation Act (FAST) of 2015. This is $2.1 billion more than the funding level previously authorized. Rhode Island is expected to receive an allocation of $229 million in highway grants.\r\n $9.3 billion for transit formula grants, which is $753 million more than the previously authorized level. These programs provide grants to State and local governments for local investments in roads, bridges, and public transit systems. Rhode Island is expected to receive an allocation of $38 million in transit grants.\r\n  $2.18 billion for the transit New Starts program, a $57 million increase over fiscal year 2015. Senator Reed successfully restored $595 million from the Senate Committee reported bill to fully fund all transit new start and small start projects in the Presidents budget request.\r\n  $16.3 billion for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), fully funding the budget request for air traffic control, safety oversight, and its facilities and equipment. The funding provided will allow the FAA to invest in its effort to modernize our nations air traffic control system (NextGen) while performing needed maintenance on its facilities and equipment.\r\n Report language directing the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Amtrak to assess the feasibility study of connecting intercity passenger rail services at commercial airports that are adjacent to the mainline of Amtraks Northeast Corridor (NEC). This will fund the feasibility study that Amtrak needs to do to expand services to T.F. Green.\r\n  $500 million for TIGER grants to support significant transportation projects in a wide variety of modes, including highways and bridges, public transportation, passenger and freight railroads, and port infrastructure. The TIGER program provides an important alternative resource for states and local governments on top of the traditional formula allocation programs that allow communities to make transformative investments in their surface transportation infrastructure, which creates jobs, generates economic development, and improves safety.\r\n  $869 million for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which will allow for the agency to improve vehicle safety defect investigations and analysis.\r\n  $3 billion for the Community Development Block Grant (CBDG) program. Earlier this year, Senator Reed led the effort to restore funding CDBG, which was dramatically cut in the Senate Committee reported Appropriations bill. His amendment would have increased funding in the Senate bill for CDBG by $100 million -- from $2.9 billion to $3 billion. As a result of the new budget agreement, Senator Reed was able to ultimately restore funding for this program.\r\n  $2.25 billion for Homeless Assistance Grants, including $42 million in new federal resources to improve oversight, federal collaboration, reform, and interventions for youth experiencing homelessness.\r\n  $1.9 billion for the Public Housing Capital Fund and $4.5 billion for the Public Housing Operating Fund, a combined $6.4 billion in resources to support the operation and capital management of the nations public housing stock. This funding level allows Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) to address the nations more than half of the estimated $3 billion of accrued capital need for 2016, and ensures PHAs can take the necessary steps to protect residents from living in unsafe, inaccessible and unsecure homes.\r\n  $1.4 billion for Amtrak, of which $19 million is dedicated for investments into the Northeast Corridor.\r\n  $10.6 billion for Section 8 project-based rental assistance (PBRA) which will fully fund the renewal of all contracts. The program helps more than 1.2 million low-income individuals with rental assistance, more than half of which are elderly or disabled.\r\n  $950 million for the HOME program to create affordable housing opportunities for low-income households. Senator Reed successfully restored $884 million to the final bill over what was included in the Senates original bill.\r\n  $75 million for the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program to help public housing and section 8 residents achieve self-sufficiency and economic independence. This program funds service coordinators and helps link residents to employment assistance, job training, child care, transportation and financial literacy assistance.\r\n  $60 million for HUD-Veterans Affairs Supported Housing (HUD-VASH) to provide housing for 8,000 homeless veterans.\r\n  $175 million for NeighborWorks, including $40 million for the National Foreclosure Mitigation Counseling program to support communities that continue to suffer from high rates of foreclosures.\r\n  $110 million for the Office of Lead Hazard Reduction and Healthy Homes.\r\n  $125 million for the Choice Neighborhoods program that is a critical resource for community-led transformation, leveraging private investment at the local level. It is a key tool for state and local governments to redevelop severely distressed public or HUD-assisted housing to bring comprehensive neighborhood revitalization to devastated areas.\r\n  $5.7 million to implement a pilot program that Senator Reed created through the HAVEN Act that would support repairs and modifications, such as the installation of wheelchair ramps, to the homes of low-income veterans or veterans with disabilities.\r\n $5 million to restart the Small Shipyard Grant program, which has helped shipyards across Rhode Island recapitalize and become more competitive. Rhode Island shipyards have received $3.6 million in grants to date helping them to improve their efficiency. The program helps train a skilled workforce of contractors and welders for commercial shipyards that also supports our military shipbuilding industrial base.\r\nAgriculture, Rural Development, & Food and Drug Administration (FDA): $21.75 billion\r\n $6.35 billion for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) to help improve the health and nutritional intake of low-income pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women as well as infants and children up to their fifth birthday. The bill also provides required mandatory spending, which is outside the discretionary funding jurisdiction of the Appropriations Committee, for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).\r\n $2.721 billion for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help promote and protect public health by overseeing the safety, efficacy, quality and security of food, human and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical devices, and cosmetics.\r\n $2.47 billion for the Agricultural Research Service\r\n $1.5 billion for the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to support their local field service system.\r\n $886 million for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service\r\n $851 million for the Natural Resources Conservation Service to help protect open spaces and farm land.\r\n $222 million for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program and $54 million for the Emergency Food Assistance Program to assist low-income Americans with food provided through food banks, pantries, and soup kitchens.\r\n $30 million for school meal equipment grants. These equipment purchases are long-term investments that help schools serve healthier meals, improve food safety, and expand access to nutrition programs.\r\nCommerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies: $55.7 billion\r\nSenator Reed is a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS).\r\n $29.1 billion for the U.S. Department of Justice to help fight crime and terrorism, protect communities and families, and provide critical grant funding for local law enforcement initiatives. This includes funding for key operational grant programs that benefit Rhode Island, such as $476 million for Byrne Justice Assistance Grants; $480 million for Violence Against Women Act programs; $270 million for juvenile justice and mentoring grants; and $187 million for Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) hiring grants.\r\n $7.46 billion for the National Science Foundation (NSF) to help spark innovation through NSFs research and development facilities to support todays scientists, engineers, and technicians, while also supporting education and training programs to build tomorrows innovation workforce. The bill includes at least $160 million for the EPSCoR and provides funding continued work on the Regional Class Research Vessel.\r\n $5.8 billion for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which includes funding for the National Weather Service to provide critical weather information to the public, and investments in new and existing weather satellites that are essential to maintain and improve weather forecasts. The bill provides $80 million to begin building a new Ocean Survey Vessel for NOAA. The bill includes $1 million to conduct a planning and design study that will evaluate the feasibility of utilizing the pier at Naval Station Newport for NOAA vessels. Naval Station Newport is currently home the Fisheries Survey Vessel Henry Bigelow and hosts visiting NOAA vessels.\r\n $75 million for Coastal Zone Management Grants (that support CRMC), $64 million for Sea Grant, $61 million for Habitat Restoration (including $10 million for Coastal Ecosystem Resiliency grants), $32 million for Ocean Exploration (which supports the Okeanos Explorer and partnerships with URIs Inner Space Center), $29.5 million for Integrated Ocean Observing Systems, $26.6 million NOAA ocean education program, $9 million for Marine Aquaculture (under Sea Grant), and $6.3 million for NOAA aquaculture.\r\n $964 million for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which helps provide technical resources to promote the global competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers and aspiring start-ups. NISTs Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) and Advanced Manufacturing Technology Consortia (AMTech) will help manufacturers accelerate development and adoption of cutting-edge manufacturing technologies for making new, globally competitive products. The bill provides $25 million for the new National Network of Manufacturing Institutes, which was authorized in the fiscal year 2015 omnibus appropriations bill and it also includes $31.5 million for the expanded National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (NCCOE).\r\n $261million for Economic Development Assistance programs.\r\n $1.1 billion to help reduce gun violence and help keep our homes, schools, and neighborhoods safe. The bill provides $114 million to the FBI to run instant background checks. It will give ATF $840 million for criminal enforcement, investigations, and inspections tools to enforce gun laws, trace firearms found at crime scenes, and keep illegal guns away from traffickers and criminals.\r\n $60 million for the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) program to support research and innovation in STEM fields.\r\n $70 million for programs to improve police-community relations, including the purchase of body-worn cameras for police.\r\n $7 million to fund anti-heroin task forces. Competitive grants will be awarded for drug enforcement, including investigations and activities related to the distribution of heroin or unlawful diversion and distribution of prescription opioids. The bill also provides funding for Justice Department grant programs available to state and local governments for residential drug treatment ($12 million), prescription drug monitoring ($13 million), and drug courts ($42 million).\r\nDefense: $572.8 Billion\r\nSenator Reed is a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, and the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee\r\n $5.32 billion for the Virginia-Class submarine program, including advanced procurement for the two ships planned in 2017.\r\n $167.72 million for the Virginia Payload Module.\r\n $1.45 billion for the Ohio-Class Submarine replacement program.\r\n 1.3% across-the-board pay raise for service members.\r\n An additional $34 million for financial literacy training for service members to avoid scams that target military personnel.\r\n $138.2 million for Moored Training Ship.\r\n $232.75 million for the air and missile defense radar program.\r\n $536.6 million for the DDG-1000 destroyer program.\r\n $67.45 for the LCS Mine Countermeasure Mission Modules, including the AQS-20 sonar.\r\n An additional $18 million to procure submarine towed arrays, a priority for the Navy.\r\n An additional $20 million for Navy alternative energy research.\r\n An additional $7.5 million for countermine systems and explosives detection technology.\r\n An additional $9.5 million to accelerate submarine combat and weapons system modernization.\r\n An additional $10.5 million for the Civil Air Patrol.\r\n An additional $125 million for peer-reviewed traumatic brain injury and psychological health research.\r\n An additional $11.67 million for the Procurement Technical Assistance Program.\r\n $250 million for the Rapid Innovation Fund.\r\n $5 million for Impact Aid for schools with military dependent children with severe disabilities.\r\n An additional $25 million to continue and expand the Special Victims Counsel Program to provide services to victims of sexual assault.\r\nEnergy and Water Development: $37.2 billion\r\n $29.7 billion for the Department of Energy to develop clean energy technologies that combat climate change and create U.S. jobs, modernize the nuclear deterrent, secure dangerous nuclear and radiological materials around the world, and clean up the countrys Cold War environmental legacy.\r\n $5.99 billion, for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, including funding for operation and maintenance of water resources projects in Rhode Island, such as Fox Point Barrier ($2,636,000); Woonsocket Flood Control Project ($499,000); Block Island Harbor of Refuge ($350,000); and Great Salt Pond, Block Island ($350,000).\r\n $2.07 billion for Energy and Efficiency and Renewable Energy programs. This includes $215 million for the Weatherization Assistance Program and $50 million for the State Energy Program.\r\n $1.375 billion for Naval Reactors, including funding for the Ohio-class replacement submarine.\r\nFinancial Services and General Government: $23.23 billion\r\n $871 million for the Small Business Administration (SBA). The bill also provides $231 million for entrepreneurial development grants that provide technical assistance, training, and business planning guidance for starting and growing small businesses. The agreement includes $18 million for the State Trade and Export Promotion program and $25 million for microloan technical assistance. It also includes $187 million for business loans and allows the SBA to guarantee up to $26.5 billion in 7(a) loans to expand access to capital for small business owners. The agreement includes $187 million to support disaster lending to businesses of all sizes, homeowners, and renters recovering after major natural disasters.\r\n $1.6 billion for the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and $250 million for the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). The bill maintains the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Office of Financial Research as independent funded agencies.\r\n $307 million for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to detect and eliminate illegal collusion, combat consumer fraud, prevent anti-competitive mergers, fight identity theft, and promote consumer privacy.\r\n $233.5 million for the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI) to leverage private sector investment in community development projects like affordable housing, retail development, and lending to small businesses, filling some of the gap left by private sector investment after the financial crisis.\r\n $95 million for the Drug-Free Communities program, an increase of $1.5 million.\r\n $18 million for State Trade and Export Program (STEP) to promote U.S. exports and help organizations like the Chafee Center for International Business at Bryant University which provide assistance to local companies seeking to boost exports.\r\nHomeland Security: $41 billion\r\n $10.9 billion for the U.S. Coast Guard to improve readiness, modernize vessels and aircraft, and improve the quality of life for our service members.\r\n $4.9 billion for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The bill includes report language secured by Reed instructing TSA to validate claims for reimbursement from T.F. Green and other airports that made security improvements at the their own expense but have never received payment from the federal government.\r\n $1.5 billion to equip and train first responders and state, tribal and local officials for homeland security protection and response.\r\n $690 million for firefighter grants for equipment and staffing; $350 million for the Emergency Management Performance Grants; $100 million for the Predisaster Mitigation Program, quadrupling these funds from $25 million in fiscal year 2015; and $190 million for flood hazard mapping and risk analysis, almost doubling the program from $100 million last year. Mitigation investments save four dollars in disaster recovery spending for every one dollar spent.\r\n $819 million for cybersecurity operations in the National Programs and Protection Directorate.\r\n $50 million in new funding for the Secretary of Homeland Security to distribute as needed to state and local governments and organizations to prepare for emergent threats from violent extremism and complex, coordinated terrorist attacks. The bill also provides $3.1 million for the new Office of Community Partnerships, which will focus on countering violent extremism.\r\n $39.7 million for DHS University Programs, including the Coastal Resilience Center of Excellence that URI participates in.\r\nThe bill also includes $6.7 billion in DHS disaster relief funds.\r\nInterior, Environment and Related Agencies: $32.16 billion\r\nSenator Reed is a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies and a former Chairman of the panel.\r\n $12 billion for the U.S. Department of the Interior. Included in this funding are expenses for the National Park Service ($2.9 billion), the Fish and Wildlife Service ($1.5 billion), and the Bureau of Land Management ($1.2 billion). The Forest Service is funded at $5.66 billion.\r\n $927,000 to continue funding the newly created Blackstone River Valley National Historic Park.\r\n $8.1 billion for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Included in the funding for EPA is $1.394 billion for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and $863 million for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, which help create jobs and provide clean water to communities throughout the country by supporting water infrastructure modernization projects.\r\n $428 million for EPA Geographic Programs, including a total of $5 million for Southern New England estuaries.\r\n $4.2 billion for firefighting and hazardous fuels reduction activities on federal lands.\r\n $840.2 million for Smithsonian Institution programs and facilities construction.\r\n $148 million each for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) to support arts and humanities programs.\r\n $450 million from LWCF, with more than 50 percent directed to state and local recreation and conservation. These funds will help ensure that public land is protected and available for recreation.\r\n $482 million for the operations of national wildlife refuges.\r\n $9.549 million for the Beaches Protection grants program.\r\n\r\nLabor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee (Labor-H): $162.1 billion\r\nSenator Reed is a member of the Senate Labor-H Subcommittee.\r\n $32 billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). It includes specific increases for Alzheimers disease research, brain research, antibiotic research, and the Precision Medicine Initiative. Plus, it provides a general increase to all NIH Institutes and Centers to continue basic bio-medical research and translational research\r\n $22.475 billion for Pell Grants to maintain the maximum discretionary award level at $4,860 for the 2016-2017 school year. Combined with mandatory funding, the total maximum award is estimated to increase by $140 to $5,915. There will be approximately 8.4 million Pell Grant recipients during the 2016-2017 school year, an increase of more than 100,000 students compared to the current school year. This funding level represents a $300 million increase from previous bills.\r\n $3.39 billion for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), to allow states to provide home energy assistance to low-income households this winter and coming summer.\r\n $14.9 billion for Title I funding (a $500 million increase) to help schools meet high academic achievement standards. Roughly 90 percent of the nations school districts receive title I funding.\r\n $11.9 billion for IDEA/Special Education Part B grants to states, an increase of $415 million.\r\n $9.2 billion for Head Start (a $570 million increase). This includes a $135 million increase to expand Early Head Start, which provides high-quality early childhood services for children and families from before birth to age three, including through Early Head Start-Child Care Partnerships and an increase of $294 million for a down payment on expansion of Head Start to full-day/full-year services.\r\n $2.76 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), a $326 million increase.\r\n $1.552 billion, an increase of $155 million more than last year, for the Student Aid Administration, to support high-quality loan servicing and administration of student aid programs.\r\n $250 million to continue support for Preschool Development Grants. At this level of funding, Rhode Island is slated to receive about $6 million to support and expand pre-K programs in Rhode Island.\r\n $7.2 billion for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This includes $70 million to increase efforts to combat prescription drug overdose abuse with evidence based activities.\r\n $3.8 billion for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). This includes $47 million directed to addressing the burgeoning epidemic of prescription drug and heroin overdose.\r\n $1.5 billion for Community Health Centers (CHCs) to provide comprehensive, quality health care services to medically underserved communities and vulnerable populations.\r\n $2.71 billion, an increase of $86 million, for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Grants to states to provide job training skills and assistance to low-skilled adults, dislocated workers and low-income youth with barriers to employment. Restores the governors set aside under WIOA to 15 percent.\r\n $1.689 billion for Job Corps to help young Americans receive education, job training, and employment assistance.\r\n $1.1 billion for the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) to help more than 5 million Americans improve the lives of their fellow citizens through its core programs to strengthen communities and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering.\r\n $1.22 billion to help low-income and first generation college students plan, prepare for, and succeed in college through the TRIO ($900 million) and GEAR UP ($322.75 million) programs.\r\n $582 million for Adult Education State Grants, an increase of $13 million. Thirty-six million adults lack basic literacy and numeracy skills and are not well-positioned to compete for living wage jobs in the 21st century economy.\r\n $271.1 million for Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS).\r\n $90 million for a new Apprenticeship Grant program, which will support competitive grants to states to increase their capacity to register and oversee apprenticeship programs\r\n $85 million for YouthBuild, which helps young people get a second chance at earning their high school diploma while learning valuable occupational and life management skills.\r\n $43.1 million for the Teacher Quality Partnership Grant program to continue this partnership program between colleges of education and high need school districts.\r\n $27 million for Innovative Approaches to Literacy, Senator Reeds initiative to support school libraries and literacy programs that ensure that children have access to books in the home.\r\n $295 million for Childrens Hospitals Graduate Medical Education (CHGME).\r\n $17 million for the Healthy Homes and Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).\r\n $1.1 billion for the Corporation for National and Community Service, a $40 million increase. This includes additional funding to increase by 6,000 the number of AmeriCorps members, who will help meet pressing needs across the country.\r\n $230 million for the Institute of Museum and Library Services including $182.94 million for the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).\r\n $77.35 million for the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, which supports the Superfund research program at Brown University.\r\n\r\nMilitary Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilCon-VA): $79.9 billion\r\nSenator Reed is a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies.\r\nIn addition to $79.9 billion in discretionary funding, the bill also provides $91.3 billion in mandatory funding for the VA and provides $63.3 billion in fiscal year 2017 advance funding for veterans health care and $103 billion for fiscal year 2017 advance funding for the VAs compensation and pensions mandatory accounts.\r\n $50 billion for VA medical services, an increase of $4.7 billion, to provide care and treatment for approximately 7 million veterans nationwide.\r\n $7.5 billion for mental health services for veterans, including $381 million for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, $612 million for substance abuse treatment, and $144 million for suicide prevention outreach.\r\n $2.7 billion to help the VA end its disability compensation claims backlog, $173 million more than last years level.\r\n $1.4 billion targeted to eliminate homelessness among veterans.\r\n $4.1 billion is appropriated to continue our ongoing efforts to modernize and sustain the VAs information technology systems. This includes $233 million to modernize the VAs electronic health record system, and $19.1 million for the claims appeals modernization effort.\r\n $4.7 billion in healthcare for female veterans.\r\n $50 million for the Caregivers program.\r\n $258 million for readjustment counseling at Vet Centers\r\n $1.2 billion for VA construction projects, including building new clinics and repairing existing infrastructure.\r\n $631 million for medical and prosthetic research.\r\n $8.2 billion for military construction and family housing. The bill funds a range of projects to ensure military readiness and quality of life on military bases within the United States and around the globe. Projects funded in the bill include operational, maintenance, and supply facilities; hospitals and clinics; schools; and barracks and family housing.\r\n $551 million for construction or alteration of National Guard and Reserve facilities.\r\n $120 million to support grants to renovate and construct state extended care facilities.\r\nIn addition to the appropriations measures, the omnibus bill also contains other matters such as tax-relief provisions, cybersecurity, and intelligence-related measures, as well as the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act. The bill is scheduled to be voted on by both the full U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate later this week. If passed by Congress it will be sent to President Obama to be signed into law.\r\n-end-\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/dem-breaks-ground-new-green-beach-pavilion-lincoln-woods", "DEM Breaks Ground on New \"Green\" Beach Pavilion at Lincoln Woods", "2015-12-15", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "David Cicilline", "C001084", "cicilline.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PROVIDENCE - The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management is holding a special ceremony today to mark construction on a new green beach pavilion at Lincoln Woods State Park. Lincoln Woods, located just outside the Providence metro area, is one of Rhode Island's most popular state parks, attracting nearly one million visitors each year.\n\n\tRhode Island is fortunate to have wonderful parks and natural areas where people can experience a beautiful sunset, hike a trail, or catch a fish, said First Gentleman Andy Moffit. Exploring nature provides an opportunity to recharge, connect with family, and promote healthy habits in our children. Its so important to our economy and way of life in Rhode Island that we continue to invest in these special places. I applaud Senator Reed and our Congressional Delegation for their leadership in making this great project at Lincoln Woods possible.\n\n\tThe project will modernize facilities and visitor amenities at the Lincoln Woods beach while also improving energy efficiency and enhancing water quality in the lake. Three new buildings, connected by a central plaza, will be constructed; the fully-accessible buildings will house concessions, office space, restroom and shower facilities, and a nature center for educational programming. They were designed both to honor the history and aesthetic of the park as well as reduce their impact on the natural environment through the use of efficient technology, recycled materials, and innovative design strategies.\n\n\tThe beach will always be the main attraction, but once it is completed this new facility will really enhance the visitor experience. I was pleased to work with the National Park Service to direct $1.7 million in federal funding to help make this restoration project a reality. The new pavilion offers a major upgrade in both aesthetic and practical terms. It will enhance recreational, educational, and ecological opportunities here at the park and be a model for sustainability, said Reed, the former Chairman of the Interior Appropriations Committee, which oversees the National Park Services budget.\n\n\t\"Lincoln Woods is one of our state's most impressive parks, and this new green beach pavilion will make it an even more attractive destination,\" said Cicilline. \"I applaud the Department of Rhode Island Environmental Management on this important milestone. I look forward to continuing to work with them as this project moves ahead.\"\n\n\t\"Our parks, beaches, and open spaces are part of what make Rhode Island so special,\" said DEM  \n\tDirector Janet Coit. \"These assets are core to our economy and culture  and key to our state  \n\tremaining a great place to live, visit, and raise a family. Parks like Lincoln Woods are also vitally  \n\timportant to connecting urban communities to the outdoors, providing a safe place for families  \n\tto recreate, educating children about nature, and fostering the next generation of  \n\tenvironmental stewards.\"\nOther key features of the project include:\n New facilities connected to local water and sewer systems, eliminating the need for the public drinking water well and septic system currently used.\n  The facilities footprint and the swimming area shift east, moving the beach away from sensitive wetlands and reducing impacts to water quality.\n  The building design uses a combination of passive ventilation and daylighting to minimize the need for cooling and heating.\n  Highly efficient mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems conserve natural resources.\nSolar energy used for heating water in key areas, including the main building and in public showers, to reduce energy consumption of park operations.\n  The landscape design includes native, non-invasive species that require minimal irrigation.\nThe new, expanded parking area made of porous asphalt; bike racks added to promote more active forms of transportation.\n The $5.3 million project was designed by Providence-based Brewster Thornton Group Architects  \n\tand will be constructed by Ahlborg Construction Corporation of Warwick, Rhode Island. It is  \n\tbeing funded through the National Park Service Land and Water Conservation Fund ($1.7 million)  \n\tand RICAP ($3.6 million). The beach will be open throughout 2016; the swimming area will be  \n\trestricted and visitor facilities at the beach will be limited. Portable restrooms will be installed  \n\tfor public use; concessions, showers, and changing facilities will be closed. The project is  \n\texpected to be completed by the start of the 2017 beach season.\nLincoln Woods is located in one of Rhode Islands most densely populated urban areas and is a  \n\tpopular retreat for Rhode Islanders and visitors to the state, offering fresh-water swimming,  \n\ttrout fishing, hiking, horseback riding, ice fishing, ice skating, and many other recreational  \n\topportunities. The park is teeming with walkers, joggers, and fishermen daily. Lincoln Woods  \n\twas the first park acquired by the State of Rhode Island in 1909.\nLincoln Woods continues to fulfill its seminal purpose of providing working families with a  \n\tpeaceful, inviting place to unwind, continued Coit. Every year, the park welcomes visitors of all  \n\ttypes  from avid hikers and runners to people gathering for a picnic with their family or seeking  \n\tout a quiet refuge from nearby city life. It is a jewel among our natural areas in Rhode Island and  \n\tunmatched in its appeal to a great diversity of people and activities. Our parks and beaches in  \n\tRhode Island are world-class destinations, and they are a special part of our social fabric. By  \n\tcontinuing to invest in them, we ensure they will remain beautiful resources for generations to come.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/opening-statement-by-ranking-member-jack-reed-sasc-hearing-on-civilian-nominations", "Opening Statement by Ranking Member Jack Reed, SASC Hearing on Civilian Nominations", "2015-12-15", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12/15/2015OPENING STATEMENT OF U.S. SENATOR JACK REED\r\nRANKING MEMBER, SENATE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE\r\n\r\nSD-G50\r\nDIRKSEN SENATE OFFICE BUILDING\r\nTuesday, December 15, 2015\r\n\r\nTo consider the nominations of:\r\nHonorable Patrick J. Murphy to be Under Secretary of the Army; \r\nDr. Janine Anne Davidson to be Under Secretary of the Navy; and\r\nHonorable Lisa S. Disbrow to be Under Secretary of the Air Force\r\n(As Prepared for Delivery)\r\nThank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I join you in welcoming our nominees, and I thank you for holding this hearing to fill the important positions of Under Secretaries of the military departments. These positions involve significant and challenging duties. If confirmed, I am confident that our nominees are up to the challenge.\r\nFormer Congressman Patrick Murphy has been nominated to be the Under Secretary of the Army, and I thank him for his willingness to serve in this position of great responsibility. Mr. Murphy was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2006, and in doing so, became the first veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom to serve in Congress. During his tenure, Mr. Murphy served with distinction on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and he was an advocate for repealing the Department of Defenses Dont Ask, Dont Tell policy. In my view, it is important to note that Mr. Murphy served as an Assistant Professor at the United States Military Academy during his military service, and has continued his support to the Academy as a member of the Board of Visitors since 2011.\r\nDr. Davidson has been nominated to be Under Secretary of the Navy. Dr. Davidson served on active duty with the Air Force, followed by serving in the private sector, in academia, think tanks, and the federal government, and most recently with the Council on Foreign Relations. Dr. Davidson also served as a Commissioner on the National Commission on the Structure of the Air Force, and currently serves as a member of the Reserve Forces Policy Board. She has long experience in dealing with public policy issues from all of those positions.\r\nMs. Disbrow has been nominated to be Under Secretary of the Air Force. Ms. Disbrow served on active duty with the Air Force, and has since served as a civilian in several Federal agencies, including the National Security Council, the Joint Staff, and most recently as Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management and Comptroller. Ms. Disbrow brings a great deal of public policy experience from her various positions.\r\nAgain, I thank you Mr. Chairman for holding this hearing, and I look forward to hearing from our nominees.\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-announces-86m-for-community-development-and-neighborhood-revitalization-throughout-ri", "Reed Announces $8.6M for Community Development & Neighborhood Revitalization Throughout RI", "2015-12-15", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12/15/2015WASHINGTON, DC - In an effort to help revitalize local neighborhoods and support affordable housing and economic development programs throughout the state, U.S. Senator Jack Reed today announced that Rhode Island will receive over $8,586,000 in federal aid this week through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, the Home Investment Partnership (HOME) program, and the Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) program. This federal funding contributes to Rhode Islands total allocation of more than $21 million for these programs for fiscal year 2015.\r\nThe Rhode Island State Program will receive $4,915,519 in CDBG funds; $3,002,167 in HOME funds; and $668,699 in ESG funds. Eligible communities may apply to the state, which annually allocates the federal CDBG funds through a competitive process. CDBG funds may be used to address a variety of needs from revitalizing distressed areas by improving streetscapes and sidewalks and supporting small businesses, to removing blight and assisting with infrastructure projects.\r\nCDBG helps communities make locally driven economic development and other infrastructure improvements that are unique to their needs. By leveraging these federal funds with local resources, cities and towns can help businesses spur economic development and create jobs. HOME is the most flexible federal housing production program that allows Rhode Island to develop affordable housing opportunities for low-income families. ESG serves as a first response to help many homeless families in our communities and ensures they get access to emergency shelter services  a critical program in our efforts to prevent and end homelessness throughout the state, said Reed, a senior member of the Banking Committee, which has jurisdiction over CDBG, HOME, and ESG, and the Ranking Member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD), which appropriates funds for the programs. I am proud to support these targeted investments for Rhode Island and will continue working to deliver CDBG, HOME, and ESG funds for communities across the state.\r\nThe CDBG program provides local municipalities with a flexible source of federal funding to address a wide range of neighborhood development needs. The funds may be used for capital-improvement projects or distributed to non-profit organizations that benefit the community. Earlier this year, several cities were awarded CDBG funds, including: Cranston ($1 million), East Providence ($662,000), Pawtucket ($1.8 million), Providence ($4.9 million), Warwick ($866,000), and Woonsocket ($1.15 million).\r\nThe HOME program is the largest federal block grant to state and local governments designed exclusively to expand the supply of quality, affordable housing to working families. In 2015, Providence received $976,000 through this program while Pawtucket received about $413,000 and Woonsocket was allocated $286,000.\r\nThe ESG program provides annual grants to state and local governments as well as private entities to upgrade and expand emergency homeless shelters. Providence ($448,000), Pawtucket ($167,000) and Woonsocket ($102,000) all received ESG funds this year.\r\nAll three programs are administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).\r\nEarlier this year, Senator Reed led the effort to restore funding for HOME and CDBG, which were dramatically cut in the Senate Committee reported Appropriations bill. His amendment would have increased funding for HOME from $66 million to the Presidents budget request of $1.06 billion, and it would have increased funding for CDBG by $100 million -- from $2.9 billion to $3 billion. These low levels of funding were due to the arbitrary budget cuts under sequestration, which Senator Reed fought to repeal. As a result of his efforts, Congress enacted a new budget agreement - the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015  allowing additional resources to be provided for these critical programs. The Fiscal Year 2016 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act being introduced this week provides $950 million for HOME, an increase of $50 million from fiscal year 2015; and $3 billion for CDBG, an increase of $100 million from the Senate Committee reported bill.\r\n-end-\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/speeches/time-to-wake-up-corporate-americas-call-for-climate-action", "Time to Wake Up: Corporate America's Call for Climate Action", "2015-12-15", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Sheldon Whitehouse", "W000802", "www.whitehouse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.15.15\n\t\t\t Time to Wake Up: Corporate America's Call for Climate Action \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tMr. President, one of the brightest bright spots at the Paris climate talks last week was the robust corporate presence. Leading businesses and executives from around the world were there in Paris to voice their support for a strong international climate agreement.\r\nThat brings me here today for the now 122nd time to say that it is time for America's leading corporations and their lobbyists to bring that same message here to Washington to help Congress wake up.\r\nLet me use an example of two of the good guys. The two biggest drinks companies in America are Coca-Cola and PepsiCo. Coke and Pepsi both signed this public letter urging strong climate action in Paris:\r\nDear U.S. and global leaders:\r\nNow is the time to meaningfully address the reality of climate change. We are asking you to embrace the opportunity presented to you in Paris. ..... We are ready to meet the climate challenges that face our businesses. Please join us in meeting the climate challenges that face the world.\r\nAnd it is not just that public letter; Coca-Cola's Web site says it will reduce CO\r\n2 emissions by 25 percent and that to do so, Coca-Cola will work to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain, making comprehensive carbon footprint reductions across its manufacturing processes, packaging formats, delivery fleet, refrigeration equipment and ingredient sourcing.\r\nCoca-Cola also says: We continue to partner with peer companies, bottling partners, NGOs, governments and others in addressing our greenhouse gas emissions and encouraging progress in response to climate change.\r\nPepsi's Web site heralds what it calls its commitment to action on climate change and announces that it has signed both the Ceres BICEP Climate Declaration in the United States and the Prince of Wales's Corporate Leaders Group Trillion Tonne Communique in the UK. These commitments, they say, are part of PepsiCo's overall strategy to address climate change by working across its business and with global leaders.\r\nHere is Indra Nooyi, chairman and CEO of PepsiCo:\r\nCombating climate change is absolutely critical to the future of our company, customers, consumers--and our world. I believe all of us need to take action now.\r\nI have corresponded with these companies about climate change, and here is what they have said in their letters to me.\r\nIn March 2013, Coke said:\r\nWe recognize that climate change is a critical challenge facing our planet, with potential impacts on biodiversity, water resources, public health, and agriculture. Beyond the effects on the communities we serve, we view climate change as a potential business risk, understanding that it could likely have direct and indirect effects on our business.\r\nAs a responsible global company, with operations in more than 200 countries, we have a role to play in climate protection. .....\r\nThen in May 2014:\r\nThe Coca-Cola Company has strongly stated that climate change is happening and the implications of climate change for our planet are profound and wide-ranging. It is our belief that climate change may have long-term direct and indirect implications for our business and supply chain and we recognize that sustainability is core to our long-term value. ..... Climate protection is a key component of our business strategy.\r\nIn August of this year:\r\nCoca-Cola joined twelve other corporations at the White House pledging our support for the American Business Act on Climate [Pledge]. Climate protection has been a key focus of Coca-Cola for decades.\r\nIn a letter of February 2013, Pepsi said:\r\nPepsiCo applauds your efforts to address climate change by focusing Congressional attention on the issue. ..... At PepsiCo, we recognize the adverse impacts that greenhouse gas emissions have on global temperatures, weather patterns, and the frequency and severity of extreme weather and natural disasters. These impacts may have significant implications for our company. ..... Accordingly, responding to climate change is integrated into PepsiCo's business strategy.\r\nIn September of this year, Pepsi wrote:\r\nWe look forward to providing further support on the Road to Paris--demonstrating that actions by business in climate are not only good for the environment, but good for business.\r\nThat is all great stuff. Here is where it gets a little strange. Coke and Pepsi have a trade association, the American Beverage Association, that lobbies for the soft drink industry, and they also support the business lobbying group, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Indeed, the American Beverage Association sits on the board of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and contributes to it a lot of money.\r\nHere is the official position of the American Beverage Association on climate change from its Web site:\r\nEach of America's beverage companies has set goals to lower our emissions over time while continually improving efficiency. And our companies have pledged to work with government leaders, environmental organizations, and other businesses to ensure these emission reductions are happening throughout the United States.\r\nThey even have the Beverage Industry Environmental Roundtable. But do they lobby us about this in Congress? I have never seen any sign of it. When the American Beverage Association thought Congress might impose a soda tax to fund health care, then they lobbied like crazy--nearly $30 million worth of lobbying expenditure. They know how to lobby when they want to. But on climate, I have never seen it.\r\nAs for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, everyone in Congress knows that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is dead set against Congress doing anything serious about climate change. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is a very powerful lobby group, and its power in Congress is fully dedicated to stopping any serious climate legislation. They are implacable adversaries of climate action, and we see their hostility everywhere.\r\nAt one point, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce wrote to me to say I mischaracterized its position on climate change. Even a cursory review of our stated views on climate change, wrote Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tom Donahue, shows that the Chamber is not debating the existence of climate change or that human activity plays a role.\r\nWell and good, but here is what I wrote back.\r\nMr. President, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record my full letter at the end of my remarks.\r\nI wrote back:\r\nI am in politics in Washington, and I see the behavior of your organization firsthand. There is no way to reconcile what I see in real life around me with the assurances in your letter that you treat the climate problem in any way seriously.\r\nI then offered a list of the many ways the U.S. Chamber of Commerce actively opposes climate legislation and concluded:\r\nIn every practical way in which your organization brings pressure to bear on the American political process, I see you bringing it to bear in line with the big carbon polluters and the climate denial industry. And given the powerful and relentless way in which you bring that pressure to bear on our system in the service of your own First Amendment rights, I hope you will accept that I have the right to express my own views under that same First Amendment.\r\nIn sum, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has a terrible record on climate change. It is Coke and Pepsi's adversary on getting anything done. So why is Coke and Pepsi's American Beverage Association on the board of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce?\r\nThe result is that Coke and Pepsi take one position on climate change in their public materials and in Paris and throughout their internal corporate effort, but here in Congress, where the rubber meets the road on legislating and where the lobbying meets our legislative efforts, their lobbying agencies don't support their position. I actually wonder how well they know in the executive suites of Coke and Pepsi that their position is not supported by the lobbying effort they support.\r\nLet me be clear. I am not here to ask that companies such as Coke and Pepsi take a different position on climate change than what they believe. I am here to ask companies to line up their advocacy in Congress with what they believe. My ask is simple: Match your advocacy in Congress with your policy. Don't outsource your advocacy to entities that take the opposite position from you--not on an issue of this magnitude. This is too important an issue for great American companies to say one thing when they are talking to the public and have their lobbying agencies say something completely different when they come to Congress.\r\nI have asked Coke and Pepsi about this discrepancy between their policy and these organizations' advocacy, and here is what they say. From Pepsi:\r\nThe Chamber is an important partner for PepsiCo on critical tax and trade matters. However, our positions on climate change have diverged.\r\nFrom Coke:\r\nThe Coca-Cola Company belongs to a wide range of organizations through which we gain different perspectives on global and national issues; however these groups do not speak on our behalf.\r\nWell, if their positions have diverged and these organizations don't speak for them on this issue, why keep supporting one of the leading political opponents of meaningful climate action? If you insist on supporting the entities that lobby against you on climate change, then the question becomes this: What are you doing in Congress to lobby back? What are your countermeasures to dispel the voice of these agencies that you are supporting?\r\nClimate change is not just any other issue. It is so big an issue that the world's leaders just gathered in Paris to address it in the largest gathering of world leaders in history. It is so big an issue that it has its own page on Coke's and Pepsi's Web sites and, indeed, on the Web sites of most major American corporations. It is so big an issue that our former Pacific commander, Admiral Locklear, said it was the biggest national security threat we face in the Pacific theater. To use Admiral Locklear's exact words, climate change is probably the most likely thing that is going to happen ..... that will cripple the security environment, probably more likely than the other scenarios we all often talk about.\r\nAround here in Congress, the bullying menace of the fossil fuel industry is everywhere. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is their vocal advocate. If companies such as Coke and Pepsi don't push back against this group that they fund, that choice has real consequences here. That choice says to Congress: This issue isn't really serious to us. That choice says to the individual Members over here: If you cross the fossil fuel boys, don't count on us to have your back.\r\nI recently received a letter from ExxonMobil. It says:\r\nExxonMobil has for a number of years held the view that a revenue-neutral carbon tax is the best option. ..... [A] carbon tax could help create the conditions to reduce greenhouse emissions in a way that spurs new efficiencies and new technologies.\r\nThis is ExxonMobil.\r\nThe revenue-neutral carbon tax could be a workable policy framework for countries around the world--and the policy most likely to preserve the ability of every sector of society to seek out new efficiencies and new technologies.\r\nExxonMobil may say that in their letter, but let me say as the author of the Senate's revenue-neutral carbon-fee bill, I can assure you that bill is getting zero support from ExxonMobil. ExxonMobil is playing a double game, with statements such as they made in the letter to me on the one hand, but on the other hand all of its massive lobbying clout directed against doing anything serious on climate.\r\nI suggest that it is the same with the other companies. They may have enough happy talk about climate change being serious to get them through a cocktail party at Davos, but the full weight of their industry lobbying leverage, through the Chamber and the American Petroleum Institute and a slew of other front groups, is leaned in hard against climate legislation, including revenue-neutral carbon fees. We should perhaps expect better of them. But we should certainly expect better of other companies that don't have ExxonMobil's massive conflict of interest.\r\nTo be fair to Coke and Pepsi, they are not alone. Congress is heavily influenced by corporations. That is no news flash. What my colleagues here all know is that virtually zero of that corporate influence is brought to bear in support of climate action. Even companies with good internal climate policies, even companies that are leaders in what they are doing within their companies and within their supply chains on climate change shy away from this issue in Congress.\r\nThe result is that, on one side, the fossil fuel industry maintains a desperate grip on Congress to stop any climate action. They lean on Congress hard to get their way. On the other side, the rest of corporate America has virtually nothing to say in Congress on climate change. Maybe they do on their Web sites, maybe in their public relations, certainly through their sustainability departments, and in some cases from their CEOs.\r\nBut from their lobbyists and from the trade associations and the lobbying organizations that represent them here in Congress, the silence is deafening.\r\nThe corporate effort in Congress to get something done on climate change rounds to zero. I am in Congress, and I am here to say we need you guys to show up. I get that it is never convenient to stand up to bullies. It is always easier if they just go away, but the fossil fuel bullies are not going away. So it is either stand up to them or keep letting them roll Congress.\r\nIf what Coke and Pepsi and other corporations say publicly are the things they really believe, then it should be important to them that Congress not get rolled by the guys who are working against what they believe. This should not be too big an ask for the corporations that stood up in Paris: Do the same thing in Congress. Do the same thing in Congress. Do the simplest and truest of things: Stand up for what you believe.\r\nIt is time to wake up, but it is also time to stand up, and what a difference you will make.\r\nMr. President, I yield the floor.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-ridem-break-ground-on-new-green-beach-pavilion-at-lincoln-woods", "Reed, RIDEM Break Ground on New \"Green\" Beach Pavilion at Lincoln Woods", "2015-12-14", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12/14/2015PROVIDENCE, RI -U.S. Senator Jack Reed and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management today held a special ceremony to mark construction on a new green beach pavilion at Lincoln Woods State Park. Lincoln Woods, located just outside the Providence metro area, is one of Rhode Island's most popular state parks, attracting nearly one million visitors each year.\r\nThe beach will always be the main attraction, but once it is completed this new facility will really enhance the visitor experience. I was pleased to work with the National Park Service to direct $1.7 million in federal funding to help make this restoration project a reality. The new pavilion offers a major upgrade in both aesthetic and practical terms. It will enhance recreational, educational, and ecological opportunities here at the park and be a model for sustainability, said Senator Reed, the former Chairman of the Interior Appropriations Committee, which oversees the National Park Services budget.\r\nRhode Island is fortunate to have wonderful parks and natural areas where people can experience a beautiful sunset, hike a trail, or catch a fish, said First Gentleman Andy Moffit. Exploring nature provides an opportunity to recharge, connect with family, and promote healthy habits in our children. Its so important to our economy and way of life in Rhode Island that we continue to invest in these special places. I applaud Senator Reed and our Congressional Delegation for their leadership in making this great project at Lincoln Woods possible.\r\nThe project will modernize facilities and visitor amenities at the Lincoln Woods beach while also improving energy efficiency and enhancing water quality in the lake. Three new buildings, connected by a central plaza, will be constructed; the fully-accessible buildings will house concessions, office space, restroom and shower facilities, and a nature center for educational programming. They were designed both to honor the history and aesthetic of the park as well as reduce their impact on the natural environment through the use of efficient technology, recycled materials, and innovative design strategies.\r\n\"Lincoln Woods is one of our state's most impressive parks, and this new green beach pavilion will make it an even more attractive destination,\" said Congressman David Cicilline. \"I applaud the Department ofEnvironmental Management on this important milestone. I look forward to continuing to work with them as this project moves ahead.\"\r\n\"Our parks, beaches, and open spaces are part of what make Rhode Island so special,\" said DEM Director Janet Coit. \"These assets are core to our economy and culture  and key to our state remaining a great place to live, visit, and raise a family. Parks like Lincoln Woods are also vitally important to connecting urban communities to the outdoors, providing a safe place for families to recreate, educating children about nature, and fostering the next generation of environmental stewards.\"\r\nOther key features of the project include:\r\n \r\nNew facilities connected to local water and sewer systems, eliminating the need for the public drinking water well and septic system currently used.\r\nThe facilities footprint and the swimming area shift east, moving the beach away from sensitive wetlands and reducing impacts to water quality.\r\nThe building design uses a combination of passive ventilation and daylighting to minimize the need for cooling and heating.\r\nHighly efficient mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems conserve natural resources.\r\nSolar energy used for heating water in key areas, including the main building and in public showers, to reduce energy consumption of park operations.\r\nThe landscape design includes native, non-invasive species that require minimal irrigation.\r\nThe new, expanded parking area made of porous asphalt; bike racks added to promote more active forms of transportation.\r\n \r\nThe $5.3 million project was designed by Providence-based Brewster Thornton Group Architects and will be constructed by Ahlborg Construction Corporation of Warwick, Rhode Island. It is being funded through the National Park Service Land and Water Conservation Fund ($1.7 million) and RICAP ($3.6 million). The beach will be open throughout 2016; the swimming area will be restricted and visitor facilities at the beach will be limited. Portable restrooms will be installed for public use; concessions, showers, and changing facilities will be closed. The project is expected to be completed by the start of the 2017 beach season.\r\nLincoln Woods is located in one of Rhode Islands most densely populated urban areas and is a popular retreat for Rhode Islanders and visitors to the state, offering fresh-water swimming, trout fishing, hiking, horseback riding, ice fishing, ice skating, and many other recreational opportunities. The park is teeming with walkers, joggers, and fishermen daily. Lincoln Woods was the first park acquired by the State of Rhode Island in 1909.\r\nLincoln Woods continues to fulfill its seminal purpose of providing working families with a peaceful, inviting place to unwind, continued Coit. Every year, the park welcomes visitors of all types  from avid hikers and runners to people gathering for a picnic with their family or seeking out a quiet refuge from nearby city life. It is a jewel among our natural areas in Rhode Island and unmatched in its appeal to a great diversity of people and activities. Our parks and beaches in Rhode Island are world-class destinations, and they are a special part of our social fabric. Bycontinuing to invest in them, we ensure they will remain beautiful resources for generations to come.\r\nFor more information about Rhode Island state parks and other DEM divisions and programs, visit www.dem.ri.gov.\r\n-end-\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-us-coast-guard-celebrate-completion-of-multi-million-dollar-upgrade-to-waterfront-at-naval-station-newport", "Reed, U.S. Coast Guard Celebrate Completion of Multi-Million Dollar Upgrade to Waterfront at Naval Station Newport", "2015-12-14", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12/14/2015NEWPORT, RI  U.S. Senator Jack Reed today was joined by Admiral Linda Fagan, the 1st U.S. Coast Guard District Commander, representatives from the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and Naval Station Newport, and Rhode Island construction workers for a ribbon cutting ceremony marking the completion of the new Coast Guard wharf project at Naval Station Newport.\r\nA senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Reed worked over the years to secure over $30 million for the Coast Guard and U.S. Navy to upgrade the waterfront area and provide for the construction of an 18,000 square foot, two-story masonry building containing support facilities for the Coast Guard Buoy tenders assigned to Naval Station Newport.\r\nThis upgrade to the waterfront at Naval Station Newport is critical for the Coast Guard personnel working to defend our coastline, as well as the many other agencies that utilize the base. I was pleased to help direct federal funds home to Rhode Island to make these enhancements and build this new facility. While we count on the Coast Guard and other national security agencies to always be ready, we also need to maintain and improve our infrastructure to make sure that they have the facilities and equipment necessary to carry out their varied missions, said Senator Reed, the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.\r\nThe project consisted of both shore-side and waterfront improvements to the wharf. Shore-side improvements included construction of a Shore Operations Building, parking area, storm water management system to collect and treat runoff generated from the USCG facility, and demolition of an existing Navy building. The projects waterfront improvements included installing shore tie utilities, cleats, bollards, and fenders for three Coast Guard Cutters (CGCs); paving along the waterfront; dredging of 5,000 cubic yards of material between the piers to deepen water for the maneuvering and berthing of vessels; and extending the sheet pile wall to provide a longer mooring face.\r\nSenator Reed first began securing funding for the project in Fiscal Year (FY) 2008. An appropriation secured in FY2011 allowed construction to move forward. Construction was completed this fall and the shore-side aspects of the project are expected to be fully operational this month.\r\nThe waterfront at Naval Station Newport is an integral part of operations for the Coast Guard and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) vessels. Currently, Newport is home to three Coast Guard buoy tenders, CGC Juniper, CGC Willow, and CGC Ida Lewis, as well as the Patrol Boat CGC Tiger Shark, and NOAAs Fisheries Survey Vessel Henry B. Bigelow. It regularly hosts visiting vessels from these agencies, and supports the important work of the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC).\r\n-end-\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-statement-on-international-climate-change-agreement", "Reed Statement on International Climate Change Agreement", "2015-12-12", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12/12/2015PROVIDENCE, RI  U.S. Senator Jack Reed issued the following statement on the announced international agreement to address climate change reached today in Paris:\r\n\"This is a historic international agreement to responsibly reduce pollution and slow global climate change.\r\n\"Climate change poses a serious threat to our future and now, for the first time, two hundred countries around the world are pledging to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.\r\n\"This pact was years in the making and I commend President Obama for his leadership and commitment to bringing people together to help enact meaningful change.\r\n\"We still have a long way to go, but todays historic agreement is a major step in the right direction.\"\r\n-end-\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-applauds-international-climate-accord", "Whitehouse Applauds International Climate Accord", "2015-12-12", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Sheldon Whitehouse", "W000802", "www.whitehouse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.12.15\n\t\t\t Whitehouse Applauds International Climate Accord \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tNewport, RIU.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) released the following statement on the historic agreement, announced in Paris today, to limit global greenhouse gas emissions:\r\nThis is a major victory for our climate, our oceans, and our children. The Paris Agreement represents the commitment of over 180 countriesrepresenting approximately 98 percent of greenhouse gas emissions worldwideto avoid the worst effects of climate change like drought, flooding, and extreme weather. It will also speed the transition to a clean energy economy. The Agreement is rigorous, requires transparency, and puts in place a framework to further reduce emissions over time. I applaud Secretary Kerry and our American negotiators and all of the parties involved for coming together for the good of our planet and future generations.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-joins-reach-out-and-read-ri-to-celebrate-prescribe-a-book-act-becoming-law", "Reed Joins Reach Out & Read RI to Celebrate ‘Prescribe a Book Act’ Becoming Law", "2015-12-11", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12/11/2015PROVIDENCE, RI  Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed joined health professionals and childhood literacy advocates from Reach Out and Read RI at the Chafee Health Center in Providence to celebrate President Obama signing Reeds Prescribe a Book Act into law. Reeds legislation creates federal grant opportunities for pediatric early literacy initiatives, authorizing competitive funding that could be used to help doctors and nurses provide low-income parents with a childrens book to take home at every wellness visit. This marks the first time a pediatric early literacy promotion initiative has been written into federal education policy.\r\nThe legislation authorizes funding for literacy programs that target at-risk children. This law builds upon the success of Reach Out and Read, an evidence-based organization that addresses the importance of reaching children in the first years of life by incorporating literacy promotion into pediatric care. Coupled with the measures the Senator added into the ESSA to support school libraries along with other literacy provisions, the new law contains an enhanced focus on helping young people read.\r\nLiteracy is the foundation for learning. Developing and building these skills begins at home, with parents as the first teachers. That is the basis for the Prescribe a Book Act, and its inclusion in the Every Student Succeeds Act is an important step forward. Helping young people learn to read is one of the most important things in terms of setting them along the right path and helping them develop the skills theyll need to be successful. This initiative empowers parents to help their kids and provides them with free books to get started, said Senator Reed, the author of the bipartisan Prescribe a Book Act, which was cosponsored by Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA).\r\nThere are 250 medical providers participating in Rhode Islands Reach Out and Read program, which serves over 31,000 children annually and distributed more than 57,000 books last year. Senator Reed visited the participating Providence Community Health Center at Chafee on Friday to cheer the passage of his legislation.\r\nSenator Reed has been a champion of early literacy for more than 15 years. He has known all along what others are only discovering nowthe earlier you read with your children, the greater their chances for success in school and beyond, said Susanna Beckwith, executive director of Reach Out and Read RI. Senator Reed is a tireless advocate for our youngest citizens and the programs that support them, like Reach Out and Read. Im so pleased to be here today to celebrate the passage of this groundbreaking legislation.\r\nResearch shows that reading aloud to children from an early age is vitally important to their development. Programs that get books in the hands of parents and young children have a tremendous impact on kids who are in danger of falling behind, even before they reach school age, Senator Grassley said. These programs may be the difference in a childs entering school at an equal level as his or her classmates or starting behind from the beginning.\r\nThe Prescribe a Book Act will provide competitively-awarded grants to help more health care providers offer carefully-selected, new, age-appropriate books for children to take home from every checkup from 6 months through 5 years.\r\nThe American Academy of Pediatrics has recognized the important role that pediatric providers play in enhancing childrens literacy skills. Research published in peer-reviewed, scientific journals has found that parents who have participated in the Reach Out and Read program are significantly more likely to read to their children and include more childrens books in their home, and that children served by the program show an increase of 4-8 points on vocabulary tests. These effects have been found in ethnically and economically diverse families nationwide, according to Reach Out and Read.\r\nResults from a recent Scholastic survey underscored the need for this type of initiative. Only 30 percent of parents reported reading aloud to their children before the age of three months and just under half of the parents from the lowest income households reported receiving advice on reading to their children starting at birth compared to nearly three-quarters of the highest income households.\r\n-end-\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/senate-approves-whitehouse-bill-to-protect-servicemembers-from-foreclosure", "Senate Approves Whitehouse Bill to Protect Servicemembers from Foreclosure", "2015-12-11", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Sheldon Whitehouse", "W000802", "www.whitehouse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.11.15\n\t\t\t Senate Approves Whitehouse Bill to Protect Servicemembers from Foreclosure \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, DC  Last evening, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved Senator Sheldon Whitehouses bill to keep military servicemembers and veterans out of foreclosure and in their homes after transitioning from active duty.\r\nWhitehouse has been fighting for years to ensure that those who have served our country and their families are protected from foreclosure as they transition from active-duty service and return to civilian life. Currently, thanks to legislation Whitehouse authored and helped to pass last year, servicemembers are protected from foreclosure for a full year after leaving active-duty service. That provision was due to expire at the end of 2015, meaning foreclosure protections for transitioning servicemembers would revert to just 90 days. The Whitehouse bill that passed yesterday extends the 12-month grace period through the end of 2017.\r\nSome of the men and women whove served our country need time to find their financial footing as they leave active service. They should get it, said Whitehouse. Our servicemembers keep us safe from all manner of threats around the globe. Its the least we can do to keep them and their families safe from foreclosure as they transition back to civilian life. Ill keep fighting to make these protections permanent, but Im pleased weve reached a unanimous, bipartisan agreement on a two-year extension.\r\nIn 2008, Congress first extended the period of foreclosure protection under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) from 90 days to nine months in response to a report by the Commission on the National Guard and Reserves. The report found that the threat of foreclosure is a stressor that need not be placed on members of the armed forces during the first months of their return to civilian life.\r\nIn 2012, Senator Whitehouse successfully fought to extend the period of foreclosure protection even further, pushing it to one year. Since then, Whitehouse has succeeded in extending that protection, while also fighting to make it permanent.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/opening-statement-by-ranking-member-jack-reed-sasc-hearing-on-increasing-the-effectiveness-of-military-operations", "Opening Statement by Ranking Member Jack Reed, SASC Hearing on Increasing the Effectiveness of Military Operations", "2015-12-10", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12/10/2015OPENING STATEMENT OF U.S. SENATOR JACK REED\r\nRANKING MEMBER, SENATE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE\r\n\r\nSD-G50\r\nDIRKSEN SENATE OFFICE BUILDING\r\nThursday, December 10, 2015\r\n\r\nTo receive testimony on increasing effectiveness of military operations\r\n(As Prepared for Delivery)\r\nThank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Id like to join you in thanking our distinguished panel of witnesses for their willingness to appear today to discuss ways that we may reform the Department of Defense to improve the effectiveness of military operations. Each of todays witnesses bring a unique perspective to this discussion - whether having directed a geographic combatant command like Admiral Stavridis, led a military service like General Schwartz, or rigorously studied military operations and organizations from an academic standpoint like Dr. Lamb. We have much to learn from your collective experiences and insights.\r\nOn Tuesday, our hearing highlighted the need to improve the development and production of military strategy, including the Quadrennial Defense Review or QDR. As former Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Michele Flournoy said, Over the years the QDR has become a routinized, bottom-up staff exercise that includes hundreds of participants and consumes many thousands of man-hours, rather than a top-down leadership exercise that sets clear priorities, makes hard choices and allocates risk.\r\nI hope that todays witnesses will build upon that discussion by helping us to understand what organizational, process, and cultural changes may be necessary to better implement military strategy. Specifically, I hope our witnesses will focus on:\r\n \r\nThe role and authorities assigned to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, including whether the Chairman should be placed in the chain of command for military operations;\r\nImproving the employment and synchronization of military capabilities through possible structural reforms to our combatant commands, defense agencies, and field activities; and\r\nThe potential benefits of adopting organizational changes, including consolidation of staff elements and the creation of cross-functional teams, to achieve efficiencies and provide senior civilian and military leaders with more impactful and timely recommendations.\r\n \r\nLastly, in previous hearings, several of our witnesses have rightly observed that enhancing the effectiveness of our military operations and better capitalizing upon the gains achieved through such operations may require changes to our interagency national security structure and processes as well. This point was made last month by Jim Locher, the lead Committee staff member on the 1986 Goldwater-Nichols defense reforms, when he told the Committee:\r\nNo matter how well you transform the Department of Defense, it is still going to be troubled by an interagency system that is quite broken and the problems that confront this nation and national security require an interagency response. The days of the Department of Defense being able to execute a national security mission by itself are long gone, and we do not have the ability to integrate the expertise and capacities of all of the government agencies that are necessary.\r\nIt is important that we always keep in mind that true national security involves much more than the military capabilities of the Department of Defense. While I believe it is appropriate to start with the issues solely within the jurisdiction of this Committee, I look forward to working with other relevant committees to address our shared interest in improving the broader interagency national security structure and processes.\r\nThank you, Mr. Chairman.\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/senate-democrats-offer-plan-to-enhance-national-security-and-defeat-isis", "Senate Democrats Offer Plan To Enhance National Security and Defeat ISIS", "2015-12-10", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12/10/2015WASHINGTON, DC This week, Senate Democrats released legislation, S.2377, to help defeat ISIS abroad while enhancing homeland security programs to protect the United States. The legislation is the culmination of proposals from the appropriate committees of jurisdiction. While the federal government is taking extraordinary measures to protect Americans, Senate Democrats believe additional action should be taken to address the threats from terrorism, including:\r\nDefeating ISIS Abroad\r\n \r\nCreating a new ISIS czar who would be fully empowered and in charge of the United States efforts to defeat ISIS.\r\nCutting off ISIS access to money by imposing tough new sanctions on financial institutions if they knowingly facilitate financial transactions with ISIS.\r\nIntensifying airstrikes on ISIS strongholds and oil supplies.\r\nIncreasing support for local forces fighting ISIS on the ground.\r\nCreating a new stabilization fund for Jordan and Lebanon to help those fleeing the conflict in Syria stay in the region, closer to their own homes.\r\nConfirming key national security positions necessary to fighting ISIS, such as Adam Szubin as Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Crimes at the Treasury Department.\r\nImproving intelligence sharing with our allies and partners.\r\nImproving migrant screening in Europe\r\nDeveloping a comprehensive strategy to counter ISIS propaganda and counter violent-extremism.\r\n \r\nKeeping America Safe\r\n \r\nReforming the Visa Waiver Program by requiring the universal use of machine-readable, electronic passports in order to participate in the program.\r\nClosing the terrorist gun loophole which would stop individuals who are known or suspected terrorists from purchasing a gun.\r\nStrengthening aviation security by improving screening technology and Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) training, including tougher vetting and oversight of aviation workers and secure areas within airports.\r\nLocking down dirty bomb materials by requiring the federal government to issue a strategy for locking down the highest risk radiological material in our hospitals and industrials sites.\r\nAuthorizing and supporting a new office at Department of Homeland Security dedicated to stopping homegrown extremism.\r\nStudying ways in which U.S. law can improve our ability to intercept terrorist communications.\r\nHelping state and local law enforcement train and properly respond to an active shooter attack by authorizing new grants to fund these types of training exercises.\r\n \r\nThese comprehensive proposals by Senate Democrats will take the fight to ISIS, while enhancing our protections of Americans at home, said Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid. Our plan addresses the threat of an ISIS attack here at home by augmenting resources to communities so they are trained and prepared to respond in an active shooter incident, while imposing tough new sanctions to cut of ISIS access to money. Our plan enhances our homeland security by closing the terrorist gun loophole, strengthening the visa waiver program and improving our airport security. There is no reason Republicans cannot join us to implement these logical reforms.\r\nWe know terrorist groups like ISIS and lone wolves or copycats want to try to strike America and Congress needs to take action to help stop them, said Senator Reed, Ranking Member of the Armed Services Committee. In addition to working with our allies abroad and improving intelligence sharing and counterterrorism capabilities that deny safe haven to terrorists, there are commonsense steps we can take to safeguard the homeland and disrupt future attacks. This proposal offers some concrete solutions to better address global threats and help keep the American people safe.\r\nThe world has witnessed acts of evil in the past several weeks, from Beirut and Paris to Colorado Springs and San Bernardino, said Assistant Senate Democratic Leader Durbin. As the President said Sunday, the threat from terrorism is real, but we will overcome it. Americas response should be to take the fight to ISIL abroad and strengthen our national security at home, not go after the children and families fleeing ISIL terrorism themselves. Theres no quick fix to the scourge of terrorism, but Congress can take important, common sense steps today to make our country safer and stronger.\r\nISISs despicable acts of terror around the globe in recent weeks are harrowing reminders that we must do everything we can to keep our country safe, said Senator Schumer, Chairman, Democratic Policy and Communications Center. This proposal would tighten safety at our airports, help prevent ISIS from radicalizing people living in the United States, and prevent suspected terrorists from buying assault weapons. These are common-sense proposals that I hope will earn bipartisan support.\r\nIts absolutely clear we need to defeat ISIL and any other terrorist group that attempts to inflict harm on America and Americas allies, and this proposal lays out some of the comprehensive and coordinated steps we need to take to keep our country safe, said Senate Democratic Conference Secretary Senator Murray. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to stand with us and demonstrate our common goal to defeat those who wish to attack us and the American values we hold so dear.\r\nThe legislation we are proposing today would help combat the threat of ISIS, keep Americans safe, and uphold our values as a nation that welcomes refugees and immigrants from other countries, said Senator Leahy, Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee. We need to respond to the threat of ISIS  wherever it exists  and we need to work with our international partners to combat this barbaric terrorist group. It is time for Congress to weigh in with more than just talking points and heated rhetoric. I hope all Senators will support these common sense reforms.\r\n\"This bill is an important step in our fight against ISIL, said Senator Feinstein, Ranking Member of the Intelligence Committee. In particular I support provisions to close the loophole that allows known or suspected terrorists to purchase firearms and explosives; strengthen the Visa Waiver Program, including a pilot project to require biometric information; and increase information sharing with our allies intelligence agencies. I also continue to believe that we must require individuals who have traveled to Iraq and Syria to acquire traditional visas, which is not part of this bill.\r\nRecent attacks further illustrate the threat ISIS poses, not just to our allies overseas, but to our security here at home, said Senator Nelson, Ranking Member on the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. We must do everything we can to protect our country from future attacks, including adopting some of the common-sense measures in this bill.\r\nThe best way to combat the threat of ISIS across the globe is to continue to degrade and destroy their forces overseas and show the world that they are not as powerful as they claim to be, said Senator Carper, Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. Our success will not only rob them of their safe haven, but also undercut their recruitment narrative that ISIS is on the rise. While the international coalition in the fight against ISIS continues to make progress dismantling and degrading the terrorist group, we must also focus on defeating the threat ISIS and other terrorist groups pose here at home. As the tragedy in California underscores, one of the greatest threats we face is homegrown terrorism and self-radicalization. Thats why we must also work to destroy ISISs influence by countering their twisted message and inoculating against its efforts to radicalize our own people here in the United States. We must also strengthen our aviation security, enhance the capabilities of our first responders, and ensure radiological material here at home does not end up in the hands of a terrorist. This bill will give the Administration the appropriate authorities and guidance to help destroy this threat and better secure our homeland.\r\n\"We are proposing a whole-of-government strategy to counter ISIL abroad and defend against ISIL at home, said Senator Cardin, Ranking Member on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. This will require leadership, resources, and a sustained committed to working with our international partners. We must simultaneously protect American values and reject discrimination based on religion.\"\r\nAs a father and grandfather, I believe one of our most important priorities is to keep the American people safe, said Senator Brown, Ranking Member on the Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee. This bill would provide new tools to combat ISIS by eliminating its ability to abuse the international financial system, preventing new recruits, and ensuring better coordination among our partners and allies. We must also reassess our visa waiver program to prevent radicalized people from entering our country, and prevent those on the terrorist watch list from purchasing assault weapons.\r\n-end-\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/after-school-advocates-applaud-cicilline%E2%80%99s-work-include-new-strengthened-provisions", "After School Advocates Applaud Cicillines Work to Include New, Strengthened Provisions in Education Bill", "2015-12-09", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "David Cicilline", "C001084", "cicilline.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Rhode Island education and after school advocates praised U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline today for his work to include after school initiatives in the Every Student Succeeds Act that passed the U.S. House of Representatives last week.\nThis is a big win for Rhode Island students, said Cumberland High School Principal and 2016 NASSP National Principal of the Year Alan Tenreiro. Expanding the range of student support services we need, including after school programs, will help more young people get the help they need outside the classroom. I thank Congressman Cicilline for getting this work done for our state.\nThe Every Student Succeeds Act, which reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act through Fiscal Year 2020, resulted from negotiations between House and Senate conferees. The bill passed the House by an overwhelming 359-64 vote on Wednesday.\nCicilline successfully lobbied the House and Senate conferees to include provisions he originally introduced earlier this year as part of the Community Partnerships in Education Act in order to strengthen after school efforts across the nation. The Every Student Succeeds Act is now expected to be considered by the U.S. Senate as early as next week.\nAs Providence residents already know, effective after school initiatives help young people succeed from the moment they wake up in the morning until they go to bed at night, said Providence After School Alliance Executive Director Hillary Salmons. PASA applauds Congressman Cicilline for his work to include new and effective after school initiatives in the education bill, which will benefit young people all across Rhode Island. \nAmong the provisions proposed by Cicilline are:\n Requirements for school districts to engage with community partners and intermediaries when applying for federal grants and implementing state and local education plans;\nNew federal grants for states and school districts to support drug and violence prevention, healthy lifestyles, and social development skills;\nReauthorization of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers, which provide a dedicated funding stream for after school programming, as well as critical services for low-income students to promote physical and social development, health and nutrition awareness, and academic achievement;\n Few tools are as effective at promoting development and keeping kids safe as quality after school initiatives, said Cicilline. The inclusion of these proposals in the Every Student Succeeds Act will provide greater opportunities for at-risk youth and keep them on a solid track to success. \nCicilline, who served as Mayor of Providence from 2003 to 2011, has long advocated for greater federal support of after school initiatives. He established the Providence After School Alliance to serve more than 1,000 middle school students with hands-on learning opportunities during his time as Mayor, and earlier this year led a letter to the House Appropriations Committee requesting $1.15 billion in funding for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/congress-passes-major-k-12-education-reform-legislation-2015", "Congress Passes Major K-12 Education Reform Legislation", "2015-12-09", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12/09/2015WASHINGTON, DC  In an effort to raise student achievement in the classroom, increase flexibility for states and school districts, and provide schools and teachers with new resources and support, the U.S. Senate today voted 85-12 to pass a major overhaul of federal education law known as the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 and aims to fix the broken Bush-era No Child Left Behind (NCLB) education law that was adopted nearly fourteen years ago. The bipartisan bill includes several key provisions written by U.S. Senator Jack Reed to improve K-12 education in the United States.\r\nWe must fulfill the promise of a high-quality education for all students. This legislation empowers schools to raise student achievement and will help provide the resources they need to succeed, said Senator Reed. Throughout this debate, I listened to parents, teachers, and educators and worked with them to ensure the federal government is more responsive to the educational needs of students. Despite its good intentions, No Child Left Behind was underfunded and relied on a top-down approach too focused on standardized testing. Assessment plays a critical role in education, but a strong system of assessment and accountability includes measures beyond standardized test scores. Without these other measures, we risk cheating students of the well-rounded education they deserve. The ESSA should raise the bar and foster stronger federal-state partnerships that will help more students achieve at a high standard.\r\nDuring a speech on the Senate floor Tuesday, Reed pointed out that every day, communities in Rhode Island and across the nation wrestle with how to address large achievement gaps based on wealth, race, ethnicity, and disability status.\r\nUnderlying those achievement gaps we see are gaps in opportunity, he stated. We need to ensure our students have access to critical resources for learning, strong teachers, counselors, and principals, as well as a well-balanced program of study that includes arts, humanities, and environmental education, and safe, healthy schools equipped with libraries, technology, and science labs. This bipartisan bill helps advance those fundamental goals.\r\nAfter years of work, and extensive negotiations between the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives, both the House and Senate have now adopted the bipartisan ESSA, which contains a number of the education priorities Senator Reed spearheaded, including improving access to effective school library programs, enhancing professional development for teachers and principals, increasing the focus on resource equity, and strengthening family engagement and environmental education initiatives.\r\nThe Every Student Succeeds Act isn't perfect, but it will improve the way we approach education in this country, and it will put our young people on a clearer path to sustained achievement both in and out of the classroom, said Reed.\r\nThe legislation approved today includes federal protections to help ensure that young people -- regardless of family income, race, ethnicity, or disability -- graduate from high school ready for the next step, whether it be college or the workforce. Among the Reed-authored measures in the final bill were provisions from the Core Opportunity Resources for Equity and Excellence (CORE) Act, which will bring some long-overdue transparency to resource equity in schools, requiring states to report on key measures of school quality beyond student achievement on statewide assessments, including: student access to experienced and effective educators; access to rigorous and advanced coursework; availability of career and technical educational opportunities; and safe and healthy school learning environments.\r\nWe have a responsibility to provide for learning environments where students can cultivate their talents and prepare for whatever comes next, whether that be college or a career. This is about more than a diploma. We want schools to produce young adults who are wellpositioned to be productive members of our society and fully prepared to greet the challenges and opportunities the next generation will face. We have to set high expectations for our students, while providing them and their teachers with the resources necessary to hit those high marks, added Senator Reed.\r\nSenator Reed wrote several portions of the bill, including:\r\nEnsuring Greater transparency on and accountability for resource equity (CORE Act)  The Every Student Succeeds Act requires that states and school districts include information on resource equity such as access to experienced and effective educators, the ability to pursue advanced coursework, and other school quality and school climate indicators. The ESSA also requires states to include a school climate or resource-equity measure as an additional indicator in their state accountability system. Additionally, the conference agreement requires that schools districts identify and address resource inequities for schools needing comprehensive support and improvement.\r\nSupporting Environmental Literacy (No Child Left Inside Act)  The Every Student Succeeds Act includes provisions from Reeds No Child Left Inside (NCLI) Act to allow school districts to integrate environmental education into their programs for well-rounded education as well as their afterschool programs. The measure will support environmental education and hands-on, field-based learning experiences in schools across the country. Reed and Congressman John Sarbanes (D-MD) have been working together since 2007 to pass legislation to help schools build environmental literacy programs, strengthen teacher training, and provide competitive grants to help schools and non-profits pay for outdoor education.\r\nSupporting Educators (BEST Act)  The Every Student Succeeds Act includes key provisions of Reeds BEST Act, enabling states and school districts to support teachers, principals, and other educators at the start of their careers through induction and residency programs and over the course of the careers through high quality, job-embedded professional development and career advancement opportunities. The ESSA also includes critical Reed-authored provisions that allow states to use Title II funds to implement educator equity plans so that low-income and minority students have the same access to effective educators as their more advantaged peers.\r\nSupporting Effective School Library Programs (SKILLS Act)  The Every Student Succeeds Act includes an authorization for developing and enhancing effective school library programs, which may include professional development for school librarians and support for up-to-date books and materials. The legislation also includes the bipartisan amendment Senator Reed wrote with Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS) to encourage school districts to address access to effective school library programs as part of their Title I plans and through their professional development programs.\r\nStrengthening Literacy (Prescribe a Book Act)  The Every Student Succeeds Act includes Reeds provisions to strengthen literacy by providing disadvantaged children with access to books, including in pediatric health care settings, modeled on the successful Reach Out and Read Program.\r\nStrengthening Family Engagement (Family Engagement in Education Act)  The Every Student Succeeds Act includes Senator Reeds provisions to encourage school districts to reserve more than one percent of their Title I allocation for family engagement activities, and to establish statewide family engagement centers to provide technical assistance and support to districts and schools in implementing evidence-based family engagement strategies\r\nThe House voted 359-64 to approve the ESSA conference report last week, and the measure will now be sent to the President to be signed into law.\r\n-end-\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/congress-tells-schools-to-take-it-outside", "Congress Tells Schools to ‘Take It Outside’", "2015-12-09", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12/09/2015New K-12 education law empowers states and schools & includes No Child Left Inside provision to strengthen environmental education and outdoor learning\r\nWASHINGTON, DC  Today, Congress passed a new K-12 education law that empowers schools, promises more flexibility for states, and reduces the reliance on high-stakes testing in public schools while maintaining strong oversight of student achievement.\r\nIncluded in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), a bipartisan bill that replaces the widely-criticized No Child Left Behind Act, is a key provision co-authored by U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) and Congressman John Sarbanes (D-MD) that will strengthen environmental education programs in schools across the country.\r\nThe Reed-Sarbanes bill known as the No Child Left Inside (NCLI) Act authorizes funding to help states create environmental education plans and support outdoor learning programs and integrates environmental literacy activities into other key programs. The Every Student Succeeds Act will allow school districts to integrate environmental education into their programs for well-rounded education as well as their afterschool programs. The measure will support environmental education and hands-on, field-based learning experiences in participating schools nationwide.\r\nReed and Sarbanes have been working together since 2007 to pass NCLI to help states and schools build environmental literacy programs, strengthen teacher training, and provide competitive grants to allow schools and non-profits to pay for quality outdoor education programs.\r\nResearch by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) shows that children who are allowed to get outdoors during the school day are more attentive in class and better off socially and physically.\r\nEnvironmental education can have a positive impact on kids health, academic achievement, and understanding of the natural world. This bill represents a major step forward, giving schools new opportunities to engage students through environmental education, said Senator Reed. Teaching children about the environment and giving them a hands-on opportunity to experience nature should be an important part of the curriculum in our schools. This new law will free up critical resources for environmental education to inspire the next generation of scientists and conservationists. Its a smart investment in our children and their future.\r\nESSA is a tremendous victory for advocates of environmental education whove fought long and hard to expand outdoor, hands-on learning programs, said Congressman Sarbanes. Numerous studies show the positive effect of experiential outdoor learning on student development and academic achievement. And if we can better connect youth with the outdoors, then we can help inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. I commend my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for passing a comprehensive education reform package that has immense benefits for students, teachers and schools across the country.\r\nNCLI would provide federal grant funding for teachers who design and implement environmental education programs in, and importantly, outside of the classroom. By encouraging new environmental curricula, the bill would also cultivate partnerships and strengthen relationships between school districts, colleges, environmental nonprofits, parks and other community-based organizations.\r\nNCLI was backed by a strong, grassroots coalition of hundreds of community groups nationwide. At the direction of the Rhode Island Environmental Education Association (RIEEA) and in collaboration with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), Rhode Island was among the first states in the nation to fully develop an Environmental Literacy Plan (ELP), opening the door for potential federal funding that will help to equip teachers with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to integrate critical environmental and science learning into their curricula.\r\nESSA has already been approved in the U.S. House of Representatives and now that it has passed the full U.S. Senate today by a vote of it will be sent to the Presidents desk, where he is expected to sign it into law.\r\n-end-\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/opening-statement-by-ranking-member-jack-reed-sasc-hearing-on-us-strategy-to-counter-isil", "Opening Statement by Ranking Member Jack Reed, SASC Hearing on U.S. Strategy to Counter ISIL", "2015-12-09", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12/09/2015OPENING STATEMENT OF U.S. SENATOR JACK REED\r\nRANKING MEMBER, SENATE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE\r\n\r\nSD-106\r\nDIRKSEN SENATE OFFICE BUILDING\r\nWednesday, December 9, 2015\r\n\r\nTo receive testimony on the U.S. strategy to counter the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and U.S. policy toward Iraq and Syria \r\n(As Prepared for Delivery)\r\nThank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Let me join you in welcoming our witnesses. This mornings hearing is timely in light of several recent and concerning events, including ISIL claiming responsibility for the bombing of a Russian airliner, the attacks on innocent civilians in Beirut and Paris, and the deadly attack in San Bernardino by what appear to be self-radicalized individuals. Our hearts go out to the victims of these terrible and senseless tragedies.\r\nAs the President outlined in his speech to the nation on Sunday, it is critical that the U.S.-led 60-plus-nation Coalition for defeating ISIL pursue a multidimensional approach. The United States and its coalition partners are intensifying their efforts to degrade ISIL militarily and deny their leaders any safe haven; to cut off ISIL financing; to interdict the flow of foreign fighters to ISIL controlled territories; and to counter the spread of ISILs murderous ideology that the President characterized as part of a cult of death. Such an approach will require the careful coordination of the military, intelligence, diplomatic, and law enforcement efforts to combat ISIL across the departments of the U.S. Government and within our coalition.\r\nRecently, the Administration announced a number of steps to intensify our military efforts in Iraq and Syria. These include: the deployment of A-10s to Turkey; the addition of special operations forces in northern Syria to assist local forces; and most recently, the announcement by Secretary Carter last week of the intent to deploy, in full coordination with the Government of Iraq, an expeditionary targeting force to assist the Iraqi and Kurdish security forces in removing ISIL leaders from the battlefield. In addition, coalition partners, including Britain, France and Germany, have stepped up their contributions to the fight against ISIL since the Paris attacks. I welcome these continuing efforts to re-evaluate and enhance our military campaign and would be interested in any additional steps that may be under consideration to intensify the military pressure on ISIL in Iraq and Syria.\r\nAt the same time, a sustainable defeat of ISIL in the region requires that ground combat forces be primarily local forces, though U.S. forces can provide critical advice, assistance and enablers. Putting large numbers of U.S. troops on the ground in Iraq and Syria would play directly into the ISIL narrative we are working to defeat  potentially providing our enemies a propaganda victory that could be exploited for recruiting and fundraising purposes. We need to look no further than the ISIL propaganda targeting Russia.\r\nIt is also clear that a sustainable outcome will only be possible with more inclusive governance by the Abadi Government in Baghdad and a political transition in Syria that puts an end to the brutality of the Assad regime. Russias direct intervention in the Syrian conflict will continue to further reduce the chances of achieving an acceptable political solution so long as Russia remains focused on attacking the moderate Syrian opposition while claiming to be joining the anti-ISIL fight.\r\nWe will be interested in hearing from our witnesses regarding the progress of the campaign to defeat ISIL; and of the status of our efforts to train, equip, and assist local forces in Syria and Iraq to be able to clear ISIL forces and then hold territory re-taken from ISIL control. General, I hope you will also address whether we now have the right command structure for Operation Inherent Resolve and whether our military commanders in theater have the flexibility they need to carry out the campaign plan. Finally, the committee would be interested to get an assessment from our witnesses of the factors contributing to the expansion of ISIL and associated groups beyond the Syria-Iraq region, and what the Department needs to counter the threat posed by ISILs spreading influence.\r\nAgain, I thank our witnesses and look forward to their testimony.\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/videos/reed-introduces-ri-public-defender-mary-mcelroy-at-hearing-on-nomination-to-the-us-district-court", "Reed Introduces RI Public Defender Mary McElroy at Hearing on Nomination to the U.S. District Court", "2015-12-09", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Jack Reed introduced Rhode Island Public Defender Mary McElroy to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee on December 9, 2015 at a hearing on her nomination to the U.S. District Court for Rhode Island.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/judiciary-committee-holds-hearing-on-mcelroys-nomination-for-us-district-court-for-rhode-island", "Judiciary Committee Holds Hearing on McElroy’s Nomination for U.S. District Court for Rhode Island", "2015-12-09", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Sheldon Whitehouse", "W000802", "www.whitehouse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.09.15\n\t\t\t Judiciary Committee Holds Hearing on McElroys Nomination for U.S. District Court for Rhode Island \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.  The Senate Judiciary Committee today held a hearing to consider Mary McElroys nomination to be a United States District Judge for the District of Rhode Island, the states federal trial court which has jurisdiction to hear nearly all categories of federal cases, including both civil and criminal matters.\r\nMs. McElroy currently serves as Rhode Islands top public defender, and if confirmed, would fill a vacancy left by Judge Mary M. Lisi, who assumed senior status on the Court on October 1st.\r\nU.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse recommended Ms. McElroy to President Barack Obama for nomination in July. The President accepted the Senators recommendation and officially nominated McElroy in September.\r\nNoting that Ms. McElroy has widespread support from Rhode Islands legal and law enforcement community, including the current Attorney General of Rhode Island and the Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police, Senator Reed stated during the hearing: They support Marys nomination due to her tireless work ethic, commitment to the law, and sense of decency. Reed continued: Her contributions and dedication to fair legal representation has taught Mary to see the world from many different viewpoints. The best judges must not only have a firm command of the law but must also be able to understand and appreciate, in an impartial manner, the circumstances and perspectives of all those who come before the court. Mary embodies both of these essential qualities.\r\nSenator Whitehouse, a member of the Judiciary Committee who served as Ranking Member during todays nomination hearing for Ms. McElroy and four other District Court judicial nominees, stated: Ms. McElroy is a devoted public servant and a talented attorney, who has built a long and impressive legal career. She possesses qualities common to the very best jurists, like patience, discretion, compassion, and a deep commitment to the rule of law. I am confident she will put those qualities to good use as a federal Judge and we look forward to her speedy confirmation.\r\nA Warwick native who currently resides in Coventry, Mary McElroy is the first woman in Rhode Island history to serves as the states Public Defender, which provides high-quality legal representation to all indigent citizens in Rhode Island in criminal, juvenile, and parental rights cases. Ms. McElroy has over twenty years of legal experience at the state and federal level, having previously served as Assistant Federal Public Defender in the Office of the Federal Defender for the United States District of Rhode Island and as Assistant Public Defender in the Office of the Rhode Island Public Defender.\r\nShe graduated with honors from Suffolk University School of Law and also holds an undergraduate degree in history from Providence College. She also clerked for the Honorable Donald F. Shea of the Rhode Island Supreme Court and was an associate with the Providence law firm Tate & Elias.\r\nNow that Ms. McElroy has received a hearing, the next step is for the Judiciary Committee to schedule a vote on McElroys nomination. A vote will likely take place in early 2016.\r\nThen the nomination may be considered and voted on by the full Senate and McElroy's nomination must receive a simple majority vote for confirmation.\r\nReeds and Whitehouses introductions can be found here and here.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/senate-approves-k-12-overhaul", "Senate Approves K-12 Overhaul", "2015-12-09", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Sheldon Whitehouse", "W000802", "www.whitehouse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.09.15\n\t\t\t Senate Approves K-12 Overhaul \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Whitehouse Helped Craft Law to Replace Broken, Burdensome No Child Left Behind\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, DC  The U.S. Senate today voted to ease the burdensome requirements of the No Child Left Behind education law, help reduce reliance on high-stakes testing, and expand access to a quality education for all students. The bipartisan Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which updates federal elementary and secondary education policies, was approved by a vote of 85-12. The legislation, having already been acted on by the House of Representatives, will now be signed into law by President Obama.\r\nSenator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) was closely involved in drafting the bill and negotiating the final package with his House and Senate colleagues, and it includes a number of provisions of importance to Rhode Island schools.\r\n \r\nThe new law will require states to help schools get out from under burdensome regulations that can serve as barriers to tailored, school-based innovation.\r\nIt creates new tools to identify and support middle school students at risk of dropping out.\r\nIt will help keep students in juvenile justice facilities from falling further behind in their education, and support students in addiction recovery.\r\nThe legislation encourages school districts to work with community-based organizations to improve afterschool programs.\r\nIt offers grants to bolster history and civics education.\r\nWhitehouse worked with Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI) to include language to support school libraries, media centers, and related teacher training.\r\n \r\nI asked Rhode Island teachers, unions, reformers, school administrators, and parents how our nations education policies could best support our students, said Whitehouse. They all agreed the current law, No Child Left Behind, was broken, and they gave me thoughtful feedback that guided my efforts in Washington. Through good-faith, bipartisan debate and compromise, Congress has forged a new law that advances our common goal of providing all children the best possible education. As a member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, Whitehouse played a key role in drafting the comprehensive legislation. He also served on the joint House-Senate conference committee tasked with negotiating a compromise between the two chambers bills.\r\nESSA will permit states to design their own accountability systems, giving them the discretion to consider a broad range of indicators of school qualitynot just test scores. ESSA also frees public schools from the old laws one-size-fits-all federal sanctions, allowing states and school districts to develop their own approaches to improve struggling schools. While ESSA scales back the federal governments role in K-12 education, it maintains important guardrails to ensure that all students have the opportunity to attain a quality public education.\r\nWe deeply appreciate Senator Whitehouses work to incorporate language into the ESEA Reauthorization that recognizes the unique challenges faced by urban school districts like ours, said Providence Schools Superintendent Christopher N. Maher. The additional resources and new programs in this important legislation will help to improve learning for our children and our wider Providence Schools community.\r\nAs the superintendent of an urban school district in Rhode Island who is focused on finding innovative and effective ways to help my students achieve at higher levels, I am a strong supporter of this legislation, said Victor Capellan, Central Falls, RI, School District Superintendent. Senator Whitehouse has spent countless hours and invested significant energy in reaching out, listening to, and collaborating with educators from across the state to help craft this legislation. I believe that this bill represents a huge step forward for educators to be able to do the work and invest the resources where it mattersin the classroom.\r\nAs Rhode Island Attorney General, Whitehouse saw firsthand that chronic truancy in middle school is often an early warning for students. He worked to ensure the new law will help identify and support middle schoolers at risk of dropping out, putting them on the right track before they get to high school.\r\nThe Rhode Island Middle Level Educators (RIMLE) are pleased that the Every Student Succeeds Act is moving to fruition, said RIMLE Executive Director Patricia Marcotte, Principal of Ponaganset Middle School in North Scituate, RI. Our organization has been working with Senator Whitehouse since 2007 to garner support for the middle level in federal legislation to support the work of the stakeholders and leaders within the states. We are especially pleased that the Conferees intend that the States describe how the unique needs of students will be met, especially those students at the middle and high school levels. It is significant that the States are being asked to provide professional development to teachers, principals, other school leaders, and other school personnel to ensure the academic and developmental needs of middle and high school students are met. This will be a major assist to the stakeholders as they work with our middle level students. RIMLE thanks our Senators for their support of middle level educators and students in RI and we look forward to continuing our work with Senator Whitehouse.\r\nThe law includes an amendment offered by Whitehouse and Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) to expand drug and violence prevention grants to provide recovery support services to students working to overcome addiction. \r\nWe thank Senator Whitehouse for the amendment to the education bill to improve drug and violence prevention, said Maria Montanaro, Director of the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities, and Hospitals. Sadly, in this day and age, education regarding drugs and violence is imperative for children to help them recognize risk factors, recover from substance use, and promote mental health wellness. We applaud the Senator for his work to protect the health of our children and encourage positive community action.\r\nWe face formidable challenges: the availability of prescribed opioids and the increased accessibility of heroin/fentanyl, new forms of nicotine delivery, and the escalation of marijuana use among youth, said Sarah C. Dinklage, Executive Director of Rhode Island Student Assistance Services. This bill will help schools and communities address these challenges by taking advantage of windows of opportunity and evidence-based strategies to prevent and treat substance use disorders and related problems. Promoting health and safety in our schools is paramount not only to each young persons successful education, but to the success of our state and our country as a whole.\r\nAlso included in the final bill is a provision to promote afterschool partnerships between school districts and community organizations, modeled after legislation Whitehouse wrote with Congressman David Cicilline (D-RI).\r\nThe Providence After School Alliance is extremely grateful to Senator Whitehouse for his tireless work to ensure that the Every Student Succeeds Act expands opportunities for all students, said Hillary Salmons, Executive Director, Providence After School Alliance. Senator Whitehouse has always been a champion for the role that both schools and community partners can play in creating transformational educational experiences for young people in Rhode Island and nationwide. We and our partners in Every Hour Counts are delighted to see that ESSA promotes high-quality partnerships originally proposed in S.580/H.R. 1188, The Community Partnerships in Education Act, introduced by Senator Whitehouse and Congressman Cicilline, respectively.\r\nA full summary of the bill can be found here. The bill has garnered widespread support from groups and advocates, which can be found here.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/rhode-island-arts-groups-receive-125000-federal-grants", "Rhode Island Arts Groups Receive $125,000 in Federal Grants", "2015-12-08", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "David Cicilline", "C001084", "cicilline.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Providence, RI  U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Jim Langevin and David Cicilline cheered $125,000 in National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) funding for Rhode Island arts organizations. The NEA grants will help the groups pursue arts research, bring dance and theater productions to the stage, and promote the arts among Rhode Island youth.\nI am pleased that Rhode Island arts organizations have been selected to receive these federal grants to help boost education through the arts and cultural engagement, said Senator Jack Reed.\nOur artistic community is an economic engine and part of what makes Rhode Island such a great place to live, said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, who led a workshop in July to assist Rhode Islanders interested in applying for NEA funding. This funding will help some of our leading arts groups strengthen that community by introducing talented young people to the arts and putting on first-rate productions.\nRhode Island is home to rich cultural experiences and a truly vibrant arts scene. This is thanks, in large part, to a strong pipeline of young talent, cultivated by these organizations that invest so much time and resources into developing our next generation of artists and creators, said Congressman Jim Langevin. Congratulations to the grant award winners, and thank you for your commitment to fostering the arts in our state.\nThis $125,000 grant will provide critical resources to help promote economic development here in Rhode Island and support our states thriving arts community, said Congressman David Cicilline. Im especially pleased that this funding will help make the arts accessible for young Rhode Islanders and encourage a deeper appreciation of the arts for the next generation.\nRecipients include:\nThe Alliance of Artists Communities in Providence, to support arts research;\nEverett Dance in Providence, to support the touring of a multimedia physical theater piece exploring mass incarceration in America;\nNew Urban Arts in Providence, to support the Youth Mentorship in the Arts program and the Summer Art Inquiry program for teens;\nProvidence City Arts for Youth, Inc. in Providence, to support art classes and mentorships for youth;\nTrinity Repertory Company in Providence, to support a production of To Kill a Mockingbird, based on the novel by Harper Lee, and adapted for the stage by Christopher Sergel.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://langevin.house.gov/press-release/rhode-island-arts-groups-receive-125000-federal-grants", "Rhode Island Arts Groups Receive $125,000 in Federal Grants", "2015-12-08", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jim Langevin", "L000559", "langevin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Jim Langevin and David Cicilline cheered $125,000 in National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) funding for Rhode Island arts organizations. The NEA grants will help the groups pursue arts research, bring dance and theater productions to the stage, and promote the arts among Rhode Island youth.\nI am pleased that Rhode Island arts organizations have been selected to receive these federal grants to help boost education through the arts and cultural engagement, said Senator Jack Reed.\nOur artistic community is an economic engine and part of what makes Rhode Island such a great place to live, said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, who led a workshop in July to assist Rhode Islanders interested in applying for NEA funding. This funding will help some of our leading arts groups strengthen that community by introducing talented young people to the arts and putting on first-rate productions.\nRhode Island is home to rich cultural experiences and a truly vibrant arts scene. This is thanks, in large part, to a strong pipeline of young talent, cultivated by these organizations that invest so much time and resources into developing our next generation of artists and creators, said Congressman Jim Langevin. Congratulations to the grant award winners, and thank you for your commitment to fostering the arts in our state.\nThis $125,000 grant will provide critical resources to help promote economic development here in Rhode Island and support our states thriving arts community, said Congressman David Cicilline. Im especially pleased that this funding will help make the arts accessible for young Rhode Islanders and encourage a deeper appreciation of the arts for the next generation.\nRecipients include:\n The Alliance of Artists Communities in Providence, to support arts research;\n\tEverett Dance in Providence, to support the touring of a multimedia physical theater piece exploring mass incarceration in America;\n\tNew Urban Arts in Providence, to support the Youth Mentorship in the Arts program and the Summer Art Inquiry program for teens;\n\tProvidence City Arts for Youth, Inc. in Providence, to support art classes and mentorships for youth;\n\tTrinity Repertory Company in Providence, to support a production of To Kill a Mockingbird, based on the novel by Harper Lee, and adapted for the stage by Christopher Sergel.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/opening-statement-by-ranking-member-jack-reed-sasc-hearing-on-improving-the-pentagons-development-of-policy-strategy-and-plans", "Opening Statement by Ranking Member Jack Reed, SASC Hearing on Improving the Pentagon’s Development of Policy, Strategy, & Plans", "2015-12-08", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12/08/2015OPENING STATEMENT OF U.S. SENATOR JACK REED\r\nRANKING MEMBER, SENATE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE\r\n\r\nSD-G50\r\nDIRKSEN SENATE OFFICE BUILDING\r\nTuesday, December 8, 2015\r\n\r\nTo receive testimony on improving the Pentagons development of policy, strategy, and plans\r\n(As Prepared for Delivery)\r\nThank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Id like to join you in thanking our distinguished panel of witnesses for their willingness to appear today as we consider how the Department of Defense can improve its processes for developing defense policy and military strategy. Given their national security expertise, I welcome their thoughts and suggestions on specific steps they believe the Department could undertake to help us better address the complex national security issues confronting the U.S. today.\r\nAs Secretary Bob Gates testified before this Committee in October, Americans, including all too often our leaders, regard international crises and military conflict as aberrations when, in fact and sad to say, they are the norm. He went on to further state, While we may not be interested in aggressors, terrorists, revanchists and expansionists half a world away, they ultimately are always interested in us  or our interests or our allies and friends.\r\nSecretary Gates admonition has reverberated throughout our hearings these past few months. The Department of Defense is facing many complicated and rapidly evolving challenges. We have seen how violent extremist organizations are able to promote their destructive agendas and carry out attacks against the United States, our allies, and our respective interests. In Iraq and Syria, the breakdown of the nation-state system has allowed the re-emergence of centuries-old divisions, creating a vastly complex situation.\r\nAt the same time, Russia continues its provocative behavior in Europe, while also deploying Russian troops and military equipment to Syria to directly support the failing Assad regime. Likewise, Chinas assertive behavior in the South China Sea region reflects both its desire to assert great power status and a challenge to international norms, including the freedom of navigation. Compound these issues in an age of nuclear proliferation, and global stability becomes even more tenuous.\r\nIt is in this context that previous witnesses before this Committee have testified that the Departments organization and processes are not flexible enough to respond in a timely manner. For example, Eliot Cohen outlined how the Department currently produces strategy documents on a fixed schedule and stated that A much better system would be something like the White Papers produced by the Australian and French systems, not on a regular basis but in reaction to major international developments, and composed by small, special commissions that include outsiders as well as bureaucrats.\r\nIn addition to how the Department develops defense policy and military strategy to respond to evolving threats, I would also welcome the witnesses views on whether or not changes are needed to the Departments force planning process; if the current Combatant Command structure engenders effective military operations; and whether the size and number of defense agencies and field activities and other headquarter functions should be consolidated or eliminated. Lastly, while not fully within this committees jurisdiction, I would be interested in the views of our witnesses on the current interagency structure for national security and whether changes in that area should also be considered.\r\nThese are complex, multifaceted issues that do not offer easy or quick solutions. Again, I look forward to hearing from each of our witnesses their perspectives on these issues and their thoughts on how we can make our national security strategy more effective in addressing these challenges.\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/rhode-island-arts-groups-receive-125000-in-federal-grants", "Rhode Island Arts Groups Receive $125,000 in Federal Grants", "2015-12-08", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12/08/2015PROVIDENCE, RI U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Jim Langevin and David Cicilline cheered $125,000 in National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) funding for Rhode Island arts organizations. The NEA grants will help the groups pursue arts research, bring dance and theater productions to the stage, and promote the arts among Rhode Island youth.\r\nI am pleased that Rhode Island arts organizations have been selected to receive these federal grants to help boost education through the arts and cultural engagement, said Senator Jack Reed.\r\nOur artistic community is an economic engine and part of what makes Rhode Island such a great place to live, said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, who led a workshop in July to assist Rhode Islanders interested in applying for NEA funding. This funding will help some of our leading arts groups strengthen that community by introducing talented young people to the arts and putting on first-rate productions.\r\nRhode Island is home to rich cultural experiences and a truly vibrant arts scene. This is thanks, in large part, to a strong pipeline of young talent, cultivated by these organizations that invest so much time and resources into developing our next generation of artists and creators, said Congressman Jim Langevin. Congratulations to the grant award winners, and thank you for your commitment to fostering the arts in our state.\r\nThis $125,000 grant will provide critical resources to help promote economic development here in Rhode Island and support our states thriving arts community, said Congressman David Cicilline. Im especially pleased that this funding will help make the arts accessible for young Rhode Islanders and encourage a deeper appreciation of the arts for the next generation.\r\nRecipients include:\r\nThe Alliance of Artists Communities in Providence, to support arts research;\r\nEverett Dance in Providence, to support the touring of a multimedia physical theater piece exploring mass incarceration in America;\r\nNew Urban Arts in Providence, to support the Youth Mentorship in the Arts program and the Summer Art Inquiry program for teens;\r\nProvidence City Arts for Youth, Inc. in Providence, to support art classes and mentorships for youth;\r\nTrinity Repertory Company in Providence, to support a production of To Kill a Mockingbird, based on the novel by Harper Lee, and adapted for the stage by Christopher Sergel.\r\n-end-\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/videos/reed-pushes-for-passage-of-major-k-12-education-reform-bill", "Reed Pushes for Passage of Major K-12 Education Reform Bill", "2015-12-08", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Reed took to the Senate floor Tuesday to discuss his support for the Every Student Succeeds Act, a major overhaul of federal education law which reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 and aims to fix the broken Bush-era No Child Left Behind (NCLB) education law that was adopted nearly fourteen years ago.  The bipartisan bill includes a several key provisions written by Senator Reed to improve K-12 education in the United States.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-announces-nearly-1-million-in-family-self-sufficiency-grants-for-10-rhode-island-communities", "Reed Announces Nearly $1 Million in Family Self-Sufficiency Grants for 10 Rhode Island Communities", "2015-12-07", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12/07/2015PROVIDENCE, RI  U.S. Senator Jack Reed today announced $986,705 in federal grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to assist ten Rhode Island communities in deploying local strategies to help assisted housing residents find work, access job training resources, and achieve economic independence.\r\nThe funding, made available through HUDs Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program, will allow local public housing agencies to work with social service agencies, community colleges, businesses, and other local partners to help public housing residents and individuals participating in HUDs Housing Choice Voucher Program increase their education or gain marketable skills that will enable them to obtain employment or advance professionally. Congress combined the Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher FSS programs to enhance opportunities for residents and better connect them with the services they need, a streamlining effort made possible by legislation authored by Senator Reed. Reed is the Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD), which oversees federal spending for HUD programs.\r\nThe ultimate goal of the FSS program is to provide families with greater opportunities to develop the skills and experience necessary to obtain employment and increase their earnings. This is made possible through FSS Coordinators, who work as a conduit between Public Housing Authorities (PHAs), local partners, such as employers and service providers, and the families they serve. In addition to the ten Rhode Island communities set to receive funding from HUD, Rhode Island Housing will receive $183,618 in grant money to benefit other Rhode Island FSS participants.\r\nEvery American deserves the opportunity to succeed. The Family Self-Sufficiency Program is about helping individuals set goals and providing them with the necessary support to achieve them. This federal funding will help individuals living in assisted housing learn marketable skills, improve their job prospects, and set them on a path towards greater economic independence and self-sufficiency. The program provides a roadmap to stability and links them to critical support services to get there, like help with education, jobtraining, or child care so individuals can support their families, said Reed, who authored the bipartisan Family Self-Sufficiency Act.\r\nReeds bipartisan bill, cosponsored by Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO), further enhances the FSS program by streamlining the administration of this program, broadening the range of supportive services that can be provided to a resident, and extending the reach of the FSS program. The legislation is set to be reintroduced in the new year.\r\nThe recipients of the HUD Public Housing Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program awards announced today include:\r\nCentral Falls Housing Authority: $63,456\r\nTown of Coventry Housing Authority: $51,571\r\nTown of Cumberland Housing Authority: $67,326\r\nHousing Authority of the Town of East Greenwich: $69,000\r\nEast Providence Housing Authority: $58,970\r\nNarragansett Housing Authority: $69,000\r\nTown of North Providence Housing Authority: $20,020\r\nHousing Authority of the City of Pawtucket: $138,000\r\nRhode Island Housing: $183,618\r\nThe Housing Authority of the City of Providence: $196,744\r\nWarwick Housing Authority: $69,000\r\n-end-\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-restoring-us-ex-im-bank-is-a-victory-for-us-job-growth", "Reed: Restoring U.S. Ex-Im Bank is a Victory for U.S. Job Growth", "2015-12-07", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12/07/2015WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senator Jack Reed today celebrated the bipartisan reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im), calling the Bank an important tool to help American companies compete in a global economy and sell more of their products overseas. The federal agency provides about $20 billion annually in loans and other export financing for American companies, including several in Rhode island, but was forced to cease operations earlier this year when some Republican lawmakers prevented Congress from acting to renew the banks charter. However, Senator Reed and a vast majority of Congress voted to renew Ex-Ims charter as part of a $305 billion surface transportation authorization bill that passed Congress last week.\r\nThe Ex-Im Bank supports American exports abroad and jobs here at home. Ex-Im operates like a business and when Congress shuts it down like this, even temporarily, it can have a negative impact on American workers and our economy, said Senator Reed. With so many other nations heavily subsidizing their exports, we cannot afford to unilaterally surrender the international marketplace to China and others. Reviving the Ex-Im Bank means keeping jobs and investment here at home and I want to ensure every business in Rhode Island that exports goods has access to tools like Ex-Im that can help them grow.\r\nFounded in 1934, the Ex-Im Bank is an independent, self-sustaining agency with an 80+ year record of supporting U.S. jobs by financing the export of American goods and services to foreign buyers. It helps U.S. companies go toe-to-toe with foreign rivals through a variety of loan, guarantee, and credit insurance programs that help them compete in the global marketplace while keeping more jobs and manufacturing facilities here in the U.S. Since 2009, the Ex-Im Bank has supported 1.3 million private-sector, American jobs, including 164,000 jobs in the last fiscal year alone, and nearly 90 percent of the agencys transactions directly support American small businesses.\r\nThe Ex-Im Bank has directly supported over $76.3 million in export sales from Rhode Island over the last five years.\r\nThe reauthorization approved last week comes with some modifications to the Banks operations, including a reduction in the value of individual loans it can issue, increased small business lending requirements, a mandate to hire a chief risk officer, and an annual audit by the Government Accountability Office to monitor for fraud.\r\nThe Ex-Im Bank operates at no cost to taxpayers. In fact, due to fees and interest, the Bank generated $675 million in returns for taxpayers last year. Default rates on Ex-Im loans were limited to just 0.175 percent, and over the last two decades, the Bank has contributed $6.9 billion to the U.S. Treasury to support deficit reduction.\r\nNow that ?Congress has renewed Ex-Ims charter for the next four years, the Senate must confirm a board nominee so that the agency may fully operate and provide credit financing. President Obama nominated Patricia M. Loui to a second term on the board in March, but the Senate Banking Committee has yet to hold a confirmation hearing for her. She was confirmed unanimously by the Senate in 2011 and her term expired earlier this year.\r\nSenator Reed, a member of the Banking Committee, stated: I hope the Banking Committee will act on a bipartisan basis to hold a fair hearing and an up or down vote on someone who has received unanimous support from the full Senate in the past. We cant let partisanship prevent American businesses from working and competing.\r\n-end-\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-statement-on-president-obamas-speech-on-terrorism", "Reed Statement on President Obama’s Speech on Terrorism", "2015-12-06", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12/06/2015WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement tonight on President Obamas address on the threat of terrorism:\r\nISIL continues to pose an evolving threat and our strategy to defeat them must evolve too.\r\nTonight, the President discussed some of the ways we are ramping up security at home while taking the fight to ISIL, and what more we must do to protect the American people.\r\nAmerican leadership is key and we must continue working with our allies and improving intelligence sharing and counterterrorism capabilities that deny safe haven to ISIL. But we also have to avoid past mistakes and understand that in order to be successful, ground combat troops in Iraq and Syria must be led primarily by local forces. The U.S. can play a critical role in assisting and enabling them.\r\nThe President laid out a number of commonsense steps to better secure our borders and communities against the kind of violence that occurred in San Bernardino.\r\nThe threat posed by ISIL demands that we take measures to support our law enforcement community. And it also demands that we continue to uphold our values and not give in to hate and fear.\r\n-end-\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-dont-let-omnibus-become-a-vehicle-for-deregulating-wall-street-and-weakening-consumer-protections", "Reed: Don’t Let Omnibus Become a Vehicle for Deregulating Wall Street & Weakening Consumer Protections", "2015-12-05", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12/05/2015WASHINGTON, DC  Following passage of a major, five-year transportation authorization bill that included several bipartisan measures to provide targeted regulatory relief for financial institutions such as community banks and credit unions, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) is calling on Congress not to add controversial, last-minute policy riders that would roll back Wall Street reform and crucial consumer protections to a year-end, must-pass omnibus appropriations bill.\r\nReed, a senior member of the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, took to the Senate floor earlier this week to point out that rolling back the protections that are in place due to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 would have negative impacts for consumers and could harm the U.S. economy in the long run.\r\nWall Street reform made our financial system safer, and we cant let special interest lobbyists punch holes through important safeguards for middle-class families, said Reed. The Great Recession may be fading from some peoples memories, but deregulating Wall Street and rolling back these consumer protections would be a serious mistake that could weaken our economy and leave us vulnerable to another major financial crisis.\r\nSome of the deregulatory proposals seek to undo rules against predatory, high-cost mortgage lending and weaken the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).\r\nWith strong backing from Senator Reed, Congress created the CFPB in 2010 to help ensure the financial products and services that Americans depend on every day including credit cards, mortgages, and loanswork better for the people who use them. Since the CFPB opened for business, it has helped hold financial institutions accountable for mistreating consumers and worked to return more than $11 billion in relief to more than 25 million wronged consumers.\r\nThe CFPB is making a real difference protecting consumers and taxpayers from financial abuses, payday lenders, and others. I will strongly oppose any attempts to weaken the CFPB or make it less effective. Promoting a fair, transparent, and competitive financial marketplace is good for both consumers and businesses, concluded Reed. I will work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to strengthen the law or make technical corrections, but those changes should be made through regular order, not by slipping a special interest policy rider into an omnibus appropriations bill at the end of the year.\r\n-end-\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/ri-delegation-backs-fast-act-boost-transportation-investment-ri", "RI Delegation Backs FAST Act to Boost Transportation Investment in RI", "2015-12-04", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "David Cicilline", "C001084", "cicilline.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Representatives Jim Langevin and David Cicilline of Rhode Island applauded passage of a five-year $305 billion transportation authorization bill that should help provide states, communities, and businesses with a greater level of certainty.\nUnder the new, bipartisan Fixing Americas Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, roughly $205 billion would be authorized for highways, $48 billion would be authorized for transit, and the remaining funds would be dedicated to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration programs. It is estimated that Rhode Island will receive an average of $231.7 million a year in federal funding for roads and bridges and another $39 million per year for mass transit programs. Under current law, the state receives about $211 million annually for highways and $36.3 million for transit.\nIn the first year after the bill becomes law, Rhode Island is authorized to receive nearly $222 million in highway funding, a 5 percent boost over current levels. By 2020, the annual authorization for the state are projected reach more than $242 million. During the same period, Rhode Island transit funding will grow at over 3 percent in the first year to over $37 million; by 2020 Rhode Island will receive nearly $40 million in annual transit funding.\nThe last multi-year highway and transit law expired in October 2009. Since then, federal aid to states has been provided through a series of short-term bills that ranged in length from two years to just a few days.\nMembers of the delegation worked to include a number of important measures for Rhode Island.\nCalling the bill imperfect, but long overdue, Senator Jack Reed, who has prioritized Rhode Island infrastructure and public works investments as the Ranking Member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation and Housing and Urban Development (THUD), said the new multi-year authorization could help lead to the first long-term transportation upgrades that states have been able to make in years. Reed, who also serves on the Banking Committee, which has jurisdiction over the mass-transit portion of the bill, helped successfully remove language from the final legislation that would have meant a cut in federal funding to the Rhode Island Public Transportation Authority (RIPTA) of over $8.5 million annually. In addition to restoring these funds, Reed helped increase the overall investment in mass transit programs.\nWe need to wisely invest in our transportation infrastructure to enhance safety, generate jobs, and strengthen our transportation network. This bill provides state transportation departments some measure of certainty as they look to finance maintenance and improvement projects. It should help RIDOT and RIPTA accelerate needed repairs and better plan for large-scale investments, said Senator Reed. We need a strong transportation network that drives economic growth and helps communities thrive. And we should pay for it with a smart, sustainable stream of funding instead of resorting to one-time patches and budget gimmicks. I would have liked to have invested more money in each year of the bill so that we can make faster progress in addressing Rhode Islands infrastructure needs, but this compromise at least offers some needed funding certainty over the next five years.\nAs a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works Senator Whitehouse worked to include a new program he has long pursuedthe Nationally Significant Freight and Highway Projects programwhich will provide $4.5 billion over the 5-year period for large-scale infrastructure projects such as the 6-10 Connector interchange in Providence. Whitehouse also authored language directing the Federal Highway Administration to study the infrastructure applications of high-tech composite building materials, a growing Rhode Island industry. Another Whitehouse provision would support energy and water efficiency improvements in federally subsidized buildings.\nWith this agreement, Congress finally delivers the resources and certainty Rhode Island needs to plan for our infrastructure needs and to tackle overdue projects like reconstruction of the decrepit 6-10 Connector, Senator Whitehouse said. This funding will create jobs, make our roads and bridges safer, and grow our economy.\nAccording to the Federal Highway Administration, Rhode Island has 6,480 miles of roadway. Of the states 1,745 miles of roadway eligible for federal aid, 37 percent are rated not acceptable and need major repairs or replacement. And according to the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT), the state ranks last in the nation in overall bridge condition. More than one in five of the 1,162 bridges in Rhode Island are structurally deficient.\nThe FAST Act includes language adapted from Congressman Langevins Transit Accessibility Innovation Act that would encourage transit systems to make public transportation more accessible and user-friendly for individuals with disabilities. Under current law, transit systems may use up to 10 percent of their Federal Transit Administration funds to provide paratransit services. Langevins provision would increase that ratio to 20 percent if the transit system is able to address accessibility deficiencies and improve service in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.\nTransportation infrastructure impacts our lives and our economy in so many ways, and in Rhode Island, our infrastructure needs are significant. This bill not only provides the funding for important highway, bridge and public transit projects, but it also brings predictability to the process of budgeting, planning and ultimately completing improvement projects across the state, said Congressman Langevin. I am especially pleased that the bill includes language from my legislation to encourage transit accessibility. Accessible public transportation is essential for people with disabilities to live independently with strong connections to their communities.\nCongressman David Cicilline advocated to protect funding for the Rhode Island Public Transportation Authority (RIPTA) through the 5340 High Density States program. Cicilline successfully urged negotiators to remove language that would have threatened $12 million in annual funding that supports quality, affordable public transportation in Rhode Island. As a result, the bill passed today protects critical funding for RIPTA.\nI am pleased that we finally passed a long-term transportation bill that will create jobs rebuilding Rhode Islands crumbling bridges, roads, and schools. After years of short-term fixes that failed to make significant investments in infrastructure repairs, this bill is a welcome step forward, said Congressman Cicilline. I especially applaud conferees for ensuring that this bill protects public transportation funding in Rhode Island. I look forward to continuing to work to ensure we make additional investments in our states infrastructure.\nThe bill was approved in the U.S. House of Representatives by a 359-65 vote and in the Senate by a vote of 83-16. All four members of the delegation voted in favor of the bill. The measure now goes to President Obamas desk to be signed into law.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/congress-on-verge-of-passing-major-education-reform", "Congress on Verge of Passing Major Education Reform", "2015-12-04", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12/04/2015WASHINGTON, DC  Congress is on the verge of approving a major overhaul of federal education law that will give states and school districts more flexibility while raising student achievement in the classroom and providing schools and teachers with new resources and support.\r\nU.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) helped author key sections of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 and seeks to fix the broken Bush-era No Child Left Behind (NCLB) education law that was signed into law nearly fourteen years ago.\r\nAfter years of work, and extensive negotiations between the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives, the House this week adopted the compromise measure that contains a number of the education priorities Senator Reed spearheaded, including improving access to effective school library programs, enhancing professional development for teachers and principals, increasing the focus on resource equity, and strengthening family engagement and environmental education initiatives.\r\nThe No Child Left Behind law was well intentioned, but flawed and underfunded. This represents a significant improvement. We need to set high expectations for all students and empower states and school districts to help them achieve, said Reed.\r\nESSA will help ensure all students have access to a high-quality public education. It allows states to develop more holistic and robust accountability systems that move beyond test scores as the sole measure of school success. It also includes federal protections to help ensure that all students -- regardless of family income, race, ethnicity, or disability -- graduate from high school ready for the next step, whether it be college or the workforce.\r\nOur challenge and our responsibility is to create and support learning environments that enable young people to hone their talents, discover their skills, and pursue their passions. This bipartisan education bill advances those fundamental goals, continued Reed. \"The Every Student Succeeds Act isn't perfect, but it will improve the way we approach education in this country, and it will put our young people on a clearer path to sustained achievement both inside and outside of the classroom. The ESSA maintains the critical transparency for results and high expectations for all students, while updating the parts of NCLB that have become unworkable and counterproductive.\r\nSeveral Reed-authored measures were included in the final bill, including provisions from the Core Opportunity Resources for Equity and Excellence (CORE) Act, which will bring some long-overdue transparency to resource equity to schools and require states to report on key measures of school quality beyond student achievement on statewide assessments, including: student access to experienced and effective educators; access to rigorous and advanced coursework; availability of career and technical educational opportunities; and safe and healthy school learning environments.\r\nAt its core, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act is about more than the opportunity to earn a high school diploma. It is about preparing young people for what comes next: postsecondary education, careers, and a lifetime of learning and civic engagement. I am convinced that if we provide schools with equitable resources and equal access to those resources, support our teachers and principals, and engage parents in their child's education, students will thrive,\" concluded Reed.\r\nSenator Reed's legislation and priorities included in the ESSA package include:\r\nGreater transparency on and accountability for resource equity (CORE Act)  The Every Student Succeeds Act requires that states and school districts include information on resource equity such as access to experienced and effective educators, the ability to pursue advanced coursework, and other school quality and school climate indicators. The ESSA also requires states to include a school climate or resource-equity measure as an additional indicator in their state accountability system. Additionally, the conference agreement requires that schools districts identify and address resource inequities for schools needing comprehensive support and improvement.\r\nSupporting Environmental Literacy (No Child Left Inside Act)  The Every Student Succeeds Act includes provisions from Reeds No Child Left Inside (NCLI) Act to allow school districts to integrate environmental education into their programs for well-rounded education as well as their afterschool programs. The measure will support environmental education and hands-on, field-based learning experiences in schools across the country. Reed and Congressman John Sarbanes (D-MD) have been working together since 2007 to pass legislation to help schools build environmental literacy programs, strengthen teacher training, and provide competitive grants to help schools and non-profits pay for outdoor education.\r\nSupporting Educators (BEST Act)  The Every Student Succeeds Act includes key provisions of Reeds BEST Act, enabling states and school districts to support teachers, principals, and other educators at the start of their careers through induction and residency programs and over the course of the careers through high quality, job-embedded professional development and career advancement opportunities. The ESSA also includes critical Reed-authored provisions that allow states to use Title II funds to implement educator equity plans so that low-income and minority students have the same access to effective educators as their more advantaged peers.\r\nSupporting Effective School Library Programs (SKILLS Act)  The Every Student Succeeds Act includes an authorization for developing and enhancing effective school library programs, which may include professional development for school librarians and support for up-to-date books and materials. The legislation also includes the bipartisan amendment Senator Reed wrote with Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS) to encourage school districts to address access to effective school library programs as part of their Title I plans and through their professional development programs.\r\nStrengthening Literacy (Prescribe a Book Act)  The Every Student Succeeds Act includes Reeds provisions to strengthen literacy by providing disadvantaged children with access to books, including in pediatric health care settings, modeled on the successful Reach Out and Read Program.\r\nStrengthening Family Engagement (Family Engagement in Education Act)  The Every Student Succeeds Act includes Senator Reeds provisions to encourage school districts to reserve more than one percent of their Title I allocation for family engagement activities, and to establish statewide family engagement centers to provide technical assistance and support to districts and schools in implementing evidence-based family engagement strategies\r\nThe House voted 359-64 to approve the ESSA conference report. The measure must now be voted on by the U.S. Senate before it can be sent to the President to be signed into law. The Senate is expected to hold a final vote next week.\r\n-end-\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/ri-delegation-backs-fast-act-to-boost-transportation-investment-in-ri", "RI Delegation Backs FAST Act to Boost Transportation Investment in RI", "2015-12-04", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Sheldon Whitehouse", "W000802", "www.whitehouse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.04.15\n\t\t\t RI Delegation Backs FAST Act to Boost Transportation Investment in RI \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t New 5-year bill authorizes an average of over $270 million a year for RI transportation programs\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Representatives Jim Langevin and David Cicilline of Rhode Island applauded passage of a five-year $305 billion transportation authorization bill that should help provide states, communities, and businesses with a greater level of certainty.\r\nUnder the new, bipartisan Fixing Americas Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, roughly $205 billion would be authorized for highways, $48 billion would be authorized for transit, and the remaining funds would be dedicated to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration programs. It is estimated that Rhode Island will receive an average of $231.7 million a year in federal funding for roads and bridges and another $39 million per year for mass transit programs. Under current law, the state receives about $211 million annually for highways and $36.3 million for transit.\r\nIn the first year after the bill becomes law, Rhode Island is authorized to receive nearly $222 million in highway funding, a 5 percent boost over current levels. By 2020, the annual authorization for the state are projected reach more than $242 million. During the same period, Rhode Island transit funding will grow at over 3 percent in the first year to over $37 million; by 2020 Rhode Island will receive nearly $40 million in annual transit funding.\r\nThe last multi-year highway and transit law expired in October 2009. Since then, federal aid to states has been provided through a series of short-term bills that ranged in length from two years to just a few days.\r\nMembers of the delegation worked to include a number of important measures for Rhode Island.\r\nCalling the bill imperfect, but long overdue, Senator Jack Reed, who has prioritized Rhode Island infrastructure and public works investments as the Ranking Member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation and Housing and Urban Development (THUD), said the new multi-year authorization could help lead to the first long-term transportation upgrades that states have been able to make in years. Reed, who also serves on the Banking Committee, which has jurisdiction over the mass-transit portion of the bill, helped successfully remove language from the final legislation that would have meant a cut in federal funding to the Rhode Island Public Transportation Authority (RIPTA) of over $8.5 million annually. In addition to restoring these funds, Reed helped increase the overall investment in mass transit programs.\r\nWe need to wisely invest in our transportation infrastructure to enhance safety, generate jobs, and strengthen our transportation network. This bill provides state transportation departments some measure of certainty as they look to finance maintenance and improvement projects. It should help RIDOT and RIPTA accelerate needed repairs and better plan for large-scale investments, said Senator Reed. We need a strong transportation network that drives economic growth and helps communities thrive. And we should pay for it with a smart, sustainable stream of funding instead of resorting to one-time patches and budget gimmicks. I would have liked to have invested more money in each year of the bill so that we can make faster progress in addressing Rhode Islands infrastructure needs, but this compromise at least offers some needed funding certainty over the next five years.\r\nAs a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works Senator Whitehouse worked to include a new program he has long pursuedthe Nationally Significant Freight and Highway Projects programwhich will provide $4.5 billion over the 5-year period for large-scale infrastructure projects such as the 6-10 Connector interchange in Providence. Whitehouse also authored language directing the Federal Highway Administration to study the infrastructure applications of high-tech composite building materials, a growing Rhode Island industry. Another Whitehouse provision would support energy and water efficiency improvements in federally subsidized buildings.\r\nWith this agreement, Congress finally delivers the resources and certainty Rhode Island needs to plan for our infrastructure needs and to tackle overdue projects like reconstruction of the decrepit 6-10 Connector, Senator Whitehouse said. This funding will create jobs, make our roads and bridges safer, and grow our economy.\r\nAccording to the Federal Highway Administration, Rhode Island has 6,480 miles of roadway. Of the states 1,745 miles of roadway eligible for federal aid, 37 percent are rated not acceptable and need major repairs or replacement. And according to the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT), the state ranks last in the nation in overall bridge condition. More than one in five of the 1,162 bridges in Rhode Island are structurally deficient.\r\nThe FAST Act includes language adapted from Congressman Langevins Transit Accessibility Innovation Act that would encourage transit systems to make public transportation more accessible and user-friendly for individuals with disabilities. Under current law, transit systems may use up to 10 percent of their Federal Transit Administration funds to provide paratransit services. Langevins provision would increase that ratio to 20 percent if the transit system is able to address accessibility deficiencies and improve service in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.\r\nTransportation infrastructure impacts our lives and our economy in so many ways, and in Rhode Island, our infrastructure needs are significant. This bill not only provides the funding for important highway, bridge and public transit projects, but it also brings predictability to the process of budgeting, planning and ultimately completing improvement projects across the state, said Congressman Langevin. I am especially pleased that the bill includes language from my legislation to encourage transit accessibility. Accessible public transportation is essential for people with disabilities to live independently with strong connections to their communities.\r\nCongressman David Cicilline advocated to protect funding for the Rhode Island Public Transportation Authority (RIPTA) through the 5340 High Density States program. Cicilline successfully urged negotiators to remove language that would have threatened $12 million in annual funding that supports quality, affordable public transportation in Rhode Island. As a result, the bill passed today protects critical funding for RIPTA.\r\nI am pleased that we finally passed a long-term transportation bill that will create jobs rebuilding Rhode Islands crumbling bridges, roads, and schools. After years of short-term fixes that failed to make significant investments in infrastructure repairs, this bill is a welcome step forward, said Congressman Cicilline. I especially applaud conferees for ensuring that this bill protects public transportation funding in Rhode Island. I look forward to continuing to work to ensure we make additional investments in our states infrastructure.\r\nThe bill was approved in the U.S. House of Representatives by a 359-65 vote and in the Senate by a vote of 83-16. All four members of the delegation voted in favor of the bill. The measure now goes to President Obamas desk to be signed into law.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-and-colleagues-file-supreme-court-brief-in-support-of-president-obamas-immigration-executive-actions", "Whitehouse and Colleagues File Supreme Court Brief in Support of President Obama’s Immigration Executive Actions", "2015-12-04", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Sheldon Whitehouse", "W000802", "www.whitehouse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.04.15\n\t\t\t Whitehouse and Colleagues File Supreme Court Brief in Support of President Obamas Immigration Executive Actions \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, DC  U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), together with several members of the Senate and House of Representatives, filed a friend of the court brief in support of the Department of Justices petition for Supreme Court review of the Presidents immigration executive actions. The brief argues that the Presidents actions are consistent with Congressional intent and the Executive Branchs legal authority to enforce our immigration laws.\r\nWhen bipartisan immigration reform was stalled for years by the Republican-controlled Congress, President Obama moved ahead, under the clear authority given to him by our laws, to begin to repair our broken immigration system, said Whitehouse. Congress has tasked the Department of Homeland Security with the effective operation of our nations immigration system. For the sake of the families in Rhode Island and across the country who are suffering under the current system, the Supreme Court should affirm that these actions are well within the Administrations statutory authority.\r\nA total of 34 Senate Democrats and 184 House Democrats, including Senator Whitehouse, filed the amicus curiae brief in support of the petition for certiorari to the Supreme Court seeking review of a U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling, which blocked the Secretary of Homeland Security from implementing the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) program and expanding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Together these initiatives would provide temporary relief from deportation and work permits to eligible unauthorized immigrants, mainly immigrants brought here as children and parents of legal residents.\r\nAccording to the brief: Congress has granted the Secretary [of Homeland Security] broad discretion in determining how to carry out the immigration laws, and has explicitly directed the Secretary to establish policies and priorities for enforcement of those laws. The Fifth Circuits decision, it states, interferes with Congresss intent to delegate discretion to the Secretary of Homeland Security in order to ensure that our immigration system operates in a rational manner.\r\nFull text of the amicus brief can be found here.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/delegation-announces-182-million-water-infrastructure-improvements-rhode-island", "Delegation Announces $18.2 Million for Water Infrastructure Improvements in Rhode Island", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "David Cicilline", "C001084", "cicilline.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  After reversing proposed cuts to clean water infrastructure programs, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Jim Langevin and David Cicilline announced $18.2 million in federal funding for water infrastructure projects in Rhode Island. Administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the funding will go to two federal-state loan programs that supply local water systems with low-interest financing for projects that protect public health and environmental quality.\nIn its 2015 budget request, the Obama Administration proposed deep cuts to the Clean Water and Safe Drinking Water State Revolving Funds. EPA requested just $1.8 billion  $581 million below enacted levels, or a cut of nearly 25%  for the programs.\nAll four members of the states Congressional delegation  along with several of their colleagues on both sides of the aisle  worked together to restore EPAs proposed cuts to the programs and ensure Congress successfully appropriated about $2.4 billion necessary for the SRF programs in fiscal year 2015.\nAs a result, Rhode Island this week received $9.4 million through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and $8.8 million through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF), for a total of $18.2 million in clean water financing for water quality protection projects and enhancements.\nAdministered by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank (RIIB), the CWSRF provides loans at low interest rates for water quality protection projects that improve wastewater treatment systems, control pollution from storm water runoff, and protect sensitive water bodies and estuaries.\nThe Rhode Island Department of Health (DOH) and the RIIB are the state agencies that oversee the DWSRF, which provides loans at low interest rates for improvements to drinking water systems, focusing especially on small and low-income communities and programs that encourage pollution prevention to ensure that drinking water is safe.\nInvesting in clean water infrastructure must be a priority and the federal government needs to be a reliable partner when it comes to maintaining healthy, safe water in our communities. I am proud to have secured this vital funding to help put Rhode Islanders to work modernizing our water infrastructure, reducing pollution, and protecting public health, said Senator Jack Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee who has long championed these clean water infrastructure programs.\nWith the floods of 2010, Hurricane Sandy, and tight local budgets, our water infrastructure has faced serious challenges over the last few years. Rhode Island communities need to upgrade and strengthen wastewater and runoff systems, and prevent water pollution in the first place, said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. This federal funding will help leverage state efforts to improve our water infrastructure and make it easier for local water systems to afford key projects. Thats why Im happy to join with my colleagues in the delegation to support these important EPA programs.\nEnsuring clean water for both drinking and recreation is a matter of public health, environmental health and economic health for Rhode Island, said Congressman Jim Langevin. These low-interest loans will protect and improve water quality in our state now and in the future, and I am proud to join my colleagues in our continued support for these important public projects.\nToo often, Rhode Islanders are forced to confront water main breaks, damaging floods, and sewer overflows that result from our states aging water infrastructure, said Congressman David Cicilline. I am pleased that we have secured more than $18 million to support critical enhancements for water systems in Rhode Island. Investments like these are critical for creating jobs and ensuring the quality of our drinking water.\nSince the beginning of this program, EPA has awarded approximately $443 million to Rhode Island for the construction, expansion, and upgrading of clean water infrastructure resulting in decreased pollutant loadings to waterbodies throughout the state.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/reps-juan-vargas-david-n-cicilline-and-bill-pascrell-jr-lead-letter-house-committee", "Reps Juan Vargas, David N. Cicilline and Bill Pascrell, Jr Lead Letter to the House Committee on Appropriations to Increase Funding for Refugee Related-Accounts", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "David Cicilline", "C001084", "cicilline.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC (December 3, 2015) - Yesterday, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51), Rep. David N. Cicilline and Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr lead a group of Representatives from across the United States to send a letter to the House Appropriations Committee encouraging them to increase funding for refugee assistance and resettlement programs in the FY2016 budget.\nOver 75% of those seeking refuge in the US are women and children who are desperately trying to escape the danger that has removed them from their homes and continuously threatens their lives. Our screening process is rigorous and thorough; increasing funding would aid any areas where additional support is required, said Rep. Vargas. Providing the additional funds needed to support several refugee-related accounts would reflect our countrys moral leadership and counter ISISs barbaric acts.\nThis is the single worst refugee crisis since the end of the Second World War. Providing adequate funding for refugee assistance and resettlement will ensure that we thoroughly and expeditiously screen refugees in order to do our part to help those fleeing unspeakable violence, said Rep. Cicilline. I thank my colleagues for this strong show of support and their commitment to maintaining our values as a nation.\nThe United States has a moral obligation to do our part to assist in the worst humanitarian crisis of our time. The process for screening refugees is extensive and thorough, and we must ensure the resources and funding to support that process. I will continue the fight to promote, facilitate, and evaluate refugee resettlements in New Jersey and across the U.S.\nThe letter encourages the Appropriations committee to provide funding for four main accounts:\n The U.S. Agency for International Developments International Disaster Assistance account. \n The Department of States Migration and Refugee Assistance and Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance accounts. \n The Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Refugee Resettlements Refugee and Entrant Assistance account.\n The Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, for the Refugee, Asylum and International Operations Directorate account.\nVargas represents Californias 51st Congressional District which includes the southern portion of San Diego County, all of Imperial County and Californias entire US/Mexico border. Vargas was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012 and is currently serving his second term in Congress. He represented the 40th California State Senate District from 2010-2012, the 79th California State Assembly District from 2000  2006 and served on the San Diego City Council from 1993  2000. \nCongressman David N. Cicilline represents Rhode Islands First District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He serves on the House Judiciary Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee.\nCongressman Pascrell represents New Jerseys 9th Congressional District which includes the portions of Bergen, Passaic and Hudson County. Pascrell was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1996 and is currently serving his ninth term in Congress.Prior to being elected to Congress, Pascrell served in the New Jersey General Assembly and was elected mayor of Paterson, New Jerseys third largest city.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/ri-receives-additional-43-million-upgrade-newport%E2%80%99s-gateway-center", "RI Receives Additional $4.3 Million to Upgrade Newports Gateway Center", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "David Cicilline", "C001084", "cicilline.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and U.S. Representatives Jim Langevin and David Cicilline today announced that the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) is being allocated an additional $4,346,001 in federal funding for exterior repair and improvement work at the Newport Gateway Center, one of RIPTAs major transit hubs. This brings the federal contributions for the project up to $6 million.\nLast year, the Congressional delegation helped secure $1.6 million in federal financing to help RIPTA cover costs of rebuilding and strengthening infrastructure damaged by Superstorm Sandy in 2012. RIPTA has already put the $1,602,000 grant, administered by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), to work by starting design plans to improve passenger protection and reduce flooding at the Newport Gateway Center. With the start of the design work, it became clear that more work than initially anticipated was needed at the transit hub and visitors center on Americas Cup Avenue. RIPTA notified the FTA of the expanded scope of the project and has now been given a green light for an additional $4.346 million in repair and improvement work.\nThe federal funding will cover 90-percent of the roughly $6.6 million total project cost, with the remaining 10-percent being contributed by the City of Newport. The Newport City Council finalized its commitment to the project last month.\nI commend RIPTA, Mayor Napolitano, and their partners for making a successful case and I am pleased to have helped make these resiliency funds available. This federal funding will help RIPTA rebuild smarter and stronger. Not only will the new facility better serve the community, but it should also make the Newport Gateway Center more resilient the next time a big storm hits, said Senator Jack Reed, the Ranking Member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD), who supported the establishment of a $3 billion competitive grant fund through the FTAs Hurricane Sandy Resilience Program for public transportation resiliency projects in regions affected by Superstorm Sandy.\nSuperstorm Sandy hit the Rhode Island coastline hard and were still finding damage it did to our infrastructure, said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. Congratulations to RIPTA and the City of Newport on securing funding to prepare a key part of our public transit system for the next big storm.\nNewport is a major tourism destination for Rhode Island, and the Newport Gateway Center is its epicenter for residents and visitors alike. Travel, tourism and elements of the citys history and heritage are all housed in the center, and the improvements made possible through this funding will increase access not only to reliable public transportation but to all that our city by the sea has to offer, said Congressman Jim Langevin. I am especially pleased that resiliency is a top priority in this project, as we better protect assets like the Newport Gateway Center for many years to come.\nThe Newport Gateway Center is a critical public transportation hub for residents of, and visitors to, Aquidneck Island, said Congressman David Cicilline. I am delighted that Rhode Island will receive an additional $4.3 million to repair damage from Hurricane Sandy, create good-paying jobs in our state, and ensure that this important part of our states infrastructure is made stronger than ever before. I congratulate RIPTA and Mayor Napolitano on their successful grant application.\nWe are very appreciative that there were still more funds available through this program, said Raymond Studley, CEO of RIPTA. Staff made a compelling case for additional improvements and FTA agreed, now allocating RIPTA a total of approximately $6 million from the $28 million federal program. With the increased federal funding, the project will be able to better support City and State goals for green infrastructure. I would like to thank our federal delegation for their continued support of RIPTA.\nEvery cloud has its silver lining, Newport Mayor Jeanne-Marie Napolitano said referring to the storm that heavily damaged the Gateway Center. Now we are able to address not only the appearance of the center, but are able to incorporate drainage and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) measures that will vastly improve our Gateway Center for visitors and residents alike.\nThe Newport Gateway Center is an intermodal facility that houses the Newport Visitors Center, customer parking, bus berths, bicycle facilities, and taxi stands. The bus berths are used by RIPTA, intercity carriers such as Peter Pan, tourist trolleys, and cruise ship shuttles to give visitors access to the many attractions of the Newport area. From Newport Gateway Center, passengers are able to visit local attractions such as the Newport mansions, beaches, historic Belleview Avenue, Cliff Walk, and the Tennis Hall of Fame. Passengers can also transfer here to RIPTA fixed-route services that provides key connections around the state, such as Amtraks Kingston Station, the University of Rhode Island, or farther north to Providence. The Visitors Center includes a ticketing counter, bathrooms, offices, and extensive tourist information and interactive exhibits. It is maintained by the long-term tenant, Discover Newport, the area's official marketing organization.\nThe new plans call for reusing the existing steel columns to support a permanent, contiguous roof that can provide better passenger protection and also better withstand future storms. The project includes drainage for the new roof and repaving of the sidewalks and parking areas. In order to comply with Newports progressive sewer codes, as much storm water as possible needs to be kept on site and the plans will include a natural, attractive way to do that, such as a rain garden.\nCurrently, RIPTA is working with the City of Newport and a Design Review Committee created for the project to come up with a design that is functional, aesthetically pleasing and appropriate for the citys historic waterfront. Mayor Jeanne-Marie Napolitano and the City Council have been instrumental in making sure that RIPTA hears the thoughts and concerns of the community as this project progresses, as has Discover Newport, our partner at the Gateway, said Lillian Picchione, Director of Capital Projects for RIPTA. She added that the transit authority will continue to work with city officials and community groups to make sure there is continued public input as the project moves forward.\nAdditional project information can be found at www.RIPTA.com under the projects link.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-applauds-bipartisan-education-bill", "Langevin Applauds Bipartisan Education Bill", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jim Langevin", "L000559", "langevin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI), co-chair of the Congressional Career and Technical Education Caucus, today supported the Every Student Succeeds Act, ESEA Reauthorization, which replaces No Child Left Behind and establishes modernized, improved guidelines for education in America.\nThe Every Student Succeeds Act is a bipartisan, bicameral piece of legislation that reminds us of the incredible good that can be accomplished when we put our differences aside for the benefit of our constituents, said Langevin. This bill is not perfect, but it is a significant improvement from the current system and I am proud and excited that the Congress was able to reach this important compromise. There is no responsibility more important than the promise we make to support our young people, and providing quality, accessible education for all is at the very core of that promise.\nThe legislation includes an amendment that Langevin introduced with his CTE Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Glenn GT Thompson (R-PA) that allows states applying for funds under Title I to show how they would use those funds to provide apprenticeships that offer academic credit, and how they would use funds to provide comprehensive career counseling. This amendment is based on Langevin and Thompsons Counseling for Career Choice Act, a bipartisan bill that informs school counselors of local labor market conditions that they can use to help guide students postsecondary decisions.\nEducation is about preparing young people for the future, and career readiness is a crucial piece of the puzzle. We must ensure that our schools are equipped with the resources necessary to inform students about workforce demands so they can make the best decisions about their futures, he said.\nThe Every Student Succeeds Act outlines high standards for students, but puts much of the decision-making power back into the hands of states and local districts. States are required to have at least three levels of achievement standards, but will have flexibility to develop those standards. Langevin, who also co-chairs the Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus, said he is particularly pleased that this bill protects the right of students with disabilities to pursue a traditional high school diploma.\n\"Each student is different and, therefore, our system of education must not take a one-size-fits-all approach. This legislation allows states and districts to shift away from a focus on testing that has concerned so many of my constituents  both parents and educators, Langevin continued. Rhode Island is home to so many talented, hard-working and compassionate educators, and I am confident that they are qualified to make the best decisions on behalf of their students.\nThe Every Student Succeeds Act is supported by American School Counselors Association, National Association of State Directors of Career and Technical Education Consortium, Association for Career and Technical Education, National Education Association, American Federation of Teachers, Teach for America, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, National Center for Learning Disabilities, National Association of Federally Impacted Schools, STEM Education Coalition, National Governors Association, U.S. Chamber of Commerce and National Parent-Teacher Association.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-supports-transportation-bill", "Langevin Supports Transportation Bill", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jim Langevin", "L000559", "langevin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) applauded House passage today of the Fixing Americas Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, a five-year, $305 billion transportation bill that funds infrastructure improvement projects, provides budget stability and improves federal transit and safety programs.\nTransportation infrastructure impacts our lives and our economy in so many ways. It is a quality of life and safety issue for all Americans, and strong infrastructure is the foundation for a strong economy, said Langevin. In Rhode Island, our infrastructure needs are significant. This bill not only provides the funding for important highway, bridge and public transit projects, but it also brings predictability to the process of budgeting, planning, and ultimately completing improvement projects across the state.\nThe legislation includes language  adapted from Langevins Transit Accessibility Innovation Act  that would encourage transit systems to make public transportation more accessible and user-friendly for individuals with disabilities. Under current law, transit systems may use up to 10 percent of their Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds to provide paratransit services. Langevins proposal, which successfully passed as part of the overall bill, would increase that to 20 percent if the transit system is able to address accessibility deficiencies and improve service in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.\nAccessible public transportation is essential for people with disabilities to live independently with strong ties to their communities. By improving their ability to connect to public services, education, employment and health care, we empower these individuals and put them on a path to success, said Langevin, who co-chairs the Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus. Equal rights and equal access for all Americans is our responsibility, and I am thrilled that this bill prioritizes transit accessibility.\nLangevin also signed onto a letter to protect high density states transit allocations, a proposal that was included in the legislation, thereby protecting one-third of the total federal funding received by the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA). Overall, Rhode Island will receive an additional $102.8 million in federal highway funding, and another $11.9 million in federal transit formula funding.\nThe FAST Act is supported by U.S. Chamber of Commerce, American Society of Civil Engineers, American Public Transportation Association, National Governors Association, National Conference of State Legislatures, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, Transportation Trades Department of the AFL-CIO, Americans for Transportation Mobility Coalition, Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) and International Brotherhood of Teamsters.\nMore funding is needed to truly address our nations aging infrastructure, and going forward, we must seriously examine transportation funding mechanisms to ensure appropriate resources are available, Langevin continued. But just one day after a bipartisan education reauthorization passed the House of Representatives, we were able to come together again to pass a major piece of legislation that represents a promising step in the right direction. Uncertainty has plagued the Highway Trust Fund for too long and short-term fixes have stunted both infrastructure improvements and job growth. Todays vote reverses this trend and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to support strong, predictable funding for transportation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://langevin.house.gov/press-release/ri-receives-additional-43-million-upgrade-newport%E2%80%99s-gateway-center", "RI Receives Additional $4.3 Million to Upgrade Newports Gateway Center", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jim Langevin", "L000559", "langevin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and U.S. Representatives Jim Langevin and David Cicilline today announced that the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) is being allocated an additional $4,346,001 in federal funding for exterior repair and improvement work at the Newport Gateway Center, one of RIPTAs major transit hubs. This brings the federal contributions for the project up to $6 million.\nLast year, the Congressional delegation helped secure $1.6 million in federal financing to help RIPTA cover costs of rebuilding and strengthening infrastructure damaged by Superstorm Sandy in 2012. RIPTA has already put the $1,602,000 grant, administered by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), to work by starting design plans to improve passenger protection and reduce flooding at the Newport Gateway Center. With the start of the design work, it became clear that more work than initially anticipated was needed at the transit hub and visitors center on Americas Cup Avenue. RIPTA notified the FTA of the expanded scope of the project and has now been given a green light for an additional $4.346 million in repair and improvement work.\nThe federal funding will cover 90-percent of the roughly $6.6 million total project cost, with the remaining 10-percent being contributed by the City of Newport. The Newport City Council finalized its commitment to the project last month.\nI commend RIPTA, Mayor Napolitano, and their partners for making a successful case and I am pleased to have helped make these resiliency funds available. This federal funding will help RIPTA rebuild smarter and stronger. Not only will the new facility better serve the community, but it should also make the Newport Gateway Center more resilient the next time a big storm hits, said Senator Jack Reed, the Ranking Member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD), who supported the establishment of a $3 billion competitive grant fund through the FTAs Hurricane Sandy Resilience Program for public transportation resiliency projects in regions affected by Superstorm Sandy.\nSuperstorm Sandy hit the Rhode Island coastline hard and were still finding damage it did to our infrastructure, said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. Congratulations to RIPTA and the City of Newport on securing funding to prepare a key part of our public transit system for the next big storm.\nNewport is a major tourism destination for Rhode Island, and the Newport Gateway Center is its epicenter for residents and visitors alike. Travel, tourism and elements of the citys history and heritage are all housed in the center, and the improvements made possible through this funding will increase access not only to reliable public transportation but to all that our city by the sea has to offer, said Congressman Jim Langevin. I am especially pleased that resiliency is a top priority in this project, as we better protect assets like the Newport Gateway Center for many years to come.\nThe Newport Gateway Center is a critical public transportation hub for residents of, and visitors to, Aquidneck Island, said Congressman David Cicilline. I am delighted that Rhode Island will receive an additional $4.3 million to repair damage from Hurricane Sandy, create good-paying jobs in our state, and ensure that this important part of our states infrastructure is made stronger than ever before. I congratulate RIPTA and Mayor Napolitano on their successful grant application.\nWe are very appreciative that there were still more funds available through this program, said Raymond Studley, CEO of RIPTA. Staff made a compelling case for additional improvements and FTA agreed, now allocating RIPTA a total of approximately $6 million from the $28 million federal program. With the increased federal funding, the project will be able to better support City and State goals for green infrastructure. I would like to thank our federal delegation for their continued support of RIPTA.\nEvery cloud has its silver lining, Newport Mayor Jeanne-Marie Napolitano said referring to the storm that heavily damaged the Gateway Center. Now we are able to address not only the appearance of the center, but are able to incorporate drainage and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) measures that will vastly improve our Gateway Center for visitors and residents alike.\nThe Newport Gateway Center is an intermodal facility that houses the Newport Visitors Center, customer parking, bus berths, bicycle facilities, and taxi stands. The bus berths are used by RIPTA, intercity carriers such as Peter Pan, tourist trolleys, and cruise ship shuttles to give visitors access to the many attractions of the Newport area. From Newport Gateway Center, passengers are able to visit local attractions such as the Newport mansions, beaches, historic Belleview Avenue, Cliff Walk, and the Tennis Hall of Fame. Passengers can also transfer here to RIPTA fixed-route services that provides key connections around the state, such as Amtraks Kingston Station, the University of Rhode Island, or farther north to Providence. The Visitors Center includes a ticketing counter, bathrooms, offices, and extensive tourist information and interactive exhibits. It is maintained by the long-term tenant, Discover Newport, the areas official marketing organization.\nThe new plans call for reusing the existing steel columns to support a permanent, contiguous roof that can provide better passenger protection and also better withstand future storms. The project includes drainage for the new roof and repaving of the sidewalks and parking areas. In order to comply with Newports progressive sewer codes, as much storm water as possible needs to be kept on site and the plans will include a natural, attractive way to do that, such as a rain garden.\nCurrently, RIPTA is working with the City of Newport and a Design Review Committee created for the project to come up with a design that is functional, aesthetically pleasing and appropriate for the citys historic waterfront. Mayor Jeanne-Marie Napolitano and the City Council have been instrumental in making sure that RIPTA hears the thoughts and concerns of the community as this project progresses, as has Discover Newport, our partner at the Gateway, said Lillian Picchione, Director of Capital Projects for RIPTA. She added that the transit authority will continue to work with city officials and community groups to make sure there is continued public input as the project moves forward.\nAdditional project information can be found at www.RIPTA.com under the projects link.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/-ri-receives-additional-43-million-to-upgrade-newports-gateway-center", "RI Receives Additional $4.3 Million to Upgrade Newport’s Gateway Center", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12/03/2015WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and U.S. Representatives Jim Langevin and David Cicilline today announced that the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) is being allocated an additional $4,346,001 in federal funding for exterior repair and improvement work at the Newport Gateway Center, one of RIPTAs major transit hubs. This brings the federal contributions for the project up to $6 million.\r\nLast year, the Congressional delegation helped secure $1.6 million in federal financing to help RIPTA cover costs of rebuilding and strengthening infrastructure damaged by Superstorm Sandy in 2012. RIPTA has already put the $1,602,000 grant, administered by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), to work by starting design plans to improve passenger protection and reduce flooding at the Newport Gateway Center. With the start of the design work, it became clear that more work than initially anticipated was needed at the transit hub and visitors center on Americas Cup Avenue. RIPTA notified the FTA of the expanded scope of the project and has now been given a green light for an additional $4.346 million in repair and improvement work.\r\nThe federal funding will cover 90-percent of the roughly $6.6 million total project cost, with the remaining 10-percent being contributed by the City of Newport. The Newport City Council finalized its commitment to the project last month.\r\nI commend RIPTA, Mayor Napolitano, and their partners for making a successful case and I am pleased to have helped make these resiliency funds available. This federal funding will help RIPTA rebuild smarter and stronger. Not only will the new facility better serve the community, but it should also make the Newport Gateway Center more resilient the next time a big storm hits, said Senator Jack Reed, the Ranking Member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD), who supported the establishment of a $3 billion competitive grant fund through the FTAs Hurricane Sandy Resilience Program for public transportation resiliency projects in regions affected by Superstorm Sandy.\r\nSuperstorm Sandy hit the Rhode Island coastline hard and were still finding damage it did to our infrastructure, said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. Congratulations to RIPTA and the City of Newport on securing funding to prepare a key part of our public transit system for the next big storm.\r\nNewport is a major tourism destination for Rhode Island, and the Newport Gateway Center is its epicenter for residents and visitors alike. Travel, tourism and elements of the citys history and heritage are all housed in the center, and the improvements made possible through this funding will increase access not only to reliable public transportation but to all that our city by the sea has to offer, said Congressman Jim Langevin. I am especially pleased that resiliency is a top priority in this project, as we better protect assets like the Newport Gateway Center for many years to come.\r\nThe Newport Gateway Center is a critical public transportation hub for residents of, and visitors to, Aquidneck Island, said Congressman David Cicilline. I am delighted that Rhode Island will receive an additional $4.3 million to repair damage from Hurricane Sandy, create good-paying jobs in our state, and ensure that this important part of our states infrastructure is made stronger than ever before. I congratulate RIPTA and Mayor Napolitano on their successful grant application.\r\nWe are very appreciative that there were still more funds available through this program, said Raymond Studley, CEO of RIPTA. Staff made a compelling case for additional improvements and FTA agreed, now allocating RIPTA a total of approximately $6 million from the $28 million federal program. With the increased federal funding, the project will be able to better support City and State goals for green infrastructure. I would like to thank our federal delegation for their continued support of RIPTA.\r\nEvery cloud has its silver lining, Newport Mayor Jeanne-Marie Napolitano said referring to the storm that heavily damaged the Gateway Center. Now we are able to address not only the appearance of the center, but are able to incorporate drainage and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) measures that will vastly improve our Gateway Center for visitors and residents alike.\r\nThe Newport Gateway Center is an intermodal facility that houses the Newport Visitors Center, customer parking, bus berths, bicycle facilities, and taxi stands. The bus berths are used by RIPTA, intercity carriers such as Peter Pan, tourist trolleys, and cruise ship shuttles to give visitors access to the many attractions of the Newport area. From Newport Gateway Center, passengers are able to visit local attractions such as the Newport mansions, beaches, historic Belleview Avenue, Cliff Walk, and the Tennis Hall of Fame. Passengers can also transfer here to RIPTA fixed-route services that provides key connections around the state, such as Amtraks Kingston Station, the University of Rhode Island, or farther north to Providence. The Visitors Center includes a ticketing counter, bathrooms, offices, and extensive tourist information and interactive exhibits. It is maintained by the long-term tenant, Discover Newport, the area's official marketing organization.\r\nThe new plans call for reusing the existing steel columns to support a permanent, contiguous roof that can provide better passenger protection and also better withstand future storms. The project includes drainage for the new roof and repaving of the sidewalks and parking areas. In order to comply with Newports progressive sewer codes, as much storm water as possible needs to be kept on site and the plans will include a natural, attractive way to do that, such as a rain garden.\r\nCurrently, RIPTA is working with the City of Newport and a Design Review Committee created for the project to come up with a design that is functional, aesthetically pleasing and appropriate for the citys historic waterfront. Mayor Jeanne-Marie Napolitano and the City Council have been instrumental in making sure that RIPTA hears the thoughts and concerns of the community as this project progresses, as has Discover Newport, our partner at the Gateway, said Lillian Picchione, Director of Capital Projects for RIPTA. She added that the transit authority will continue to work with city officials and community groups to make sure there is continued public input as the project moves forward.\r\nAdditional project information can be found at www.RIPTA.com under the projects link.\r\n-end-\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/delegation-announces-182-million-for-water-infrastructure-improvements-in-rhode-island", "Delegation Announces $18.2 Million for Water Infrastructure Improvements in Rhode Island", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12/03/2015WASHINGTON, DC  After reversing proposed cuts to clean water infrastructure programs, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Jim Langevin and David Cicilline announced $18.2 million in federal funding for water infrastructure projects in Rhode Island. Administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the funding will go to two federal-state loan programs that supply local water systems with low-interest financing for projects that protect public health and environmental quality.\r\nIn its 2015 budget request, the Obama Administration proposed deep cuts to the Clean Water and Safe Drinking Water State Revolving Funds. EPA requested just $1.8 billion  $581 million below enacted levels, or a cut of nearly 25%  for the programs.\r\nAll four members of the states Congressional delegation  along with several of their colleagues on both sides of the aisle  worked together to restore EPAs proposed cuts to the programs and ensure Congress successfully appropriated about $2.4 billion necessary for the SRF programs in fiscal year 2015.\r\nAs a result, Rhode Island this week received $9.4 million through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and $8.8 million through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF), for a total of $18.2 million in clean water financing for water quality protection projects and enhancements.\r\nAdministered by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank (RIIB), the CWSRF provides loans at low interest rates for water quality protection projects that improve wastewater treatment systems, control pollution from storm water runoff, and protect sensitive water bodies and estuaries.\r\nThe Rhode Island Department of Health (DOH) and the RIIB are the state agencies that oversee the DWSRF, which provides loans at low interest rates for improvements to drinking water systems, focusing especially on small and low-income communities and programs that encourage pollution prevention to ensure that drinking water is safe.\r\nInvesting in clean water infrastructure must be a priority and the federal government needs to be a reliable partner when it comes to maintaining healthy, safe water in our communities. I am proud to have secured this vital funding to help put Rhode Islanders to work modernizing our water infrastructure, reducing pollution, and protecting public health, said Senator Jack Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee who has long championed these clean water infrastructure programs.\r\nWith the floods of 2010, Hurricane Sandy, and tight local budgets, our water infrastructure has faced serious challenges over the last few years. Rhode Island communities need to upgrade and strengthen wastewater and runoff systems, and prevent water pollution in the first place, said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. This federal funding will help leverage state efforts to improve our water infrastructure and make it easier for local water systems to afford key projects. Thats why Im happy to join with my colleagues in the delegation to support these important EPA programs.\r\nEnsuring clean water for both drinking and recreation is a matter of public health, environmental health and economic health for Rhode Island, said Congressman Jim Langevin. These low-interest loans will protect and improve water quality in our state now and in the future, and I am proud to join my colleagues in our continued support for these important public projects.\r\nToo often, Rhode Islanders are forced to confront water main breaks, damaging floods, and sewer overflows that result from our states aging water infrastructure, said Congressman David Cicilline. I am pleased that we have secured more than $18 million to support critical enhancements for water systems in Rhode Island. Investments like these are critical for creating jobs and ensuring the quality of our drinking water.\r\nSince the beginning of this program, EPA has awarded approximately $443 million to Rhode Island for the construction, expansion, and upgrading of clean water infrastructure resulting in decreased pollutant loadings to waterbodies throughout the state.\r\n-end-\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/opening-statement-by-ranking-member-jack-reed-sasc-hearing-on-supporting-the-warfighter-of-today-and-tomorrow", "Opening Statement by Ranking Member Jack Reed, SASC Hearing on Supporting the Warfighter of Today and Tomorrow", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12/03/2015OPENING STATEMENT OF U.S. SENATOR JACK REED\r\nRANKING MEMBER, SENATE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE\r\n\r\nSD-106\r\nDIRKSEN SENATE OFFICE BUILDING\r\nThursday, December 3, 2015\r\n\r\nTo receive testimony on supporting the warfighter of today and tomorrow\r\n(As Prepared for Delivery)\r\nThank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Id like to join you in thanking our witnesses for their willingness to appear today to testify on potential changes to the Department of Defenses (DOD) organization and processes that would enable the best possible support for our warfighters. I have no doubt that our distinguished panel of witnesses will provide the Committee with thought-provoking testimony drawn from their years of service in and out of uniform.\r\nA constant theme that has emerged in testimony from previous hearings is that DOD has a 20th century organizational structure which has great difficulty adjusting to many 21st century trends  including globalization, rapid adoption of technology, and the free flow of information. These developments have complicated the security environment by facilitating the rise of near-peer competitors and irregular threats from transnational terrorist groups. However, I believe these trends also provide opportunities to improve U.S. military capabilities, which will support the warfighter, if they can be effectively harnessed through updated organizational structures and processes. As yesterdays hearing made clear, the men and women who make up the All-Volunteer Force remain this Committees top concern. And we must ensure they have the resources they need to complete their mission and return safely home.\r\nTestifying on these issues earlier this fall, former Secretary Gates described the challenges he faced in delivering rapidly needed capabilities to troops in the field because of prioritization of long-term programs of record by the military services. He said, the only way I could get significant new or additional equipment to commanders in the field in weeks or months  not years  was to take control of the problem myself through special task forces and ad-hoc processes. As specific examples, he cited task forces he created to rapidly field Mine-Resistant-Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. However, he also pointed out that relying on the intense personal involvement of the Secretary to achieve such outcomes is not sustainable.\r\nGiven that the Goldwater-Nichols reforms were enacted more than 30 years ago, and the Department continues to face difficulties in rapidly delivering needed capabilities to the warfighter, it is appropriate that we consider additional changes to the Department that can enhance the support we provide to the men and women serving in uniform. Considering the diversity of experience possessed by our witnesses  including from the service, combatant command, and defense agency perspectives  I look forward to your thoughts on how we might address these issues in a comprehensive manner.\r\nThank you, Mr. Chairman.\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-supports-pentagons-historic-plan-to-open-all-combat-jobs-to-qualified-women", "Reed Supports Pentagon’s Historic Plan to Open All Combat Jobs to Qualified Women", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12/03/2015WASHINGTON, DC  Today, after the Pentagon announced that after years of study, all combat jobs, including infantry units, will be open to qualified women beginning next year, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement:\r\nLetting combat-qualified women serve their country to the fullest of their ability is a smart move that strengthens our nation. I applaud the Administrations decision to remove, once and for all, arbitrary barriers to service by women in our Armed Forces.\r\nThe U.S. military is adapting to 21st century realities. Women are already serving on the front lines in hotspots around the world and this simply means servicemembers can be assigned to any position they are qualified for.\r\nThis has been a multi-year, deliberative process that has required the Services to verify and develop occupational standards based on performance, not gender.\r\nChange will not happen overnight. It will likely take some time before women are assigned to certain combat occupations. But going forward, the combat effectiveness of our forces will increase as integrated units are able to take advantage of the very best talent available for military service, without restriction.\r\nI urge the Secretary and senior military leadership to carefully monitor the integration process and to develop long-term strategies that will enable all our warriors, men and women, to serve full and rewarding careers.\r\nReed, a West Point graduate and former Army Ranger, noted that earlier this year the U.S. Army took a major step in opening Ranger School to all soldiers, regardless of gender, and three women made history when they graduated from the school this Fall.\r\n-end-\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-urges-congress-to-responsibly-offset-tax-cuts-by-closing-tax-loopholes", "Reed Urges Congress to Responsibly Offset Tax Cuts by Closing Tax Loopholes", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12/03/2015WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed and four Senate colleagues urged the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee to offset the cost of the tax extenders legislation pending in Congress by closing tax loopholes that benefit hedge fund managers and corporate CEOs.\r\nThe tax extenders bill is an annual package of tax breaks, deductions, credits, and other provisions that affect tax treatments for both businesses and some households. The final package is still being debated in Congress, but is likely to include tax breaks for large corporations that are not paid for and will significantly add to the deficit.\r\nWe need to prioritize tax breaks that grow our economy and strengthen the middle class. If Senators also insist on tax cuts that help big business, those cuts should be treated the way investments in our infrastructure and student loans have been, and be paid for by closing some of the egregious loopholes in our tax code that Wall Street and big corporate CEOs are already exploiting. We need to break free of the approach in this Republican Congress where tax cuts for the wealthiest and big business are mindlessly added to the deficit, but investments in the middle class have to be paid for or force cuts elsewhere, said Senator Reed, a senior member of the Senate Banking Committee.\r\nReed and his colleagues, U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Angus King (I-ME), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), sent the letter to Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-OR) to highlight a persistent double standard in the Republican-controlled Congress whereby tax cuts that largely benefit businesses are allowed to drive up the deficit, while investments in infrastructure, medical research, education, and job training must be offset with budget cuts or increases in revenue.\r\n[A]s you work to finalize a tax extenders package, we urge you to also close tax loopholes to help pay for this bill so that we can give both businesses and middle class families the certainty they deserve, while eliminating some of the inequity in the tax code, the senators wrote. In October, Congress enacted legislationthe Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015that included spending cuts and revenue increases to help pay for national defense and investments in healthcare, education, medical research, homeland security and the economy. If Republicans believe that we must pay for sequester relief and offset these critical investments that support the middle class, then Republicans should also work with Democrats to close egregious loopholes to pay for extending expired tax cuts. \r\nThe senators called for closing the carried interest loophole and tax write-offs for executive compensation over $1 million. The carried interest loophole allows many of the highest earners to pay a lower effective tax rate than nurses, first responders, truck drivers and teachers. The Carried Interest Fairness Act (S. 1686) was estimated by the Joint Committee on Taxation to raise $15.6 billion over ten years. The Stop Subsidizing Multimillion Dollar Corporate Bonuses Act (S. 1127), which Reed introduced in April, was estimated to raise $50 billion. Reed and his Senate colleagues encouraged the Finance Committee leadership to consider closing these and other loopholes, both to help pay for the pending tax extenders legislation and in an effort to restore some measure of fairness in the U.S. tax code.\r\nRead the full text of the letter below:\r\nDecember 3, 2015\r\nDear Chairman Hatch and Ranking Member Wyden,\r\nWe appreciate your continued efforts on the issue of tax extenders. As you work to finalize a tax extenders package, we urge you to also close tax loopholes to help pay for this bill so that we can give both businesses and middle class families the certainty they deserve, while eliminating some of the inequity in the tax code.\r\nIn October, Congress enacted legislationthe Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015that included spending cuts and revenue increases to help pay for national defense and investments in healthcare, education, medical research, homeland security and the economy. If Republicans believe that we must pay for sequester relief and offset these critical investments that support the middle class, then Republicans should also work with Democrats to close egregious loopholes to pay for extending expired tax cuts. \r\nWe strongly support extending tax provisions that support the middle class and grow the economy. However, the Senate Finance Committee passed a bill earlier this year extending tax cuts and credits for two years that would add $96 billion to the deficit. Furthermore, reports indicate that House and Senate negotiators are considering making some corporate tax provisions permanent, which would cost the government hundreds of billions of dollars.\r\nLast month, Republicans and Democrats were able to come together in a bipartisan manner to pass legislation preventing harmful cuts to federal programs for two years. However, that legislation also included a variety of spending cuts and revenue increases to ensure that the federal spending would not add to the deficit. Therefore, extending expired tax breaks, or making them permanent, without offsetting the cost is a troubling double standard whereby tax cuts and credits dont need to be paid for but investments in education, job training, infrastructure, research and innovation must be paid for. Not requiring the same standard for these mostly business tax cuts is not only unfair, it would also add to the deficit and increase pressure to make additional cuts to domestic programs.\r\nInstead of passing tax cuts and credits that increase the deficit, we urge you to offset the cost of extenders by closing loopholes in the tax code. There are a number of unfair tax loopholes that should be closed to help pay for tax extenders legislation including the carried interest loophole and tax write-offs for executive compensation over $1 million. The carried interest loophole allows many of the highest earners to pay a lower effective tax rate than nurses, first responders, truck drivers and teachers. The Carried Interest Fairness Act (S. 1686) was estimated by the Joint Committee on Taxation to raise $15.6 billion over ten years. The Stop Subsidizing Multimillion Dollar Corporate Bonuses Act (S. 1127) was estimated to raise $50 billion. We encourage you to consider closing these and other loopholes to both help pay for tax extenders and make our tax code more fair.\r\nSincerely,\r\nJack Reed\r\nTammy Baldwin\r\nAngus King\r\nElizabeth Warren\r\nSheldon Whitehouse\r\n-end-\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/delegation-announces-182-million-for-water-infrastructure-improvements-in-rhode-island", "Delegation Announces $18.2 Million for Water Infrastructure Improvements in Rhode Island", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Sheldon Whitehouse", "W000802", "www.whitehouse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.03.15\n\t\t\t Delegation Announces $18.2 Million for Water Infrastructure Improvements in Rhode Island \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.  After reversing proposed cuts to clean water infrastructure programs, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Jim Langevin and David Cicilline announced $18.2 million in federal funding for water infrastructure projects in Rhode Island. Administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the funding will go to two federal-state loan programs that supply local water systems with low-interest financing for projects that protect public health and environmental quality.\r\nIn its 2015 budget request, the Obama Administration proposed deep cuts to the Clean Water and Safe Drinking Water State Revolving Funds. EPA requested just $1.8 billion  $581 million below enacted levels, or a cut of nearly 25%  for the programs.\r\nAll four members of the states Congressional delegation  along with several of their colleagues on both sides of the aisle  worked together to restore EPAs proposed cuts to the programs and ensure Congress successfully appropriated about $2.4 billion necessary for the SRF programs in fiscal year 2015.\r\nAs a result, Rhode Island this week received $9.4 million through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and $8.8 million through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF), for a total of $18.2 million in clean water financing for water quality protection projects and enhancements.\r\nAdministered by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank (RIIB), the CWSRF provides loans at low interest rates for water quality protection projects that improve wastewater treatment systems, control pollution from storm water runoff, and protect sensitive water bodies and estuaries.\r\nThe Rhode Island Department of Health (DOH) and the RIIB are the state agencies that oversee the DWSRF, which provides loans at low interest rates for improvements to drinking water systems, focusing especially on small and low-income communities and programs that encourage pollution prevention to ensure that drinking water is safe.\r\nInvesting in clean water infrastructure must be a priority and the federal government needs to be a reliable partner when it comes to maintaining healthy, safe water in our communities. I am proud to have secured this vital funding to help put Rhode Islanders to work modernizing our water infrastructure, reducing pollution, and protecting public health, said Senator Jack Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee who has long championed these clean water infrastructure programs.\r\nWith the floods of 2010, Hurricane Sandy, and tight local budgets, our water infrastructure has faced serious challenges over the last few years. Rhode Island communities need to upgrade and strengthen wastewater and runoff systems, and prevent water pollution in the first place, said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. This federal funding will help leverage state efforts to improve our water infrastructure and make it easier for local water systems to afford key projects. Thats why Im happy to join with my colleagues in the delegation to support these important EPA programs.\r\nEnsuring clean water for both drinking and recreation is a matter of public health, environmental health and economic health for Rhode Island, said Congressman Jim Langevin. These low-interest loans will protect and improve water quality in our state now and in the future, and I am proud to join my colleagues in our continued support for these important public projects.\r\nToo often, Rhode Islanders are forced to confront water main breaks, damaging floods, and sewer overflows that result from our states aging water infrastructure, said Congressman David Cicilline. I am pleased that we have secured more than $18 million to support critical enhancements for water systems in Rhode Island. Investments like these are critical for creating jobs and ensuring the quality of our drinking water.\r\nSince the beginning of this program, EPA has awarded approximately $443 million to Rhode Island for the construction, expansion, and upgrading of clean water infrastructure resulting in decreased pollutant loadings to waterbodies throughout the state.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-and-forbes-praise-committee-passage-carder-act", "Langevin and Forbes Praise Committee Passage of CARDER Act", "2015-12-02", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jim Langevin", "L000559", "langevin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressmen Jim Langevin (D-RI) and Randy Forbes (R-VA) today applauded passage of the Cybercrime Anti-Resale Deterrent and Extraterritoriality Revision (CARDER) Act by the House Judiciary Committee. Langevin, who is the co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional Cybersecurity Caucus, introduced the CARDER Act with Forbes as the lead Republican on the bill.\nThe CARDER Act would make it easier for law enforcement to prosecute foreign criminals who trade in Americans stolen credit cards. These carders act as middlemen by linking computer criminals with those who use stolen credit card information to make fraudulent purchases. Taking down carder forums can make it significantly more difficult to sell credit card data and simultaneously increase the chances of identifying and arresting the hackers responsible for the initial theft.\nFrom large corporations to small businesses across the country, security breaches and the theft of American credit card data have reached epidemic proportions, costing time and money for both businesses and consumers, said Langevin. Cybercrime has a very real financial impact on those affected, and also on the underlying cost of doing business, and we must provide law enforcement with the tools necessary to bring these criminals to justice. I thank Rep. Forbes for his steadfast support of the bill and Chairman Goodlatte for bringing it before the Judiciary Committee. I look forward to its expeditious consideration by the full House.\nProtecting everyday Americans sensitive financial information from cybercrime is a critical 21st century issue, requiring 21st century laws to ensure bulky, outdated requirements dont hinder the Department of Justices ability to prosecute criminals outside the U.S. who commit crimes that harm Americans, said Forbes. I am proud to cosponsor and support the CARDER Act to ensure our law enforcement and prosecutors are equipped with the necessary tools to begin to attack the problem of cybercrime against U.S. citizens and businesses at its core. I applaud the House Judiciary Committees passage of the bill and urge the full House to do the same.\nCurrent criminal law makes it difficult to prosecute carders, as they are often located outside of the United States. Carders must store either the stolen numbers or the gains from their illicit activities within the jurisdiction of the United States in order to be prosecuted. The CARDER Act, which is supported by the Department of Justice, would close this loophole.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/opening-statement-by-ranking-member-jack-reed-sasc-hearing-on-dod-personnel-reform-and-strengthening-the-all-volunteer-force", "Opening Statement by Ranking Member Jack Reed, SASC Hearing on DOD Personnel Reform & Strengthening the All-Volunteer Force", "2015-12-02", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12/02/2015OPENING STATEMENT OF U.S. SENATOR JACK REED\r\nRANKING MEMBER, SENATE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE\r\n\r\nSD-G50\r\nDIRKSEN SENATE OFFICE BUILDING\r\nWednesday, December 2, 2015\r\n\r\nTo receive testimony on Department of Defense personnel reform \r\nand strengthening the All-Volunteer Force\r\n(As Prepared for Delivery)\r\nThank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Id like to join you in thanking our witnesses for their willingness to appear before us today to provide their thoughts on personnel reform and strengthening the All-Volunteer Force. It is clear from the past work and prepared testimony that each of our witnesses brings a unique and valuable perspective on these issues.\r\nThis Committee has held a series of hearings to review the organizational structure of the Department. Experts have testified on the importance of streamlining our defense acquisition processes; re-evaluating the roles and missions of the Services; ensuring effective management of the Department; and on the formulation of our defense strategy and future force structure.\r\nI believe todays hearing may be among the most important this Committee will convene during our review. The men and women who make up the All-Volunteer Force remain this Committees top concern. Any changes we recommend to the processes, structure, and organization of the Department of Defense, or to the benefit structure, will not matter if we dont provide the nation with a sufficiently sized, trained, and equipped military, of the necessary quality of character and talent, to meet national defense requirements.\r\nTo that end, Congress has for several years considered various proposals for changes in compensation and health care to slow the growth of personnel costs so that those savings could be redirected to buy back readiness and modernization shortfalls. The Department has consistently, over the past several decades, proposed a budget in which military personnel costs comprised roughly 33 percent, or a third, of that total budget. In 1980, this third devoted to military personnel bought an active-duty force of over 2.1 million. Today, with a total DOD budget that is hundreds of billions of dollars higher, that third only buys 1.2 million active-duty members, and that figure continues to fall and will likely drop further if rising personnel costs are not constrained.\r\nIn my view, hard choices will need to be made, especially in the budget environment we find ourselves. We made some difficult choices this year, including the enactment of a new retirement benefit for tomorrows force, but we need to do more. I am concerned, frankly, that we are pricing ourselves out of a military that is sufficiently sized and trained to accomplish national defense objectives. I look forward to any recommendations the witnesses may have for addressing the increase in personnel costs.\r\nWith regard to the management of military personnel, it is time to re-evaluate whether the Defense Officer Personnel Management System, commonly referred to as DOPMA, continues to meet the needs of our military services. The up-or-out promotion system is 70 years old, and in many respects it has worked and continues to work well. It ensures promotion opportunity for talented young service members as they progress in their careers. But it also has its weaknesses. In some circumstances, it requires divesture of talent at its peak. It may not be the right system for highly technical occupations, such as cyber experts, pilots, doctors, or special operators, in whom we may have invested millions of dollars in training. It relies on a cohort-based system that may be outdated. Joint professional education requirements, a signature element of Goldwater-Nichols, may, in some cases, be so substantial that service members have difficulty fitting in all the required training, joint assignments, and command assignments needed for professional development.\r\nI hope that our witnesses can, first and foremost, identify what problems exist within the military personnel management and compensation systems, and offer propose solutions to these problems that Congress and the Department of Defense should consider to bring our military personnel system up to date. I thank you all for your time and your expertise, and look forward to your testimony.\r\nThank you, Mr. Chairman.\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-calls-for-legislative-action-to-reduce-gun-violence", "Reed Calls for Legislative Action to Reduce Gun Violence", "2015-12-02", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12/02/2015WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senator Jack Reed released the following statement after another mass-shooting took place today in San Bernardino, California:\r\nSeeing another mass-shooting like this is heartbreaking. And while we dont know all the specifics here, the fact that some in the Senate still refuse to even hold a vote on legislation that would help address gun violence is appalling. There are commonsense steps we can take to make current background checks stronger, close loopholes to prevent terrorists from acquiring firearms, and block the interstate pipeline of illegal guns. It is long past time for Congress to take meaningful action.\r\n-end-\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-helps-restore-critical-funding-for-ripta-in-transportation-bill", "Reed Helps Restore Critical Funding for RIPTA in Transportation Bill", "2015-12-02", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12/02/2015WASHINGTON, DC  Following a push by U.S. Senator Jack Reed, the Ranking Member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation and Housing and Urban Development (THUD), and other leading Democrats from the Northeast corridor, the joint House and Senate Transportation Conference has agreed to include the full restoration of funding to the critical 5340 High Density States Program in the final transportation bill set to be voted on later this week.\r\nI am pleased we were able to reclaim RIPTAs fair share of funding and save critical mass-transit dollars for high density states like Rhode Island. This loss of funding would have had led to more gridlock and tougher commutes and had a devastating impact on our public transportation system. I am pleased we were not only able to prevent the Houses short-sighted cuts from taking hold, but actually increase funding for mass-transit. Public transportation helps drive our economy. With more Rhode Islanders depending on public transportation, we must ensure RIPTA has the resources to provide safe, efficient, and reliable service.\r\nSenator Reed worked to remove language from the final bill that was included in the previous House-passed bill that would have meant a cut in federal funding to the Rhode Island Public Transportation Authority (RIPTA) of over $8.5 million a year. Reed and fellow Democrats from the Northeast corridor successfully removed the Herrera-Beutler Amendment to the surface transportation bill, which would have eliminated essential federal formula funding for Rhode Island, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York. These seven states provide over half of all public transportation trips in the United States.\r\nSenator Reed, who was the driving force for developing the current high-density public transportation formula back in 2005, stated: We need to wisely invest in our transportation infrastructure to enhance safety, generate jobs, and strengthen our transportation network, said Reed. This bill provides state transportation departments some measure of certainty as they look to finance maintenance and improvement projects. It should help RIDOT and RIPTA accelerate needed repairs and better plan for large-scale investments.\r\nIt is estimated that Rhode Island will receive an average of $231.7 million a year in federal funding for roads and bridges and another $39 million per year for mass transit programs. Under current law, the state receives about $211 million annually for highways and $36.3 million for transit.\r\nNow that the conference negotiators have agreed on the framework of the multi-year surface transportation bill, the legislation must be voted on and approved by both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate before it can be sent to the Presidents desk to be signed into law.\r\n-end-\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/speeches/reed-warns-against-rolling-back-dodd-frank-wall-street-reform-protections", "Reed Warns Against Rolling Back Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Protections", "2015-12-02", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12/02/2015Mr. REED. Mr. President, I thank my colleague from Oregon for his leadership on this issue, and I thank my colleagues who are going to join us later.\r\nI am joining them in urging all of our colleagues in the Senate not to roll back the protections that are in place due to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010.\r\nLet me remind everyone where we have come from. When we passed the Wall Street reform act, the Dodd-Frank act, we were in the most painful financial crisis since the Great Depression. The Dow Jones dropped from roughly 13,700 points in July of 2007 to 7,235 points by March of 2009, about a 47 percent drop in wealth as indicated by the stock market. It was a huge, huge hit. The line at that time was: What is happening to your 401(k) plan?\r\nWell, we have come back, and one of the reasons we have come back is because Dodd-Frank has now provided safer rules of the road for financial institutions.\r\nBack then and going forward, we lost 8.6 million jobs from January of 2008 until January of 2010. There were 8 million jobs lost primarily because Wall Street lost its way, frankly. The unemployment rate doubled from 5 percent in January of 2008 to 10 percent in October of 2009. In that period of time, roughly from July 2007 to November of 2014, nearly 7.5 million families lost their homes.\r\nThese are sobering numbers. Behind each of these numbers is an individual or family--our constituents, who suffered real and serious damages. Again, this was traceable almost directly back to excesses on Wall Street, which we consciously tried to correct in the Dodd-Frank act, and it has provided a solid foundation for economic recovery. Slow as it has been, we are coming back.\r\nWhat happened was that these families lost their retirements--wiped out. It was not only the financial loss but the sheer psychological trauma of being either retired or on the edge of retirement and suddenly it was all gone. It has left a lasting impression.\r\nPeople have lost jobs, as I have indicated. It was a huge loss of jobs. Some have never gotten back into the market or gotten a job at the level they had before.\r\nThen, of course, there were the foreclosures, thousands and thousands of Americans losing their homes. Without their homes, some of our constituents lost their whole sense of belonging to the community and their ability to find a new job because they were just battling a day at a time for shelter and for subsistence. These were real issues, and we seem to have forgotten all of that. We seem to have forgotten that Wall Street--without sound regulations, strong regulation--will find its way off the path and into this type of difficulty.\r\nWe all know people who suffered these losses, and we all are committed that they won't suffer them again. But that commitment requires us to follow through on the Dodd-Frank act, the Wall Street reform act.\r\nIn that legislation, I worked very closely with Senator Warren to create the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. It is just one of the examples of the efforts in that bill that actually protected our constituents, not theoretically but practically. They have been protected from tricky people who were giving them mortgages they couldn't afford, engaging in illegal servicing and foreclosure practices in the mortgage industry, steering consumers into excessive loans they couldn't afford--and the person doing the steering knew they couldn't afford them--but those tricky people took the money and literally ran, and we have tried to stop them.\r\nBecause of the efforts of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, $11.2 billion in relief has been given to families throughout this country; $11 billion has been given to individuals and families all across this country. This is an example not of theoretical legalistic procedures but of practical help for people. That is the direct result of Dodd-Frank, and some of the proposals that we are hearing about would undo that.\r\nIn the process of creating the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, I am particularly proud of working with colleagues to create the Office of Servicemember Affairs within the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to serve as a watchdog for our military personnel. Under the leadership of Holly Petraeus, it has done a remarkable job. More than $90 million has been returned to service members and their families from unscrupulous companies that preyed upon our military families deliberately--understanding the vulnerability of families that are in transit because of deployments and other things. Another example, the Military Lending Act, which has capped annual interest rates for military personnel, has been enforced through the efforts of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.\r\nThis has not only helped these families, but it has helped this Nation. It has helped our military readiness. I can tell you that basically a long time ago, I had the privilege of commanding soldiers, paratroopers in the 82nd, and it is hard to be a good soldier when you worry about whether your family is going to be able to make it through the week or the month to get your next paycheck. This is real help, and it is the result of Dodd-Frank. No, many things are the result of Dodd-Frank.\r\nSo why do we want to roll back these reforms? You ask people, and they will say: Well, it is burdensome, and they are hurting these financial institutions; you know, it is just so hard to operate a financial institution today.\r\nThen you take a look at the stock performance of these institutions, the American global systemically important banks and even our regional banks. These institutions have seen their stock prices increase from July 2010 at least by 31 percent and in some cases as high as 114 percent. That is the market saying to these institutions and to all of us that they are in good shape. They are in great shape. They are not being burdened by financial regulations. They are not being overwhelmed. They are profit centers. They are doing great. Name other companies that have increased their value so much. One reason is because everyone is confident there is a stable, sound, rigorous regulatory structure that is ensuring that banks will not go off the cliff as they did in 2007 and 2008 when their stock prices collapsed.\r\nSo if you look at that, if you look at the markets, they are not complaining about Dodd-Frank. The markets are looking to say: That is where the money should go. That is what you should invest in.\r\nSo if you look at that growth and then draw a contrast between what has happened to average American families--they haven't seen that kind of wage growth. I don't know many working families who have seen a 31 percent increase in their income or a 114 percent increase in their income, but we have to do better with respect to our working families.\r\nOne thing we have to do is make sure that we keep in place protections that were built into the Dodd-Frank act.\r\nThere are always ways you can improve legislation, and there are a myriad of technical corrections that could be done, but to disguise some of these proposals as technical corrections is not appropriate.\r\nI think also, frankly, if we are going to be sensible, sound, and thoughtful about technical corrections, let's go ahead and do it the way it should be done, the way Dodd-Frank was done. I was on the banking committee. We had hearings. We had a markup. We had, in fact, several markups until we got it right. Then we brought it to the floor, we had a vigorous debate, and we amended the bill. Then we took that bill to conference, then we had it changed in conference, and then we sent it to the President for his signature.\r\nSo if we are going to do corrections to improve the Dodd-Frank bill, let's do it the way we did it originally, not finding a convenient vehicle--a highway bill, an appropriations bill, any other bill--and sticking them in as sort of ``take it or leave it''--you have to do this or you lose highway funding or you lose funding for our schools, for education, for national defense.\r\nI would hope that we can move forward in regular order and make corrections where necessary, but certainly let's not use these waning days of this session to undermine the Dodd-Frank Act with some of the proposals I have heard.\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/sens-markey-whitehouse-blumenthal-to-obama-reform-coal-leasing-program-to-protect-climate-change-goals", "Sens. Markey, Whitehouse, Blumenthal to Obama: Reform Coal Leasing Program to Protect Climate Change Goals", "2015-12-02", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Sheldon Whitehouse", "W000802", "www.whitehouse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.02.15\n\t\t\t Sens. Markey, Whitehouse, Blumenthal to Obama: Reform Coal Leasing Program to Protect Climate Change Goals \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Senators introduce legislation that would increase the royalty rate for coal produced on federal lands, prohibit overseas sale of federally-owned coal\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington (December 2, 2015)  As President Obama joined with world leaders to help craft an international agreement on climate, Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) called on the President to reform the federal coal leasing program to protect Americas climate change goals. In a letter sent yesterday, the Senators called on President Obama use his executive authority to direct the Secretary of the Interior to significantly increase royalty rates to account for the social cost of carbon pollution from coal production on public lands and use his existing authority to prohibit the export of coal produced from public lands to foreign nations. Additionally, the Senators called on the President to suspend all new coal leasing until these reforms are implemented.\r\nBetween 400 and 450 million tons of coal are produced from public lands in the United States each year, yet coal companies only pay 12.5 percent of the value of the natural resource, a royalty rate that does nothing to take into account the costs for climate change and human health associated with burning federally-owned coal. \r\nWe should not take two steps forward reducing carbon pollution with the Clean Power Plan only for our federal coal program to force us to take two steps back, said Senator Markey. It makes no sense to subsidize coal companies to mine coal from federal lands just to export it and increase quantities of it abroad, where it will be burned to worsen climate change. We need to reform a federal coal program that is selling coal at bargain basement prices to the detriment of the American taxpayers economic and public health and properly account for the full cost to human health and the environment of producing any publicly-owned coal.\r\nEconomics 101 tells us that the price of a product should reflect its costs, said Senator Whitehouse. When the costs of carbon pollution in the form of flood and storm damage, drought-stricken crops, and failing fisheries arent factored into the price of fossil fuels like coal, thats a market failure and those costs are borne by the rest of us. We should make sure that the social and environmental costs of carbon pollution are included in the price of coal extracted from federal lands.\r\nIf we are serious about saving the planet from devastating climate disruption, we must take the necessary steps to transition away from the dirtiest fossil fuel source  coal, said Senator Blumenthal. With the international community poised to reach an historic agreement on emission reductions  an effort led by the United States  we should not undermine our position of leadership with domestic energy policies that are incompatible with our end goal. I am pleased to join my colleagues, Senators Markey and Whitehouse, to encourage the Department of Interior to put an end to subsidizing the mining of coal on public lands and help clear the way for a cleaner, smarter energy future powered by renewable sources and technologies that become more viable by the day.\r\nA copy of the Senators letter to President can be found HERE.\r\nThe Senators also introduced new legislation to reform the law that governs the federal coal program. The bill would increase the royalty rate for coal produced from surface mines on federal land and prohibit the export of coal produced on federal land. The legislation also directs the Secretary of Interior to suspend all new coal leasing until these reforms are implemented.\r\nA copy of the legislation can be found HERE.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/opening-statement-by-ranking-member-jack-reed-sasc-hearing-on-acquisition-reform", "Opening Statement by Ranking Member Jack Reed, SASC Hearing on Acquisition Reform", "2015-12-01", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12/01/2015OPENING STATEMENT OF U.S. SENATOR JACK REED\r\nRANKING MEMBER, SENATE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE\r\n\r\nSD-G50\r\nDIRKSEN SENATE OFFICE BUILDING\r\nTuesday, December 1, 2015\r\n\r\nTo receive testimony on acquisition reform: next steps\r\n(As Prepared for Delivery)\r\nThank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Id like to join you in thanking our witnesses for their willingness to appear today to testify on the next steps in reforming the acquisition system used by the Department of Defense. Todays witnesses have a wealth of experience in defense acquisition, from both inside and outside of government. Their insight and experience on what works, and does not work, in our current acquisition system will help to inform the Committees review of possible reforms that would allow the Department to more effectively and efficiently procure goods and services.  \r\nThe Pentagons fundamental mission is the defense of our Nation, which requires that our military procure technologically advanced weapons platforms and invest in cutting edge research and development programs. According to the Congressional Research Service, the Department of Defense obligated $285 billion in contracts in FY 2014, which was more than all other government agencies combined. This amount included funding for high-end critical weapons systems such as the Joint Strike Fighter and the Ohio-class Replacement Program, as well as service support contracts which have much less visibility. In fact, the Government Accountability Office has stated that within the federal government, the Pentagon has the largest share of all service contracts totaling $156 billion in FY 2014. \r\nIn an era of fiscal constraint, it has become even more important to ensure that the Department spends every dollar wisely. While the Department has made progress in addressing cost over-runs for major acquisition programs, more work remains. For every dollar that is spent on weapons systems that are under-performing, that is a dollar that wont be spent on other important requirements of the military services, including other acquisition programs and important readiness activities, including flying hours for aircraft, steaming days for ships and submarines, and all training that supports the National Military Strategy.\r\nThe good news is that the acquisition and procurement reforms undertaken by this committee under the leadership of Chairman McCain and former Chairman Carl Levin, such as the Weapons Systems Acquisition Reform Act and the efforts in our most recent NDAA, combined with the Better Buying Power reforms being lead within the Pentagon by Secretary Carter and Under Secretary Kendall, have begun to make an impact on our ability to control costs and schedules of acquisition programs. Programs are being run with more realistic cost estimates, more rigorous systems engineering, and with lower technological risks. Programs that are been initiated under the rules of these latest reforms have experienced less cost growth and fewer schedule slips than we have seen previously. Fewer programs are breaking the large cost growth thresholds  known as Nunn-McCurdy breaches. We also seem to be making progress in halting the cost increases for some major troubled acquisitions initiated under old rules, including the Joint Strike Fighter and aircraft carrier programs.\r\nUnfortunately, progress has been more elusive in other areas. The Department still struggles to develop and field large information technology (IT) systems to manage business processes, like personnel pay and accounting. DOD still does not have a good handle on how to control its spending on the lower visibility services contracts. DOD also finds it very difficult to compete with the private sector for world class technical, engineering, and program management talent. We are rapidly losing important pieces of our defense industrial base to mergers and consolidation. And perhaps most importantly, the Pentagon is in the unfamiliar role of chasing global and commercial innovation, rather than acting as the technological leader that it has been in the past.\r\nI hope that our witnesses can shed some light on these challenges and offer us some specific recommendations to consider as we continue our bipartisan and bicameral efforts at acquisition reform. I thank you all for your time and your expertise, and look forward to your testimony.\r\nThank you, Mr. Chairman.\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/speeches/time-to-wake-up-corporations-funding-phony-climate-denial", "Time to Wake Up: Corporations Funding Phony Climate Denial", "2015-12-01", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Sheldon Whitehouse", "W000802", "www.whitehouse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.01.15\n\t\t\t Time to Wake Up: Corporations Funding Phony Climate Denial \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tMadam President, as the Presiding Officer knows well, every week that I am here and the Senate is in session, I come to the floor to remind us of the damage carbon pollution continues to do to our atmosphere and oceans. Today I rise for the 120th time to urge my colleagues to wake up to the threat of climate change. I am not alone, although it sometimes seems a bit lonely here.\r\nWe have an advertisement today in the Wall Street Journal--we will find it here in 1 second; well, I seem to have mislaid it--that has a considerable number of American companies that have called upon the public and called on the readers of the Wall Street Journal to support a strong outcome in Paris. It matches another Wall Street Journal full-page advertisement--this one went back to October 22--which was Republicans and Democrats Agree: U.S. Security Demands Global Climate Action. That had 23 Republican former officials, including Senators Cohen, Coleman, Danforth, Hagel, Lugar, Kassebaum, Smith, and Snowe, Secretaries of Commerce, State, Treasury, members of the National Intelligence Council, Homeland Security advisers, and Trade Representatives. In total, 33 Republican and military officials were calling on us to get serious about it. So a lot of people out there, including Republicans, are interested in getting something done.\r\nI wanted to build my remarks this week around something interesting that Pope Francis said this past weekend about the upcoming climate talks in Paris. He said: It would be sad, and dare I say even catastrophic, were special interests to prevail over the common good and lead to manipulating information in order to protect their own plans and interests.\r\nSad, and even catastrophic--let's look at that part.\r\nThe fact is, we have changed the composition of our atmosphere, pushing the concentration of carbon dioxide beyond the range it has been in for at least 800,000 years, longer than our species has been on the planet. For 8,000 centuries, our Earth had an atmosphere between 170 and 300 parts per million of CO2.\r\nConcentrations have now hit 400 parts per million, farther out of the range than the midpoint of the range, and that trend continues to rise. By the way, that is measurement. That is not somebody's theory. That is not a computer-model run. We have measured that.\r\nLast year was the hottest year since we began keeping records in 1880, a dubious distinction. According to the World Meteorological Organization, the last 5 years are now the warmest 5-year period in human history. This year is on track to be another recordbreaker, expected to reach the both symbolic and significant milestone of 1 full degree Celsius above the average temperature of the preindustrial era.\r\nMany scientists agree that 2 degrees above the precarbon-era norm will likely mean irreparable harm to our planet and to our current way of life.\r\nSo it would, indeed, be sad and perhaps ultimately catastrophic if we were to do nothing.\r\nYet we in Congress continue to do nothing, which brings me to the next of Pope Francis's words in that opening quotation: special interests prevail[ing] over the common good.\r\nWell, doing nothing is just fine by the big polluters because they make more money when we do nothing. To keep their profitable racket running, the polluters spend huge sums on lobbying and on politics, particularly right here in the Congress. As one author has written, and I will quote him: [R]ivers of money flowing from secret sources have turned our elections into silent auctions. And the polluters get what they pay for. With the Congress of the United States distracted and deceived by their mischief, the effects of climate change just keep piling up.\r\nThis problem got worse in 2010 when the big polluters got a gift. They got handed a big, new political weapon. Thanks to five Justices on the U.S. Supreme Court, all of them Republican appointees, the big polluters can now threaten lawmakers with the cudgel of unlimited, undisclosed Citizens United money.\r\nSo we do nothing, and the polluters offload onto everyone else the costs in damage from their fossil fuel product, the costs of heat waves, of sea level rise, of ocean acidification, of dying forests, of worsening storms and more. The polluters happily dump those costs onto everybody else. They suck up hundreds of billions of dollars in effective public subsidy, according to the International Monetary Fund, and of course they fight desperately to protect their favored status.\r\nPope Francis had it right--special interests indeed prevail over the common good.\r\nAnd that brings us to the Pope's words about them manipulating information in order to protect their own plans and interests.\r\nI have spoken on this floor about the decades-long, purposeful corporate campaign of misinformation on climate change. The fossil fuel industry and its allies gin up doubt about the dangers of carbon pollution through a smokescreen of misleading public statements, sophisticated marketing, and polluter-funded front groups. The mission of these well-organized and mightily funded deniers is to manufacture a product--uncertainty, doubt. The polluters spend huge amounts on a big, complex PR machine to churn out doubt about the real science. It is a fraud. It is a deliberate pollution of the public mind.\r\nWe know that a network of front organizations with innocent-sounding names has emerged to propagate that baloney science. This network has been well documented by Dr. Robert Brulle at Drexel University and Dr. Riley Dunlap at Oklahoma State University, among others. Professor Brulle's follow-the-money analysis, for instance, diagrams the complex flow of cash to these front groups, a flow that the fossil fuel industry persistently tries to obscure.\r\nA new study was released just last week, a study by Dr. Justin Farrell at Yale University. His work examines how corporations have used their money to amplify the voices of climate deniers and to exaggerate scientific uncertainty. Dr. Farrell used computers to perform a comprehensive quantitative analysis of more than 39 million words written by 164 climate denial organizations--yes, there are 164 of them; this is a big beast--over a 20-year period. His study compared corporate-funded groups to the rest.\r\nProfessor Farrell's stated purpose was to uncover empirically the actual social arrangements within which large-scale scientific misinformation is generated and the important role private funding plays in shaping the actual ideological content of scientific information that is written and amplified. He describes the climate denial apparatus as a complex network of think tanks, foundations, public relations firms, trade associations, and other groups that are overtly producing and promoting skepticism and doubt about scientific consensus on climate change.\r\nFarrell describes the function of the network as, one, the production of an alternative contrarian discourse, and two, to create ideological polarization around climate change. Why polarization? Because it is well understood that polarization is an effective strategy for creating controversy and delaying policy progress particularly around environmental issues.\r\nSo the polarization we see in this building on this issue is a product created by a network of corporate-funded climate denial front groups. We are the living proof of the success of this scheme. Corporate backing created a united network, said Farrell, within which the contrarian messages could be strategically created. That is right, climate denial is strategically created.\r\nFarrell's data show particularly that donations from ExxonMobil and the Koch family foundations signal what he calls entry into a powerful network of influence, and that corporate funding influences the actual language and thematic content of polarizing discourse. And, of course, one of the areas of distinct corporate-funded polarizing discourse produced by this network was questions about the scientific veracity of long-term climate change. Again, it is the product of a scheme.\r\nProfessor Farrell made another comparison. He has made the same comparison that others have made with tobacco. I will quote him:\r\nWell-funded and well-organized contrarian campaigns are especially important for spreading skepticism or denial where scientific consensus exists--such as in the present case of global warming, or in historical contrarian efforts to create doubt about the link between smoking and cancer.\r\nTo create doubt about the link between smoking and cancer. That echos the telling sentence from the tobacco denial campaign: Doubt is our product.\r\nJust as Pope Francis said, the denial machinery is manipulating information in order to protect their own plans and interests. The actions of the climate denial machine have been so effective, they have made it difficult for ordinary Americans to even know who to trust, says Farrell. Doubt is still their product.\r\nEvery generation of Americans has faced its challenge, and each has risen to its challenge. Some generations left bloody footprints in the snows of Valley Forge to secure our independence. Some generations were torn to pieces by cannon fire in the great battles of the Civil War. Some generations endured mustard gas and trench warfare in World War I. Some secured the world's freedom from the Axis powers in World War II. Some rebuilt the American economy after the Great Depression. Some were beaten, bombed, and burned as they struggled to secure the civil rights we now enjoy.\r\nWe are the generation whose duty it is to face down the climate crisis that threatens our planet and face down the folks behind this vast climate denial scheme. All we have to do to rise to our duty is to resist all the dark money, all the fossil fuel-funded threats and intimidation Citizens United made possible.\r\nLet me read from an opinion that was in my clips today from David Brooks, a conservative columnist. I see him at American Enterprise Institute gatherings. He is a self-identified Republican conservative who was writing about climate change and the upcoming Paris conference. He says this as if he is communicating with Alexander Hamilton. He obviously is not, but that is his rhetorical device. He said, So I seanced up my hero Alexander Hamilton to see what he thought about the Paris climate conference. Here is what he said:\r\nFirst, [Alexander Hamilton] was struck by the fact that on this issue the G.O.P. has come to resemble a Soviet dictatorship--a vast majority of Republican politicians can't publicly say what they know about the truth of climate change because they're afraid the thought police will knock on their door and drag them off to an AM radio interrogation.\r\nThat is a conservative Republican economist talking about this.\r\nWe can get through this. We simply need conscientious Republicans and Democrats to work together in good faith on a common platform of established science, clear facts, and basic common sense. If we do that, we can protect the American people, the American economy, and our American reputation from the harm of the looming effects of climate change. It is on us. It is on us. We simply need to shed the shackles of corrupting influence and rise to our duty, as other generations always have.\r\nWe do not have to be the generation that failed. Yes, we are headed down a road to infamy now, but it doesn't have to be that way. We can leave a legacy that will echo down the corridors of history, so the generations that follow us will be proud of our efforts the way we are proud of those who did great things for our country before us. But sitting here doing nothing, yielding to the special interests, won't accomplish that.\r\nThis new analysis out of Yale is an important addition to the increasing body of academic research and journalism that is shining some much needed sunlight on the shadowy enterprise of phony science and phony doubt that props up climate denial. It is time we all caught on to this deceptive enterprise. Being suckers down a road to infamy is not a good legacy.\r\nIt is time to wake up.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/two-cicilline-amendments-included-defense-bill-signed-today-president-obama", "Two Cicilline Amendments Included in Defense Bill Signed Today by President Obama", "2015-11-26", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "David Cicilline", "C001084", "cicilline.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  President Obama today signed the National Defense Authorization Act, which includes language offered by U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (D-RI) to strengthen domestic manufacturing and advance American national security interests.\n\nAlthough this years defense bill is flawed in many ways, I am pleased that it will go into law with two amendments I offered to provide new opportunities for American manufacturers and strengthen our national security, said Cicilline. The Brickle amendment will ensure that the Federal government is transparent about its efforts to notify American companies about overseas procurement opportunities. This is an important step forward that will help ensure American workers have the opportunity to compete on a level playing field and create new, good-paying jobs in this country.\n\nCicillines Brickle amendment requires the Secretary of Defense and Secretary of State to document their respective efforts to notify American manufacturers of procurement opportunities to equip the Afghan National Defense Security Forces. The proposal is named for longtime Rhode Island textile manufacturer Sam Brickle, chairman of the board of the Brickle Group in Woonsocket, who met with Cicilline last year and raised his concerns that the Department of Defense was not required to notify American manufacturers about overseas military contracts.\n\nAs a result, American companies like the Brickle Group found themselves at a competitive disadvantage when trying to land procurement opportunities with foreign military entities. The Brickle Group, which provides more than 100 full- and part-time jobs, has previously manufactured berets for the U.S. Armed Forces, as well as wool for Homeland Security uniforms, and would be well-positioned to compete for new procurement opportunities if given the opportunity.\n\nIn addition to the Brickle amendment, the new defense bill also includes language offered by Cicilline that requires the Secretaries of Defense and State to submit a report to Congress assessing the impact of the embargo on Cyprus national security and counterterrorism efforts.\n\nThe embargo, which dates back to 1992, bans the export of defensive weapons to the Republic of Cyprus. It fails to reflect the relationship Cyprus and the United States have today as allies and strategic partners in the Global War on Terror. Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) co-sponsored the Cyprus amendment.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/delegation-noaa-clean-bay-roll-out-plans-marine-debris-cleanup-providence-seekonk", "Delegation, NOAA, Clean The Bay Roll Out Plans for Marine Debris Cleanup of Providence & Seekonk Rivers", "2015-11-24", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "David Cicilline", "C001084", "cicilline.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Providence, RI Today in East Providence, the Rhode Island congressional delegation and a representative from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) joined Middletown-based nonprofit Clean The Bay (dba Clean Bays) as the group detailed plans to clean up marine debris along the Seekonk and Providence Rivers.\n\nFor over 100 years, the Providence and Seekonk Rivers and portions of the Upper Narragansett Bay have been dirtied by broken and abandoned pilings, wrecked vessels, docks, auto parts, hardware, appliances, and other trash. This refuse harms local ecology and has rendered large portions of the waterways unusable to the public. Earlier this year, with support from the delegation, Clean The Bay secured a$194,800 grantfrom NOAA to begin removal of pilings and other marine debris over the next several years. The organization will also use the funding for outreach and to foster volunteer opportunities with community partners to further cleanup efforts.\n\nFor years, Ive driven past this section of the Providence and Seekonk Rivers and thought about ways we could restore here the natural beauty we see in other areas of the Narragansett Bay region. Thats why Im so excited to see this project move forward, returning a forgotten waterway into a place Rhode Islanders can enjoy, said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, who contacted Clean The Bay in an effort to find a Rhode Island group with the ability to do the job. Clean The Bay has proven itself to be up to the challenge. Best of luck to Captain Dresser and his crew as they start the next phase of this important project!\n\nI commend Captain Kent Dresser and his team. They literally do the heavy lifting when it comes to cleaning the Bay and organizing volunteers to help clean our shorelines. I am pleased to have helped secure federal funding over the years to support their efforts, said Senator Jack Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee who has worked with Clean The Bay since 2005, and has helped successfully provide $685,000 in NOAA grants to Clean The Bay and its partners over that period. Cleaning the rivers and watersheds that flow into the Bay has important health and economic benefits for all Rhode Islanders.\n\nNarragansett Bay and Rhode Island waterways are not only beautiful natural resources that deserve our protection, but they are also integral to the Ocean State economy. Keeping these natural treasures pristine requires commitment, and Clean the Bay is helping us to deliver on that promise, said Congressman Jim Langevin. Clean the Bay helps to preserve the integrity of our waterways, and I look forward to seeing the end result of this important clean-up project.\n\nFor decades, people have talked about cleaning up the Providence and Seekonk Rivers, but today were finally moving forward on a plan that will rehabilitate and preserve these critical natural resources. This initiative will create jobs for hardworking Rhode Islanders and strengthen Rhode Islands tourism industry over the long run, said Congressman David Cicilline. I applaud Captain Kent Dresser and the entire Clean Bays team for moving ahead on this important project, and I look forward to continuing to work with them.\n\nMarine debris is a threat to our environment, navigational safety, the economy, and human health, said Russell Callender, Ph.D., acting Assistant NOAA Administrator for the National Ocean Service. NOAA is proud to partner with Clean Bays through a NOAA Marine Debris Program Community-based Marine Debris Removal grant to create a more resilient Rhode Island by addressing the persistent problem of marine debris in the Narragansett Bay area. Removing debris from these waterways will benefit the coastal habitats, wildlife, waterways, and local communities.\n\nThanks to this funding by the NOAA Marine Debris Program and the tremendous support of our federal, state and city leaders, Clean Bays is able to begin the removal of an estimated 165 tons of plaguing, heavy debris that has been a detriment to the coastline for generations. The plan for Phase I of The Providence River Project is expected to result in an initial clean-up of over 350 acres of shoreline while generating more support and awareness for the subsequent phases and for our overall goal of making Narragansett Bay and its tributaries some of the cleanest coastline that we have had the pleasure of seeing for decades! said Kent Dresser, Executive Director of Clean The Bay.\n\nClean The Bay, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, specializes in removing marine debris from shores and waterways in the Narragansett Bay and Southern New England.\n\nLast year, with the help of a $50,000 grant from Newports 11thHour Racing, Clean The Bay conducted apilot programin the Seekonk River to test their equipment for safely removing wooden pilings embedded in the riverbed. The results of that program proved Clean The Bays equipment highly effective, enabling the organization to pursue the NOAA funding.\n\nThe NOAA funding has been awarded through the NOAA Marine Debris Programs Community-based Marine Debris Removal Grants program, which supports marine debris removal projects that benefit and restore coastal waterways, habitat, and wildlife. Through this program, NOAA has removed more than 4,800 metric tons of marine debris from our oceans since 2006.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/ri-congressional-delegation-urges-federal-energy-regulators-properly-account-renewable", "RI Congressional Delegation Urges Federal Energy Regulators to Properly Account for Renewable Energy Resources", "2015-11-24", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "David Cicilline", "C001084", "cicilline.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Jim Langevin and David Cicilline called on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to improve the methods for projecting electricity capacity and setting energy prices across New England. In a letter to FERC Chairman Norman C. Bay, the Rhode Island delegation said the operator of New Englands power grid insufficiently counts so-called distributed generation sources of energy, such as solar panels on consumers homes, when tallying the regions future energy needs. Although FERC recently ordered the regional grid operator to begin including some of these renewable energy resources, it still ignores large portions of distributed generation across New England.\n\nEach year, New England conducts an energy auction process that projects the regions electricity capacity needs several years into the future. Neglecting these sources of renewable energy that are expected to be on the electricity grid, the lawmakers wrote, inflates the regions projected capacity shortfall and drives up the amount of capacity the region needs to buy at auction, resulting in unnecessarily high prices for Rhode Islanders.\n\nWe must work cooperatively with utilities and regulators to ensure Rhode Islanders have access to affordable energy. In assessing our energy capacity needs, we need to look at the full picture, so its important for FERC to examine the method by which electricity prices are currently calculated, and part of that is assessing the supply and demand of energy. Renewable energy sources should be taken into account as part of that calculation, and if they are not, it is important to understand why and what the implications are for consumers and electricity markets, said Reed.\n\nSimply ignoring large amounts of renewable generation is a mistake that costs New England ratepayers, said Whitehouse. Im glad FERC has begun to push for some distributed generation in these auctions, but its time to give renewable energy producers full credit for the electricity that they are putting into the New England grid.\n\nRhode Island is facing a potential shortfall in energy capacity in the coming years, meaning that we may be unable to meet demand, and costs could continue to climb. Holding the line on energy costs, which are already too high, is critical for Rhode Island families. I urge FERC to work with the Congressional delegation and our partners to address these concerns and outline a better path forward that will ensure an affordable and sufficient energy supply for the state and the region, including the use of renewables and other emerging technologies, said Langevin, Energy Task Force Chair of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition.\n\nWhenever FERC overlooks renewable sources of energy in their capacity projections, Rhode Islanders are left holding the bill, said Cicilline. Although Im pleased weve made some progress, its critical that FERC start counting the full amount of renewable energy on our electricity grid in order to bring down exorbitant energy costs in Rhode Island.\n\nThe full text of the letter follows.\n\nNovember 24, 2015\n\nThe Honorable Norman C. Bay\nChairman\nFederal Energy Regulatory Commission\n888 First Street NE\nWashington, DC 20426\n\nDear Chairman Bay:\n\nThe Rhode Island delegation has written to you before highlighting that reliable and affordable electricity in Rhode Island is one of our top priorities. With the closure of Pilgrim Nuclear plant in Massachusetts slated for 2019, the New England (NE) region is about to lose another 680 MW of capacity. We are concerned that the clearing cost of capacity in our region will continue to grow and the current capacity shortfall will worsen for the Southeast Massachusetts and Rhode Island (SEMA/RI) zone. \n\nWe previously highlighted that market capacity prices in FCA-9 increased to $4 billion in 2018-19, compared to $1.19 billion in 2015-16 and $1.06 billion in 2016-17. And while FCA-9 secured sufficient capacity region-wide for 2018-19, it fell 238 MW short for the SEMA-RI zone. To help address these concerns, we ask you to explore whether ISO should more fully include the results of its own Distributed Generation (DG) Forecast Working Group in its installed capacity requirement (ICR) calculation. We believe that a better accounting of DG could address some of the capacity concerns and relieve upward pressure on prices in the SEMA/RI zone. \n\nAlthough ISO does include Behind-the-Meter Not Embedded in Load (BTMNEL) solar energy in its ICR calculation, it has decided not to include Settlement Only Generators (SOG). ISOs forecast predicts that these excluded DG resources will total 43 MW in 2019 (net summary capacity) in the Rhode Island, meaning that ISO is excluding nearly 87% of available DG in RI. For the greater New England region, ISOs forecast predicts 263.8 MW of excluded DG capacity making up 42% of available DG. We are also concerned about why so much more DG is excluded in Rhode Island compared to New England as a whole. \n\nWe understand that ISOs reasoning for not including these DG resources in its ICR calculation is that these resources do not participate in the Forward Capacity Auction (FCA) and do not acquire a Capacity Supply Obligation (CSO). However, that is true for the BTMNEL resources that the ISO does count in its ICR calculation. We seek comment from FERC on why there is not consistent treatment for DG resources like SOGs and BTMNEL in the FCAs. \n\nWe believe that ignoring these SOG resources could result in unnecessarily high prices for Rhode Islanders and send inaccurate market signals on the value of DG resources in the Forward Capacity Market. And that does not explain the disparity of how DG is counted for Rhode Island as compared to the rest of the region, simply because of differences in the state regulatory treatment and physical interconnection of such resources in Rhode Island when compared with neighboring states. \n\nThe proper inclusion of DG could also help make up the capacity shortfall in the SEMA/RI zone that is expected in FCA-10. On January 2, 2015, FERC ordered the ISO to more properly account for renewable DG resources in New England. As such, we would like to know whether FERC agrees with ISOs decision to continue to exclude DG in ISOs ICR calculation. \n\nThank you for your review of this matter and we look forward to your prompt response. We hope as you work to finalize the ISO-NE submitted filing for FCA-10 that you take our concerns into consideration. \n\nSincerely,\n\nJack Reed, United States Senator\nSheldon Whitehouse, United States Senator\nJames R. Langevin, Member of Congress\nDavid N. Cicilline, Member of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://langevin.house.gov/press-release/delegation-noaa-clean-bay-roll-out-plans-marine-debris-cleanup-providence-seekonk", "Delegation, NOAA, Clean The Bay Roll Out Plans for Marine Debris Cleanup of Providence & Seekonk Rivers", "2015-11-24", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jim Langevin", "L000559", "langevin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today in East Providence, the Rhode Island congressional delegation and a representative from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) joined Middletown-based nonprofit Clean The Bay (dba Clean Bays) as the group detailed plans to clean up marine debris along the Seekonk and Providence Rivers.\nFor over 100 years, the Providence and Seekonk Rivers and portions of the Upper Narragansett Bay have been dirtied by broken and abandoned pilings, wrecked vessels, docks, auto parts, hardware, appliances, and other trash. This refuse harms local ecology and has rendered large portions of the waterways unusable to the public. Earlier this year, with support from the delegation, Clean The Bay secured a $194,800 grant from NOAA to begin removal of pilings and other marine debris over the next several years. The organization will also use the funding for outreach and to foster volunteer opportunities with community partners to further cleanup efforts.\nFor years, Ive driven past this section of the Providence and Seekonk Rivers and thought about ways we could restore here the natural beauty we see in other areas of the Narragansett Bay region. Thats why Im so excited to see this project move forward, returning a forgotten waterway into a place Rhode Islanders can enjoy, said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, who contacted Clean The Bay in an effort to find a Rhode Island group with the ability to do the job. Clean The Bay has proven itself to be up to the challenge. Best of luck to Captain Dresser and his crew as they start the next phase of this important project!\nI commend Captain Kent Dresser and his team. They literally do the heavy lifting when it comes to cleaning the Bay and organizing volunteers to help clean our shorelines. I am pleased to have helped secure federal funding over the years to support their efforts, said Senator Jack Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee who has worked with Clean The Bay since 2005, and has helped successfully provide $685,000 in NOAA grants to Clean The Bay and its partners over that period. Cleaning the rivers and watersheds that flow into the Bay has important health and economic benefits for all Rhode Islanders.\nNarragansett Bay and Rhode Island waterways are not only beautiful natural resources that deserve our protection, but they are also integral to the Ocean State economy. Keeping these natural treasures pristine requires commitment, and Clean the Bay is helping us to deliver on that promise, said Congressman Jim Langevin. Clean the Bay helps to preserve the integrity of our waterways, and I look forward to seeing the end result of this important clean-up project.\nFor decades, people have talked about cleaning up the Providence and Seekonk Rivers, but today were finally moving forward on a plan that will rehabilitate and preserve these critical natural resources. This initiative will create jobs for hardworking Rhode Islanders and strengthen Rhode Islands tourism industry over the long run, said Congressman David Cicilline. I applaud Captain Kent Dresser and the entire Clean Bays team for moving ahead on this important project, and I look forward to continuing to work with them.\nMarine debris is a threat to our environment, navigational safety, the economy, and human health, said Russell Callender, Ph.D., acting Assistant NOAA Administrator for the National Ocean Service. NOAA is proud to partner with Clean Bays through a NOAA Marine Debris Program Community-based Marine Debris Removal grant to create a more resilient Rhode Island by addressing the persistent problem of marine debris in the Narragansett Bay area. Removing debris from these waterways will benefit the coastal habitats, wildlife, waterways, and local communities.\nThanks to this funding by the NOAA Marine Debris Program and the tremendous support of our federal, state and city leaders, Clean Bays is able to begin the removal of an estimated 165 tons of plaguing, heavy debris that has been a detriment to the coastline for generations. The plan for Phase I of The Providence River Project is expected to result in an initial clean-up of over 350 acres of shoreline while generating more support and awareness for the subsequent phases and for our overall goal of making Narragansett Bay and its tributaries some of the cleanest coastline that we have had the pleasure of seeing for decades! said Kent Dresser, Executive Director of Clean The Bay.\nClean The Bay, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, specializes in removing marine debris from shores and waterways in the Narragansett Bay and Southern New England.\nLast year, with the help of a $50,000 grant from Newports 11thHour Racing, Clean The Bay conducted a pilot program in the Seekonk River to test their equipment for safely removing wooden pilings embedded in the riverbed. The results of that program proved Clean The Bays equipment highly effective, enabling the organization to pursue the NOAA funding.\nThe NOAA funding has been awarded through the NOAA Marine Debris Programs Community-based Marine Debris Removal Grants program, which supports marine debris removal projects that benefit and restore coastal waterways, habitat, and wildlife. Through this program, NOAA has removed more than 4,800 metric tons of marine debris from our oceans since 2006.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://langevin.house.gov/press-release/ri-congressional-delegation-urges-federal-energy-regulators-properly-account-renewable", "RI Congressional Delegation Urges Federal Energy Regulators to Properly Account for Renewable Energy Resources", "2015-11-24", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jim Langevin", "L000559", "langevin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Jim Langevin and David Cicilline called on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to improve the methods for projecting electricity capacity and setting energy prices across New England. In a letter to FERC Chairman Norman C. Bay, the Rhode Island delegation said the operator of New Englands power grid insufficiently counts so-called distributed generation sources of energy, such as solar panels on consumers homes, when tallying the regions future energy needs. Although FERC recently ordered the regional grid operator to begin including some of these renewable energy resources, it still ignores large portions of distributed generation across New England.\nEach year, New England conducts an energy auction process that projects the regions electricity capacity needs several years into the future. Neglecting these sources of renewable energy that are expected to be on the electricity grid, the lawmakers wrote, inflates the regions projected capacity shortfall and drives up the amount of capacity the region needs to buy at auction, resulting in unnecessarily high prices for Rhode Islanders.\nWe must work cooperatively with utilities and regulators to ensure Rhode Islanders have access to affordable energy. In assessing our energy capacity needs, we need to look at the full picture, so its important for FERC to examine the method by which electricity prices are currently calculated, and part of that is assessing the supply and demand of energy. Renewable energy sources should be taken into account as part of that calculation, and if they are not, it is important to understand why and what the implications are for consumers and electricity markets, said Reed.\nSimply ignoring large amounts of renewable generation is a mistake that costs New England ratepayers, said Whitehouse. Im glad FERC has begun to push for some distributed generation in these auctions, but its time to give renewable energy producers full credit for the electricity that they are putting into the New England grid.\nRhode Island is facing a potential shortfall in energy capacity in the coming years, meaning that we may be unable to meet demand, and costs could continue to climb. Holding the line on energy costs, which are already too high, is critical for Rhode Island families. I urge FERC to work with the Congressional delegation and our partners to address these concerns and outline a better path forward that will ensure an affordable and sufficient energy supply for the state and the region, including the use of renewables and other emerging technologies, said Langevin, Energy Task Force Chair of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition.\nWhenever FERC overlooks renewable sources of energy in their capacity projections, Rhode Islanders are left holding the bill, said Cicilline. Although Im pleased weve made some progress, its critical that FERC start counting the full amount of renewable energy on our electricity grid in order to bring down exorbitant energy costs in Rhode Island.\nThe full text of the letter follows.\n\nNovember 24, 2015\n\nThe Honorable Norman C. Bay\n\tChairman\n\tFederal Energy Regulatory Commission\n\t888 First Street NE\n\tWashington, DC 20426\nDear Chairman Bay:\nThe Rhode Island delegation has written to you before highlighting that reliable and affordable electricity in Rhode Island is one of our top priorities. With the closure of Pilgrim Nuclear plant in Massachusetts slated for 2019, the New England (NE) region is about to lose another 680 MW of capacity. We are concerned that the clearing cost of capacity in our region will continue to grow and the current capacity shortfall will worsen for the Southeast Massachusetts and Rhode Island (SEMA/RI) zone.\nWe previously highlighted that market capacity prices in FCA-9 increased to $4 billion in 2018-19, compared to $1.19 billion in 2015-16 and $1.06 billion in 2016-17. And while FCA-9 secured sufficient capacity region-wide for 2018-19, it fell 238 MW short for the SEMA-RI zone. To help address these concerns, we ask you to explore whether ISO should more fully include the results of its own Distributed Generation (DG) Forecast Working Group in its installed capacity requirement (ICR) calculation. We believe that a better accounting of DG could address some of the capacity concerns and relieve upward pressure on prices in the SEMA/RI zone.\nAlthough ISO does include Behind-the-Meter Not Embedded in Load (BTMNEL) solar energy in its ICR calculation, it has decided not to include Settlement Only Generators (SOG). ISOs forecast predicts that these excluded DG resources will total 43 MW in 2019 (net summary capacity) in the Rhode Island, meaning that ISO is excluding nearly 87% of available DG in RI. For the greater New England region, ISOs forecast predicts 263.8 MW of excluded DG capacity making up 42% of available DG. We are also concerned about why so much more DG is excluded in Rhode Island compared to New England as a whole.\nWe understand that ISOs reasoning for not including these DG resources in its ICR calculation is that these resources do not participate in the Forward Capacity Auction (FCA) and do not acquire a Capacity Supply Obligation (CSO). However, that is true for the BTMNEL resources that the ISO does count in its ICR calculation. We seek comment from FERC on why there is not consistent treatment for DG resources like SOGs and BTMNEL in the FCAs.\nWe believe that ignoring these SOG resources could result in unnecessarily high prices for Rhode Islanders and send inaccurate market signals on the value of DG resources in the Forward Capacity Market. And that does not explain the disparity of how DG is counted for Rhode Island as compared to the rest of the region, simply because of differences in the state regulatory treatment and physical interconnection of such resources in Rhode Island when compared with neighboring states.\nThe proper inclusion of DG could also help make up the capacity shortfall in the SEMA/RI zone that is expected in FCA-10. On January 2, 2015, FERC ordered the ISO to more properly account for renewable DG resources in New England. As such, we would like to know whether FERC agrees with ISOs decision to continue to exclude DG in ISOs ICR calculation.\nThank you for your review of this matter and we look forward to your prompt response. We hope as you work to finalize the ISO-NE submitted filing for FCA-10 that you take our concerns into consideration.\nSincerely,\n\nJack Reed, United States Senator\n\tSheldon Whitehouse, United States Senator\n\tJames R. Langevin, Member of Congress\n\tDavid N. Cicilline, Member of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/delegation-noaa-clean-the-bay-roll-out-plans-for-marine-debris-cleanup-of-providence-and-seekonk-rivers", "Delegation, NOAA, Clean The Bay Roll Out Plans for Marine Debris Cleanup of Providence & Seekonk Rivers", "2015-11-24", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11/24/2015PROVIDENCE, RI Today in East Providence, the Rhode Island congressional delegation and a representative from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) joined Middletown-based nonprofit Clean The Bay (dba Clean Bays) as the group detailed plans to clean up marine debris along the Seekonk and Providence Rivers.\r\nFor over 100 years, the Providence and Seekonk Rivers and portions of the Upper Narragansett Bay have been dirtied by broken and abandoned pilings, wrecked vessels, docks, auto parts, hardware, appliances, and other trash. This refuse harms local ecology and has rendered large portions of the waterways unusable to the public. Earlier this year, with support from the delegation, Clean The Bay secured a$194,800 grantfrom NOAA to begin removal of pilings and other marine debris over the next several years. The organization will also use the funding for outreach and to foster volunteer opportunities with community partners to further cleanup efforts.\r\nI commend Captain Kent Dresser and his team. They literally do the heavy lifting when it comes to cleaning the Bay and organizing volunteers to help clean our shorelines. I am pleased to have helped secure federal funding over the years to support their efforts, saidSenator Jack Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee who has worked with Clean The Bay since 2005, and has helped successfully provide $685,000 in NOAA grants to Clean The Bay and its partners over that period. Cleaning the rivers and watersheds that flow into the Bay has important health and economic benefits for all Rhode Islanders.\r\nFor years, Ive driven past this section of the Providence and Seekonk Rivers and thought about ways we could restore here the natural beauty we see in other areas of the Narragansett Bay region. Thats why Im so excited to see this project move forward, returning a forgotten waterway into a place Rhode Islanders can enjoy, said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, who contacted Clean The Bay in an effort to find a Rhode Island group with the ability to do the job. Clean The Bay has proven itself to be up to the challenge. Best of luck to Captain Dresser and his crew as they start the next phase of this important project!\r\nNarragansett Bay and Rhode Island waterways are not only beautiful natural resources that deserve our protection, but they are also integral to the Ocean State economy. Keeping these natural treasures pristine requires commitment, and Clean the Bay is helping us to deliver on that promise, said Congressman Jim Langevin. Clean the Bay helps to preserve the integrity of our waterways, and I look forward to seeing the end result of this important clean-up project.\r\nFor decades, people have talked about cleaning up the Providence and Seekonk Rivers, but today were finally moving forward on a plan that will rehabilitate and preserve these critical natural resources. This initiative will create jobs for hardworking Rhode Islanders and strengthen Rhode Islands tourism industry over the long run, said Congressman David Cicilline. I applaud Captain Kent Dresser and the entire Clean Bays team for moving ahead on this important project, and I look forward to continuing to work with them.\r\nMarine debris is a threat to our environment, navigational safety, the economy, and human health, said Russell Callender, Ph.D., acting Assistant NOAA Administrator for the National Ocean Service. NOAA is proud to partner with Clean Bays through a NOAA Marine Debris Program Community-based Marine Debris Removal grant to create a more resilient Rhode Island by addressing the persistent problem of marine debris in the Narragansett Bay area. Removing debris from these waterways will benefit the coastal habitats, wildlife, waterways, and local communities.\r\nThanks to this funding by the NOAA Marine Debris Program and the tremendous support of our federal, state and city leaders, Clean Bays is able to begin the removal of an estimated 165 tons of plaguing, heavy debris that has been a detriment to the coastline for generations. The plan for Phase I of The Providence River Project is expected to result in an initial clean-up of over 350 acres of shoreline while generating more support and awareness for the subsequent phases and for our overall goal of making Narragansett Bay and its tributaries some of the cleanest coastline that we have had the pleasure of seeing for decades! said Kent Dresser, Executive Director of Clean The Bay.\r\nClean The Bay, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, specializes in removing marine debris from shores and waterways in the Narragansett Bay and Southern New England.\r\nLast year, with the help of a $50,000 grant from Newports 11thHour Racing, Clean The Bay conducted apilot programin the Seekonk River to test their equipment for safely removing wooden pilings embedded in the riverbed. The results of that program proved Clean The Bays equipment highly effective, enabling the organization to pursue the NOAA funding.\r\nThe NOAA funding has been awarded through the NOAA Marine Debris Programs Community-based Marine Debris Removal Grants program, which supports marine debris removal projects that benefit and restore coastal waterways, habitat, and wildlife. Through this program, NOAA has removed more than 4,800 metric tons of marine debris from our oceans since 2006.\r\n-end-\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/delegation-noaa-clean-the-bay-roll-out-plans-for-marine-debris-cleanup-of-providence-and-seekonk-rivers", "Delegation, NOAA, Clean The Bay Roll Out Plans for Marine Debris Cleanup of Providence & Seekonk Rivers", "2015-11-24", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Sheldon Whitehouse", "W000802", "www.whitehouse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.24.15\n\t\t\t Delegation, NOAA, Clean The Bay Roll Out Plans for Marine Debris Cleanup of Providence & Seekonk Rivers \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tProvidence, RI Today in East Providence, the Rhode Island congressional delegation and a representative from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) joined Middletown-based nonprofit Clean The Bay (dba Clean Bays) as the group detailed plans to clean up marine debris along the Seekonk and Providence Rivers.\r\nFor over 100 years, the Providence and Seekonk Rivers and portions of the Upper Narragansett Bay have been dirtied by broken and abandoned pilings, wrecked vessels, docks, auto parts, hardware, appliances, and other trash. This refuse harms local ecology and has rendered large portions of the waterways unusable to the public. Earlier this year, with support from the delegation, Clean The Bay secured a$194,800 grantfrom NOAA to begin removal of pilings and other marine debris over the next several years. The organization will also use the funding for outreach and to foster volunteer opportunities with community partners to further cleanup efforts.\r\nFor years, Ive driven past this section of the Providence and Seekonk Rivers and thought about ways we could restore here the natural beauty we see in other areas of the Narragansett Bay region. Thats why Im so excited to see this project move forward, returning a forgotten waterway into a place Rhode Islanders can enjoy, said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, who contacted Clean The Bay in an effort to find a Rhode Island group with the ability to do the job. Clean The Bay has proven itself to be up to the challenge. Best of luck to Captain Dresser and his crew as they start the next phase of this important project!\r\nI commend Captain Kent Dresser and his team. They literally do the heavy lifting when it comes to cleaning the Bay and organizing volunteers to help clean our shorelines. I am pleased to have helped secure federal funding over the years to support their efforts, said Senator Jack Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee who has worked with Clean The Bay since 2005, and has helped successfully provide $685,000 in NOAA grants to Clean The Bay and its partners over that period. Cleaning the rivers and watersheds that flow into the Bay has important health and economic benefits for all Rhode Islanders.\r\nNarragansett Bay and Rhode Island waterways are not only beautiful natural resources that deserve our protection, but they are also integral to the Ocean State economy. Keeping these natural treasures pristine requires commitment, and Clean the Bay is helping us to deliver on that promise, said Congressman Jim Langevin. Clean the Bay helps to preserve the integrity of our waterways, and I look forward to seeing the end result of this important clean-up project.\r\nFor decades, people have talked about cleaning up the Providence and Seekonk Rivers, but today were finally moving forward on a plan that will rehabilitate and preserve these critical natural resources. This initiative will create jobs for hardworking Rhode Islanders and strengthen Rhode Islands tourism industry over the long run, said Congressman David Cicilline. I applaud Captain Kent Dresser and the entire Clean Bays team for moving ahead on this important project, and I look forward to continuing to work with them.\r\nMarine debris is a threat to our environment, navigational safety, the economy, and human health, said Russell Callender, Ph.D., acting Assistant NOAA Administrator for the National Ocean Service. NOAA is proud to partner with Clean Bays through a NOAA Marine Debris Program Community-based Marine Debris Removal grant to create a more resilient Rhode Island by addressing the persistent problem of marine debris in the Narragansett Bay area. Removing debris from these waterways will benefit the coastal habitats, wildlife, waterways, and local communities.\r\nThanks to this funding by the NOAA Marine Debris Program and the tremendous support of our federal, state and city leaders, Clean Bays is able to begin the removal of an estimated 165 tons of plaguing, heavy debris that has been a detriment to the coastline for generations. The plan for Phase I of The Providence River Project is expected to result in an initial clean-up of over 350 acres of shoreline while generating more support and awareness for the subsequent phases and for our overall goal of making Narragansett Bay and its tributaries some of the cleanest coastline that we have had the pleasure of seeing for decades! said Kent Dresser, Executive Director of Clean The Bay.\r\nClean The Bay, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, specializes in removing marine debris from shores and waterways in the Narragansett Bay and Southern New England.\r\nLast year, with the help of a $50,000 grant from Newports 11thHour Racing, Clean The Bay conducted apilot programin the Seekonk River to test their equipment for safely removing wooden pilings embedded in the riverbed. The results of that program proved Clean The Bays equipment highly effective, enabling the organization to pursue the NOAA funding.\r\nThe NOAA funding has been awarded through the NOAA Marine Debris Programs Community-based Marine Debris Removal Grants program, which supports marine debris removal projects that benefit and restore coastal waterways, habitat, and wildlife. Through this program, NOAA has removed more than 4,800 metric tons of marine debris from our oceans since 2006.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/ri-congressional-delegation-urges-federal-energy-regulators-to-properly-account-for-renewable-energy-resources", "RI Congressional Delegation Urges Federal Energy Regulators to Properly Account for Renewable Energy Resources", "2015-11-24", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Sheldon Whitehouse", "W000802", "www.whitehouse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.24.15\n\t\t\t RI Congressional Delegation Urges Federal Energy Regulators to Properly Account for Renewable Energy Resources \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.  Today U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Jim Langevin and David Cicilline called on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to improve the methods for projecting electricity capacity and setting energy prices across New England. In a letter to FERC Chairman Norman C. Bay, the Rhode Island delegation said the operator of New Englands power grid insufficiently counts so-called distributed generation sources of energy, such as solar panels on consumers homes, when tallying the regions future energy needs. Although FERC recently ordered the regional grid operator to begin including some of these renewable energy resources, it still ignores large portions of distributed generation across New England.  \r\nEach year, New England conducts an energy auction process that projects the regions electricity capacity needs several years into the future. Neglecting these sources of renewable energy that are expected to be on the electricity grid, the lawmakers wrote, inflates the regions projected capacity shortfall and drives up the amount of capacity the region needs to buy at auction, resulting in unnecessarily high prices for Rhode Islanders.\r\nWe must work cooperatively with utilities and regulators to ensure Rhode Islanders have access to affordable energy. In assessing our energy capacity needs, we need to look at the full picture, so its important for FERC to examine the method by which electricity prices are currently calculated, and part of that is assessing the supply and demand of energy. Renewable energy sources should be taken into account as part of that calculation, and if they are not, it is important to understand why and what the implications are for consumers and electricity markets, said Reed.\r\nSimply ignoring large amounts of renewable generation is a mistake that costs New England ratepayers, said Whitehouse. Im glad FERC has begun to push for some distributed generation in these auctions, but its time to give renewable energy producers full credit for the electricity that they are putting into the New England grid.\r\nRhode Island is facing a potential shortfall in energy capacity in the coming years, meaning that we may be unable to meet demand, and costs could continue to climb. Holding the line on energy costs, which are already too high, is critical for Rhode Island families. I urge FERC to work with the Congressional delegation and our partners to address these concerns and outline a better path forward that will ensure an affordable and sufficient energy supply for the state and the region, including the use of renewables and other emerging technologies, said Langevin, Energy Task Force Chair of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition.\r\nWhenever FERC overlooks renewable sources of energy in their capacity projections, Rhode Islanders are left holding the bill, said Cicilline. Although Im pleased weve made some progress, its critical that FERC start counting the full amount of renewable energy on our electricity grid in order to bring down exorbitant energy costs in Rhode Island.\r\nThe full text of the letter follows.\r\nNovember 24, 2015\r\nThe Honorable Norman C. Bay\r\nChairman\r\nFederal Energy Regulatory Commission\r\n888 First Street NE\r\nWashington, DC 20426\r\nDear Chairman Bay:\r\nThe Rhode Island delegation has written to you before highlighting that reliable and affordable electricity in Rhode Island is one of our top priorities. With the closure of Pilgrim Nuclear plant in Massachusetts slated for 2019, the New England (NE) region is about to lose another 680 MW of capacity. We are concerned that the clearing cost of capacity in our region will continue to grow and the current capacity shortfall will worsen for the Southeast Massachusetts and Rhode Island (SEMA/RI) zone.\r\nWe previously highlighted that market capacity prices in FCA-9 increased to $4 billion in 2018-19, compared to $1.19 billion in 2015-16 and $1.06 billion in 2016-17. And while FCA-9 secured sufficient capacity region-wide for 2018-19, it fell 238 MW short for the SEMA-RI zone. To help address these concerns, we ask you to explore whether ISO should more fully include the results of its own Distributed Generation (DG) Forecast Working Group in its installed capacity requirement (ICR) calculation. We believe that a better accounting of DG could address some of the capacity concerns and relieve upward pressure on prices in the SEMA/RI zone.\r\nAlthough ISO does include Behind-the-Meter Not Embedded in Load (BTMNEL) solar energy in its ICR calculation, it has decided not to include Settlement Only Generators (SOG). ISOs forecast predicts that these excluded DG resources will total 43 MW in 2019 (net summary capacity) in the Rhode Island, meaning that ISO is excluding nearly 87% of available DG in RI. For the greater New England region, ISOs forecast predicts 263.8 MW of excluded DG capacity making up 42% of available DG. We are also concerned about why so much more DG is excluded in Rhode Island compared to New England as a whole.\r\nWe understand that ISOs reasoning for not including these DG resources in its ICR calculation is that these resources do not participate in the Forward Capacity Auction (FCA) and do not acquire a Capacity Supply Obligation (CSO). However, that is true for the BTMNEL resources that the ISO does count in its ICR calculation. We seek comment from FERC on why there is not consistent treatment for DG resources like SOGs and BTMNEL in the FCAs. \r\nWe believe that ignoring these SOG resources could result in unnecessarily high prices for Rhode Islanders and send inaccurate market signals on the value of DG resources in the Forward Capacity Market. And that does not explain the disparity of how DG is counted for Rhode Island as compared to the rest of the region, simply because of differences in the state regulatory treatment and physical interconnection of such resources in Rhode Island when compared with neighboring states.\r\nThe proper inclusion of DG could also help make up the capacity shortfall in the SEMA/RI zone that is expected in FCA-10. On January 2, 2015, FERC ordered the ISO to more properly account for renewable DG resources in New England. As such, we would like to know whether FERC agrees with ISOs decision to continue to exclude DG in ISOs ICR calculation.     \r\nThank you for your review of this matter and we look forward to your prompt response. We hope as you work to finalize the ISO-NE submitted filing for FCA-10 that you take our concerns into consideration.\r\nSincerely,\r\nJack Reed, United States Senator\r\nSheldon Whitehouse, United States Senator\r\nJames R. Langevin, Member of Congress\r\nDavid N. Cicilline, Member of Congress\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/workforce-training-partnerships-look-fill-open-jobs-now", "Workforce Training Partnerships Look to Fill Open Jobs Now", "2015-11-23", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "David Cicilline", "C001084", "cicilline.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman David N. Cicilline, along with his colleagues in the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation and Governor Gina M. Raimondo, today announced the recipients of the Real Jobs RI implementation grants available through the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (DLT). Real Jobs RI is a demand-driven initiative that puts employers at the center of the state's workforce development efforts to train people for jobs that actually exist now.\n\tThe implementation grants will provide funding to support the creation 26 Strategic Industry Partnerships. These groups will develop training, education and human resource solutions needed to address their business and talent needs\n\tThis demand-driven program is part of our strategy to reinvigorate the economy to make sure we are training people for jobs that are open now, Raimondo said. We are moving decisively to deliver a more skilled workforce to employers and to help workers find well-paying jobs so they can make it in Rhode Island. Moving this program forward so quickly would not have happened without the support of our entire Congressional delegation.\n\tThe partnerships from more than 10 sectors will split about $5 million in federal and state funding to implement detailed job-training plans driven by employers specific workforce needs, including jobs that are available now. The partnerships announced today include 186 employers and 108 strategic partners across various sectors including aquaculture, bioscience, design and health care, among others.\n\tRaimondo credited the pivotal role played by U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, U.S. Congressmen Jim Langevin and David N. Cicilline, whose combined efforts secured funding from the US Department of Labor for the Real Jobs partnerships.\n\tWe want current and future employers in Rhode Island to know that we will work with them to ensure that they can find and develop the skilled workers they need to grow and prosper. Governor Raimondo has brought real vision and focus to reimagining workforce development in our state. We are united in this effort at the federal, state and local levels, said U.S. Senator Jack Reed. I was pleased to work with my colleagues in the delegation to secure critical federal funding that will help launch Real Jobs Rhode Island partnerships in key sectors of our economy such as health care, defense, manufacturing, construction and information technology, to name a few.\n\tIve heard the same thing from businesses all over the state: were ready to hire, but we cant find workers with the right training to do the job. These partnerships tackle that problem head on by preparing our workers for the jobs our employers are looking to fill now. Bridging that skills gap will put Rhode Islanders back to work and help some of our most important industries continue to grow, said Senator Whitehouse, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.\n\tAlthough our economy is recovering, I continue to see where the skills gap holds us back. The Real Jobs RI grant program helps build a skilled workforce, said Congressman Jim Langevin, co-chair of the Congressional Career and Technical Education Caucus. The grants awarded will be used in 10 sectors of the Rhode Island economy, helping hundreds of potential workers to learn the skills they need to succeed in their chosen career. From cybersecurity to manufacturing, healthcare to construction, all the major segments of Rhode Islands economy will benefit from these grants.\n\tRhode Island has been making great progress in getting people back to work and growing our economy. Ensuring that job training is directly connected to the positions available is a key piece of continuing that job growth, and this announcement will boost Rhode Islands ability to get people back to work, said Congressman David N. Cicilline. I applaud the Governor for her relentless focus on getting Rhode Islanders back to work and look forward to continuing to work with her to promote Rhode Island's economic comeback.\n\tIts critical that we equip our workforce with the skills necessary to meet the needs of Rhode Island businesses, said Commerce Secretary Stefan Pryor. The Real Jobs RI initiative builds a workforce training infrastructure from the ground up, reflecting the specific demands of Rhode Islands key sectors  ranging from industrial design to healthcare, marine trades to information technology. We are changing the way we understand and address workforce training issues in our state, ensuring that we will meet the real needs of our states businesses and workers. Todays announcement is an important milestone in this critical effort.\n\tOur mission in the Raimondo Administration is helping Rhode Islanders develop the skills they need to succeed in 21st century jobs, said DLT Director Scott Jensen. Real Jobs RI is an innovative, faster and better way to match workers who need jobs with employers who need skilled workers to fill open positions.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-and-whitehouse-urge-president-obama-to-take-executive-action-to-reduce-gun-violence", "Reed & Whitehouse Urge President Obama to Take Executive Action to Reduce Gun Violence", "2015-11-23", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11/23/2015WASHINGTON, DC  Today, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse joined with 22 of their colleagues in urging President Barack Obama to investigate and pursue all possible options under his executive authority to reduce gun violence. In a letter to the President, the senators specially urged him to eliminate a loophole that currently allows individuals without a federal license to conduct high volumes of gun sales at gun shows, over the internet, and elsewhere, all without conducting background checks. U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-5), Chair of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, today sent a similar letter signed by 114 of his colleagues in the House.\r\nWe stand with you determined to take action to reduce the terrible epidemic of gun violence plaguing this nation. All across the country, communities are ravaged and lives are senselessly cut short by gun violence. Following yet another horrific mass shooting in Roseburg, Oregon, it is unthinkable that our country can continue to turn a blind eye to these tragedies, the Senators wrote. We urge you to address an aspect of the high-volume gun seller loophole that allows guns to be sold without a background check by eliminating the ambiguity surrounding the term engaged in the business as it pertains to federally licensed firearms dealers.\r\nUpdating the definition of engaged in the business to provide more explicit guidance as to which gun sellers are required to obtain a federal firearms license wouldhelp ensure that individuals are not able to continue to exploit ambiguity in the current regulation and sell guns at a high volume without any oversight by ATF and without conducting background checks This change would be a positive step forward in achieving universal background checks, a policy change that roughly 90 percent of Americans support. It would help ensure that those clearly holding themselves out as gun dealers are held to the same standard as the thousands of responsible gun dealers already licensed with ATF across the country, the Senators continued.\r\nIn addition to Reed and Whitehouse, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT); Cory A. Booker (D-NJ), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), Tom Carper (D-DE), Chris Coons (D-DE), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Al Franken (D-MN), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Barbara A. Mikulski (D-MD), Christopher S. Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Charles E Schumer (D-NY), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).\r\nRead the full text of the letter below:\r\n\r\nPresident Barack Obama\r\nThe White House\r\n1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW \r\nWashington, DC 20500\r\n\r\nMr. President:\r\nWe stand with you determined to take action to reduce the terrible epidemic of gun violence plaguing this nation. All across the country, communities are ravaged and lives are senselessly cut short by gun violence. Following yet another horrific mass shooting in Roseburg, Oregon, it is unthinkable that our country can continue to turn a blind eye to these tragedies.\r\nWe will continue to make every effort to build support for and demand a vote on legislation to improve background checks, close loopholes, and shut down the illegal pipeline of guns. We will not give up the fight to improve our nations gun laws to reflect the broad agreement of gun owners and non-gun owners who want Congress to act to halt gun violence.\r\nWe ask you, concurrently, to investigate and pursue all available options under your executive authority to reduce gun violence. Specifically, your administration could take an immediate step that would have an important impact on limiting gun violence. We urge you to address an aspect of the high-volume gun seller loophole that allows guns to be sold without a background check by eliminating the ambiguity surrounding the term engaged in the business as it pertains to federally licensed firearms dealers.\r\nUnder current law, only licensed gun dealers are required to perform background checks for all gun sales, and only those individuals deemed to be \"engaged in the business\" of dealing in guns are required to obtain a license from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). However, the regulatory definition of \"engaged in the business,\" needs clarification. Currently, individuals are able to sell guns at a high volume at gun shows, over the internet, or elsewhere without ever becoming licensed and, in turn, without being compelled to conduct a simple background check before completing a sale.\r\nUpdating the definition of engaged in the business to provide more explicit guidance as to which gun sellers are required to obtain a federal firearms license would not impact a father giving a gun to his son, or an individual selling his gun on the internet. But it will help ensure that individuals are not able to continue to exploit ambiguity in the current regulation and sell guns at a high volume without any oversight by ATF and without conducting background checks. This type of action is not without precedent, as many states have provided this type of explicit guidance regarding which vendors engaged in retail sales in the state are required to collect state sales tax. This change would be a positive step forward in achieving universal background checks, a policy change that roughly 90 percent of Americans support. It would help ensure that those clearly holding themselves out as gun dealers are held to the same standard as the thousands of responsible gun dealers already licensed with ATF across the country.\r\nThank you for your continued efforts to reduce gun violence and for your consideration of executive action that could save lives. We look forward to continuing to work together to prevent gun violence.\r\n\r\nSincerely,\r\nSen. Tammy Baldwin\r\nSen. Richard Blumenthal\r\nSen. Cory A. Booker\r\nSen. Barbara Boxer\r\nSen. Sherrod Brown\r\nSen. Benjamin L. Cardin\r\nSen. Tom Carper\r\nSen. Chris Coons\r\nSen. Richard Durbin\r\nSen. Dianne Feinstein\r\nSen. Al Franken\r\nSen. Kirsten Gillibrand\r\nSen. Mazie K. Hirono\r\nSen. Tim Kaine\r\nSen. Edward J. Markey\r\nSen. Robert Menendez\r\nSen. Barbara A. Mikulski\r\nSen. Christopher S. Murphy\r\nSen. Patty Murray\r\nSen. Jack Reed\r\nSen. Brian Schatz\r\nSen. Charles E Schumer\r\nSen. Elizabeth Warren\r\nSen. Sheldon Whitehouse\r\n-end-\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-statement-on-proposed-pfizer-and-allergan-tax-inversion-merger", "Reed Statement on Proposed Pfizer and Allergan Tax-Inversion Merger", "2015-11-23", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11/23/2015WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) issued the following statement today after it was announced that pharmaceutical giant Pfizer plans to merge with Allergan, which has its corporate headquarters in Dublin, Ireland:\r\nThe Treasury Department is making progress on thwarting inversions, but Congress needs to act to protect American taxpayers. This is an issue of economic fairness. Companies like Pfizer want to benefit from all the U.S. offers but they don't want to pay U.S. taxes. Instead of protecting companies that want to move their corporate addresses overseas, the Republican leadership should bring anti-inversion legislation up for a vote, said Reed.\r\nEarlier this year, Senator Reed and several of his colleagues reintroduced the Stop Corporate Inversion Act, which would amend the tax code to prevent U.S. companies to from moving their tax domicile overseas in order to evade U.S. taxes. In April, Reed and six of his colleagues introduced the American Business for American Companies Act, which would ban federal contracts for companies that move their headquarters overseas through inversion.\r\nAccording to the bipartisan Joint Committee on Taxation, inversions could cause the United States to lose about $33.5 billion in tax revenue over the next decade. While inverted companies incorporate overseas, they remain majority-owned by shareholders of the old U.S. corporation and do not have substantial business activities in the foreign country in which they are incorporating.\r\n-end-\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/workforce-training-partnerships-look-to-fill-open-jobs-now", "Workforce Training Partnerships Look to Fill Open Jobs Now", "2015-11-23", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11/23/2015PROVIDENCE, RI  Governor Gina M. Raimondo, along with the Rhode Island Congressional delegation, today announced the recipients of the Real Jobs RI implementation grants available through the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (DLT). Real Jobs RI is a demand-driven initiative that puts employers at the center of the state's workforce development efforts to train people for jobs that actually exist now.\r\nThe implementation grants will provide funding to support the creation 26 Strategic Industry Partnerships. These groups will develop training, education and human resource solutions needed to address their business and talent needs\r\nThis demand-driven program is part of our strategy to reinvigorate the economy to make sure we are training people for jobs that are open now, Raimondo said. We are moving decisively to deliver a more skilled workforce to employers and to help workers find well-paying jobs so they can make it in Rhode Island. Moving this program forward so quickly would not have happened without the support of our entire Congressional delegation.\r\nThe partnerships from more than 10 sectors will split about $5 million in federal and state funding to implement detailed job-training plans driven by employers specific workforce needs, including jobs that are available now. The partnerships announced today include 186 employers and 108 strategic partners across various sectors including aquaculture, bioscience, design and health care, among others.\r\nRaimondo credited the pivotal role played by U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, U.S. Congressmen Jim Langevin and David N. Cicilline, whose combined efforts secured funding from the US Department of Labor for the Real Jobs partnerships.\r\nWe want current and future employers in Rhode Island to know that we will work with them to ensure that they can find and develop the skilled workers they need to grow and prosper. Governor Raimondo has brought real vision and focus to reimagining workforce development in our state.We are united in this effort at the federal, state and local levels, said U.S. Senator Jack Reed.I was pleased to work with my colleagues in the delegation to secure critical federal funding that will help launch Real Jobs Rhode Island partnerships in key sectors of our economy such as health care, defense, manufacturing, construction and information technology, to name a few.\r\nIve heard the same thing from businesses all over the state: were ready to hire, but we cant find workers with the right training to do the job.These partnerships tackle that problem head on by preparing our workers for the jobs our employers are looking to fill now.Bridging that skills gap will put Rhode Islanders back to work and help some of our most important industries continue to grow, said Senator Whitehouse, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.\r\nAlthough our economy is recovering, I continue to see where the skills gap holds us back.The Real Jobs RI grant program helps build a skilled workforce, said Congressman Jim Langevin, co-chair of the Congressional Career and Technical Education Caucus. The grants awarded will be used in 10 sectors of the Rhode Island economy, helping hundreds of potential workers to learn the skills they need to succeed in their chosen career. From cybersecurity to manufacturing, healthcare to construction, all the major segments of Rhode Islands economy will benefit from these grants.\r\nRhode Island has been making great progress in getting people back to work and growing our economy. Ensuring that job training is directly connected to the positions available is a key piece of continuing that job growth, and this announcement will boost Rhode Islands ability to get people back to work, said Congressman David N. Cicilline. I applaud the Governor for her relentless focus on getting Rhode Islanders back to work and look forward to continuing to work with her to promote Rhode Island's economic comeback.\r\nIts critical that we equip our workforce with the skills necessary to meet the needs of Rhode Island businesses, said Commerce Secretary Stefan Pryor. The Real Jobs RI initiative builds a workforce training infrastructure from the ground up, reflecting the specific demands of Rhode Islands key sectors  ranging from industrial design to healthcare, marine trades to information technology. We are changing the way we understand and address workforce training issues in our state, ensuring that we will meet the real needs of our states businesses and workers. Todays announcement is an important milestone in this critical effort.\r\nOur mission in the Raimondo Administration is helping Rhode Islanders develop the skills they need to succeed in 21st century jobs, said DLT Director Scott Jensen. Real Jobs RI is an innovative, faster and better way to match workers who need jobs with employers who need skilled workers to fill open positions.\r\nAbout Real Jobs Rhode Island\r\nReal Jobs RI is a flexible demand-driven workforce development program that supports ideas from employers and partners of all sizes to connect people to the job openings of today and in the near future. Planning and implementation grants help employers analyze the workforce demands of industry and cross-industry sectors over a sustained period of time and build partner relationships that will produce a stable pipeline of trained workers to jobs.\r\n-end-\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/reed-and-whitehouse-urge-president-obama-to-take-executive-action-to-reduce-gun-violence", "Reed & Whitehouse Urge President Obama to Take Executive Action to Reduce Gun Violence", "2015-11-23", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Sheldon Whitehouse", "W000802", "www.whitehouse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.23.15\n\t\t\t Reed & Whitehouse Urge President Obama to Take Executive Action to Reduce Gun Violence \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t 24 Senate Democrats call on White House to close loophole in face of Congressional inaction\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, DC  Today, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse joined with 22 of their colleagues in urging President Barack Obama to investigate and pursue all possible options under his executive authority to reduce gun violence. In a letter to the President, the senators specially urged him to eliminate a loophole that currently allows individuals without a federal license to conduct high volumes of gun sales at gun shows, over the internet, and elsewhere, all without conducting background checks.\r\nWe stand with you determined to take action to reduce the terrible epidemic of gun violence plaguing this nation. All across the country, communities are ravaged and lives are senselessly cut short by gun violence. Following yet another horrific mass shooting in Roseburg, Oregon, it is unthinkable that our country can continue to turn a blind eye to these tragedies, the Senators wrote. We urge you to address an aspect of the high-volume gun seller loophole that allows guns to be sold without a background check by eliminating the ambiguity surrounding the term engaged in the business as it pertains to federally licensed firearms dealers.\r\nUpdating the definition of engaged in the business to provide more explicit guidance as to which gun sellers are required to obtain a federal firearms license wouldhelp ensure that individuals are not able to continue to exploit ambiguity in the current regulation and sell guns at a high volume without any oversight by ATF and without conducting background checks This change would be a positive step forward in achieving universal background checks, a policy change that roughly 90 percent of Americans support. It would help ensure that those clearly holding themselves out as gun dealers are held to the same standard as the thousands of responsible gun dealers already licensed with ATF across the country, the Senators continued.\r\nIn addition to Reed and Whitehouse, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT); Cory A. Booker (D-NJ), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), Tom Carper (D-DE), Chris Coons (D-DE), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Al Franken (D-MN), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Barbara A. Mikulski (D-MD), Christopher S. Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Charles E Schumer (D-NY), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).\r\nRead the full text of the letter below:\r\nPresident Barack Obama\r\nThe White House\r\n1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW \r\nWashington, DC 20500\r\nMr. President:\r\nWe stand with you determined to take action to reduce the terrible epidemic of gun violence plaguing this nation. All across the country, communities are ravaged and lives are senselessly cut short by gun violence. Following yet another horrific mass shooting in Roseburg, Oregon, it is unthinkable that our country can continue to turn a blind eye to these tragedies.\r\nWe will continue to make every effort to build support for and demand a vote on legislation to improve background checks, close loopholes, and shut down the illegal pipeline of guns. We will not give up the fight to improve our nations gun laws to reflect the broad agreement of gun owners and non-gun owners who want Congress to act to halt gun violence.\r\nWe ask you, concurrently, to investigate and pursue all available options under your executive authority to reduce gun violence. Specifically, your administration could take an immediate step that would have an important impact on limiting gun violence. We urge you to address an aspect of the high-volume gun seller loophole that allows guns to be sold without a background check by eliminating the ambiguity surrounding the term engaged in the business as it pertains to federally licensed firearms dealers.\r\nUnder current law, only licensed gun dealers are required to perform background checks for all gun sales, and only those individuals deemed to be \"engaged in the business\" of dealing in guns are required to obtain a license from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). However, the regulatory definition of \"engaged in the business,\" needs clarification. Currently, individuals are able to sell guns at a high volume at gun shows, over the internet, or elsewhere without ever becoming licensed and, in turn, without being compelled to conduct a simple background check before completing a sale.\r\nUpdating the definition of engaged in the business to provide more explicit guidance as to which gun sellers are required to obtain a federal firearms license would not impact a father giving a gun to his son, or an individual selling his gun on the internet. But it will help ensure that individuals are not able to continue to exploit ambiguity in the current regulation and sell guns at a high volume without any oversight by ATF and without conducting background checks. This type of action is not without precedent, as many states have provided this type of explicit guidance regarding which vendors engaged in retail sales in the state are required to collect state sales tax. This change would be a positive step forward in achieving universal background checks, a policy change that roughly 90 percent of Americans support. It would help ensure that those clearly holding themselves out as gun dealers are held to the same standard as the thousands of responsible gun dealers already licensed with ATF across the country.\r\nThank you for your continued efforts to reduce gun violence and for your consideration of executive action that could save lives. We look forward to continuing to work together to prevent gun violence.\r\nSincerely,\r\nSen. Tammy Baldwin\r\nSen. Richard Blumenthal\r\nSen. Cory A. Booker\r\nSen. Barbara Boxer\r\nSen. Sherrod Brown\r\nSen. Benjamin L. Cardin\r\nSen. Tom Carper\r\nSen. Chris Coons\r\nSen. Richard Durbin\r\nSen. Dianne Feinstein\r\nSen. Al Franken\r\nSen. Kirsten Gillibrand\r\nSen. Mazie K. Hirono\r\nSen. Tim Kaine\r\nSen. Edward J. Markey\r\nSen. Robert Menendez\r\nSen. Barbara A. Mikulski\r\nSen. Christopher S. Murphy\r\nSen. Patty Murray\r\nSen. Jack Reed\r\nSen. Brian Schatz\r\nSen. Charles E Schumer\r\nSen. Elizabeth Warren\r\nSen. Sheldon Whitehouse\r\n-end-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-statement-on-the-passing-of-dr-john-a-knauss", "Whitehouse Statement on the Passing of Dr. John A. Knauss", "2015-11-23", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Sheldon Whitehouse", "W000802", "www.whitehouse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.23.15\n\t\t\t Whitehouse Statement on the Passing of Dr. John A. Knauss \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tProvidence, RI  U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) released the following statement upon hearing of the passing of former Dean of the University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography John A. Knauss:\r\nRhode Island has lost a beloved teacher, a visionary leader, and a brilliant scientist. Dean Knauss set out to create in the Ocean State a comprehensive oceanography and marine studies program. When he left the University of Rhode Island to head up the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration a quarter-century later, his Graduate School of Oceanography had become one of the premier graduate education and research institutions in oceanography in the world, and Knauss Fellowships became among the most prestigious of marine policy grants. Beyond his foresight and leadership, John will be remembered for his collegiality and collaboration among the administrators, faculty, and students he touched, and for his passion for living. Sandra and I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Knauss Family and to the entire marine science community.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-statement-american-safe-act", "Langevin Statement on American SAFE Act", "2015-11-20", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jim Langevin", "L000559", "langevin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI), a senior member of the House Armed Services and Homeland Security Committees, released the following statement in response to House passage, by a vote of 289 to 137, of H.R. 4038, the American SAFE Act of 2015:\nThe safety and security of my constituents and all Americans is my first priority, and the American people should feel completely confident that we, as a Congress and as a nation, are doing everything in our power to protect our people and our freedom from the threat of terrorism and all those who seek to do us harm. However, I do not believe that protecting our national security precludes us from showing compassion to the refugees fleeing unspeakable violence and oppression in Syria, Iraq and other conflict zones. I know that we can both protect the American people and stay true to the values of the United States, a nation of immigrants that has been a beacon of hope for those who seek freedom, opportunity and tolerance, as well as protection from persecution.\nI voted today in favor of additional safeguards that will ensure the highest level of security screening for those who wish to enter this country and live by the American principles of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Existing refugee screening standards are already rigorous and include biometric record checks and extensive interviews with specially-trained DHS officers, with preference given to the most vulnerable refugees. The process, which typically takes 18 to 24 months, is designed with a litany of checks and balances by an inter-agency team that includes the State Department, the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security and the National Counterterrorism Center. Todays legislation would additionally require the FBI, Homeland Security Department and Director of National Intelligence to certify to Congress that any refugee from Syria or Iraq does not pose a threat to the United States. I believe these requirements will provide a reasonable new layer of assurance to our protocols, and I will do whatever I can to ensure that the resources are available to carry them out in a way which does not close or delay the resettlement process for those refugees who meet our criteria.\nThe Statue of Liberty, a symbol of American independence, reminds us of our roots. Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free. We cannot forget those powerful words or what they mean to us, to our forefathers and to the world. We cannot let fear, hate or prejudice destroy our way of life. This great nation, a melting pot from its infancy, will continue to welcome all those who flee persecution and seek freedom. With our friends and allies around the world, we stand united against terrorism.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/after-reed-urges-action-treasury-department-moves-to-limit-corporate-tax-dodging-known-as-inversions", "After Reed Urges Action, Treasury Department Moves to Limit Corporate Tax Dodging Known as ‘Inversions’", "2015-11-20", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11/20/2015WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senator Jack Reed today applauded a series of actions announced by the U.S. Treasury Department aimed at curbing a practice known as inversion, in which U.S. companies move their headquarters overseas, but only on paper, in order to avoid paying U.S. taxes. Through legislation and direct appeals to the Treasury Department, Reed has been working to close the inversion loophole to protect American taxpayers and businesses that pay their fair share of taxes.\r\nThe U.S. Treasury Department on Thursday announced the new rules designed to make it more difficult for U.S. corporations to cut their tax bills by reincorporating overseas. The new restrictions strengthen existing rules imposed in September 2014 that were already on the books, but have continued to be exploited.\r\nThis is an issue of simple economic fairness, and I applaud the Treasury Department for taking action to address this practice of corporate greed and tax evasion known as inversion. This corporate shell game allows some companies to shift their address abroad for tax purposes while remaining in the United States, benefitting from our workforce, research and innovation infrastructure, and education system, but shifting their tax burden to the American taxpayers. Middle-class families and small Main Street businesses dont have that option when tax season comes around. Ending inversions will help protect American taxpayers and American jobs, said Senator Reed. These steps by Treasury are a significant step in the right direction, but the best long-term solution is legislation that ends this practice once and for all.\r\nThe new restrictions unveiled Thursday by the Treasury Department will limit the ability of U.S. companies to combine with foreign firms when the new overseas parent is a tax resident of a third country. The rules also make it harder for companies to inflate the size of the new foreign parent company in an effort to avoid what is known as the 80 percent rule, a requirement that the former owners of a U.S. company own less than 80 percent of the new combined entity. The actions taken by the Treasury Department would also limit the actual tax benefits of inversions, in an effort to make the transactions less attractive to companies considering exploiting the loophole.\r\nA surge of inversion announcements last year led Democrats in the Senate and House to introduce several different measures to stem the tide. Republicans in both chambers refused to support the legislation even though similar measures received bipartisan support in the past. In 2004, a Republican-controlled House and Senate changed the tax code to discourage U.S. companies from acquiring smaller foreign companies and moving their tax home to a foreign jurisdiction as part of the overall transaction. In the last 10 years, more than 40 U.S. corporations have found a loophole in this law and have exploited it to pad their bottom line.\r\nSenator Reed was joined by Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) in September in calling on the Treasury Department to take additional executive action to curb inversions after legislative attempts had been blocked. In January, Reed and several of his colleagues in the Senate and House reintroduced the Stop Corporate Inversion Act, which would amend the tax code to prevent U.S. companies to from moving their tax domicile overseas in order to evade U.S. taxes. In April, Reed and six of his colleagues introduced the American Business for American Companies Act, which would ban federal contracts for companies that move their headquarters overseas through inversion.\r\nAccording to the bipartisan Joint Committee on Taxation, inversions could cause the United States to lose about $20 billion in tax revenue over the next decade. While inverted companies incorporate overseas, they remain majority-owned by shareholders of the old U.S. corporation and do not have substantial business activities in the foreign country in which they are incorporating.\r\n-end-\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-hails-new-submarine-manufacturing-facility-at-quonset-as-sign-of-economic-growth-and-ris-strategic-importance-to-national-defense", "Reed Hails New Submarine Manufacturing Facility at Quonset as Sign of Economic Growth & RI’s Strategic Importance to National Defense", "2015-11-20", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11/20/2015NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI  Hailing the new submarine production facility as a result of years of strategic federal investments and a sign of positive economic growth for the state  as well as recognition of Rhode Islands strategic importance as a hub for undersea technology  U.S. Senator Jack Reed celebrated the opening of a new General Dynamics-Electric Boat facility at Quonset Point. The new Ohio Replacement Automated Frame and Cylinder Facility, officially opened at a ribbon cutting ceremony on November 20, is the first of several facilities planned to support the increased submarine construction work planned for Quonset Point.\r\nThe new 123,000 square foot, $47 million facility will support construction of the Ohio Replacement Submarine hull cylinders and the installation of large-diameter missile tubes into submarine missile compartment sections. The facility will feature six large indoor fixtures, four of which will be used to work on the hull of the next generation submarines and two dedicated to forming the missile section of the submarines.\r\nConstruction of the next-generation nuclear submarines is slated to begin in fiscal year 2021. The ceremony at Quonset marked the completion of the first phase of the new open-bay facility, with another approximately 60,000 square feet to be built as part of a second phase of the project.\r\nReed called the replacement program for the aging Ohio-class submarines the Navys number one priority.\r\nAfter many years of work, this new facility at Quonset is yet another sign of Electric Boats significant and growing presence in Rhode Island, and a recognition of the key role Rhode Island plays in our national defense. Weve made strategic investments to ensure Rhode Island is a high-tech hub of undersea technologies now and in the foreseeable future. We have to keep looking toward the future and I look forward to coming back here when the facility is humming with activity and bringing these new submarines to life, said Reed, the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.\r\nSenator Reed has led the effort in Congress to preserve and grow the Rhode Island defense industrys contributions to safeguarding U.S. national security.\r\nThese new submarines are designed to serve as a constant strategic deterrence to our adversaries, noted Reed. I am proud of the role Rhode Island workers play in their design and construction. This new facility will help ensure we have more high-paying manufacturing and technology jobs here in Rhode Island.\r\nCurrent plans call for 12 ships to be built as part of the Ohio-Class replacement program. Electric Boat has hired approximately 600 additional workers at its Quonset Point shipyard in the past year to reach a present total of just under 3,700 employees. The company reportedly expects to increase that number to 6,000 to build the new ballistic missile submarines in the coming years.\r\nDesigns call for the Ohio Replacement Submarines to be 560-feet long and built for stealth. The submarines are engineered to serve for as long as 42 years without needing mid-life refueling.\r\n-end-\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-statement-hr-4038", "Cicilline Statement on H.R. 4038", "2015-11-19", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "David Cicilline", "C001084", "cicilline.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (D-RI), a member of the House Judiciary Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement today:\nCurrent federal law already requires refugees to be thoroughly screened by the FBI, State Department, Department of Homeland Security, Defense Department, and the National Counterterrorism Center. The screening process includes multiple high-level security checks, biometric screening, and a mandatory interview with Homeland Security before anyone is granted access to our country. In addition, existing federal law already prohibits admission of any person that poses a danger to the United States. H.R. 4038 adds no additional safety provisions nor new methods to enhance security, but only another layer of bureaucracy to the existing program.\nThe current system works. In fact, of the 2,174 Syrian refugees admitted to our country since September 11, 2001, not a single one has been charged with a terrorism-related offense. I will continue to work with my colleagues on ways to improve our national security, but todays bill does nothing to make us safer.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-urges-gao-to-undertake-new-gun-violence-research-to-improve-public-health-and-gun-safety-programs", "Reed Urges GAO to Undertake New Gun Violence Research to Improve Public Health and Gun Safety Programs", "2015-11-18", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11/18/2015WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senator Jack Reed today joined Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), the Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and 18 of their Senate colleagues in urging the head of the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a new study assessing the efficacy of public health and safety programs that are designed to impact gun safety, including the storage and security of guns in households.\r\nIn the letter, the Senators stated that prevention of gun deaths and injuries should be an essential component of the federal governments commitment to public health and safety, and that previous federal campaigns on other challenges have helped to reduce dangerous behavior and improve public health and safety.\r\nWith more than 300 million guns in American homes, we write to request that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) conduct a study to assess the efficacy of public health and safety programs designed to impact gun safety, including the storage and security of guns in households throughout our country, the Senators wrote in the letter. Too many families have suffered tragic losses and hardships as a result of gun deaths and injuries. This public health burden demands an assessment of potential actions by the federal government, including the possibility of robust partnerships with established nonprofits and provider organizations in the development of a public campaign aimed at informing physicians, clinicians, parents, and families about the public health need to address this urgent issue.\r\nThe Senators requested a report that: analyzes the effectiveness of public health and safety programs at the federal, state, and local level that raise awareness and provide best practices for safe and secure storage of guns in households; identifies programs that seek to address unsafe gun access and ensure safe practices with regards to firearms; and details which federal agencies can influence public health or safety, childrens health, criminal justice, or violence prevention programs.\r\nA link to the letter is available here.\r\nFull text of the letter:\r\nNovember 18, 2015\r\nThe Honorable Gene L. Dodaro\r\nComptroller General of the United States \r\nU.S. Government Accountability Office\r\n441 G St NW Washington, DC20548\r\nDear Mr. Dodaro:\r\nEvery day on average, 55 people kill themselves with a firearm, and 46 people are shot or killed in an accident with a gun. The Washington Post reported last month that so far in 2015 there have been 43 instances where a toddler three or under has shot themselves or others, leading to 15 fatalities and 28 injuries. With more than 300 million guns in American homes, we write to request that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) conduct a study to assess the efficacy of public health and safety programs designed to impact gun safety, including the storage and security of guns in households throughout our country.\r\nDeath and injury by firearm is one of the most significant public health threats to young people in communities across our nation. While long perceived as an urban issue, in fact, youth (up to age 19) in the most rural U.S. counties are almost as likely to die from a gunshot, self-inflicted or otherwise, as those living in the most urban counties. Furthermore, a 1999 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association estimated that the lifetime medical cost of treating gunshot injuries in the United States was $2.3 billion, with almost half the costs borne by taxpayers.\r\nGiven these stark statistics, prevention of gun deaths and injuries should be an essential component of the federal governments commitment to public health and safety along with other efforts such as background checks on gun purchases and closing other gun loopholes. Federal campaigns, such as those related to drinking and driving and smoking, have demonstrated that public health and safety campaigns can improve understanding and reduce dangerous behavior, with significant public health benefits.\r\nToo many families have suffered tragic losses and hardships as a result of gun deaths and injuries. This public health burden demands an assessment of potential actions by the federal government, including the possibility of robust partnerships with established nonprofits and provider organizations in the development of a public campaign aimed at informing physicians, clinicians, parents, and families about the public health need to address this urgent issue.\r\nTo that end, we request that GAO conduct a report that:\r\nAnalyzes the impacts of existing publicly- and privately-operated public health and safety programs at the federal, state, and local level that further raise awareness among the public of the risk factors associated with having guns in the home and provide best practices on how families and communities can engage in a conversation about the safe and secure storage of guns in the household.\r\nIdentifies existing public health and safety programs (publicly- and privately-operated efforts at the federal, state, and local level) that seek to address unsafe gun access and to ensure safe practices with regards to firearms.\r\nInventories federal agencies whose missions relate to public health or violence prevention and the ways in which programs described under question number one relate to such missions. Such programs can include public health or safety, childrens health, criminal justice, or violence prevention programs.\r\nWe appreciate your attention to this request and your cooperation on this issue as we seek more information on these issues.\r\nSincerely,\r\n-end-\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/us-senate-opens-floor-debate-on-transportation-hud-appropriations-bill", "U.S. Senate Opens Floor Debate on Transportation-HUD Appropriations Bill", "2015-11-18", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11/18/2015Reed prioritizes infrastructure investments to help RI & includes a study to explore options for bringing Amtrak train service to T.F. Green Airport\r\n\r\nWASHINGTON, DC  The U.S. Senate today kicked off floor action on its fiscal year 2016 Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development and Related Agencies (THUD) appropriations bill. The legislation includes funding for the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), along with other related agencies, and overall it would provide $57.27 billion in discretionary spending.\r\nAffordable, stable housing and a safe and efficient transportation network are vital to American families, our communities, and the success of our economy. The THUD bill is about making critical investments in our transportation and housing infrastructure that yield a high rate of return for the American people, said Reed, the Ranking Member of the THUD Appropriations Subcommittee, who, along with THUD Chairman Susan Collins (R-ME), is managing the bill on the floor.\r\nReed noted that the recent passage of the Bipartisan Budget Agreement, which he advocated for, resulted in a $1.62 billion increase for this years THUD bill to improve our nations transportation and housing infrastructure. And in an effort to strengthen the U.S. economy and repair our nations highways, bridges, and roads, Senator Reed is pushing for a robust, long-term surface transportation authorization bill to replenish the Highway Trust Fund before it runs dry.\r\nThis appropriations bill makes important contributions toward improving the safety of our roads and helping communities better connect people to jobs and housing opportunities. These investments can serve as a catalyst for economic development, while enhancing and preserving community assets. I hope Congress will work together toward a long-term surface transportation bill that invests in our infrastructure, said Reed, noting that this fiscal year 2016 spending bill provides critical transportation investments for highway programs, aviation, rail safety, American ports, and intermodal water and land programs, as well as the following:\r\n \r\n$41 billion in highway grants and another $8.6 billion in transit formula grants that states and local governments rely on every year.\r\n$16 billion for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), fully funding the agencys budget request for air traffic control, safety oversight, and its facilities and equipment.\r\n$2.4 billion for Amtrak to fund state of good repair projects and work towards the replacement of century-old bridges and tunnels along the northeast corridor.\r\n$908 million for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which will allow for the agency to improve vehicle safety defect investigations and analysis.\r\n$600 million for the TIGER program, which funds local solutions to transportation problems.\r\n \r\nThe bill also includes $38.5 billion to help HUD meet the housing needs of low-income, disabled, and older Americans, and to shelter the homeless and prevent vulnerable citizens from becoming homeless.\r\nWe need to improve housing stability for our most vulnerable citizens, and this allocation will allow us to continue HUDs housing and homeless assistance programs, which are vital to our nations safety net, stated Reed.\r\nThe bill makes important investments in our communities though programs like the Community Development Block Grant program (CDBG) and the public housing capital fund. It also includes additional resources for affordable housing production and rehabilitation through the HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) programan important program that helps Rhode Island and other states meet their affordable housing needs.\r\nHUD currently offers rental assistance to more than 36,000 households, including seniors and the disabled, in Rhode Island.\r\nThe bill also protects some of our most vulnerable citizens by providing critical resources to prevent and end homelessness  among veterans and youth in particular. This bill provides $75 million to restore 10,000 HUD-VASH vouchers to move us closer to eliminating homelessness among our nations veterans. And for youth experiencing homelessness, the bill includes targeted resources for local communities to create housing and services to help get them back on their feet. It makes it possible for HUD to support youth aging out of foster care, so young people arent discharged into homelessness. It also improves coordination across government so that officials, housing, and service providers can work together to prevent young people from falling through the cracks.\r\nHomelessness is a barrier to education, employment, and opportunity, said Reed. By helping youth overcome these barriers, they are on a better path to self-sufficiency.\r\nAnd to help identify and eliminate preventable health hazards  such as lead paint  Reed worked to ensure the bill includes $110 million for theOffice of Lead Hazard Reduction and Healthy Homes.\r\nRhode Island relies heavily on federal funding for surface transportation projects. Under the bill, Rhode Island is projected to receive approximately $210 million in highway grants and $36 million in transit grants this year.\r\nThe bill includes $5.7 million to implement a pilot program that Senator Reed created through the HAVEN Act that would support repairs and modifications, such as the installation of wheelchair ramps, to the homes of low-income veterans or veterans with disabilities.\r\nIt also allocates $5 million to restart the Small Shipyard Grant program, which has helped shipyards across Rhode Island recapitalize and become more competitive.\r\nReed also included language in the bill directing the Federal Railroad Administration and Amtrak to assess the feasibility of connecting intercity passenger rail services at commercial airports that are adjacent to the mainline of Amtraks Northeast Corridor (NEC). This will fund the feasibility study that Amtrak needs to do to expand services to T.F. Green.\r\nWe need to do more to improve our level of commuter service in a cost effective way. I am pleased we were able to include a study examining what it would take, in terms of logistics and ridership, to bring reliable, regularly scheduled Amtrak service to connect T.F. Green Airport to Boston, New York, and points in between. Creating a stronger trains-to-planes partnership at T.F. Green could enhance transportation options for consumers and build on some of the other infrastructure investments the state has already made, said Reed. This independent study will help determine what the viability is and what the hurdles may be.\r\nAnother Reed-backed provision urges DOT to finalize regulations that prohibit smoking e-cigarettes aboard an aircraft.\r\nThe bill is scheduled to be debated in the U.S. Senate this week.\r\n-end-\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/videos/senator-reed-opens-floor-debate-on-fy2016-transportation-hud-appropriations-bill", "Senator Reed Opens Floor Debate on FY2016 Transportation-HUD Appropriations Bill", "2015-11-18", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Reed joined Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) on the Senate floor to kick off the body's debate on the bipartisan FY 2016 Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development and Related Agencies (THUD) appropriations bill.  The legislation includes critical funding for for transportation and housing programs.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/house-passes-reform-for-regulations-covering-new-medical-therapies-bill-heads-to-presidents-desk", "House Passes Reform for Regulations Covering New Medical Therapies, Bill Heads to President’s Desk", "2015-11-18", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Sheldon Whitehouse", "W000802", "www.whitehouse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.18.15\n\t\t\t House Passes Reform for Regulations Covering New Medical Therapies, Bill Heads to Presidents Desk \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.  A new measure that would bring predictable timeframes to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) scheduling process so new treatments can reach patients in a timely and transparent manner has passed in Congress and is now on its way to the Presidents desk. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) committee, and Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, a member and former chairman of the Senate HELP Committee, lauded House passage of the Improving Regulatory Transparency for New Medical Therapies Act, for which they are the original cosponsors.\r\nA slow and seemingly unnecessary DEA approval process is preventing patients from getting new and innovative treatments that can help them, said Whitehouse. This legislation will limit the amount of time the DEA has to make a decision, ensuring quicker access for patients. I thank Senator Hatch for working with me on this bill and our House counterparts for moving it forward. I look forward to having it signed into law by the President.\r\nI am pleased the House of Representatives has passed this important legislation to give patients faster access to newly approved therapies, Hatch said. Our regulatory approach shouldnt ignore the urgent needs of Americas patients for lifesaving treatments. Enacting this law is an important step in streamlining administrative processes, increasing transparency, promoting medical innovation, and improving patient health.\r\nThe Improving Regulatory Transparency for New Medical Therapies Act will amend the Controlled Substances Act to require the DEA to schedule a drug or substance that has never been marketed in the United States within 90 days of receiving a scheduling recommendation from the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. In addition, the legislation clarifies that for this subset of drugs that must be scheduled, market exclusivity periods begin on the date a product can actually be marketed, just as it is for other new drug products.\r\nThe bill will also allow a company applying to register with the DEA to manufacture a controlled substance to indicate on the application that the substance will only be used for clinical trials of a drug. DEA would be required to either make a final decision on the application for registration within 180 days or inform the applicant of the outstanding issues that must be resolved to reach a final decision.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/patriotic-millionaires-endorse-sen-whitehouses-disclose-act", "Patriotic Millionaires Endorse Sen. Whitehouse’s DISCLOSE Act", "2015-11-18", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Sheldon Whitehouse", "W000802", "www.whitehouse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.18.15\n\t\t\t Patriotic Millionaires Endorse Sen. Whitehouses DISCLOSE Act \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, DC  Today, the Patriotic Millionaires, a group of high-net worth individuals advocating for greater political and economic fairness, called for the passage of the DISCLOSE Act, legislation introduced by U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse to crack down on unlimited, secret spending in American elections. The endorsement is part of an agenda unveiled by the group to reverse the harmful concentration of dark political power in the hands of the very wealthy.\r\nSince the Supreme Courts disastrous Citizens United decision, corporations and millionaires have utilized their new legal ability to secretly buy election influence. The DISCLOSE Act will require political groups to list publicly their big donors, so voters can at least know who is trying to sway their opinions, said Whitehouse. The Patriotic Millionaires recognize the damage Citizens United has done to our democratic process and the desperate need for greater transparency. I appreciate their support.\r\nTransparency is very important because so many elected officials say one thing and do another, and the difference is based primarily on who theyre talking to, who they are getting their campaign funding from, said angel investor and philanthropist David desJardins of the Patriotic Millionaires. Congress must pass The DISCLOSE Act because voters have a right to know who their representatives are actually working for.\r\nThe DISCLOSE Act requires any covered organization that spends $10,000 or more during an election cycle to file a report with the Federal Election Commission within 24 hours, detailing the amount and nature of each expenditure over $1,000 and the names of all of its donors who gave $10,000 or more. Transfer provisions in the bill prevent donors from using shell organizations to hide their activities.\r\nIn addition to the DISCLOSE Act, the Patriotic Millionaires today endorsed legislation to raise the federal minimum wage to $15 and to end the preferential treatment that hedge fund and private equity managers receive through the so-called carried interest loophole. For more information on the Patriotic Millionaires, visit www.patrioticmillionaires.org.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/opening-statement-by-ranking-member-jack-reed-sasc-hearing-on-dod-reform-and-overcoming-obstacles-to-effective-management", "Opening Statement by Ranking Member Jack Reed, SASC Hearing on DOD Reform & Overcoming Obstacles to Effective Management", "2015-11-17", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11/17/2015OPENING STATEMENT OF U.S. SENATOR JACK REED\r\nRANKING MEMBER, SENATE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE\r\n\r\nSD-G50\r\nDIRKSEN SENATE OFFICE BUILDING\r\nTuesday, November 17, 2015\r\n\r\nTo receive testimony on Department of Defense reform  overcoming obstacles to effective management\r\n(As Prepared for Delivery)\r\nThank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Id like to join you in thanking our witnesses for their willingness to appear today to testify on the difficulties in managing the largest organization in the world  the Department of Defense  and how such management might be improved. Each of todays witnesses offers a different perspective, from both inside and outside of government, which will help to inform the Committees review of possible reforms to the DOD.\r\nId like to extend a special welcome to Ms. Lisa Bisaccia, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer for CVS Health Corporation  which is headquartered in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. CVS is a recipient of the 2015 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award for its support of employees who also serve in the National Guard and Reserves. Thank you for joining us today and the efforts of CVS to be a great partner to our military.\r\nThe Pentagon, with its fundamental mission being the defense of our Nation, is not a business and it is unrealistic for us to believe it will or should operate like one in all aspects. However, there may be important process and organizational lessons-learned from the private sector that could help to accomplish this Committees objective of making DOD not only more efficient, but also more effective in the face of new threats, globalization of technology, and budget uncertainty.\r\nAlthough DOD and commercial industry measure success in different ways, and are under different constraints in terms of laws, regulations, and Congressional oversight, there are still many challenges that DOD shares with the commercial world. For example, both DOD and the commercial sector are continuously striving to reinvent themselves against external competitors, both are trying to attract and grow the best talent, and both are trying to find the best partners so that their goals can be achieved as efficiently and effectively as possible.\r\nDuring last weeks hearing, Jim Locher proposed that DOD adopt the concept of cross-functional teams  a private sector innovation that is designed to integrate representatives of relevant organizational components to rapidly address a specific problem or set of problems. Mr. Locher made the point that there is currently no place in the DOD where such functional expertise can be brought together quickly by the Secretary or Deputy Secretary of Defense. I hope todays witnesses will build upon that discussion by relaying examples from their corporate experiences that will help us better frame the questions we need to ask, the scope of the changes we need to make, and the likely resistance we will face.\r\nSpecifically, I hope that our witnesses will touch on organizational and individual incentives that encourage a culture of continuous improvement and innovation in the DOD workforce. For example, can such an effort be supported through changes in management policies; organizational structures; hiring, training, and compensation practices; or increased engagement with the commercial sector?\r\nI also hope that our witnesses will also shed light on methods for attracting and employing the most effective workforce for all DOD missions  ranging from operational warfighting, to performing cutting edge research, to managing the huge and complex defense enterprise.\r\nI think that the common thread connecting these issues is the importance of management and governance. I am confident that DOD and this Committee can learn a lot from commercial experiences in these areas. I look forward to the testimony of our witnesses.\r\nThank you, Mr. Chairman.\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/videos/reed-joins-msnbcs-chuck-todd-to-discuss-the-syrian-refugee-crisis-and-the-fight-against-isil", "Reed Joins MSNBC's Chuck Todd to Discuss the Syrian Refugee Crisis & the Fight Against ISIL", "2015-11-17", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Reed joined MSNBC's Chuck Todd on Meet the Press Daily to discuss the latest national security and foreign policy challenges.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 796, "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": "RI", "p2": "2015"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=RI&year=2015", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 796, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=RI&year=2015", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=RI&year=2015", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 796, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=RI&year=2015&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=RI&year=2015", "results": [{"value": "RI", "label": "RI", "count": 796, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&year=2015", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=RI&year=2015", "results": [{"value": "2015", "label": "2015", "count": 796, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=RI", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2015-11-17,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ereed~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fvideos~2Freed-joins-msnbcs-chuck-todd-to-discuss-the-syrian-refugee-crisis-and-the-fight-against-isil", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=RI&year=2015&_next=2015-11-17%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ereed~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fvideos~2Freed-joins-msnbcs-chuck-todd-to-discuss-the-syrian-refugee-crisis-and-the-fight-against-isil&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 142.1797580551356, "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"}