{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where state = \"NH\" and year = 2018 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-statement-on-partial-government-shutdown", "Kuster Statement on Partial Government Shutdown", "2018-12-22", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, DC)  Tonight, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) released the following statement on the partial government shutdown after President Trump refused to work with Congressional leaders to keep the government open. In earlier conversations President Trump said, \"If we don't get what we want one way or the other ... I will shut down the government.\"\nIt's extremely disappointing that President Trump has brought us to the point of a partial government shutdown that will furlough hundreds of thousands of public employees in the middle of the holiday season. President Trump's game of chicken over the border wall is ill-advised and will not make our country safer. We need comprehensive immigration reform that bolsters border security and protects young DREAMERS, not political stunts. President Trump has effectively shut the government down over his ego. The American people deserve much better.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/shaheen-hassan-and-shea-porter-announce-625k-to-support-families-in-public-housing-on-new-hampshires-seacoast-", "Shaheen, Hassan & Shea-Porter Announce $625K to Support Families in Public Housing on New Hampshire\u2019s Seacoast", "2018-12-21", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Shaheen, Hassan & Shea-Porter Announce $625K to Support Families in Public Housing on New Hampshire's Seacoast  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tDecember 21, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t(Washington, DC)  U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01) today announced $624,797 from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) ROSS Service Coordinator program to support families in public housing on New Hampshire's Seacoast. These grants include $239,250 to Dover, $170,547 to Rochester and $225,000 to Portsmouth, and will provide funding for each city to hire service coordinators to assess public housing residents' needs, access job training and assist with job placement.\r\nPublic housing supports some of the most vulnerable Granite Staters, including low income families, seniors and disabled residents, and this funding for Service Coordinators will help residents become self-sufficient and improve their quality of life, said Shaheen. These resources will be put to good use in our Seacoast communities, and I will continue to advocate for assistance to the most vulnerable in our society.\r\nBy implementing resident empowerment activities and supportive services at these three public housing sites across New Hampshire, these grants will help expand economic opportunity and give more Granite Staters the tools they need to move away from public assistance, said Hassan.\r\nI am pleased that Dover, Rochester, and Portsmouth will get significant federal grant funding for families to receive supportive services that can help them earn more and achieve economic independence, said Shea-Porter.\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-backs-criminal-justice-reform-efforts-calls-for-additional-action", "Kuster Backs Criminal Justice Reform Efforts, Calls for Additional Action in the New Congress", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, DC)  Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) released the following statement after voting in favor of bipartisan criminal justice reform legislation.\nOver incarceration has needlessly filled our prisons and destroyed communities. The First Step Act is the beginning of necessary changes to our broken criminal justice system. I was proud to support these bipartisan reforms, but this cannot be the end of the road. In the new Congress, we must continue to build on this cooperation to make meaningful improvements to our criminal justice system, so it better serves the purpose of improving public safety and helping people rebuild their lives and become productive members of their communities. An important aspect of that change is ensuring that individuals suffering from substance use disorder can access treatment and recovery services during incarceration. I've worked with Republicans and Democrats to craft legislation that would expand treatment in prison facilities, which saves taxpayer dollars, saves lives, and reduces recidivism. I look forward to pursuing this win-win-win legislation in the new Congress.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/in-case-you-missed-it-shaheen-graham-bipartisan-group-of-senators-urge-trump-administration-to-reconsider-withdrawing-us-forces-from-syria", "In Case You Missed It: Shaheen, Graham, Bipartisan Group of Senators Urge Trump Administration to Reconsider Withdrawing U.S. Forces from Syria", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In Case You Missed It: Shaheen, Graham, Bipartisan Group of Senators Urge Trump Administration to Reconsider Withdrawing U.S. Forces from Syria \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tDecember 20, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t(Washington, DC)  U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Angus King (I-ME), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Tom Cotton (R-AK) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) sent a letter to President Donald Trump yesterday, expressing their concern regarding the President's decision to withdraw U.S. forces from Syria. If you decide to follow through with your decision to pull our troops out of Syria, any remnants of ISIS in Syria will surely renew and embolden their efforts in the region. However, ISIS is not the only threat. The brutal dictatorship of Bashar al Assad continues to weigh heavily upon the Syrian people, and we fear that a withdrawal of our troops may embolden Bashar al Assad to take further actions to solidify his power, the Senators wrote. They continued, The withdrawal of American presence from Syria also bolsters two other adversaries to the United States, Iran and Russia. As you are aware, both Iran and Russia have used the Syrian conflict as a stage to magnify their influence in the region. Any sign of weakness perceived by Iran or Russia will only result in their increased presence in the region and a decrease in the trust of our partners and allies. Your administration must not repeat the same mistakes that previous administrations have made and concede to these bad actors.\r\nSenator Shaheenvisited Syria in Julyduring a bipartisan congressional delegation with Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), meeting with military personnel to view the gains made by U.S. security forces and their partners, and the need for a comprehensive strategy to end the violence in the region and provide stabilization support. Shaheen's legislationestablishing a Syria Study Groupto recommend additional ways forward to address the Syrian conflict was signed into law in October as part of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization. Shaheen's provision will establish a bipartisan panel to complete a comprehensive strategic review of America's policy in Syria.\r\nThe full text of the letter is below. December 19, 2018 The Honorable Donald J. Trump   The President of the United States   The White House   1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW   Washington, DC 20500 Dear Mr. President: We write today to express our concern regarding your Administration's consideration to withdraw U.S. forces from Syria. We believe that such action at this time is a premature and costly mistake that not only threatens the safety and security of the United States, but also emboldens ISIS, Bashar al Assad, Iran, and Russia. The United States currently retains a small and limited military presence within Syria. The approximately 2,000 American troops stationed in Syria serve as a vital shield against ISIS cells operating within Northeast Syria. While you believe the threat of ISIS has dissipated, the conditions on the ground paint a very different picture. In addition, our troops provide critical support for our Kurdish partners, who have been crucial in the fight against ISIS. If our Kurdish partners in the region lose the support of the United States, we run the risk of a resurgence of ISIS and the possible capitulation or all out destruction of Kurdish resistance in the region. Furthermore, hundreds of foreign fighters being held in captivity by our Kurdish partners are at risk of being released or worse if our support is withdrawn. If you decide to follow through with your decision to pull our troops out of Syria, any remnants of ISIS in Syria will surely renew and embolden their efforts in the region. However, ISIS is not the only threat. The brutal dictatorship of Bashar al Assad continues to weigh heavily upon the Syrian people, and we fear that a withdrawal of our troops may embolden Bashar al Assad to take further actions to solidify his power. The withdrawal of American presence from Syria also bolsters two other adversaries to the United States, Iran and Russia. As you are aware, both Iran and Russia have used the Syrian conflict as a stage to magnify their influence in the region. Any sign of weakness perceived by Iran or Russia will only result in their increased presence in the region and a decrease in the trust of our partners and allies. Your administration must not repeat the same mistakes that previous administrations have made and concede to these bad actors. In conclusion, we encourage you to reconsider your proposal to withdraw U.S. forces from Syria to ensure that our nation's strategic interests are secured. Sincerely,\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.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/on-the-senate-floor-shaheen-highlights-the-danger-of-the-presidents-decision-to-withdraw-troops-from-syria", "On the Senate Floor, Shaheen Highlights the Danger of the President\u2019s Decision to Withdraw Troops from Syria", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On the Senate Floor, Shaheen Highlights the Danger of the President's Decision to Withdraw Troops from Syria \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tDecember 20, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\n**You can watch Shaheen's remarks in full HERE**\r\n(Washington, DC)  Last night, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) joined Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) on the Senate floor to highlight the danger of the President's decision to withdraw troops from Syria. Shaheen stressed that pulling out of Syria is premature based on what she saw on the ground earlier this year, and emphasized that U.S. leadership is essential to completely defeating ISIS and bringing an end to the horrific violence in Syria.\r\nSenator Shaheenvisited Syria in Julyduring a bipartisan congressional delegation with Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), meeting with military personnel to view the gains made by U.S. security forces and their partners, and the need for a comprehensive strategy to end the violence in the region and provide stabilization support.\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/shaheen-calls-on-trump-administration-to-stop-pushing-health-insurance-plans-that-weaken-pre-existing-condition-protections", "Shaheen Calls on Trump Administration to Stop Pushing Health Insurance Plans That Weaken Pre-Existing Condition Protections", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Shaheen Calls on Trump Administration to Stop Pushing Health Insurance Plans That Weaken Pre-Existing Condition Protections \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tDecember 20, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t**New Administration guidance encourages states to promote junk health plans that lack protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions and would increase costs for millions of Americans**\r\n(Washington, DC)  Today, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Mark Warner (D-VA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Ben Cardin (D-MD), led a group of 38 Senators, including U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH), in calling on the Trump Administration to withdraw recent changes that makes it easier for states to promote junk plans. These health care plans typically lack protections for people with pre-existing conditions and would increase costs for millions of Americans. Under the Administration's new guidance, states can use federal subsidies to pay for these subpar plans by utilizing a section of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) intended to give states additional flexibility to implement targeted improvements that expand coverage, reduce costs and provide more comprehensive benefits. The Senators argue that the Administration is improperly using Section 1332 to allow states to do the exact opposite.\r\nWe have serious concerns they will increase health care costs for millions of consumers while weakening protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions. In light of substantive concerns that we have with the impact on patients, and procedural concerns that we have with the manner in which these significant policy changes have been promulgated, we ask that you immediately withdraw this guidance and re-engage with stakeholders, states, and Congress, said the Senators in a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Seema Verma, and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin.\r\nThe Senators made it clear these actions did not reflect Congress' intent in creating the 1332 waiver program, stating the Administration's recent guidance significantly changes enforcement of these four important guardrails, undermining Congressional intent and posing a significant risk to consumers that now have affordable and comprehensive health coverage.\r\nAdditionally the proposed changes, which were outlined in guidance provided by the Administration and a discussion paper released a few months back, will allow states to increase out-of-pocket maximums and reduce the value of coverage, weaken essential health benefits, and implement changes that increase health care costs for the majority of beneficiaries if a state can demonstrate costs will be lower for some.\r\nWe ask that you immediately withdraw this guidance and work with us and other stakeholders on policies that maintain protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions and improve affordability, concluded the Senators.\r\nIn October, Senators forced a vote in the Senate on a discharge petition that would have blocked the Trump Administration's rule to expand junk insurance plans. The measure was supported by 50 Senators, including one Republican. Ultimately, the petition did not receive the simple majority needed to pass the Senate and send it to the U.S. House of Representatives.\r\nIn addition to Senators Shaheen, Warner, Baldwin, Cardin and Hassan, the letter was signed by Senators Tom Carper (D-DE), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Coons (D-DE), Bob Casey (D-PA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Gary Peters (D-MI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ed Markey (D-MA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Patty Murray (D-WA), Angus King (I-ME), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jack Reed (D-RI), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Doug Jones (D-AL), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Tom Udall (D-NM), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-NV), and Brian Schatz (D-HI).\r\nThe full text of the letter can be found here and below.\r\nThe Honorable Seema Verma\r\nSecretary  \r\nU.S. Department of Health and Human Services \r\n200 Independence Avenue, SW \r\nWashington, DC 20201 \r\n\r\nThe Honorable Alex Azar \r\nSecretary \r\nU.S. Department of Health and Human Services  \r\n200 Independence Avenue, SW \r\nWashington, DC 20201 \r\n\r\nThe Honorable Steven Mnuchin\r\nSecretary\r\nU.S. Department of the Treasury\r\n1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW\r\nWashington, DC 20220\r\n\r\nDear Secretary Azar, Administrator Verma and Secretary Mnuchin:\r\nWe write to express concern with the Administration's October 22 guidance and November 29 discussion paper on new options for states pursuing a Section 1332 waiver under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). The new guidance and discussion paper promote health plans that lack protections for people with pre-existing conditions and low-income families enshrined in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) guidance released in 2015 and adopt new principles that were not envisioned by Congress. We have serious concerns they will increase health care costs for millions of consumers while weakening protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions. In light of substantive concerns that we have with the impact on patients, and procedural concerns that we have with the manner in which these significant policy changes have been promulgated, we ask that you immediately withdraw this guidance and re-engage with stakeholders, states, and Congress.\r\nSection 1332 of the ACA gives states additional flexibility to implement state-specific improvements that expand coverage, reduce costs and provide more comprehensive benefits. In fact, Congress enacted so-called guardrails that waiver proposals must meet in order for the Secretary to approve them. Specifically, waivers must ensure 1) health coverage is at least as comprehensive as it would be under the ACA, 2) cost-sharing and premiums are as affordable as they would be under the ACA, 3) the number of individuals with coverage remains comparable to the number of individuals covered under the ACA, and 4) the waiver does not increase the Federal deficit.\r\nThe Administration's recent guidance significantly changes enforcement of these four important guardrails, undermining Congressional intent and posing a significant risk to consumers that now have affordable and comprehensive health coverage. The waiver concepts, published after the release of the recent guidance, suggests that the Secretary will permit states to use Federal subsidies for the purchase of short-term, limited-duration (STLDI) junk plans that do not meet Federal patient protections. The new guidance will also allow states to count junk plans as health insurance when determining how many individuals are enrolled in coverage.\r\nThis change will allow states to enroll more individuals in subpar plans that do not offer essential health benefits such as mental health care, maternity care, prescription drug coverage or substance use disorder treatment. Additionally, these subpar plans can discriminate against individuals with pre-existing conditions, older Americans and women by excluding these essential benefits. These plans may also charge certain customers more for their coverage, deny coverage entirely, impose annual and lifetime limits on care, and other anti-consumer practices. This use of federal tax dollars for subpar, often deceptively-marketed insurance that barely provides coverage at all is completely unacceptable.\r\nIt is important to note that hospitals, insurers, patient groups and independent health experts have all agreed that the increased use of these junk plans will increase the cost of health care coverage for many Americans, undercut protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions and erode stability in the health insurance markets.\r\nIn addition to the increased use of junk plans, the discussion paper makes clear that the Secretary will also give states more flexibility to increase out-of-pocket maximums and reduce the value of coverage, weaken essential health benefits, and implement changes that increase health care costs for those who need it most if a state can demonstrate costs will be lower in the aggregate. We have serious concerns about how these changes will impact the quality and affordability of coverage, especially for vulnerable sub-populations.\r\nFurthermore, we are concerned that this guidance may exceed the Secretary's legal authority by not requiring Congressional approval to changeexisting law and by subverting the full notice and comment rule-making process. The guidance violates the statute by allowing states to provide access to instead of provision of affordable and comprehensive coverage to at least the same number of residents. It also redefines health insurance to include plans that lack the ACA's consumer protections. In addition, by forgoing Congressional approval and the rule-making process the Administration has excluded an opportunity for public comment from millions of Americans and other stakeholders that will be impacted by these changes. In contrast, the Department finalized the 2015 guidance only after taking into account feedback from stakeholders and experts. The Department finalized this new guidance immediately, without getting any vital input from affected stakeholders.\r\nFor these reasons, we ask that you immediately withdraw this guidance and work with us and other stakeholders on policies that maintain protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions and improve affordability. Thank you for your consideration of our letter and we look forward to your response.       \r\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/shaheen-hassan-and-kuster-applaud-666k-grant-to-support-manufacturing-growth-in-winchester", "Shaheen, Hassan & Kuster Applaud $666K Grant to Support Manufacturing Growth in Winchester", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Shaheen, Hassan & Kuster Applaud $666K Grant to Support Manufacturing Growth in Winchester \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tDecember 20, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t(Washington, DC)  U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) today applauded the announcement of $666,000 from the Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) to the Winchester Economic Development Corporation to establish a manufacturing-focused industrial park. This funding will be used to make infrastructure investments that are necessary to establish the 24-acre first phase of a 55-acre manufacturing-focused industrial park and will create an estimated 243 jobs and $19 million in private investment in the region.\r\nInfrastructure investments are critical to our economic growth, and I'm very pleased to announce this federal grant that will help create jobs and boost Winchester's manufacturing base, said Shaheen, who has consistently advocated for this funding. This is an important investment that will lead to significant long-term economic gains throughout the region, and I will continue to fight for resources that support economic development projects throughout New Hampshire.\r\nI am thrilled to announce this federal funding from the Department of Commerce to support Winchester Economic Development Corporation in its efforts to expand manufacturing in the Granite State, which will in turn, stimulate job creation and help boost our economy, said Hassan. I look forward to watching this project develop over the coming years, and in the meantime, I'll keep fighting to expand economic opportunity for hard-working Granite Staters and to ensure that our innovative businesses have the strong workforce they need to thrive.\r\nThis grant is great news for Winchester and the Monadnock Region as a whole, said Kuster. Upgrading the infrastructure to support the expansion of manufacturing in Winchester will boost economic competitiveness, create jobs, and lure more businesses to the area. I look forward to continuing to support economic growth in communities throughout the state to ensure that New Hampshire is the envy of New England and the country.\r\nWe are extremely excited about the investment the Economic Development Administration is making here in Winchester, says Mark Tigan, the Chair of the Winchester Economic Development Corporation. This commitment from our federal partners, as well as the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund here in New Hampshire, has opened the door to significant growth in Winchester's manufacturing sector. This EDA grant is the culmination of several years of work and full cooperation from the Town of Winchester. We have lots of hard work in front of us, but we're excited to get started.\r\nThe Board of Selectmen are very excited for this economic opportunity, said Winchester's Board of Selectmen. We also applaud the WEDC for their hard work and dedication, and most notably, the Chairman Mark Tigan. The Town is honored to be chosen for this much needed economic boost.\r\nWe are inspired by Winchester Economic Development Corporation's efforts and vision to create an industrial park that will attract manufacturing businesses to Winchester, said the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund.We look forward to working together to advance our shared mission to create quality jobs in the region.\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.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/shaheen-statement-on-the-resignation-of-secretary-mattis-", "Shaheen Statement on the Resignation of Secretary Mattis", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Shaheen Statement on the Resignation of Secretary Mattis  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tDecember 20, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t(Washington, DC)  U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a member of the Armed Services Committee and the only woman serving on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement in response to the resignation of General James Mattis as Secretary of Defense.\r\nOur nation owes a debt of gratitude to Secretary Mattis for his long distinguished career of service to our nation, and I'm very disappointed that he will no longer be serving within this administration, said Shaheen. I also have appreciated his attentiveness to concerns that I've raised related to national security and issues important to New Hampshire. Secretary Mattis has been a voice of reason, drawing from his deep knowledge of the threats our nation faces. I fear that Secretary Mattis' departure from this administration will lead to more erratic and reckless decision-making by the Commander in Chief. I am deeply concerned about our national security and the state of our fundamental strategic alliances, and I hope the President will take Secretary Mattis' parting words to heart. The President's foreign policy, which is so often announced by tweets, is undermining our nation's standing in the world. The course we are on is unsustainable. \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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/shaheens-nh-provisions-to-support-granite-state-farmers-and-rural-communities-signed-into-law-in-farm-bill-", "Shaheen\u2019s NH Provisions to Support Granite State Farmers and Rural Communities Signed Into Law in Farm Bill", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Shaheen's NH Provisions to Support Granite State Farmers and Rural Communities Signed Into Law in Farm Bill  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tDecember 20, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t**Bill Includes Shaheen's Bipartisan Legislation to Revitalize America's Forest Economy & Support the Development and Delivery of Oilheat Technology**\r\n**Shaheen Successfully Adds Provision to Reauthorize the NBRC for 5 years and Expand its Reach to Additional New Hampshire Counties, including Cheshire and communities in Belknap**\r\n(Washington, DC)  U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) issued the following statement after the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018  the Farm Bill  was signed into law. The legislation passed both chambers of Congress with bipartisan support and includes critical measures to protect small farmers, fight hunger and strengthen the future of small towns and rural communities.\r\nThe Farm Bill includes significant New Hampshire priorities secured by Senator Shaheen, including bipartisan legislation that would extendthe authorization of the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC)for five years and make additional reforms to encourage business retention and expansion in Northern New Hampshire and other distressed communities of the Northern Forest region. Additionally, Shaheen's bipartisan bill with Senator Susan Collins (R-ME)  the Community Wood Energy Innovation Act of 2018  was also included as a provision in the Farm Bill. Their legislation incentivizes investments in energy-efficient wood energy systems and supports facilities that repurpose low-grade, low-value wood that would otherwise be sent to landfills. Shaheen and Collins also included a bipartisan measure to reauthorize the widely supportedNational Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) for 10 years. NORA is a vital program that funds the development of improved and efficient oilheat technology to increase safety and reduce consumer costs.The Farm Bill further invests an additional $100 million for Dairy Risk Coverage, which will improve the safety net for New Hampshire's dairy farmers. Perhaps most critically, the bill maintains current funding for the Sustainable Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), protecting working families in New Hampshire and across the nation from experiencing food insecurity.\r\nThe Farm Bill prioritizes crucial programs that invest in New Hampshire and the region, including the reauthorization and expansion of the Northern Border Regional Commission, and it preserves food assistance programs, like SNAP benefits, that Granite Staters depend on, said Shaheen. SNAP is a lifeline for so many across the country, and I will continue to fight to defend this program.\r\nAlthough I am frustrated that this bill does not include reform to wasteful subsidy programs, I am pleased to see it signed into law with funding to support New Hampshire's economy, Shaheen continued. Critically, this law reauthorizes the National Oilheat Research Alliance for ten years, which will support small businesses and consumers who rely on home heating oil technologies, and includes my legislation to support the adoption of energy-efficient wood energy systems, which will invest in rural energy needs and help create jobs in the North Country. New Hampshire dairy farmers continue to face challenges, and this law includes protections to support them as well. I'm very glad to see this bill signed into law and will keep working across the aisle to advance legislation that invests in New Hampshire's economy and supports Granite State families.\r\nSHAHEEN PRIORITIES INCLUDED IN THE 2018 FARM BILL:\r\nNBRC Reauthorization\r\nBecause of Shaheen's bipartisan legislation, and with support from Representative Annie Kuster (NH-02), the NBRC will be expanded to provide economic development to additional counties in New Hampshire, and will allow the NBRC to attract businesses from outside the United States as well as devote additional resources to encourage renewable energy development in the region. Through Shaheen's NBRC provision, up to $38 million could be devoted to improving economic development in the region, an $8 million increase from the previous funding authorization. Additionally, Shaheen's legislation will improve the region's capacity for high-impact community economic development projects. The reauthorization bill will establish a state capacity building grant program that will help develop projects that support business retention and expansion, access to high-speed broadband, critical infrastructure development and job creation throughout the region.\r\nThe NBRC provides critical support throughout Northern New Hampshire and has funded grants that spur economic and community development in North Country.In July, the New Hampshire delegation announced that the NBRC will fund fifteen infrastructure and community development projects in New Hampshire, totaling nearly $3 million of federal investments to the state in Fiscal Year 2018. Representative Kuster introduced the Northern Border Regional Commission Reauthorization Act of 2017 in the House of Representatives. Senator Shaheen has long advocated for the NBRC, and introduced herbipartisan reauthorization legislation, which Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) cosponsored,in March. As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Shaheen helpedsecure $20 million for NBRC in the fiscal year (FY) 2019 funding bill, which is the largest allocation given to the program since its creation in 2008. The funding bill also included Shaheen's language ensuring that NBRC funds be directed to communities impacted by forest product plant closures.\r\nRevitalizing America's Forest Economy\r\nSenator Shaheen's bipartisan legislation with Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), the Community Wood Energy Innovation Act of 2018, would reauthorize and reform the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Community Wood Energy Program (CWEP) to better support rural economies and help keep private forests intact at a time when landowners are under constant pressure to develop their forestlands. The Shaheen-Collins bill would expand eligibility for CWEP to include private entities and create markets for low-grade wood by providing $25 million in annual funding to support capital investment, through matching grants, in facilities and systems that use these materials. The legislation will prioritize projects in areas with the greatest impact on local forests and those with limited access to natural gas, where this low-grade wood can be used for advanced wood heating. The Community Wood Energy Program expires at the end of 2018.\r\n10-Year Reauthorization of the Oilheat Program\r\nShaheen's 10-year NORA reauthorization will extend industry support for the research, development and deployment of new, efficient oilheat technologies. Additionally, it will remove uncertainty associated with repeated short-term reauthorizations and spur investments from NORA partners to create longer-term innovative programs that deliver greater benefits to consumers. Oilheat is used in 6.3 million homes and serves more than 16 million Americans across the country. Since NORA's establishment in 2001, oilheat consumers have saved nearly $600 per year by using more efficient technologies and practices developed by the program. Shaheen has been asteadfast advocatefor NORA and included bipartisan legislation in the2014 Farm Billthat renewed the program and reformed its mission to better benefit consumers, increase safety through technician training and strengthen the industry commitment to NORA without raising consumer costs.\r\nSupport for Dairies\r\nThe final version of the bill improves coverage options for dairy farmers and refunds millions in payments farmers made to USDA from 2015-2017. The bill also includes discounted premiums that benefit small dairy farms. Senator Shaheen has been a champion for New Hampshire dairy farmers, and worked to secure changes to the federal dairy support program in response to the alarming closures of many New Hampshire dairy farms. The Dairy Margin Coverage program is a federal program intended to be a safety net for farmers facing falling milk prices and rising production costs. During a September visit to Stuart Farm, Shaheen met with farmers and local stakeholders to discuss the federal dairy program, as well as other priorities for the dairy farming community in the Farm Bill.\r\nProtecting the Sustainable Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)\r\nThe final bill fully protects federal nutrition programs.The bipartisan bill rebuffs the attempts of House Republicans to cut funding for the Sustainable Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and maintains the current work requirements in the program.Senator Shaheen opposed an amendment that would have placed severe restrictions on SNAP recipients, and the amendment was not included in the final version of the legislation. In New Hampshire, 92,000 residents received SNAP benefits in FY17  seven percent of the state's population. More than 46 percent of recipients were in working families and approximately 70 percent of recipients were in families with children.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/at-committee-hearing-kuster-questions-secretary-wilkie-on-failure-of-va", "At Committee Hearing, Kuster Questions Secretary Wilkie on Failure of VA to Utilize all Available Resources to Prevent Veteran Suicide", "2018-12-19", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The full video can be watched HERE\n(Washington, DC)  Today, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02), a member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee and the lead Democrat on the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, questioned Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie about a recent GAO report that found a dramatic decline in spending on outreach to veterans about suicide prevention programs. The VA estimates that 20 veterans commit suicide every day.\nI'm outraged that efforts to make veterans aware about programs that can support them in times of crisis and prevent suicide have declined, said Kuster. The tragically high rate of veteran suicide is a stain on our conscience and we must do everything possible to help save lives. Today I heard a commitment from Secretary Wilkie to prioritize this crisis, but sadly this report shows a steady decline in veteran outreach since 2016 that has not been addressed under his tenure. I stand ready to hold VA leadership to their commitment to address this issue. Lives depend on it.\nThe full report is available here.\nIn October, Kuster helped introduce the Enhancing Veterans Experience with Telehealth Services Act (eVETS), bipartisan legislation to improve access to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment via telemedicine. The bill seeks to remove barriers that stand in the way of vital, evidence-based treatments for veterans with PTSD.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/nh-delegation-urges-administration-to-work-with-nh-fish-game-to-support", "NH Delegation Urges Administration to Work with NH Fish & Game to Support NH Public Lands", "2018-12-19", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, DC)  U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Congresswomen Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01) and Annie Kuster (NH-02) sent a letter to Acting Chief of the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Vicki Christiansen, and Acting Director of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS), Margaret Everson, today, urging them to meet with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department to discuss potential funding options to cover federal land management costs that have fallen to states and local entities.\nThe delegation wrote, We write to bring your attention to concerns raised by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department regarding the rising cost of federal land management to states and other parties. In order to address these concerns, we request that officials from the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) meet with representatives from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department to discuss ways in which the federal government and state partners can work together to improve the efficacy and efficiency of federal land management, including opportunities for additional support for law enforcement activities in the White Mountain National Forest (WMNF) and FWS lands.\nIn their letter, the delegation notes that USFS and FWS manage approximately 13.8 percent of the entire land mass of New Hampshire, but much of the responsibility for daily activities on this land, including outdoor recreation, law enforcement and search and rescue operations, falls to state and local agencies like the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. According to the Department, 47 percent of all search and rescue operations in the state take place on federally owned lands, placing a significant burden on the self-funding agency.\nMoreover, the delegation notes that the USFS already provides reimbursements to the Coos and Grafton county sheriff's departments in New Hampshire for patrols of the WMNF during the summer season and encourages the agencies to evaluate the feasibility of making similar arrangements with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.\nThe delegation concluded the letter, We recognize that the USFS and FWS work diligently to maintain our nation's public lands and support the outdoor recreation economy. Further cooperation with state agencies and local partners will only bolster those efforts. To ensure that New Hampshire public lands remain safe and accessible to Granite Staters and visitors from around the country, we urge you to meet with officials from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department to discuss funding options.\nThe full letter is available here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/nh-delegation-urges-administration-to-work-with-nh-fish-and-game-to-support-nh-public-lands", "NH Delegation Urges Administration to Work with NH Fish & Game to Support NH Public Lands", "2018-12-19", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "NH Delegation Urges Administration to Work with NH Fish & Game to Support NH Public Lands \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tDecember 19, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t(Washington, DC)  U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Congresswomen Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01) and Annie Kuster (NH-02) sent a letter to Acting Chief of the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Vicki Christiansen, and Acting Director of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS), Margaret Everson, urging them to meet with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department to discuss potential funding options to cover federal land management costs that have fallen to states and local entities.\r\nThe delegation wrote, We write to bring your attention to concerns raised by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department regarding the rising cost of federal land management to states and other parties. In order to address these concerns, we request that officials from the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) meet with representatives from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department to discuss ways in which the federal government and state partners can work together to improve the efficacy and efficiency of federal land management, including opportunities for additional support for law enforcement activities in the White Mountain National Forest (WMNF) and FWS lands.\r\nIn their letter, the delegation notes that USFS and FWS manage approximately 13.8 percent of the entire land mass of New Hampshire, but much of the responsibility for daily activities on this land, including outdoor recreation, law enforcement and search and rescue operations, falls to state and local agencies like the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. According to the Department, 47 percent of all search and rescue operations in the state take place on federally owned lands, placing a significant burden on the self-funding agency.\r\nMoreover, the delegation notes that the USFS already provides reimbursements to the Coos and Grafton county sheriff's departments in New Hampshire for patrols of the WMNF during the summer season and encourages the agencies to evaluate the feasibility of making similar arrangements with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.\r\nThe delegation concluded the letter, We recognize that the USFS and FWS work diligently to maintain our nation's public lands and support the outdoor recreation economy. Further cooperation with state agencies and local partners will only bolster those efforts. To ensure that New Hampshire public lands remain safe and accessible to Granite Staters and visitors from around the country, we urge you to meet with officials from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department to discuss funding options.\r\nThe full letter is available here.\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/shaheen-statement-on-president-trumps-decision-to-withdraw-troops-from-syria", "Shaheen Statement on President Trump\u2019s Decision to Withdraw Troops from Syria", "2018-12-19", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Shaheen Statement on President Trump's Decision to Withdraw Troops from Syria \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tDecember 19, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t(Washington, DC)  U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a member of the Armed Services Committee and the only woman serving on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement in response to the President's decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria.\r\nThe President's decision to withdraw troops from Syria is dangerous, premature and wholly inconsistent with the facts on the ground in Syria and our military's advice, said Shaheen. I have traveled to Syria and know firsthand that our military has performed well beyond expectations. I am very concerned that an ill-informed and hasty withdrawal of troops will not only breathe new life into ISIS and other terrorist groups, but it will also cede America's hard-fought gains in the region to Russia, Iran and Assad. I would urge President Trump to speak to his military and diplomatic advisors before implementing this short-sighted decision. Ultimately, the President must understand that U.S. leadership is essential to completely defeating ISIS and bringing an end to the horrific violence in Syria, which has put enormous pressure on our allies.\r\nSenator Shaheen visited Syria in July during a bipartisan congressional delegation with Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), meeting with military personnel to view the gains made by U.S. security forces and their partners, and the need for a comprehensive strategy to end the violence in the region and provide stabilization support. Shaheen's legislation establishing a Syria Study Group to recommend additional ways forward to address the Syrian conflict was signed into law in October as part of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization. Shaheen's provision will establish a bipartisan panel to complete a comprehensive strategic review of America's policy in Syria.\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://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-delivers-holiday-cards-for-heroes-to-granite-state-veterans", "Kuster Delivers Holiday Cards for Heroes to Granite State Veterans", "2018-12-18", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Kuster meeting with a veteran at the NH Veterans Home\nHigh resolution versions of these photos are availablehere and here.\n(Tilton and Manchester, NH) Today, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) delivered student-made holiday cards to residents of the New Hampshire Veterans Home in Tilton and to patients at the Manchester VA Medical Center as part of her sixth annual Holiday Cards for Heroes program.\nIt was wonderful to bring some holiday cheer to Granite State veterans today, said Kuster. The men and women who serve our nation in uniform have sacrificed so much for us. It's great to meet with students to discuss the meaning of service and the importance of recognizing the contributions veterans have made to our state and country. These beautiful handmade cards are just one small way we can expressour gratitude to New Hampshire veterans.\nYesterday, Congresswoman Kuster visited with students at Windham Center School and New Searles School in Nashua to discuss creating cards and the importance of honoring veterans for the sacrifices they have made. Students at Fisk Elementary School, Pelham Elementary School, Groveton Elementary School and Mildred C. Lakeway Elementary School also created cards for this year's program. \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/shaheen-statement-on-passage-of-bipartisan-criminal-justice-reform-bill-a-giant-step-towards-a-fairer-justice-system-in-this-country", "Shaheen Statement on Passage of Bipartisan Criminal Justice Reform Bill: A Giant Step Towards a Fairer Justice System in this Country", "2018-12-18", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Shaheen Statement on Passage of Bipartisan Criminal Justice Reform Bill: A Giant Step Towards a Fairer Justice System in this Country \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tDecember 18, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t(Washington, DC)  U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) issued the following statement after voting in favor of legislation that passed the Senate 87-12 to reform the federal criminal justice system, known as the First Step Act.\r\nThis bipartisan legislation is a giant step towards a fairer justice system in this country, said Shaheen. For far too long, over incarceration has led to recidivism, poverty and broken communities, undermining, rather than contributing to, our public safety. This legislation will better ensure that prison sentences fit the crime and will encourage participation in rehabilitation programming, including substance abuse treatment and job training. I'm very pleased that this landmark legislation was passed with a strong bipartisan vote, once again demonstrating that when politics is set aside, the Senate can make real and lasting progress for the American people. I urge the House to move expeditiously and pass this legislation to ensure it is sent to the President's desk.\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://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-statement-on-texas-court-ruling-in-gop-lawsuit-against-the", "Kuster Statement on Texas Court Ruling in GOP Lawsuit Against the Affordable Care Act", "2018-12-15", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Concord, NH - Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) released the following statement on the ruling by a federal judge in Texas against the Affordable Care Act:\nThis misguided and partisan ruling threatens access to healthcare for tens of thousands of Granite Staters and millions of Americans who rely on the protections enshrined in the Affordable Care Act. We cannot go back to a time when people with pre-existing conditions can be denied care. Medicaid expansion has helped more than 50,000 people in New Hampshire access healthcare and has been crucial in our fight against the opioid epidemic. All that would be in jeopardy under this ruling. I will continue to fight to improve access to healthcare for people in New Hampshire and across the country. Republicans have made destroying the ACA the centerpiece of their agenda for years and we cannot let up in our defense of access to quality, affordable healthcare for all Americans.  \n\t\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/shaheen-statement-on-texas-court-decision-to-strike-down-affordable-care-act", "Shaheen Statement on Texas Court Decision to Strike Down Affordable Care Act", "2018-12-15", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Shaheen Statement on Texas Court Decision to Strike Down Affordable Care Act \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tDecember 15, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t(Washington, DC)  U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) issued the following statement after a Texas judge ruled on a partisan lawsuit from Republican Attorneys General striking down the entire Affordable Care Act:\r\n\"The recklessness of this ruling can't be overstated, as it puts the health care of millions of Americans and tens of thousands of Granite Staters in jeopardy,\" said Shaheen. \"The American people overwhelmingly support the Affordable Care Act, and it is disgraceful that partisans, led by the Trump administration, have yet to abandon their insidious efforts to undermine health care coverage that Americans depend on for essential care. While we await further rulings on this case, it is important that the public is aware that, for the time being, the Affordable Care Act still remains the law of the land, and the deadline to sign up for coverage during the open enrollment periodends tonight at midnight. I will continue to do everything in my power to expand health care access and affordability, and urge Republican leadership to finally work across the aisle to achieve these goals.\"\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kuster.house.gov/congress-in-your-corner/catching-up-with-annie/delivering-for-granite-state-farmers-and-families", "Delivering for Granite State farmers and families", "2018-12-14", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nInvesting in Agriculture and Rural Development\nOn Monday, I joined my colleagues on the House Farm Bill Conference Committee in signing the Farm Bill, which includes critical investments for agriculture and rural development in New Hampshire. I was proud to help secure provisions in the final Farm Bill that the Senate and the House passed this week that will strengthen the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) and expand the reach of the program. The NBRC has a proven track record of supporting rural development projects that are having a positive impact in northern parts of New Hampshire. This bill will provide long-term certainty for New Hampshire farmers and support communities throughout the Granite State, and I look forward to it being signed into law.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSigning the Conference Committee Farm Bill\n\t\t\t\n\t\tLeading by Example to Combat Sexual Violence\nI'm pleased the House and Senate were able to come together and enact long-overdue reforms to sexual harassment policies in Congress. In the #MeToo era, Democrats and Republicans alike are committed to advancing legislation that addresses the scourge of sexual violence and harassment across our nation. In order to do so effectively, we must lead by example and be an institution and workplace where survivors' allegations are taken seriously and promptly adjudicated. This bill is an important first step in reaching that goal, but much more work remains. I look forward to continuing to tackle these issues head-on when the new Congress convenes in January.\nEnding U.S. Involvement in Yemen\nOn Wednesday, I voted against a measure to prevent the House of Representatives from taking up legislation to address U.S. involvement in the civil war in Yemen. The heartbreaking situation in the country is a stain on the conscience of the world. Yemen is a humanitarian disaster and Congress should speak in one voice to condemn efforts that are killing countless Yemenis and dooming millions more to famine. I'm outraged that House Republicans voted to prevent Congress from taking steps to end this crisis, but I'm pleased the Senate did the opposite and said loudly and clearly that the U.S. should end its military support for Saudi military operations in the war. It is a step in the right direction, and I will keep working to help end this atrocity once and for all.\nRestoring Confidence in the Business Community\nLast Friday, I brought together Democrats and Republicans to call on House leadership to institute a one-year moratorium on the implementation of an online sales tax for small businesses, which was put forth in the South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc. Supreme Court decision in June. An online sales tax would subject New Hampshire small businesses to more than 9,000 separate tax jurisdictions across the country, and a one-year moratorium on collections would ensure that small business owners and workers will have time to fully comply with the law and remove uncertainty within the business community.\nHere to Serve You\nAs your Representative, my most important responsibility is assisting Granite Staters when they need help with federal agencies. I was contacted by Mark Quinlan of Amherst, who had an issue of concern regarding his Medicare coverage. My staff worked with the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services and the Social Security Administration and helped resolve Mark's situation. If my office may help with a problem you are experiencing, please reach out to my staff at 603-226-1002 so we can learn how we may help.\nI encourage you to continue reaching out to my office with any questions, concerns or ideas you have. I love hearing from you! Thank you for all your wonderful contributions to our great state, and I hope you enjoy your weekend.\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/shaheen-hassan-and-shea-porter-announce-37-million-for-lead-based-paint-hazard-reduction-in-manchester-", "Shaheen, Hassan & Shea-Porter Announce $3.7 Million for Lead Based Paint Hazard Reduction in Manchester", "2018-12-14", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Shaheen, Hassan & Shea-Porter Announce $3.7 Million for Lead Based Paint Hazard Reduction in Manchester  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tDecember 14, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t(Washington, DC)  U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01) today announced $3,694,854 from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for lead based paint hazard reduction in Manchester. This funding will allow the City of Manchester to perform healthy home assessments and address lead hazards in 180 housing units to ensure the safety and security of low and very low-income families with children.\r\nThe presence of lead based paint continues to pose a very serious health threat, particularly to children, and we need to make sure resources are provided to protect families, said Shaheen, who led a letter advocating for this funding as a senior member of the Senate Appropriations committee. I am very pleased to announce this grant that will help Manchester mitigate this hazard to low-income families.\r\nFor hard-working Granite Staters to succeed they must have a safe, stable, and healthy place to call home, and this federal funding to address lead hazards will help some of Manchester's most vulnerable families, said Hassan.\r\nAll children have a right to live in a safe environment, but lead-based paint, found in many of New Hampshire's older homes, still threatens the health of too many children, said Shea-Porter. I am pleased that the Department of Housing and Urban Development has awarded the City of Manchester nearly $3.7 million to address lead paint in older homes.\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/shaheen-urges-forest-service-to-institute-competition-to-explore-new-uses-for-mass-timber", "Shaheen Urges Forest Service to Institute Competition to Explore New Uses for Mass Timber", "2018-12-14", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Shaheen Urges Forest Service to Institute Competition to Explore New Uses for Mass Timber \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tDecember 14, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t(Washington, DC)  Yesterday, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and a bipartisan group of lawmakers called on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to support an award program for educational institutes who explore new potential uses for mass timber. In a letter the Senators point to the previous success of similar programs through USDA and the U.S. Forest Service, and highlight that the innovative solutions developed through a potential competition would help create a stronger and healthier forest products market all while improving the environment.\r\nIn 2015, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and the USDA had tremendous success in bringing attention to the potential use of wood in tall buildings with the first U.S. Tall Wood Building Prize Competition. We believe an award program utilizing an educational institution is an ideal next step to teach and demonstrate to the next generation of decision-makers, engineers, architects, planners and builders the benefits of mass timber,wrote the Senators.Mass timber technology can help colleges and universities across the nation achieve their sustainability goals. Stronger markets create an incentive for landowners to ensure forest land is managed sustainably to reduce wildfire risk and help maintain a high monetary value for timber. Further, mass timber use at our nation's colleges and universities has the additional benefit of supporting wood product markets at the local level.\r\nSenator Shaheen haslong advocatedfor America's forests and initiatives that would survey and repurpose biomass forclean energy initiatives. Earlier this week, both Chambers of Congress passed the bipartisan Farm bill that includes Shaheen's Community Wood Energy Innovation Act, bipartisan legislation with Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) that incentivizes investments in energy-efficient wood energy systems and supports facilities that repurpose low-grade, low-value wood that would otherwise be sent to landfills. In February, Shaheen introduced the Forest Incentives Program Act,legislation that wouldprovide incentives for private forest owners to improve and maintain sustainable forest management and for non-residential building owners to use less energy-intensive products, such as wood, as building materials.\r\nThe letter was signed by U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME), Susan Collins (R-ME), James Risch (R-ID), Tina Smith (D-MN), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Roger Wicker (R-MS).\r\nThe full letter is availableHERE, and text of the letter can be found below:\r\nThe Honorable Sonny Perdue\r\nSecretary\r\nU.S. Department of Agriculture\r\n1400 Independence Ave., S.W.\r\nWashington, DC 20250\r\nDear Secretary Perdue:\r\nWe write today to express our appreciation of the USDA's efforts to promote innovative wood uses, and to support a mass timber competition for institutions of higher education. Such a competition will not only provide opportunities for our future decision makers to utilize a remarkable new material, but also help create a stronger and healthier forest products market all while improving the environment. Colleges and universities are also well adept at leveraging seed money with other public and private funds, and could therefore make very efficient use of a federal mass timber competition award.\r\nIn 2015, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and the USDA had tremendous success in bringing attention to the potential use of wood in tall buildings with the first U.S. Tall Wood Building Prize Competition. We believe an award program utilizing an educational institution is an ideal next step to teach and demonstrate to the next generation of decision-makers, engineers, architects, planners and builders the benefits of mass timber.\r\nMass timber technology can help colleges and universities across the nation achieve their sustainability goals. Stronger markets create an incentive for landowners to ensure forest land is managed sustainably to reduce wildfire risk and help maintain a high monetary value for timber. Further, mass timber use at our nation's colleges and universities has the additional benefit of supporting wood product markets at the local level.\r\nWe appreciate the assistance the USDA has provided thus far, and look forward to working with you on making the mass timber higher education competition a success.\r\nSincerely,\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-backs-bicameral-agreement-to-improve-sexual-harassment-policies", "Kuster Backs Bicameral Agreement to Improve Sexual Harassment Policies in Congress", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, DC)  Today, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02), the founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Task Force to End Sexual Violence, announced her support for a bipartisan agreement on reforms to the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995. Following the resignations of more than a half-dozen members of Congress over sexual misconduct allegations, Rep. Kuster worked with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to help introduce legislation that establishes much-needed improvements to how sexual harassment is combatted on Capitol Hill. The final agreement will require lawmakers to reimburse the Treasury Department when they reach financial settlements or awards with those who accuse them of harassment or retaliation, and mandate that those settlements be made public so voters will be informed about the conduct of their elected officials. It also eliminates mandatory mediation and cooling off periods for accusers, expands access to telework and paid leave for those recovering from assault or harassment, and extends critical protections to unpaid staff such as interns and fellows.\nI am pleased that the House and Senate are able to come together and enact these long overdue reforms before the end of the year, said Kuster. In the #MeToo era, Democrats and Republicans alike are committed to advancing legislation that addresses the scourge of sexual violence and harassment across our nation. In order to do so effectively, we need to lead by example. The United States Congress must be an institution and a workplace where survivors' allegations are taken seriously and promptly adjudicated. And American taxpayers must never again have to pay for the inappropriate behavior of lawmakers who settle harassment claims against them. This bill is an important first step but much more work remains. I look forward to continuing to tackle these issues head-on when the new Congress convenes in January.\nCongresswoman Kuster has long been a champion for survivors of sexual and domestic violence, sharing her ownpersonal experiencesinvolving sexual assault on the House floor and joining with 17 other Members of Congress toread Emily Doe's open letterdescribing her attack and ensuing trial  which marked the first time a victim's statement has been read in full in the House chambers. The Bipartisan Task Force to End Sexual Violence works to raise awareness and propose solutions to the challenges posed by sexual assault and released their first legislative agenda this summer. The Task Force's areas of focus include: K-12 education, campus sexual violence, the rape kit backlog, military sexual trauma, improved data and collection, online harassment, and law enforcement training. The Senate passed the congressional anti-harassment legislation today and it is now awaiting action in the House. It will then be advanced to the President's desk.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/shaheen-hassan-call-for-ferc-commissioner-mcnamees-recusal-from-future-business-involving-potential-subsidization-of-coal-and-nuclear-plants", "Shaheen, Hassan Call for FERC Commissioner McNamee\u2019s Recusal from Future Business Involving Potential Subsidization of Coal and Nuclear Plants", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Shaheen, Hassan Call for FERC Commissioner McNamee's Recusal from Future Business Involving Potential Subsidization of Coal and Nuclear Plants \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tDecember 13, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tShaheen Has Led Efforts in the Senate to Improve Transparency at the FERC\r\nWashington, D.C. U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) sent a letter with a group of 15 Senators yesterday, calling for Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Commissioner Bernard McNamee to recuse himself from any future business at FERC involving the potential subsidization of coal and nuclear plants. In their letter, the Senators expressed concerns regarding Mr. McNamee's actions in his previous role at the Department of Energy (DOE) in developing and filing a rule to subsidize failing coal and nuclear plants, as well as his recent public comments implying bias against renewable energy technologies. As one of the lead agencies responsible for developing energy infrastructure and ensuring reliability of the electric grid, FERC has ultimate jurisdiction over the rates and services of the wholesale electricity markets and natural gas pipeline siting and permitting.\r\nWe are concerned about positions you have taken, both while serving as the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Deputy General Counsel for Energy Policy and in the private sector,the Senators wrote. These positions and statements suggest a lack of independence and an inappropriate predisposition on a number of topics likely to be involved in proceedings that will come before you in your new role as a FERC Commissioner.\r\nThe Senators continued, Moving forward, and particularly as FERC considers matters related to grid resilience and reliability, we urge you to remain true to your commitment to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources to be fair, objective, and impartial' and to work with your colleagues to fulfill (FERC's) mission to ensure just and reasonable rates under the law.' With that in mind, we urge you to recuse yourself from any future FERC proceedings where your impartiality could be questioned based upon your past statements, positions, or work on the DOE NOPR.\r\nIn addition to Senators Shaheen and Hassan, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Angus King (I-ME), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Ed Markey (D-MA).\r\nA copy of the letter can be foundhere.\r\nShaheen has led efforts in the Senate to reform the FERC to be more transparent and to better help private citizens who participate in the agency's proceedings. Last year, Shaheen reintroduced the Public Engagement at FERC Act, which Senator Hassan cosponsored. The bill would create an Office of Public Participation and Consumer Advocacy at the FERC to help residential and small commercial energy consumers in participating in FERC proceedings, ensuring the public has a strong role in shaping the nation's energy future.\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.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/shaheen-murkowski-lead-bipartisan-letter-urging-cdc-and-atsdr-to-prioritize-studies-on-health-effects-of-firefighters-exposure-to-pfas", "Shaheen, Murkowski Lead Bipartisan Letter Urging CDC and ATSDR to Prioritize Studies on Health Effects of Firefighters\u2019 Exposure to PFAS", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Shaheen, Murkowski Lead Bipartisan Letter Urging CDC and ATSDR to Prioritize Studies on Health Effects of Firefighters' Exposure to PFAS \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tDecember 13, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nShaheen Established the First-ever Nationwide PFAS Health-Impact Study in the FY2018 Defense Bill\r\nWashington, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) led a bipartisan group of 21 Senators in a letter to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), requesting that the agencies take additional steps to ensure that the health effects of occupational exposure to per-and polyfluoralkyl substances (PFAS), particularly in firefighters, are sufficiently studied.\r\nSenator Shaheen established the first-ever nationwide PFAS health impact study in the fiscal year (FY) 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which will be conducted by ATSDR. Shaheen and Murkowski's letter is in response to ATSDR Director Patrick Breysse's announcement that firefighters will not be included in the ATSDR study. Firefighters, both military and civilian, work in environments that have higher exposure to PFAS, which are found in firefighting foam.\r\nThe Senators wrote, As you are aware, PFAS chemicals are a byproduct of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF), a fire suppressant agent, and have been linked to a number of adverse human health effects. The potential ties between PFAS and various forms of cancer are of particular concern to military and civilian firefighters across the country who may have experienced long-term occupational exposure to PFAS due to the use of AFFF in firefighting and fire training exercises. Several studies, including a multi-year study completed by CDC's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), indicate that firefighters are at a higher risk of cancer compared to the general population in the U.S.\r\nBoth NIOSH and ATSDR operate under the CDC. The PFAS health impact study, which was established by Shaheen in Section 316 of the NDAA, allows for the agencies to investigate the human health effects of PFAS contamination through a number of exposure pathways, including those encountered by firefighters. However earlier this year, ATSDR announced that firefighters would not be included in the study. In their letter, the Senators request that the agencies ensure future studies investigating the potential health effects from PFAS exposure include firefighters and others who are more likely to come into contact with contamination in an occupational setting.\r\nThe Senators concluded their letter, writing, Firefighters are a vital component of our nation's emergency response system and risk their lives to protect the communities they serve. There is a critical need to better understand how PFAS workplace exposure among firefighters may affect the health of these heroes and their families.\r\nThe letter can be read in full here.\r\nThe letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tom Udall (D-NM), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Tom Carper (D-DE), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Jack Reed (D-RI), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Patty Murray (D-WA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Bob Casey (D-PA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Michael Bennet (D-CO).\r\nSenator Shaheen has prioritized efforts in Congress to uncover the potential health effects from exposure to emerging contaminants. In addition to establishing and funding the PFAS health-impact study for FY2018, Shaheen worked toinclude an additional $10 million for the second year of the health-impact study, which she authorized in the FY2019 NDAA andappropriated in the defense funding legislation that was signed into law in September. Shaheen also worked to include specific language in the FY2019 defense bill that streamlines the process of transferring funds from DOD to ATSDR, to facilitate the funding process of the study going forward.\r\nSenator Shaheen recently joined a bipartisan group of Senators to introduce legislationthat would hold federal agencies accountable to address PFAS contamination at military bases around the country. This bipartisan bill continues Shaheen's work on PFAS exposure research as it specifically relates to service members and veterans, who are in environments that have higher exposure to these chemicals. In April,Senator Shaheen worked with Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) to introduce the PFAS Registry Act, which would create a national database for service members and veterans experiencing health problems potentially due to PFAS exposure. The bill would allow military personnel and veterans to receive updates on recent scientific developments on the effects of PFAS exposure and information on what resources may be available to address their health concerns.\r\nSenator Murkowski and Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) introduced the Firefighter Cancer Registry Act, legislation to create a national cancer registry for firefighters diagnosed with the deadly disease. The legislation was signed into law in July 2018.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/shaheen-successfully-amends-and-helps-pass-bipartisan-resolution-ending-us-support-for-saudi-arabia-in-yemen-civil-war", "Shaheen Successfully Amends and Helps Pass Bipartisan Resolution Ending U.S. Support for Saudi Arabia in Yemen Civil War", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Shaheen Successfully Amends and Helps Pass Bipartisan Resolution Ending U.S. Support for Saudi Arabia in Yemen Civil War \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tDecember 13, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nShaheen speaks at a bipartisan press conference Wednesday on the need for Congress to hold Saudi Arabia accountable for human rights abuses.\r\n**Shaheen successfully amended the resolution that passed the Senate today to prohibit resumption of refueling of Saudi coalition aircraft in Yemen civil war**\r\n(Washington, DC)  U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) issued the following statement after the Senate passed a bipartisan resolution that ends U.S. military support for the Saudi-led coalitions involvement in the civil war in Yemen. Senator Shaheen successfully amended this resolution with legislation introduced with Senators Todd Young (R-IN), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Chris Coons (D-DE) that prohibits the resumption of U.S. air refueling of Saudi coalition aircraft engaged in the civil war in Yemen.\r\nThis resolution sends a clear message to Saudi leadership and the world, that the United States Senate, on a strong bipartisan basis, stands firmly on the side of human rights and democratic values, said Shaheen. The civil war in Yemen is the worst humanitarian disaster in the world and every effort must be made to use our nation's substantial leverage to bring a cessation to the violence. My bipartisan amendment refutes the administration's cynical certification to Congress which stated that Saudi violence is in compliance with U.S. and humanitarian interests in the region, and clearly prohibits a resumption of refueling support for the Saudi coalition. Going forward, there is much work yet to be done to deliver legislation to the president's desk to hold Saudi leadership accountable, including measures that respond to the brutal murder of Jamal Khashoggi.\r\nOn April 11, these same Senatorsintroduced Senate Joint Resolution 58(S.J.Res.58)and then worked to include a version of that legislation in the annual defense bill signed into law by President Trump.Section 1290of theJohn S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (P.L. 115-232)requires the Secretary of State to submit written, detailed, and unclassified certifications related to the efforts of the governments of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to end the civil war, alleviate the humanitarian crisis, and protect civilians.If the Secretary of State cannot make these certifications, the law prohibits the U.S. from refueling Saudi coalition aircraft conducting missions exclusively focused on the civil war.\r\nSenators Shaheen and Youngwrote an op-edcalling for a credible submission from the Secretary of State.When the Secretary of State submitted a questionable certification to Congress pursuant to Section 1290, the same Senators and otherswrote Secretary Pompeoand asked for a clarification.\r\nOn November 9,following months of pressure, the administrationannouncedthe suspension of U.S. refueling of Saudi coalition aircraft in Yemen. However, nothing prevents the resumption of that refueling support.The Shaheen-Young-Collins-Coonsamendment would prohibit the resumption of U.S. refueling support for missions not related to al Qaeda and associated forces.\r\nThe Shaheen-Young-Collins-Coons amendment can be found here.\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-nominates-26-new-hampshire-students-for-service-academies-0", "Kuster Nominates 26 New Hampshire Students for Service Academies", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, DC) - Today, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) announced that she has nominated 26 New Hampshire students for admission to four United States Service Academies. Of the 26 students, eight were nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy, seven to the U.S. Military Academy, ten to the U.S. Air Force Academy, and one to the U.S. Merchant Marines Academy.\nIt's an honor to nominate these bright and hardworking Granite Staters to our national service academies, said Congresswoman Kuster. These young men and women display remarkable patriotism and a strong sense of duty to serve our country. I'm excited for what lies ahead for them, and I know they will make our nation and state proud. \nThe full list of students is included below.\nU.S. Naval Academy\nJ. Hudson T. Arce, Dunbarton\nCassidy Dufour, Amherst\nGriffin Johnson, Hanover\nRichard Lyons, Plymouth\nBenjamin Morris, Salem\nJacob Ricci, Brookline\nJustin P. Smith, Cornish Flat\nWyatt Switzer, Marlborough\n\nU.S. Military Academy\nBrooke Dembkoski, Salem\nJohn Lynch, Hanover\nThayer H. Maughan, Hopkinton\nCooper T. Otis, Hopkinton\nJohnathan D. Routhier, Dunbarton\nAshley Ulricson, Ashland\nArielle S. Zlotnick, Amherst\n\nU.S. Air Force Academy\nJoshua M. Calzadillas, Nashua\nEthan Danielson, New Boston\nNicholas Knapp, Pittsburg\nSean Klaessig, Peterborough\nLaurel Klawes, Allenstown\nMatthew Lashua, Nashua\nAndre Laplante, Nashua\nOwen MacMillan, Hollis\nRyan Santoro, Nashua\nKira Wood, Pittsfield\n\nU.S. Merchant Marines Academy\nSamuel Stiles, Berlin\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-statement-on-republican-effort-to-shut-down-debate-on-yemen", "Kuster Statement on Republican Effort to Shut Down Debate on Yemen Resolution", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, DC)  Today, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) voted against a measure that will prevent the House of Representatives from taking up legislation to address the U.S. involvement in the civil war in Yemen. The rule proposed by Republicans in the House was passed and will prevent action on legislation addressing the war in Yemen until the new Congress.\nThe heartbreaking situation in Yemen is a stain on the conscience of the entire world, said Kuster. Yemen is a humanitarian disaster and Congress should speak in one voice to condemn efforts that are killing countless Yemenis and dooming millions more to famine. Children are starving to death in front of the eyes of the world. This cannot continue. Saudi efforts in Yemen are contributing to this crisis with support from the United States. We can no longer be complicit in this war that threatens to further destabilize the Middle East with one of the worst humanitarian crises of the 21st Century. I'm outraged that Republicans would prevent Congress from taking steps to end the death and destruction in Yemen.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://shea-porter.house.gov/media/press-releases/shea-porter-statement-house-passage-bipartisan-farm-bill", "Shea-Porter Statement on House Passage of Bipartisan Farm Bill", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Carol Shea-Porter", "S001170", "shea-porter.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01) today released the following statement after voting yes' on the bipartisan Farm bill, which now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law.\nI am pleased that the House and Senate have agreed to a bipartisan farm bill that includes critical New Hampshire priorities. For over a year, House Republicans have held up this bill because they have insisted on taking away nutrition support from millions of Americans who rely on these benefits to feed their families. I am pleased that these harmful provisions were not included in the final bill. The Farm Bill reauthorizes the Northern Border Regional Commission, which generates important economic activity in our state and which grows our workforce. Furthermore, this bill supports our farmers and makes critical investments that will benefit our rural communities, such as expanded access to broadband. I urge the president to sign this bill without delay.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/on-senate-floor-shaheen-highlights-the-corrosive-influence-of-dark-money-in-politics", "On Senate Floor: Shaheen Highlights the Corrosive Influence of Dark Money in Politics", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On Senate Floor: Shaheen Highlights the Corrosive Influence of Dark Money in Politics \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tDecember 12, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\n**Shaheen Urges Colleagues to Take Action to Overturn the Trump Administration's Rule that Would Open Up Our Elections to Even More Secret Spending**\r\n**Watch Shaheen's remarks in fullhere**\r\n(Washington, DC)  Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) spoke on the Senate floor highlighting the corrosive influence of dark money in politics and urging her colleagues to overturn a recent Trump administration rule that would increase the amount of dark money allowed in the political process. Following Shaheen's floor remarks, the Congressional Review Act resolution to overturn this rule, which Shaheen cosponsored, passed the Senate 50-49. Shaheen underscored how the Trump administration's actions would open up our political system to hundreds of millions more dollars in secret political spending.\r\nSince the Supreme Court's decision in Citizens United our political system has been flooded  absolutely flooded  with money from special interest groups, said Shaheen, noting that, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, independent expenditures on campaigns went from $203 million in 2010, the year of the Citizens United decision, to $1.48 billion in 2016. This is a massive influx of money into our elections that undermines the confidence of the American people in our political system. It creates an environment that is ripe for corruption and inappropriate influence, and it sows further disenchantment among the electorate and impacts participation in our democracy. It allows voters to believe that their voices are less important than businesses with a bigger checkbook.\r\nShaheen underscored the risks of the Trump administration's rule, noting The change risks impeding law enforcement efforts to track money laundering in our political system and it makes it more likely that foreign money will illegally influence our elections. Under this new rule, organizations that made over $197 million in independent expenditures during the 2016 election cycle would now be exempt  totally exempt  from disclosing who those donors were to the IRS. The door will now be open to hundreds of millions more in dark money from secret groups with hidden agendas trying to buy an election with money and influence.\r\nThese dark money groups have increased in size and scope since the Citizens United decision as they have recognized the opportunity to influence elections with no accountability, continued Shaheen, noting that we have already seen how malicious actors at home and abroad can exploit the secretive campaign finance process to influence our democracy.\r\nIn closing, Shaheen urged members on both sides of the aisle to take action, noting that Congress has a duty to ensure the integrity and security of our electoral process. We've got to eliminate dark money contributions as we do this. Dark money has a corrosive influence in our democratic process because it erodes trust in our institutions. It distorts the motives of our elected representatives, and perhaps most important, the American people have a right to know if the candidates they choose to represent them are supported by foreign groups and shady special interests.\r\nShaheen has led efforts in the Senate to crack down on dark money, cosponsoring the DISCLOSE Act that would require organizations that spend money to influence elections to disclose their spending as well as their major sources of funding. Critically, this legislation would block foreign money from entering U.S. elections and ensure transparency and accountability in campaign financing.\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-signs-farm-bill-conference-committee-report", "Kuster Signs Farm Bill Conference Committee Report", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Kuster signing House Farm Bill Conference Committee Report\nA high resolution version of the photo is available here. \n(Washington, DC)  Yesterday, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02), a member of the House Agriculture Committee and a Conferee on the House Farm Bill Conference Committee, joined her Conference colleagues in signing the Farm Bill. The Conference Committee had the task of reconciling the House-passed and Senate-passed Farm Bills that reauthorize federal farm and nutrition policy. The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 includes a number of key provisions that will support Granite State agriculture, bolster rural development, and protect nutrition assistance for thousands of New Hampshire families.\n Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC): Authorized annual funding of $33 million, which is an increase of $3 million per year for 5 years. NBRC's territory is expanded to include Cheshire and Belknap counties. Includes reauthorization language from Rep. Kuster's bipartisan legislation, Northern Border Regional Commission Reauthorization Act.\n\tStrengthens Dairy Safety Net: The Conference Report repeals the flawed Margin Protection Program, and replaces it with a revamped Dairy Margin Coverage that offers flexible options and lower costs for dairy producers.\n\tSupports Veteran Farming: The Conference Report includes language from Kuster's bill Veteran and Beginning Farmers Assistance Act, which helps fund Armed to Farm programs in New Hampshire.\n\tSupports Small Organic Farms: The Conference report includes policies advanced in Rep. Kuster's Homegrown Organic Act that will support farmers that are transitioning to organic agriculture.\n\tBoosts Rural Development: Combats the opioid epidemic by authorizing USDA-Rural Development funding and authorizes $350 million per year for new broadband infrastructure.\n\tProtects Nutrition Assistance : Mandates no cuts to nutrition assistance while creating $1 billion in savings from administrative changes to avoid enrollment duplication.\n The Farm Bill is an opportunity to support our small family farmers, rural communities, and consumers, said Kuster. I'm pleased that we've been able to work together across the aisle to produce this Conference Report, which provides critical investments for American agriculture and rural economic development for our communities. This legislation will provide long-term certainty for producers who are dealing with low commodity prices and a volatile trade market. The bill also revamps the safety net for New Hampshire dairy farmers and protects access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for more than 90,000 Granite Staters. I'm excited that we've included provisions to strengthen and expand the Northern Border Regional Commission and increase funding for rural development, including new broadband infrastructure and opioid treatment and recovery. From the beginning, I urged my colleagues to work in a bipartisan manner to pass a five-year Farm Bill, and I am encouraged that we have fulfilled that obligation by working hard to find common ground.\nThe Farm Bill, which is reauthorized every five years by Congress, covers programs related to agriculture, such as nutrition, conservation, forestry, and rural development. The Farm Bill expired on September 30.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/senate-passes-farm-bill-that-includes-shaheen-kuster-provisions-to", "Senate Passes Farm Bill that Includes Shaheen-Kuster Provisions to Expand Northern Border Regional Commission to Cheshire and Belknap Counties, and Strengthen Program", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "**NBRC provisions passed the Senate along with critical NH priorities championed by Shaheen for Granite State Farmers and Rural Communities**\n**Legislation now heads to the House of Representatives to be voted on along with bipartisan provisions backed by Kuster to benefit NH**\n(Washington, DC)  U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02), a member of both the House Agriculture Committee and Farm Bill Conference Committee, secured provisions in the final 2018 Farm Bill that passed the Senate 87-13 that will strengthen the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) and expand the reach of the program. The legislation will now be voted on in the House of Representatives before heading to the President's desk to be signed into law. Because of Shaheen's bipartisan legislation, and with support from Kuster, the NBRC will be expanded to provide economic development to additional counties in New Hampshire, including Cheshire and Belknap, and will allow the NBRC to attract businesses from outside the United States, as well as devote additional resources to encourage renewable energy development in the region. Through Shaheen's NBRC provision, up to $38 million could be devoted to improving economic development in the region, an $8 million increase from the previous funding authorization.\nThe NBRC provides critical support throughout Northern New Hampshire and has funded grants that spur economic and community development in the North Country.In July, the New Hampshire delegation announced that the NBRC will fund fifteen infrastructure and community development projects in New Hampshire, totaling nearly $3 million of federal investments to the state in Fiscal Year 2018. The investments made by the NBRC have the direct impact of creating jobs, supporting community-oriented projects and attracting private investments that will help organizations and municipalities meet their funding objectives.\nThe Northern Border Regional Commission provides significant economic and community support in Northern New Hampshire and the Northern Forest region, said Shaheen. Reauthorizing and expanding this program has been a priority for me, and I am very pleased to see that the final Farm Bill includes my bipartisan legislation to expand the NBRC to additional counties in New Hampshire, and includes additional funding to create jobs and fund development projects that improve quality of life in the region. I look forward to seeing this bipartisan legislation signed into law and I will always work across the aisle to bolster this program that supports so many Granite Staters.\nThe NBRC has a proven track record of supporting rural development projects that are having a positive impact on communities in Northern parts of New Hampshire, said Kuster. I've long fought to strengthen this program and I'm thrilled that we've been able to increase funding for the NBRC and expand its reach so that more Granite State communities can benefit. I will continue to support rural development projects so that families and communities throughout New Hampshire can grow and thrive.\nAdditionally, Shaheen's legislation will improve the region's capacity for high-impact community economic development projects. The reauthorization bill will establish a state capacity building grant program that will help develop projects that support business retention and expansion, access to high-speed broadband, critical infrastructure development and job creation throughout the region. Senator Shaheen has long advocated for the NBRC, and introduced herbipartisan reauthorization legislationin March. As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Shaheen helpedsecure $20 million for NBRC in the fiscal year (FY) 2019 funding bill, which is the largest allocation given to the program since its creation in 2008. The funding bill also included Shaheen's language ensuring that NBRC funds be directed to communities impacted by forest product plant closures.\nAs a member of the Farm Bill Conference Committee and Agriculture Committee, Kuster advocated for the inclusion of language to strengthen and expand the Northern Border Regional Commission and has been a leader in the effort to protect the NBRC,which was singled out for elimination in President Trump's budget proposal. Kuster has introduced bipartisan legislation, theNorthern Border Regional Commission Reauthorization Act,to continue funding for the NBRC for five years. The NBRC has funded numerous projects championed by Kuster including economic development in downtown Claremont, constructing a new treatment facility at Bethlehem's Friendship House, and improving water infrastructure in Bethlehem, Colebrook and Whitefield, among others.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/senate-passes-farm-bill-that-includes-shaheen-kuster-provisions-to-expand-northern-border-regional-commission-to-cheshire-and-belknap-counties-and-strengthen-program", "Senate Passes Farm Bill that Includes Shaheen-Kuster Provisions to Expand Northern Border Regional Commission to Cheshire and Belknap Counties, and Strengthen Program", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senate Passes Farm Bill that Includes Shaheen-Kuster Provisions to Expand Northern Border Regional Commission to Cheshire and Belknap Counties, and Strengthen Program \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tDecember 11, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t**NBRC provisions passed the Senate along with critical NH priorities championed by Shaheen for Granite State Farmers and Rural Communities**\r\n**Legislation now heads to the House of Representatives to be voted on along with bipartisan provisions backed by Kuster to benefit NH**\r\n(Washington, DC)  U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02), a member of both the House Agriculture Committee and Farm Bill Conference Committee, secured provisions in the final 2018 Farm Bill that passed the Senate 87-13 that will strengthen the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) and expand the reach of the program. The legislation will now be voted on in the House of Representatives before heading to the President's desk to be signed into law. Because of Shaheen's bipartisan legislation, and with support from Kuster, the NBRC will be expanded to provide economic development to additional counties in New Hampshire, including Cheshire and Belknap, and will allow the NBRC to attract businesses from outside the United States, as well as devote additional resources to encourage renewable energy development in the region. Through Shaheen's NBRC provision, up to $38 million could be devoted to improving economic development in the region, an $8 million increase from the previous funding authorization.\r\nThe NBRC provides critical support throughout Northern New Hampshire and has funded grants that spur economic and community development in the North Country.In July, the New Hampshire delegation announced that the NBRC will fund fifteen infrastructure and community development projects in New Hampshire, totaling nearly $3 million of federal investments to the state in Fiscal Year 2018. The investments made by the NBRC have the direct impact of creating jobs, supporting community-oriented projects and attracting private investments that will help organizations and municipalities meet their funding objectives.\r\nThe Northern Border Regional Commission provides significant economic and community support in Northern New Hampshire and the Northern Forest region, said Shaheen. Reauthorizing and expanding this program has been a priority for me, and I am very pleased to see that the final Farm Bill includes my bipartisan legislation to expand the NBRC to additional counties in New Hampshire, and includes additional funding to create jobs and fund development projects that improve quality of life in the region. I look forward to seeing this bipartisan legislation signed into law and I will always work across the aisle to bolster this program that supports so many Granite Staters.\r\nThe NBRC has a proven track record of supporting rural development projects that are having a positive impact on communities in Northern parts of New Hampshire, said Kuster. I've long fought to strengthen this program and I'm thrilled that we've been able to increase funding for the NBRC and expand its reach so that more Granite State communities can benefit. I will continue to support rural development projects so that families and communities throughout New Hampshire can grow and thrive.\r\nAdditionally, Shaheen's legislation will improve the region's capacity for high-impact community economic development projects. The reauthorization bill will establish a state capacity building grant program that will help develop projects that support business retention and expansion, access to high-speed broadband, critical infrastructure development and job creation throughout the region. Senator Shaheen has long advocated for the NBRC, and introduced herbipartisan reauthorization legislationin March. As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Shaheen helpedsecure $20 million for NBRC in the fiscal year (FY) 2019 funding bill, which is the largest allocation given to the program since its creation in 2008. The funding bill also included Shaheen's language ensuring that NBRC funds be directed to communities impacted by forest product plant closures.\r\nAs a member of the Farm Bill Conference Committee and Agriculture Committee, Kuster advocated for the inclusion of language to strengthen and expand the Northern Border Regional Commission and has been a leader in the effort to protect the NBRC,which was singled out for elimination in President Trump's budget proposal. Kuster has introduced bipartisan legislation, theNorthern Border Regional Commission Reauthorization Act,to continue funding for the NBRC for five years. The NBRC has funded numerous projects championed by Kuster including economic development in downtown Claremont, constructing a new treatment facility at Bethlehem's Friendship House, and improving water infrastructure in Bethlehem, Colebrook and Whitefield, among others.\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/shaheen-statement-on-final-version-of-farm-bill-that-includes-critical-nh-priorities-for-granite-state-farmers-and-rural-communities", "Shaheen Statement on Final Version of Farm Bill That Includes Critical NH Priorities for Granite State Farmers and Rural Communities", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Shaheen Statement on Final Version of Farm Bill That Includes Critical NH Priorities for Granite State Farmers and Rural Communities \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tDecember 11, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t**Bill Includes Shaheen's Bipartisan Legislation to Revitalize America's Forest Economy & Support the Development and Delivery of Oilheat Technology**\r\n**Shaheen Successfully Adds Provision to Reauthorize the NBRC for 5 years and Expand its Reach to Additional New Hampshire Counties, including Cheshire and communities in Belknap**\r\n(Washington, DC)  U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) issued the following statement on the final bill text for the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018  the Farm Bill  which includes critical measures to protect small farmers, fight hunger and strengthen the future of small towns and rural communities. The final bill text was released last night after conferees from both chambers of Congress reached an agreement. The bill is expected to receive bipartisan support in both the House of Representatives and Senate before it heads to the President's desk.\r\nThe Farm Bill includes significant New Hampshire priorities secured by Senator Shaheen, including bipartisan legislation that would extendthe authorization of the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC)for five years and make additional reforms to encourage business retention and expansion in Northern New Hampshire and other distressed communities of the Northern Forest region. Additionally, Shaheen's bipartisan bill with Senator Susan Collins (R-ME)  the Community Wood Energy Innovation Act of 2018  was also included as a provision in the Farm Bill. Their legislation incentivizes investments in energy-efficient wood energy systems and supports facilities that repurpose low-grade, low-value wood that would otherwise be sent to landfills. Shaheen and Collins also included a bipartisan measure to reauthorize the widely supportedNational Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) for 10 years. NORA is a vital program that funds the development of improved and efficient oilheat technology to increase safety and reduce consumer costs.The Farm Bill further invests an additional $100 million for Dairy Risk Coverage, which will improve the safety net for New Hampshire's dairy farmers. Perhaps most critically, the bill maintains current funding for the Sustainable Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), protecting working families in New Hampshire and across the nation from experiencing food insecurity.\r\nWhile I'm frustrated at the lack of reform to wasteful subsidy programs, I'm pleased with the overall final version of the Farm bill, which prioritizes critical programs for our state and region, from reauthorizing and expanding the Northern Border Regional Commission to include additional communities in New Hampshire to preserving crucial food assistance programs that Granite State families rely on, said Shaheen. This legislation makes other additional investments that are important for Granite State small businesses, lumber mills and local farmers. By reauthorizing the National Oilheat Research Alliance for ten years, New Hampshire small businesses and consumers who utilize home heating oil technologies will finally have the certainty they need. Additionally, I'm glad that my bipartisan provision with Senator Collins to support the adoption of energy-efficient wood energy systems was also included  this will invest in rural energy needs and help create jobs in our state's forest-dependent communities in the North Country.\r\nIn closing Shaheen said, I'm particularly encouraged that these bipartisan, bicameral negotiations resulted in necessary protections for our dairy farmers, who continue to face significant obstacles due to fluctuations in the market. I'm also relieved that Senate and House negotiators blocked misguided attempts by House Republicans to restrict SNAP benefits, which help New Hampshire families and many more throughout the country. I urge Congress to move expeditiously and in a bipartisan manner on this legislation to ensure it is swiftly sent to the President's desk.\r\nSummary of New Hampshire Priorities Included in the Bipartisan Senate Farm Bill:\r\nNBRC Reauthorization\r\nBecause of Shaheen's bipartisan legislation, and with support from Representative Annie Kuster (NH-02), the NBRC will be expanded to provide economic development to additional counties in New Hampshire, and will allow the NBRC to attract businesses from outside the United States as well as devote additional resources to encourage renewable energy development in the region. Through Shaheen's NBRC provision, up to $38 million could be devoted to improving economic development in the region, an $8 million increase from the previous funding authorization. Additionally, Shaheen's legislation will improve the region's capacity for high-impact community economic development projects. The reauthorization bill will establish a state capacity building grant program that will help develop projects that support business retention and expansion, access to high-speed broadband, critical infrastructure development and job creation throughout the region.\r\nThe NBRC provides critical support throughout Northern New Hampshire and has funded grants that spur economic and community development in North Country.In July, the New Hampshire delegation announced that the NBRC will fund fifteen infrastructure and community development projects in New Hampshire, totaling nearly $3 million of federal investments to the state in Fiscal Year 2018. Representative Kuster introduced the Northern Border Regional Commission Reauthorization Act of 2017 in the House of Representatives. Senator Shaheen has long advocated for the NBRC, and introduced herbipartisan reauthorization legislationin March. As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Shaheen helpedsecure $20 million for NBRC in the fiscal year (FY) 2019 funding bill, which is the largest allocation given to the program since its creation in 2008. The funding bill also included Shaheen's language ensuring that NBRC funds be directed to communities impacted by forest product plant closures.\r\nRevitalizing America's Forest Economy\r\nSenator Shaheen's bipartisan legislation with Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), the Community Wood Energy Innovation Act of 2018, would reauthorize and reform the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Community Wood Energy Program (CWEP) to better support rural economies and help keep private forests intact at a time when landowners are under constant pressure to develop their forestlands. The Shaheen-Collins bill would expand eligibility for CWEP to include private entities and create markets for low-grade wood by providing $25 million in annual funding to support capital investment, through matching grants, in facilities and systems that use these materials. The legislation will prioritize projects in areas with the greatest impact on local forests and those with limited access to natural gas, where this low-grade wood can be used for advanced wood heating. The Community Wood Energy Program expires at the end of 2018.\r\n10-Year Reauthorization of the Oilheat Program\r\nShaheen's 10-year NORA reauthorization will extend industry support for the research, development and deployment of new, efficient oilheat technologies. Additionally, it will remove uncertainty associated with repeated short-term reauthorizations and spur investments from NORA partners to create longer-term innovative programs that deliver greater benefits to consumers. Oilheat is used in 6.3 million homes and serves more than 16 million Americans across the country. Since NORA's establishment in 2001, oilheat consumers have saved nearly $600 per year by using more efficient technologies and practices developed by the program. Shaheen has been asteadfast advocatefor NORA and included bipartisan legislation in the2014 Farm Billthat renewed the program and reformed its mission to better benefit consumers, increase safety through technician training and strengthen the industry commitment to NORA without raising consumer costs.\r\nSupport for Dairies\r\nThe final version of the bill improves coverage options for dairy farmers and refunds millions in payments farmers made to USDA from 2015-2017. The bill also includes discounted premiums that benefit small dairy farms. Senator Shaheen has been a champion for New Hampshire dairy farmers, and worked to secure changes to the federal dairy support program in response to the alarming closures of many New Hampshire dairy farms. The Dairy Margin Coverage program is a federal program intended to be a safety net for farmers facing falling milk prices and rising production costs. During a September visit to Stuart Farm, Shaheen met with farmers and local stakeholders to discuss the federal dairy program, as well as other priorities for the dairy farming community in the Farm Bill.\r\nProtecting the Sustainable Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)\r\nThe final bill fully protects federal nutrition programs.The bipartisan bill rebuffs the attempts of House Republicans to cut funding for the Sustainable Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and maintains the current work requirements in the program.Senator Shaheen opposed an amendment that would have placed severe restrictions on SNAP recipients, and the amendment was not included in the final version of the legislation. In New Hampshire, 92,000 residents received SNAP benefits in FY17  seven percent of the state's population. More than 46 percent of recipients were in working families and approximately 70 percent of recipients were in families with children.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/shaheen-statement-on-nomination-of-general-mark-milley-to-serve-as-next-chairman-of-the-joint-chiefs-of-staff", "Shaheen Statement on Nomination of General Mark Milley to Serve as Next Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff", "2018-12-08", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Shaheen Statement on Nomination of General Mark Milley to Serve as Next Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tDecember 08, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t(Washington, DC)  U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement in response to President Trump's announcement that he'll nominate Army Chief of Staff Mark Milley to serve as the next Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, succeeding General Joseph Dunford.\r\nGeneral Milley has had an outstanding military career and is well respected by U.S. and world leaders, which makes him well suited to be nominated for this esteemed position,said Shaheen. I've had the opportunity to speak with General Milley a number of times, in my capacity as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and on issues related to New Hampshire's role in our national defense, and I've always appreciated his commitment to delivering meaningful responses. I look forward to his nomination hearing and to discussing concerns related to U.S. military readiness and how he'll address these issues as our nation's top military advisor.\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kuster.house.gov/congress-in-your-corner/catching-up-with-annie/honoring-service-0", "Honoring Service", "2018-12-07", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nMourning a HumblePublic Servant\nThis week, Americans mourned the loss of former President George Herbert Walker Bush, who never tired in his dedication to our nation and his fellow Americans. From his heroic service during World War II to his time as Commander in Chief, he always put country first and is an example of a truly humble public servant. It was moving topay my respectsto President Bush as he lay in state in the Capitol Rotunda on Tuesday, and I was honored to attend his funeral at the National Cathedral on Wednesday, where I heard touching words and warm memories from his many friends and family. My parents hosted Mr. and Mrs. Bush at their home in New Hampshire on several occasions and I recall fondly the kindness and humor they both displayed. My heart goes out to the entire Bush family, who while grieving at this difficult time can be incredibly proud of the enduring legacy left by their beloved patriarch.\n\t\tAt the National Cathedral for President George H.W. Bush's funeral\n\t\tRemembering Pearl Harbor\nI was honored to join veterans and their families this morning to give remarks at the Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Commemoration Ceremony at the New Hampshire Veterans Home. Seventy-seven years ago, our country was shocked and saddened by the horrific attack that took place at Pearl Harbor. We will never forget the valor and patriotism of the more than 2,300 sailors, soldiers and civilians who died on that terrible day, and we will forever honor the sacrifice of all our service members and their families.\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tAt the NH Veterans Home Pearl Harbor Commemoration Ceremony\n\t\t\t\n\t\tStrengthening Workforce and Educational Opportunities\nIt was great to see Congressman-Elect Chris Pappas and education and business leaders at the New Hampshire College and University Council's (NHCUC) Forum on the Future in Manchester this morning, where I gave remarks on the deep connection between higher education and small business in the Granite State. I'm excited to continue my work in the new Congress to strengthen our workforce and educational opportunities in New Hampshire.\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tAt the NH College and University Council's Forum on the Future\n\t\t\t\n\t\tIncreasing Accountability in Government\nI'm proud to join with my colleagues and Democracy Reform Task Force leader, Congressman John Sarbanes, to unveilH.R. 1, a package of legislation on voting rights, campaign finance and ethics reforms. We must increase accountability for elected officials, get dark money out of politics, and restore confidence in government. The American people deserve meaningful reform.\nHere to Serve You\nAs your Representative, my most important responsibility is supporting Granite Staters when they need help with federal agencies. I was contacted by Robin Munson of Amherst, who had an issue of concern regarding a representative fee owed to her by the Social Security Administration (SSA). My staff worked with SSA and helped resolve Robin's situation. If my office may be of assistance with a problem you are experiencing, please reach out to my staff at 603-226-1002 so we can learn how we may help.\nAs always, please do not hesitate to reach out to any of my offices if you have questions, concerns, or ideas. I love hearing from you! Thank you for everything you do to make New Hampshire such a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. Have a great weekend!\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-leads-bipartisan-call-to-prevent-online-sales-tax-for-small", "Kuster Leads Bipartisan Call to Prevent Online Sales Tax for Small Businesses", "2018-12-07", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, DC)  Today, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) has brought together both Democrats and Republicans to call for a one-year moratorium on the implementation of an online sales tax for small businesses. The bipartisan call to Speaker Ryan and Leader Pelosi outlines the serious consequences the implementation of an online sales tax would have on small businesses in New Hampshire and across the country. The letter, signed by Representatives Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01), Don Young (AK-AL), Peter A. DeFazio (OR-04), Greg Gianforte (MT-AL) and Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), also highlights the importance of a moratorium so that Congress can consider ways to permanently protect small businesses. An online sales tax would subject New Hampshire small businesses to more than 9000 separate tax jurisdictions across the country.\nAs the House of Representatives works towards the conclusion of the 115th Congress, we request that any end-of-year legislation include a one-year moratorium for small businesses to collect and remit sales taxes as a result of the June 2018 South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc. Supreme Court decision, wrote the members. This decision has put a tremendous strain on small businesses across the country and has given them, in some cases, only six months to collect taxes from over 9,000 tax jurisdictions in the United States. The inclusion of a one-year moratorium on collections would ensure that small business owners and workers will have time to fully comply with the law and remove uncertainty within the business community.\nKuster is a cosponsor of H.R. 6824, the Online Sales Simplicity and Small Business Relief Act, bipartisan legislation that would include an exemption for small businesses that generate less than $10 million in annual U.S. online sales. Kuster has been avocal opponent of effortsto impose an online sales tax andjoined a briefurging the Supreme Court to reject South Dakota's effort to impose sales tax across state lines.\nThe full text of the letter is available here and below.\n\nDecember 7, 2018 \n\nThe Honorable Paul Ryan The Honorable Nancy Pelosi\nSpeaker Minority Leader\nHouse of Representatives  House of Representatives\nH-232, U.S. Capitol  H-204, U.S. Capitol\nWashington, D.C. 20510  Washington, D.C. 20510\n\nDear Speaker Ryan and Leader Pelosi,\nAs the House of Representatives works towards the conclusion of the 115th Congress, we request that any end-of-year legislation include a one-year moratorium for small businesses to collect and remit sales taxes as a result of the June 2018 South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc. Supreme Court decision. This decision has put a tremendous strain on small businesses across the country and has given them, in some cases, only six months to collect taxes from over 9,000 tax jurisdictions in the United States. The inclusion of a one-year moratorium on collections would ensure that small business owners and workers will have time to fully comply with the law and remove uncertainty within the business community.\nAs a result of the Supreme Court decision, states have established new laws and regulations that will provide guidelines for small businesses on how to collect sales tax from out-of-state businesses. With some states imposing implementation dates as soon as January 1, 2019, small businesses have been given only six months to comply with this new tax collection regime which is labor intensive and costly for many small businesses that operate on thin margins. Furthermore, this transition will take place during the middle of the holiday season where both brick and mortar and online retailers see an influx of business.\nPrior to the South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc. decision, several pieces of legislation were introduced in Congress that considered the enactment of an internet sales tax. Most notably, the Marketplace Fairness Act and Remove Transactions Parity Act both included a delayed phase-in period to ensure that small businesses had time to fully comply and understand the new tax environment they were operating in. We believe that the enactment of a one-year collection moratorium would reflect these policies and provide small businesses with a realistic time frame to be complaint. A moratorium would also give Congress the time to assess the need to provide permanent relief for small businesses from the misguided Wayfair ruling.\nIn addition to this short time frame, some states may attempt to seek retroactive tax collection which would create more red tape for small business owners and reduce their bottom line. Small online retailers have unique challenges when it comes to expanding their businesses, and a retroactive tax would impair their ability to grow and create jobs. We believe that a statutory ban on retroactive state sales tax collection would provide much needed certainty for small businesses.\nThank you for your consideration of this matter, and we look forward to working with you to provide small businesses across America with certainty as we enter the busy holiday season. \nSincerely,\n Ann McLane Kuster\nMember of Congress \n\nDon Young Carol Shea-Porter\nMember of Congress  Member of Congress\n\nPeter A. DeFazio  Greg Gianforte\nMember of Congress  Member of Congress\n\nSuzanne Bonamici\nMember of Congress\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://shea-porter.house.gov/media/press-releases/shaheen-hassan-shea-porter-announce-75m-rehabilitate-main-wharf-market-street", "Shaheen, Hassan & Shea-Porter Announce $7.5M to Rehabilitate the Main Wharf at Market Street Marine Terminal", "2018-12-07", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Carol Shea-Porter", "S001170", "shea-porter.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Helvetica}\nspan.s1 {font-kerning: none}\nspan.s2 {text-decoration: underline ; font-kerning: none; color: #0463c1}\n\t\n\n(Washington, DC)  Today, Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01) and US Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassanannounced $7,504,854 from the U.S. Department of Transportation to the Pease Development Authority, Division of Ports and Harbors (PDA-DPH) for the Main Wharf Rehabilitation and Modification Project. This funding will allow PDA-DPH to rehabilitate approximately 17,500 square feet of the Main Wharf at the Market Street Marine Terminal and return the terminal to full capacity by replacing the deteriorating wharf access bridge and decking the area between the shoreline and the back of the Main Wharf.\n\nOur economy depends on the maritime infrastructure along the Piscataqua River,said Congresswoman Shea-Porter. This grant will fund badly-needed upgrades and repairs to the Market Street Wharf. Bringing this facility back up to full capacity can't happen soon enough, and I applaud the approval of this federal funding. Without these repairs, large parts of the wharf will have to be closed. Funding for infrastructure projects needs to be a federal priority, and I hope to see a bipartisan infrastructure package move forward that creates jobs and addresses critical infrastructure needs.\n\nI'm absolutely thrilled to announce this funding to rehabilitate the Main Wharf, which is in desperate need of repairs, said Senator Shaheen. The Main Wharf's infrastructure has been deteriorating for years as a result of age and weather, jeopardizing the safety and efficiency of the cargo and freight businesses that depend on it for marine transportation. This substantial federal investment will return the terminal to its full capacity and be a boon to our Seacoast economy. I will continue to work with the administration to advocate for investments in New Hampshire's infrastructure.\n\nThis $7.5 million federal grant to repair and revitalize the main ship wharf at the Portsmouth Market Street Marine Terminal will make a huge difference for our Seacoast businesses and economy, said Senator Hassan. Both as Governor and now as Senator I've worked with the rest of our Congressional delegation to fight for this much-needed funding, and I am excited this project can now move forward.\n\n\nThis grant award is important to guarantee the future of marine transportation for the businesses in New Hampshire and the surrounding communities that depend on the shipment of products to and from the international and domestic markets, said Geno Marconi, Director of Ports and Harbors at the Pease Development Authority. The main ship wharf that handles the large ocean going vessels is old and in need of rehabilitation. The existing condition has forced a section of the wharf to be shut down, limiting the cargo activities. With this grant we plan to rehabilitate the existing wharf and make modifications to correct old design deficiencies. I want to thank Senator Shaheen for her continued support of this project.\n\nCongresswoman Shea-Porterhas sentmultiple letters to Secretary Chao advocating for this funding.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://shea-porter.house.gov/media/press-releases/shea-porter-bipartisan-group-lawmakers-oppose-trump-administration-decision", "Shea-Porter, Bipartisan Group of Lawmakers, Oppose Trump Administration Decision to Allow Seismic Testing in Atlantic Ocean", "2018-12-07", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Carol Shea-Porter", "S001170", "shea-porter.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01) joined 93 bipartisan Members of Congress in sending a letter to Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross opposing the Trump Administration's decision to allow seismic testing in the Atlantic Ocean.\n\nOpening the Atlantic to seismic testing and drilling jeopardizes our coastal businesses, fishing communities, tourism, and our national security, wrote the Members. It harms our coastal economies in the near term and opens the door to even greater risks from offshore oil and gas production down the road. Given the significant environmental and economic risks, we strongly oppose the issuance of IHA permits for companies seeking to conduct seismic testing in the Atlantic.\n\nLast year, the Trump Administration announced that it would allow drilling in the Atlantic Ocean. This week, the administration announced it would issue five Incidental Harassment Authorizations (IHAs) for Atlantic seismic airgun blasting permit applications. This seismic testing is an immediate risk to communities up and down the Atlantic. According to the Washington Post, In addition to harming sea life, acoustic tests  in which acoustic waves are sent through water 10 to 12 seconds apart to image the sea floor  can disrupt thriving commercial fisheries. In their letter, the Members note that numerous studies show seismic testing harms fisheries and marine wildlife, posing a risk to local businesses.\n\nShea-Porter, who served on the House Natural Resources Committee when the Deepwater Horizon exploratory well exploded, has been an outspoken critic of the Trump Administration's plans to allow drilling off the coat of New England. She has co-introduced legislation that would prohibit drilling off the coast of New England, and she joined the New Hampshire Congressional Delegation in urging the Trump administration not to allow drilling off the coast of New Hampshire. In February of this year, she hosted a roundtable discussion at the Seacoast Science Center to spotlight the dangers of President Trump's offshore drilling plan and how an oil spill incident could impact New Hampshire.\n\nThe full text of the letter is below:\n\nThe Honorable Wilbur Ross\nSecretary\nU.S. Department of Commerce\n1401 Constitution Avenue NW\nWashington, D.C. 20230\n\nThe Honorable Ryan Zinke\nSecretary\nU.S. Department of the Interior\n1849 C Street NW,\nWashington, D.C. 20240\n\n\nDear Secretaries Ross and Zinke:\n\nWe strongly oppose the Administration's recent decision to issue five Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) permits for companies planning to conduct seismic geological and geophysical surveys along the Atlantic coasta major step toward offshore oil and gas drilling. We urge the Department of the Interior to deny the final seismic survey permits for Atlantic geological and geophysical exploration.\n\nThese permits authorize five companies to use seismic airguns that can disturb, harm, and potentially kill not only marine mammals but also a wide range of marine life that support coastal economies from Florida to Maine. Offshore oil and gas exploration and development, the first step of which is seismic airgun testing, puts at risk coastal economies based on fishing, tourism, and recreation. Numerous studies show the detrimental impacts seismic airgun blasting has on fisheries and marine mammals, thereby affecting the catch anglers bring dockside and the revenue generated by related businesses.\n\nA 2014 study conducted off North Carolina's coast by the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Duke University and NOAA found that, during seismic surveying, the abundance of reef-fish declined by 78 percent during evening hours, a time of day when fish use of that same habitat was highest on the previous three days when seismic surveys were not being conducted. The tertiary effects of this trickle down to fishing businesses, restaurants and the visitors that flock to our coastal communities.\n\nSome proponents of opening drilling in the Atlantic make the argument that seismic airgun surveys for oil and gas deposits would allow local communities to learn more about what resources might be available. The reality is that, by law, the data obtained from seismic surveys are proprietary and only available to the oil and gas industry. The public, local government officials and even Members of Congress would not have access to the survey data. This inability to access information leaves coastal communities without the opportunity to perform substantive cost-benefit analyses for extracting oil and gas reserves off their coasts. Our constituents would be left taking on significant risk without being involved in future development decisions.\n\nWe hear from countless business owners, elected officials and residents along our coasts who recognize and reject the risks of offshore oil and gas development. More than 220 local municipalities have passed formal resolutions opposing oil and gas exploration and/or drilling in the Atlantic or Eastern Gulf. These include numerous local chambers of commerce, tourism and restaurant associations, commercial and recreational fishing associations, and the Mid-Atlantic and South Atlantic Fishery Management Councils. Nearly 2,000 local, state and federal officials, including all but two Governors of states bordering the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, have formally opposed or expressed substantial concerns about expanded offshore oil and gas development. Local chambers of commerce, tourism and restaurant associations, and an alliance representing over 43,000 businesses and 500,000 commercial fishing families strongly oppose offshore oil and gas exploration and drilling. Further, NASA, the Department of Defense, and the Florida Defense Support Task Force have also expressed concern with offshore oil and gas development threatening their ability to perform critical activities.\n\nOpening the Atlantic to seismic testing and drilling jeopardizes our coastal businesses, fishing communities, tourism, and our national security. It harms our coastal economies in the near term and opens the door to even greater risks from offshore oil and gas production down the road. Given the significant environmental and economic risks, we strongly oppose the issuance of IHA permits for companies seeking to conduct seismic testing in the Atlantic. We therefore urge the Administration not to issue final seismic airgun blasting permits for the Atlantic Ocean.\n\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/shaheen-introduces-bill-to-protect-small-businesses-from-burdensome-internet-sales-tax-collection-requirement", "Shaheen Introduces Bill to Protect Small Businesses From Burdensome Internet Sales Tax Collection Requirement", "2018-12-07", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Shaheen Introduces Bill to Protect Small Businesses From Burdensome Internet Sales Tax Collection Requirement \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tDecember 07, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tLegislation Bans Retroactive Taxation, Creates an Exemption for Small Businesses & Establishes Timeline for Businesses to Adjust to New Regulations\r\n(Washington, DC) U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a member of the Senate Small Business & Entrepreneurship Committee, introduced the Online Sales Simplicity and Small Business Relief Act with Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), the lead Democrat of the Senate Finance Committee, and Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR). The bill would prevent new red tape from being imposed on small businesses as a result of the Supreme Court ruling in South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc. This Supreme Court ruling overturned a previous precedent, and will allow states to collect sales tax from out-of-state businesses as soon as January 1st. This new burden will hurt small businesses, which do not have the resources to navigate collecting sales taxes for more than 10,000 taxing jurisdictions across the country.\r\nSpecifically, the bill would ban retroactive taxation, preventing states from imposing sales tax collection responsibilities on sellers for any sale that occurred prior to the Wayfair decision. The bill would also create an exemption for small businesses that see less than $10 million a year in total sales. Additionally, the legislation would also establish an orderly phase-in of compliance obligations, preventing states from imposing remote sales tax collection duties before January 1, 2020.\r\nForcing New Hampshire businesses to adopt and adhere to a new, complicated tax collection system, particularly as retailers approach the busiest time of the year, is entirely unfair and impractical, said Senator Shaheen. New Hampshire doesn't collect a sales tax, and our small businesses shouldn't have to bear this burden for other states. That's why this bill is so important. Congress needs to focus on empowering our small businesses by breaking down barriers that impede our entrepreneurs from succeeding. I believe this bill does just that, and I urge Senate Leadership to prioritize this important, commonsense legislation.\r\nSmall businesses in Oregon should be focused on making this holiday season their most successful one yet. Instead, owners are living in fear, said Senator Wyden. They're thinking about what jobs they might have to cut because of compliance costs and financial burdens that await their online business in the New Year. Led by Senator Shaheen, this bill protects small businesses from cash grabs by out-of-state politicians, bans retroactive tax bills and delays outrageous collection requirements. Action by Congress is the only way to give small businesses more time to prepare for this new and disastrous internet sales tax regime.\r\nWe must protect New Hampshire small businesses from the backward Supreme Court ruling that will require businesses to collect internet sales tax for other states, said Senator Hassan. This commonsense legislation would exempt small businesses making less than $10 million a year in total sales from having to collect internet sales tax, while also banning retroactive sales tax collection. I will keep fighting to preserve New Hampshire's competitive advantage that results from our lack of a sales or income tax and to defend our small businesses from unnecessary burdens that stifle economic growth.\r\nSmall business owners in Oregon should be able to focus on making their businesses a success, not forced to collect a thousand different taxes for other states, said Senator Merkley. We need to respect the will of Oregonians, and make sure our small businesses aren't ringing in the New Year by juggling burdensome new requirements. \r\nRepresentative Sensenbrenner (R-WI) recently introduced a similar bill in the House of Representatives. The text of Senator Shaheen's bill, the Online Sales Simplicity and Small Business Relief Act, is available here.\r\nLast month, Shaheen and Wyden sent a letter with Senators Merkley and Hassan, urging Senate Leadership to take action before the end of the year to protect small businesses from red tape resulting from the South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc. case. Senator Shaheen successfully led efforts to stop the Marketplace Fairness Act, which was first introduced in 2011 to impose these internet sales tax collection requirements. She previously worked with Senator Wyden and a bipartisan, bicameral group of members of Congress to file an amicus brief in theSouth Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc.case, in opposition to South Dakota's argument. The Supreme Court's dissenting opinion cites a Government Accountability Office report that was requested by Senator Shaheen detailing the burdens that a sales tax collection requirement will place on small businesses. In June, Shaheenintroduced legislation with Senator Jon Tester (D-MT)  the Stop Taxing Our Potential (STOP) Act  to overturn the Supreme Court case.\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/shaheen-statement-on-nomination-of-william-barr-to-serve-as-us-attorney-general", "Shaheen Statement on Nomination of William Barr to Serve as U.S. Attorney General", "2018-12-07", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Shaheen Statement on Nomination of William Barr to Serve as U.S. Attorney General \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tDecember 07, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t(Washington, DC)  U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), the lead Democrat of the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, issued the following statement in response to President Trump's nomination of William Barr to serve as the next U.S. Attorney General:\r\nThe position of Attorney General is critical in any administration, but that role carries significant and heightened responsibilities today, said Shaheen. From ensuring the Special Counsel's investigation can move forward without interference, to combating voter suppression and protecting fundamental human rights for our immigrant and minority communities  the role of our nation's top cop' has never been more important. I will pay careful attention to these issues as I review William Barr's record. I look forward to meeting with him to discuss a number of other key concerns, specifically continued efforts to combat the opioid and substance misuse epidemic and his commitment to maintain an independent Department of Justice.\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/shaheen-and-leahy-legislation-to-support-small-businesses-with-national-guard-and-military-reservists-passes-the-senate", "Shaheen & Leahy Legislation to Support Small Businesses with National Guard and Military Reservists Passes the Senate", "2018-12-06", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Shaheen & Leahy Legislation to Support Small Businesses with National Guard and Military Reservists Passes the Senate \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tDecember 06, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t(Washington, DC)  U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Patrick Leahy (D-VT) issued the following statements after their legislation to support small businesses with National Guard and Military Reservists unanimously passed the Senate.TheNational Guard and Reserve Entrepreneurship Act will assist small businesses when essential employees, including small business owners, are called up as part of National Guard or Reservist duties, by improving existing loan and deferral programs of the Small Business Administration (SBA) and making them more accessible. These programs include the Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan (MREIDL), a direct loan program that provides emergency working capital to small businesses to meet their obligations until operations return to normal after the essential employee is released from active duty military, and the Repayment Deferral for Active Duty Reservists (Repayment Deferral), which authorizes the SBA to work with private lenders to defer interest or loan repayment for small businesses facing similar situations.\r\nThe civilian men and women serving in our National Guard have committed to serve our country, and we need to have their backs, said Senator Shaheen. I'm very pleased that this legislation passed the Senate with bipartisan support, because it will provide much-needed assistance to entrepreneurs and small business employees who are deployed. I will continue to work across the aisle and with SBA to support these critical programs and I urge the House to pass this legislation to support our National Guard.\r\nThe citizen-soldiers of the National Guard, and the small businesses that employ them, are vital to the close-knit communities that make Vermont such a special place, said Senator Leahy, Co-Chair of the Senate National Guard Caucus. This legislation will enable entrepreneurs and small businesses affected by deployments to better take advantage of every opportunity. With Vermont National Guard soldiers currently deployed, this bill is needed now more than ever.\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/shaheen-hassan-and-shea-porter-announce-75m-to-rehabilitate-the-main-wharf-at-market-street-marine-terminal", "Shaheen, Hassan & Shea-Porter Announce $7.5M to Rehabilitate the Main Wharf at Market Street Marine Terminal", "2018-12-06", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Shaheen, Hassan & Shea-Porter Announce $7.5M to Rehabilitate the Main Wharf at Market Street Marine Terminal \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tDecember 06, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t**Senator Shaheen Has Led Years-long Funding Effort for Critical Local Infrastructure Project**\r\n(Washington, DC)  Today, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01) announced $7,504,854 from the U.S. Department of Transportation to the Pease Development Authority, Division of Ports and Harbors (PDA-DPH) for the Main Wharf Rehabilitation and Modification Project. This funding will allow PDA-DPH to rehabilitate approximately 17,500 square feet of the Main Wharf at the Market Street Marine Terminal and return the terminal to full capacity by replacing the deteriorating wharf access bridge and decking the area between the shoreline and the back of the Main Wharf.\r\nI'm absolutely thrilled to announce this funding to rehabilitate the Main Wharf, which is in desperate need of repairs, said Senator Shaheen. The Main Wharf's infrastructure has been deteriorating for years as a result of age and weather, jeopardizing the safety and efficiency of the cargo and freight businesses that depend on it for marine transportation. This substantial federal investment will return the terminal to its full capacity and be a boon to our Seacoast economy. I will continue to work with the administration to advocate for investments in New Hampshire's infrastructure.\r\nThis $7.5 million federal grant to repair and revitalize the main ship wharf at the Portsmouth Market Street Marine Terminal will make a huge difference for our Seacoast businesses and economy, said Senator Hassan. Both as Governor and now as Senator I've worked with the rest of our Congressional delegation to fight for this much-needed funding, and I am excited this project can now move forward.\r\nOur economy depends on the maritime infrastructure along the Piscataqua River, said Congresswoman Shea-Porter. This grant will fund badly-needed upgrades and repairs to the Market Street Wharf. Bringing this facility back up to full capacity can't happen soon enough, and I applaud the approval of this federal funding. Without these repairs, large parts of the wharf will have to be closed. Funding for infrastructure projects needs to be a federal priority, and I hope to see a bipartisan infrastructure package move forward that creates jobs and addresses critical infrastructure needs.\r\nThis grant award is important to guarantee the future of marine transportation for the businesses in New Hampshire and the surrounding communities that depend on the shipment of products to and from the international and domestic markets, said Geno Marconi, Director of Ports and Harbors at the Pease Development Authority. The main ship wharf that handles the large ocean going vessels is old and in need of rehabilitation. The existing condition has forced a section of the wharf to be shut down, limiting the cargo activities. With this grant we plan to rehabilitate the existing wharf and make modifications to correct old design deficiencies. I want to thank Senator Shaheen for her continued support of this project.\r\nSenator Shaheen has led efforts to fund the rehabilitation of the Wharf, advocating for the PDA-DPH since 2011 and most recently urging Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao to approve this funding in July, 2018. Senator Hassan and Congresswoman Shea-Porter both sent letters to Secretary Chao advocating for this funding as well.\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/shaheen-informs-wwii-veteran-francis-byrne-that-hell-be-awarded-purple-heart", "Shaheen Informs WWII Veteran Francis Byrne That He\u2019ll Be Awarded Purple Heart", "2018-12-06", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Shaheen Informs WWII Veteran Francis Byrne That He'll Be Awarded Purple Heart \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tDecember 06, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nSecretary of the Army Mark Esper informed Senator Shaheen of the good news in a phone call this evening which Senator Shaheen relayed to Francis Byrne\r\nSenator Shaheen's office has been working on Francis Byrne's application for a Purple Heart since August\r\n(Washington, DC)  Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, announced that World War II veteran and Manchester resident Francis Byrne will finally be awarded a Purple Heart. Francis Byrne fought in the Battle of the Bulge, and was injured in the line of duty in Belgium when he was hit by shrapnel from a landmine. Senator Shaheen's office has been relentlessly advocating for Mr. Byrne. Following a phone call today with Secretary of the Army Mark Esper, Senator Shaheen called Mr. Byrne to share the good news.\r\nFrancis Byrne is an American hero and I'm so thrilled that he will finally receive his Purple Heart for his incredible sacrifice and service, said Shaheen. I'm very grateful to Secretary Esper and his staff for working closely with my office to make this happen. I'm now working with the Secretary and his staff to arrange expedited delivery of this award to Mr. Byrne in Manchester. This Purple Heart is invaluable to Mr. Byrne and his family, and I so look forward to seeing him presented with it in the near future.\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/shaheen-leads-bipartisan-call-to-secretary-perry-to-stop-unnecessary-delays-over-weatherization-program-funding", "Shaheen Leads Bipartisan Call to Secretary Perry to Stop Unnecessary Delays Over Weatherization Program Funding", "2018-12-06", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Shaheen Leads Bipartisan Call to Secretary Perry to Stop Unnecessary Delays Over Weatherization Program Funding \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tDecember 06, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t(Washington, DC) Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) sent a bipartisan letter with Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Jack Reed (D-RI), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Chris Coons (D-DE) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) to U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry regarding delayed guidance and documentation for the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). The letter comes after the Department of Energy (DOE) missed an important deadline to deliver information concerning state allocations to WAP grantees. Persistent delays in this guidance could impact critical funding for states whose WAP programs begin in the early spring. The Weatherization Assistance Program helps lower energy costs for low-income families, seniors, veterans and individuals with disabilities by making energy efficiency modifications to their homes.\r\nThe Senators wrote, We appreciate the commitment you made on April 11, 2018, before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development to fund WAP consistent with Congressional intent and urge you to release these final guidance documents without delay.\r\nIn their letter, the Senators highlighted that Congress provided a $6 million increase in funding for WAP through the annual appropriations bill that was signed into law earlier this fall and directed the Department of Energy to distribute the funds in a timely manner. The funding bill passed by the Senate Appropriations Committee also includes provisions from the Investing in State Energy Act, bipartisan legislation introduced by Senators Shaheen, Coons, Collins and Reed, directing the Department of Energy to distribute grant awards to grantees no later than 60 days after funds are appropriated by Congress in order to prevent undue delays in distributing awards to state and local partners that implement energy initiatives.\r\nThe Senators concluded their letter, The first step in the WAP funding process is the Department's release of grant guidance and management information to assist grantees in developing state plans for the upcoming program year. In the enclosed memorandum dated September 25, 2018, DOE announced that this guidance was to be released on November 30, 2018. As of the date of this letter, DOE has failed to release these guidance documents or state allocations for FY 2019. We urge DOE to release the FY 2019 WAP guidance and state allocations no later than December 7, 2018, in order to avoid unnecessary delays in services to low-income families and seniors who rely on the energy savings from this program.\r\nDavid Terry, Executive Director of the National Association of State Energy Officials, representing the 56 state and territory governor-designated energy directors, stated,We greatly appreciate the bipartisan support of the Senators and the leadership of Senator Shaheen. Moving Weatherization Assistance Program funding in a timely manner, as Congress intended, to the states to assist low-income Americans, the elderly, veterans and other vulnerable Americans in lowering their home heating and cooling energy costs, is critical to meeting basic human needs in every state.\r\nJenae Bjelland, Executive Director of the National Association of State Community Services programs, representing the State WAP Directors in all 50 States, DC, and 5 US territories, said, The WAP has weatherized over 7.4 million homes since its inception in 1976, lowering energy bills and allowing families to buy other essentials like food, education, and healthcare. Timely release of guidance and funding ensures that critical services reach the energy burdened, low-income families in need across our country. We are thankful for Senator Shaheen's leadership and Congress' support on this important issue.\r\nSenator Shaheen has been a fierce advocate for the Weatherization Assistance Program. For more than 40 years, the Department of Energy's assistance programs, WAP and the State Energy Program (SEP), have provided technical and financial assistance to states, tribal governments and U.S. territories to encourage the adoption of clean energy and energy efficiency practices and technologies. WAP enables families, seniors, veterans and individuals with disabilities to improve the energy efficiency of their homes, freeing up limited resources for other essentials like food and medicine.\r\nEarlier this year, Senator Shaheen, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, worked to include nearly $2.4 billion for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), including $254 million for WAP, in funding legislation signed into law in September.\r\nThe Senators' letter can be read in full here.\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-statement-following-funeral-services-for-president-george-hw-bush", "Kuster Statement Following Funeral Services for President George H.W. Bush", "2018-12-05", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, DC)  Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) released the following statement after attending funeral services for President George H.W. Bush in Washington, DC:\nToday's services were a beautiful tribute to President George H.W. Bush. I was moved by the touching words and warm memories of his many friends and family. His life was one well lived and dedicated to his family and country. My parents hosted Mr. and Mrs. Bush at their home in New Hampshire on several occasions and I recall fondly the kindness and humor they both displayed. President George H.W. Bush's decades of public service cemented an enduring legacy. I join New Hampshire and the whole country in expressing my gratitude for all that he did for our nation and world.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/12/04/2018/shaheen-nominates-granite-state-students-for-united-states-service-academies", "Shaheen Nominates Granite State Students for United States Service Academies", "2018-12-04", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Shaheen Nominates Granite State Students for United States Service Academies \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tDecember 04, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t(Washington, DC)  U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) has nominated 38 New Hampshire students to the United States Service Academies. The nominees will next be considered by the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Naval Academy and West Point for appointment to the Class of 2023.\r\nYear after year, I am impressed by the spirit of patriotism that inspires so many young Granite Staters to apply to attend our country's four military academies. This year's nominees embody that spirit and have dedicated themselves to their studies in the pursuit of service to our nation, said Shaheen. I am so proud of these students for their commitment to serve our great nation, and it is a privilege to nominate them to the U.S. Service Academies.\r\nThe full list of students nominated by Senator Shaheen is below. More information on the nomination process for interested applicants can befound here.\r\nU.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA)\r\nDavid Brackett, Somersworth\r\nAbigail Garey, Brentwood\r\nEric Joyal, Manchester\r\nLaurel Klawes, Allenstown\r\nAndre Laplante, Nashua\r\nMatthew Lashua, Nashua\r\nSean Miclette, Hooksett\r\nMax Perkins, Kensington\r\nRyan Santoro, Nashua\r\nKatherine Shek, Hampton Falls\r\nU.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA)\r\nDavid Brackett, Somersworth\r\nJoshua Cazadillas, Nashua\r\nSamuel Stiles, Berlin\r\nVictoria Jane Sununu, Newfields\r\nU.S. Naval Academy (USNA)\r\nJ. Hudson Arce, Dunbarton\r\nRobert Cariello, Londonderry\r\nCassidy Dufour, Amherst\r\nChristopher Eno, Dover\r\nEliana Fleischer, Kensington\r\nAlexander Gannon, Hooksett\r\nJacie Harlow, East Hampstead\r\nDaniel Hawkins, Bedford\r\nKelly Hughes, Wakefield\r\nGriffin Johnson, Hanover\r\nAlexander Lagle, Farmington\r\nRichard Lyons, Holderness\r\nCaitlin MacVarish, Manchester\r\nSean Miclette, Hooksett\r\nBenjamin Morris, Salem\r\nCameron Scherr, Portsmouth\r\nJustin Smith, Cornish\r\nFoster Stacey, Candia\r\nWyatt Switzer, Marlborough\r\nAustin Theriault, Londonderry\r\nU.S. Military Academy (West Point)\r\nKyle Cady, Barrington\r\nRobert Cariello, Londonderry\r\nChristopher Eno, Dover\r\nAdam Pagliarulo, Bedford\r\nCatherine Rasmussen, Kingston\r\nJonathan Routhier, Dunbarton\r\nRyan Santoro, Nashua\r\nCameron Scherr, Portsmouth\r\nAshley Ulricson, Ashland\r\nArielle Zlotnick, Amherst\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kuster.house.gov/congress-in-your-corner/catching-up-with-annie/voices-for-change", "Voices for Change", "2018-12-03", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nPutting Veterans' Interests First\nToday I amcalling on the Department of Veterans Affairsto publicly reveal the VA's plan to ensure all veterans receive the GI Bill benefits they have earned, summarize how the VA will properly implement the Forever GI Bill, and respond to concerns about leadership of the VA's IT transition.Veterans have not been receiving the proper benefits and this situation is completely unacceptable. The VA must take immediate action to ensure that veterans receive the benefits promised to them through the Forever GI Bill. The failure to properly administer these benefits will cause undue financial hardship for the men and women who have bravely served our nation in uniform. These veterans must be made whole, and steps must be taken to ensure no veteran loses their educational opportunity or housing because of the VA's incompetence. I will work with my colleagues to continue pressuring the VA to undertake the work necessary to ensure all veterans receive the GI Bill benefits they have earned.\nIf you are experiencing financial hardship because of GI Bill funds not received,please call 1-888-442-4551 ASAP.\nNew Voices\nI'm excited about the many new voices and perspectives that will be a part of our leadership team. Our caucus has elected my friends Rep. Katherine Clark as Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries as Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, Rep. Ben Ray Lujn as Assistant Democratic Leader, Rep. James Clyburn as Majority Whip, and Rep. Steny Hoyer as Majority Leader. We have an array of candidates who will diversify the leadership of the House and help us pursue an agenda that will benefit hardworking families in New Hampshire and across the country. I also voted for Nancy Pelosi for Speaker of the House because of her proven effectiveness as a leader and experience advancing meaningful legislation through the House of Representatives. I look forward to working with our entire caucus to improve access to quality, affordable healthcare, protect our environment, and expand economic opportunity for all Americans.\nI was honored to be selected by my colleagues as a Vice Chair of theNew Democrat Coalition. The New Democrat Coalition represents the type of results driven focus that the American people expect from their elected leaders. We strive to build consensus amongst our colleagues on both sides of the aisle and advance legislation that will bolster economic opportunity for hardworking families and create an environment in which small businesses can grow and thrive. As Democrats assume the majority in Congress, the New Democrats will be a force for action. I look forward to pursuing policies that will protect our environment, improve access to healthcare, and restore accountability in Washington all while growing our economy and creating jobs.\nTaking Action on Climate Change\nThe extensive report on climate changereleasedlast week by the U.S. Global Change Research Program helps confirm what we already know: climate change poses a serious threat to our environment, public safety and economy. We're already seeing the impact of climate change in New Hampshire, and we owe it to our children and future generations to act swiftly and boldly to address this growing crisis. You can read the full reporthere.\nGet the Healthcare You Need\nThere's still time to explore your options for health insurance in 2019 and get the healthcare plan that works best for you and your family.Open Enrollment ends December 15th, so be sure to visithttp://healthcare.govor call 1-800-318-2596 to start shopping and get covered.\nStrengthening Safety for Students\nLast week, IjoinedSenator Hassan and survivor advocates from the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (NHCADSV), the University of New Hampshire Prevention Innovations Research Center, Keene State College, Colby Sawyer College, Plymouth State University, and Rivier University in Concord to highlight the potential negative impacts of the proposed changes to Title IX announced earlier this month by Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos. Title IX mandates equal opportunity to education, and the proposed changes will undermine that goal, as they serve to make schools, campuses and students less safe. Secretary DeVos should reevaluate her proposals and instead focus on improving the safety and well-being of students. I appreciated the opportunity to hear from so many incredible survivor advocates and educators at this discussion, and I will continue to work with them to strengthen safety for all our students.\nDiscussing Title IX changes with Senator Hassan, educators and survivor advocates\nHere to Serve You\nAs your Representative, my most important responsibility is supporting Granite Staters when they need help with federal agencies. I was contacted by Shahad Mattloob of Nashua, who had an issue of concern regarding her Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). My staff worked with USCIS and helped resolve Shahad's issue. If my office may be of assistance with a problem you are experiencing, please reach out to my staff at 603-226-1002 so we can learn how we may help.\nAs always, thank you for everything you do to make New Hampshire such a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. Have a great weekend!\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://shea-porter.house.gov/media/press-releases/shea-porter-statement-passing-president-george-hw-bush", "Shea-Porter Statement on Passing of President George H.W. Bush", "2018-12-03", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Carol Shea-Porter", "S001170", "shea-porter.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "DOVER, NH Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01) today released the following statement on the passing of President George H.W. Bush:\n\nWe have lost a dedicated public servant who loved his country and worked to make the world a better and safer place. His long record of service to his country stretched across many decades, but two words describe it all: American Patriot. He will be missed.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/shaheen-statement-on-chinas-commitment-to-control-trafficking-of-fentanyl", "Shaheen Statement on China's Commitment to Control Trafficking of Fentanyl", "2018-12-02", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Shaheen Statement on China's Commitment to Control Trafficking of Fentanyl \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tDecember 02, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSHAHEEN: \"This is an important breakthrough that will help save lives but this commitment must be followed by diligent implementation by the Chinese government\"\r\n(Washington, DC)  U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement after reports that the Trump administration reached an agreement withChinese President Xi Jinping that includes a commitment by China to classify fentanyl as a controlled substance:\r\n\"This is an important breakthrough that will help save lives but this commitment must be followed by diligent implementation by the Chinese government,\" said Shaheen. \"Thorough follow through, combined with a recent bipartisan law that stymies the international shipment of fentanyl through the postal service, will go a long way towards keeping this deadly poison off our streets. Fentanyl continues to be the main cause of overdose deaths in New Hampshire, devastating families and communities all across our state. I appreciate the President's attention to the fentanyl trafficking issue, and will continue to work with the administration to stop fentanyl distribution in the United States.\"\r\nIn October, the President signed into law bipartisan legislation that includes provisions sponsored by Senator Shaheen, including a provision that requires shipments from foreign countries that use our postal system to provide electronic advance data before they cross our borders and enter the United States. This allows U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to better target potential illegal packages and stop synthetic drugs like fentanyl and carfentanyl from being shipped through U.S. borders to drug traffickers in the United States.\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-statement-on-the-passing-of-president-george-hw-bush", "Kuster Statement on the Passing of President George H.W. Bush", "2018-12-01", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Concord, NH) - Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) released the following statement on the passing of President George Herbert Walker Bush:\nPresident George H.W. Bush never tired in his dedication to our nation and his fellow Americans. From his heroic service during World War II to his time as Commander in Chief, President Bush always put country first and is an example of a truly humble public servant. His steady leadership at the close of the Cold War strengthened the United States and the world. I join New Hampshire and the nation in expressing my profound gratitude to President Bush for his life focused on serving others. I remember fondly the kindness and good humor of Mr. and Mrs. Bush while my parents hosted them in New Hampshire. Our hearts are with the entire Bush family, who while grieving at this difficult time, can be incredibly proud of the enduring legacy left by President George H.W. Bush.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/shaheen-statement-on-passing-of-us-president-george-hw-bush", "Shaheen Statement on Passing of U.S. President George H.W. Bush", "2018-12-01", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Shaheen Statement on Passing of U.S. President George H.W. Bush \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tDecember 01, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t(Washington, DC) U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) issued the following statement on the passing of United States President George H.W. Bush:\r\nToday, I join a grateful nation in mourning the passing of President George H.W. Bush, said Senator Shaheen. An exemplary of the greatest generation, his dedication to family and country were unwavering and unmatched. Billy and I send our warmest condolences to the entire Bush family as they lay to rest their beloved patriarch. May he rest in everlasting peace.\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-demands-va-address-failure-in-delivering-gi-benefits", "Kuster Demands VA Address Failure in Delivering GI Benefits", "2018-11-30", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, DC) Today Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02), a member of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs and the top Democrat on the Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, is demanding Under Secretary for Benefits Paul R. Lawrence, Ph.D. outline how the VA will address the failure to properly administer GI Bill benefits to veterans. Kuster is requesting that Under Secretary Lawrence publicly reveal the VA's plan to ensure all veterans receive the GI Bill benefits they have earned, summarize how the VA will properly implement the Forever GI Bill, and respond to concerns about leadership of the VA's IT transition. In October, Kuster joined with members of the VA Committee in writing to Secretary of the VA Robert Wilkie to express concern about the failure of the VA to provide educational and housing benefits through the Forever GI Bill.\nThis situation is completely unacceptable, said Kuster. The VA must take immediate action to ensure that veterans receive the benefits promised to them through the Forever GI Bill. The failure to properly administer these benefits will cause undue financial hardship for the men and women who have bravely served our nation in uniform. These veterans must be made whole, and steps must be taken to ensure no veteran loses their educational opportunity or housing because of the VA's incompetence. I will work with my colleagues to continue pressuring the VA to undertake the work necessary to ensure all veterans receive the GI Bill benefits they have earned.\nThe full text of the letter is available HERE and below:\n\nDear Under Secretary Lawrence:\nI write with concern that the Department of Veterans Affairs will fail to fulfill its promise to veterans of ensuring distribution of full GI Bill benefits. When Congress passed the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2017, otherwise known as the Forever GI Bill, the intention was to provide improved benefits for our veterans seeking higher education.\nSadly, the shortcomings in implementation of the Forever GI Bill are the result of leadership failures, an inability to effectively oversee significant IT contracts, lack of transparency with Congress and the American people, and the failure to offer a clear solution to provide the benefits to which student veterans are entitled under the law. Now, VA's attempt to disregard the law and the well-being of veterans provides me with new cause for concern.\nI can assure you the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations will consider this matter seriously for the remainder of this Congress and as a priority for the 116th Congress. Circumventing the law is unacceptable, and so is the Department's lack of transparency.\nAt the November 29, 2018, House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing, you committed to ensuring veterans receive the benefits they deserve. However, you refused to commit to Congress that you would ensure payments under sections 107 and 501 of the Forever GI Bill will be retroactively provided at rates made effective as of August 1, 2018: a requirement defined in current law. Rather, the answers to questions posed by Chairman Phil Roe and Congressman Scott Peters were conflicting and unclear. You and the Department do not have the latitude to circumvent the will of Congress and ignore the plain language of the law. It took a subsequent press release from Secretary Robert Wilkie to finally provide some clarity as to whether VA will fulfill its legal obligations. However, press releases are not the appropriate arena for fulfilling your duty to public transparency. Your conflicting answers at the hearing fail this obligation demanded by Congress and the American people.\nAdditionally, I find concerns with the VA press release which states that the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) will reset its implementation efforts for sections 107 and 501 and that this reset will require solicitation of a new contractor in support of program integration, systems implementation, and software development.[1] My concerns are over the ability of VA to effectively oversee significant IT contracts and the status of the current contract with Booz Allen Hamilton. Your testimony stated plainly that Booz Allen Hamilton will remain a contractor, yet the November 28th press release suggests that is inaccurate. The time lost in this reset leaves us with questions concerning wasted federal resources and further costs levied upon the veterans in the form of financial hardships.\nThe failure for VBA to standup effective IT infrastructure to support the new GI Bill raises concerns I had with the appointment of Camilo Sandoval as the Executive-in-Charge for the Office of Information and Technology (Acting CIO), a post that Mr. Sandoval appeared unqualified to hold. The challenges over the last year with GI Bill benefits reinforce my initial concerns that Mr. Sandoval is unfit to lead the Department in some of the most important, sweeping, and complex IT modernization projects the Department has undertaken since implementation of the VISTA electronic health record more than two decades ago. These modernization projects are needed to improve the delivery of care and services to veterans. They are also unprecedented in their scope. Unfortunately, the ramifications of the failure to follow-through on effective modernization are already being felt.\nDue to the failures in implementation and the dire need for effective oversight, I request the following:\n A plan of action and milestones to resolve all implementation issues with the Forever GI Bill.\n\tAn accounting of the resources VA will need to conduct an audit to determine which veterans were underpaid.\n\tActions taken to resolve oversight deficiencies demonstrated by the contract with Booz Allen Hamilton to implement an effective information technology system to efficiently handle GI Bill claims.\n\tAn explanation of any corrective actions taken with Booz Allen Hamilton to ensure compliance with the contract.\n\tInternal fact-finding efforts to understand causes for implementation failures regarding the Forever GI Bill, including decisions to convene an Administrative Investigation Board (AIB), an AIB's findings, and the associated documents and transcripts of interviews informing the AIB's work.\n\tAdditional actions to ensure VBA is fully transparent with the public and Congress regarding its implementation challenges.\n\tAny investigations or fact-findings regarding Acting CIO Sandoval's responsibility concerning IT implementation failures regarding the Forever GI Bill.\n\tA commitment that Mr. Sandoval will testify before the House Veterans' Affairs Committee during the next applicable hearing.\n Please provide a response to my office within 30 days of the date of this letter. Additionally, I request to meet with you to discuss my concerns outlined in this letter as soon as possible.\nI remain committed to assisting the Department in fulfilling the requirements set forth by the Forever GI Bill. However, this cannot be accomplished without coordination and full transparency with Congress.\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-demands-va-address-failure-in-delivering-gi-benefits-0", "Kuster Demands VA Address Failure in Delivering GI Benefits", "2018-11-30", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, DC) Today Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02), a member of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs and the top Democrat on the Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, is demanding Under Secretary for Benefits Paul R. Lawrence, Ph.D. outline how the VA will address the failure to properly administer GI Bill benefits to veterans. Kuster is requesting that Under Secretary Lawrence publicly reveal the VA's plan to ensure all veterans receive the GI Bill benefits they have earned, summarize how the VA will properly implement the Forever GI Bill, and respond to concerns about leadership of the VA's IT transition. In October, Kuster joined with members of the VA Committee in writing to Secretary of the VA Robert Wilkie to express concern about the failure of the VA to provide educational and housing benefits through the Forever GI Bill.\nThis situation is completely unacceptable, said Kuster. The VA must take immediate action to ensure that veterans receive the benefits promised to them through the Forever GI Bill. The failure to properly administer these benefits will cause undue financial hardship for the men and women who have bravely served our nation in uniform. These veterans must be made whole, and steps must be taken to ensure no veteran loses their educational opportunity or housing because of the VA's incompetence. I will work with my colleagues to continue pressuring the VA to undertake the work necessary to ensure all veterans receive the GI Bill benefits they have earned.\nThe full text of the letter is available HERE and below:\n\nDear Under Secretary Lawrence:\nI write with concern that the Department of Veterans Affairs will fail to fulfill its promise to veterans of ensuring distribution of full GI Bill benefits. When Congress passed the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2017, otherwise known as the Forever GI Bill, the intention was to provide improved benefits for our veterans seeking higher education.\nSadly, the shortcomings in implementation of the Forever GI Bill are the result of leadership failures, an inability to effectively oversee significant IT contracts, lack of transparency with Congress and the American people, and the failure to offer a clear solution to provide the benefits to which student veterans are entitled under the law. Now, VA's attempt to disregard the law and the well-being of veterans provides me with new cause for concern.\nI can assure you the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations will consider this matter seriously for the remainder of this Congress and as a priority for the 116th Congress. Circumventing the law is unacceptable, and so is the Department's lack of transparency.\nAt the November 29, 2018, House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing, you committed to ensuring veterans receive the benefits they deserve. However, you refused to commit to Congress that you would ensure payments under sections 107 and 501 of the Forever GI Bill will be retroactively provided at rates made effective as of August 1, 2018: a requirement defined in current law. Rather, the answers to questions posed by Chairman Phil Roe and Congressman Scott Peters were conflicting and unclear. You and the Department do not have the latitude to circumvent the will of Congress and ignore the plain language of the law. It took a subsequent press release from Secretary Robert Wilkie to finally provide some clarity as to whether VA will fulfill its legal obligations. However, press releases are not the appropriate arena for fulfilling your duty to public transparency. Your conflicting answers at the hearing fail this obligation demanded by Congress and the American people.\nAdditionally, I find concerns with the VA press release which states that the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) will reset its implementation efforts for sections 107 and 501 and that this reset will require solicitation of a new contractor in support of program integration, systems implementation, and software development.[1] My concerns are over the ability of VA to effectively oversee significant IT contracts and the status of the current contract with Booz Allen Hamilton. Your testimony stated plainly that Booz Allen Hamilton will remain a contractor, yet the November 28th press release suggests that is inaccurate. The time lost in this reset leaves us with questions concerning wasted federal resources and further costs levied upon the veterans in the form of financial hardships.\nThe failure for VBA to standup effective IT infrastructure to support the new GI Bill raises concerns I had with the appointment of Camilo Sandoval as the Executive-in-Charge for the Office of Information and Technology (Acting CIO), a post that Mr. Sandoval appeared unqualified to hold. The challenges over the last year with GI Bill benefits reinforce my initial concerns that Mr. Sandoval is unfit to lead the Department in some of the most important, sweeping, and complex IT modernization projects the Department has undertaken since implementation of the VISTA electronic health record more than two decades ago. These modernization projects are needed to improve the delivery of care and services to veterans. They are also unprecedented in their scope. Unfortunately, the ramifications of the failure to follow-through on effective modernization are already being felt.\nDue to the failures in implementation and the dire need for effective oversight, I request the following:\n A plan of action and milestones to resolve all implementation issues with the Forever GI Bill.\n\tAn accounting of the resources VA will need to conduct an audit to determine which veterans were underpaid.\n\tActions taken to resolve oversight deficiencies demonstrated by the contract with Booz Allen Hamilton to implement an effective information technology system to efficiently handle GI Bill claims.\n\tAn explanation of any corrective actions taken with Booz Allen Hamilton to ensure compliance with the contract.\n\tInternal fact-finding efforts to understand causes for implementation failures regarding the Forever GI Bill, including decisions to convene an Administrative Investigation Board (AIB), an AIB's findings, and the associated documents and transcripts of interviews informing the AIB's work.\n\tAdditional actions to ensure VBA is fully transparent with the public and Congress regarding its implementation challenges.\n\tAny investigations or fact-findings regarding Acting CIO Sandoval's responsibility concerning IT implementation failures regarding the Forever GI Bill.\n\tA commitment that Mr. Sandoval will testify before the House Veterans' Affairs Committee during the next applicable hearing.\n Please provide a response to my office within 30 days of the date of this letter. Additionally, I request to meet with you to discuss my concerns outlined in this letter as soon as possible.\nI remain committed to assisting the Department in fulfilling the requirements set forth by the Forever GI Bill. However, this cannot be accomplished without coordination and full transparency with Congress.\nSincerely,\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-to-represent-new-england-on-house-steering-and-policy-committee", "Kuster to Represent New England on House Steering and Policy Committee", "2018-11-30", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, DC)  Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) has been elected by her colleagues to serve as New England's Regional Representative to the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee. Tasked with developing a policy agenda for the 116th Congress and determining committee assignments for incoming and incumbent Democrats, the Committee will play a central role in ensuring the newly elected Democratic Congress is delivering real results for the American people.\nI'm excited to represent New England on the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee, said Kuster. We have an incredible slate of members from New England who are ready to buckle down and deliver real results for families across the region. As Democrats assume the majority, we will bring forward bold solutions to lead America forward and achieve the progress expected by the American people. We will foster policies that help hardworking families get ahead, protect our environment, improve access to healthcare, and restore accountability in government.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/nh-delegation-calls-on-dod-and-va-to-investigate-cancer-related-health-concerns-of-service-members-at-pease-air-national-guard-base", "NH Delegation Calls on DOD & VA to Investigate Cancer-Related Health Concerns of Service Members at Pease Air National Guard Base", "2018-11-30", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "NH Delegation Calls on DOD & VA to Investigate Cancer-Related Health Concerns of Service Members at Pease Air National Guard Base \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tNovember 30, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t(Washington, DC)  Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) sent a letter with Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Congresswomen Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01) and Annie Kuster (NH-02), calling on the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs to investigate cancer-related health concerns of service members that have served at Pease Air National Guard Base in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. This letter comes amid concerns from Granite Staters that cancers among the former Pease service members may be caused by service-connected chemical exposure to known carcinogens as well as the emerging contaminant, per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).\r\nThe delegation wrote, We write to bring your attention to a series of health concerns raised by Granite Staters regarding the incidences of cancer among members of the military who served at the former Pease Air Force Base and the 157th Air Refueling Wing at Pease Air National Guard Base. We have heard from a number of military retirees and their families who believe that exposure to approximately a dozen known carcinogens as well as ground and drinking water contaminated by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have caused serious negative health impacts, including the development of a number of cancers ranging from prostate to bladder cancer. These members of the community have called for the New Hampshire National Guard (NHNG) to conduct a study to determine the causes and contributing factors for these cancers.\r\nThe 157th Air Refueling Wing at Pease Air National Guard Base is scheduled to hold a community listening session in December for all current and former members of the NHNG, and their families. Officials have also announced that a contact database will be established to distribute updates through the New Hampshire State Office of Veterans Affairs. In their letter, the delegation requested the Departments of Defense (DOD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) meet with the NHNG and participate in the listening session.\r\nThe delegation continued, As you know, members of the military may be exposed to numerous chemicals and substances throughout their service and there is precedent within both the DOD and the VA for studying service-connected exposure to hazardous chemicals, substances and conditions. Furthermore, military job functions associated with the aerial refueling mission are not unique to Pease. There are 18 aerial refueling wings within the National Guard and similar job functions are performed by service members in other types of units both on active duty and in the reserve component around the world, making the DOD and VA more equipped to develop and conduct studies related to hazardous exposures and health outcomes.\r\nIn closing, the delegation submitted a list of questions for the DOD and VA to respond to regarding hazardous chemicals and material exposure, studies on the correlation between cancers and military service, and more. The letter can be read in full here.\r\nIn October, Shaheen led a New Hampshire congressional delegation letter to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) calling on the federal agency to focus research efforts on the potential connection between PFAS exposure and pediatric cancer. Senator Shaheen has prioritized efforts in Congress to uncover the potential health effects of emerging contaminants in water supplies. In addition to establishing and funding the PFAS health-impact study for fiscal year (FY) 2018, Shaheen worked toinclude an additional $10 million for the second year of the health-impact study, which she authorized in the FY2019 National Defense Authorization Act andappropriated in the defense funding legislation that was signed into law in September. Shaheen also worked to include specific language in the FY2019 defense bill that streamlines the process of transferring funds from DOD to ATSDR, to facilitate the funding process of the study going forward.\r\nIn August,Senators Shaheen and Hassan joined a bipartisan group of Senators to introduce legislationthat would hold federal agencies accountable to address PFAS contamination at military bases around the country. This bipartisan bill continues Shaheen's work on PFAS exposure research as it specifically relates to service members and veterans, who are in environments that have higher exposure to these chemicals. In April,Senator Shaheen worked with Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) to introduce the PFAS Registry Act, which Senator Hassan also cosponsored, to create a national database for service members and veterans experiencing health problems potentially due to PFAS exposure. The bill would allow military personnel and veterans to receive updates on recent scientific developments on the effects of PFAS exposure and information on what resources may be available to address their health concerns.\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.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/photo-release-shaheen-and-staff-join-in-holiday-cards-4-our-military_nh-challenge", "PHOTO RELEASE: Shaheen & Staff Join in Holiday Cards 4 Our Military \u2013 NH Challenge", "2018-11-30", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PHOTO RELEASE: Shaheen & Staff Join in Holiday Cards 4 Our Military  NH Challenge \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tNovember 30, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\n(Washington, DC)  U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) hosted a card writing party with her staff and interns yesterday, contributing to Laura Landerman-Garber's Holiday Cards 4 Our Military  NH Challenge. Laura began writing holiday cards to American service men and women 15 years ago, and every year her tradition grows in scale. This holiday season, she has collected more than 45,000 cards for our troops.\r\n\r\nAs we celebrate the holidays, it's so important that we are mindful of our warriors who are defending our country and can't be home with their families, said Shaheen. It was wonderful to host a card-writing party with my staff and reflect on the brave men and women whose service keeps our nation strong and safe. Laura is helping to bring some holiday cheer and encouragement to tens of thousands of service members, and my office was excited to play a small part in her effort.\r\n\r\nHoliday Cards 4 Our Military - NH Challenge goes to Washington DC! Year number two of incredible support for the Challenge from Senator Shaheen and her staff, signing holiday cards for our deployed troops, said Laura Landerman-Garber, founder of Holiday Cards 4 Our Military - NH Challenge. Every card counts when sending care and respect to our service members. Troops around the world will be smiling this holiday season when they open their cards, bringing home just that much closer to them as they defend our freedoms! This year's total now comes to close to 48,000 holiday cards! Thank you Senator Shaheen and staff!\r\n\r\nMedia requesting higher resolution photos should email josh_marcus-blank@shaheen.senate.gov.\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/shaheen-blasts-administrations-steps-towards-offshore-atlantic-drilling", "Shaheen Blasts Administration\u2019s Steps Towards Offshore Atlantic Drilling", "2018-11-30", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Shaheen Blasts Administration's Steps Towards Offshore Atlantic Drilling \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tNovember 30, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t**Shaheen: The Trump Administration is Laying the Groundwork for an Environmental Disaster on NH's Seacoast**\r\n(Washington, DC)  U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), the lead Democrat of the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, released the following statement after reports that the Trump administration will grant permits to companies for seismic tests in order to pursue oil and gas drilling in the Atlantic:\r\nThe Trump Administration is laying the groundwork for an environmental disaster on New Hampshire's Seacoast, said Shaheen. These seismic tests are an immediate threat to our fishing industry, in addition to the long-term threat to New Hampshire's economy and outdoor recreation industry posed by an oil or gas leak from drilling. The environmental impact of this decision would be catastrophic, further depleting the whale population and many other species that we cherish and are important to our economy. I will do everything in my power to stop this permitting and any efforts to move forward with Atlantic drilling. The Senate should move quickly to consider legislation that I've cosponsored with Senator Booker to bar seismic testing in the Atlantic.\r\nSenator Shaheen is a cosponsor of the Atlantic Seismic Airgun Protection Act, a bill introduced by Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) that would prohibit seismic geological activities in support of drilling on the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf. Shaheen urged the Trump administration to hold public hearings before granting these permits because of concern over the effects of seismic tests.\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/shaheen-calls-for-inspector-general-investigation-into-vas-failure-to-pay-veterans-full-benefits", "Shaheen Calls for Inspector General Investigation Into VA\u2019s Failure to Pay Veterans Full Benefits", "2018-11-30", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Shaheen Calls for Inspector General Investigation Into VA's Failure to Pay Veterans Full Benefits \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tNovember 30, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t(Washington, DC)  Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and a bipartisan group of lawmakers called for a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Inspector General investigation into allegations that the VA would not reimburse veterans for missed or underpaid benefits. In a bipartisan letter to the VA's Inspector General, the lawmakers ask about how the technical errors occurred, how quickly any reimbursements will be made, and how the VA plans to make sure all benefits will continue to be paid out without interruption. The VA's continued ambiguity about whether it will fulfill this legal requirement threatens to erode our veterans' confidence in the VA's ability to deliver promised care and benefits and demands close oversight and accountability, the lawmakers wrote. It is important that VA fix the technical and staffing shortages that contributed to its inability to implement the Forever GI bill so that it can continue to provide housing stipends to veterans. However, we remain resolved that VA make veterans whole for any missed or underpaid benefits based on the housing stipend rates that they were legally entitled to when the changes took effect in August 2018.\r\nThe letter is also signed by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI), John Boozman (R-AK) Susan Collins (R-ME), Tina Smith (D-MN), Todd Young (R-IN), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Patty Murray (D-WA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Doug Jones (D-AL) and U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA).\r\nThe text of the full letter follows: Dear Mr. Missal:  We are writing to request an investigation into allegations that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will withhold retroactive payments for missed or underpaid monthly housing stipends that it failed to pay veterans during delayed implementation of the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Education Assistance Act (P.L. 115-48), known as the Forever GI Bill.  According to NBC News on November 28, 2018 (Veterans Affairs Dept. tells Capitol Hill it won't repay underpaid GI Bill benefits recipients), VA officials told congressional staff that making retroactive payments to veterans for missed or underpaid housing stipends would not be possible because it would create auditing challenges for the VA and delay future claims processing. That decision would be contrary to law and leave an estimated 360,000 veterans robbed of the benefits owed to them.  We understand that Under Secretary for Benefits Paul Lawrence, in testimony before the House Veterans Affairs Committee yesterday, sought to clarify the VA's position by stating that every veteran will be made whole, including with retroactive payments, for their housing benefits. However, it remains unclear if VA intends to provide retroactive payments to veterans for housing stipends based on rates that they were legally entitled to beginning August 1, 2018, or if the VA only intends to make veterans whole based on the rates as they existed before the law took effectand remain in violation of existing law.  It is important that VA fix the technical and staffing shortages that contributed to its inability to implement the Forever GI bill so that it can continue to provide housing stipends to veterans. However, we remain resolved that VA make veterans whole for any missed or underpaid benefits based on the housing stipend rates that they were legally entitled to when the changes took effect in August 2018. The VA's continued ambiguity about whether it will fulfill this legal requirement threatens to erode our veterans' confidence in the VA's ability to deliver promised care and benefits and demands close oversight and accountability. In an effort to help us better understand VA's plan to provide complete relief to those veterans impacted by the delayed implementation of the Forever GI Bill, we request your assistance to answer the following:\r\n \r\nDoes the VA intend to apply the August 1, 2018, housing stipend rates, as required by law, for retroactive payments to eligible beneficiaries?\r\nIf not, under what legal authority would the VA withhold retroactive payments based on the rates required in the Forever GI Bill?\r\nWho will be responsible for determining which veterans can receive retroactive payments for missed or underpaid benefits, including adjusted housing stipend rates that took effect on August 1, 2018?\r\nHow and when will VA process these retroactive repayments to eligible veterans?\r\nHow, if at all, have IT infrastructure investment decisions at VA's regional processing centers contributed to the current delay in implementing the changes required by the Forever GI Bill, including missed or underpayments owed to veterans?\r\nHow, if at all, have staffing shortages at VA's regional processing centers contributed to the current delay in implementing the changes required by the Forever GI Bill, including missed or underpayments owed to veterans?\r\nHow, if at all, is VA leadership organized and prepared to address IT infrastructure investment challenges at its regional processing centers in its fiscal year (FY) 2020 budget request?\r\nHow, if at all, is VA leadership organized and prepared to address staffing shortages across the VA system, including at the Veterans Benefits Administration that is responsible for processing claims and retroactive payments to veterans, in its FY 2020 budget request?\r\n \r\nAs always, we appreciate your support of our oversight responsibilities. Your prompt attention to this request will help us as we prepare to consider the VA's FY 2020 budget request so that we can evaluate whether the VA has requested the appropriate resources that it needs to make timely beneficiary payments and deliver other promised care to our veterans.  Sincerely,\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-much-work-remains-to-tackle-the-opioid-epidemic", "Kuster: Much Work Remains to Tackle the Opioid Epidemic", "2018-11-29", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, DC)  Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02), the founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Heroin and Opioid Task Force, released the following statement on a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that showed a dramatic increase in deaths due to synthetic opioids such as fentanyl nationally. Earlier this year, Kuster introduced the STOP (Surveillance and Testing of Opioids to Prevent) Fentanyl Deaths Act, which would create grant funding to assist states and municipalities in identifying fentanyl in both fatal and nonfatal drug overdoses. Kuster also helped pass the INTERDICT Act, which was signed into law this year and provides Customs and Border Protection (CBP) with screening devices, laboratory equipment, facilities, and personnel to detect and intercept fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.\nWhile there has been progress to expand access to long-term recovery and treatment, much work remains to tackle the opioid epidemic in New Hampshire and across the country, said Kuster. Today's report by the CDC underscores the serious danger synthetic opioids pose to communities and the importance of getting these deadly drugs off our streets. It's clear that this crisis requires continued diligence at the local, state, and federal level. In the new Congress, I'm committed to continuing to advocate for resources that will bolster support for those on the frontlines of the epidemic and better build the treatment infrastructure necessary to address the substance use crisis in the long-term.\nKuster has pushed for increased funding for New Hampshire to address the opioid epidemic and helpedannounce $22.9 millionin additional funding for the state. Earlier this year, Kuster introduced theRespond NOW Act, which would provide critical resources to those on the frontlines of the opioid epidemic. The Bipartisan Heroin and Opioid Task Force has been a driver of Congressional action to take on the opioid crisis. In addition to the polices included in the comprehensive opioid package, the Task Force successfully passed the VA Prescription Data Accountability Act, the INTERDICT Act, and most recently, theVeterans Treatment Court Improvement Act. The Task Force also successfully pushed for the inclusion of $1 billion in funding as part of the 21st Century Cures Act to address the opioid epidemic and helped advance $6 billion in new opioid funding as part of the FY 2018 government funding bill. Last Congress, 14 Task Force bills were signed into law as part of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA).\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-speier-frankel-lawrence-kuster-call-on-sec-devos-to-rescind-title", "Reps. Speier, Frankel, Lawrence, Kuster Call on Sec. DeVos to Rescind Title IX Proposed Rules", "2018-11-29", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Today, the leadership of the Democratic Women's Working Group (DWWG), Representatives Jackie Speier (CA-14), Lois Frankel (FL-21), and Brenda Lawrence (MI-14), as well as Representative Annie Kuster (NH-02) and 76 of their House colleagues sent a letter to Department of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos condemning her recently proposed rule for Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 (Title IX). The letter urges Secretary DeVos to withdraw these dangerous proposed policy changes and arrange meetings with a broad range of survivors and survivor advocacy organizations to develop meaningful guidance on Title IX that protects all students.\nThis rule is a blatant attempt to silence survivors of sexual harassment and violence and force them back into the shadows. A year after the Me Too movement went viral, we will not tolerate a system that shames and blames victims, the Representatives said. The epidemic of sexual harassment and violence in our K-12 schools and on college campuses continues to be a threat to students' rights to pursue their education. We cannot condone proposals that will result in fewer survivors coming forward to report their assaults and make it harder for those who do to seek justice. You must do more, not less, to ensure the safety of students across the country.\nThe proposed rule is Secretary DeVos' latest attempt to roll back protections for survivors of sexual harassment and violence in our K-12 schools and on college campuses. In September of 2017, the Department of Education received over 16,000 formal comments during the public comment period on deregulation, which showed overwhelming support for the Obama Administration's 2011 and 2014 Title IX guidance documents. This guidance built upon previous policy precedent from the Clinton and G.W. Bush administrations. Despite this support Secretary DeVos chose to rescind these critical civil rights documents and released inadequate interim guidance that has left schools and survivors in limbo for over a year.\nThe Representatives asked Secretary DeVos to respond within two weeks of receipt of the letter. A copy of the letter is attached to this press release.\nThe complete list of cosigners are as follows: Reps. Jackie Speier (CA-14), Lois Frankel (FL-21), Brenda Lawrence (MI-14), Annie Kuster (NH-02), Alma Adams (NC-12), Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Salud O. Carbajal (CA-24 ), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Judy Chu (CA-27), David N. Cicilline (RI-01), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Emanuel Cleaver II (MO-05), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Jim Cooper (TN-05), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Susan Davis (CA-53), Peter DeFazio (OR-04), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11), Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Anna Eshoo (CA-18), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02), Elizabeth H. Esty (CT-05), John Garamendi (CA-03), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Raul M. Grijalva (AZ-03), Colleen Hanabusa (HI-01), Alcee Hastings (FL-20), Denny Heck (WA-10), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Henry C. \"Hank\" Johnson (GA-04), Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Rick Larsen (WA-02), Al Lawson Jr. (FL-05), Barbara Lee (CA-13), Alan Lowenthal (CA-47), Nita Lowey (NY-17), Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12), Doris Matsui (CA-06), Betty McCollum (MN-04), James P. McGovern (MA-02), Jerry McNerney (CA-09), Grace Meng (NY-06), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Jerrold Nadler (NY-10), Grace F. Napolitano (CA-32), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Bill Pascrell Jr. (NJ-09), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Kathleen Rice (NY-04), Jacky Rosen (NV-03), Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40), Tim Ryan (OH-13), Linda Sanchez (CA-38), Janice Schakowsky (IL-O9), Adam Schiff (CA-28), Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01), Albio Sires (NJ-08), Adam Smith (WA-09), Darren Soto (FL-09), Dina Titus (NV-01), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Norma Torres (CA-35), Juan Vargas (CA-51), Nydia Velazquez (NY-07), Peter J. Visclosky (IN-01), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23), Peter Welch (VT-AL), Fredrica S. Wilson (FL-24), and John Yarmuth (KY-03).\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://shea-porter.house.gov/media/press-releases/shaheen-hassan-shea-porter-announce-312k-families-transition", "Shaheen, Hassan & Shea-Porter Announce $312K to Families in Transition", "2018-11-29", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Carol Shea-Porter", "S001170", "shea-porter.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Helvetica}\np.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Helvetica; min-height: 13.0px}\nspan.s1 {font-kerning: none}\n\t\n\n(Washington, DC)  Today, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01) announced $312,220 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Center for Substance Abuse Treatment to Families in Transition in Manchester. This grant will fund Families in Transition's Connections to Recovery Program, which will support outreach and care for an estimated 160 homeless individuals who are struggling with substance use disorders annually in New Hampshire.\n\nThe opioid epidemic continues to pose significant challenges to communities across New Hampshire, and Families in Transition has consistently stepped up to support some of the most vulnerable Granite Staters struggling with substance use disorder and homelessness, said Shaheen. I'm very pleased to announce this grant, which will allow Families in Transition to support homeless individuals and provide them with resources to facilitate their road to recovery. I'll continue to work across the aisle to secure federal resources to bolster community efforts like Families in Transition's in New Hampshire.\n\nFamilies in Transition does critical work to support those struggling with substance misuse, and I am pleased to announce this federal grant to support those efforts, particularly as they pertain to homeless Granite Staters, said Hassan. I'll keep fighting to help ensure that everyone struggling with substance use disorder has access to the treatment and recovery services they need.\n\nThis federal grant will help Families in Transition provide important services for people who are experiencing homelessness, said Shea-Porter. Congratulations to Families in Transition on receiving this funding, which will help improve access to health care for many who are trying to exit homelessness.\n\nWe recognized the need for outreach and case management services to homeless individuals who are suffering from substance misuse and mental health disorders and are delighted to be chosen to provide these services, said Maureen Beauregard, President of Families in Transition-New Horizons. Through our Connections to Recovery Program, we'll provide trauma informed, culturally competent outreach services specifically designed to engage individuals with complex needs who may feel reluctant to seek substance use assistance. Clients will be supported by evidence based case management services, which in addition to helping them identify, access and sustain key resources such as substance use treatment, housing, medical care and income generating supports, will also help them to set achievable personal goals for sustained long-term recovery and wellness.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://shea-porter.house.gov/media/press-releases/shea-porter-statement-2017-cdc-drug-overdose-report", "Shea-Porter Statement on 2017 CDC Drug Overdose Report", "2018-11-29", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Carol Shea-Porter", "S001170", "shea-porter.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01) today released the following statement on the 2017 CDC drug overdose report:\nIt is a promising sign that New Hampshire's drug overdose rate did not increase last year, but our state and our country have a long way to go to turn the tide in this deadly crisis. We are losing far too many Granite Staters to drug overdoses. The federal government has to step up and help our state by providing the resources and support that the severity of this crisis demands. The health care workers, first responders, community leaders, and social workers on the front lines of the opioid epidemic are doing a tremendous job, but they need more help. I hope that the next Congress will significantly increase federal funding to combat the opioid crisis and that the White House will finally give this issue the attention it needs instead of trying to rip health care away from those who need it, especially those trying to access treatment. We cannot end this crisis by attacking health care the way this administration has done and continues to do. These attacks threaten to reverse the progress we have made and will have a devastating impact on all those working to stop drug overdoses and to make our communities healthier and more prosperous.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://shea-porter.house.gov/media/press-releases/shea-porter-urges-fda-label-sesame-products", "Shea-Porter Urges FDA to Label Sesame Products", "2018-11-29", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Carol Shea-Porter", "S001170", "shea-porter.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Helvetica}\nspan.s1 {font-kerning: none}\nspan.s2 {text-decoration: underline ; font-kerning: none; color: #0463c1}\n\t\n\nWASHINGTON, DC Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH), founder of the House Asthma and Allergy Caucus, today announced that she has sent a letter to Scott Gottlieb, MD, Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), urging the FDA to require the clear labeling of sesame products.\n\nThe letter outlines the prevalence and severity of sesame allergies, as well as the risk of accidental exposure and allergic reactions under current regulations. The letter was co-led by Congressmen Eliot Engel (D-NY) and Gregg Harper (R-MS), co-chairs of the House Asthma and Allergy Caucus.\n\nUniform and easily understandable labels will help Americans with sesame allergies and their families safely navigate their food choices and avoid preventable reactions,the Members wrote.Considering the prevalence and severity of sesame allergies, we strongly encourage the FDA to regulate sesame products in a manner similar to the eight currently labeled allergens and require the clear labeling of these products.\nThe full text of the letter can be found below.\n\nNovember 27, 2018\n\nCommissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D.\nU.S. Food and Drug Administration\n10903 New Hampshire Avenue\nSilver Spring, MD 20993\n\nDear Commissioner Gottlieb:\n\nWe urge the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to use its existing authority to require the clear labeling of sesame products and products containing sesame seeds, and to regulate such products in a manner similar to the eight currently labeled major allergens.\n\nSesame is the ninth most common food allergy among American adults and children, ranking just behind the eight allergens for which FDA requires labeling (milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans).[1]However, allergic reactions to sesame can be even more severe than reactions to these eight allergens. Among adults with sesame allergies, 32.5 percent report having been to the emergency room (ER) in the past year for an allergic reaction  a higher rate than for any of the eight labeled allergens.[2]Rates of ER visits are even more common among children with sesame allergies.[3]\n\nDespite the prevalence and severity of sesame allergies, current regulations allow sesame to go unnamed on food labels. Even when sesame is named, it can be listed under names that are not easily recognizable to consumers, such as sim sim or til. The absence of a clear label makes it difficult for consumers to identify products that contain sesame, increasing the risk of accidental exposure and allergic reactions.\n\nAligning sesame labeling requirements with those applied to the aforementioned eight allergens would not impose an undue burden on manufacturers. Manufacturers are already familiar with these requirements for the top eight allergens. Moreover, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the European Union require sesame labeling, meaning that multinational manufacturers have already been labeling sesame in other markets.[4]\n\nConsidering the prevalence and severity of sesame allergies, we strongly encourage the FDA to regulate sesame products in a manner similar to the eight currently labeled allergens and require the clear labeling of these products. Uniform and easily understandable labels will help Americans with sesame allergies and their families safely navigate their food choices and avoid preventable reactions.\n\nWe look forward to your response.\n\nSincerely,\n\n______________________________ ______________________________\nEliot L. Engel Gregg Harper\nMember of Congress                         Member of Congress\nCo-chair, House Asthma and Allergy            Co-chair, House Asthma and Allergy\nCaucus Caucus\n\n\n______________________________\nCarol Shea-Porter\nMember of Congress\nCo-chair, House Asthma and Allergy\nCaucus\n\n\n[1]The Prevalence, Severity, and Distribution of Childhood Food Allergy in the United States.\nRuchi S.Gupta,Elizabeth E.Springston,Manoj R.Warrier,BridgetSmith,Rajesh Kumar,JacquelinePongracic,Jane L.Holl.Pediatrics.July 2011,128(1)e9-e17;DOI:10.1542/peds.2011-0204.http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/128/1/e9.\n[2]See 1.\n[3]See 1.\n[4]Seeds of Change. Sarah Sorscher, JD, MPH. Center for Science in the Public Interest. April 2018.https://cspinet.org/sites/default/files/attachment/seeds-of-change-report.pdf.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/on-senate-floor-shaheen-underscores-impact-of-climate-change-on-granite-state-environment-wildlife-and-economy", "On Senate Floor: Shaheen Underscores Impact of Climate Change on Granite State Environment, Wildlife & Economy", "2018-11-29", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On Senate Floor: Shaheen Underscores Impact of Climate Change on Granite State Environment, Wildlife & Economy \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tNovember 29, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t**Shaheen's Remarks Follow the Release of the Trump Administration's Report on Climate Change Which Shows Significant Implications on Human Health and other Societal and Environmental Elements**\r\nWatch Shaheen's remarks in full here.\r\n(Washington, DC)  Last night, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) spoke on the Senate floor highlighting how climate change is negatively affecting New Hampshire and the nation, and underscored the serious environmental, economic and public health consequences that are looming unless meaningful action is taken to combat the ongoing threat to New Hampshire's way of life. Shaheen discussed how the changes in temperature are influencing fall foliage and maple production, as well as effects on New Hampshire wildlife, including the moose population and fisheries. Shaheen's remarks come in response to a report on the effects of climate change that was released by the Trump administration last week.\r\nThe report makes it abundantly clear that every American  every American  is affected by climate change, and the threat it poses will get worse unless we take action, said Shaheen. She went on to discuss how the effects of climate change, specifically rising temperatures that are shortening the fall foliage season, hurt New Hampshire's outdoor recreation economy, impacting hunting, fishing, skiing, snowboarding and more, all of which contribute more than $4 billion to New Hampshire's economy.\r\nShaheen continued, If we fail to act on climate change, we're going to see a steep loss of jobs in revenue that is going to affect our outdoor recreation industry. And it's going to affect our traditional maple syrup industry. New Hampshire produces more than 100,000 gallons of maple syrup annuallythat makes it the third largest maple syrup producer among the New England states. Maple syrup is entirely dependent on weather conditions  we're already seeing the impact that these [weather] changes are having.\r\nAddressing the impact on Granite State wildlife, Shaheen said, Because of milder winters due to climate change, ticks and other insects aren't dying off. That leads to infestations of our wildlife and trees. And according to New Hampshire's Fish and Game Department, the estimated moose population in New Hampshire has decreased by more than 50 percent since the mid-1990s. That story is even worse for moose calves. A recent study by researchers at the University of New Hampshire found that winter ticks are the primary cause of an unprecedented 70 percent death rate of calves over a three-year period... And to quote Dr. Peter Pekins, a professor at UNH who is a lead author on the study: The iconic moose is rapidly becoming the new poster child for climate change in parts of the Northeast.\r\nIn closing, Shaheen reaffirmed, Through smart energy policies, through thoughtful conservation measures, we can stop climatechange from reaching dangerous, irreversible levels  but we have to act now.\r\nEarlier this month, the Trump administration released an assessment by the U.S. Global Change Research Program, which is a federally-mandated analysis on the effects of climate change, and projects major trends for the subsequent 25 to 100 years. The assessment is delivered to Congress and the President every four years. The report released last week shows that our world is already experiencing the effects of climate change and finds that changes in the likelihood or severity of recent extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and wildfires, can now be attributed with increasingly higher confidence to manmade warming. The analysis estimates that by 2090, global warming could cost the United States economy more than $500 billion a year in crop damage, lost labor and extreme weather damages. The report details the profound impact climate change is having, and will continue to have, on the Northeast region of the United States' environment, economy and public health. The report also praises the Northeast region's participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and suggests that it could serve as a model for the nation.\r\nSenator Shaheen has led efforts in the Senate to combat climate change. As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Shaheentraveled to Paris to participatein high-level discussions at the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference that led to the international Paris climate accord. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Shaheen helped secure increased funding for several energy efficiency and renewable energyprogramsat the Department of Energy as part of the omnibus funding bill for fiscal year 2018. Shaheen has also consistently spoken out in opposition to the President's anti-environment agenda, andcosponsored legislation that would rescind President Trump's anti-climate executive orderand restore our nation's leadership role in the fight against global climate change.\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.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/shaheen-hassan-and-bipartisan-group-of-senators-call-for-reauthorization-of-secure-rural-schools-funding", "Shaheen, Hassan and Bipartisan Group of Senators Call for Reauthorization of Secure Rural Schools Funding", "2018-11-29", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Shaheen, Hassan and Bipartisan Group of Senators Call for Reauthorization of Secure Rural Schools Funding \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tNovember 29, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t(Washington, DC)  U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) sent a bipartisan letter to Senate leadership with 23 Senators yesterday, calling for a one-year reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program in any year-end funding measures. The SRS program is administered by the U.S. Forest Service and supports public schools, public roads, forest health projects, emergency services and many other essential county services. Three New Hampshire counties including Coos, Grafton and Carroll, receive payments through the SRS program to help offset the loss of revenue from timber receipts on federal forests. This year, New Hampshire has received a total of $446,161 from the U.S. Forest Service with nearly half of those funds coming through the SRS program.\r\nOver the last nearly two decades, SRS has been a critical lifeline for over 775 counties in over 40 states across the country by helping fund more than 4,400 schools, road maintenance, law enforcement, and search and rescue operations, the Senators wrote in their letter to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY). Congress has an obligation to ensure counties with swaths of tax-exempt forestlands can adequately provide essential services for their residents.\r\nThe SRS program was first established in 2000 to assist counties containing tracts of federally-owned land that is tax-exempt. Senators Shaheen and Hassan are strong supporters of SRS and cosponsored bipartisan legislation to extend the program's authorization through 2020.\r\nThe senators added, As we work to establish a permanent county payments solution, diversify rural economies, improve forest management and forest health, strengthen historic forest revenue sharing with local governments, and ensure that our forests provide a range of values such as clean water, jobs, and wood fiber for local economies, a short-term reauthorization of at least one year is critical to provide fiscal certainty for forested counties.\r\nThe letter is also signed by Senators Wyden (D-OR), Crapo (R-ID), Risch (R-ID) Merkley (D-OR), Baldwin (D-WI) Bennett (D-CO), Booker (D-NJ), Boozman (R-AK), Cantwell (D-WA), Capito (R-WV), Daines (R-MT), Feinstein (D-CA), Gardner (R-CO), Harris (D-CA), Heinrich (D-NM), Klobuchar (D-MN), Manchin (D-WV), Murray (D-WA), Peters (D-MI), Rounds (R-SD), Sullivan (R-AK), Tester (D-MT), and Wicker (R-MI).\r\nThe full text of the letter isavailable here.\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/shaheen-hassan-and-shea-porter-announce-312k-to-families-in-transition", "Shaheen, Hassan & Shea-Porter Announce $312K to Families in Transition", "2018-11-29", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Shaheen, Hassan & Shea-Porter Announce $312K to Families in Transition \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tNovember 29, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t(Washington, DC)  Today, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01) announced $312,220 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Center for Substance Abuse Treatment to Families in Transition in Manchester. This grant will fund Families in Transition's Connections to Recovery Program, which will support outreach and care for an estimated 160 homeless individuals who are struggling with substance use disorders annually in New Hampshire.\r\nThe opioid epidemic continues to pose significant challenges to communities across New Hampshire, and Families in Transition has consistently stepped up to support some of the most vulnerable Granite Staters struggling with substance use disorder and homelessness, said Shaheen. I'm very pleased to announce this grant, which will allow Families in Transition to support homeless individuals and provide them with resources to facilitate their road to recovery. I'll continue to work across the aisle to secure federal resources to bolster community efforts like Families in Transition's in New Hampshire.\r\nFamilies in Transition does critical work to support those struggling with substance misuse, and I am pleased to announce this federal grant to support those efforts, particularly as they pertain to homeless Granite Staters, said Hassan. I'll keep fighting to help ensure that everyone struggling with substance use disorder has access to the treatment and recovery services they need.\r\nThis federal grant will help Families in Transition provide important services for people who are experiencing homelessness, said Shea-Porter. Congratulations to Families in Transition on receiving this funding, which will help improve access to health care for many who are trying to exit homelessness.\r\nWe recognized the need for outreach and case management services to homeless individuals who are suffering from substance misuse and mental health disorders and are delighted to be chosen to provide these services, said Maureen Beauregard, President of Families in Transition-New Horizons. Through our Connections to Recovery Program, we'll provide trauma informed, culturally competent outreach services specifically designed to engage individuals with complex needs who may feel reluctant to seek substance use assistance. Clients will be supported by evidence based case management services, which in addition to helping them identify, access and sustain key resources such as substance use treatment, housing, medical care and income generating supports, will also help them to set achievable personal goals for sustained long-term recovery and wellness.\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/shaheen-statement-on-2017-cdc-drug-overdose-death-rate-report", "Shaheen Statement on 2017 CDC Drug Overdose Death Rate Report", "2018-11-29", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Shaheen Statement on 2017 CDC Drug Overdose Death Rate Report \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tNovember 29, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t(Washington, DC)  U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) issued the following statement in response to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that found in 2017 drug overdose deaths increased by approximately 10 percent nationally. The report also found that New Hampshire overdose death rates were at comparable levels to the previous year.\r\nI'm relieved New Hampshire's drug overdose death rate did not significantly increase last year, which is a testament to the hard work of our first responders, treatment providers and community leaders, said Shaheen. However, these numbers still reflect a very tragic reality and make it clear that much more needs to be done at the federal level to help New Hampshire overcome this epidemic. Nearly 500 deaths a year is a staggering and unacceptable number, with each death representing a family member, friend or colleague taken far too soon. Too many Granite Staters are suffering from substance use disorders without the treatment they need, and our first responders on the frontlines continue to need additional resources to respond to this enormous crisis. While this report shows we are moving in the right direction, there is much more work ahead to overcome this scourge. I'll continue to work across the aisle in Congress, and with our community members and leaders at every level to help end this epidemic.\r\nSenator Shaheen, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and the lead Democrat of the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, has led efforts in Congress to respond to the opioid crisis. As a result ofher advocacyon the bipartisan Common Sense Caucus and her engagement during the writing of the omnibus funding bill that wassigned into law in March, Shaheen helped secure $3.3 billion in additional resources. This funding will help communities impacted by the opioid epidemic by supporting prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and law enforcement programs at the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Justice and other federal agencies.Senator Shaheen was instrumental in securing the$142 millionset-aside in the government funding bill for opioid response efforts that will target hardest-hit stateslike New Hampshire. As a result of these efforts, New Hampshirereceiveda more than seven-fold increase in annual grant award funding provided through the State Opioid Response Grant program.\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/shaheen-statement-on-trump-admins-latest-sabotage-of-the-affordable-care-act", "Shaheen Statement on Trump Admin\u2019s Latest Sabotage of the Affordable Care Act", "2018-11-29", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Shaheen Statement on Trump Admin's Latest Sabotage of the Affordable Care Act \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tNovember 29, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t(Washington, DC)  U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) issued the following statement in response to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) announcement that the agency will allow states to apply for 1332 waivers, giving states the option to opt-out of adhering to key requirements of the Affordable Care Act that help to provide access to comprehensive, quality health care. As a part of this announcement, CMS is encouraging states to apply for waivers to allow for the use of premium tax credits for the purchase of health plans that do not meet the Affordable Care Act's coverage and patient protection requirements. Health plans that do not meet these requirements include short-term, limited-duration insurance plans, also known as junk plans. Junk plans are able to deny coverage for pre-existing conditions and exclude coverage for essential health benefits like prescription drugs, maternity care and substance use disorder services.\r\nDespite the American people's support for the Affordable Care Act, the Trump administration continues to find ways to undermine the health care marketplace for consumers, said Shaheen. The policy announced today will promote a race to the bottom for coverage standards and protections that patients count on. It will incentivize consumers to drop health care plans that provide quality coverage and cover pre-existing conditions, and instead purchase junk insurance that does neither. We cannot go back to a broken health insurance system that makes it more expensive, if not impossible, to find coverage when you get sick. The Senate should come together in a bipartisan manner and reject the administration's continued actions to sabotage the Affordable Care Act and instead work to tackle a fundamental concern for all of our constituents: rising health care costs.\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.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/shaheen-leads-group-of-senators-calling-on-senate-leadership-to-act-now-to-protect-small-businesses-from-burdensome-sales-tax-collection-requirement", "Shaheen Leads Group of Senators Calling on Senate Leadership to Act Now to Protect Small Businesses from Burdensome Sales Tax Collection Requirement", "2018-11-28", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Shaheen Leads Group of Senators Calling on Senate Leadership to Act Now to Protect Small Businesses from Burdensome Sales Tax Collection Requirement \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tNovember 28, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t**Group Calls for Ban on Retroactive Sales Tax Collection and a Moratorium until Congress Acts to Protect Small Businesses **\r\n(Washington, DC)  U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a member of the Senate Small Business Committee, sent a letter with Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR), Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH), calling on Senate Leadership to take action before the end of the year to protect small businesses from red tape resulting from the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc. In the wake of the ruling, many states have passed laws requiring out-of-state small businesses to start collecting sales taxes as soon as January 1st. The letter requests a delay to allow more time for Congress to enact protections for small businesses and urges a ban on retroactive collection requirements.\r\nThe Senators wrote, While we disagree with the decision and believe it should be overturned, we hope to work with you to, at a minimum, enact robust protections for small businesses  Some states have established implementation dates as soon as January 1, 2019. As the Government Accountability Office has noted, integrating sales tax collection will require significant time and labor intensive' start-up costs for small businesses. We do not believe it is realistic to ask small businesses to have these new systems set up shortly after the holiday season, which is the busiest time of year for retailers. This is especially true in states where firms have no experience collecting sales taxes.\r\nUnder South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc., and without action from Congress, some New Hampshire small businesses will be forced to collect sales tax for 46 other states. In their letter, the Senators also urge Senate Leadership to enact a moratorium on collection requirements and a prohibition on retroactive authority to provide necessary time for small businesses to adjust and comply with new regulations and requirements.\r\nThe Senators continued, A moratorium would provide much-needed time for small businesses. Previous Congressional consideration of remote sales tax legislation shows that there is bipartisan support for a runway, or phase-in period, for small businesses to comply with any new collection requirements... We must also ensure that small businesses are not subject to retroactive sales tax collection requirements. While the Court's decision pointed to South Dakota's lack of retroactivity, there is no guarantee that states will not take action against defenseless out-of-state small businesses. We believe a statutory ban on retroactive state sales tax collection is necessary to ensure that small businesses are not punished by cash-strapped states they have no relation to.\r\nThe letter can be read in full here.\r\nSenator Shaheen successfully led efforts to stop the Marketplace Fairness Act, which was first introduced in 2011 to impose these internet sales tax collection requirements. She previously worked with Senators Wyden and Hassan as part of a bipartisan, bicameral group of members of Congress to file an amicus brief in theSouth Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc.case, in opposition to South Dakota's argument. The Supreme Court's dissenting opinion cites a Government Accountability Office report that was requested by Senator Shaheen detailing the burdens that a sales tax collection requirement will place on small businesses. In June, Shaheenintroduced legislation with Senators Jon Tester (D-MT), Merkley and Hassan  the Stop Taxing Our Potential (STOP) Act  to overturn the Supreme Court case.\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/shaheen-and-hassan-respond-to-findings-for-northeast-region-in-federal-climate-change-report", "Shaheen & Hassan Respond to Findings for Northeast Region in Federal Climate Change Report", "2018-11-26", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Shaheen & Hassan Respond to Findings for Northeast Region in Federal Climate Change Report \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tNovember 26, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t(Washington, DC) U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) issued the following statements after the Trump administration released on Friday a report on the effects of climate change, which includes specific findings for the Northeast region. The report details the profound impact climate change is having, and will continue to have, on the region's environment, economy and public health:\r\nIgnoring climate change is not an option, said Shaheen. This report makes it clear that every Granite Stater is impacted by climate change, and the threat to our state will worsen over time unless aggressive action is taken. These findings should compel the Trump administration and Republican leadership in Congress to finally face the facts and work across the aisle to address this threat to New Hampshire and the planet. This report also praises the region's participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and suggests that it could serve as a model for the nation. I wholeheartedly agree, and urge leaders in Concord to maintain New Hampshire's leadership in controlling harmful greenhouse gas emissions through RGGI. It's time for the nation to catch up to the Northeast region in tackling climate change head-on.\r\nThere is no question that climate change is having very real and very serious consequences for our economy, environment, and way of life  and we need action now, said Hassan. From our maple syrup and ski industries to our coastal infrastructure, this report details the negative impact that climate change is having in the Northeast region and makes it abundantly clear that the economic impacts will worsen dramatically if we fail to take urgent and meaningful action. New Hampshire and the Northeast have helped lead the way through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, and I urge the President, his Administration, and Republicans in Congress to acknowledge the scientific facts and join us in addressing this massive challenge.\r\nAmong the findings in this report for the Northeast region:\r\n \r\nClimate change threatens coastal marshes, fisheries, ecosystems and coastal infrastructure;\r\nIn particular, warming waters are a direct threat to lobster and cod catches;\r\nIncreased precipitation will lead to more inland flooding;\r\nWarming weather will lead to poorer air quality and allergens, with health-related impacts;\r\nWinters are warming three times faster than summers, which is leading to a shorter snow season for winter tourism; \r\nShifting seasonality is negatively affecting the health of forests and harming migratory patterns of birds and parasite infections for animals such as moose;\r\nChanging seasons are also threatening maple syrup production because of increased variability in the tapping season;\r\nAnd coastal and inland flooding will necessitate investments in aging infrastructure.\r\n \r\nThe report can be read in its entirety here.\r\nSenator Shaheen has led efforts in the Senate to combat climate change. As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Shaheentraveled to Paris to participatein high-level discussions at the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference that led to the international Paris climate accord. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Shaheen helped secure increased funding for several energy efficiency and renewable energyprogramsat the Department of Energy as part of the omnibus funding bill for fiscal year 2018. Shaheen has also consistently spoken out in opposition to the President's anti-environment agenda, andcosponsored legislation that would rescind President Trump's anti-climate executive orderand restore our nation's leadership role in the fight against global climate change.\r\nSenator Hassan has long fought to protect natural resources and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Senator Hassan spoke on the Senate floor earlier this yearabout the urgent need to act to combat climate change, andintroduced a billto create a national study on net metering, which would help support the growth of clean energy and work to reduce the release of toxic emissions into the air.As a State Senator and then as Governor, Senator Hassan worked to create and strengthen the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and New Hampshire's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) to maintain and grow the state's clean, renewable energy sector. She also worked across party lines as Governor to raise the net metering cap in order to boost New Hampshire's solar industry and ensure that it can continue to grow and thrive.\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/shaheen-and-hassan-applaud-army-corps-approval-of-hampton-seabrook-harbor-emergency-dredging", "Shaheen & Hassan Applaud Army Corps Approval of Hampton-Seabrook Harbor Emergency Dredging", "2018-11-21", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Shaheen & Hassan Applaud Army Corps Approval of Hampton-Seabrook Harbor Emergency Dredging \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 **The Corps' Work Plan For Hampton-Seabrook Harbor Follows Multi-Pronged Legislative Effort Led by Sen. Shaheen** \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tNovember 21, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t(Washington, DC)  U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) issued the following statement in response to the Army Corps of Engineers' (The Corps) release of their fiscal year 2019 work plan, which includes$4.6 million to move emergency dredging efforts for Hampton-Seabrook Harbor.\r\nDredging at Hampton-Seabrook Harbor is desperately needed and I'm very pleased that the Corps has prioritized this project for 2019, said Shaheen. New Hampshire fishermen depend on Hampton-Seabrook Harbor, but unfortunately the shoaling has become so extreme that they are unable to access open waters during several hours each day. Dredging will immediately ease this economic and safety challenge for our fishermen, and can't happen soon enough. I'll continue to work across the aisle with local and federal partners to ensure the emergency dredging is completed in a timely, efficient manner.\r\nIt is great news for New Hampshire that the Army Corps of Engineers included dredging at Hampton-Seabrook Harbor in their work plan for 2019, Senator Hassan said. This project is critical to our commercial fishing industry, the vitality of our state's economy, and the safety of Granite Staters in the region. I'll keeping working with Senator Shaheen and other partners to help ensure that this vital project is completed without delay. \r\nSenators Shaheen and Hassan have been fierce advocates on behalf of New Hampshire fishermen and coastal communities in Hampton-Seabrook and Portsmouth. In October, Shaheen and Hassan helped secure approval of mitigation efforts at Hampton-Seabrook Harbor in the bipartisan America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018, which the President signed into law.\r\nAs a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Shaheen helpedprocure nearly $7 billionfor the Corps to complete necessary infrastructure projects in New Hampshire and across the country in fiscal year 2019 funding legislation that the President signed into law in September. She specifically fought to include language that addresses the need for emergency dredging at Hampton-Seabrook Harbor by directing the Corps to prioritize off-cycle, emergency dredging in its Work Plans.\r\nIn September,the New Hampshire delegation calledon the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Mick Mulvaney and Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works R.D. James to include emergency dredging for Hampton-Seabrook Harbor in the OMB and the Corps' fiscal year 2019 work plan. The New Hampshire delegation hasrepeatedlycalled for the Corps to dredge Hampton-Seabrook Harbor. Shaheen toured Hampton-Seabrook Harbor in the spring andreleased an exclusive videoshowing how badly the shoaling is occurring in the harbor, underscoring the need for federal assistance to perform emergency dredging.\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/shaheen-statement-on-election-of-kim-jong-yang-of-south-korea-to-serve-as-president-of-interpol", "Shaheen Statement on Election of Kim Jong-yang of South Korea to Serve as President of Interpol", "2018-11-21", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Shaheen Statement on Election of Kim Jong-yang of South Korea to Serve as President of Interpol \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tNovember 21, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t(Washington, DC)  U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations and Armed Services Committees, issued the following statement in response to the election of Kim Jong-yang of South Korea to serve as the next President of Interpol. The vote to elect the President of Interpol was held at the Interpol General Assembly in Dubai today.\r\nI am relieved that Kim Jong-yang will serve as the next President of Interpol, said Shaheen. I'm also encouraged that the candidacy of Alexander Prokopchuk was rejected, preventing the Kremlin and other nations from further manipulating this law enforcement institution for their own purposes. Kremlin control would have allowed Putin to weaponize Interpol against his critics and political opponents even more, and would have made a mockery of this international law enforcement body. Going forward, Interpol must push forward necessary reforms to prevent its members from continuing to abuse the red notice system and address such abuses when they occur. The election of Kim Jong-yang is an important step toward achieving this goal and upholding the fundamental value of rule of law, worldwide.\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://shea-porter.house.gov/media/press-releases/shea-porter-statement-gao-report-nuclear-submarine-maintenance", "Shea-Porter Statement on GAO Report on Nuclear Submarine Maintenance", "2018-11-20", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Carol Shea-Porter", "S001170", "shea-porter.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "DOVER, NH Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, today released the following statement after the Government Accountability Office released a report on maintenance delays facing the attack submarine fleet:\n\nOur public shipyards are the gold standard for the repair and maintenance of our nuclear submarine force. The workers at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard do an incredible job, on-time and on budget, and the Shipyard is a national model for depot-level repair work. The Shipyard's work keeps our submariners safe and ensures the readiness of our nuclear submarine fleet at a time when the it is facing an increasing workload. Despite these pressures, and because of the Navy's submarine safety standards and the work of the Shipyard, the deployed readiness of our attack submarines is high and they are in excellent material condition' compared with the rest of the Navy, according to GAO. Congress and the Navy are working hard to address maintenance delays by investing significant resources into upgrading public shipyards, including nearly $150 million for the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. The Shipyard is working at full capacity and meeting its goals, and I do not expect that any maintenance availabilities will be transferred from Portsmouth. It's clear from this report that our public shipyards are needed now than ever, and I expect the Navy to continue supporting our public shipyards by making critical investments to expand capacity and train new workers.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/shaheen-responds-to-presidents-statement-defending-saudi-arabia", "Shaheen Responds to President\u2019s Statement Defending Saudi Arabia", "2018-11-20", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Shaheen Responds to President's Statement Defending Saudi Arabia \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tNovember 20, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t(Washington, DC)  U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations and Armed Services Committees, issued the following statement in response to the President's announcement that his administration will continue to stand by Saudi Arabia in the aftermath of the brutal murder of Washington Post journalist and U.S. permanent resident Jamal Khashoggi:\r\nPresident Trump's habit of siding with murderous foreign dictators over American intelligence professionals is a stain on our democracy that undermines the American ideal, said Senator Shaheen. Fortunately, the President is not the sole protector of that ideal. Congress must now stand up with bipartisan resolve to condemn the brutal slaying of Jamal Khashoggi and pass legislation to respond to this and other Saudi crimes.\r\nLast week, Senator Shaheen worked with a bipartisan group of Senators to introduce the Saudi Arabia Accountability and Yemen Act of 2018, comprehensive legislation to ensure effective Congressional oversight of U.S. policy on Yemen, provide leverage to push the stakeholders in Yemen's civil war toward a political process, address the world's worst humanitarian crisis, and demand meaningful accountability for the murder ofKhashoggi.\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-hassan-join-survivor-advocates-to-highlight-negative-impact-of", "Kuster, Hassan Join Survivor Advocates to Highlight Negative Impact of DeVos Rollback of Title IX", "2018-11-19", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Concord, NH)  Today at the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (NHCADSV) headquarters, Representative Annie Kuster (NH-02) and U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) joined survivor advocates from the NHCADSV, the University of New Hampshire Prevention Innovations Research Center, Keene State College, Colby Sawyer College, Plymouth State University, and Rivier University to highlight the potential negative impacts of the proposed changes to Title IX announced on Friday by Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos. The suggested changes to Title IX include narrowing the definition of sexual harassment, establishing a higher legal standard on which to hold schools accountable for ignoring wrongdoing, and constraining the purview schools have to investigate accusations against students. Title IX mandates equal opportunity to education without regard to gender, and empowers schools, colleges, and universities to improve resources for survivors and conduct internal investigations into reported incidents of sexual violence.\nTitle IX mandates equal opportunity to education, and the proposed changes by Secretary DeVos and the Trump Administration will undermine that goal, said Congresswoman Kuster. These proposed changes will serve to make schools, campuses, and students less safe. The Secretary should reevaluate her proposals and instead focus on improving the safety and well-being of students. I appreciate the opportunity to hear from so many incredible survivor advocates and educators today on this important issue, and I will work with them to strengthen safety for all our students.\nThe Title IX guidance issued during the Obama Administration was a strong step forward in ensuring that every student feels safe and supported in their living and academic environment, Senator Hassan said. I am deeply concerned that the proposal announced by Secretary DeVos would weaken these protections for students and make it easier for colleges and universities to dodge their responsibilities. I'll keep standing with advocates across the country and work to ensure that those who have experienced sexual assault have the support and protections they deserve.\nWe're deeply concerned that the proposed Title IX regulations, if enacted, would deter survivors from coming forward, allow schools to excuse sexual violence, and create unsafe learning environments on our campuses, said Amanda Grady Sexton, Director of Public Affairs, the NH Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. We're incredibly grateful to Senator Hassan, Congresswoman Kuster, and the multidisciplinary roundtable participants for joining us in this critical discussion. Sexual assault is already among the most underreported crimes and we cannot afford to take steps backwards. We are committed to continuing to work with elected officials, victims/survivors, professionals working in our schools, and advocates to prevent the weakening of Title IX.\nCongresswoman Kuster,the founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Task Force to End Sexual Violence, has long been a champion for survivors of sexual and domestic violence, sharing her ownpersonal experiencesinvolving sexual assault on the House floor and joining with 17 other Members of Congress toread Emily Doe's open letterdescribing her attack and ensuing trial  which marked the first time a victim's statement has been read in full in the House chambers. The Bipartisan Task Force to End Sexual Violence works to raise awareness and propose solutions to the challenges posed by sexual assault. The Task Force's areas of focus include: K-12 education, campus sexual violence, the rape kit backlog, military sexual trauma, improved data and collection, online harassment, and law enforcement training.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/shaheen-wicker-coons-and-rubio-warn-against-russian-leadership-of-interpol-ahead-of-general-assembly-vote", "Shaheen, Wicker, Coons & Rubio Warn Against Russian Leadership of Interpol Ahead of General Assembly Vote", "2018-11-19", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Shaheen, Wicker, Coons & Rubio Warn Against Russian Leadership of Interpol Ahead of General Assembly Vote \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tNovember 19, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tHelsinki Commission Members Call on Trump Admin & Interpol General Assembly Members to Oppose Alexander Prokopchuk's Candidacy for President of Interpol\r\n(Washington, DC)  U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Chris Coons (D-DE) and Marco Rubio (R-FL), members of the Helsinki Commission, issued the following joint statement, urging the Trump administration and members of Interpol's General Assembly to oppose the candidacy of Alexander Prokopchuk of Russia to serve as the President of Interpol. A vote to elect the next President of Interpol will be held at the Interpol General Assembly in Dubai on Wednesday.\r\nInterpol electing Major General Alexander Prokopchuk as its new President is akin to putting a fox in charge of a henhouse, said the Senators. Russia routinely abuses Interpol for the purpose of settling scores and harassing political opponents, dissidents and journalists. Alexander Prokopchuk has been personally involved in this intimidation strategy which ultimately seeks to weaken democratic institutions and embolden Putin's authoritarian regime. If elected as President by the members of Interpol's General Assembly on Wednesday, we have no doubt that Mr. Prokopchuk will further institutionalize the abuse of Interpol red notices and block ongoing efforts at meaningful reform. Further, the potential access he would gain to sensitive law enforcement data will bolster the Kremlin's ability to harass critics living outside of Russia and aid other authoritarian regimes seeking to do the same. For these reasons, we urge all 192 members to stand for the integrity of Interpol as a legitimate international law enforcement mechanism and vote against Mr. Prokopchuk. We continue to call on our administration to use its voice, vote and influence to ensure that Interpol can no longer be co-opted by Putin and other dictators for their own nefarious purposes.\r\nThe Russian Federation is one of the main countries to exploit Interpol's red notice system, whereby notices of arrest are sent to all member countries. Russia has used the red notice system to harass Russian dissidents, critical Americans and other individuals opposed to the Kremlin's aggression around the globe. Russia's candidate for the President of Interpol, Major General Alexander Prokopchuk, has been particularly involved in the Kremlin's continued harassment campaign since he served as the head of Russia's National Central Bureau since 2011.\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kuster.house.gov/congress-in-your-corner/catching-up-with-annie/new-hampshire-values", "New Hampshire Values", "2018-11-16", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "At the Veterans Day Ceremony at NH State Veterans Cemetery\n\t\t\t\n\t\tDear Jenni,\nSupporting Those Who Serve\nOn Sunday, I was humbled to give remarks at the Veterans Day ceremony at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery and express my gratitude to veterans, active duty servicemembers and military families for their incredible courage, sacrifice and patriotism. However, saying thank you is not enough. I saw my father and father-in-law struggle with the unseen wounds of war following their service in World War II, and I understand how important it is to support veterans and help make their return to civilian life easier. Through my work as a member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, I will continue advocating for veterans here in the Granite State and across the country. We must do everything we can to provide our brave men and women with the services and care they need and deserve.\nIncreasing Access to Higher Education\nIt was great to join the New Hampshire Higher Education Assistance Foundation (NHHEAF) and the students at Merrimack Valley High School on Tuesday to help kick off this year's College Application Month. Completing a college application is an important first step in accessing higher education, which is becoming increasingly essential to competing in today's changing economy and workforce.We must work to make higher education more accessible and affordable for all Granite State students who wish to pursue college.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSpeaking to Merrimack Valley High School students about College Applications\n\t\t\t\n\t\tSeeking Justice for Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence\nI am very troubled by the proposed changes to Title IX announced today by Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos. These changes will drastically undermine decades of progress designed to make our schools and campuses safer. Sexual harassment and assault are already one of the most underreported crimes in our society and creating barriers to survivors will only serve to further increase the challenge of seeking justice. I am especially troubled by provisions that permit schools to lower their evidentiary standards as they investigate misconduct claims and set an excessively high bar for defining harassment. Tragically, 1 in 6 women and 1 in 25 men will be sexually assaulted during college, and we should be strengthening rather than undermining these critical protections that help survivors seek the closure they deserve and move forward with their educational aspirations.\nThis week it was announced that the state of New Hampshire, Grafton County, the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence and the Organization for Refugee and Immigrant Success are receiving grant funds from the United States Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women to help support Granite State survivors and families struggling with domestic and sexual violence. I'll continue working to combat these pervasive problems and push for a much-needed reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act.\nHere to Serve You\nMy biggest responsibility in Congress is to serve you, the people of New Hampshire's Second Congressional District. If you have questions, concerns, or ideas, please do not hesitate to reach out to my Washington, DC office at 202-225-5206 or my Concord office at 603-226-1002. Thank you, as always, for everything you do to help make New Hampshire such a wonderful place to call home. Have a great weekend!\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-statement-on-proposed-changes-to-title-ix", "Kuster Statement on Proposed Changes to Title IX", "2018-11-16", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, DC) - Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) released the following statement on proposed changes to Title IX announced today by Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos. The changes include narrowing the definition of sexual harassment, establishing a higher legal standard on which to hold schools accountable for ignoring wrongdoing, and constraining the purview schools have to investigate accusations against students. Title IX mandates equal opportunity to education without regard to gender, and empowers schools, colleges, and universities to improve resources for survivors and conduct internal investigations into reported incidents of sexual violence.\nThe proposed changes to Title IX by Secretary DeVos and the Trump Administration will drastically undermine decades of progress designed to make our schools and campuses safer, said Kuster. Sexual harassment and assault are already one of the most underreported crimes in our society and creating barriers for survivors will only serve to further increase the challenge of seeking justice. I am especially troubled by provisions that permit schools to lower their evidentiary standards as they investigate misconduct claims and set an excessively high bar for defining harassment. Tragically, 1 in 6 women and 1 in 25 men will be sexually assaulted during college, and we should be strengthening rather than undermining these critical protections that help survivors seek the closure they deserve and move forward with their educational aspirations.\nCongresswoman Kuster has been a leader on addressing sexual assault and harassment,speaking in 2016 about her personal experiences. In 2017, she launched the Bipartisan Task Force to End Sexual Violence, which focuses on K-12 education, college campus safety, the rape kit backlog, military sexual trauma, improved data and collection, online harassment, and law enforcement training. The Task Force has held hearings on its areas of focus and released a legislative agenda in July of this year that includes legislation related to campus safety. Earlier this month, Rep. Kuster co-led a letter to Secretary DeVos urging the Education Department to fully engage with campus sexual assault survivors before releasing any new Title IX proposals. \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/shaheen-and-hassan-demand-documents-on-epas-abrupt-dismissal-of-scientists-from-advisory-committees", "Shaheen & Hassan Demand Documents on EPA\u2019s Abrupt Dismissal of Scientists from Advisory Committees", "2018-11-16", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Shaheen & Hassan Demand Documents on EPA's Abrupt Dismissal of Scientists from Advisory Committees \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tNovember 16, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t**Senators: EPA measures undermine science and could jeopardize human health and the environment**\r\n(Washington, DC)  U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) yesterday demanded information and documents from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) about its recent dismissal and appointment of members to its Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC) and its decision to disband two key scientific air pollution advisory panels. They also raised concerns about the EPA's nomination of 174 individuals, some with troubling backgrounds and financial ties, to the EPA's Science Advisory Board. Shaheen and Hassan joined Senators Tom Carper (D-DE), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and a group of senators to point out that the scientists on federal advisory committees are supposed to provide independent, scientific, and technical advice to EPA administrators on major agency programs.\r\nThese actions, taken together with past similar actions, could have the effect of jeopardizing the environment and human health, because they are likely to result in the replacement of renowned scientists who can provide EPA with advice on how to best protect people from the effects of environmental pollution with less qualified, industry representatives who may also have conflicts of interest, wrote the Senators.\r\nIn 2017, Shaheen and Hassan sent a letter to the EPA pointing out that dismissing independent science advisors may impact the agency's ability to strengthen the effectiveness of drinking water health advisories or develop new drinking water standards for emerging contaminants like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances(PFAS).\r\nYesterday's letter was also signed by Senators Ed Markey (D-MA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Chris Van Hollen (DMD), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Tina Smith (D-MN).\r\nA copy of the letter can be found HERE, and the full text of the letter is below:\r\nNovember 15, 2018\r\nThe Honorable Andrew Wheeler\r\nActing Administrator\r\nEnvironmental Protection Agency\r\n1301 Constitution Ave. NW\r\nWashington, DC 20460\r\nDear Acting Administrator Wheeler:\r\nWe write to request information about the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) recent dismissal and appointment of members to its Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC), its decision to disband two key scientific air pollution advisory panels, and its invitation for public comment on the nomination of 174 scientists to EPA's Science Advisory Board.[1] These actions, taken together with past similar actions, could have the effect of jeopardizing the environment and human health, because they are likely to result in the replacement of renowned scientists who can provide EPA with advice on how to best protect people from the effects of environmental pollution with less qualified, industry representatives who may also have conflicts of interest.\r\nThere have been frequent efforts to understand the manner in which EPA is removing and appointing scientists on its federal advisory committees:\r\n \r\nIn letters sent to then-Administrator Pruitt in May 2017, Senators Carper[2], Shaheen, and Hassan[3] expressed deep concern about EPA's abrupt dismissal of twelve scientists from EPA's Board of Scientific Counselors, and Senator Carper requested all documents related to any EPA plans or consideration of plans not to renew the terms of any member of any of EPA's other boards or panels.\r\nIn July 2017, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) accepted a request from 10 Senators[4] to review EPA's process for selecting federal advisory committee members.\r\nAfter EPA announced[5] on October 31, 2017 that it would ban scientists from serving on federal advisory committees if they received research funding from EPA, 10 Senators asked[6] GAO to expand its probe in order to consider several questions concerning the impact of that policy on EPA's 22 federal advisory committees.\r\nOn January 9, 2018, Senators Carper and Whitehouse sent a letter[7] to EPA asking about the appointment of two scientistsDrs. Louis Anthony (Tony) Cox, Jr., a researcher for the petroleum industry, and S. Stanley Young, a researcher for the pharmaceutical and petroleum industryto the CASAC and Scientific Advisory Board.[8] According to internal EPA documents, EPA career staff believed that Drs. Cox and Young may have financial conflicts of interest, may risk an appearance of a lack of impartiality, and may lack the scientific expertise necessary to serve on one or more Federal Advisory Committees.\r\nOn February 14, 2018, Senators Carper and Whitehouse sent[9] GAO information about Dr. Cox and Dr. Larry Wolk, who, according to internal EPA documents released by the Senators, was criticized for having no direct experience in health effects of air pollution, among other things.\r\n \r\nThere have also been more recent changes to CASAC's membership. On October 10, 2018, EPA announced the appointment of five new members to its CASAC, and the unusual dismissal of three qualified scientists from that committee. Specifically, you removed Judith Chow, Ivan Fernandez, Elizabeth Sheppard from CASACall of whom were eligible to serve for another three yearsand additionally removed Larry Wolk.\r\nIn their place, you appointed Dr. Sabine Lange from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and Dr. Steven Packham from the Utah Department of Environmental Quality.[10] Both appointments raise serious concerns related to whether Drs. Lange and Packham should be serving on this Committee. According to documents obtained by the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works[11], EPA career staff warned that Dr. Lange has no direct experience serving on national scientific committees and may have a possible issue with an appearance of a lack of impartiality given her publications and presentation on standards for criteria pollutants and her employer's well-established views and positions on various National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Dr. Lange has said that lowering the smog health standard from 75 parts per billion (ppb) to 70 ppb will not measurably impact public health,[12] has disputed that short-term exposure to smog pollution was linked to respiratory mortality and total mortality,[13] and is considered by some to have extreme views regarding the harmfulness of ozone (smog) pollution and the need for protective health standards.[14]\r\nDr. Packham holds similarly troubling views. In 2014, he presented a poster about air quality and outdoor exercise with the conclusion being that positive effects of exercise outweigh risks of exposure to air pollutionminimizing the impact that air pollution can have on the healthiest and unhealthiest among us. He has also said that individuals can generally deal with increased air pollution, and that while such pollution can take years off your life you don't drop dead. He has also downplayed spikes in formaldehyde presence in Utah.\r\nThe appointment of these two scientists (and removal of highly qualified scientists) is particularly concerning in light of EPA's October 10, 2018 announcement[15] that it would disband its Particulate Matter Review Panel and the Ozone Review Panel, which are comprised of outside scientists that have assisted EPA with its statutory obligation under the Clean Air Act to review the adequacy of EPA's standards for six common air pollutants, including particulate matter and ozone. Instead, EPA announced that CASAC  which is now populated with scientists who are generally in favor of lower pollution standards  will serve that function instead.[16] Importantly, Dr. Cox remains the Chair of CASAC, despite a recent investigative report finding that just this year Dr. Cox made claims along the lines that researchers are overstating the dangers of air pollution, that his own statistical modeling of health data found no connection between dirty air and respiratory problems or heart attacks, that there is no proof that cleaning air saves lives, that there's no link between fine particle pollution and human health, and that the health benefits from reducing ozone are exaggerated.'[17]\r\nMost recently, EPA also announced the nomination of 174 scientists to EPA's Science Advisory Board, which provides independent scientific and technical advice to the EPA Administrator on EPA's major programs.[18] This list includes several problematic nominees, including: Dr. James Enstrom, who has served as a policy adviser for the Koch-funded Heartland Institute and has received funding from the tobacco industry to produce research that downplays the risks of secondhand smoke, and has determined that the PM2.5 NAAQS is scientifically unjustified[19]; Dr. William Happer, who helped former EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt develop the red-team concept and heads the CO2 Coalition, which has received funding to argue that [m]ore carbon dioxide levels will help everyone, including future generations of our families[20]; and Dr. Richard Belzer, whose recent clients include Exxon Mobil, the American Chemistry Council and Fitzgerald Glider Kits, which is pushing EPA to roll back air pollution protections on heavy trucks.[21]\r\nAt least one academic analysis of EPA since the beginning of the Trump administration has concluded that EPA is already demonstrating signs of being influenced by the industries it regulates.[22] By turning to industry-funded scientists and lobbyists to staff the agency and provide it scientific advice, EPA does little to enhance its credibility as an independent government agency acting to protect the environment and public health. And it is hard to see how the agency will be entitled to deference in court when it seeks to defend rules that show signs of being written and endorsed by industry.\r\nSo that we can understand EPA's decision-making process with regard to its federal advisory committees, we ask that you provide us with responses to the following questions and requests for information no later than close of business on December 17, 2018:\r\n \r\nPlease provide us with all documents that are related to EPA's decisions to appoint or not to reappoint any members of any of its federal advisory committees, including but not limited to documents relevant to EPA's assessment of advisory committee nominees' potential conflicts of interest or lack of impartiality. Please provide us with updated responses to this request on a quarterly basis.\r\nPlease provide a detailed description of the internal process EPA uses to select members for its federal advisory committees, including the manner in which the input of EPA's career staff is solicited and utilized. Please provide us with a copy of all documents that memorialize all or part of this internal selection process.\r\nPlease provide a detailed explanation as to why EPA has determined to eliminate the Particulate Matter Review Panel and the Ozone Review Panel. Please provide us with all documents that are related to any plan to eliminate either panel. Going forward, for any analogous panel EPA determines to eliminate, please provide us with documents related to that decision.\r\n \r\nFor purposes of this letter, documents includes, but is not limited to, comments, notes, emails, legal and other memoranda, white papers, scientific references, letters, telephone logs, meeting minutes and calendars, photographs, slides and presentations sent or received by or within EPA (including documents sent or received by members of EPA's beach-head and transition teams).\r\nThank you very much for your attention to this important matter. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact or have your staff contact Michal Freedhoff of the Environment and Public Works Committee staff, at 202-224-8832.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/nh-delegation-announces-additional-24-million-in-vawa-funding", "NH Delegation Announces Additional $2.4 Million In VAWA Funding", "2018-11-15", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, DC)  Today, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Congresswomen Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01) and Annie Kuster (NH-02) announced an additional $2,441,735 in grants from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office on Violence Against Women. Shaheen, the lead Democrat of the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, has led efforts in Congress to support survivors of domestic and sexual violence, and has secured historic federal funding through the yearly appropriations process to fund the Office on Violence Against Women.The New Hampshire delegation previously announced $449,139 to Strafford County, and the additional grants announced today include $1,447,290 to the State of New Hampshire, $457,243 to Grafton County, $238,112 to the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, and $299,090 to the Organization for Refugee and Immigrant Success. The grant funding awarded to New Hampshire for Fiscal Year 2018 totals $2,890,874.\nOur community partners in New Hampshire provide life-saving support and care for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, so boosting investments in their programs is critical, said Shaheen. Securing federal funding to support organizations that provide crucial services for survivors will always be a top priority for me, and as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I'll continue to work across the aisle to deliver the resources community partners need to help survivors in New Hampshire and across the country.\nWe mustsupport the survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking, and ensure that their perpetrators are brought to justice, said Hassan. I am pleased to announce these grants to New Hampshire, totaling nearly $2.9 million, which will help strengthen law enforcement's efforts to investigate these heinous crimes and provide services for survivors to help them through their recovery.\nThese grants from the Department of Justice's Office of Violence Against Women will help our state address the backlog of sexual assault kits while better supporting the survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, said Shea-Porter. I am pleased that our state will be receiving significant federal funding to support law enforcement efforts to strengthen responses to sexual assault, domestic violence, and dating violence. I have always supported fully funding these important programs. Congress needs to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act and increase funding for Justice Department efforts to reduce violence against women. \nI'm pleased that New Hampshire will be receiving these critical resources to support survivors and families during their most difficult moments, said Kuster, the founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Task Force to End Sexual Violence. These grants are going to effective partners in the fight against domestic and sexual violence who are making a real difference in the lives of impacted Granite State families. I will continue to support their efforts and push for a much needed reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act.\nVAWA is a life-saving source of funding for survivors of domestic and sexual violence in New Hampshire, said Amanda Grady Sexton, Director of Public Affairs, New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (NHCADSV). The Coalition's 13 crisis centers rely on VAWA to protect children, strengthen and rebuild families, and prevent future violence in our state. The high prevalence of violence against women in New Hampshire has serious consequences that affect the safety and well-being of our communities, and with funding fromVAWA, we are able to continue our collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to ending domestic and sexual violence in our state. We are grateful to our entire Federal Delegation for their longstanding commitment to funding programs that advance public safety and help survivors and their children seek independence from abuse.\nSenator Shaheen has been a fierce advocate for survivors of domestic violence,leading efforts in Congressto safeguard the Office on Violence Against Women and programs operated under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). In 2016,President Obama signed Shaheen's landmark legislation into law, establishing new rights for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. Last year, Senator Shaheen led the bipartisan effort toreintroduce the International Violence Against Women Act (IVAWA), which would ensure combating gender-based violence around the world remains a top diplomatic and development priority for the United States. Ingovernment spending legislation for fiscal year 2019, Shaheenonce againsecured the highest funding amount ever for VAWA programs, totaling $497.5 million dollars. The legislation passed the Senate Appropriations Committee in June.\nLast July, Congresswomen Shea-Porter and Kusterco-introducedthe Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2018. Last February, Shea-Porterco-introducedthe International Violence Against Women Act, co-sponsored by Kuster. Shea-Porter alsoco-introducedthe Protecting Domestic Violence and Stalking Victims Act, which wouldclose loopholesthat have allowed convicted stalkers to buy firearms. Shea-Porter and Kuster havefought forincreased funding for VAWA programs, and last March, theywrote to Congressional Appropriatorsto support the Department of Justice's Sexual Assault Kit Initiative, which aims to reduce the backlog of untested sexual assault kits.Kuster is the founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Task Force to End Sexual Violence, which in September brought together Members of Congress and advocates for a roundtable on the importance of reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act.\nWithout action by Congress, the Violence Against Women Actwill expire in December. Senator Shaheenwas a leading voice in the Senatefor reauthorizing VAWA in 2013, when the program was last reauthorized.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://shea-porter.house.gov/media/press-releases/nh-delegation-announces-additional-24-million-vawa-funding", "NH Delegation Announces Additional $2.4 Million In VAWA Funding", "2018-11-15", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Carol Shea-Porter", "S001170", "shea-porter.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, DC)  Today, Congresswomen Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01) and Annie Kuster (NH-02), andU.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH)announced an additional $2,441,735 in grants from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office on Violence Against Women. Shaheen, the lead Democrat of the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, has led efforts in Congress to support survivors of domestic and sexual violence, and has secured historic federal funding through the yearly appropriations process to fund the Office on Violence Against Women.The New Hampshire delegation previously announced $449,139 to Strafford County, and the additional grants announced today include $1,447,290 to the State of New Hampshire, $457,243 to Grafton County, $238,112 to the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, and $299,090 to the Organization for Refugee and Immigrant Success. The grant funding awarded to New Hampshire for Fiscal Year 2018 totals $2,890,874.\nThese grants from the Department of Justice's Office of Violence Against Women will help our state address the backlog of sexual assault kits while better supporting the survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence,said Shea-Porter. I am pleased that our state will be receiving significant federal funding to support law enforcement efforts to strengthen responses to sexual assault, domestic violence, and dating violence. I have always supported fully funding these important programs. Congress needs to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act and increase funding for Justice Department efforts to reduce violence against women.\nOur community partners in New Hampshire provide life-saving support and care for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, so boosting investments in their programs is critical, said Shaheen. Securing federal funding to support organizations that provide crucial services for survivors will always be a top priority for me, and as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I'll continue to work across the aisle to deliver the resources community partners need to help survivors in New Hampshire and across the country.\nWe mustsupport the survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking, and ensure that their perpetrators are brought to justice, said Hassan. I am pleased to announce these grants to New Hampshire, totaling nearly $2.9 million, which will help strengthen law enforcement's efforts to investigate these heinous crimes and provide services for survivors to help them through their recovery.\nI'm pleased that New Hampshire will be receiving these critical resources to support survivors and families during their most difficult moments, said Kuster, the founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Task Force to End Sexual Violence. These grants are going to effective partners in the fight against domestic and sexual violence who are making a real difference in the lives of impacted Granite State families. I will continue to support their efforts and push for a much needed reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act.\nVAWA is a life-saving source of funding for survivors of domestic and sexual violence in New Hampshire, said Amanda Grady Sexton, Director of Public Affairs, New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (NHCADSV). The Coalition's 13 crisis centers rely on VAWA to protect children, strengthen and rebuild families, and prevent future violence in our state. The high prevalence of violence against women in New Hampshire has serious consequences that affect the safety and well-being of our communities, and with funding fromVAWA, we are able to continue our collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to ending domestic and sexual violence in our state. We are grateful to our entire Federal Delegation for their longstanding commitment to funding programs that advance public safety and help survivors and their children seek independence from abuse.\nSenator Shaheen has been a fierce advocate for survivors of domestic violence,leading efforts in Congressto safeguard the Office on Violence Against Women and programs operated under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). In 2016,President Obama signed Shaheen's landmark legislation into law, establishing new rights for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. Last year, Senator Shaheen led the bipartisan effort toreintroduce the International Violence Against Women Act (IVAWA), which would ensure combating gender-based violence around the world remains a top diplomatic and development priority for the United States. Ingovernment spending legislation for fiscal year 2019, Shaheenonce againsecured the highest funding amount ever for VAWA programs, totaling $497.5 million dollars. The legislation passed the Senate Appropriations Committee in June.\nLast July, Congresswomen Shea-Porter and Kusterco-introducedthe Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2018. Last February, Shea-Porterco-introducedthe International Violence Against Women Act, co-sponsored by Kuster. Shea-Porter alsoco-introducedthe Protecting Domestic Violence and Stalking Victims Act, which wouldclose loopholesthat have allowed convicted stalkers to buy firearms. Shea-Porter and Kuster havefought forincreased funding for VAWA programs, and last March, theywrote to Congressional Appropriatorsto support the Department of Justice's Sexual Assault Kit Initiative, which aims to reduce the backlog of untested sexual assault kits.Kuster is the founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Task Force to End Sexual Violence, which in September brought together Members of Congress and advocates for a roundtable on the importance of reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act.\nWithout action by Congress, the Violence Against Women Actwill expire in December. Senator Shaheenwas a leading voice in the Senatefor reauthorizing VAWA in 2013, when the program was last reauthorized.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/nh-delegation-announces-additional-24-million-in-vawa-funding", "NH Delegation Announces Additional $2.4 Million In VAWA Funding", "2018-11-15", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "NH Delegation Announces Additional $2.4 Million In VAWA Funding \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tNovember 15, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t(Washington, DC)  Today, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Congresswomen Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01) and Annie Kuster (NH-02) announced an additional $2,441,735 in grants from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office on Violence Against Women. Shaheen, the lead Democrat of the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, has led efforts in Congress to support survivors of domestic and sexual violence, and has secured historic federal funding through the yearly appropriations process to fund the Office on Violence Against Women.The New Hampshire delegation previously announced $449,139 to Strafford County, and the additional grants announced today include $1,447,290 to the State of New Hampshire, $457,243 to Grafton County, $238,112 to the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, and $299,090 to the Organization for Refugee and Immigrant Success. The grant funding awarded to New Hampshire for Fiscal Year 2018 totals $2,890,874.\r\nOur community partners in New Hampshire provide life-saving support and care for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, so boosting investments in their programs is critical, said Shaheen. Securing federal funding to support organizations that provide crucial services for survivors will always be a top priority for me, and as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I'll continue to work across the aisle to deliver the resources community partners need to help survivors in New Hampshire and across the country.\r\nWe mustsupport the survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking, and ensure that their perpetrators are brought to justice, said Hassan. I am pleased to announce these grants to New Hampshire, totaling nearly $2.9 million, which will help strengthen law enforcement's efforts to investigate these heinous crimes and provide services for survivors to help them through their recovery.\r\nThese grants from the Department of Justice's Office of Violence Against Women will help our state address the backlog of sexual assault kits while better supporting the survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, said Shea-Porter. I am pleased that our state will be receiving significant federal funding to support law enforcement efforts to strengthen responses to sexual assault, domestic violence, and dating violence. I have always supported fully funding these important programs. Congress needs to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act and increase funding for Justice Department efforts to reduce violence against women.\r\nI'm pleased that New Hampshire will be receiving these critical resources to support survivors and families during their most difficult moments, said Kuster, the founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Task Force to End Sexual Violence. These grants are going to effective partners in the fight against domestic and sexual violence who are making a real difference in the lives of impacted Granite State families. I will continue to support their efforts and push for a much needed reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act.\r\nVAWA is a life-saving source of funding for survivors of domestic and sexual violence in New Hampshire, said Amanda Grady Sexton, Director of Public Affairs, New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (NHCADSV). The Coalition's 13 crisis centers rely on VAWA to protect children, strengthen and rebuild families, and prevent future violence in our state. The high prevalence of violence against women in New Hampshire has serious consequences that affect the safety and well-being of our communities, and with funding fromVAWA, we are able to continue our collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to ending domestic and sexual violence in our state. We are grateful to our entire Federal Delegation for their longstanding commitment to funding programs that advance public safety and help survivors and their children seek independence from abuse.\r\nSenator Shaheen has been a fierce advocate for survivors of domestic violence,leading efforts in Congressto safeguard the Office on Violence Against Women and programs operated under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). In 2016,President Obama signed Shaheen's landmark legislation into law, establishing new rights for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. Last year, Senator Shaheen led the bipartisan effort toreintroduce the International Violence Against Women Act (IVAWA), which would ensure combating gender-based violence around the world remains a top diplomatic and development priority for the United States. Ingovernment spending legislation for fiscal year 2019, Shaheenonce againsecured the highest funding amount ever for VAWA programs, totaling $497.5 million dollars. The legislation passed the Senate Appropriations Committee in June.\r\nLast July, Congresswomen Shea-Porter and Kusterco-introducedthe Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2018. Last February, Shea-Porterco-introducedthe International Violence Against Women Act, co-sponsored by Kuster. Shea-Porter alsoco-introducedthe Protecting Domestic Violence and Stalking Victims Act, which wouldclose loopholesthat have allowed convicted stalkers to buy firearms. Shea-Porter and Kuster havefought forincreased funding for VAWA programs, and last March, theywrote to Congressional Appropriatorsto support the Department of Justice's Sexual Assault Kit Initiative, which aims to reduce the backlog of untested sexual assault kits.Kuster is the founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Task Force to End Sexual Violence, which in September brought together Members of Congress and advocates for a roundtable on the importance of reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act.\r\nWithout action by Congress, the Violence Against Women Actwill expire in December. Senator Shaheenwas a leading voice in the Senatefor reauthorizing VAWA in 2013, when the program was last reauthorized.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/shaheen-capito-call-on-trump-admin-to-adhere-to-law-and-provide-congress-with-us-strategy-to-bolster-womens-leadership-in-peace-negotiations-and-conflict-resolution", "Shaheen, Capito Call on Trump Admin to Adhere to Law & Provide Congress with U.S. Strategy to Bolster Women\u2019s Leadership in Peace Negotiations and Conflict Resolution", "2018-11-15", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Shaheen, Capito Call on Trump Admin to Adhere to Law & Provide Congress with U.S. Strategy to Bolster Women's Leadership in Peace Negotiations and Conflict Resolution \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tNovember 15, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tShaheen & Capito Wrote the Law Requiring the Admin to Provide Congress with the U.S. Strategy to Ensure Women Have a Seat at the Negotiating Table\r\n(Washington, DC)  U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) sent a letter to the Trump administration yesterday, calling for the administration to adhere to Shaheen and Capito's bipartisan Women, Peace and Security Act, which was signed into law on October 6, 2017. The letter, sent to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Secretary of Defense James Mattis, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Kristjen Nielsen and U.S. Agency for International Development Administrator Mark Green, calls on the administration to adhere to the requirement for a U.S. strategy to bolster women's leadership in peace negotiations and conflict resolution. The law requires the administration to develop and submit to Congress a United States Strategy to Promote the Participation of Women in Conflict Prevention and Peace Building no later than one year after its enactment. More than one month past this deadline, the Senators requested the secretaries of the relevant agencies identified in the law to explain when the final strategy will be submitted to Congress and to clarify reasons for the delay.\r\nThe Senators wrote, There is substantial and growing evidence to support the link between women's involvement in peace processes and resulting conflict prevention and resolution. Therefore, we were pleased that last year Congress passed and the President signed into law the bipartisan Women, Peace and Security Act. As you know, this law creates a framework for a government-wide policy to promote the participation of women in conflict prevention, management, and resolution.\r\nThe Women, Peace and Security Act advances the priorities outlined inthe United States' National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, and ensures the U.S. continues to advocate for women's inclusion and engagement in the peace-building process to prevent, moderate and resolve violent conflict.\r\nIn their letter the Senators continued, The strategy required by the law will create the doctrine that U.S. policy is based upon for the next four years. We anticipate that this plan will include goals for women's participation across a number of important areas as well as a detailed plans on achieving these goals. We are deeply concerned that the deadline for the report's submission to Congress has passed without a forthcoming strategy.\r\nIn addition to requesting the administration to explain the delay and when Congress can expect the final strategy, Shaheen and Capito also asked for clarification on the steps that have been taken to implement the requirements of The Women, Peace and Security Act into programs and policies. In the absence of a final strategy, the Senators requested a briefing on the strategy in its current form and the process for its completion.\r\nThe letter can be read in full here.\r\nSenator Shaheen is a leading voice in the Senate defending global women's issues. She introduced theGlobal Health, Empowerment, and Rights (HER) Act, which would permanently repeal the Global Gag Rule, in January following President Trump's executive order. She also introduced theKeeping Girls in School Actto help address the unique barriers adolescent girls in developing countries face in accessing an education.\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/shaheen-menendez-young-reed-graham-collins-introduce-comprehensive-saudi-arabia-accountability-and-yemen-act", "Shaheen, Menendez, Young, Reed, Graham, Collins Introduce Comprehensive Saudi Arabia Accountability and Yemen Act", "2018-11-15", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Shaheen, Menendez, Young, Reed, Graham, Collins Introduce Comprehensive Saudi Arabia Accountability and Yemen Act \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tNovember 15, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t(Washington, DC)U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) joined with Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Senators Todd Young (R-IN), Jack Reed (D-RI), Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Susan Collins (R-ME) today to introduce the Saudi Arabia Accountability and Yemen Act of 2018, comprehensive legislation to ensure effective Congressional oversight of U.S. policy on Yemen, provide leverage to push the stakeholders in Yemen's civil war toward a political process, address the world's worst humanitarian crisis, and demand meaningful accountability for the murder of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi.\r\nSaudi Arabia's barbaric murder of Jamal Khashoggi, continued detention of activists and indiscriminate bombing campaign in Yemen merit a strong, bipartisan response. I am proud to help deliver just that with this bipartisan legislation today, said Senator Shaheen. While I'm pleased with the administration's preliminary steps to hold Saudi Arabia accountable, additional measures are urgently needed to make clear what we stand for as a nation. This legislation demonstrates the strong bipartisan support for maintaining America's moral leadership around the globe. It is imperative that Congress stands unequivocally on the side of human rights and democratic values.\r\nWhile the Trump Administration's announcement today of sanctions on 17 Saudi individuals is a welcome step, it is far from sufficient, said Menendez who triggered the investigation and Global Magnitsky sanctions determination. There must be a transparent, credible investigation into Khashoggi's murder and with this bill Congress is demonstrating its commitment to accountability and human rights. On Yemen, the Administration's recent decision to suspend U.S. aerial refueling for the Saudi Coalition absent an actual strategy for ending this conflict is empty action. That is why this bill makes clear that Congress demands an immediate cessation of hostilities, urgently calls on all parties to prioritize protection of Yemeni civilians, and makes certain that only a political settlement will end this war. We are putting teeth behind these demands with regular oversight, sanctions, and suspension of weapons sales and refueling support.\r\nThis legislation provides the Trump administration leverage it should use to push all parties in Yemen to engage in good faith and urgent negotiations to end the civil war and address the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Our national security interests and our humanitarian principles demand nothing less, said Senator Young.\r\nSaudi Arabia must be held accountable for its increasingly brazen behavior. Ending aerial refueling support of the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen and imposing sanctions on some Saudi officials who participated in the murder of U.S. resident Jamal Khashoggi are welcome, but not sufficient. Congress must demand full accountability for human rights abuses, including the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, while taking a more active role in pushing for a negotiated settlement to end the war and humanitarian crisis in Yemen. This bipartisan bill is an important step in both regards, said Senator Reed, the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.\r\nThis legislation is an important way to hold Saudi Arabia accountable for various acts in Yemen as well as the death of Jamal Khashoggi. Our bill sends an important signal, and when combined with the efforts announced by the Treasury Department, goes a long way to address despicable behavior on several fronts, said Senator Graham. I'm pleased to be working with Senators Menendez, Shaheen, Reed, Young, and Collins to make sure people in the region and the rest of the world know the extent of Saudi Arabia's malign behavior.\r\nA copy of the Saudi Arabia Accountability and Yemen Act of 2018 can be found HERE. Key elements of this legislation include:\r\n \r\nSuspension of weapons sales to Saudi Arabia\r\nProhibition on U.S. refueling of Saudi Coalition Aircraft engaged in the civil war in Yemen\r\nSanctions for persons blocking humanitarian access in Yemen\r\nSanctions for persons supporting the Houthis in Yemen\r\nAccountability report for all actors in Yemen in violation of international war or guilty of war crimes and harm to civilians\r\nMandatory sanctions on persons responsible for the death of Jamal Khashoggi\r\nReport on human rights in Saudi Arabia\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.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/shaheen-statement-on-sanctions-against-saudi-officials-for-khashoggi-murder", "Shaheen Statement on Sanctions Against Saudi Officials for Khashoggi Murder", "2018-11-15", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Shaheen Statement on Sanctions Against Saudi Officials for Khashoggi Murder \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tNovember 15, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t(Washington, DC)  U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations and Armed Services Committees, issued the following statement in response to the United States Department of Treasury's announcement of sanctions against Saudi Arabian officials for their role in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi:\r\nThese sanctions are a positive first step in sending a clear message to the Saudis that America will not overlook this grotesque violation of human rights and overt attempt to intimidate the free press, said Shaheen. However, everyone who had a hand in Khashoggi's brutal murder should be subject to strict sanctions, and, as I review this list, it's clear that it is not comprehensive. America's response to Khashoggi's murder has significant implications for our credibility around the globe, and there must be further sanctions on Saudi leadership who ordered this assassination. We must send a clear message that the United States stands unequivocally on the side of human rights and democratic values.\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://shea-porter.house.gov/media/in-the-news/gear-manchester-programming-slated-debut-early-2019", "'GEAR UP' Manchester programming slated to debut in early 2019", "2018-11-13", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Carol Shea-Porter", "S001170", "shea-porter.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MANCHESTER  School board members heard an update on how a federal grant providing $10.5 million over the next seven years will help low-income students in Manchester middle schools.\nEarlier this year, U.S. senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan, both Democrats, and Rep. Carol Shea-Porter, D-NH, announced a Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) grant for $1,572,534 per year over the next seven years to the New Hampshire College & University Council.\nAccording to information provided by the U.S. Department of Education, GEAR UP provides six-year grants to states and partnerships to provide services to students at high-poverty middle and high schools, beginning no later than seventh grade and following the student through high school. GEAR UP funds are also used to provide college scholarships to low-income students.\n\nState grants are competitive six-year matching grants that must include both an early intervention component designed to increase college attendance and success, raise the expectations of low-income students, and a scholarship component.\nThe grant awarded to the New Hampshire College & University Council will fund GEAR UP programming for Manchester students beginning in the sixth and seventh grades for seven years, serving 1,967 students per year, according to a news release.\nAccording to a presentation made Tuesday night to school board members, GEAR UP Manchester will serve sixth- and seventh-grade students at the city's four middle schools  McLaughlin, Hillside, Parkside and Southside.\nWe're really excited to get going, said Scott Power, director of the State Scholar Initiative at the New Hampshire College & University Council and Campus Compact for New Hampshire (CCNH).\nSchool officials have begun recruiting and hiring program staff this month, according to the presentation.\nStaff orientation will take place, and implementation plans developed, in December, with initial programming set to debut in schools in January.\nWe'll be working at these schools this year, said Stephanie Lesperance, associate director at CCNH. These services and programming will follow the students through high school.\nIn other words, it's a seven year project, said Power. At this time we're working on the rollout and getting a sample timeline, bringing the project together.\nIt's not about individual services, said Lesperance. It's more of a grade level intervention.\n\nThis has been a long time coming, said Ward 2 Committeeman David Scannell. The Manchester school district has repeatedly applied for this grant.\nIn Manchester, we're striving to set all of our students up for success, said Mayor Joyce Craig in a statement. GEAR UP will help us increase student achievement by engaging our students in the learning process early on and preparing them to succeed at the next level. I want to thank our federal delegation and the New Hampshire College & University Council for recognizing the potential in Manchester and delivering this significant funding. With GEAR UP, many more of our students can achieve some form of education and training beyond high school. I look forward to continuing to work with our incredible partners to create new opportunities for our students, parents and educators.\nA college education is often the gateway to the middle class, yet many students experience significant hurdles to achieving the dream of a college degree, said Shaheen in a statement. By collaborating with school and community leadership, prioritizing family engagement and providing financial support, the GEAR UP program will serve many hundreds of Manchester middle and high school students.\nWe should give more young people the tools to pursue and succeed in post-secondary education, said Hassan in a statement. Community stakeholders, led by the New Hampshire College & University Council, are pursuing innovative strategies through GEAR UP Manchester to help expand opportunity for lower-income students.\nToo many middle and high school students struggle to access the support they need to help them prepare for secondary and higher education, said Shea-Porter, a member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, in a statement. By funding innovative approaches and traditional teaching supports, this GEAR UP grant from the U.S. Department of Education will help current sixth- and seventh-graders throughout their time in Manchester's schools to be better prepared for the next steps in their education. This grant will help give these children a bright future.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://shea-porter.house.gov/media/press-releases/shaheen-hassan-shea-porter-announce-136k-support-nh-coastal-communities", "Shaheen, Hassan & Shea-Porter Announce $136K to Support NH Coastal Communities & Ecosystems", "2018-11-13", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Carol Shea-Porter", "S001170", "shea-porter.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, DC) U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), the lead Democrat on the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations subcommittee which funds the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), announced with Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01) today that NOAA and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) will award $136,242 to the New Hampshire Nature Conservancy for the Tidal Crossing Replacements for a Resilient Coastal New Hampshire project, which will be matched dollar for dollar. The funding will be awarded through the 2018 National Coastal Resilience Fund (NCRF), and will support the New Hampshire project to design high-priority tidal crossings across New Hampshire's coastal zone to enhance Seacoast communities and ecosystems.\nThese federal resources will help keep Seacoast communities safe and secure by strengthening natural coastal infrastructure to accommodate rising sea levels caused by climate change, and will also protect New Hampshire's wildlife and environment, said Senator Shaheen. Delivering this federal support to move this project forward was a priority for me, and advocating for measures that protect our community and ecosystem will continue to be top concerns.\nHelping our coastal communities become more resilient in the face of storms and flooding is critical to the safety of our people and strength of our economy, said Senator Hassan. The Nature Conservancy does important work supporting our ecosystems and protecting New Hampshire's beautiful natural resources, and this grant will allow them to continue those efforts and help strengthen coastal resiliency.\nWell constructed tidal crossings, such as culverts or small bridges, allow people to move across our region while ensuring that tidal flows can ebb and flow appropriately, said Congresswoman Shea-Porter. I am pleased that this grant funding will enhance our state's ability to preserve and construct tidal crossings that are equipped to deal with the impacts of our changing climate. Congratulations to the Nature Conservancy and the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, which are doing excellent work in this field, on receiving this significant federal funding that will enhance New Hampshire's coastal resiliency.\nSenator Shaheen, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, was instrumental in securing the funding for the National Coastal Resilience Fund in the 2018 government spending legislation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://shea-porter.house.gov/media/press-releases/shea-porter-statement-veterans-day-0", "Shea-Porter Statement on Veterans Day", "2018-11-13", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Carol Shea-Porter", "S001170", "shea-porter.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "DOVER, NH  Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01) today released the following statement on Veterans Day:\nOn Veterans Day, we honor the sacrifice of those who have served our great nation and defended our freedom. Our veterans deserve our deepest respect and gratitude. As a nation, we must work together and redouble our efforts to ensure that all veterans have access to the health care and benefits they have earned. As my time in Congress is coming to a close, I want all New Hampshire veterans to know that serving them has been a true joy and the privilege of a lifetime. Through their example, they have inspired me, and so many others, to work hard to do good and make this country better for all.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/shaheen-hassan-and-shea-porter-announce-136k-to-support-nh-coastal-communities_ecosystems", "Shaheen, Hassan & Shea-Porter Announce $136K to Support NH Coastal Communities & Ecosystems", "2018-11-13", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Shaheen, Hassan & Shea-Porter Announce $136K to Support NH Coastal Communities & Ecosystems \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tNovember 13, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t(Washington, DC) U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), the lead Democrat on the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations subcommittee which funds the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), announced with Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01) today that NOAA and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) will award $136,242 to the New Hampshire Nature Conservancy for the Tidal Crossing Replacements for a Resilient Coastal New Hampshire project, which will be matched dollar for dollar. The funding will be awarded through the 2018 National Coastal Resilience Fund (NCRF), and will support the New Hampshire project to design high-priority tidal crossings across New Hampshire's coastal zone to enhance Seacoast communities and ecosystems.\r\nThese federal resources will help keep Seacoast communities safe and secure by strengthening natural coastal infrastructure to accommodate rising sea levels caused by climate change, and will also protect New Hampshire's wildlife and environment, said Senator Shaheen. Delivering this federal support to move this project forward was a priority for me, and advocating for measures that protect our community and ecosystem will continue to be top concerns.\r\nHelping our coastal communities become more resilient in the face of storms and flooding is critical to the safety of our people and strength of our economy, said Senator Hassan. The Nature Conservancy does important work supporting our ecosystems and protecting New Hampshire's beautiful natural resources, and this grant will allow them to continue those efforts and help strengthen coastal resiliency.\r\nWell constructed tidal crossings, such as culverts or small bridges, allow people to move across our region while ensuring that tidal flows can ebb and flow appropriately, said Congresswoman Shea-Porter. I am pleased that this grant funding will enhance our state's ability to preserve and construct tidal crossings that are equipped to deal with the impacts of our changing climate. Congratulations to the Nature Conservancy and the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, which are doing excellent work in this field, on receiving this significant federal funding that will enhance New Hampshire's coastal resiliency.\r\nSenator Shaheen, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, was instrumental in securing the funding for the National Coastal Resilience Fund in the 2018 government spending legislation.\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/shaheen-leads-letter-to-army-secretary-advocating-for-uss-thresher-memorial-in-arlington-national-cemetery", "Shaheen Leads Letter to Army Secretary Advocating for USS Thresher Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery", "2018-11-13", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Shaheen Leads Letter to Army Secretary Advocating for USS Thresher Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tNovember 13, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t(Washington, DC) U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) led a letter with Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Susan Collins (R-ME), Angus King (I-ME) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) urging Secretary of the Army Mark Esper to consider the USS Thresher Arlington National Cemetery Memorial Project to establish a monument honoring the 129 men who perished aboard the USS Thresher, a submarine that sank off the coast of New England on April 10, 1963. April 10, 2018 marked the 55th anniversary of the tragedy.\r\nAs you know, on April 9, 1963, the USS Thresher, built and maintained at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, departed with a crew of 16 officers, 96 sailors, and 17 civilians. Early in the morning on April 10th, approximately 300 miles off the coast of New England, the Thresher experienced an incident during a post-maintenance sea trial dive from which she could not recover. Tragically, the boat was lost along with all 129 men on board, wrote the Senators.\r\nIn response to the Thresher tragedy, the U.S. Navy instituted a new program to ensure the health and safety of U.S. submarines, establishing the Submarine Safety and Quality Assurance Program (SUBSAFE). SUBSAFE is one of the world's most comprehensive military safety programs and has helped provide maximum protection for Navy crews. No SUBSAFE-certified submarine has ever been lost.\r\nThe Senators concluded, As we pass the 55th anniversary since we lost the Thresher, we believe a memorial at Arlington National Cemetery would be a fitting tribute to its legacy. As you know, a number of special monuments and memorials have been dedicated at Arlington, including tributes to the USS Serpens, the USS Maine, the Space Shuttles Columbia and Challenger as well as those lost during the Iran rescue mission in 1980. We believe a memorial to the USS Thresher would reflect the Arlington National Cemetery's long legacy as a national shrine and a living history of freedomwhere dignity and honor rest in solemn repose.' This memorial would serve not only to honor the sacrifice of those that lost their lives but as a reminder of the dangers that all submariners face when they volunteer for duty.\r\nThe Thresher tragedy had a deep impact on the New England community. More than a dozen families of the men lost aboard the submarine still reside in New Hampshire, and a number of other families reside in Maine. Senator Shaheen and members of the New England delegation have long worked to honor the memory of the men who perished aboard the Thresher. In 2013, Shaheen, Collins, King and former Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) introduced a resolution to honor the Thresher on the 50th anniversary of its sinking, which passed the Senate unanimously.\r\nThe letter can be read in full here. \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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://shea-porter.house.gov/media/in-the-news/veterans-praised-their-service-tilton", "Veterans praised for their service in Tilton", "2018-11-10", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Carol Shea-Porter", "S001170", "shea-porter.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "TILTON Speaking at the New Hampshire Veterans Home, Gov. Chris Sununu said Veterans Day is not just a day or two to think about those who have served the country. Veterans should be revered each and every day, he said, to inspire future generations to be willing to join those defending the flag.\nThe governor said when men and women join the military, the rest of the country has an obligation to support and care for them during their lifetime.\nMilitary service and public service is what New Hampshire does so well, Sununu said, calling the state the gold standard for those willing to protect and serve their country and their respective communities.\n\nAt the end of the day it's all about saying thank you and we can't say that enough, he said.\nU.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan said her father grew up in the segregated South and was among those called to serve in the Battle of the Bulge.\nWhen he returned home, he was struck by two things: his luck in having survived, and seeing African-Americans die for their country overseas while their families still suffered under Jim Crow laws at home. It pushed him to work for equality, Hassan said.\nShe said the acts of violence seen today, such as the recent shootings at a Pittsburgh synagogue and a bar in Thousand Oaks, Calif., serve as reminders the country still has work to do.\nHatred is not an American value, Hassan said.\nU.S. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter said she is no stranger to veterans. She married her husband when he was in the Army and she continues to serve on the House Armed Forces Committee.\nRecently watching television, she was moved to tears when a newly elected congressman from Staten Island in New York said if Congress had not voted to up-armor the military vehicles that soldiers serving in Afghanistan were riding in, he would not have survived.\n\nDespite the divisiveness in the nation's capital, Shea-Porter said, Congress at great cost voted to protect its soldiers because it was the right thing to do.\nLooking out on a crowd of veterans, Shea-Porter conceded that Vietnam War veterans were not given the recognition they deserve and that there have been gaps in their medical treatment.\nCongress cares very deeply and wants to honor its commitment to you and never let the sun set on all of the promises that we made to you, she said.\nU.S. Rep.-elect Chris Pappas recalled that when he was a boy he'd accompany his grandfathers, who had both served in the Army Air Corps, to the annual airshow at Grenier Field in Manchester. They'd bring along their pilot log books and they'd look at the number of missions they'd flown and the bombs they'd dropped.\nThe annual outing took on a more serious tone as Pappas got older, he said, remembering that it struck home when one of his grandfathers said, We flew those planes so your generation didn't have to.\nU.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and U.S. Rep. Ann McLane Kuster will speak during ceremonies at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen today at 11 a.m..", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kuster.house.gov/congress-in-your-corner/catching-up-with-annie/protecting-our-democratic-institutions", "Protecting our democratic institutions", "2018-11-09", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nSafeguarding our Elections\nLike so many Americans, I am deeply concerned by the firing of Attorney General Jeff Sessions and what this means for the future of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 elections. President Trump's pick for acting Attorney General, Matthew Whitaker, has indicated in past statements that he does not support Mueller's probe, and therefore he must immediately recuse himself from overseeing it. It's critical that the new Attorney General understand the importance of this investigation, so we can get to the bottom of what happened in 2016 and help safeguard future elections and our democratic process. This is not a partisan issue, and Democrats and Republicans must come together and push for legislation that will protect this investigation and the institutions we hold dear.\nReducing Gun Violence\nI was devastated by the shooting at the Borderline Bar in California late Wednesday night. I extend my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the 12 people killed in this senseless attack, among them a sheriff's deputy, and I thank the first responders for bravely stepping in to help protect others from harm. It's imperative that Congress take action and pass commonsense gun safety legislation that will keep our communities safe and work to increase access to mental health treatment and resources for people who are struggling.\nBirth Control is a Fundamental Right\nThe Trump administration'srulingthis week that lets some employers deny insurance coverage of birth control is unacceptable. Birth control is basic healthcare and a fundamental right for women and their families and making it harder to access is a threat to women's health and economic security. I will continue to stand against these partisan attacks on women's rights and fight for contraceptive coverage.\nHere to Serve You\nAs your Representative, my most important job is supporting Granite Staters when they need help with federal agencies. I was contacted by George Sackley of Windham, who had an issue of concern regarding his Social Security benefits. My staff worked with the Social Security Administration and helped resolve George's concern. If my office may be of assistance with a problem you are experiencing, please reach out to my staff at 603-226-1002 so we can learn how we may help.\nMaking Your Voice Heard\nI encourage you to make your voice heard on the issues that are important to you. If you have a question, comment or concern, please don't hesitate to reach out to any of my offices--I love hearing from you! Thank you as always for the wonderful contributions you make to our great state, and I hope you have a great weekend!\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-statement-in-advance-of-veterans-day-0", "Kuster Statement in Advance of Veterans Day", "2018-11-09", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Concord, NH)- Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) released the following statement ahead of Veterans Day this Sunday:\nOn Veterans Day, we come together to thank veterans, active duty servicemembers, and military families for their incredible courage, sacrifice, and patriotism. We also honor and pay tribute to the brave men and women who gave their lives to protect the freedoms we cherish. However, saying thank you is not enough. I saw my father and father-in-law struggle with the unseen wounds of war following their service in World War II, and I understand how important it is to support veterans and help make their return to civilian life easier. Through my work as a member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, I will continue advocating for veterans here in the Granite State and across the country. We can never express enough gratitude for these brave Americans, and we must do everything we can to provide them with the services and care they need and deserve.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/shaheen-and-young-call-for-immediate-steps-in-yemen-including-ending-us-air-refueling-of-saudi-coalition-aircraft-in-yemen", "Shaheen and Young Call for Immediate Steps in Yemen, Including Ending U.S. Air Refueling of Saudi Coalition Aircraft in Yemen", "2018-11-09", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Shaheen and Young Call for Immediate Steps in Yemen, Including Ending U.S. Air Refueling of Saudi Coalition Aircraft in Yemen \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tNovember 09, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tIf the administration does not take immediate steps, including ending U.S. refueling of Saudi coalition aircraft, we are prepared to take action when the Senate comes back into session.\r\n(Washington, DC)- Today, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Todd Young (R-IN) issued the following statement calling for the administration to take immediate steps toward Saudi Arabia, including ending U.S. air refueling of Saudi coalition aircraft operating in Yemen:\r\nSenators Shaheen and Young said, As a first step, we call on the Trump administration to immediately end U.S. air refueling of Saudi coalition aircraft in Yemen.If the administration does not take immediate steps, including ending U.S. refueling of Saudi coalition aircraft, we are prepared to take additionalaction when the Senate comes back into session.\r\nThe Senators continued, We must send an unambiguous, immediate, and tangible message that we expect Riyadh to engage in good faith and urgent negotiations to end the civil war.Riyadh must also understand that we will not tolerate the continued indiscriminate airstrikes against civilians and civilian infrastructure that have helped put 14 million Yemenis on the verge of starvation.The failure to submit a credible Section 1290 certification and the inability to answer our subsequent questions underscore the need to take a number of steps toward Saudi Arabia, including ending U.S. air refueling immediately.\r\nSenators Shaheen and Young worked successfully to includeSection 1290 in the annual defense bill, which requires the Secretary of State to submitwritten, detailed, and unclassified certifications related to the efforts of the governments of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to end the civilwar, alleviate the humanitarian crisis, and protect civilians. If the Secretary of State cannot make these certifications, the law prohibits the U.S. from refueling Saudi coalition aircraft conducting missions exclusively focused on the civil war. The statute includes a national security waiver the administration could utilize.\r\nHowever, that waiver can only be utilized after the administration first identifies, in writing, why the certification cannot be made and what steps the administration plans to take to bring the Saudi and UAE governments into compliance.Secretary Pompeosubmitted the first certification in September, decidingnot to utilize a national security waiver.The statute requires two more certifications from the Secretary of State that could be submitted at any time.On October 10, Senators Shaheen and Young again teamed-up tolead a bipartisan letterto Secretary Pompeo asking him to reconcile known facts with hisSeptember certification.\r\nEarlier this year, the two Senatorswrote a Washington Post op-ed on Yemen and their legislation.Both Senators have supported suspending arms sales to Saudi Arabia.\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kuster-statement-on-firing-of-attorney-general-jeff-sessions", "Kuster Statement on Firing of Attorney General Jeff Sessions", "2018-11-07", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Concord, NH)  Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) released the following statement on the firing of Attorney General Jeff Sessions:\nI'm deeply concerned by the departure of Jeff Sessions, and what this means for the future of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russianmeddlingin the 2016 elections. It's critical that Mr. Mueller's investigation be allowed to continue withoutinterference. This is not a partisan issue. The integrity of our elections is paramount and we must ensure we protect future elections.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://shea-porter.house.gov/media/press-releases/shea-porter-statement-president-trump-s-firing-attorney-general-sessions", "Shea-Porter Statement on President Trumps Firing of Attorney General Sessions", "2018-11-07", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Carol Shea-Porter", "S001170", "shea-porter.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "DOVER, NH Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01) today released the following after President Trump fired Attorney General Jeff Sessions:\n\nJeff Sessions created horrendous policies that have hurt children and families across our country. He has been a terrible Attorney General, but that is not why he was fired. I am deeply concerned that President Trump is again trying to interfere in the Mueller investigation. There is no way,given Matthew Whitaker's past statements, that he can instill confidence that the rule of law will be upheld and that the Mueller investigation will be allowed to proceed without interference from the White House. Whitaker must recuse himself from any role in the Special Counsel Investigation.Republicans in Congress must join with Democrats and support legislation that protects this investigation and the rule of law.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/shaheen-statement-following-the-president-trumps-firing-of-ag-sessions", "Shaheen Statement Following the President Trump's Firing of AG Sessions", "2018-11-07", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Shaheen Statement Following the President Trump's Firing of AG Sessions \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tNovember 07, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t(Washington, DC)U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), the lead Democrat on the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations subcommittee, issued the following statement:\r\n\r\nThe President is not above the law which is why it is incredibly concerning that President Trump has fired the Attorney General and handpicked an acting Attorney General who will now oversee Special Counsel Mueller's investigation, said Shaheen. Based on Matthew Whitaker's previous statements, he should recuse himself from overseeing the Mueller probe. It is also imperative that Republican leadership finally allow bipartisan legislation to move forward that will protect the investigation. Republicans and Democrats must set politics aside to protect the rule of law in our country.\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kuster.house.gov/congress-in-your-corner/catching-up-with-annie/standing-up-against-hate", "Standing Up Against Hate", "2018-11-02", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nStanding Up Against Hate\nMy heart breaks for the lives lost and the families and lovedones of those killed in the unthinkable act of violence that occurred at the Tree of Life Congregation Synagogue last Saturday. This barbaric attack against the Jewish community is an affront to our core values as Americans. My thoughts remain with those wounded and the brave law enforcement officers who responded to this tragedy. This is a time for all of us to come together as Americans to stand up against the forces of hate and bigotry. We cannot allow violence and hate to become normalized and must focus on what unites us all; love for peace, respect, and inclusion.\nGetting the Healthcare You Need\nDespite numerous attempts by Congressional Republicans to repeal and weaken the Affordable Care Act, it remains the law of the land. If you need health insurance or wish to change your current plan, please take advantage of the 2019 Open Enrollment period, which lasts from now until December 15th. To view different coverage options and pick the plan that works best for you and your family, visit www.healthcare.gov.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tVisit www.healthcare.gov to find health insurance that works for you\n\t\t\t\n\t\tJoining Forces to Combat the Opioid Crisis\nOn Friday, I joined with Senators Shaheen and Hassan, along with Congresswoman Shea-Porter and members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation, toapplaud the award of $2.95 million to the Massachusetts Attorney General's office in support of partnerships between Massachusetts and New Hampshire law enforcement to investigate and interdict narcotics, including heroin and fentanyl. Drug trafficking knows no borders, which is why partnerships across state lines are so important to keeping drugs off our streets. This award is a vote of confidence in our law enforcement, who do such a tremendous job protecting our communities and need all the help they can get as they fight on the frontlines of the opioid crisis. I'll continue to work with my colleagues and do everything I can to secure resources and provide tools to those who are fighting to end this epidemic.\nServing You\nAs your Representative, my most important job is supporting Granite Staters when they need help with federal agencies. I was contacted by Deb Black of Grafton, who had an issue regarding a payment to the Social Security Administration (SSA). My staff worked with the SSA and helped resolve Debbie's situation. If my office may be of assistance with a problem you are experiencing, please reach out to my staff at 603-226-1002 so we can learn how we may help.\nIt is more important than ever to be involved in our democratic process and make your voice heard. If you have any questions, concerns or ideas, please do not hesitate to reach out to any of my offices. Thank you for everything you do to make New Hampshire such a special place to call home. Enjoy your weekend!\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kuster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/shaheen-hassan-kuster-announce-400000-department-of-energy-grant-for", "Shaheen, Hassan & Kuster Announce $400,000 Department of Energy Grant For Dartmouth Solar Research Project", "2018-11-02", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Ann Kuster", "K000382", "kuster.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, DC)  U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced with Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) that the Department of Energy will award Dartmouth College $400,000 to support a new research project that advances early-stage solar technologies to lower electricity costs and create jobs in the solar economy.\nDartmouth College's pioneering research into solar technology holds great potential for continued renewable energy development, said Senator Shaheen. Congratulations to Professor Liu and his team on this federal award, which will help advance research into solar technologies. Investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy programs and projects are important for our environment and for creating jobs, and as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I'll continue to fight for funding that supports these efforts.\nThis $400,000 grant to Dartmouth College will help foster more innovation in solar technologies that will help lower energy costs and support the solar industry's growing workforce, said Senator Hassan. Solar technology has seen remarkable advancements over the last decade, and I am looking forward to its continued growth as we work to build a more affordable and cleaner energy future for New Hampshire and for the country.\nI am pleased that Dartmouth College was selected for a $400,000 award through the Department of Energy to fund the development of innovative solar energy technologies, said Congresswoman Kuster. The recent growth in the solar power industry has created jobs and economic opportunity for thousands of hard working Granite Staters. Colleges and universities are the incubators for future technological advancements and breakthroughs, and today's announcement will ensure that Dartmouth and New Hampshire can continue to lead the way to deploy more affordable renewable energy sources throughout the state.\nDr. Jifeng Liu, Principal Investigator of the Project, said, We are honored to receive this award to continue our research and technology transfer on air-stable, high-temperature, ultrahigh efficiency solar selective coatings. It is very exciting to contribute to DOE's goal of 5/kWh for concentrated solar power system by 2030 and expedite its commercial applications via collaborations with Norwich Technologies, a local high-tech company led by Dr. Troy McBride (Thayer 01) and Joel Stettenheim (Dartmoth Ph.D. '12).\n\"Dr. Liu's technology has the potential to break through a long-standing 'sound barrier' to the widespread use of solar power: the difficulty in creating stable, ultra-high-efficiency concentrated solar power system with facile and cost-effective energy storage capability, said Dartmouth Vice Provost for Research Dean Madden. With previous support from the DOE and an NSF Small Business Innovation Research award, Dr Liu's lab has developed a brand-new technology with unprecedented characteristics. This award will help to bring that technology closer to commercial deployment, creating high-value jobs, fueling innovation, and helping to provide clean power for the future.\"\nAs a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Shaheen helped secure increased funding for several energy efficiency and renewable energyprogramsat the Department of Energy as part of the omnibus funding bill for fiscal year 2018. Shaheen also reintroduced theClean Energy Grid Act, legislation that would help identify and overcome technical and regulatory barriers to the wider use of cleaner and more efficient energy technologies, including solar technologies.\nMore About the Solar Energy Technologies Office:\nThe U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office supports early-stage research and development to improve the affordability, reliability, and performance of solar technologies on the grid. Learn more at energy.gov/solar-office.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/shaheen-hassan-and-kuster-announce-400000-department-of-energy-grant-for-dartmouth-solar-research-project", "Shaheen, Hassan & Kuster Announce $400,000 Department of Energy Grant For Dartmouth Solar Research Project", "2018-11-02", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Shaheen, Hassan & Kuster Announce $400,000 Department of Energy Grant For Dartmouth Solar Research Project \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tNovember 02, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t(Washington, DC)  U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced with Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) that the Department of Energy will award Dartmouth College $400,000 to support a new research project that advances early-stage solar technologies to lower electricity costs and create jobs in the solar economy.\r\nDartmouth College's pioneering research into solar technology holds great potential for continued renewable energy development, said Senator Shaheen. Congratulations to Professor Liu and his team on this federal award, which will help advance research into solar technologies. Investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy programs and projects are important for our environment and for creating jobs, and as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I'll continue to fight for funding that supports these efforts.\r\nThis $400,000 grant to Dartmouth College will help foster more innovation in solar technologies that will help lower energy costs and support the solar industry's growing workforce, said Senator Hassan. Solar technology has seen remarkable advancements over the last decade, and I am looking forward to its continued growth as we work to build a more affordable and cleaner energy future for New Hampshire and for the country.\r\nI am pleased that Dartmouth College was selected for a $400,000 award through the Department of Energy to fund the development of innovative solar energy technologies, said Congresswoman Kuster. The recent growth in the solar power industry has created jobs and economic opportunity for thousands of hard working Granite Staters. Colleges and universities are the incubators for future technological advancements and breakthroughs, and today's announcement will ensure that Dartmouth and New Hampshire can continue to lead the way to deploy more affordable renewable energy sources throughout the state.\r\nDr. Jifeng Liu, Principal Investigator of the Project, said, We are honored to receive this award to continue our research and technology transfer on air-stable, high-temperature, ultrahigh efficiency solar selective coatings. It is very exciting to contribute to DOE's goal of 5/kWh for concentrated solar power system by 2030 and expedite its commercial applications via collaborations with Norwich Technologies, a local high-tech company led by Dr. Troy McBride (Thayer 01) and Joel Stettenheim (Dartmoth Ph.D. '12).\r\n\"Dr. Liu's technology has the potential to break through a long-standing 'sound barrier' to the widespread use of solar power: the difficulty in creating stable, ultra-high-efficiency concentrated solar power system with facile and cost-effective energy storage capability, said Dartmouth Vice Provost for Research Dean Madden. With previous support from the DOE and an NSF Small Business Innovation Research award, Dr Liu's lab has developed a brand-new technology with unprecedented characteristics. This award will help to bring that technology closer to commercial deployment, creating high-value jobs, fueling innovation, and helping to provide clean power for the future.\"\r\nAs a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Shaheen helped secure increased funding for several energy efficiency and renewable energyprogramsat the Department of Energy as part of the omnibus funding bill for fiscal year 2018. Shaheen also reintroduced theClean Energy Grid Act, legislation that would help identify and overcome technical and regulatory barriers to the wider use of cleaner and more efficient energy technologies, including solar technologies.\r\nMore About the Solar Energy Technologies Office:\r\nThe U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office supports early-stage research and development to improve the affordability, reliability, and performance of solar technologies on the grid. Learn more at energy.gov/solar-office.\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    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.shaheen.senate.gov//news/press/shaheen-joins-group-of-30-senators-in-letter-to-pompeo-opposing-elimination-of-womens-rights-report", "Shaheen Joins Group of 30 Senators in Letter to Pompeo Opposing Elimination of Women\u2019s Rights Report", "2018-11-02", "2018", "2018-11", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Jeanne Shaheen", "S001181", "www.shaheen.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Shaheen Joins Group of 30 Senators in Letter to Pompeo Opposing Elimination of Women's Rights Report \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tNovember 02, 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t(Washington, DC)  U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, joined Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ), the lead Democrat of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and a group of 28 Senators in a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo opposing the Trump administration's decision to delete a section including reproductive rights from the Department's annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices. In the letter, which was supported by 11 prominent human rights and reproductive rights organizations, the Senators strongly urged the State Department to include the reproductive rights section in its upcoming 2018 report.\r\nThe Country Reports on Human Rights Practices provide a comprehensive overview of human rights in almost 200 countries, and have previously included a detailed subsection on women's reproductive rights. The Senators stated that, by removing the reproductive rights' subsection, the State Department has made it more difficult for Congress to gauge the human rights records of nations seeking U.S. assistance and to setting foreign policy properly.\r\nThe Senators also noted that the omission of the report would hinder the State Department's and Congress' mission to promote human rights around the world, and could allow nations who propagate human rights violations that negatively affect the health and safety of women to act with impunity.\r\nThe Senators' letter was also supported by Planned Parenthood, Center for Reproductive Rights, American Jewish World Service, Center for Health and Gender Equity, Advocates for Youth, Population Connection, NARAL Pro-Choice America, Population Institute, Catholics for Choice, PAI, International Women's Health Coalition, and International Center for Research on Women.\r\nThe erasure of reproductive rights from the State Department's human rights report is dangerous and unacceptable and must be reversed in all future reports. Human rights are indivisible, and the State Department's action undermines U.S. leadership on the global stage, added Latanya Mapp Frett, Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Global. Planned Parenthood is proud to stand with our allies on and off Capitol Hill as we call on the Trump-Pence administration to restore reproductive rights to the human rights report and uphold the rights and autonomy of women in this country and around the world.\r\nWe applaud the 30 Senators urging Secretary Pompeo to reverse the State Department's unacceptable decision to delete the reproductive rights section from the Department's annual Human Rights Reports. Access to reproductive healthcare has been recognized as a protected human right impacting women's right to life, health, equality, non-discrimination and freedom from cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment. Governments do not get to pick and choose whose rights will be respected. That is why we are committed to fighting this egregious omission by suing the Department of State for documents pertaining to the Department's decision to delete the reproductive rights section and seeking copies of the full Human Rights Reports prior to the last-minute cuts, said Nancy Northup, President and CEO of the Center for Reproductive Rights.\r\nThe letter was also signed by Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Tom Udall (D-NM), Jack Reed (D-RI), Patty Murray (D-WA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Tim Kaine (D-VA).\r\nA copy of the letter can be read here.\r\nShaheen is a leading voice in the Senate defending global women's issues. She introduced theGlobal Health, Empowerment, and Rights (HER) Act, which would permanently repeal the Global Gag Rule, in January following President Trump's executive order. 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