{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where state = \"OH\" and year = 2020 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/portman-difference/portman-delivers-results-ohio-second-year-116th-congress", "Portman Delivers Results for Ohio in Second Year of the 116th Congress", "2020-12-31", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "OH", "Rob Portman", "P000449", "www.portman.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Portman Delivers Results for Ohio in Second Year of the 116th Congress\n \n      \n  \n\n          \n                          \n      December 31, 2020\n      \n  \n |     \n                          \n      Portman Difference\n      \n  \n  \n    \n                  During the second year of the 116th Congress, Senator Portman continued to deliver results for Ohio, just as he did in the previous Congress. He worked tirelessly to help Ohioans who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic; create economic opportunity and retirement security for Ohio families; combat the addiction epidemic; honor our nation's veterans and strengthen our military; promote responsible use of artificial intelligence and technology; stand up against police brutality and the unnecessary violence in our country; protect and preserve our national parks; improve transparency and accountability within the federal government; fight for better and more affordable health care; and help all Ohioans achieve their God-given potential.\nDuring the 116th Congress, Portman has authored or co-authored 45legislative priorities in total that have been signed into law. Under President Trump, in total 82of Senator Portman's bills have been signed into law. Under President Obama, 68 of Portman's bill were signed into law. In total, during his 10 years in the Senate, Portman has successfully enacted 175 legislative priorities into law, including 129 bills as well as 46 amendments.\nHelping Ohioans Impacted By COVID-19\nThe ongoing COVID-19 pandemic impacted the lives of every American in 2020, and Senator Portman played a leadership role in crafting solutions to help families and small businesses  leading to the passage of the COVID-19 Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.\nSince the beginning of the pandemic, Senator Portman has consistently called for bipartisan action to provide the health care and economic relief the American need and deserve. Since March, Portman has delivered 21 speeches on the Senate floor calling for bipartisan action to provide Americans the COVID-19 relief. Portman has urged Congress to provide additional relief to bolster our health care response, help our economy and small businesses recover, provide funding for schools and state and local governments, permanently expand telehealth options for addiction treatment, and provide enhanced federal unemployment benefits to help people who lost their jobs through no fault of their own.\nIn November, in an effort to encourage all Americans to get vaccinated against COVID-19, Portman announced his participation in the ENSEMBLE phase 3 trial for the COVID-19 vaccine candidate being developed by Johnson & Johnson and managed by CTI Clinical Trial and Consulting Services (CTI) at its research center in Cincinnati, Ohio. Portman furthered this work by introducing his COVID-19 Vaccine Awareness Support Act to fund a national campaign to raise awareness of the safety and efficacy of FDA-authorized vaccines.\nIn September, Portman introduced legislation to replenish FEMA's Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) to continue the enhanced federal unemployment insurance benefit of $300 per week authorized by President Trump's executive action and provide additional resources to support the federal government's response to historic wildfires in the West and other natural disasters such as Hurricane Sally.\nSecuring Resources for Ohio: At the start of the pandemic, Portman worked closely with the administration and with Ohio companies to secure additional supplies for the strategic national stockpile including testing machines, ventilators, PPE, and food resources.\n In March, Portman successfully helped UC Health secure vital equipment to increase diagnostic testing for COVID-19. Portman helped UC Health secure a cobas 6800 machine which they will use to conduct nearly one thousand diagnostic tests every day, exponentially increasing COVID-19 testing capacity in southwest Ohio.\n Earlier this year, Portman worked with the White House and HHS and FDA to successfully facilitate the donation of approximately 2.2 million new gowns from Ohio-based Cardinal Health to theStrategic National Stockpile. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has authorized the distribution and use of these gowns asnon-surgical isolation apparel.\n When Ohio-based company Gojo, which produces Purell, alerted Portman to the issue of tariffs restricting the access of components used in the distribution of hand sanitizer - specifically pumphouses, and e-collars  he reached out to U.S. Trade Representative Lighthizer and facilitated a tariff relief. This helps companies like Gojo increase production and distribution to accommodate the increased demand.\n In July, Portman visited GOJO Industries and met with the company's leadership and team members to discussPortman's work to facilitate tariff relieffor hand hygiene products including hand sanitizer and soap dispensers and components to allow for increaseddistribution during COVID-19 pandemic.\n In April, Portman sent a letter to USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue urging swift approval of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services' (ODJFS) request to operate the DisasterHousehold DistributionProgram.The request was approved the next week allowing foodbanks throughout Ohio to distribute more food across the state by removing administrative burdens, making it easier for staff and volunteers at foodbanks to maintain social distancing protocols, keeping themselves and their clients safe.\n Portman also worked with Ohio company Battelle in April to secure a new federal contract to help fund the rapid deployment of Battelle's decontamination systems to return to use previously worn N95 respirator masks and training to operate these systems to 60 sites across the country.\n In April, Portman facilitated Cleveland-based SecondBreath's request to produce ventilators for deployment around Ohio and the country. The ventilators were developed by Ohioans and tested in Ohio at a number of northeast Ohio hospitals, including the Cleveland Clinic, Akron Children's Hospital, and Akron City Hospital. The administration approved their production and SecondBreath was able to increase production for shipment across Ohio and the country.\n In August, Portman visited Honda Heritage Center and toured the ventilator compressor parts production facility. While on the tour, Portman, Honda leadership, and employees discussed Honda's efforts to help support the COVID-19 response, including production of face shields and compressor parts for ventilators.\n Portman also volunteered with the Ohio National Guard and met with leaders at foodbanks in the Mahoning Valley, at the Mid-Ohio Food Collective, and the Greater Cleveland Food Bank to see firsthand how the CARES Act funding helped with food access and distribution across Ohio.\nListening to Ohio Groups Stakeholders: Senator Portman made it a priority tocommunicatewith constituents throughout the pandemic through tele town halls and FacebookLive town halls about the work he has done with the state and federal government. He also spoke with companies andstakeholdersthroughout the statetoensure Ohio has the resources it needs to respond to this unprecedented health crisis and can contribute to the national effort to slow the spread of the virus.\n Portman hosted multiples calls with Ohio business groups and leaders to discuss the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and how Congress and the administration could take further action to address their concerns. He spoke with business leaders of sizes in Central Ohio, Dayton, Toledo, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Warren County, and Butler County.\n In addition to business groups, Portman also hosted a wide-range of conference calls with the Ohio Restaurant Association, Ohio foodbanks, nonprofit organizations, manufacturers, bio science employers, higher education leaders, farmers, veterans, county commissioners, and mayors from all over the state. \n Portman also hosted conference calls with Ohio hospital leaders and withthe Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities (OACBHA) to discuss the impact of the COVID-19 health crisison health services, and mental health and addiction services around Ohio.\n Finally, Portman participated in a conference call with Ohio Jewish Communities to discuss the efforts the Jewish community made during the pandemic to help Ohio communities.\n Portman continued his push on the Senate Floor this year for swift bipartisan action to respond to the increasing number of drug overdoses as a result of the pandemic.\nProviding Resources for Ohioans Suffering with Addiction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing guidelines have disrupted traditional addiction treatment services and necessitated the use of telehealth services to help individuals with recovery. To meet this need, the CARES Act took unprecedented steps to expand access to telehealth through the waiving of federal restrictions to pay for telehealth and expanding grants to build out the nation's telehealth infrastructure. That's why Senator Portman has introduced legislation entitled theTelehealth Response for E-Prescribing Addiction Treatment Services (TREATS) Actto make permanent a number of temporary waivers for telehealth services that were authorized under the Public Health Emergency and to bolster telehealth options for addiction treatment services. Specifically, it will allow for a patient to be prescribed lower scheduled drugs like through telehealth on their first visit. Current law requires an in-person visit to receive any controlled substance, but this is a deterrent to patients in crisis and in urgent need of treatments from Schedule III or IV drugs.\n In July, Portman published a column highlighting the importance of Congress passing the TREATS Act to ensure that addiction health services have the resources they need to adapt to this new reality. He emphasized that doing so will help to preserve the progress made in combating the addiction crisis and ensure that more Americans can reach their God-given potential.He then participated in adrug addiction roundtable discussion with members of theHancock County Board of Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS)to discuss COVID-19's impact on addiction treatment.\nSecuring Grant Funding: The COVID-19 Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Actprovided unprecedented economic and health care relief to Americans during the ongoing pandemic. Portman worked closely with the administration to ensure Ohioans received the support they needed.\n Housing: Portman worked with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to ensure communities in Ohio received funding to help promote economic development in urban communities, address the needs of homeless people in emergency or transitional shelters, and provide housing assistance and related supportive services for low-income persons. This includes:\no Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG), and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Grants for cities in Ohio,\no $30 million to Supplemental Public Housing Operating Funds across Ohio, which helps support public housing agencies across the state provide services during the COVID-19 pandemic; \no Nearly $90 million in Housing Choice Voucher Program Housing Assistance Payments Supplemental Funding to be used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the pandemic among individuals and families who are homeless or receiving homeless assistance. \no $1.85 million in funding to Ohio housing agencies to assist non-elderly persons with disabilities, particularly those who are transitioning out of institutional or other separated settings; at serious risk of institutionalization; currently experiencing homelessness; previously experienced homelessness and currently a client in a permanent supportive housing or rapid rehousing project; or at risk of becoming homeless;\no and nearly $185,000 in CARES Act funding to provide project-based rental assistance for low income families.\n Agriculture: Senator Portman applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture for awarding more than $1.4 millionin grants to communities in Ohio for rural development.These grants will help these Ohio communities build and improve critical facilities. According to the USDA, the Ohio grant recipients can use the funding to build or upgrade a wide-range of rural community facilities such as schools, libraries, clinics and public safety facilities.\n FEMA: In March, Senator Portman senta letter urging President Trump to act swiftly on Governor Mike DeWine's request for approval of a major disaster declaration for the state of Ohio in response to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.The president approved the disaster declaration the following day. As a result, Ohio received nearly $4.1 million in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as well as the following funding;\no $5.5 million for ProMedica Toledo Hospital to help fund COVID-19 protective measures;\no $5.2 million to Ohio Health Care Systems and $2.6 million to University Hospitals Health System to help continue to provide COVID-19 treatment, testing and protective measures;\no $12.7 million to help Ohio State University - Columbus Campus and Premier Health in Ohio with costs associated with COVID-19;\no and $46 million to the Cleveland Clinic Foundation.\n Businesses: Portman worked with the Trump administration to ensure that businesses of all sizes in Ohio had the resources they needed to help retain employees and keep their doors open. \no In May, Portman applauded the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) for awarding a $3.75 million grant for COVID-19 Emergency Response for Small to Medium Enterprises to Appalachian Community Capital (ACC). ACC will use this funding to help the region's development finance institutions make up for lost revenue as they temporarily defer loan payments.\no Thanks to funding available through the CARES Act, which Portman supported, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) CARES Act Emergency Program awarded the Ohio Development Services Agency $2.3 million to help support Ohio-based U.S. small- and medium-sized manufacturers, including rural manufacturers. \no In August, Portman applauded U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross's announcement that the Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) awarded $8.8 million and $1 million in CARES Act grants to Ohio cities to be able to provide critical gap financing to small businesses and entrepreneurs. In addition, EDA awarded $2 million to five EDA Economic Development District organizations across Ohio to update economic development plans and fortify programs to assist communities in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.\no In addition, through the CARES Act, the U.S. Department of Labor awarded $8.5 million in funding for Disaster Recovery Dislocated Worker Grants (DWGs) to help address the workforce-related impacts of the pandemic.\n Education: The historic CARES Act provided a higher education emergency relief fund to assist higher education institutions across the nation. Senator Portman worked with the U.S. Department of Education to ensure Ohio higher education institutions received the resources needed to meet the demands of the pandemic. \no In April, Portman announced that the Department of Education distributed $388 million in funding to institutions of higher education in Ohio and in May, the National Science Foundation awarded more than $1.5 million in CARES Act-funded RAPID Response Research grants to fund research that addresses the pandemic. \n In September, Portman announced that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) awarded a $5 million, two-yearRapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADx)-UPgrant to The Ohio State University. The RADx-UP program supports projects designed to rapidly implement COVID-19 testing strategies in populations disproportionately affected by the pandemic.\no Portman applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development for awarding more than $1.1 million in Distance Learning and Telemedicine grants to two school districts in Ohio: Gallia County Schools and New London Local School District. The $172,358 Rural Development grant for Gallia County Schools will help provide students and staff with primary and preventative care through the Appalachian Primary Care Telemedicine Program. The $999,524 grant for the New London Local School District will help expand Science Technology Engineering and Math resource access to students in Pre-kindergarten through sixth grade across the four Ohio counties served by the school district. USDA's Distance Learning and Telemedicine grant program was provided $25 million in the bipartisan CARES Act.\n Health Care: This year, thousands of Ohioans had to rely on telehealth in order to have access to their primary care providers. Thanks to the bipartisan CARES Act, which Portman strongly supported, Ohio received multiple telehealth grants to assist health care facilities, testing centers, and hospitals serving children and low-income, vulnerable populations across the state.\nPortman led legislation to provide certainty to hospitals participating in the 340B drug discount program during the COVID-19 public health emergency. In normal years, the 340B program provides needed flexible funds to meet the needs of a hospital's community, but during the ongoing pandemic, the 340B program has become a vital lifeline for hospitals as they've see precipitous drop offs in revenue and an inability to pay for the essential COVID services that patients continue to need. Early days of the pandemic forced many hospitals to reduce inpatient hospital admissions of low-income Medicare and Medicaid patients, a critical metric in determining eligibility for the 340B program. Though hospitals have resumed elective procedures, and patients have begun returning to seek care, there is concern that as a result of this year's slowdown and threats to suspend elective care again as hospital beds fill up, some hospitals may not meet the required inpatient admission threshold to remain in the program for the following year. This legislation would ensure that any previously eligible hospital will be deemed eligible for any cost reporting period during which the public health emergency occurred to meet the needs of hospitals now during this crisis and to preserve the vital program for years to come.\no In May, Portman announced that Ohio received $238 million to expand COVID-19 diagnostic testing capabilities.\no In July, Portman announced that the Federal Communications Commission's Wireline Competition Bureauawardedmore than $415,000in telehealth grants to four health care facilities in Ohio that will use this fundingto provide telehealth services targeted at low-income patients so thattheycan receive medical care in more flexible settings.\n This grant award followed previous announcements of telehealth grants for Ohio, including oneannouncedin April for the Health Partners of Western Ohio located in Lima, Ohio.In early May, three facilitiesreceivednearly $1 million in funding and four facilitiesreceivednearly $800,000 in funding, and later that month six facilitiesreceived$1.8 million in funding, and an additional six facilitiesreceived$1.1 million. In June, $3.46 million wasdistributedtofacilitiesin Ohio.\no Portman made clearthat the Administration must do a better job of quickly distributing funding for safety net hospitals and providers, speaking out in April when other hospitals and health care providers received the first tranche of COVID-19 response funding while safety net provider funding was initially \n In April, he announced that Ohio received an additional $17 million in CARES Act funding for the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) to help increase testing and other response tools. In May, theHealth Resources andServices Administration (HRSA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,awarded$17.4million in federal grantsto support51health centers throughout Ohio in an effort to expand testing capacities.\no Portman repeatedly urgedthe administration to support health care providers thatserve our nation's most vulnerable,including our children's hospitals, nursing homes, and safety net hospitals. \n In June, Portman and a group of bipartisan colleagues sent aletterto HHS urging them to actquickly and equitably in distributing funding to vulnerable populations and the next dayHHS released $10 billionfor these hospitals. \n In July, Portman applauded the Trump Administration for distributing $3 billion in additional emergency funding allocated in COVID-19 spending packages to hospitals that overwhelmingly serve Medicaid and low-income patients. Ohio received about $90 million from this $3 billion.\n In August, Portman announced that Ohio received an additional $165 million in federal funding for children's hospitals.\n Transportation: The transportation industry has been hit hard by the pandemic, and Senator Portman worked closely with the U.S. Department of Transportation to ensure Ohio companies have the financial resources they need during the pandemic.\no Portman worked with DOT's Federal Aviation Administration to ensure that airports across Ohio received the resources they needed. \n In total, Portman has helped to secure more than $126.2 million for 97 airports across Ohio. These grants helped to provide economic relief for lost revenue due to COVID-19.\no In addition, thanks to the CARES Act, Portman announced that DOT's Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded a $5.8 million grant to the Butler County Regional Transit Authority, and a $1.7 million grant to the City of Springfield in Clark County, Ohio in order to respond to and recover from the public health emergency. \no In April, Portman announced that the Federal Transit Administration awarded a $1.7 million grant to Miami County to help fund critical continued public transit operations to keep the region moving during these unprecedented times.\no In November, Portman applauded DOT for awarding a $12 million federal grant to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for the repair or reconstruction of federal-aid highways and roads on federal lands that have suffered serious damage as a result of natural disasters or catastrophic failures from an external cause.\nHelping Businesses Stay Afloat. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Portman has stayed in constant contact with business leaders of all sizes and worked to help deliver the results they need to stay afloat during this economic crisis. He visited business in Tipp City, Cincinnati, Russells Point, Sidney, and Hamilton and heard from company leaders about how, thanks to the Paycheck Protection Program loan that Portman supported, they were able to keep workers on payroll and continue operations.\nDuring the second year of the 116th Congress, Senator Portman continued to deliver results for Ohio, just as he did in the previous Congress. He worked tirelessly to help Ohioans who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic; create economic opportunity and retirement security for Ohio families; combat the addiction epidemic; honor our nation's veterans and strengthen our military; promote responsible use of artificial intelligence and technology; stand up against police brutality and the unnecessary violence in our country; protect and preserve our national parks; improve transparency and accountability within the federal government; fight for better and more affordable health care; and help all Ohioans achieve their God-given potential. \nDuring the 116th Congress, Portman has authored or co-authored 42 legislative priorities in total that have been signed into law. Under President Trump, in total 79 of Senator Portman's bills have been signed into law. Under President Obama, 68 of Portman's bill were signed into law. In total, during his 10 years in the Senate, Portman has successfully enacted 172 legislative priorities into law, including 126 bills as well as 46 amendments. \nHelping Ohioans Impacted By COVID-19 \nThe ongoing COVID-19 pandemic impacted the lives of every American in 2020, and Senator Portman played a leadership role in crafting solutions to help families and small businesses  leading to the passage of the COVID-19 Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.\nSince the beginning of the pandemic, Senator Portman has consistently called for bipartisan action to provide the health care and economic relief the American need and deserve. Since March, Portman has delivered 21 speeches on the Senate floor calling for bipartisan action to provide Americans the COVID-19 relief. Portman has urged Congress to provide additional relief to bolster our health care response, help our economy and small businesses recover, provide funding for schools and state and local governments, permanently expand telehealth options for addiction treatment, and provide enhanced federal unemployment benefits to help people who lost their jobs through no fault of their own. \nIn November, in an effort to encourage all Americans to get vaccinated against COVID-19, Portman announced his participation in the ENSEMBLE phase 3 trial for the COVID-19 vaccine candidate being developed by Johnson & Johnson and managed by CTI Clinical Trial and Consulting Services (CTI) at its research center in Cincinnati, Ohio. Portman furthered this work by introducing his COVID-19 Vaccine Awareness Support Act to fund a national campaign to raise awareness of the safety and efficacy of FDA-authorized vaccines.\nIn September, Portman introduced legislation to replenish FEMA's Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) to continue the enhanced federal unemployment insurance benefit of $300 per week authorized by President Trump's executive action and provide additional resources to support the federal government's response to historic wildfires in the West and other natural disasters such as Hurricane Sally.\nSecuring Resources for Ohio: At the start of the pandemic, Portman worked closely with the administration and with Ohio companies to secure additional supplies for the strategic national stockpile including testing machines, ventilators, PPE, and food resources. \n \n\tIn March, Portman successfully helped UC Health secure vital equipment to increase diagnostic testing for COVID-19. Portman helped UC Health secure a cobas 6800 machine which they will use to conduct nearly one thousand diagnostic tests every day, exponentially increasing COVID-19 testing capacity in southwest Ohio.\n \n \n\tEarlier this year, Portman worked with the White House and HHS and FDA to successfully facilitate the donation of approximately 2.2 million new gowns from Ohio-based Cardinal Health to theStrategic National Stockpile. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has authorized the distribution and use of these gowns asnon-surgical isolation apparel.\n \n \n\tWhen Ohio-based company Gojo, which produces Purell, alerted Portman to the issue of tariffs restricting the access of components used in the distribution of hand sanitizer - specifically pumphouses, and e-collars  he reached out to U.S. Trade Representative Lighthizer and facilitated a tariff relief. This helps companies like Gojo increase production and distribution to accommodate the increased demand.\n \n \n\tIn July, Portman visited GOJO Industries and met with the company's leadership and team members to discussPortman's work to facilitate tariff relieffor hand hygiene products including hand sanitizer and soap dispensers and components to allow for increaseddistribution during COVID-19 pandemic.\n \n \n\tIn April, Portman sent a letter to USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue urging swift approval of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services' (ODJFS) request to operate the DisasterHousehold DistributionProgram.The request was approved the next week allowing foodbanks throughout Ohio to distribute more food across the state by removing administrative burdens, making it easier for staff and volunteers at foodbanks to maintain social distancing protocols, keeping themselves and their clients safe.\n\tPortman also worked with Ohio company Battelle in April to secure a new federal contract to help fund the rapid deployment of Battelle's decontamination systems to return to use previously worn N95 respirator masks and training to operate these systems to 60 sites across the country.\n \n \n\tIn April, Portman facilitated Cleveland-based SecondBreath's request to produce ventilators for deployment around Ohio and the country. The ventilators were developed by Ohioans and tested in Ohio at a number of northeast Ohio hospitals, including the Cleveland Clinic, Akron Children's Hospital, and Akron City Hospital. The administration approved their production and SecondBreath was able to increase production for shipment across Ohio and the country.\n \n \n\tIn August, Portman visited Honda Heritage Center and toured the ventilator compressor parts production facility. While on the tour, Portman, Honda leadership, and employees discussed Honda's efforts to help support the COVID-19 response, including production of face shields and compressor parts for ventilators.\n \nListening to Ohio Groups Stakeholders: Senator Portman made it a priority tocommunicatewith constituents throughout the pandemic through tele town halls and FacebookLive town halls about the work he has done with the state and federal government. He also spoke with companies andstakeholdersthroughout the statetoensure Ohio has the resources it needs to respond to this unprecedented health crisis and can contribute to the national effort to slow the spread of the virus.\n \n\tIn addition to business groups, Portman also hosted a wide-range of conference calls with the Ohio Restaurant Association, Ohio foodbanks, nonprofit organizations, manufacturers, bio science employers, higher education leaders, farmers, veterans, county commissioners, and mayors from all over the state. \n\tPortman also hosted conference calls with Ohio hospital leaders and withthe Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities (OACBHA) to discuss the impact of the COVID-19 health crisison health services, and mental health and addiction services around Ohio.\n\tFinally, Portman participated in a conference call with Ohio Jewish Communities to discuss the efforts the Jewish community made during the pandemic to help Ohio communities.\n\tPortman continued his push on the Senate Floor this year for swift bipartisan action to respond to the increasing number of drug overdoses as a result of the pandemic. \n \nProviding Resources for Ohioans Suffering with Addiction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing guidelines have disrupted traditional addiction treatment services and necessitated the use of telehealth services to help individuals with recovery. To meet this need, the CARES Act took unprecedented steps to expand access to telehealth through the waiving of federal restrictions to pay for telehealth and expanding grants to build out the nation's telehealth infrastructure. That's why Senator Portman has introduced legislation entitled theTelehealth Response for E-Prescribing Addiction Treatment Services (TREATS) Actto make permanent a number of temporary waivers for telehealth services that were authorized under the Public Health Emergency and to bolster telehealth options for addiction treatment services. Specifically, it will allow for a patient to be prescribed lower scheduled drugs like through telehealth on their first visit. Current law requires an in-person visit to receive any controlled substance, but this is a deterrent to patients in crisis and in urgent need of treatments from Schedule III or IV drugs. \n \n\tIn July, Portman published a column highlighting the importance of Congress passing the TREATS Act to ensure that addiction health services have the resources they need to adapt to this new reality. He emphasized that doing so will help to preserve the progress made in combating the addiction crisis and ensure that more Americans can reach their God-given potential.He then participated in adrug addiction roundtable discussion with members of theHancock County Board of Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS)to discuss COVID-19's impact on addiction treatment.\n \nSecuring Grant Funding: The COVID-19 Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Actprovided unprecedented economic and health care relief to Americans during the ongoing pandemic. Portman worked closely with the administration to ensure Ohioans received the support they needed.\n \n\tHousing: Portman worked with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to ensure communities in Ohio received funding to help promote economic development in urban communities, address the needs of homeless people in emergency or transitional shelters, and provide housing assistance and related supportive services for low-income persons. This includes:\n\t\n\t\n \n \n\tAgriculture: Senator Portman applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture for awarding more than $1.4 millionin grants to communities in Ohio for rural development.These grants will help these Ohio communities build and improve critical facilities. According to the USDA, the Ohio grant recipients can use the funding to build or upgrade a wide-range of rural community facilities such as schools, libraries, clinics and public safety facilities.\n \n \n\tFEMA: In March, Senator Portman senta letter urging President Trump to act swiftly on Governor Mike DeWine's request for approval of a major disaster declaration for the state of Ohio in response to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.The president approved the disaster declaration the following day. As a result, Ohio received nearly $4.1 million in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as well as the following funding;\n\t\n\t\t$5.5 million for ProMedica Toledo Hospital to help fund COVID-19 protective measures;\n\t\t$5.2 million to Ohio Health Care Systems and $2.6 million to University Hospitals Health System to help continue to provide COVID-19 treatment, testing and protective measures;\n\t\t$12.7 million to help Ohio State University - Columbus Campus and Premier Health in Ohio with costs associated with COVID-19;\n\t\tand $46 million to the Cleveland Clinic Foundation.\n\t\n\t\n \n \n\tBusinesses: Portman worked with the Trump administration to ensure that businesses of all sizes in Ohio had the resources they needed to help retain employees and keep their doors open. \n\t\n\t\tIn May, Portman applauded the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) for awarding a $3.75 million grant for COVID-19 Emergency Response for Small to Medium Enterprises to Appalachian Community Capital (ACC). ACC will use this funding to help the region's development finance institutions make up for lost revenue as they temporarily defer loan payments.\n\t\tThanks to funding available through the CARES Act, which Portman supported, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) CARES Act Emergency Program awarded the Ohio Development Services Agency $2.3 million to help support Ohio-based U.S. small- and medium-sized manufacturers, including rural manufacturers. \n\t\tIn August, Portman applauded U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross's announcement that the Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) awarded $8.8 million and $1 million in CARES Act grants to Ohio cities to be able to provide critical gap financing to small businesses and entrepreneurs. In addition, EDA awarded $2 million to five EDA Economic Development District organizations across Ohio to update economic development plans and fortify programs to assist communities in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.\n\t\tIn addition, through the CARES Act, the U.S. Department of Labor awarded $8.5 million in funding for Disaster Recovery Dislocated Worker Grants (DWGs) to help address the workforce-related impacts of the pandemic.\n\t\n\t\n\tEducation: The historic CARES Act provided a higher education emergency relief fund to assist higher education institutions across the nation. Senator Portman worked with the U.S. Department of Education to ensure Ohio higher education institutions received the resources needed to meet the demands of the pandemic. \n\t\n\t\tIn April, Portman announced that the Department of Education distributed $388 million in funding to institutions of higher education in Ohio and in May, the National Science Foundation awarded more than $1.5 million in CARES Act-funded RAPID Response Research grants to fund research that addresses the pandemic. \n\t\t\n\t\t\tIn September, Portman announced that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) awarded a $5 million, two-yearRapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADx)-UPgrant to The Ohio State University. The RADx-UP program supports projects designed to rapidly implement COVID-19 testing strategies in populations disproportionately affected by the pandemic.\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n \n \n\t\n\t\n\t\tPortman applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development for awarding more than $1.1 million in Distance Learning and Telemedicine grants to two school districts in Ohio: Gallia County Schools and New London Local School District. The $172,358 Rural Development grant for Gallia County Schools will help provide students and staff with primary and preventative care through the Appalachian Primary Care Telemedicine Program. The $999,524 grant for the New London Local School District will help expand Science Technology Engineering and Math resource access to students in Pre-kindergarten through sixth grade across the four Ohio counties served by the school district. USDA's Distance Learning and Telemedicine grant program was provided $25 million in the bipartisan CARES Act. \n\t\n\t\n \n \n\tHealth Care: This year, thousands of Ohioans had to rely on telehealth in order to have access to their primary care providers. Thanks to the bipartisan CARES Act, which Portman strongly supported, Ohio received multiple telehealth grants to assist health care facilities, testing centers, and hospitals serving children and low-income, vulnerable populations across the state.\n \nPortman led legislation to provide certainty to hospitals participating in the 340B drug discount program during the COVID-19 public health emergency. In normal years, the 340B program provides needed flexible funds to meet the needs of a hospital's community, but during the ongoing pandemic, the 340B program has become a vital lifeline for hospitals as they've see precipitous drop offs in revenue and an inability to pay for the essential COVID services that patients continue to need. Early days of the pandemic forced many hospitals to reduce inpatient hospital admissions of low-income Medicare and Medicaid patients, a critical metric in determining eligibility for the 340B program. Though hospitals have resumed elective procedures, and patients have begun returning to seek care, there is concern that as a result of this year's slowdown and threats to suspend elective care again as hospital beds fill up, some hospitals may not meet the required inpatient admission threshold to remain in the program for the following year. This legislation would ensure that any previously eligible hospital will be deemed eligible for any cost reporting period during which the public health emergency occurred to meet the needs of hospitals now during this crisis and to preserve the vital program for years to come.\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\tIn May, Portman announced that Ohio received $238 million to expand COVID-19 diagnostic testing capabilities.\n\t\tIn July, Portman announced that the Federal Communications Commission's Wireline Competition Bureauawardedmore than $415,000in telehealth grants to four health care facilities in Ohio that will use this fundingto provide telehealth services targeted at low-income patients so thattheycan receive medical care in more flexible settings.\n\t\t\n\t\t\tThis grant award followed previous announcements of telehealth grants for Ohio, including oneannouncedin April for the Health Partners of Western Ohio located in Lima, Ohio.In early May, three facilitiesreceivednearly $1 million in funding and four facilitiesreceivednearly $800,000 in funding, and later that month six facilitiesreceived$1.8 million in funding, and an additional six facilitiesreceived$1.1 million. In June, $3.46 million wasdistributedtofacilitiesin Ohio.\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n \n \n\t\n\t\n\t\tPortman made clearthat the Administration must do a better job of quickly distributing funding for safety net hospitals and providers, speaking out in April when other hospitals and health care providers received the first tranche of COVID-19 response funding while safety net provider funding was initially \n\t\t\n\t\t\tIn April, he announced that Ohio received an additional $17 million in CARES Act funding for the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) to help increase testing and other response tools. In May, theHealth Resources andServices Administration (HRSA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,awarded$17.4million in federal grantsto support51health centers throughout Ohio in an effort to expand testing capacities. \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n \n \n\t\n\t\n\t\tPortman repeatedly urgedthe administration to support health care providers thatserve our nation's most vulnerable,including our children's hospitals, nursing homes, and safety net hospitals. \n\t\t\n\t\t\tIn June, Portman and a group of bipartisan colleagues sent aletterto HHS urging them to actquickly and equitably in distributing funding to vulnerable populations and the next dayHHS released $10 billionfor these hospitals. \n\t\t\tIn July, Portman applauded the Trump Administration for distributing $3 billion in additional emergency funding allocated in COVID-19 spending packages to hospitals that overwhelmingly serve Medicaid and low-income patients. Ohio received about $90 million from this $3 billion.\n\t\t\tIn August, Portman announced that Ohio received an additional $165 million in federal funding for children's hospitals.\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n \n \n\tTransportation: The transportation industry has been hit hard by the pandemic, and Senator Portman worked closely with the U.S. Department of Transportation to ensure Ohio companies have the financial resources they need during the pandemic.\n\t\n\t\tPortman worked with DOT's Federal Aviation Administration to ensure that airports across Ohio received the resources they needed. \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\tIn addition, thanks to the CARES Act, Portman announced that DOT's Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded a $5.8 million grant to the Butler County Regional Transit Authority, and a $1.7 million grant to the City of Springfield in Clark County, Ohio in order to respond to and recover from the public health emergency. \n\t\tIn April, Portman announced that the Federal Transit Administration awarded a $1.7 million grant to Miami County to help fund critical continued public transit operations to keep the region moving during these unprecedented times.\n\t\tIn November, Portman applauded DOT for awarding a $12 million federal grant to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for the repair or reconstruction of federal-aid highways and roads on federal lands that have suffered serious damage as a result of natural disasters or catastrophic failures from an external cause.\n\t\n\t\n \nHelping Businesses Stay Afloat. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Portman has stayed in constant contact with business leaders of all sizes and worked to help deliver the results they need to stay afloat during this economic crisis. He visited business in Tipp City, Cincinnati, Russells Point, Sidney, and Hamilton and heard from company leaders about how, thanks to the Paycheck Protection Program loan that Portman supported, they were able to keep workers on payroll and continue operations. \n \n\tIn July, Portman introduced theHealthy Workplaces Tax Credit Actto help businesses continue to safely reopen while ensuring the safety of employees and consumers through a refundable tax credit against payroll taxes for 50 percent of the costs incurred by a business for increased testing, personal protective equipment (PPE), disinfecting, extra cleaning and reconfiguring work spaces to adhere to social distancing guidelines.He hopes to have it included in any additional COVID-19 relief package that passes from the Senate.\n \n \n\tIn September, in an effort to remove unnecessary regulations that undermined our nation's ability to rapidly respond to the pandemic, Portman introduced the Pandemic Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Act. The legislation establishes an accountable, expert-led, commission to identify ineffective, unnecessary, or overly burdensome regulations that should be modified, consolidated, harmonized, or repealed to promote jobs and higher wages; reduce household expenses; improve economic performance and competitiveness; reduce compliance costs; encourage growth and innovation; improve competitiveness; and protect public health, safety, and welfare.\n \n In July, Portman introduced theHealthy Workplaces Tax Credit Actto help businesses continue to safely reopen while ensuring the safety of employees and consumers through a refundable tax credit against payroll taxes for 50 percent of the costs incurred by a business for increased testing, personal protective equipment (PPE), disinfecting, extra cleaning and reconfiguring work spaces to adhere to social distancing guidelines.He hopes to have it included in any additional COVID-19 relief package that passes from the Senate.\n In September, in an effort to remove unnecessary regulations that undermined our nation's ability to rapidly respond to the pandemic, Portman introduced the Pandemic Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Act. The legislation establishes an accountable, expert-led, commission to identify ineffective, unnecessary, or overly burdensome regulations that should be modified, consolidated, harmonized, or repealed to promote jobs and higher wages; reduce household expenses; improve economic performance and competitiveness; reduce compliance costs; encourage growth and innovation; improve competitiveness; and protect public health, safety, and welfare.\nAssisting Second Chance Business Owners. In June 2020, Portman introduced the bipartisanPaycheck Protection Program Second Chance Act,which would remove barriers to PPP for owners with unrelated felony records while preserving the presumption of innocence and keeping in place the five year timeframe for felony crimes related to financial fraud. This legislation follows Senator Portman'sletterto Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Jovita Carranza urging that the SBA allow small business owners with criminal records to apply for the PPP. National and Ohioan reentry and second chance coalition leaders, law enforcement, and local officials havevoiced their supportof the initiative.\n \n\tIn August, Portman met with local business leaders in Cincinnati for a discussion led by Innovative Labor and Cleaning Services owner Troy Parker. Parker's company received a $235,000 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan in June thanks to Portman's efforts to expand eligibility to cover Second Chance businesses owned by individuals who have a criminal record in their past but who have turned their lives around. Troyis an example of a Second Chance success story having started Innovative Labor and Cleaning in2015 after re-entering the community.\n \nReshoring PPE: Portman believes that the American people should not have to rely so heavily on foreign countries for personal protective equipment and that we should bring personal protection equipment production back to the United States. In August, he introduced bipartisan legislation that will strengthen efforts to onshore production of PPE in the United States by requiring the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) to issue long-term contracts for American-made PPE.\nIn June, Portman and Senator Sherrod Brown sent a letter urging the COVID-19 Joint Acquisition Task Force (JATF) to prioritize the procurement of American-made PPE, and to consider comprehensive measures to incentivize the reshoring of additional PPE production back to the United States. JATF was created to synchronize and support execution of the Department of Defense's COVID-19 response to interagency requests for medical resources involving the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Department of Health and Human Services, and other agencies.\nMeeting with Ohio Hospitals: As a result of the bipartisan CARES Act, which Senator Portman supported and President Trump signed into law, health facilities around Ohio were able to receive much needed resources to care for patients with COVID-19, to expand testing, and to work to address the disproportionate impact the virus had on minority communities. This year, Portman visited the Columbus Public Health Department, the Health Collaborative in Cincinnati, Adena Health System in Chillicothe, and Premier Health's Miami Valley Hospital to see firsthand how the CARES Act was working to help Ohio hospitals. \nAdvocating for Additional Testing at Elkton: In April, Portman sent a letterurging Attorney General William Barr and Bureau of Prisons Director Michael Carvajal to increase COVID-19 testing at Federal Correctional Institution Elkton in Lisbon, Ohio. Elkton had the highest number of deaths of any federal prison, with nine fatalities. \nCreating Economic Opportunity & Retirement Security for Ohio Families\nSince his election in 2010, Senator Portman has focused on strengthening the economy, reforming our tax code and providing relief to families and small businesses. In the 115th Congress, he delivered on this commitment with the enactment of comprehensive tax cuts and tax reform, and Portman saw firsthand how Ohio companies are responding by creating more jobs, increasing wages, paying bonuses, making additional investments in plants and equipment, and expanding health care and retirement benefits. In addition to tax reform, Portman worked on a number of measures to help create jobs, level the playing field for Ohio workers, and make Ohio businesses more competitive.\nStrengthening Skills Training & Workforce Development. Portman, who is the co-founder of theSenate Career and Technical Education (CTE) Caucus,continued to help lead efforts in the Senate to expand skills training to close the skills gap and ensure that Ohioans are ready for the jobs available today. As part of his efforts, Portman joined Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) inintroducingthe bipartisanJOBS Actwhich will make high-quality and rigorous short-term job training programs more affordable by expanding access to Pell Grants for low-income students. Portman has toured Ohio meeting with community colleges, educators, workforce development officials and others to receive input and highlight the importance of this bill, which is supported by the Trump administration and was included in its budget request. As we work to rebuild the economy, and as manufacturers continue to look to hire more workers, this bill is needed now more than ever.\n \n\tIn late July, Portman teamed up with Senator Peters (D-MI) to introduce bipartisan legislation to strengthen reentry programs that provide workforce training, as well as pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship opportunities. The Reentry Employment Opportunities Act would codify into law the U.S. Department of Labor's Reentry Employment Opportunities (REO) Program, which supports national, regional, and local organizations that administer skills training programs. The REO program provides critical opportunities for returning citizens to be able to have a smooth transition back into society and learn skills that will help them secure good jobs. \n \nEnsuring a Secure Retirement for Hard Working Americans. Portman is widely regarded as the leading Senate voice for common-sense pension reform. Portman believes that every American should have the opportunity to save for a safe, secure retirement. In February 2019, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) selected Portman to lead the committee's Subcommittee on Social Security, Pensions and Family Policy. Portman has leveraged this perch to spearhead passage of the SECURE Act at the end of 2019 and help lead bipartisan efforts to reform multiemployer pension funds and ensure hard working American's receive the benefits they have earned. \n \n\t\n\t\n\t\tIn June, Portman delivered remarks on the Senate floor outlining the multiemployer pension crisis currently threatening the retirements of millions of Americans, and the consequences of ongoing inaction. Portman also underscored the need for any bipartisan multiemployer pension reform legislation to address both the immediate crisis with respect to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC,) and the longer-term structural issues that created the conditions for the persistent underfunding of multiemployer pension plans in the first place. He also emphasized that any solution to address the immediate crisis must involve a shared responsibility approach, with contributions from not just general public funds, but also employers and plan participants within the multiemployer pension system.\n\t\n\t\n \n \n\t\n\t\n\t\tPortman introduced the Railroad Employee Equality and Fairness Act, which would end the sequester on the Railroad Retirement Board's (RRB) Unemployment Insurance Account. Due to the Budget Control Act of 2011, and a subsequent sequestration order to implement mandated spending cuts, railroad unemployment benefits have been reduced by a set percentage that is subject to revision at the beginning of each fiscal year. Currently, the sequester, as it relates to the RRB, continues until fiscal year 2030. Without this legislation, it is expected that the sequestration will result in a 5.7 percent reduction in railroad unemployment benefits through fiscal year 2030. \n\t\n\t\n \n \n\t\n\t\n\t\tIn December, Portman's Subcommittee held a hearing on his bipartisan Retirement Security & Savings Act, which was designed to help pave the way for bipartisan action early in the 117th Congress. Portman's legislation with Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) is poised for bipartisan action, and Portman was encouraged that new legislation introduced by Congressmen Richard Neal's (D-MA) and Kevin Brady's (R-TX), the Securing a Strong Retirement Act of 2020, included many similar reforms, such as: improving the tax credit so businesses have a larger incentive to create plans, allowing workers to save more for retirement, allowing workers to save longer for retirement, lowering the penalty on errors, and expanding product options so Americans can choose the right investment and annuity option for themselves. Portman and Cardin's bill, along with this new, bipartisan legislation in the House, seek to build on the SECURE Act, which became law in 2019 and included a set of reforms designed to help more Americans save for their retirement.\n\t\n\t\n \nEncouraging Broadband & Infrastructure Development in Rural Areas. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced countless functions of everyday life to go virtual. As such, it is vital that every American have access to reliable, high-speed internet. That is why Portman introduced legislation in July to bolster efforts to expand access to rural broadband nationwide and speed up the distribution of the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC) Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF). The Rural Broadband Acceleration Act also directs the FCC to adhere to the Universal Service requirement in federal law, which is a joint responsibility for the federal and state governments. The Universal Service requirement states that all people in rural areas must have access to telecommunications and information services that are reasonably comparable, in both speed and price, to the services in urban areas. Thus, this legislation will allow rural America to have the same level of broadband service enjoyed by cities and suburbs across the country. \nExpanding Markets for Ohio Farmers & Small Businesses. As a former U.S. Trade Representative, Portman continues to be a leading voice in the Senate on trade policy, working to ensure a level playing field for American workers and create more jobs for Ohio farmers and small businesses. This year, he worked to advance those priorities in a number of ways, including: \n \n\tPortman emerged as a leading advocate for the U.S.-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) Trade Agreement, which was ratified by the U.S. Senate on January 17th, 2020. The modernized trade agreement will create at least 176,000 new jobs, expand opportunities for agricultural trade, encourage new opportunities for auto jobs in America, and add a new section on digital trade to make online sales. Portman touted the trade pact's new and enforceable environmental and labor standards, a new section on digital trade, expanded opportunities for agricultural trade, and new opportunities for auto jobs in America.\n \n \n\t\n\t\n\t\tPortman touted the phase one trade agreement with China signed by President Trump on January 15th, 2020. Portman, who has taken on China's unfair trade practices for more than a decade, highlighted the agreement as a good first step towards rectifying unfair trade imbalances and creating a more balanced and durable economic relationship between the United States and China.\n\t\n\t\n \n \n\t\n\t\n\t\tIn June 2020, Portman penned a letter urging the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) to side with American workers and fully and fairly enforce U.S. trade remedy laws. The letter, which was co-led by Senator Brown, pressed the ITC to give full and fair consideration to the United Steelworker's petitions in these cases of unfairly traded imports. \n\t\n\t\n \n \n\t\n\t\n\t\tIn November 2020, Portman testified before the ITC and urged them to support an extension of the current Section 201 safeguard for washing machines. Portman has fought against unfair trade practices that have harmed Whirlpool and sent a letter to the ITC in October urging them to thoughtfully consider Whirlpool's request to extend and strengthen the safeguard to maximize its benefits for the domestic industry and its workers.\n\t\n\t\n \n \n\t\n\t\n\t\tPortman continued his years long effort to reform international trade and commerce by introducing a bipartisan resolution expressing support for U.S. leadership in the World Trade Organization (WTO) while also calling for reform to parts of the institution. \n\t\n\t\n \n \n\t\n\t\n\t\tIn January 2020, Portman visited Lebanon, Ohio to participate in a workforce roundtable discussion hosted by the United Way of Warren County at Fecon, manufacturer of vegetation management machinery. Other participants included students, employees who have got through their program, and local employers. The discussion highlighted expanding access to workforce skills training and how Portman's bipartisan JOBS Act legislation will help more Ohioans get the skills and training they need to find in-demand jobs as well as the economic benefits of two trade agreements: the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement, and the phase one trade agreement with China signed by President Trump.\n\t\n\t\n \n \n\t\n\t\n\t\tOn July 15th, 2020, Portman visited Ford Lima Engine Plant and met leadership and employees to discuss the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) Trade Agreement and how it will create new jobs, and encourage new opportunities for American manufacturing. \n\t\n\t\n \nProtecting American Taxpayers. Portman has a long history of working to reform the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). For instance, on July 1, 2019, President Trump signed the Taxpayer First Act into law - bipartisan legislation that included a number of Portman's legislative priorities. Over the course of this year, Portman built on his past success with two significant efforts:\n \n\tAs Chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), Portman led a bipartisan investigation into the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) Free File Program, which provides free online tax preparation and filing services to U.S. taxpayers. The probe culminated with the release of a bipartisan staff memo detailing the lack of IRS oversight of the Free File program. As a result, the memo noted, American taxpayers may not be aware of the program or taking advantage of it. This could result in eligible taxpayers paying fees to file their taxes. \n \nSecuring Funding for Key Ohio Economic Priorities. Senator Portman has worked with the Trump administration to ensure that Ohio has access to competitive grant opportunities in order to strengthen efforts to improve the economy and job creation around the state.\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\tThis year, Portman worked alongside the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to announce several grant awards for Ohio including; \n\t\n\t\n \n \n\t$1.9 million to help support Lake County's Laketran Project; $13.8 million in grant funding to six Ohio rail systems for consolidated rail infrastructure and safety improvement programs; a $1.9 million University Transportation Centers (UTC) grant to The Ohio State University for their work to advance transportation research and technology; $14.7 million to help reconstruct and repair airports' taxiways and runways in Ohio; $23.6 million in funding as part of the Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) competitive grant program for the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Government; $15 million in funding as part of the BUILD competitive grant program for Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority; and $4.4 million to the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to help support the Interstate 70 truck automation corridor.\n \n \n\t\n\t\n\t\tPortman worked alongside the U.S. Department of Commerce to ensure cities and towns in Ohio had the resources they needed including; \n\t\n\t\n \n \n\t$3.7 million to the Greene County Board of Commissioners to assist the region with recovery efforts from the 2019 Memorial Day Tornadoes; $132,500 to the Eastgate Regional Council of Governments to help with conducting a broadband feasibility study; and $3.6 million for the city of Dayton to help purchase and establish new electric generators needed to upgrade water system infrastructure.\n \n \n\t\n\t\n\t\tIn order to ensure Ohio has the adequate resources to ensure a culture of preparedness, Portman worked with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to secure grant funding, including;\n\t\tA $10.1 million grant to help Ohio assist state, local, tribal and territorial governments in preparing for all hazards, as authorized by Congress; and $1.6 million to help fund Ohio's security efforts along Ohio's northern border.\n\t\n\t\n \n \n\t\n\t\n\t\tPortman worked with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to ensure Ohioans had the resources they need to protect themselves and our schools including;\n\t\n\t\n \n \n\tMore than $35 million in federal grants from the Office for Victims of Crime, a component of the DOJ's Office of Justice Programs; and more than $320,000 in federal funding for school safety through its School Violence Prevention Program.\n \n \n\t\n\t\n\t\tEarlier this year, Portman announced thatthe U.S. Department of Agriculture has allocated nearly $2.5 million in federal funding through its Rural Development Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program to improve the Village of Rio Grande's 84-year-old wastewater treatment facility. In addition, he announced that the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has awarded Vantage Aging in Akron, Ohio a nearly $2.3 million Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) grant to provide career services and training services to low-income older individuals who seek to enter or re-enter the workforce.\n\t\n\t\n \n \n\t\n\t\n\t\tIn an effort to help lower income students, Portman announced that the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) has awarded seven higher education schools in Ohio nearly $3 million in Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP) grants. \n\t\n\t\n \nCombating America's Opioid Epidemic\nNo one in the Senate has been more active in the fight against drug addiction than Senator Portman. He continues to lead the national effort to combat the opioid crisis that is devastating communities. As part of his efforts to help Ohio, Portman has worked to help stop the influx of synthetic drugs like fentanyl, expand access to treatment programs that are so critical to an effective recovery, and secure additional funding for evidenced-based Comprehensive Addiction & Recovery Act (CARA) programs focused on prevention, treatment, recovery, and first responders. In addition, Portman worked tosecure $1 billionin new funding for state grants to fight opioid abuse in the21st Century CURES Act.He's also fought for more overall opioid funding, and helped secure more than $4 billionin new opioid funding over the last few years between CARA, CURES and other opioid programs. \nPortman has also been at the forefront of addressing the changes faces of addiction in Ohio and around the country. In response to increasing reports of overdose deaths in Ohio due to psychostimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine  both often laced with fentanyl  Senator Portman introduced and successfully foug", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://chabot.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401085", "Congressional Freedom of the Press Caucus Co-Chairs Schiff and Chabot  Denounce Sentencing of Chinese Journalist Reporting on COVID-19 Pandemic", "2020-12-30", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "OH", "Steven Chabot", "C000266", "chabot.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, Representatives Steve Chabot (R-OH) and Adam Schiff (D-CA), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Freedom of the Press Caucus, released a statement following the sentencing of Zhang Zhan, a Chinese citizen journalist who reported from Wuhan during the early days of the coronavirus pandemic:We are deeply concerned by the recent conviction of Zhang Zhan for her reporting on the early handling of the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan last winter, the Co-Chairs said. Ms. Zhang's photos and short video clips uploaded to WeChat, Twitter, and YouTube documented the harsh reality of life in Wuhan during lockdown in the early days of the virus, informing the Chinese people and the world about the extent of the crisis at a critical time. We are alarmed at the treatment of Ms. Zhang and call on PRC authorities to immediately release her and all others detained in connection with sharing news about the coronavirus. On December 28, Zhang Zhan was sentenced to four years in jail by the Shanghai Pudong People's Court for picking quarrels and provoking trouble. She is accused of spreading false information and accepting media interviews with foreign outlets. Her lawyer reports that Ms. Zhang has been on a hunger strike since June and was force-fed via a nasal tube while shackled in prison. Other citizen journalists who reported on the situation in Wuhan have gone missing or been under close surveillance for months.                                                                                  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fudge.house.gov/press-statements?ID=0D82107A-05DE-4F19-8383-E10E558A4C21", "Rep. Fudge Announces 2020 Winners of the 11th District Congressional App Challenge", "2020-12-30", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Marcia Fudge", "F000455", "fudge.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Facebook Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tGoogle Plus Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tInstagram Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tLinkedIn Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tTwitter Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tYouTube Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tVimeo Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tClients Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tEmail icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tMap Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tPrint Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tQuote Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\ticon_share\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tCarousel Arrow - Left\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tCarousel Arrow - Right\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\tHome\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\tNews\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\tPress Statements\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t Print", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-senate-floor-2000-direct-payments-ohioans", "Brown Takes to Senate Floor to Demand Swift Senate Action on $2,000 Direct Payments for Ohioans", "2020-12-30", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Download Production Quality Video HERE WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) took to the Senate floor as he continues to call for a quick Senate vote on increasing direct payments to Ohioans struggling amid the COVID-19 pandemic from $600 to $2,000. The House passed legislation on Monday increasing the amount to $2,000, and the legislation has the support of Senators in both parties and President Trump. Brown is calling on Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) to take quick action on the House-passed legislation. It's pretty simple: the best way to help Ohio workers and families is to put more money in their pockets  not in the bank accounts of the largest corporations and the biggest banks, hoping it will trickle down. We need to invest directly in the people who make this country work, said Brown. Brown's remarks, as prepared for delivery can be found below:  There is one simple question before the Senate this week: are we going to put more money in people's pockets? The American people made it clear in this election that they want a government that's on their side. This is our chance to deliver for them  to show the people we serve that we can make a real difference in their lives. It's pretty simple: the best way to help Ohio workers and families is to put more money in their pockets  not in the bank accounts of the largest corporations and the biggest banks, hoping it will trickle down. We know it never does. CEOs just pay themselves instead. We need to invest directly in the people who make this country work. It helps people pay the bills, stay in their homes, and get through this downturn. And it injects money into local economies that desperately need it  the more money people have, the more they can spend at small businesses that are hurting right now. We know this works  it did in the spring. We came together, across the aisle, and we passed the CARES Act, with expanded UI and direct stimulus checks. We kept 13 million people out of poverty, and we gave millions more peace of mind, with a bit of a cushion to weather this crisis. The bill we passed last week was a good step in that direction  but we can make it even stronger. Back in March, my original plan called for bigger checks for more people  $2,000 per person, adults and children. And we called for them to be sent automatically throughout the year, every quarter, as long as we remained in a public health emergency. It's clear now, that's what we should have done  no one could predict how long this crisis would last, and today, we still aren't certain when everyone will be vaccinated and when the economy will return to full strength. We don't have to sit idly by and wonder how bad it could get. We are the strongest, richest country on earth  we have the resources to do something about it. We just need leadership willing to use every tool we have. If they refuse to support this, Leader McConnell and Senate Republicans will make it painfully clear for the American people whose side they're on. They had no problem pouring money into corporations' coffers with their tax cut, and blowing up the deficit. They were all too happy to let the government shovel loans to the biggest banks and companies. But in the middle of the worst crisis of our lifetimes, faced with the chance to give money directly to ordinary Americans, they claim we can't afford it. That's a lie. Again, we are the richest country on earth. I remember what the economist Bill Spriggs told the Banking and Housing Committee in September  we didn't win WWII by worrying about whether or not we could afford it. We were in a global crisis and we marshalled all of our vast resources and talent to rise to meet it  and then we grew the economy from the middle class out, and we paid down the debt with rising wages. And if we've learned anything from this crisis, it should be that we can do the same again. Americans are tired of being told we can't. That's the only answer Leader McConnell and Congressional Republicans ever have for most people's problems  we can't help you, we can't solve problems, you're on your own. Let's aim higher. Let's deliver for the people we serve. Let's put $2,000 in their pockets  money that will make such a difference for so many families. It will help a mother worried about how she'll pay back rent. It will keep a laid-off restaurant worker from turning to a payday lender. It will allow a father to buy a new computer, so his kids are better able to learn online. There are millions of real people  people we swore an oath to serve  who would breathe a little easier this New Years, if we pass this. So let's be very clear about the decision before the Senate: are you going to give the people you serve $2,000, or are you going to stand in the way? It's that simple. Let's come together, let's pass this, and let's make a real difference in people's lives. ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/portman-brown-bipartisan-legislation-rename-nasas-plum-brook-station-test-facility-neil-armstrong", "Portman, Brown Announce Bipartisan Legislation to Rename NASAs Plum Brook Station Test Facility After Neil Armstrong Signed Into Law", "2020-12-30", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  Today, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced that President Trump has signed into law their bipartisan legislation to rename NASA's Plum Brook Station, the agency's test facility in Sandusky, Ohio, after Neil Armstrong. Portman and Brown introduced the legislation last year. Plum Brook is part of the NASA Glenn Research Center. Ithouses unique world-class facilities that conduct critical and innovative ground tests for the international aerospace community. From his service as a Navy fighter pilot, to his courageous experiments as a test pilot, to his space exploration and first step on the surface of the Moon, Neil Armstrong left an indelible mark in mankind's history of flight.In all his accomplishments, he considered himself first and foremost a test pilot who pushed the boundaries of what was possible in the air and in space, Senator Portman said. Neil was a humble and patriotic Ohioan who believed the honor of serving his country was a reward in and of itself. That's why, when I asked him the year before he passed away whether he wanted me to pursue naming Plum Brook after him, he demurred. But he was a strong supporter of Plum Brook Station and the important simulations and testing being done there, and I believe it is precisely because of his humility, coupled with his unparalleled accomplishments, that the renaming is appropriate.In consultation with his family and NASA, Senator Brown and I introduced this legislation last year and I applaud President Trump for signing this legislation into law as a fitting tribute to Armstrongs amazing accomplishments in air and in space. Before Neil Armstrong became the first person to step foot on the moon, he was an up-and-coming test pilot in northeast Ohio at what is now known as the NASA John H. Glenn Research Center. I'm pleased to join Sen. Portman in honoring Ohio-native Neil Armstrong by renaming NASA Glenn's Plum Brook Station in Sandusky for a man who inspires future Ohioans to continue our state's tradition of breaking barriers in space,said Senator Brown, who nowoccupiesthe late Ohio Senator and astronaut John Glenn's old office in Washington, DC. NOTE: In July of 2019, in advance of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, Portman and Brown announced their intention to rename the facility. Prior to the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, Portman paid tribute to his friend, Ohio-native Neil Armstrong in a video, as well as on the Senate floor. In August of 2019, Portman accompanied NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine in a visit to NASA's Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field in Cleveland and Plum Brook Station in Sandusky to view progress on the agency's Artemis Program -- its multi-year plan to return American astronauts to the Moon and eventually send manned missions to Mars. ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-brown-announce-bipartisan-legislation-rename-nasas-plum-brook", "Portman, Brown Announce Bipartisan Legislation to Rename NASAs Plum Brook Station Test Facility After Neil Armstrong Signed Into Law", "2020-12-30", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Rob Portman", "P000449", "www.portman.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Portman, Brown Announce Bipartisan Legislation to Rename NASA's Plum Brook Station Test Facility After Neil Armstrong Signed Into Law\n \n      \n  \n\n          \n                          \n      December 30, 2020\n      \n  \n |     \n                          \n      Press Releases\n      \n  \n  \n    \n                  WASHINGTON, DC  Today, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced that President Trump has signed into law their bipartisan legislation to rename NASA's Plum Brook Station, the agency's test facility in Sandusky, Ohio, after Neil Armstrong. Portman and Brown introduced the legislation last year. Plum Brook is part of the NASA Glenn Research Center. Ithouses unique world-class facilities that conduct critical and innovative ground tests for the international aerospace community.\nFrom his service as a Navy fighter pilot, to his courageous experiments as a test pilot, to his space exploration and first step on the surface of the Moon, Neil Armstrong left an indelible mark in mankind's history of flight.In all his accomplishments, he considered himself first and foremost a test pilot who pushed the boundaries of what was possible in the air and in space, Senator Portman said. Neil was a humble and patriotic Ohioan who believed the honor of serving his country was a reward in and of itself. That's why, when I asked him the year before he passed away whether he wanted me to pursue naming Plum Brook after him, he demurred. But he was a strong supporter of Plum Brook Station and the important simulations and testing being done there, and I believe it is precisely because of his humility, coupled with his unparalleled accomplishments, that the renaming is appropriate.In consultation with his family and NASA, Senator Brown and I introduced this legislation last year and I applaud President Trump for signing this legislation into law as a fitting tribute to Armstrongs amazing accomplishments in air and in space.\nBefore Neil Armstrong became the first person to step foot on the moon, he was an up-and-coming test pilot in northeast Ohio at what is now known as the NASA John H. Glenn Research Center. I'm pleased to join Sen. Portman in honoring Ohio-native Neil Armstrong by renaming NASA Glenn's Plum Brook Station in Sandusky for a man who inspires future Ohioans to continue our state's tradition of breaking barriers in space,said Senator Brown, who nowoccupiesthe late Ohio Senator and astronaut John Glenn's old office in Washington, DC.\nNOTE: In July of 2019, in advance of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, Portman and Brown announced their intention to rename the facility. Prior to the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, Portman paid tribute to his friend, Ohio-native Neil Armstrong in a video, as well as on the Senate floor. In August of 2019, Portman accompanied NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine in a visit to NASA's Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field in Cleveland and Plum Brook Station in Sandusky to view progress on the agency's Artemis Program -- its multi-year plan to return American astronauts to the Moon and eventually send manned missions to Mars.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-votes-support-national-defense-bill", "Portman Votes to Support National Defense Bill", "2020-12-30", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Rob Portman", "P000449", "www.portman.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Portman Votes to Support National Defense Bill \n \n      \n  \n\n          \n                          \n      December 30, 2020\n      \n  \n |     \n                          \n      Press Releases\n      \n  \n  \n    \n                  WASHINGTON, DC  Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) issued the following statement in support of the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act:\nThe defense bill provides needed resources that build on President Trump's successful efforts to restore our military after years of underfunding and deterioration of our readiness.It also supports the National Defense Strategy, gives a needed pay raise to our troops, and provides critical upgrades and support to Ohio's defense installations. Ohio is home to Wright-Patterson Air Force base, the Lima tank plant, and other important military facilities that help support our troops around the globe.This legislation directly impacts our Ohio defense community.\nI agree with President Trump that we need to take a serious look at Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, but a defense bill isn't the place for those reforms. Our country faces significant security threats around the world, and this bipartisan legislation will help ensure that our soldiers, airmen, sailors, Marines and space professionals have the vital resources they need to accomplish their national security missions.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://stivers.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403079", "Statement from Rep. Stivers", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "OH", "Steve Stivers", "S001187", "stivers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Statement from Rep. Stivers \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 28, 2020\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      The following may be attributed to Representative Steve Stivers (R-OH) regarding the override of the veto of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):\r\nFor decades, people on both sides of the aisle have put aside their differences for the sake of the men and women who serve our nation, Stivers said. While it's disappointing that the President let a political disagreement stand in the way of the well-being of our troops, I was proud to join my Republican and Democratic colleagues to let our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines know that we have their backs. \r\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/news-articles/msnbc-congresswoman-joyce-beatty-speaks-with-msnbc-about-pending-covid-19", "MSNBC | Congresswoman Joyce Beatty speaks with MSNBC about pending COVID-19 relief", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "OH", "Joyce Beatty", "B001281", "beatty.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sign up to receive the Beatty Bulletin and messages pertaining to Congresswoman Beatty and the district.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/beatty-backs-bill-to-expand-covid-19-stimulus-payments", "Beatty Backs Bill to Expand COVID-19 Stimulus Payments", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Joyce Beatty", "B001281", "beatty.house.gov", "beatty", "https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) issued the following statement ahead of the anticipated vote in the U.S. House of Representatives on the Caring for Americans with Supplemental Help Act of 2020, H.R. 9051:\n\n\"After seven months of distraction, distortion, and denials, the White House has finally come to its senses and conceded that American workers, families, and small businesses are hurting and in need of much greater assistance than the Trump Administration previously cared to admit. That is why I call on all Congressional Republicans to join with Congressional Democrats and pass the Caring for Americans with Supplemental Help Act to increase stimulus payments immediately so that our constituents can get the help they so desperately need.\"\n\nIf enacted, H.R. 9051 would increase the value of the second round of Economic Impact Payments from $600 to $2,000 per eligible member of the household. Additionally, the bill would provide that the second round of Economic Impact Payments will include non-child dependents and that non-child dependents will be included in the first round of Economic Impact Payments as well.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-statement-national-defense-authorization-act-veto-override", "Kaptur Statement on National Defense Authorization Act Veto Override", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "OH", "Marcy Kaptur", "K000009", "kaptur.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), released the following statement after the House voted on an overwhelmingly bipartisan basis to override the President's veto of the National Defense Authorization Act:\n\nThis overwhelming, bipartisan vote in the U.S. House to override the President's unwise veto of the 2021 Defense Bill upholds the oath every federal official is sworn to uphold:to protect and defend the American people, said Rep. Kaptur. I urge the Senate to immediately follow suit.\n\n###\n\nkaptur.house.gov", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-statement-trump-signing-bipartisan-coronavirus-relief-and-omnibus", "Kaptur Statement on Trump Signing Bipartisan Coronavirus Relief and Omnibus Funding Bill", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "OH", "Marcy Kaptur", "K000009", "kaptur.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), released the following statement after the President signed the bipartisan coronavirus relief and omnibus funding bill. The President previously threatened not to sign the legislation and allowed jobless aid to expire over the weekend.\n\nThe President's signing of the bipartisan coronavirus relief and omnibus funding bill is welcome news for millions of Americans across the U.S., said Rep. Kaptur. It is unfortunate that President Trump felt the need to throw the fate of the legislation into question and unnecessarily drag out the process to the point where jobless aid expired the day after Christmas, sending countless American families into panic over the holidays. His stunt caused needless worry for those working on the frontlines of the pandemic, those who are ill, out of work, struggling to keep their business afloat, or otherwise down on their luck  all while he played golf at his private resort. This was a sad episode for the American Presidency. Now, let's get on with swearing in a new President and Vice President who will govern our nation, not game the American people.\n\n###\n\nkaptur.house.gov", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://timryan.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-ryan-votes-increase-economic-impact-payment-600-2000", "Congressman Ryan Votes to Increase Economic Impact Payment from $600 to $2000", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "OH", "Tim Ryan", "R000577", "timryan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Congressman Tim Ryan today voted to increase the second round of Economic Impact Payments (EIP) from $600 per eligible member of the household to $2,000 per eligible member of the household.The Caring for Americans with Supplemental Help (CASH) Act of 2020 (HR 9051), increases the amount of the EIPs from the recently passed COVID relief bill. Additionally, the bill includes language to ensure non-child dependents, such as college students and adults with disabilities, are able to receive a stimulus as well. This provision is retroactive, so that eligible non-child dependents can receive a check from the first round of EIP's as well.\nCongressman Ryan has been calling on Congress and the President to provide more stimulus funding, including college students and adults with disabilities who are still claimed as a dependent. This would provide a long-overdue stimulus to the economy and help workers take care of the basic needs of their families.\nThe provisions of this bill are a much-needed correction to the recently passed COVID relief bill, putting more money in the hands of hard-working families. A one-time $600 payment is simply not enough to meet the level of need within our country right now,said Congressman Ryan. Our families and small businesses are facing an unprecedented crisis and this increase will help stabilize our economy and give our families a fighting-chance to survive\nCongressman Ryan has long supported additional payments to Americans, and earlier this year introduced theEmergency Money for the People Act, legislation that would provide$2,000 per month until employment returns to pre-COVID-19 levels.After the President changed his mind last week and decided to support an increase in direct payments to $2,000, HouseDemocrats immediately went to the Floor to askfor Unanimous Consent to bring a stand-alone bill to increase the payments. House Republicans blocked that request.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://timryan.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-tim-ryan-votes-override-president-trump-s-veto-national-defense", "Congressman Tim Ryan Votes to Override President Trumps Veto of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "OH", "Tim Ryan", "R000577", "timryan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13) voted this evening to override President Trump's veto of the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes a pay raise and hazard pay for U.S. Servicemembers and long-overdue benefits to Vietnam-Era veterans exposed to Agent Orange.\nOverriding a president's veto requires a two-thirds vote in each chamber of Congress. The House voted today to override President Trump's veto by a vote of 322  87. The Senate is also expected to vote to override the president's veto of the NDAA, if that happens, this will be the first veto override in Trump's presidency. \nThis defense bill is crucial to keeping our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Guardians safe and helping us compete against our adversaries like China and Russia. For the President to veto this bill due to petty and personal reasons is shameful. I am proud that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle have joined in overturning this veto so we can get back to the business of governing,said Congressman Ryan.\nThe NDAA was passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in the U.S. House of Representatives with a vote of 335-78 on December 8thand the U.S. Senate with a vote of 84-13 on December 11th. \nThe NDAA includes long-overdue benefits to Vietnam-Era veterans exposed to Agent Orange  adding Parkinsonism, bladder cancer, and hypothyroidism to the list of diseases associated with its exposure. It also included a pay raise for the troops and hazard pay for those who serve in harm's way. It authorizes a 3.0 percent increase in basic pay and $275 hazardous duty pay per month for service members in harm's way, including members of the National Guard and National Reserve.\nOur veterans have put their lives on the line in defense for our freedoms and security. As a nation, we can honor their service and sacrifice by holding up our end of the bargain and providing them the care they have earned  and this bill provides long-overdue benefits to those brave Vietnam-Era veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange. This bill also provides additional wages and protections to our active duty armed forces and veterans during this already difficult time. Our troops must be fully prepared for the many threats they face around the world, and it is our job to make sure they get the support they need to carry out their missionespecially as we face a global pandemic,Congressman Ryan continued.\nOther provisions of the $732 billion NDAA supported by Congressman Ryan include:\n Ensuring paid parental leave to all federal employees.\n\tAuthorizes the Secretary of Defense to furnish childcare to each child of a member of the Armed Forces or civilian employee of the DOD while that member or employee works on rotating shifts at a military installation.\n\tTaking Steps to Further Protect Military Communities frompolyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including authorizing $1.4 billion for environmental remediation and BRAC accounts which support a range of remediation activities, to include those related to PFAS, at current military installations, formerly utilized defense sites, and installations closed by BRAC.\n\tIncludes the Elijah Cummings Federal Employee Anti-Discrimination Act, passed the House in January 2019, which strengthens equal employment opportunity protections for federal employees and strengthens prohibitions against discrimination and retaliation against whistleblowers.\n\tIncludesimprovementto military housing, including updating minimum health and safety standards for all military base housing, repealing a provision that currently allows DOD to place families in substandard housing units, and requiring DOD to implement Comptroller General recommendations for improvement of military family housing.\n Requires the DOD Inspector General to establish a mechanism to track and report supremacist, extremist, and criminal gang activity in the Armed Forces.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wenstrup.house.gov/updates/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404579", "Wenstrup Statement on Non-Offset Relief Payments", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "OH", "Brad Wenstrup", "W000815", "wenstrup.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.Today, Congressman Brad Wenstrup (OH-02) issued the following statement after voting on the CASH Act of 2020:\r\nThe recently-passed bipartisan, bicameral COVID relief legislation provided targeted assistance to the American people in the form of direct cash payments, enhanced unemployment insurance, and an expanded earned income tax credit. There may be room for additional assistance in the coming months, and it should come in the form of more precisely targeted relief to those most in need as well as efforts to get individuals back to work, rather than blanket benefits for many who may not need them but qualify based off outdated data.\r\nAccording to the Joint Committee on Taxation, the CASH Act would cost $463.8 billion in taxpayer funding. With that sum, we could increase assistance to our small businesses that are struggling through the Paycheck Protection Program, increase direct food assistance to needy families, and increase resources to distributePPE to frontline healthcare workers and the vaccine to all Americans who want it.\r\nShould the Speaker wish to pass this legislation, she should offset it with the President's request to rescind certain foreign aid funding. However, without such an offset, I could not support this additional deficit spending.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wenstrup.house.gov/updates/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404580", "Wenstrup Votes to Enact Defense Authorization Bill", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "OH", "Brad Wenstrup", "W000815", "wenstrup.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.Today, Congressman Brad Wenstrup (OH-02) issued the following statement after voting to advance into law the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):\r\nOur nation's servicemembers make countless sacrifices to protect the American people. We must provide our warfighters with the tools and resources necessary to carry out their missions and keep them safe. This legislation also addresses growing global challenges, from countering China's increasing aggression to strengthening our nation's cybersecurity capabilities.\r\nAt the same time, I share President Trump's interest in reviewing the Communications Decency Act of 1996, and specifically Section 230. The Internet economy has grown beyond anything imagined in the 1990s, and it is the responsibility of legislators to ensure that our laws are keeping up with society and the tech companies that have come to dominate our economy and public discourse.\r\nCongressman Wenstrup was named a conferee to the FY 2021 NDAA Conference Committee andhad two amendments included in the final text.\r\nHe also serves as a colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve. He served a tour in Iraq from 2005-2006 as a combat surgeon and was awarded a Bronze Star and Combat Action Badge for his service.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-announces-final-fy-2021-bipartisan-funding-measure-includes-ohio", "Portman Announces Final FY 2021 Bipartisan Funding Measure Includes Ohio Projects to be Funded Through Restore Our Parks Act", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Rob Portman", "P000449", "www.portman.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Portman Announces Final FY 2021 Bipartisan Funding Measure Includes Ohio Projects to be Funded Through Restore Our Parks Act\n \n      \n  \n      \n                           \n      Initial Project List Includes Funding for Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Wayne National Forest Infrastructure  \n      \n  \n  \n\n          \n                          \n      December 28, 2020\n      \n  \n |     \n                          \n      Press Releases\n      \n  \n  \n    \n                  WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) announced that the final FY 2021 bipartisan funding measure, which President Trump signed into law last night, includes the initial list of projects that will be funded through Portman's bipartisanRestore Our Parks Act to protect and preserve America's national parks and public lands by addressing thebacklog in long-delayed maintenance projects. Included in this list are two priority projects for Ohio  the demolition of vacant structures at Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the replacement of the waterline at the Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area within the Wayne National Forest. This summer, Portman visited Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Wayne National Forest to see their deferred maintenance projects firsthand. \nWhether biking, fishing, kayaking, or hiking with my family, I'm proud to be one of the 2.7 million visitors to Ohio's National Parks annually. That's why I'm pleased that the final FY 2021 bipartisan funding measure included the first list of projects that will be funded through my bipartisan Restore Our Parks law to begin to address backlog in long-delayed maintenance projects throughout our park system, said Portman. I'm pleased that Ohio's Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Wayne National Forest will be among the first to be able to address critical infrastructure improvements to ensure these parks can be enjoyed for many generations to come. Over the summer, I was able to see the deferred maintenance projects at both of these parks firsthand and I look forward visiting these parks again soon to see the funds in action.\nWe appreciate Senator Portman's leadership on the Restore Our Parks Act. CVNP will receive funds to demolish vacant buildings that are safety hazards and eyesores. Addressing critical infrastructure issues like this are important for a safe and positive visitor experience. We are grateful to Congress for being good stewards through these funds of the public lands that belong to all of us, said Deb Yandala, CEO, Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park.\nNOTE: Earlier this year, Portman applauded President Trump for signing into law the bipartisanGreat American Outdoors Act.Notably, the legislation included Senators Portman, Mark Warner (D-VA), Lamar Alexander (R-TN), and Angus King's (I-ME)Restore Our Parks Act,legislation to willsupportmore than 100,000 jobsover the next five years by rebuilding critical park infrastructure to help address the more than$12 billion backlog in long-delayed maintenance projects at the National Park Service(NPS).Portman worked with his colleagues to expand his legislation in theGreat American Outdoors Actto also include funding to address the deferred maintenance backlog at the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Bureau of Indian Education. The Great American Outdoors Act now provides $1.9 billion per year for five years into the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund from half of unobligated on and offshore energy revenues on federal lands to address maintenance needs on all federal lands.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://joyce.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=2889", "Joyce Issues Statement on COVID-19 Relief and Government Funding Bills", "2020-12-24", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Dave Joyce", "J000295", "joyce.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BAINBRIDGE Today, Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14) issued the following statement regarding the COVID-19 relief and government funding bills recently passed by Congress:\r\n\r\n\tI want to address the misinformation going around about the legislation Congress passed on Monday night.Let's be very clear: Congress passed two independent pieces of legislation, one that provided COVID-19 relief and another that funded the government throughout next year. The Majority had us vote on these two bills at once, which is what confused a lot of people.\r\n\r\n\tRumors that there was foreign aid in the COVID-19 relief bill are false. The only bill that included foreign aid was the annual spending bill, which was requested by the President in his budget ten months ago.\r\n\r\n\tThe U.S. Constitution lays out the annual process by which we fund our government, a responsibility I take very seriously as a member of the House Appropriations Committee. That's why, since the President released his budget in February, I have worked with my colleagues to hold more than 36 budget and oversight hearings to move that process forward.\r\n\r\n\tUnfortunately, election year political games derailed this process significantly, causing a last-minute scramble to ensure the government remained up and running in the middle of a pandemic. That is unacceptable and the American people have every right to be frustrated by it. I know I am.\r\n\r\n\tThe political games that delayed that government funding bill were the same games that prevented us from providing COVID-19 relief to the American people months ago. It's especially infuriating that it took eight months to pass this additional relief when it was largely similar to the bipartisan plan my colleagues and I on the Problem Solvers Caucus unveiled back in September.\r\n\r\n\tDespite this unconscionable delay, the bill we passed on Monday provides $900 billion to support our small businesses, working families and healthcare professionals. Any accusation that this relief bill only included $600 for Americans is a lie.\r\n\r\n\tThe American people have made it clear they have no patience for Washington's dysfunction that prevented us from delivering critical relief in the first place. Those who are purposely creating confusion or spreading falsehoods about these two different bills are playing the kind of games that have no place in our nation's capital as we work to get through these unprecedented times.\r\n\r\n\tI remain committed to fighting for the needs of Ohio's 14th District and will continue to do everything in my power to ensure Ohioans have what they need until we restore our way of life.\r\n\r\n\tTo learn more about the COVID-19 relief legislation, click here.\r\n\r\n\tTo learn more about the FY2021 government funding legislation, click here.\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-cardin-praise-establishment-national-memorial-fallen-journalists", "Portman, Cardin Praise Establishment of a National Memorial to Fallen Journalists", "2020-12-24", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Rob Portman", "P000449", "www.portman.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Portman, Cardin Praise Establishment of a National Memorial to Fallen Journalists\n \n      \n  \n\n          \n                          \n      December 23, 2020\n      \n  \n |     \n                          \n      Press Releases\n      \n  \n  \n    \n                  WASHINGTON, DC  Today, President Trump signed into law a companion bill to legislation written by U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Ben Cardin (D-MD) that authorizes the development and construction of a national monument to fallen journalists. The new, privately funded memorial will be constructed on federal lands within the District of Columbia and will honor journalists, photographers, and broadcasters killed in the line of duty.Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) is an original cosponsor of the Senate bill (S. 1969). Congressman Tom Cole (R-OK) and Congresswoman Grace Napolitano (D-CA) introduced the legislation (H.R. 3465) in the House of Representatives.\nA free and open press is essential to our democracy, and I applaud President Trump for signing into law our bipartisan legislation to establish the National Memorial to Fallen Journalists, said Senator Portman. This memorial will serve as a fitting tribute to the men and women in journalism, including those from the Capital Gazette, who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of the First Amendment.\nThe free media, one of the pillars of our nation, is under attack figuratively and literally across America. Too many, including five innocent souls lost in the shooting at the Capital Gazette in Annapolis, gave everything they had in defense of democracy, transparency and freedom, said Senator Cardin. This new memorial will honor the lives of those who died reporting the news and supporting the media on behalf of the American people. It will be a steadfast symbol of their sacrifice and the fragility of our democracy. Those who personify the First Amendment rights granted to every citizen have made our nation stronger.\nThe Portman-Cardin bill authorizes the Fallen Journalists Memorial (FJM) Foundation to establish a commemorative work (memorial) in the District of Columbia.Eligible federal land would be in Area I or Area II,, but not in the area designated as Reserve. The FJM Foundation must provide the funding necessary for the National Park Service or General Services Administration to maintain the memorial.The Annenberg Foundation and the Ferro Foundation have provided a total of $300,000 in initial funding to launch the FJM Foundation, which will operate under the auspices of the National Press Club Journalism Institute (NPCJI), the non-profit affiliate of the National Press Club.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-cardin-praise-establishment-national-memorial-fallen-journalists-0", "Portman, Cardin Praise Establishment of a National Memorial to Fallen Journalists", "2020-12-24", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Rob Portman", "P000449", "www.portman.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Portman, Cardin Praise Establishment of a National Memorial to Fallen Journalists\n \n      \n  \n\n          \n                          \n      December 23, 2020\n      \n  \n |     \n                          \n      Press Releases\n      \n  \n  \n    \n                  WASHINGTON, DC  Today, President Trump signed into law a companion bill to legislation written by U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Ben Cardin (D-MD) that authorizes the development and construction of a national monument to fallen journalists. The new, privately funded memorial will be constructed on federal lands within the District of Columbia and will honor journalists, photographers, and broadcasters killed in the line of duty.Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) is an original cosponsor of the Senate bill (S. 1969). Congressman Tom Cole (R-OK) and Congresswoman Grace Napolitano (D-CA) introduced the legislation (H.R. 3465) in the House of Representatives.\nA free and open press is essential to our democracy, and I applaud President Trump for signing into law our bipartisan legislation to establish the National Memorial to Fallen Journalists, said Senator Portman. This memorial will serve as a fitting tribute to the men and women in journalism, including those from the Capital Gazette, who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of the First Amendment.\nThe free media, one of the pillars of our nation, is under attack figuratively and literally across America. Too many, including five innocent souls lost in the shooting at the Capital Gazette in Annapolis, gave everything they had in defense of democracy, transparency and freedom, said Senator Cardin. This new memorial will honor the lives of those who died reporting the news and supporting the media on behalf of the American people. It will be a steadfast symbol of their sacrifice and the fragility of our democracy. Those who personify the First Amendment rights granted to every citizen have made our nation stronger.\nThe Portman-Cardin bill authorizes the Fallen Journalists Memorial (FJM) Foundation to establish a commemorative work (memorial) in the District of Columbia.Eligible federal land would be in Area I or Area II,, but not in the area designated as Reserve. The FJM Foundation must provide the funding necessary for the National Park Service or General Services Administration to maintain the memorial.The Annenberg Foundation and the Ferro Foundation have provided a total of $300,000 in initial funding to launch the FJM Foundation, which will operate under the auspices of the National Press Club Journalism Institute (NPCJI), the non-profit affiliate of the National Press Club.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/news-articles/ohio-police-officer-who-fatally-shot-black-man-47-did-not-turn-bodycam-on", "Ohio police officer who fatally shot Black man, 47, did not turn bodycam on", "2020-12-23", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Joyce Beatty", "B001281", "beatty.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Ohio police officer who fatally shot a 47-year-old Black man has been relieved of duty in Columbus after it was discovered he did not turn on his body camera during the incident.\nThe city's second fatal police shooting in just one month has shocked the entire community.\nMayor Andrew J. Ginther, addressing the shooting on Twitter, called the community still raw and exhausted from the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and, most recently, Casey Goodson, Jr., right here in Columbus. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)\nOn Twitter, Mayor Andrew J. Ginther expressed it.\nOur community is still raw and exhausted from the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and, most recently, Casey Goodson, Jr., right here in Columbus, he wrote.\nThe officer involved did not turn on their body-worn camera  which is unacceptable, Ginther tweeted. The officer involved has been relieved of duty, requiring him to turn in his badge and gun, stripping him of police powers pending the outcome of the criminal and internal investigations.\nThe shooting occurred early Tuesday morning, at 1:37 a.m., when an unidentified man holding a cellphone inside a friend's garage was shot by the also-unnamed officer, who was among a pair responding to a noise complaint. A neighbor called the police because the man was sitting in a car turning the engine of an SUV on and off.\nThe two officers were responding to a non-emergency call, so they did not turn on lights or sirens, which would have triggered filming inside their patrol call.\nThe shooting is being investigated by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.\nA look back function on the officer's camera automatically turned on, obtaining 60 seconds of video with no audio after the incident. The short captured video shows there was a delay in rendering of first-aid to the man, according to the statement from the Columbus Police Department.\nNeither officer who responded to the call turned on their body cameras, but only the officer who fired the fatal shot has been suspended.\nThis police-involved shooting occurred less than three weeks after Franklin County Sheriff's Deputy Jason Meade fatally shot 23-year-old Casey Goodson Jr., an incident that sparked Columbus protests. A probe into that killing has also been launched.\nThere are not enough words to express the pain and anger I feel that another Black man has been killed in our community at the hands of law enforcement in less than a month, Ohio Rep. Joyce Beatty, the congresswoman whose district contains Columbus and its suburbs, said in a statement Tuesday. While we do not know all of the facts, what I do know is that this is unacceptable.\nBeatty said she's greatly concerned and call into question police procedures as well as the timing and inconsistent use of body cameras.\nColumbus Police Chief Thomas Quinlan called the shooting a tragedy on many levels.\nOur community deserves the facts, Quinlan said in a news release. If evidence determines that laws or policies were violated, officers will be held accountable.\nThis article was originally published by The Grio on December 23, 2020.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://joyce.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=2890", "Joyce Bill to Rename Grand River Post Office in Honor of Andy Nowacki Becomes Law", "2020-12-23", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Dave Joyce", "J000295", "joyce.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC Today, the President signed into law Congressman Dave Joyce's (OH-14)bill to rename the U.S. Post Office in Grand River, Ohio after the late Lance Corporal Andrew Nowacki. Joyce introduced this legislation to honor the local Northeast Ohio hero in June of last year. Known as Andy or Ace to those in the Grand River community, Lance Corporal Nowacki was killed in action on February 26, 2005 during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was just 24 years old.\r\n\r\n\tI thank the President for signing this bill into law and helping me preserve the legacy of a true American patriot, said Joyce. Andy's sacrifice in defense of our nation is something we should never forget, as is his dedication to the Grand River community and his desire to help others. I was honored to introduce this bill and know that by renaming the Grand River post office after Andy, we are ensuring he will always be remembered by the community he cared so deeply for and contributed so much to.\r\n\r\n\tOur family is extremely thankful that Andy's service and sacrifice has not been forgotten, said Sheila Nowacki, Andy's mother. Andy was proud to serve his country as a United States Marine and theVillage of Grand River as a peace officer. To have his memory in both roles commemorated by having the Grand River Post Office bear his name is an honor that we are grateful for.\r\n\r\n\tIt was an absolute privilege and honor to know Andy Nowacki and to call him my friend, said Grand River Mayor Christopher Conley. As a Marine myself, he is my brother, and I am sure he would be humbled by this and all the work his Mother and Father do in his honor.\r\n\r\n\tAndy joined the Marine Corps Reserve shortly after graduating from Brush High School in 1998. He later attended the Cleveland Heights Police Academy, joining the Grand River Police Department in 2001 where he was a dedicated member of the Ready Response Team, the Honor Guard and the Bike Patrol. Despite the fact that Andy's first enlistment was almost over when his unit was recalled for a second tour in Iraq, he reupped without hesitation. Andy was killed during his second tour while protecting a truck convoy south of Baghdad. Following his death, Andy's family and friends created the Andy Nowacki Foundation, which provides scholarships for those seeking to serve in the fields of public safety or nursing.To this day, the foundation continues to honor Andy's commitment to community, dedication to service and desire to help others by aiding those who wish to do the same.\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-statement-trump-veto-2021-national-defense-authorization-act", "Kaptur Statement on Trump Veto of 2021 National Defense Authorization Act", "2020-12-23", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "OH", "Marcy Kaptur", "K000009", "kaptur.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), released the following statement after President Trump vetoed the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):\n\nWhat kind of misguided President does America have? said Rep. Kaptur. The one who earlier this week released several high level, political criminals tied to his own election wrongdoing. Now, he has vetoed the principal defense bill for U.S national security, which passed Congress with broad bipartisan support. What a damaging act during this time of presidential transition. In my entire career, I have never witnessed a president who fired so many of his own Secretaries of Defense, Chiefs of Staff, and Secretaries of Homeland Security. The Trump Administration often looks more like it is aiding and abetting our enemies than it is defending the U.S. rule of law and national security. Its contempt for the rule of law is almost as troubling as its chaotic internal operations. This President simply has no will or desire for organizational discipline in the departments and agencies he is sworn to operate to defend the American people. Some might even say he is a convenient, purposeful agent of chaos.\n\n###\n\nkaptur.house.gov", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/a-year-in-review-senator-brown-working-for-ohioans", "A Year in Review  Senator Brown Working for Ohioans", "2020-12-23", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Over the last year, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) has worked to protect Ohioans' health and safety and their economic security amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. He led efforts to get healthcare providers, essential workers and working families the resources they need as we all continue fighting to get the pandemic under control. And he helped secure critical provisions in COVID relief packages to halt evictions, secure rental assistance, increase unemployment insurance benefits, and provide financial relief to small businesses that are struggling. This year, Brown worked with Republicans and Democrats to introduce more than 100 bills  more than 37 of which he introduced with Senator Portman. Brown successfully sent several bipartisan bills to President Trump's desk to become law, including hisProtecting Nonprofits from Catastrophic Cash Flow Strain Act, which will help nonprofits, state and local governments and federally recognized Tribes remain financially viable during the COVID-19 pandemic, and his bill to reauthorize the Healthy Start Program, which aims to reduce the national infant mortality rate. Brown's African American Burial Grounds Network Act, which would set up a voluntary, nationwide network of African American burial grounds, passed the Senate and is expected to be signed into law before the end of the year. Brown also secured a number of year-end wins in the government funding package passed by the Senate that included badly-needed COVID relief for Ohio. Brown secured provisions to end surprise medical bills, protect seniors from out-of-pocket costs for preventive colonoscopies, permanently lower taxes on craft beverages, fund Ohio's military installations, invest in NASA and in ongoing cleanup at the Piketon plant. As part of the COVID-relief package, Brown also helped secure rental and utility assistance, stimulus checks for Ohioans, 11 additional weeks of unemployment benefits and funding for small businesses and healthcare providers. While Brown led by example and didn't hold in-person events amid the pandemic, he held129 virtual events with groups from across Ohio, listening to their priorities and fighting for them in Washington. Brown also hosted a weekly Facebook Live session on his Facebook page every Wednesday to keep Ohioans up-to-date. Since his election to the U.S. Senate, Brown has held 386 roundtables across Ohio and held public events in each of Ohio's 88 counties. In 2020, Brown and his office hosted the inaugural statewide Black Women's Health Symposium virtually, created to address the disparities in health that Black women have faced throughout our country's history. Brown also hosted several of his annual summer manufacturing camps online, the eighth year of the camps. In December, Brown delivered opening remarks for the first virtual event in the My Brother's Keeper Ohio's (MBK Ohio)leadership series. Here's a look at more of Brown's work on behalf of Ohio in 2020 and what's ahead next year, including working to get critical COVID relief to Ohioans, continuing the fight for racial justice and securing the pensions of thousands of Ohio retirees.   BROWN EFFORTS TO KEEP OHIOANS SAFE, PROVIDE RELIEF TO WORKING FAMILIES DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC COVID-Relief Packages Brown voted to support all three COVID-relief packages that passed the Senate while continually calling on Congress to do more to help Ohioans in need. Brown helped secure key Ohio wins in each package, including dedicated funding for Ohio, funding for smaller lenders to provide loans to Ohio communities, funding for COVID testing and rental assistance and eviction moratoria. Eviction Moratoriums Brown made it a priority to ensure families and individuals have access to stable housing amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In June, he introduced the Protecting Renters from Evictions and Fees Act, which would extend the federal eviction moratorium to March 27, 2021, one year after the date of enactment of the CARES Act, and expands the moratorium to cover substantially all renters. The bill also prohibits fees, fines, and extra charges due to nonpayment of rent.Brown was able to secure an extension of the federal eviction moratorium in the year-end funding package that passed the House and Senate. Rental Assistance Brownfought all year for more protections for renterswho are disproportionally impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic andcalledformore reliefto be provided for renters andhomeownersinCoronavirus relief packages. In May, he introduced theEmergency Rental Assistance and Rental Market Stabilization Act of 2020, which would establish an Emergency Rental Assistance program to provide $100 billion in emergency rental assistance to help families and individuals pay their rent and remain housed during and after the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. Brown helped secure $25 billion for rental and utility assistance for renters in the year-end funding package passed by Congress. Worker Safety and Heroes Pay Throughout the pandemic, Brown has called on corporations to protect the health and safety of frontline workers and pay them what they deserve as they put themselves at risk to keep the economy going. In May, Brown released a plan to keep Ohioans safe, protect workers and reopen the economy safely. In April, Brown unveiled his Heroes Fund' proposal, to help reward, retain and recruit essential workers who are on the frontlines of this pandemic.Brown also released a planin March for addressing the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) needed by healthcare workers on the frontline of keeping Americans healthy and safe during the coronavirus pandemic. Brown joined several of his Senate Democratic colleagues in urging President Trump to use his existing DPA authority to help address widespread shortages of medical equipment, as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. The President never fully invoked the authority. State and Local Government Funding Brown has led efforts to secure more resources for local governments in Ohio that are hurting and struggling to pay for necessary services like police, fire and public safety or vaccine distribution amid the economic downturn caused by the pandemic. In December, Brown helped introduce bipartisan legislation, the State and Local Coronavirus Relief Fund Extension Act which would extend the current year-end deadline for states and local governments to use federalCARES Actassistance from the Coronavirus Relief Fund until December 31, 2021. Under the CARES Act, federal funding from the Coronavirus Relief Fund will be recouped by the Treasury if not spent by the end of the year.In April, Brown wrote to Senate Leaders calling for robust, dedicated and flexible funding for state and local governments as well as flexibility on how existing CARES Act funding may be spent. Brown also pushed for state and local government funding to be included in the year-end package, but was rejected by Senate Republicans who hold the majority. Paid Sick Leave In March, Brown introduced new, emergency paid sick days legislation building off theHealthy Families Act(HFA), to provide paid sick days immediately to Ohio workers in light of the coronavirus crisis, and in preparation for future public health emergencies.This legislation, thePaid Sick Days for Public Health Emergencies and Personal Family Care Act, would require all employers to allow workers to accrue seven days of paid sick days and to provide an additional 14 days available immediately in the event of any public health emergency, including the current coronavirus crisis. Combatting Racial Disparities in COVID-19 The COVID-19 pandemic revealed how racial disparities in healthcare disproportionately harm Black and brown Ohioans. In May, Brown announced theCOVID-19Racial and Ethnic Disparities Task Force Act, legislation to bring together health care and other policy experts, community-based organizations, and community leaders to confront the racial and ethnic disparities of the coronavirus pandemic head on.The bill would require the Department of Health and Human Services to establish an interagency task force of policy experts, community leaders, and government officials to make data-driven recommendations to federal agencies about directing crucial resourceslike testing kits, testing supplies, and personal protective equipment (PPE)to communities with racial and ethnic disparities in COVID-19 infection, hospitalization and death rates. Brown also introduced the first-of-its-kind Senate Resolution declaring racism as a public health crisis. The resolution acknowledges the history of racism and discrimination within health care and the systemic barriers that people of color continue to face when seeking care. The resolution also highlights the effects of systemic racism on the health and wellness of communities of color, resulting in shorter life expectancy, worsened health outcomes, and enhanced exposure to harmful or dangerous environments. Direct Payments Recognizing the financial strain created by the coronavirus pandemic, Brown was one of the first senators to push for direct payments to Americans. In March, Brown sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer outlining a bold new proposal to provide Americans with direct cash payments. Brown also secured important victories for Ohioans when he successfully pushed the Treasury Department to automatically send direct payments to Social Security beneficiaries and SSI recipients without forcing them to fill out a separate tax return.   SECURING LEGISLATIVE VICTORIES FOR OHIOANS National Defense Authorization Act In the annual National Defense Authorization Act, Brown secured the following wins for Ohio servicemembers, veterans, military families and defense installations:   $58 million for military construction projects at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base  $15 million authorization for military construction to support a new Army Guard Readiness Center at the Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base  An additional $375 million for a total of $1.1 billion to support the Stryker A1 vehicles manufactured at Lima's Joint Systems Manufacturing Center (JSMC) and $1.4 billion for Abrams Tank upgrades and modifications  Historic, comprehensive anti-money laundering and corporate transparency reforms  An amendment to expand the list of medical conditions associated with Agent Orange exposure GLRI Funding In December, the Senate unanimously passed legislation co-sponsored by Brown that will reauthorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) for another five years and increase authorized funding for the program from $300 million annually to $475 million annually by fiscal year 2026. The bill now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law. Broadband Access In December, Brown applauded an announcement by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that it will invest $170,038,205 to expand broadband access to more than 400,000 rural Ohioans.Brown introduced legislation with Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) earlier this year, the Rural Broadband Acceleration Act, that would speed up the process of getting these types of investments from the FCC to Ohio communities faster. Mahoning Valley Scrappers In November, Brown applauded an announcement from Major League Baseball (MLB) and Prep Baseball Report (PBR) that they will be working together to form an MLB Draft League starting in 2021, a program that will save the Mahoning Valley Scrappers and keep baseball in the Valley. Brown led Congressional efforts to pressure MLB to do the right thing and save the Scrappers, after MLB identified the Scrappers as a team facing cuts from its club-affiliated minor league system aspart of itsnegotiationsover an updated agreement with the MiLB.  SERVING OHIOANS Brown's office is here to help Ohioans  whether it is seeking trade relief for Ohio companies, drawing investment and jobs to the state, or helping veterans get their medals. Brown's office routinely works on behalf of Ohioans for help with federal agencies from the IRS to the VA. Below is a sample of successful casework stories of Ohioans who reached out to Brown's Office this year for assistance:  An Ohioan from Union County needed assistance obtaining the set of medals their late father earned serving our nation in uniform. Following an inquiry from Sen. Brown's office to the National Personnel Records Center, the constituent received the Bronze Star Medal, European-African-European-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal w/1 Bronze Service Star, WWII Victory Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award, and the Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII.  An Ohioan from Hamilton County was seeking assistance with obtaining student loan forgiveness because they were a victim of identity theft. Senator Brown's office helped facilitate communication on the constituent's behalf with the U.S. Department of Education, and the agency discharged their student loans. Ohioans can reach out to Brown's help with federal matters by visiting his website here or calling his Cleveland office at 216-522-7272.   WHAT'S AHEAD Brown will continue to work to improve the lives of Ohioans and strengthen communities throughout the state. Here's a look ahead at Brown's priorities for 2021 and beyond: Securing Additional COVID-19 Relief Brown will continue fighting for resources for healthcare providers and frontline workers who are putting their health and safety at risk to help us all get through the pandemic. The Senator will push for extended unemployment benefits, rental assistance, increased funding for testing and vaccine distribution and funding for small businesses and local governments in any future package. Delivering Results for Ohio Workers In June in an open letter, Brown called on corporations to invest in their workers, who they claim to recognize as essential. Six months later, little has changed. Brown will work with the Biden Administration to deliver results where Wall Street and corporate CEOs have failed, working to protect workers on the job, raise the minimum wage, enact a paid family leave plan, crack down on the exploitive independent contractor business model, invest in American infrastructure that puts people to work at good wages, and build an economy that reflects our values and the Dignity of Work. Fighting for Racial Justice Brown will join Ohioans fighting for racial justice for Ohioans, by working for a fairer criminal justice system, honoring the Dignity of Work by championing equal economic opportunity and equal access to housing, increasing access to voting and addressing racial disparities in healthcare and basic services, especially in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Combatting Infant Mortality Brown continues working to reduce infant mortality rates in Ohio and eliminate the racial disparities in infant mortality rates. Right now, Black infants are more than 2.8 times as likely to die as white infants. Brown will reintroduce a number of bills to reduce the infant mortality rate in Ohio, including his Healthy Maternal and Obstetric Medicine(Healthy MOM) Act, which would ensure that all women eligible for coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance marketplaces, as well as women eligible for other individual or group health plan coverage, can access affordable health coverage throughout their pregnancies. Honoring Our Pension Promises Brown has long led efforts to secure financial security for the more than a million American workers and retirees who are in danger of losing the pensions they've earned. According to a recentreport, the Multiemployer Program remains severely underfunded with liabilities of more than $66 billion. The PBGC is the arm of the federal government that insures pension plans, and the Multiemployer Program is highly likely to become insolvent by 2026 at the latest. Brown continues working to find a bipartisan solution to the overall pension crisis that faces 60,000 Ohioans, as well as thousands of small businesses across the country. ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/column/portman-column-2020-review", "Portman Column: 2020 in Review", "2020-12-23", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Rob Portman", "P000449", "www.portman.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Portman Column: 2020 in Review\n \n      \n  \n\n          \n                          \n      December 22, 2020\n      \n  \n |     \n                          \n      Column\n      \n  \n  \n    \n                  I think we are all ready for 2020 to be over. It's been a tough year. The health care and economic crises caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have changed so much of our lives, and too many Ohioans have lost their jobs, their businesses, or their loved ones to this disease. The good news is that the vaccines are coming and I am hopeful they will soon help us turn the corner in this pandemic.\nDuring a challenging year, I have kept my focus on delivering for Ohio, and we've had a lot of success in getting things done. Back in March, I helped negotiate the bipartisan CARES Act that was our first major legislation to respond to the pandemic. It helped Ohio workers, families, small businesses, and health professionals on the frontlines of this crisis. \nMany of the provisions of the CARES Act ended in the summer, while the pandemic did not. Instead, the virus continued to spread and, as the election approached, partisan gridlock seemed to take over in Washington. Since the summer, I have consistently advocated for breaking through the partisanship and providing needed funding for vaccine development and distribution, and targeted help for our families, small businesses, health care providers, schools, local governments and others as they navigated the challenges of COVID-19. I gave more than 20 speeches on the Senate floor laying out a targeted approach, and joined a bipartisan group of five Republicans and five Democrats Senators to draft our own targeted emergency relief COVID-19 legislation.\nOn dozens of tele-townhalls, Facebook Live events, and Zoom calls with Ohio small businesses, health care workers, food banks, and others, I heard from Ohioans about what they needed. And I joined a clinical trial for Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine to do my part to help collect information on vaccines and to raise awareness about the safety and effectiveness of these vaccines now being authorized by the Food and Drug Administration.\nJust before Christmas, after months of stalled progress, Congress finally passed the COVID-19 emergency legislation, using as a basis our bipartisan proposal. It passed the Senate with an overwhelming 91-7 vote. I am proud to have been involved in the effort to bring both parties together to focus on where we had common ground, rather than taking partisan positions that had gotten us nowhere for months. The new law is already getting targeted aid out to those who need it most, including struggling small businesses, the unemployed, and our overworked frontline health care workers. It also provides a needed boost to vaccine development and distribution that is so critical to getting us back to a more normal life.\nWhile responding to this unprecedented pandemic has been my number one priority in the Senate, I am pleased that this year we were able to achieve a number of other significant wins for Ohio. In the summer, after years of work, my bipartisan Restore Our Parks Act was signed into law. This landmark conservation legislation will help us finally address the nearly $12 billion backlog in long-delayed maintenance projects at the National Park Service, including more than $100 million in needed repairs at Ohio's eight national park sites, while also supporting more than 100,000 jobs over the next five years.\nIn addition, in this year's national defensebill, I successfully fought for critical funding for Ohio defense installations, including Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton and the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center in Lima. I also continued my efforts to respond to the addiction epidemic that has hit Ohio communities hard during this pandemic, securing $96 million in federal grants for Ohio's efforts to address the opioid crisis. And my legislation to strengthen the federal Nonprofit Security Grant Program was finally signed into law, allowing us to better protect our nonprofits and faith-based organizations, including synagogues and churches, from the rising wave of hate-fueled attacks. In total, 10 of my bills have been signed into law in 2020 so far, on a wide range of issues important to Ohio.\nI encourage you to visitportman.senate.govto see a full list of our wins in 2020. Next year, we will continue our work to respond to this unprecedented health care and economic crisis, and I will keep working to find bipartisan solutions to move Ohio and out country forward.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/news-articles/1618-ohio-lawmakers-vote-for-covid-19-relief", "16/18 Ohio Lawmakers Vote For COVID-19 Relief", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Joyce Beatty", "B001281", "beatty.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The majority of Ohio's lawmakers joined the majority of Congress in voting for a coronavirus relief deal and a government funding package on Monday, eight months since Congress last took action.\nWhat You Need To Know\nCongress passed COVID-19 relief and government funding bills on Monday\nMost Ohio lawmakers said the deals were needed\nDemocrats and Republicans are divided over what the New Year should bring\nOnly two of Ohio's 18 members of Congress voted against the bills  Representatives Jim Jordan (R, 4th Congressional District) and Warren Davidson (R, 8th Congressional District).\nOn Monday afternoon, several members spoke from the House floor.\nIt still falls short of what we need to get through this crisis, but I will continue to stand up for my constituents of the 3rd Congressional District, Rep. Joyce Beatty (D, 3rd Congressional District) said.\nWhile I'm relieved that Congress is finally acting on those cries for help, I'm dismayed that it's taken this long, Rep. Steve Chabot (R, 1st Congressional District) said.\nThe $900 billion COVID-19 relief bill will include $600 stimulus checks for most Americans who received the last round of direct payments, a temporary $300/week boost to unemployment benefits, it will bring back the Paycheck Protection program for small businesses, and it will provide more money for vaccine distribution, rental assistance and schools.\nOhio Democrats say it's a bridge to the New Year.\nThis was not enough that we're doing today, it's a down payment. It's way better than nothing. It will mean people get some help, but this isn't going to do what we did in March, Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) said in a virtual interview Monday afternoon.\nOhio Republicans say they will wait to see if this could be enough, or if more relief will be needed.\nI don't want to give people government checks all the time, I want them to go get jobs and earn a living, Rep. Steve Stivers (R, 15th Congressional District) said in a virtual interview Monday night. The problem is we shut down the economy before, and so now we have to deal with that and try to bring it back. But the most important thing to me is to get this economy moving.\nThe House and Senate also passed a $1.4 trillion government funding package that keeps the government open through September. President Trump is expected to sign both into law.\nThis article was originally published by Spectrum News 1 on December 22, 2020.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/beatty-statement-on-officer-involved-shooting-in-northwest-columbus", "Beatty Statement on Officer-Involved Shooting in Northwest Columbus", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Joyce Beatty", "B001281", "beatty.house.gov", "beatty", "https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "COLUMBUS, OH \u2014 U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) issues the following statement on the fatal shooting this morning in Columbus' Northwest side:\n\n\"There are not enough words to express the pain and anger I feel that another Black man has been killed in our community at the hands of law enforcement in less than a month. While we do not know all of the facts, what I do know is that this is unacceptable. I am greatly concerned and call into question police procedures as well as the timing and inconsistent use of body cameras. I stand with the community in seeking the truth and demanding justice. My condolences go out to the family and friends of the victim.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://chabot.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401084", "Ranking Member Chabot: Its Time for Congress to Pass Small Business Relief", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "OH", "Steven Chabot", "C000266", "chabot.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - Today, House Committee on Small Business Ranking Member Steve Chabot (R-OH) spoke on the House floor in support of the small business provisions in the COVID relief package. Remarks as prepared for delivery:   \r\nI thank the gentleman/gentlelady for yielding. Mr./Madam Speaker, for months now, our nation's entrepreneurs and small business owners have been pleading for additional help from Congress.  The Fourth Quarter Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index found that nearly three-quarters of small business owners said more federal relief is important for their success in 2021.  While I am relieved that Congress is finally acting on those cries for help, I am dismayed that it has taken us this long.  I introduced a bill in September that could have been brought to the floor at any time.  That bill included many of these same provisions we are voting on today.  Instead, the House considered bills about marijuana and online conspiracy theories. It's an embarrassment that it took this long because every moment of delay has put more small businesses at risk of permanent closure.  These restaurants, bars, shops, and manufacturers employ nearly half of American workers and form the bedrock of communities across the country. Fortunately, the provisions in today's relief package will bring critical assistance to these small business workers and their families.  The Paycheck Protection Program, which has supported over 50 million employees, will be reopened for new and second time applicants.  Funds will be reserved for very small businesses and community lenders.  The list of eligible expenses will be expanded so that owners can purchase PPE to keep employees and their loved ones safe.  There are many more details in the packagetoo many to go into herebut the bottom line is this: these provisions will bring meaningful help to millions of Americans.  Just in my own district in Cincinnati and the surrounding area, a PPP loan helped keep 140 employees on the payroll at the Silver Spring House restaurant.  A PPP loan enabled HomeWell Care Services, an assisted living facility, to continue their important work for our community's elderly population.  Finally, the folks at Neyer Plumbing used PPP funding to carry on as an essential business.  These are real people with families to support and bills to pay.  That's why it's so important we pass this package without delay.   Small businesses and their employees are tough, resilient, and unyielding.  Across the country, we hear stories about small businesses giving back to their communities, even when they are struggling themselves.  It's time for Congress to meet the moment and get additional help in the hands of working Americans.  I urge my colleagues to vote yes on this long overdue legislation.  I yield back.                                                                                 ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://joyce.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=2888", "Joyce Highlights Buckeye Wins in Bipartisan Government Funding Agreement", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Dave Joyce", "J000295", "joyce.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  Last night, Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14) voted in favor of the combined COVID-19 relief, FY2021 government funding bill, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. The omnibus portion of this legislation, which Joyce has worked on since the House Appropriations Committee began hearings back in February, funds the government at $1.4 trillion for FY2021 and includes numerous Buckeye priorities. You can learn more about the COVID-19 relief portion of the legislation here.\r\n\r\n\tWhile the process that took place to produce this legislation was unacceptable, the reality is that America can't afford for Congress to make the perfect the enemy of the good right now, said Joyce. The resources in this legislation are critical to continuing our recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting our veterans, and enhancing our national security. There were also a lot of wins for Ohio in this legislation, like increased funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, more resources to help us fight the opioid crisis, and improved support for rural broadband. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I look forward to continuing to advocate for Ohio's priorities next Congress and will fight to prevent another last-minute scramble when it comes to keeping our government funded and fully operational.\r\n\r\n\tSpecifically, Joyce helped secure a $10 million increase for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, ensuring the successful program receives a total of $330 million in FY2021. The legislation also includes $25 million total for Asian carp prevention efforts at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, including a $500,000 increase for Asian carp contract fishing to keep them out of the Great Lakes, and an increase of more than $2.75 million in Harmful Algal Blooms funding at United States Geological Survey and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Additionally, report language accompanying the bill states that funding be made available to expand breakwaters andadvance local shoreline mitigation measures, which provide much needed protection for Great Lakes shorelines threatened by rising lake levels.\r\n\r\n\tAdditionally, the legislation includes another one of Joyce's top priorities: combatting the rape kit backlog. By increasing funding to address the backlog of untested rape kits, more offenders can be taken off our streets and survivors can have access to the justice they deserve. One of the first pieces of legislation Joyce introduced during the 116th Congress encouraged states to make the necessary reforms to address this backlog. Learn more about that bill here.\r\n\r\n\tThe bipartisan package also includes but is not limited to the following priorities and provisions:\r\n\r\n\tCombatting the Opioid Crisis & Supporting Americans in Recovery\r\n \r\n\t\r\n\t\tProvides $5.9 billion for substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery, and research into alternative therapies for pain management.\r\n\t\r\n\t\tCombats the drug epidemic by increasing funding for programs such as High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas by $5 million to a total of $290 million.\r\n\t\r\n\t\tAdvances treatment and recovery initiatives by investing $541 million in grant programs that support drug courts, prescription drug monitoring, overdose-reversal drugs, and at-risk youth programs.\r\n\t\r\n\t\tProtects our communities from heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamines by increasing federal law enforcement resources to investigate and prosecute drug traffickers.\r\n \r\n\r\n\tInvesting in Our Nation's Health and Safety\r\n \r\n\t\r\n\t\tProvides $43 billion for the National Institutes of Health, an increase of $1.25 billion above the enacted FY20 level. This critical funding includes $3 billion for Alzheimer's disease and more than $6 billion for cancer research.\r\n\t\r\n\t\tSecures $10 million for the Government Accountability Office to review and examine the federal response to the COVID-19 pandemic.\r\n\t\r\n\t\tProvides $35 million for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Mental Health Block Grant program.\r\n\t\r\n\t\tExpands services and support for mental for children and youth including $107 million for Project AWARE, an increase of $5 million.\r\n\t\r\n\t\tSets aside $975 million to support Health Resources and Services Administration programs to improve maternal and child health, an increase of $32 million.\r\n\t\r\n\t\tProvides $5.9 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant program, an increase of $85 million.\r\n\t\r\n\t\tProvides $196 million for Family Violence Prevention and Services and the Domestic Violence Hotline, an increase of $8.5 million.\r\n \r\n\r\n\tReigniting Our Economy\r\n \r\n\t\r\n\t\tSecures $272 million for Entrepreneurial Development Programs within the Small Business Administration (SBA), an increase of $11 million. That funding includes $136 million for Small Business Development Centers and $23 million for Women's Business Centers.\r\n\t\r\n\t\tProvides $142.9 million in disaster cap adjustment funds for SBA Disaster Loans.\r\n\t\r\n\t\t$3.5 billion for Community Development Block Grants, a $50 million increase.\r\n\t\r\n\t\t$1 billion for Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grants, including a requirement that half of the grants go to rural communities.\r\n\t\r\n\t\t$346 million for the Economic Development Administration (EDA).\r\n\t\r\n\t\t$9.4 billion for the Employment and Training Administration, an increase of $99 million. This includes $185 million for Registered Apprenticeships, which is a $10 millionincrease.\r\n \r\n\r\n\tImproving Rural Development\r\n \r\n\t\r\n\t\tProvides $732 million for rural broadband, the highest level in history, including $635 million for the ReConnect broadband pilot for unserved and underserved areas as well as $60 million for Distance Learning and Telemedicine grants.\r\n\t\r\n\t\tProvides $3.9 billion for rural development programs, as well as more than $38.1 billion in loans for rural housing, rural utilities, and rural businesses, which assists in building sustainable rural infrastructure for the modern economy and helps create an environment for economic growth and opportunity.\r\n \r\n\r\n\tSupporting Our Veterans\r\n \r\n\t\r\n\t\tAllows transfers of previously appropriated CARES Act funds to the Veterans Benefits Administration, the National Cemetery Administration, and the Board of Veterans Appeals to address the increased backlog due to COVID-19.\r\n\t\r\n\t\tProvides a total of $10.3 billion for VA mental health programs, including $313 million for suicide prevention outreach, $661 million for gender-specific care for women, $504 million for opioid abuse prevention, and $300 million in rural health initiatives.\r\n\t\r\n\t\tProvides a total of $1.9 billion to prevent veteran homelessness, including $420 million for Supportive Services for Veterans Families and $270 million for the Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program.\r\n\t\r\n\t\tAllows transfer of previously appropriated CARES Act funds to support State Veterans Homes.\r\n\t\r\n\t\tProvides a total of $2.63 billion to continue VA's transition to a new electronic health records system and increases congressional oversight of the program.\r\n \r\n\r\n\tAddressing Our Nation's Broken Immigration System\r\n \r\n\t\r\n\t\tSupports the continued hiring of additional judges to address the backlog in immigration cases.\r\n\t\r\n\t\tAssists Border Patrol Agents by providing $20 million for new border processing coordinators and $103 million for improvements to border patrol facilities.\r\n\t\r\n\t\tProvides $45 million over the Trump Administration's request for investments in border security technology such as mobile video surveillance systems, range finders, and thermal imaging devices, and $80 million over the request to expand CBP's air surveillance capabilities.\r\n \r\n\r\n\tEnhancing Our National Security\r\n \r\n\t\r\n\t\tProvides the funding needed to support a three percent pay raise for all military personnel, effective January 1, 2021.\r\n\t\r\n\t\tProvides $368 million to protect our nation's energy infrastructure against cyber and other attacks and to improve the nation's electricity delivery system.\r\n\t\r\n\t\tFully funds the national security review of foreign investment from China, Russia, and other nations by providing $20 million for the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States.\r\n\t\r\n\t\tFully funding the National Instant Criminal Background Check System at $85 million.\r\n\t\r\n\t\tProvides $1.482 billion to support implementation of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy and $300 million for the global Countering China Influence Fund.\r\n\t\r\n\t\tProvides $290 million for the Countering Russian Influence Fund.\r\n\t\r\n\t\tProvides $29.5 million for investments in cyber defense and training programs to ensure America has the workforce and knowledge to protect our cyber systems, and $10.5 million to establish a Joint Cyber Center for National Cyber Defense.\r\n \r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-brown-johnson-legislation-preserve-historic-barker-house-southeast", "Portman, Brown, Johnson Legislation to Preserve Historic Barker House in Southeast Ohio Included in Final FY 2021 Bipartisan Funding Agreement", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Rob Portman", "P000449", "www.portman.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Portman, Brown, Johnson Legislation to Preserve Historic Barker House in Southeast Ohio Included in Final FY 2021 Bipartisan Funding Agreement\n \n      \n  \n\n          \n                          \n      December 21, 2020\n      \n  \n |     \n                          \n      Press Releases\n      \n  \n  \n    \n                  WASHINGTON, DCToday, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH), Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Representative Bill Johnson (R-OH) announced that the final FY 2021 bipartisan funding agreement includes their legislation to restore and protect the historic Joseph Barker Jr. House (Barker House) along the Ohio River in southern Washington County, Ohio. Specifically, the legislation will convey the Barker House and land immediately surrounding the house to the local friends group, Friends of the Joseph Barker Jr. House, with plans for the house to be restored and accessible to the public. The Barker House is currently owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and was used as office space in the 1960s for the Willow Island Lock and Dam. The Barker House was originally proposed to be torn down by the Corps since it is no longer in use and is in need of repair. However, following discussions with the Corps and local stakeholders, the Corps agreed to reverse its decision and leave the Barker House standing to allow for the land conveyance and restoration of the house.\nI'm proud that the final FY 2021 bipartisan funding agreement will preserve an important piece of history of the Northwest Territories and my home state of Ohio,said Senator Portman.I'd like to thank Chairman Barrasso and Ranking Member Carper on the Environment and Public Works Committee for working with me on this legislation, as well as Assistant Secretary R.D. James, whose leadership at the Army Corps made this partnership possible. I look forward to working with the Corps, the Friends of the Joseph Barker Jr. House, Ohio State Historic Preservation Office, and Ohio Department of Transportation to get to work on restoring and preserving this historic house. The friends group has worked tirelessly to protect the Barker House, and I am pleased that passage of this legislation is one step closer to protecting the rich history of the Barker House for future generations.\nOhio's historic landmarks like the Barker House tell the story of our state and we must do everything we can to preserve them,said Senator Brown.This legislation would not be possible without the help of the Friends of the Joseph Barker Jr. House, and I'm proud to see it passed into law.\nIf you've read David McCullough's latest book,The Pioneers,'the name of Joseph Barker sounds very familiar. Barker built a home in Washington County, just outside Marietta, that became known as the Barker House. The house has been on the National Historic Registry for decades. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which had jurisdiction and control over the house, had condemned and was planning to demolish it. I've been working for several years with Senator Portman and a group of concerned Ohio residents  Friends of the Barker House  to preserve this important part of both national and local history,said Representative Johnson.Everyone involved came to the table with a can-do attitude, determined to find a solution to save this historic home. The goal was accomplished earlier this year when Congress passed legislation to clear the way. Now, it's time to get to work to restore this historical house and showcase its role in Ohio's past.\nThe Friends of the Joseph Barker Jr. House are grateful to Senators Portman and Brown and Representative Johnson for their efforts to preserve this significant structure and prepare the conveyance legislation,stated Friends of the Joseph Barker Jr. House President, Jack Haessly.We now look forward to the next tasks for restoration and program development.\nThis legislation is the product of many hours of collaboration and cooperation by multiple entities at the federal, state and local levels,said Amanda Terrell, Director of Ohio's State Historic Preservation Office.We appreciate the assistance of Senator Portman, Senator Brown and Congressman Johnson in ensuring the preservation of the historic Barker House. We appreciate the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' willingness to work with the Friends of the Joseph Barker Jr. House, enabling the Friends' to preserve this house that is important to Washington County and endures as a reminder of the contributions of pioneers to the settlement of Ohio and the Northwest Territory.\nNOTE: The Barker House was built around 1828 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. Portman firstvisitedthe house in September 2018 and has actively worked to help preserve this historic home. Portmandelivered remarkson the Senate floor in November 2019 highlighting his work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), the Friends of the Joseph Barker Jr., House, the Ohio State Historic Preservation Office, and the Ohio Department of Transportation to restore and protect the historic Joseph Barker Jr. House in southern Washington County, Ohio.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-schatz-gardner-peters-klobuchar-bill-improve-federal-governments", "Portman, Schatz, Gardner, Peters, KlobucharBill to Improve Federal Government's Use of Artificial IntelligenceSet to Become Law", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Rob Portman", "P000449", "www.portman.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Portman, Schatz, Gardner, Peters, KlobucharBill to Improve Federal Government's Use of Artificial IntelligenceSet to Become Law\n \n      \n  \n      \n                           \n      Provision Included in Must-Pass BipartisanGovernment FundingDeal,Expected to QuicklyPass Congress and be Signed intoLaw \n      \n  \n  \n\n          \n                          \n      December 21, 2020\n      \n  \n |     \n                          \n      Press Releases\n      \n  \n  \n    \n                  WASHINGTON, DC  Today, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Gary Peters (D-MI), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) announced that their Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Government Act was included as part of the must-pass government funding deal and is set to become law. The AI in Government Act will ensure that the use of AI across the federal government is effective, ethical, and accountable by providing resources and guidance to federal agencies.\nArtificial intelligence will have significant impacts on our country, economy, and society,said Senator Portman, Co-Chair of the Senate AI Caucus.Ensuring that our government has the capabilities and expertise to help navigate those impacts will be important in the coming years and decades. I'm pleased this important legislation was included in theFY 2021 bipartisan fundingpackage. It will ensure our government understands the benefits and pitfalls of this technology as it engages in a responsible, accountable rollout of AI.\nWe need to get smart on AI if we want to have a competitive edge against the rest of the world in the next decade. That starts with making sure the federal government is using AI technology ethically and effectively,said Senator Schatz, the ranking member of the Senate Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet.With our bill set to become law, we will now be able to coordinate AI strategy so that all federal agencies can take full advantage of these new technologies and do so in a responsible way.\nArtificial intelligence is an emerging frontier and the United States has a responsibility to ensure our government is using this technology ethically and efficiently,said Senator Peters, Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and a founding member of the Senate Artificial Intelligence Caucus.I am thrilled this bipartisan measure will become law so government employees and agencies can utilize this innovative technology while safeguarding Americans' rights and liberties.\nTheAI in Government Act, which is expected to pass the House and the Senate today and quicklybe signed into law, will:\n \n\texpand an office within the General Services Administration to provide technical expertise to relevant government agencies; conduct forward-looking, original research on federal AI policy; and promote U.S. competitiveness through agency and industry cooperation;\n\testablish an advisory board to address AI policy opportunities and challenges for executive agencies;\n\tdirect the Office of Management and Budget to establish a strategy for investing and using AI as part of the federal data strategy; and\n\tdirect the Office of Personnel Management to identify skills and competencies for AI and establish a new or update an existing occupational series.\n \nNOTE:As co-founder and co-chair of the Senate Artificial Intelligence Caucus, Portman has helped lead efforts in the Senate on this issue, and has worked in a bipartisan manner onseveral key measuresto set high-quality standards around emerging technology, including cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://latta.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402400", "Latta: Relief is On the Way", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Robert Latta", "L000566", "latta.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH5) provided the following statement after supporting theConsolidated Appropriations Act, 2021in the U.S. House of Representatives:\r\nAfter months of delays, House Democrats were finally able to join Republicans to deliver the American people the relief they deserve. Our agreement supports American families, workers, farmers, and small businesses. It prioritizes national security, continues to rebuild our military, protects the sanctity of life, helps schools reopen, expands rural broadband efforts, funds testing and vaccines, enables telehealth capabilities, provides for substance abuse programs, protects people from surprise medical bills, removes hurdles to reducing improper payments, provides funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, and more.\r\nIn order to rebuild our country so that it remains the greatest country in the world, we must come together to find agreements where we can. Thanks to this agreement, American workers and small businesses will soon be able to apply for and use $284 billion in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds. Over $130 billion of those funds were already appropriated to support small businesses as they work to keep their doors open and staff employed during the pandemic, but Speaker Pelosi did not hold a vote to make those funds available after the deadline to apply for the PPP passed in August. I am especially proud this package resolves an issue over 6,000 businesses and 123,000 employees in the Fifth District would experience: PPP recipients will not be taxed on the loans they received through the Program.\r\nIncluded in this package are efforts I championed in the House that prioritize the importance of Internet connectivity and break-through technologies.The funding included to implement my Broadband DATA Act will help people across Ohio's Fifth Congressional District, especially people who live in rural communities, access high-speed Internet so they can work and learn remotely access health care through telehealth capabilities, and more. The SMART IoT Act takes it a step farther by evaluating how federal policies can impact the research and discovery of cutting-edge technologies that are already revolutionizing the internet-connected devices industry. The Advancing Unmanned Delivery Services Act helps people access needed resources from the comfort of their homes. The Pipeline Safety Pilot Program Act will allow PHMSA to establish pilot programs to test new and innovative technologies in pipeline facilities. And the Beat CHINA for 5G Act ensures the United States will advance U.S. leadership in 21stcentury wireless technologies.\r\nThis package also contains conservative provisions I have supported since first elected to Congress. It protects the unborn by ensuring government funding cannot be used for abortions. It continues our efforts to improve border security and fund the wall. It also provides a well-deserved pay raise for our men and women in uniform who put their lives on the line for us. Furthermore, critical safeguards were included to make sure COVID-19 relief funding is not subject to fraud and abuse, and direct payments will not be going to illegal immigrants.\r\nAlthough this agreement is not perfect, I am encouraged this legislative package is a compromise prioritizing the wellbeing and safety of the American people.\r\nThe Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021:\r\n \r\n    Provides our military with the resources to defend our nation and advance U.S. national security\r\n    \r\n        Includes a 3% pay raise for the troops and provides the resources to continue rebuild our military, deter adversaries, and defend our national security interests\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Funds the wall and border security technology and enforcement\r\n    Prohibits coverage of abortions in the Federal Employee Health Benefit plan and bans both federal and local revenues from being used for abortion in our nation's capital\r\n    Provides $330,000,000 for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative\r\n    Extends the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which has helped 5 million small businesses retain 51 million employees in the United States, and adds deductibility for PPP expenses\r\n    $20 billion for purchase of vaccines that will make the vaccine available at no charge for anyone who needs it\r\n    Funding to provide help for families through economic impact payments\r\n    Supports our farmers and agriculture sector \r\n    Preserves pro-life protections and other conservative riders in current law such as:\r\n    \r\n        Prohibits federal funds from being used to pay for abortions \r\n    \r\n    \r\n    Continues to advance the nation's all-of-the-above energy policies through targeted investments\r\n    Provides $368 million to protect our nation's energy infrastructure against cyber and other attacks and to increase the efficiency and technological advancement of the nation's electricity delivery system\r\n    Fully funds veterans' healthcare, including the MISSION Act's community care program, as well as other critical programs\r\n    Ends surprise medical billing for unsuspecting patients\r\n    Improves support for Rural and Underserved Health Care\r\n    Energy package includes Republican priorities such as promoting carbon capture and utilization, ending reliance on critical minerals from foreign countries, and creating commercial opportunities for advanced nuclear technologies\r\n    Includes pipeline reauthorization as well as bipartisan agreement to reform aircraft certification process\r\n \r\n\r\n    \r\n    ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://stivers.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403077", "Stivers Secures Wins for OH-15 in Relief/Omnibus Legislation", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Steve Stivers", "S001187", "stivers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Stivers Secures Wins for OH-15 in Relief/Omnibus Legislation \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 21, 2020\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      WASHINGTON  Today, the House passed the Senate Amendment to H.R. 133, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, which makes appropriations for Fiscal Year 21 and provides critical relief as the nation continues to battle the pandemic. Representative Steve Stivers (R-OH) successfully advocated for several key provisions to support the families of Ohio's 15th Congressional District. \r\nFinally, after months of politically-motivated games by members of Democratic leadership, Congress has fulfilled its responsibility to the American people by ensuring that we keep the lights on, and by providing desperately-needed relief as we defeat the coronavirus, Stivers said. This package is a win for the folks in Ohio's 15th Congressional District, from Economic Impact Payments and unemployment assistance, to bipartisan provisions on health care and broadband access, and I am honored to fight for OH-15 every day. \r\nStivers urged adoption of the following provisions that were included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act (list not exhaustive): \r\nSupport for Families\r\n \r\n    The Consolidated Appropriations Act includes $600 in direct payments to individuals making up to $75,000 (or couples making up to $150,000) and $600 for each dependent.\r\n \r\nSmall Businesses: \r\n \r\n    The legislation provides $284.5 billion to reopen and strengthen the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for first and second time borrowers, and creates a streamlined process for loans under $150,000. \r\n    Small businesses cannot operate without reliable broadband access; the Consolidated Appropriations Act includes $732 million for rural broadband, with $635 million for the ReConnect Pilot Program. \r\n \r\nHealth Care:\r\n \r\n    In an effort to give families the flexibility needed to cover health care costs during the pandemic and beyond, the package includes language that allows funds in Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) to roll over into 2021, and from 2021 to 2022  a major change from the current use it-or-lose it rule. \r\n    A longtime supporter of the biomedical research community, particularly in light of the success of Operation Warp Speed, Stivers is pleased to announce the inclusion of $43 billion for the National Institutes of Health and $7.9 billion for the Centers for Disease Control. \r\n    For the 15th Congressional District, community health centers and rural health centers play a vital role in the health of communities, and the Senate Amendment to H.R. 133 includes $1.7 billion and $10 million, respectively, for their operations. \r\n    The legislation continues to support the most vulnerable members of our society during the pandemic by providing additional funding for the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP).\r\n \r\nEducation:\r\n \r\n    Since the 115th Congress, Stivers has advocated for employer-sponsored student loan repayment plans to be a tax-free benefit; the Consolidated Appropriations Act extends the initial provision included in the CARES Act, allowing student borrowers to keep more of their paychecks and help businesses bring talented employees back into the workforce. \r\n    Stivers also led the Republican push for robust Head Start funding, resulting in a $135 million increase in annual appropriations, for a total of $10.7 billion; in the past year, millions of dollars have been directed to local programs throughout Ohio. \r\n    The STOP School Violence Act has resulted in over $1 million in funding for local school districts throughout Central Ohio, and this legislation includes an additional $132 million for the programs. \r\n \r\nHousing:\r\n \r\n    Stivers, the Ranking Member for the Subcommittee on Housing, Community Development, and Insurance, has been a strong proponent of rental assistance, as well as relief for small landlords who depend on rental income to support their families, and he is grateful to see the $25 billion in targeted relief included in the bill. \r\n    The Consolidated Appropriations Act also ensures that public housing has the resources and flexibility necessary to operate during the pandemic by including Stivers-cosponsored legislation, the Housing Flexibility Waiver Act. \r\n    The legislation also includes Stivers-supported provisions to aid youth in the foster system; the Fostering Stable Housing Opportunities Act is a bipartisan bill designed to increase access to housing for youth aging out of foster care without increasing federal spending. It also includes $25 million for the Family Unification Program, a national initiative to prevent family separation due to homelessness, as well as homelessness among foster care aging-out youth.\r\n \r\nDefense: \r\n \r\n    In addition to improving the overall readiness of the Armed Forces, the package includes support for the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) Program that is available to foreign allies facing persecution for serving U.S. military forces as interpreters or other support staff.\r\n    It also includes Stivers-authored language that seeks to understand the specific impact that military service has on the health of our female servicemembers. \r\n \r\nThe full text of the Senate Amendment to H.R. 133 can be found here. \r\n\r\n-30-   \r\n\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://balderson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1918", "House Passes COVID Relief, Government Funding Package That Includes Multiple Balderson Priorities", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "OH", "Troy Balderson", "B001306", "balderson.house.gov", "balderson", "https://balderson.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=14", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 The U.S. House of Representatives today passed bipartisan, bicameral appropriations legislation that authorizes $900 billion in targeted COVID-19 relief for American families, hospitals, small businesses, schools, local governments, and more. The legislation includes multiple of Congressman Troy Balderson\u2019s (R-OH) top priorities, including the ability for small businesses to deduct Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) grants from their upcoming 2020 tax filings.\n\n\u201cWhile long overdue, this legislation does exactly what it needs to do: provide major, critical relief to Ohio\u2019s families, small business employees, rural communities, agriculture sector, and more,\u201d said Balderson. \u201cWhile I\u2019m pleased my colleagues on both sides of the aisle have finally agreed to this much-needed package, it\u2019s unacceptable to let these disagreements drag out at the expense of Americans\u2019 livelihoods. I hope for more bipartisan lawmaking in the 117th Session of Congress.\u201d\n\nKey Balderson priorities incorporated in the omnibus package include:\n\nDIRECT PAYMENTS TO AMERICANS\n\nProvides economic impact payments of up to $600 for more than 85% of American adults and their dependents\n\nSMALL BUSINESS RELIEF\n\nProvides $248.5 billion to reopen and strengthen the PPP\n\nEnables small businesses to deduct PPP grants from 2020 tax filings\n\nAllows small businesses with fewer than 300 employees that received a PPP loan previously to apply for a second loan by demonstrating a 25% decrease in revenue\n\nAllocates $20 billion to restart and extend the U.S Small Business Administration\u2019s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program\n\nAdvance Grant for small businesses in low-income communities, and allows prior grantees that received less than $10,000 to reapply\n\nProvides $15 billion in funding for entertainment venues, movie theaters, and museums that are experiencing significant revenue loss\n\nIncludes 501(c)6 organizations such as local chambers of commerce, housing cooperatives, newspapers, broadcasters, and radio stations in eligibility for PPP and ensures churches and faith-based organizations are eligible for PPP loans\n\nFUNDING ADDITIONAL VACCINES AND TESTS\n\nAllocates $20 billion for the purchase of vaccines and $8 billion for their distribution, making vaccines available at no cost to all Americans who need it\n\nProvides $20 billion to assist states, such as Ohio, with testing\n\nSUPPORTING LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, INCLUDING IN OHIO\n\nExtends the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) for state and local governments and tribes by one year\n\nHELPING SCHOOLS AND CHILDCARE PROVIDERS REOPEN\n\nAllocates $82 billion for K-12 education and higher education to assist with reopening for in-person learning\n\nProvides $10 billion for grants to childcare providers to help them safely reopen\n\nUPLIFTING RURAL COMMUNITIES THROUGH BROADBAND CONNECTIVITY, TELEHEALTH, AND COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS\n\nPuts $7 billion toward the development of rural broadband connectivity, including nearly $2 billion to replace foreign-manufactured broadband equipment that poses national security threats\n\nProvides $250 million for the expansion of telehealth options\n\nExtends key public health programs for 3 years \u2013 such as community health centers \u2013 eliminating several funding cliffs over next several years\n\nAIDING AMERICA\u2019S AGRICULTURAL SECTOR\n\nProvides $13 billion to support America\u2019s farmers and agricultural sector\n\nEnhances assistance under the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) to support specialty crop, non-specialty crop, livestock, dairy, and poultry producers\n\nHELPING AMERICANS FIGHT SUBSTANCE ABUSE\n\nAllocates $4 billion toward substance abuse programs to help Americans suffering from addiction who were negatively impacted by stay-at-home orders\n\nEXPANDING HOUSING AND NUTRITION ASSISTANCE\n\nIncreases SNAP benefits by 15% for 6 months and requires a report on the redemption rate and unexpended balances\n\nProvides $25 billion in temporary and targeted rental assistance for individuals who lost their source of income during the pandemic and extends the eviction moratorium until January 31, 2021\n\nProvides funding for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), a program that serves over 700,000 older Americans monthly\n\nSee the full bill text here.\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nBalderson is a member of the House Committees on Small Business; Agriculture; Transportation and Infrastructure; and Science, Space, and Technology. His bipartisan legislation was signed into law on July 4, extending PPP by nearly a month and supporting 51 million jobs nationwide. He has championed bipartisan telehealth expansion and repeatedly pushed for PPP tax deductibility. Balderson has also fought for the expansion of rural broadband internet access and worked to combat the opioid epidemic, which has taken a devastating toll on Ohio.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/beatty-votes-to-pass-covid-19-reliefgovernment-funding-agreement", "Beatty Votes to Pass COVID-19 Relief/Government Funding Agreement", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Joyce Beatty", "B001281", "beatty.house.gov", "beatty", "https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03), incoming Chair of the powerful Congressional Black Caucus, addressed the nation from the House floor in advance of the vote by the U.S. House of Representatives on H.R. 133, an agreement to fund the federal government and related agencies through Fiscal Year 2021 as well as to provide direct relief to American workers, families, and small businesses struggling to make ends meet during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Beatty's statement reads:\n\n\"I rise today to support this legislation because my constituents desperately need unemployment benefits, stimulus checks, food assistance, eviction moratorium, small business relief, minority deposit institutions' and community development financial institutions' assistance, and other important protections in this bill.\n\nSeven months after the House passed The Heroes Act, Republicans have finally relented to allow more support to the American people who are struggling through the three pandemics: COVID-19, economic hardship, and social injustice.\n\nSo, let me be clear: the GOP has had a knee on Americans' necks by holding this bill up, and it still falls short of what we need to get through this crisis.\n\nBut I will continue to stand up for the constituents of Ohio's Third Congressional District and for people across this nation.\n\nAnd I will work with my colleagues and the Biden Administration to get people the support they need to build back better.\n\nThank you, and I yield back.\"\n\nAn archived recording of Beatty's speech can be viewed on YouTube.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://fudge.house.gov/press-statements?ID=93820DCB-5D3B-4F25-89BB-DBAD6A15EC0D", "Rep. Fudge Supports Coronavirus Relief and Omnibus Package", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Marcia Fudge", "F000455", "fudge.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Facebook Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tGoogle Plus Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tInstagram Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tLinkedIn Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tTwitter Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tYouTube Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tVimeo Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tClients Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tEmail icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tMap Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tPrint Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tQuote Icon\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\ticon_share\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tCarousel Arrow - Left\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tCarousel Arrow - Right\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\tHome\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\tNews\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\tPress Statements\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t Print", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://joyce.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=2887", "Joyce Secures Critical Relief for Restaurants and Their Employees in Emergency COVID-19 Package", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Dave Joyce", "J000295", "joyce.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14) released the below statement tonight after voting for the combined COVID-19 relief, FY2021 government funding bill:\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tIt shouldn't have taken so long for Congress to come together and agree on this package, but I'm thankful that much-needed relief is finally on its way to hardworking Buckeyes struggling with the impact of this pandemic,said Joyce. This legislation will help provide our communities with the tools and resources they need during these tough times and support Ohioans as they battle the impact this virus has had on their health and economic security. With vaccines being distributed across the country, there is light at the end of the tunnel but we're not out of the woods yet. The relief in this bill will ensure our small businesses, workers, healthcare professionals, students, and families have what they need to keep their heads above water until we defeat this virus once and for all. \r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tImportantly, the COVID-19 relief included a bill introduced by Joyce: the Supporting America's Restaurant Workers Act, a bill that makes a commonsense adjustment in order to lead to more customers and increased revenue for restaurants and their employees during the pandemic. Specifically, the version of the bill included in the final relief package would provide a 100% deduction for business meal expenses through the end of 2022. Currently, the deduction is available for only 50% of such expenses.Learn more about Joyce's original legislationhere.\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tAdditional highlights in the COVID-19 relief package include but are not limited to:\r\n \r\n\t\r\n\t\t$284 billion for another round of Paycheck Protection Program forgivable loans*;\r\n\t\r\n\t\ta provision that allows small businesses to deduct expenses on their taxes for costs that were paid for with their PPP loan*;\r\n\t\r\n\t\t$8.75 billion for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to support federal and state efforts to procure and distribute vaccines;\r\n\t\r\n\t\t$600 direct payments to eligible Americans;\r\n\t\r\n\t\t$3 billionfor the Relief Provider Fund to provide grants to hospitals and health systems*;\r\n\t\r\n\t\texpansion of the employee retention tax credit to help employers keep workers on the payroll during the pandemic*;\r\n\t\r\n\t\t$3.25 billion for the Strategic National Stockpileto rebuild our nation's supply of critical goods like PPE;\r\n\t\r\n\t\t$82 billion to make schools and colleges safer for in-person learning*;\r\n\t\r\n\t\t$7 billion to increase access to broadband in rural and underserved communities*;\r\n\t\r\n\t\t$19.695 billion for Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority to procure and manufacture vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics;\r\n\t\r\n\t\t$10 billion to prevent delays and interruptions in USPS services*;\r\n\t\r\n\t\trenewed federal supplemental unemployment benefits for 10 weeks at $300 per week;\r\n\t\r\n\t\t$20 billion for small business disaster loans in low-income communities;\r\n\t\r\n\t\t$15 billion in grants to live entertainment venues*;\r\n\t\r\n\t\t$22 billion to support COVID-19 testing and contact tracing at the state-level;\r\n\t\r\n\t\t$28 million for State Departments of Agriculture to support stress assistance programs for individuals engaged in farming, ranching, and other agriculture operations; and\r\n\t\r\n\t\textending a federal moratorium on evictions through January 31, 2021.\r\n \r\n\r\n\t*indicates provisions Joyce has either personally advocated for or joined his colleagues in the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus in fighting for.\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/chairwoman-kaptur-highlights-northern-ohio-and-national-priorities", "Chairwoman Kaptur Highlights Northern Ohio and National Priorities Included 2021 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "OH", "Marcy Kaptur", "K000009", "kaptur.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies, released the following statement highlighting the Northern Ohio priorities included in the House-passed 2021 Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill, legislation she introduced and shepherded through Congress. The legislation funds the Department of Energy, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Department of the Interior programs, and other related agencies. The bill was passed as a part of a bipartisan omnibus package that funds the federal government through September 2021. With over $12 billion focused on the clean energy revolution, this legislation is one of the most important climate bills this Congress.\n\nThe 2021 Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill captures the American spirit of ingenuity and independence, said Rep. Kaptur. It provides the foundation of critical investments to combat climate change and will be the most important climate change legislation passed this year. In a year unlike any other, ensuring Northern Ohio communities receive the critical energy research and water infrastructure support they need is absolutely imperative. The funding provided in this bill will help spur economic innovation, job creation, and a brighter, cleaner future in Northern Ohio and across the U.S.\n\nA summary of the relevant portions of the FY 2021 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies bill is below.\n\nKaptur Regional Priorities  Total: $630 million\n\nArmy Corps of Engineers (Corps) \n $59.2 million for new navigation projects not on the inland waterways system (Soo Locks, a major Great Lakes construction project, is eligible to compete). This is in addition to $123.2 million included for Soo Locks in the bill.\n\t$25 million for Corps' multistate ecosystem restoration programs (Great Lakes Fisheries Restoration projects are eligible to compete for this funding).\n\tReport language included for a targeted Corps' investigation new start for a coastal resiliency study (to help the Great Lakes Coastal Resiliency Study, a regional coordinated effort among the eight Great Lakes states to compete).\n\tIncludes report language specific to the Brandon Road project as well as language prioritizing certain Corps environmental restoration projects that will help the Brandon Road project better compete for funding.\n\t$4 million for Corps harmful algal bloom research and development targeting freshwater ecosystems.\n\t\tIncludes language on harmful algal blooms directing the Corps to develop a comprehensive research plan to combat harmful algal blooms.\n\t\t\n\tBill language prohibiting the open lake disposal of dredged material in Lake Erie.\n\t$2 million, for Corps research on new approaches to repair and increase infrastructure resilience.\n \nDOE/Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy\n\nDOE/Nuclear Energy \n\nDOE/Fossil Energy\n $8 million, $2 million above enacted, carveout for algae systems for capturing and re-using CO2 to produce renewable materials (to help University of Toledo better compete), and report language included.\n \nDOE/Science\n $30 million, equal to enacted, for Coastal Ecosystem Research (National Labs partnership with University of Toledo), and report language included.\n \n\nDOE/Environmental Management\n $430 million, $12 million above enacted, for the Portsmouth, Ohio site.\n \nKaptur National Priorities  Total: $1.4 billion\n\nArmy Corps\n $100 million, equal to enacted, for Corps Environmental Infrastructure.\n\t$250 million, $50 million above enacted, for Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program.\n \nDOE/Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy\n $310 million, $5 million above enacted, for Weatherization:\n\t\tWithin Weatherization, $1.5 million, $1.5 million above enacted, for a community-scale weatherization pilot project.\n\t\t\tReport language on community scale weatherization and coordination among federal agencies is included.\n\t\t\n\t$25.5 million within the Advanced Manufacturing Office for the following activities:\n\t\t\n\t$72 million, equal to enacted, for photovoltaic technologies within Solar Energy Technologies Office.\n\t$110 million, $6 million above enacted, for the Wind Energy Technologies Office and report language included.\n\t$396 million, $1 million above enacted, for the Advanced Manufacturing Office.\n\t$40 million, equal to enacted, for the Clean Cities Program.\n\t$10 million, equal to enacted, for distributed wind.\n\t$10 million, $10 million above enacted, for advanced tooling for lightweight automotive components.\n\t$30 million and report language on transactive controls included.\n\tReport language on Building America Program included.\n\tReport language on the USDA collaboration/Energy-Water Nexus Initiative included.\n\tReport language on electric air flight included.\n \nDOE/Electricity\n $80 million, $24 million above enacted, for the Energy Storage.\n \nDOE/Science \n $29 million, $1 million above enacted, for Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists (internships at National Labs).\n\t$1 million, $1 million above enacted, for DOE to partner with NIH within DOE's mission space and report language included on biomedical sciences.\n \n###\n\nkaptur.house.gov", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/chairwoman-kaptur-statement-after-house-passes-fiscal-year-2021-energy", "Chairwoman Kaptur Statement After House Passes Fiscal Year 2021 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "OH", "Marcy Kaptur", "K000009", "kaptur.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies, released the following statement after the House passed her 2021 Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill. The legislation funds the Department of Energy, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Department of the Interior programs, and other related agencies. The bill was passed as a part of a bipartisan omnibus package that funds the federal government through September 2021.\n\nThe FY 2021 bill provides $49.5 billion in discretionary funding, $6.9 billion above the President's budget request and $1.1 billion above the fiscal year 2020 enacted level. That amount includes $27.5 billion for defense-related activities, $1.5 billion above the request and $3.3 billion above the fiscal year 2020 enacted level. The amount also includes $21.9 billion for non-defense activities, $5.3 billion above the request and $2.1 billion below the fiscal year 2020 enacted level. With over $12 billion focused on the clean energy revolution, this legislation is one of the most important climate bills this Congress.\n\nThe 2021 Energy and Water Appropriations bill captures the American spirit of ingenuity and independence, said Rep. Kaptur. It provides the foundation of critical investments to combat climate change and will be the most important climate change legislation passed this year. Our bill rejects the President's shortsighted and devastating proposed cuts for both today and tomorrow. Instead, our bill invests in the future to meet serious national priorities. This bill is needed more than ever to heal this nation and move America forward. The ongoing and significant demands our country faces are monumental, but today our bipartisan effort is a bit of needed solace.\n\nA summary of the fiscal year 2021 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies bill is below.\n\nBill Summary:\nArmy Corps of Engineers  Provides $7.8 billion, an increase of $145 million above the fiscal year 2020 level and $1.8 billion above the budget request to support our nation's water infrastructure that is the lifeblood of waterborne commerce and our national economic competitiveness. This funding also invests in our national environmental sustainability of and will bolster the resilience of our infrastructure in the face of a changing climate.\n Funding for Investigations is $153 million, an increase of $2 million above the fiscal year 2020 level and $50.4 million above the request.\n \n Funding for Construction is $2.69 billion, an increase of $11.6 million above the fiscal year 2020 level and $519.4 million above the request.\n\tFunding for Operation and Maintenance is $3.85 billion, an increase of $59.7 million above the fiscal year 2020 level and $1.8 billion above the request.\n\tHarbor Maintenance Trust Fund projects receive $1.68 billion, an increase of $50 million above the fiscal year 2020 level and an increase of $665 million above the request. This meets the target set by the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 and represents 92 percent of estimated revenues compared to the fiscal year 2021 target of 83 percent.\n\tThe bill makes full use of the estimated revenues, which includes a total appropriation of $113 million for the Inland Waterways Trust Fund.\n \n Provides nine new study starts and seven new construction starts.\n \n Funds the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Program for the first time for the Corps at $14.2 million, to guarantee almost $1 billion in loans.\n \nDepartment of Interior/Bureau of Reclamation  Provides $1.69 billion, an increase of $11 million above the fiscal year 2020 level and $553 million above the budget request.\n Provides $21 million for the Central Utah Project, $1 million above the fiscal year 2020 level and $11 million above the request.\n \n Provides $1.67 billion for the Bureau of Reclamation, an increase of $10 million above the fiscal year 2020 level and $542 million above the request. Within Reclamation:\n\t\tProvides $559 million in additional funding for water resources projects, including those authorized in the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act.\n\t\t\n \n Within additional funding, $114.7 million is provided for rural water projects above the budget request.\n \nDepartment of Energy  Provides $39.6 billion for the Department, an increase of $1 billion above the fiscal year 2020 level and $4.5 billion above the budget request.\n Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy  Provides $2.86 billion, an increase of $72 million above the fiscal year 2020 level and $2.1 billion above the request. This funding provides for clean, affordable, and secure energy and ensures American leadership in the transition to a global clean energy economy.\n \n Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response  Provides $156 million, equal to the fiscal year 2020 level. This funding provides for efforts to secure the nation's energy infrastructure against all hazards, reduce the risks of and impacts from cybersecurity events, and assist with restoration activities.\n \n Electricity  Provides $211.7 million, an increase of $21.7 million above the fiscal year 2020 level and $16.7 million above the request. This funding will advance technologies to increase the resiliency and efficiency of the nation's electricity delivery system with capabilities to incorporate growing amounts of clean energy technologies.\n \n Nuclear Energy  Provides $1.5 billion, an increase of $14.2 million above the fiscal year 2020 level and $328 million above the request. This funding invests in activities to further improve the safety and economic viability of our current reactor fleet, develop the next generation of clean and safe reactors, and supports the advanced reactors demonstration program.\n \n Fossil Energy Research and Development  Provides $750 million, equal to the fiscal year 2020 level and $19.4 million above the request. This funding provides for research, development, and demonstration activities to ensure the safe, efficient, and environmentally sound use of fossil energy resources.\n \n Science  Provides $7.026 billion, an increase of $26 million above the fiscal year 2020 level and $1.2 billion above the request. The Office of Science funds basic science research in physics, biology, chemistry, and other science disciplines to expand scientific understanding and secure the nation's global leadership in energy innovation.\n \n Advanced Research Projects Agency  Energy  Provides $427 million, an increase of $2 million above the fiscal year 2020 level and rejects the budget proposal to eliminate this program. This funding supports research aimed at rapidly developing energy technologies that are capable of significantly changing the energy sector to address our critical economic, environmental, and energy security challenges.\n \n National Nuclear Security Administration  Provides $19.7 billion, an increase of $3 billion above the fiscal year 2020 level. This funding will maintain a safe, secure, and credible nuclear deterrent while addressing the threat of nuclear proliferation and terrorism. This includes:\n  Weapons Activities - $15.35 billion, an increase of $2.9 billion above the fiscal year 2020 level to maintain a credible nuclear deterrent and critical scientific and R&D capabilities.\n \n Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation - $2.26 billion, an increase of $95.6 million above the fiscal year 2020 level and $229 million above the request. This funding secures nuclear material at home and abroad and is crucial for reducing the threat of nuclear terrorism.\n\tNaval Nuclear Reactors - $1.68 billion, an increase of $35.6 million above the fiscal year 2020 level and equal to the request, to continue safe and reliable operation of the Navy's nuclear-powered fleet.\n  Environmental Cleanup  Provides $7.59 billion, an increase of $131 million above the fiscal year 2020 level and $1.52 billion above the budget request. This funding is used for nuclear waste cleanup at 16 sites across the country and includes:\n \n Non-Defense Environmental Cleanup - $319.2 million, equal to the fiscal year 2020 level and $43 million above the request.\n \n Uranium Enrichment Decontamination and Decommissioning - $841 million, a decrease of $40 million below the fiscal year 2020 level and $35 million above the request.\n \n Defense Environmental Cleanup - $6.426 billion, an increase of $171 million above the fiscal year 2020 level and $1.4 billion above the request.\n  Power Marketing Administrations  Provides the net budget request levels for the Southeastern Power Administration, Southwestern Power Administration, and Western Area Power Administration. The agreement rejects the President's proposal to sell the transmission assets of the PMAs, change the laws governing how the PMAs establish power rates, and repeal the borrowing authority for the Western Area Power Administration.\n \nNuclear Regulatory Commission  Provides a net appropriation of $123 million. This funds regulatory activities to ensure the safe use of nuclear reactors and radioactive materials while protecting people and the environment.\n\nAppalachian Regional Commission  Provides $180 million, which is $5 million above the fiscal year 2020 level and $15 million above the budget request. The Commission funds projects in the Appalachian Region to promote economic development, education and job training, critical infrastructure, and community development.\n\nNorthern Border Regional Commission  Provides $30 million, which is $5 million above the fiscal year 2020 level and $29.1 million above the budget request. This funding targets the economic development needs of distressed portions of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York. Policy Provisions:\n A provision to prevent the reorganization of the Army Corps of Engineers, or to transfer Corps functions to other agencies.\n\tA provision to allow a transfer of funds from the Western Area Power Administration to the Bureau of Reclamation for environmental stewardship and endangered species recovery purposes.\n \n###\n\nkaptur.house.gov", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-statement-coronavirus-relief", "Kaptur Statement on Coronavirus Relief", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "OH", "Marcy Kaptur", "K000009", "kaptur.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), released the following statement after the House passed a new round of bipartisan coronavirus relief. The legislation is expected to be signed into law in the coming days:\n\nAmerican families should not have had to wait this long for coronavirus relief, said Rep. Kaptur. It is a national disgrace that Senate Republicans refused to act for over half a year while COVID-19 ravaged our nation, infecting over 17.2 million Americans and killing over 310,000, resulting in devastating public health and economic crises affecting every single person in this country.\n\nDespite Democrats' efforts for larger relief payments, Republicans flatly refused and limited this legislation to a payment of $600 in direct relief even as coronavirus continues to infect more people on a daily basis than at any other point in the pandemic. While the direct aid is half of what we were able to approve last Spring, the need has surely not subsided.Additionally, the fact that this bill extends exactly zero dollars to state and local governments to aid in their coronavirus response is a disgrace; a failure of government specifically sought by Mitch McConnell and Senate Republicans who ought to be ashamed. All of this just three years after Republicans passed a $1.5 trillion dollar tax cut bill for corporations and the wealthy.\n\nWhile this coronavirus deal is far from perfect  it is also far better than nothing. It is the second largest stimulus package ever passed by Congress, second only to the CARES Act, including a $300 boost in weekly unemployment insurance, more than $300 billion in small business aid, $25 billion for rental assistance, and significant funding for hospitals, schools, and vaccine distribution. However, what remains clear is that the American people continue to struggle -- families unable to put food on the table, essential workers left to fend for themselves, students and graduates unable to pay their loans, small businesses closing their doors, millions losing their jobs, and thousands getting sick and dying each day. I will continue to fight tooth and nail for Northern Ohio communities and working people across the country in the new Congress. This cannot be the last round of coronavirus relief the American people receive. It is not enough.\n\nDemocratic priorities included in the COVID-19 relief package: \n Accelerating vaccine distribution and crushing the coronavirus: The bipartisan COVID relief package finally recognizes that we cannot get our economy working unless we can get the coronavirus under control. The package provides billions in urgently need funds to accelerate the free and equitable distribution of safe vaccines to as many Americans as possible as soon as possible, to implement a strong national testing and tracing strategy with billions reserved specifically for combating the disparities facing communities of color, and to support our heroic health care workers and providers.\n\tStrong support for small business: Democrats secured critical funding and policy changes to help small businesses, including minority-owned businesses, and nonprofits recover from the pandemic. The agreement includes over $284 billion for first and second forgivable PPP loans, expanded PPP eligibility for nonprofits and local newspapers, TV and radio broadcasters, key modifications to PPP to serve the smallest businesses and struggling non-profits and better assist independent restaurants, and includes $15 billion in dedicated funding for live venues, independent movie theaters, and cultural institutions. The agreement also includes $20 billion for targeted EIDL Grants which are critical to many smaller businesses on Main Street.\n\tCommunity Development Financial Institutions and Minority Depository Institutions: The agreement includes dedicated PPP set-asides for very small businesses and lending through community-based lenders like Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs); $9 billion in emergency U.S. Treasury capital investments in CDFIs and MDIs to support lending in low-income and underserved communities, including persistent poverty counties, that may be disproportionately impacted by the economic effects of the COVID19 pandemic; and $3 billion in emergency support for CDFIs through the CDFI Fund to respond to the economic impact of the pandemic on underserved low-income and minority communities.\n\tRental assistance: Democrats secured $25 billion in critically needed rental assistance for families struggling to stay in their homes and an extension of the eviction moratorium.\n\tStrengthens the Low Income Housing Tax Credit: The package enhances the LIHTC to help increase affordable housing construction and provide greater certainty to new and ongoing affordable housing projects.\n\tDirect payment checks: Democrats secured a new round of direct payments worth up to $600 per adult and child, also ensuring that mixed-status families receive payments.\n\tStrengthened Earned Income Tax Credit & Child Tax Credit: The agreement helps ensure that families who faced unemployment or reduced wages during the pandemic are able to receive a strong tax credit based on their 2019 income, preserving these vital income supports for vulnerable families.\n\tSupports paid sick leave: The agreement provides a tax credit to support employers offering paid sick leave, based on the Families First framework.\n\tEmployee Retention Tax Credit: The agreement extends and improves the Employee Retention Tax Credit to help keep workers in the jobs during coronavirus closures or reduced revenue.\n\tEnhanced Unemployment Insurance benefits: Democrats averted the sudden expiration of Unemployment Insurance benefits for millions and added a $300 per week UI enhancement for Americans out of work.\n\tNutrition assistance for hungry families: Democrats secured $13 billion in increased SNAP and child nutrition benefits to help relieve the historic hunger crisis that has left up to 17 million children food insecure.\n\tEducation and child care: The agreement provides $82 billion in funding for colleges and schools, including support for HVAC repair and replacement to mitigate virus transmission and reopen classrooms, and $10 billion for child care assistance to help get parents back to work and keep child care providers open.\n\tGlobal Health: Democrats secured an additional $3.36 billion for a total of $4 billion for GAVI, the international vaccine alliance, recognizing that we are not truly safe until the whole world is safe from the coronavirus.\n \n###\n\nkaptur.house.gov", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://timryan.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-tim-ryan-votes-support-covid-19-relief-and-government-funding-bill", "Congressman Tim Ryan Votes to Support COVID-19 Relief and Government Funding Bill", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "OH", "Tim Ryan", "R000577", "timryan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Congressman Tim Ryan today voted in support of a long-awaited COVID-19 relief bill that will accelerate the distribution of safe vaccines to as many Americans as possible as soon as possible, support our small businesses and assist all Americans in providing for their families and helping to ensure their financial security. The COVID-19 relief bill was passedas part of the House Appropriations bill funding the government until September 30, 2021  Ryan is a member of the House Appropriations Committee.\nWhile I'm pleased Congress has finally passed this much needed COVID-19 relief, which will bring long-needed resources to families and small businesses all across this country, it is important to stress that this is only a down payment. We must continue working to pass another larger relief package that will help keep the American people afloat until we get through this public health crisis that has taken too many lives and this economic crisis that has taken too many livelihoods,said Congressman Ryan.\nI am proud this relief package included additionalfundingforthe Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), funding to accelerate the distribution of vaccines, support for mental health and substanceusedisorderprograms,rental assistance for families struggling to stay in their homes and an extension of the eviction moratorium, andnutrition assistance for those facing food insecurity.And while I'm proud of these programs and many others that I have fought for in the bill,I am disappointed that the $600 cash payment and the $300 in Enhanced Unemployment benefits are not higher. This is not enough for the millions of Americans who have been struggling to make ends meet for the last nine months. In the next relief package, I will be continuing to fight to include my legislation that provides a $2,000 recurring payment to every Americanuntilemployment returns to pre-COVID-19 levels,added CongressmanRyan.\nOther provisions of the bill supported by Congressman Ryan include:\n Forgivable PPP loans and expanded eligibility for nonprofits and local newspapers, TV and radio broadcasters, and key modifications to PPP to better assist independent restaurants.\n\t$15 billion in dedicated funding for live venues, independent movie theaters, and cultural institutions.\n\tAs a Member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, Ryan secured funding for two additional new C-130J aircraft for the Air Force Reserve. These two aircraft build on four planes Congressman Ryan secured in last year's Defense spending bill which were later reduced to only two in FY2020 due to President Trump's reprogramming of two planes for his border wall construction. The Youngstown Air Reserve Station houses the 910th Airlift Wing, which utilizes older models of C-130 aircraft for its unique aerial spray mission as well as combat support. In January of 2020, Air Force Reserve Command announced the 910th Airlift Wing was one of two finalists to receive any new C-130J aircraft.\n\tAdditional funding for additive manufacturing research and development, laser research, innovative cooling material for military equipment, and other projects.Congressman\n\tRyan authored a Buy American provision into the bill that would require the Pentagon to report to Congress every time it waives rules for domestic sourcing requirements (rules referred to as the Berry Amendment).\n\tRyan authored language requiring the military to begin studying how to incorporate baseline brain injury testing of servicemembers when they enter military to better judge if a servicemember later acquires a traumatic brain injury.\n\tConcerned about a growing obesity problem in the armed forces, Ryan secured language that requires pilot programs to reform the military nutrition and dining system.\n\t$74 million secured for whole health initiatives for veterans and language to create a pilot program called VetsCorps which provides jobs for veterans to conduct outreach to at-risk veterans.\n Ryan was also instrumental in securing funding for initiatives that will enhance the economy in northeastern Ohio including:\n $5 M in funding for the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Programs\n\t$5 Mfor energy-focused incubators like BRITE Energy Incubator in Warren, OH\n\t$395 M for Advanced Manufacturing\n\t$10 M for Advanced Battery Manufacturing Center of Excellence\n\t$10 M for the Army Corps to restore the aquatic ecosystem of polluted rivers (like the Mahoning River)\n\t$2 M for the Army Corps to clear downed trees and other debris from rivers.\n\t$180 Million for the Appalachian Regional Commission\n Additional provisions of the bill supported by the Democratic Caucus include:\n $13 billion in increased SNAP and child nutrition benefits to help relieve the COVID hunger crisis;\n\t$82 billion in funding for colleges and schools and $10 billion for child care assistance to help get parents back to work and keep child care providers open; and\n\tAn additional $3.36 billion for a total of $4 billion for GAVI, the international vaccine alliance, recognizing that we are not truly safe until the whole world is safe from the coronavirus.\n\tIncludes a one year extension of the Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC).\n A copy of the 5,593 page bill may be foundhere.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://turner.house.gov/2020/12/turner-advocacy-ends-surprise-medical-billing", "TURNER Advocacy Ends Surprise Medical Billing", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "OH", "Michael R. Turner", "T000463", "turner.house.gov", "turner", "https://turner.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", null, 0, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z"], ["https://turner.house.gov/2020/12/turner-foster-care-legislation-included-in-omnibus-funding-bill", "TURNER Foster Care Legislation Included in Omnibus Funding Bill", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "OH", "Michael R. Turner", "T000463", "turner.house.gov", "turner", "https://turner.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", null, 0, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z"], ["https://turner.house.gov/2020/12/turner-supports-oh-10-in-appropriations-and-covid-19-relief-package", "TURNER Supports OH-10 in Appropriations and COVID-19 Relief Package", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "OH", "Michael R. Turner", "T000463", "turner.house.gov", "turner", "https://turner.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", null, 0, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z"], ["https://turner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/turner-advocacy-ends-surprise-medical-billing", "TURNER Advocacy Ends Surprise Medical Billing", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Michael Turner", "T000463", "turner.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Mike Turner (OH-10) cosponsored H.R. 2328, The Community Health Investment, Modernization, and Excellence Act of 2019, which has been included in the Omnibus Package that passed the House of Representatives earlier today. This legislation aims to end surprise medical billing by shielding patients from excessive costs given by out of network healthcare services. Meanwhile, it allows for fair negotiation of outstanding costs between insurers and medical providers through an independent dispute resolution process.\nI have long advocated for the end of surprise medical billing for those that are rushed to medical care in out of network healthcare facilities. The language of the Omnibus package not only protects patients from such medical bills, but it also allows doctors and hospitals to have a fair negotiation process with insurers, said Turner. I will continue to advocate for fair healthcare prices and practices.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://turner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/turner-foster-care-legislation-included-in-omnibus-funding-bill", "TURNER Foster Care Legislation Included in Omnibus Funding Bill", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Michael Turner", "T000463", "turner.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Mike Turner's (OH-10) Fostering Stable Housing Opportunities Act has been included in the Omnibus spending bill that passed the House of Representatives earlier this evening. This housing legislation provides federal housing assistance for youths aging out of foster care.\nWe cannot allow our foster children to age out of the system into federally created homelessness, said Turner. For years I have championed this legislation and I am thrilled it is being passed into law. The adoption of this legislation into the omnibus spending bill means that our federal government will help provide a straightforward approach to ending the cycle of homelessness among foster care youths.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://turner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/turner-supports-oh-10-in-appropriations-and-covid-19-relief-package", "TURNER Supports OH-10 in Appropriations and COVID-19 Relief Package", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Michael Turner", "T000463", "turner.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "With the support of Congressman Mike Turner (OH-10), the House passed an omnibus funding and COVID-19 relief bill. This legislation helps Americans navigate the healthcare and financial hardships that have resulted from the coronavirus pandemic, and also funds the government for the upcoming year.\nThis legislation is a much needed and long overdue step towards recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, said Turner. This bill addresses coronavirus funding concerns, as well as provides important funds for our government through the remainder of this fiscal year. I will continue to support legislation that helps our community recover from the pandemic and its economic hardships.\nThe following highlights federal funding and Coronavirus relief provisions that will impact OH-10:\nJobs and Small Businesses:\n \n\t\t$248 billion in Paycheck Protection Program loans for small businesses, allowing small businesses to apply for a second round of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tMakes all business expenses made with PPP loans tax deductible, allowing the over 7300 businesses in OH-10 that received over $820 million to continue recovering from the pandemic\n\t\n\t\n\t\t$15 billion in funding dedicated to funding for live venues and other businesses whose revenues are based on in-person interaction\n\t\n\t\n\t\t$600 economic impact payments for qualifying individuals, and additional $600 for children in qualifying families\n\t\n\t\n\t\tExtends Coronavirus unemployment benefits through March 2021\n\t\n Defense and National Security:\n \n\t\t$5 million increase for Air Force advanced battery for directed energy weapons.\n\t\n\t\n\t\t$5 million increase for Air Force Autonomous Air Combat Operations.\n\t\n\t\n\t\t$23.5 million for Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Hydrant Fuel System.\n\t\n\t\n\t\t3% pay raise for all military personnel effective January 1, 2021.\n\t\n\t\n\t\t$5 million increase above the budget request for Army tungsten manufacturing affordability initiative for armaments.\n\t\n\t\n\t\t$968.09 million provided for the Army Abrams Upgrade Program and $340 million increase above the budget request for Army Stryker upgrade.\n\t\n\t\n\t\t$11 million increase above the budget request for Army land surveying systems.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tFully funds the Administration's budget request for the National Nuclear Security Administration for FY 2021, permitting the Department of Energy, in conjunction with the Department of Defense, to undertake long overdue modernization of our Nuclear Triad, ensuring we have a safe, secure, and reliable nuclear deterrent well into the future.\n\t\n Healthcare:\n \n\t\tEnds surprise medical billing\n\t\n\t\n\t\tAllocates funding for distribution of the Covid-19 Vaccine.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tExtension of the Health Coverage Tax Credit, which helps individuals who unfairly lost their jobs or their pensions pay for health coverage.\n\t\n Transportation and Housing:\n \n\t\t$414 million for the Federal Transit Administration Bus and Bus Facility Competitive Grant Program.\n\t\n\t\n\t\t$2 billion in Coronavirus Relief Funding for transportation service providers.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tAn extension of the federal eviction moratorium through January 31, 2021.\n\t\n Veterans Affairs:\n \n\t\t$25 million dollars for the Department of Justice's Veterans Treatment Court grant program.\n\t\n\t\n\t\t$10.3 million for Department of Veterans Affairs suicide prevention and mental health programs.\n\t\n\t\n\t\t$1.9 billion dollars to combat veteran homelessness.\n\t\n Education:\n \n\t\t$204 million for scholarships, research funding, facility improvements for HBCUs.\n\t\n\t\n\t\t$49.33 million increase above the budget request for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and Minority-serving Institutions.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tFunding provisions to help schools and universities re-open safely.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wenstrup.house.gov/updates/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404567", "Wenstrup Statement on Surprise Billing/COVID-19 Relief/Spending Package", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "OH", "Brad Wenstrup", "W000815", "wenstrup.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.Today, Congressman Brad Wenstrup, D.P.M. (OH-02) released the following statement after for the combined Surprise Billing, COVID-19 Relief, and Government Spending package:\r\nWe have delivered two safe and effective vaccines so far, which will provide us the ultimate pathway forward to ending the pandemic, rebuilding the economy, and restoring our way of life. However, Americans need economic support now, and this legislation delivers that immediate help, including $325 billion to help the hardest-hit small businesses through reopening and improving the Paycheck Protection Program, another round of cash assistance for workers and families, averaging $2,400 for a family of four, and continued support for Americans who have lost their job during this global pandemic.\r\nI am also particularly proud to support the provisions that end surprise billing. Patients will no longer receive unexpected bills due to medical procedures or doctor visits. Rather, they will be provided more complete information before having to make health care decisions, will be removed from billing disputes that arise from unplanned or unscheduled care, and will have access to a robust network of doctors who are incentivized to continue seeing patients. Along with the GOP Doctors Caucus, I have championed this issue and fought hard to get it across the finish line.\r\n\"Undoubtedly, there are unnecessary provisions in the overall bill. However, our country faces unprecedented circumstances and urgent needs, and I supported this legislation because I know the American people have beencounting on us to deliver relief.\r\n\"Now, our work begins to ensure that we are better prepared to address our fiscal, medical, and supply chain challenges.\r\n\r\nHighlights Courtesy of Republican House Whip Steve Scalise:\r\nCOVID Relief: \r\n Extends the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and adds deductibility for PPP expenses\r\noGives businesses experiencing severe revenue reductions an opportunity to apply for a second draw PPP loan\r\noIncludes 501(c)(6) organizations but excludes unions from eligibility\r\no$15 billion in funding for entertainment venues, movie theaters, and museums that are experiencing significant revenue loss \r\noCodifies federal rules that ensure churches and faith-based organizations are eligible for PPP loans \r\n Reopening America\r\no $20 billion for the purchase of vaccines that will make the vaccine available at no charge for anyone who needs it \r\no $8 billion for vaccine distribution\r\no $20 billion to assist states with testing\r\no $20 billion distribution from the existing provider relief fund\r\n Ends CARES Act emergency powers for the Federal Reserve\r\noRescinds $429 billion in unused funds provided by the CARES Act for the Federal Reserve's emergency lending facilities and terminates these facilities to ensure that Democrats cannot use these funds to bail out poorly managed blue states \r\n Stimulus checks -- $600 for both adults and dependents with safeguards to prohibit illegal aliens from receiving payment\r\n Temporarily extends a number of unemployment programs created by CARES Act that expire Dec. 31, 2020\r\no Provide unemployed individuals an additional $300 per week for 10 weeks from December 26, 2020-March 14, 2021 \r\no Extends and phases-out PUA, which is a temporary federal program covering self-employed and gig workers, to March 14 (after which no new applicants) through April 5, 2021\r\n $10 billion for grants to childcare centers to help providers safely reopen\r\n $4 billion for substance abuse  significant progress made over the past several years on opioid addiction has been reversed because of the impact of COVID lockdowns\r\n \r\n    $82 billion in funding for schools and universities to assist with reopening for in-person learning that also includes $2.75 billion in designated funds for private K through 12 education\r\n    $25 billion in temporary and targeted rental assistance for individuals who lost their source of income during the pandemic\r\n    \r\n        Extends the eviction moratorium until January 31, 2021\r\n    \r\n    $7 billion in broadband funding that includes \r\n    \r\n        Nearly $2 billion to replace foreign-manufactured broadband equipment that poses national security threats\r\n        $300 million to build out rural broadband \r\n        $250 million for telehealth\r\n    \r\n \r\n $45 billion for transportation, including \r\no $16 billion for another round of airline employee and contractor payroll support\r\no $14 billion for transit\r\no $10 billion for highways\r\no $2 billion for intercity buses\r\no $2 billion for airports \r\no $1 billion for Amtrak\r\n Increases SNAP benefits by 15% for six months, but does not expand eligibility, and requires the Secretary to issue a report on redemption rate and unexpended balances\r\n \r\n    Provides funding for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, a program that serves over 700,000 older Americans monthly\r\n    $13 billion to support our farmers and agriculture sector \r\n    \r\n        Enhances assistance under the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) to support specialty crop, non-specialty crop, livestock, dairy, and poultry producers\r\n        Gives discretionary authority to the Secretary to support producers of biofuels, producers of organics or value-added products, and timber harvesting and hauling businesses\r\n        Additional funding is directed to programs that support local producers and new and beginning farmers, dairy producers, dairy processors via reimbursement for donated dairy products, fisheries, textile mills, agricultural research, small and medium-size meat processors, and to state departments of agriculture for farm stress programs", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/portman-difference/toledo-blade-editorial-board-praises-portmans-cara-20-legislation", "The Toledo Blade Editorial Board Praises Portmans CARA 2.0 Legislation to Combat Addiction Crisis", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Rob Portman", "P000449", "www.portman.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Toledo Blade Editorial Board Praises Portman's CARA 2.0 Legislation to Combat Addiction Crisis\n \n      \n  \n\n          \n                          \n      December 21, 2020\n      \n  \n |     \n                          \n      Portman Difference\n      \n  \n  \n    \n                  Today, the Toledo Blade editorial board published an editorial praising Senator Portman's bipartisan Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) 2.0 legislation which will increase the funding authorization levels for the Comprehensive Addiction & Recovery Act(CARA) programs enacted in 2016 and put in place additional policy reforms to help combat the opioid epidemic that has worsened during the coronavirus pandemic.CARA was a bipartisan, national effort designed to ensure thatfederal resources were devoted to evidence-based education, treatment and recovery programs that work. In FY 2020, CARA programs were funded at $658 million. CARA 2.0 builds on thiseffort by increasing the funding authorization levels and laying out new policy reforms to strengthen the federal government's response to this crisis. Addiction treatment, recovery, enforcement, and prevention stakeholders across Ohio have voiced their support for the legislation.\nExcerpts from the op-ed can be found below and the full article can be found here. \nDon't Forget the Other National Crisis\nThe Toledo Blade\nEditorial Board \nDecember 21, 2020\nWhile it seems a stalled coronavirus-relief package is all anyone can focus on in Washington, Ohio's Republican Sen. Rob Portman would like lawmakers to remember we had an opioid crisis before we had a coronavirus crisis, and addiction woes have only gotten worse during the pandemic. Mr. Portman has introduced new bipartisan legislation, the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act 2.0, as a sequel to the original bill from five years ago. With it, Mr. Portman believes state and local agencies grappling with the effects of the opioid-addiction epidemic can get more resources for the programs that have been effective.\nThe $745 million CARA 2.0 focuses on expanding access to treatment, particularly by making permanent a provision to allow treatment providers to prescribe medication-assisted treatment for patients they see via telehealth.\n\nThe original CARA from 2016, also sponsored by Mr. Portman, helped expand recovery programs and distribute overdose-reversing drugs to first responders, among other strategies. It was critical in Ohio's early successes in managing the effects of the addiction crisis. The sequel bill can build on that success and get much-needed resources to the programs Ohio needs now to get back on track in the fight against opioid addiction. This isn't going away, Mr. Portman said. We have seen what works and we need this to address the next steps.\nLawmakers in Washington must be able to shift their attention from partisan intrigue and a myopic focus on the coronavirus-relief bill to take up CARA 2.0 and approve it swiftly.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/final-covid-19-emergency-relief-package-based-original-bipartisan-bicameral", "Final COVID-19 Emergency Relief Package Based on Original Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Rob Portman", "P000449", "www.portman.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Final COVID-19 Emergency Relief Package Based on Original Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation\n \n      \n  \n\n          \n                          \n      December 20, 2020\n      \n  \n |     \n                          \n      Press Releases\n      \n  \n  \n    \n                  WASHINGTON, DC  Today, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mark Warner (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Angus King (I-ME), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Tom Reed (R-NY) released the following statement applauding the final COVID-19 emergency relief package:\nFollowing months of deadlock in Congress while millions of Americans were at risk of losing their lifelines, we put our heads down and worked around the clock for nearly a month to produce a bipartisan, bicameral bill to address the emergency needs of our country. We are relieved Congress has finally agreed on a COVID-19 emergency relief package. Our consensus bill was the foundation of this final package and we applaud Congressional leadership for finishing what we started. Workers, businesses, and families need help right now and we urge our colleagues to quickly pass this bill and President Trump to immediately sign the legislation to provide Americans with relief.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/final-fy-2021-bipartisan-funding-bill-includes-portman-udall-bill-continue", "Final FY 2021 Bipartisan Funding Bill Includes Portman, Udall Bill to Continue Selling Stamps to Promote Wildlife Conservation", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Rob Portman", "P000449", "www.portman.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Final FY 2021 Bipartisan Funding Bill Includes Portman, Udall Bill to Continue Selling Stamps to Promote Wildlife Conservation\n \n      \n  \n\n          \n                          \n      December 21, 2020\n      \n  \n |     \n                          \n      Press Releases\n      \n  \n  \n    \n                  WASHINGTON, DCToday, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Tom Udall (D-NM) announced the final FY 2021 bipartisan funding bill includes their bipartisanMultinational Species Conservation Funds Semipostal Stamp Reauthorization Act, legislation which would require the U.S. Postal Service to continue selling the approximately 45 million remaining Saving Vanishing Species Stamps. When the program began in 2011, the U.S. Postal Service printed 100 million stamps to help promote wildlife conservation and this legislation will require the U.S. Postal Service to sell the approximately 45 million remaining stamps left in stock.\nWe owe it to our future generations to preserve our planet's rich wildlife and natural resources so that they can continue to be enjoyed,said Portman.This successful stamp program has raised millions of dollars to fund conservation without any taxpayer money. I'm glad this bipartisan legislation was included in the final FY 2021 bipartisan funding bill and strongly urge the president to sign this legislation into law to ensure that every last stamp is sold.\n\"By giving anyone the chance to easily and voluntarily contribute to a good cause with the simple act of mailing a letter, this stamp program has been a successful way to bolster conservation initiatives that protect iconic wildlife and critical habitat at no cost to taxpayers,\"Udall said.\"I'm glad to see this provision included in the funding bill, because we must ensure we are taking advantage of every opportunity to preserve the world's treasured natural landscapes and species for generations to come.\"\nNOTE:On September 20, 2011, the U.S. Postal Service issued the Saving Vanishing Species Stamp, depicting an endangered Amur tiger cub, priced above the normal price of a first-class stamp. The difference in price from this first-class stamp is transferred to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to support the five Multinational Species Conservation Funds to protect tigers, rhinoceroses, Asian and African elephants, marine turtles, and great apes. These programs target poaching, illegal wildlife trade, habitat protection, and projects to incorporate species conservation into community development.\nAccording to the Fish and Wildlife Service, since the first of these stamps went on sale in 2011, nearly 55 million have been sold, raising more than $6 million. This has helped fund 99 projects in more than 35 countries. \nPortman and Udall authored legislation that was signed into law to extend the sale of the stamp through September 2018. This legislation would require the U.S. Postal Service to sell the approximately 45 million remaining stamps left in stock.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/final-fy-2021-bipartisan-funding-measure-includes-key-portman-priorities", "Final FY 2021 Bipartisan Funding Measure Includes Key Portman Priorities to Protect Great Lakes, National Parks", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Rob Portman", "P000449", "www.portman.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Final FY 2021 Bipartisan Funding Measure Includes Key Portman Priorities to Protect Great Lakes, National Parks\n \n      \n  \n\n          \n                          \n      December 21, 2020\n      \n  \n |     \n                          \n      Press Releases\n      \n  \n  \n    \n                  WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) announced that the finalFY 2021 bipartisan funding bill includes several of his key priorities including theGreat Lakes Restoration Initiative(GLRI), theNational Park Service (NPS) Centennial Challenge,Migratory Birds of the America's Act, theGreat Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act,and theHarmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act (HABHRCA). Notably,the bill includes $330 million in funding for GLRI for FY 2021, the largest investment in the health, ecosystem, and water quality in the Great Lakes. Portman issued the following statement:\nI'm pleased this final FY 2021 bipartisan funding measure will benefit Ohio's national parks and Great Lakes, especially Lake Erie. The bill increases funding for the GLRI, a successful public-private partnership to protect the water quality and ecosystem of our Great Lakes, and also provides funding to combat harmful algal blooms and to protect our fish and wildlife populations and their habitats in the Great Lakes basin. It also includes funding for my bipartisan NPS Centennial Challenge program to ensure our national parks receive the resources they need in order to preserve our nation's treasures for generations to come.\nNOTE: Here's how the final bipartisanFY 2021funding bill benefits the Great Lakes:\n \n\t$330 Million for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative:Portman hasledefforts to ensure the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), a results-driven program, has the resources it needsto addressthe most serious issuesthatthreatenthe ecological and economic wellbeing of theGreat Lakesbasin, including invasive species, pollution, and toxic contamination. The FY 2021 spending bill includes $330 million for GLRI, which is $10 million above the FY 2020 spending level of $320 million. Yesterday, Portman praised passage of theGreat Lakes Restoration Initiative Actof 2020, whichwill authorize increased funding of $375 million in FY 2022and then increase the authorization by $25 million per year until it hits $475 million inFY 2026.\n \n \n\tFunding for the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act (HABHRCA):Portman worked to successfully reauthorize the HABHRCA program through FY2023, which has served as the federal government's research and response toolkit for harmful algal blooms. Senator Portman previously worked to include freshwater bodies, such as Lake Erie, as part of the program. The final FY 2021 spending bill includes funding for HABHRCA through programs at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).\n \n \n\t$20 Million for the National Park Service (NPS) Centennial Act:Portman, a lifelong outdoorsman and a frequent visitor to Ohio's national parks, has long been a leader in the U.S. Senate in effortsto protect our national parks. He is the author of theNational Park Service CentennialAct, legislation signed into law in 2016 that authorizes the National Park Centennial Challenge Fund and the Second Century Endowment Fund, two public-private partnerships that are providing additional funding to help preserve our national parks for generations to come.\n \n \n\t$4.9 Million for Migratory Birds:Portman'sMigratory Birds of the Americas Actprovides the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's (USFWS) the resources it needs to protect the migratory bird populations that make Lake Erie one of the nation's premier birdwatching destinations.Birding contributes more than $20 million to Ohio's tourism industry and attracts visitors from across the world each year. The bill will help sustain populations of migratory birds that face threats to their health and habitats.\n \n \n\t$1.89 Million for Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act:Portman's bipartisanGreat Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Actprovides critical resources to conserve and restore fish and wildlife populations in the Great Lakes. The legislation, which was signed into law in 2016 as part of theWIIN Act, reauthorizes the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's (USFWS) program to partner with other federal agencies, states, and tribes to develop and execute proposals for the restoration of fish and wildlife resources in the Great Lakes basin.\n\tProtecting Lake Erie from Dredged Materials:Portman's bipartisan language prohibits the Army Corps of Engineers from dumping material dredged from the Cuyahoga River shipping channel into Lake Erie without the approval from the State of Ohio that it is environmentally safe.\n \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-announces-782-million-cara-programs-final-fy-2021-bipartisan", "Portman Announces $782 Million for CARA Programs in Final FY 2021 Bipartisan Funding Bill", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Rob Portman", "P000449", "www.portman.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Portman Announces $782 Million for CARA Programs in Final FY 2021 Bipartisan Funding Bill\n \n      \n  \n\n          \n                          \n      December 21, 2020\n      \n  \n |     \n                          \n      Press Releases\n      \n  \n  \n    \n                  WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) announced that the final FY 2021 bipartisan funding agreement includes $782 million for grants through his bipartisanComprehensive Addiction & Recovery Act(CARA), which became law in 2016. Portman recently introduced theComprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) 2.0 to increase the funding authorization levels for the Comprehensive Addiction & Recovery Act(CARA) programs enacted in 2016 and put in place additional policy reforms to help combat the opioid epidemic that has worsened during the coronavirus pandemic.Portman released the following statement:\nThe ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a heartbreaking surge in overdose deaths, and that's why I'm glad Congress has acted to increase CARA funding to help make a difference and save lives throughout Ohio.This $782 million will help state and local health officials, prevention experts, treatment providers, and law enforcement to work together to address this epidemic.Prior to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we had made significant progress in combating this epidemic thanks to CARA and this funding will help us redouble our efforts.I will continue to work with my colleagues in the Senate to make sure those on the ground, our community leaders, first responders, and family members have the support and funding they need to continue their work fighting this epidemic. In the new Congress, we have a unique opportunity to work together in a bipartisan way and I believe that CARA 2.0 can help us strengthen our efforts to combat this epidemic.\nSummary of CARA Appropriations\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tCARA Programs\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tCARA Authorization in 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tCARA Appropriations for FY 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tCARA Funding for FY 2018\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tCARA Funding for FY 2019\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tCARA Funding for FY 2020\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tCARA Funding for FY 2021\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tNational Campaign\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$5 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$10 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$10 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$10 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$13 Million \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tNaloxone for First Responders\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$12 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$24 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$36 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$36 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$41 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$42 Million \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tExpanded Drug Treatment\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$25 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$67 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$95 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$100 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$100 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$102 Million \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tRecovery Support Services\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$1 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$3 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$5 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$6 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$10 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$10 Million \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tTreatment for Women\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$17.9 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$19 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$30 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$30 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$32 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$33 Million \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tVeterans Treatment Courts\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$6 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$20 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$22 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$22 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$25 Million \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tInfant Plan of Safe Care\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$60 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$60 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$60 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$60 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tComprehensive Opioid Abuse Program\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$103 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$103 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$310 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$325 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$325 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$369 Million \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tGrants for Co-Prescribing Naloxone\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$1 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$1 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$1 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$1 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$1 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$1 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tCoalition Enhancement Grant\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$5 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$5 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$5 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$5 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$7 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tJason Simcakoski Memorial and Promise Act\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$50 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$56 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$52 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$52 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$120 Million \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tTotal\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$180.9 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$ 267 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$608 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$647 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$ 658 Million\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$782 Million \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\nNOTE:Senator Portman has led efforts in the U.S. Senate to provide more resources to combat the nation's opioid epidemic. Portman is the author of the bipartisan Comprehensive Addiction & Recovery Act (CARA) that became law in 2016 and provides resources for evidence-based prevention, treatment, and recovery programs to help people overcome their addiction. The most recent bipartisan funding agreement actually funded these CARA programs at $647 million, much higher than the authorized amount. Earlier this month, Portman introduced CARA 2.0 which would increase these authorization levels further. In addition, Portman worked to secure $1 billion in new funding for state grants to fight opioid abuse in the 21st Century CURES Act. He's also fought for more overall opioid funding, and helped secure more than $4 billion in new opioid funding over the last few years between CARA, CURES and other opioid programs. Last year, Portman's Combating Meth & Cocaine Act was signed into law giving states more flexibility to use federal funding to address the resurgence of psychostimulants such as methamphetamine and cocaine. \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-announces-fy-2021-bipartisan-funding-agreement-doubles-security", "Portman Announces FY 2021 Bipartisan Funding Agreement Doubles Security Resources for Faith-Based Communities & Institutions", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Rob Portman", "P000449", "www.portman.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Portman Announces FY 2021 Bipartisan Funding Agreement Doubles Security Resources for Faith-Based Communities & Institutions\n \n      \n  \n\n          \n                          \n      December 21, 2020\n      \n  \n |     \n                          \n      Press Releases\n      \n  \n  \n    \n                  WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) today announced that the FY 2021 bipartisan funding agreement includes $180 million for the Department of Homeland Security's Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), which provides grants to faith-based and other nonprofit organizations to help secure their facilities against a potential terrorist attack, double the amount allocated in FY 2020. Portman and his bipartisan colleagues sent a letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee earlier this month requesting that the NSGP be adequately funded to meet the needs of at-risk organizations.Of the $180 million total, $90 million will be available for nonprofits located within high-risk urban areas, and the remaining $90 million will be available for organizations that fall outside of those areas. \nI am pleased that the FY 2021 bipartisan funding agreement will include $180 million for nonprofit security grants so that synagogues, religious and cultural facilities, and other nonprofits across our country have the resources they need to better secure their facilities,said Portman.FEMA's Nonprofit Security Grant Program is vitally important to ensure nonprofits, particularly faith-based organizations, have the resources necessary to invest in physical security enhancements, training, and contract security personnel to protect against potential attacks. At a time when we have seen a rise in violence against communities of faith, I'm pleased we have doubled the funding to protect at-risk organizations and communities.\nNOTE: The Nonprofit Security Grant Program helps nonprofits, identified by threat assessments to be at risk of attack, plan for and ready themselves against potential attacks. In addition to hardening facilities, this program has improved efforts to keep at-risk nonprofit organizations safe by promoting emergency preparedness coordination and collaboration activities between public and private community representatives, as well as with state and local government agencies.\nIn January, Senator Portman and Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) announced that President Trump signed their bipartisanProtecting Faith-Based and Nonprofit Organizations From TerrorismActinto law. This legislation authorizes $75 million annually for five years, from FYs 2020-2024, for the program. Under the legislation, funding may be used for target-hardening activities, training for personnel, and any other appropriate activity, as defined by the FEMA Administrator. While the bill authorizes $75 million annually for the program for the next five years, Congress can appropriate more. Portman joined his bipartisan colleagues in December 2019 in requesting that the appropriators fund the program at $90 million. That request was approved and included in thefinal FY 2020 appropriationsagreement.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-announces-permanent-tax-relief-craft-beverage-industry-big-win-ohio", "Portman Announces Permanent Tax Relief for Craft Beverage Industry, Big Win for Ohio Brewers", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Rob Portman", "P000449", "www.portman.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Portman Announces Permanent Tax Relief for Craft Beverage Industry, Big Win for Ohio Brewers\n \n      \n  \n\n          \n                          \n      December 21, 2020\n      \n  \n |     \n                          \n      Press Releases\n      \n  \n  \n    \n                  WASHINGTON, DC  Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) announced that the year-end legislative package will include the Craft Beverage Modernization & Tax Reform Act, bipartisan legislation he has championed and cosponsored to make tax relief permanent for the craft beverage industry. Portman has consistently discussed the importance of supporting America's craft beverage industry, especially since brew pubs and other craft beverage retail operations have been hit hard by the COVID-19 economic slowdown.\nIn 2017, Portman offered the Senate Finance Committee amendment to include the Craft Beverage Modernization & Tax Reform Act in the tax reform measure, which provided two years of excisetax relief. He's been fighting to make this tax relief permanent ever since, writing a recent op-ed in The Hill and leading a bipartisan letter with 55 of his Senate colleagues urging Leaders McConnell and Schumer to include the measure in a year-end package. Ohio is number six in the country in craft beer production and the industry supports 81,000 jobs in the state.Portman released the following statement:\nThis agreement is good news for our economy and will help ensure that Ohio's craft beverage industry has the relief they need as they work to navigate the unprecedented challenges of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. I fought to include this tax relief in the 2017 tax reform law and it led to more economic growth and job creation as more and more entrepreneurs reinvested more in their businesses and our local communities. Making this tax relief permanent is good for Ohio and our country and I urge my colleagues to support this package. \n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-bill-improve-federal-procurement-save-taxpayer-dollars-included", "Portman Bill to Improve Federal Procurement, Save Taxpayer Dollars Included in Final FY 2021 Bipartisan Funding Measure", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Rob Portman", "P000449", "www.portman.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Portman Bill to Improve Federal Procurement, Save Taxpayer Dollars Included in Final FY 2021 Bipartisan Funding Measure\n \n      \n  \n\n          \n                          \n      December 21, 2020\n      \n  \n |     \n                          \n      Press Releases\n      \n  \n  \n    \n                  WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) announced that the final FY 2021 bipartisan funding bill includes his bipartisanConstruction Consensus Procurement Improvement Act, which prohibits the use of reverse auctions to ensure federal construction projects are done in the most cost-effective manner. Portman issued the following statement:\nI'm pleased the final FY 2021 bipartisan funding measure includes my bipartisan legislation to ensure the federal governmentworks better for the American people. The bipartisan Construction Consensus Procurement Improvement Act will make sure that federally-funded construction projects are competitive both for cost and quality. American taxpayers deserve a streamlined, less costly and more accountable federal government and passage of this measure will help to ensure that.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-makes-clear-stop-act-must-be-fully-implemented", "Portman Makes Clear that STOP Act Must be Fully Implemented", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Rob Portman", "P000449", "www.portman.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Portman Makes Clear that STOP Act Must be Fully Implemented\n \n      \n  \n\n          \n                          \n      December 21, 2020\n      \n  \n |     \n                          \n      Press Releases\n      \n  \n  \n    \n                  WASHINGTON, DC  Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) agreed to allow additional time to fully implement the STOP Act, and specifically for the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to finalize regulations related to refusing packages without identifying data. Under the STOP Act, starting January 1, 2021 the Postal Service must refuse any package shipped to the United States that lacks identifying data, such as shipper and recipient. Despite that deadline, until March 15, the Postal Service will now be able to accept packages after January 1, 2021 without identifying data only if CBP determines the packages present a low risk for containing illegal items, including fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.\nSenator Portman's bipartisanSynthetics Trafficking & Overdose Prevention(STOP)Act became law in 2018 and is working to help reduce the supply of fentanyl shipped into the United States through the U.S. Postal Service. On December 10, Portman pressed the federal agencies in charge of implementing the STOP Act on why they had not fully complied with the requirements as established in the law. Portman released the following statement:\nAt our hearing on December 10, we learned that CBP would not be able to finalize regulations by the end of the year related to refusing packages without identifying data under the STOP Act, despite having over two years to do so. Because this failure could lead to confusion on January 1, the COVID-19 emergency relief package will include a grace period until March 15 that allows the Postal Service to accept packages without identifying data that CBP determines are low risk.\nOther countries, like France, Spain, and Germany, have made clear that any packages entering their countries on January 1 must have identifying data. Packages entering those countries without identifying data will be delayed or considered inadmissible and returned to sender. Further, starting March 15, the European Union will require identifying data on a package before it is loaded onto a plane for shipment.\nCongress cannot provide this type of extension on packages without identifying data entering the United States again. DHS must finalize the regulations to ensure that packages containing illicit opioids, like fentanyl, are stopped before they are delivered to our communities.\nNOTE: As the Chairman and Ranking Member of PSI, Portman and Carper conducted an 18-month investigation into this issue and released a stunning bipartisanreportdetailing how drug traffickers exploit vulnerabilities in our international mail system to easily ship synthetic drugs like fentanyl from China into the United States through the U.S. Postal Service. TheSTOP Actcloses this loophole by requiring advance electronic data on all inbound international packages, including packages coming from China. Starting January 1, 2021, the STOP Act requires the Postal Service to refuse any inbound international packages without advance electronic data.The STOP Act required Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) to finalize regulations regarding the refusal of inbound international packages by October 2019 so that the Postal Service could prepare for the January 1, 2021 deadline but CBP has not yet finalized those regulations. \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-negotiated-25-billion-rental-assistance-plan-included-final-fy-2021", "Portman-Negotiated $25 Billion Rental Assistance Plan Included in Final FY 2021 Bipartisan Funding Agreement", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Rob Portman", "P000449", "www.portman.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Portman-Negotiated $25 Billion Rental Assistance Plan Included in Final FY 2021 Bipartisan Funding Agreement\n \n      \n  \n\n          \n                          \n      December 21, 2020\n      \n  \n |     \n                          \n      Press Releases\n      \n  \n  \n    \n                  WASHINGTON, DC Today, Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) announced that the final FY 2021 bipartisan funding agreement includes $25 billion for rental assistance that he negotiated as part of a framework unveiled last week with the bipartisan group of senators.\nSenator Portman has long focused on ensuring Ohioans have affordable housing and is currently championing the bipartisanEvictions Crisis Actwhich will help to address the national housing crisis that is undermining the efforts of millions of Americans to rise into the middle class. Portman drew from the Evictions Crisis Act, which proposes emergency rental assistance for those facing extraordinary financial setbacks, when negotiating this bipartisan relief proposal. The rental assistance included in the COVID-19 relief bill will help those with financial setbacks due to the pandemic pay rent and make housing providers whole. More than 75 national and Ohio based housing, civil rights, and homelessness groups haveannouncedtheir strong support for theEviction Crisis Act.Portman released the following statement:\nStable housing is a key factor to keeping people out of poverty, and the COVID-19 pandemic has made this issue more important than ever. That's why I'm pleased that this COVID-19 emergency relief package includes the $25 billion rental assistance plan I helped negotiate in the bipartisan framework announced last week. I urge my colleagues to support this rental assistance so that Ohioans have the resources they need to stay in their homes and apartments during this pandemic and prevent unnecessary evictions.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-praises-final-fy-2021-bipartisan-funding-agreement", "Portman Praises Final FY 2021 Bipartisan Funding Agreement", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Rob Portman", "P000449", "www.portman.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Portman Praises Final FY 2021 Bipartisan Funding Agreement\n \n      \n  \n      \n                           \n      Funding Measure Includes COVID-19 Emergency Relief Package Crafted Thanks to Portman's Bipartisan Negotiations \n      \n  \n  \n\n          \n                          \n      December 21, 2020\n      \n  \n |     \n                          \n      Press Releases\n      \n  \n  \n    \n                  WASHINGTON, DC  Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) released the following statement on the FY 2021 bipartisan funding agreement reached between both parties.The House and Senate are expected to pass the measure later today. The agreement includes key Portman priorities to help families and small businesses; provide additional aid to health care providers and support vaccine distribution; ensure stable housing; redouble efforts to combat addiction; protect the Great Lakes; support seniors and the most vulnerable; secure faith-based and nonprofit facilities; help keep and create jobs through key tax incentives; make tax relief for the craft beverage industry permanent; and provide the COVID-19 emergency relief Americans deserve. \nI'm pleased that Congress has finally passed another COVID relief package that is targeted to helping the American people who are most in need. I was proud to join the bipartisan group of five Republicans and five Democrats who negotiated a $908 billion package that served as the basis for this package.Our effort refocused the debate on areas of common ground rather than partisan proposals had previously pushed by Democratic leaders.The health care crisis in Ohio and so many other places has gotten worse and we cannot afford further economic suffering. The package supports direct stimulus relief, increased testing and vaccine development, resources for schools and universities, aid for small businesses through the Paycheck Protection Program, emergency rental assistance, and other provisions are critical to helping our country over the next several months until vaccines are more widely available.\nThis measure also includes a number of other important priorities for Ohio.It redoubles our efforts with new funding to address the heartbreaking surge in overdose deaths we're seeing as a result of this pandemic. The bill also provides additional resources to protect the Great Lakes; preserve our national parks; support seniors and the most vulnerable; secure faith-based and nonprofit facilities; help keep and create jobs through key tax incentives; and make tax relief for the craft beverage industry permanent.\nI am disappointed that this package doesn't include the balanced compromise on liability that I brokered with my Democratic colleague Joe Manchin from West Virginia. Those liability protections would have protected businesses, nonprofits, schools, and faith-based organizations from frivolous lawsuits but I hope it will serve as a springboard for action next year on this issue. And while I'm disappointed that this package doesn't include additional aid for state and local governments, it extends the deadline for states and local governments to use previously-appropriated CARES Act funding beyond this calendar year and help assist with emergency services like police, firefighters and emergency medical services.\nI remain frustrated that Congress continues to operate by passing thousand-page omnibus bills at the end of the year with no amendments allowed. Congress should get back to regular order, including passing appropriations bills based on a budget and having an open amendment process.\nHere are some of the key Portman priorities included: \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-praises-key-tax-incentives-fy-2021-bipartisan-funding-agreement", "Portman Praises Key Tax Incentives in FY 2021 Bipartisan Funding Agreement", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Rob Portman", "P000449", "www.portman.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Portman Praises Key Tax Incentives in FY 2021 Bipartisan Funding Agreement\n \n      \n  \n\n          \n                          \n      December 21, 2020\n      \n  \n |     \n                          \n      Press Releases\n      \n  \n  \n    \n                  WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) praised the tax incentives included in the final FY 2021 bipartisan funding agreement, including key provisions like the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, the New Markets Tax Credit, the Health Coverage Tax Credit, CFC Look-through, the Medical Expense Deduction, and the Craft Beverage Modernization Act. Through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Portman has seen firsthand how these incentives help Ohio, helping to create and keep jobs, and boost economic development and innovation across the state.\nThese tax incentives have been critical to Ohio during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Many of these incentives, especially the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, are critical to keeping folks employed during these unprecedented times and generating more investment and economic development in Ohio. These tax incentives drive more economic growth and job creation, and that's necessary as we continue to recover from the economic slowdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.\nThrough the negotiating progress we had some thoughtful discussions resulting in several provisions being made permanent or extended long term. Next Congress, we should continue this serious and thorough discussion on the future of the remainder of these provisions, making permanent the ones that work for our economy and ending or phasing out the ones that are unnecessary. I will continue to work with my colleagues in the House and Senate to help bring all sides together on a long-term agreement on these tax extenders.\nThe package makes permanent the following tax incentives:\n \n\tThe Medical Expense Deduction Expansion.Dating back to the passage of the ACA, Portman hasledefforts in Congress to roll back this onerous tax increase on the middle class and seniors. In the 2017 tax reform law, Portman worked with Senator Susan Collins to expand this relief to all taxpayers on a temporary basis. The tax package extends this relief for one additional year, ensuring that more Americans have access to this deduction designed to reduce the tax costs of out-of-pocket medical expenses and long-term care. \n \nThe package expands the following tax provision:\n \n\tThe Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC). The bill extends the credit until June 30, 2021 and expands the credit by providing a 70% credit for up to $10,000 in creditable wages per quarter and reducing the gross receipts decline to 20 percent from 50 percent. The employee retention credit gives businesses of all sizes, including nonprofits, a payroll tax credit for wages paid during a suspension of their business operations or periods where they have experienced significant revenue losses. These provisions allow Ohio nonprofits to prioritize keeping employees on payroll and thus minimize painful layoffs.\n \nThe package extends for five years the following tax provisions:\n \n\tCFC Look-Through Rules.The tax package extends for five years the look-through rules for U.S. multinationals to allow for the efficient ability to bring back dollars trapped overseas and keep U.S. companies competitive abroad. Portman has led efforts to provide this tax certainty in the past, including an amendment to a previous extenders markup in 2015 that sought to make this relief permanent. These rules are an important element to our modernized international tax system and allow companies like Procter & Gamble, GE, and Walmart to bring back cash that's trapped overseas in order to increase jobs and investment here at home.\n\tThe New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC).In the 2017 tax reform law,Portman led the effort to preserve the New Markets Tax Credit, which helpseconomically-distressed communities attract private capital for community redevelopment purposes, and Cincinnati has been a significant beneficiary. In 2017, Portmanvisitedthe Nehemiah Manufacturing Company, which is using the NMTC to expand and provide meaningful employment opportunities to ex-offenders re-entering society. This proposal would extend NMTC for five additional years at 2020 levels.\n\tThe Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC).In the 2017 tax reform law,Portmanled the effort to preserve the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, which provides employers with a tax credit for hiring and retaining veterans, ex-felons, disabled individuals, summer youth employees, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and Supplemental Security Income recipients. A 2015 Portmanamendmentadded a $2,400 credit for first-year wages paid to the long-term unemployed.This proposal would extend WOTC for five additional years.\n \nThe package extends by one year a number of tax provisions, including: \n \n\tThe Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC).The tax packageextendsfor one-year the Health Coverage Tax Credit, which helps subsidize the cost of continued coverage for retirees and other individuals who lost their health care coverage  in addition to their pensions and other benefits  when their employers either entered into bankruptcy or laid off workers due to foreign trade. Portman has introduced bipartisan legislation to extend this important credit for five years. The HCTC is critically important for many hardworking Ohioans, including as many as 5,000 Delphi salaried retirees in Dayton, the Mahoning Valley, and Sandusky. In addition, a few hundred workers from the Lordstown General Motors plant have applied for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) and would benefit from the HCTC as well.\n \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-priorities-help-seniors-people-disabilities-included-fy-2021", "Portman Priorities to Help Seniors & People with Disabilities Included in FY 2021 Bipartisan Funding Agreement", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Rob Portman", "P000449", "www.portman.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Portman Priorities to Help Seniors & People with Disabilities Included in FY 2021 Bipartisan Funding Agreement\n \n      \n  \n      \n                           \n      Portman's Hospice Care Improvement Act, Independence at Home & EMPOWER Care Act Boost Quality of Life and Reduces Costs for Seniors & People with Disabilities \n      \n  \n  \n\n          \n                          \n      December 21, 2020\n      \n  \n |     \n                          \n      Press Releases\n      \n  \n  \n    \n                  WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) announced that the FY 2021 bipartisan funding agreement includes three of his key priorities that support seniors and people with disabilities. The FY 2021 bipartisan funding agreement includes the Ensuring Medicaid Provides Opportunities for Widespread Equity, Resources, and Care Act(EMPOWER Care Act) which supports and expands access to long-term care services for Medicaid beneficiaries in home and community-based settings; the Hospice Care Improvement Act which establishes the first ever hospice patient protections and program integrity measures for Medicare; and a three-year extension and expansion of the Independence at Home program, a Medicare home-based primary care model. Portman released the following statement:\nI'm pleased that the FY 2021 bipartisan funding agreement will help the most vulnerable among us have better access to quality health care services. This bill will help ensure that the Money Follows the Person Program can build upon the more than 10,000 Ohioans that it has helped receive the care that they need in their homes and communities.It also empowers teams of doctors, care givers and other health care professionals to coordinate and provide primary care services in the comfort of patients' own homes, reducing unnecessary emergency room visits and avoidable hospitalizations and readmissions, as well as the costs associated with them. Most importantly, this bill ensures that hospice patients can live out their final days with comfort and dignity, and that their families have the peace of mind knowing their loved ones are receiving the best care by establishing the first-ever patient protections and program integrity measures for hospice in Medicare. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation to support America's seniors and people with disabilities.\nThe FY 2021 bipartisan funding agreement includes: \n \n\tTheEnsuring Medicaid Provides Opportunities for Widespread Equity, Resources, and Care Act(EMPOWER Care Act)  which Portman introduced with Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) - is designed to help Medicaid beneficiaries receive long-term services and support in their community or home and help save taxpayer dollars in the process. The FY 2021 bipartisan funding agreement will reauthorize for three years and expand the Money Follows the Person (MFP) Demonstration Program, which provides states with funding and flexibility to help Medicaid beneficiaries, particularly the elderly and people with disabilities, transition from institutional to home and community-based long-term care settings. This three-year extension is the longest extension of the program since 2010.\n\tThe bipartisanHospice Care Improvement Act which Portman introduced with Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) to address the lack of safety protocols and transparency in hospices across the country, all while saving taxpayers $180 million. The final legislation incorporates bicameral solutions put forth from the House and Senate that would ensure patient safety and would seek to improve oversight and accountability in the nation's hospices by focusing on improving patient awareness of hospice abuse and by ensuring that hospices remain responsible for the care that they provide to patients. \n\tA three year extension of the Independence at Home program. Independence at Home is an innovative, team-based model that brings measurable, high-quality primary care to seniors with multiple chronic conditions in their homes The program has had year over year success in coordinating care for seniors and reducing hospitalization rates, all while significantly lowering costs for the Medicare program by almost $2000 per beneficiary.\n \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-priorities-water-resources-development-act-protect-great-lakes", "Portman Priorities in Water Resources Development Act to Protect Great Lakes Included in Final FY 2021 Bipartisan Funding Agreement", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Rob Portman", "P000449", "www.portman.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Portman Priorities in Water Resources Development Act to Protect Great Lakes Included in Final FY 2021 Bipartisan Funding Agreement\n \n      \n  \n\n          \n                          \n      December 21, 2020\n      \n  \n |     \n                          \n      Press Releases\n      \n  \n  \n    \n                  WASHINGTON, DC  Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) announced that the FY 2021 bipartisan funding agreement includes the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (WRDA) - bipartisan legislation that includes a number of Portman's priorities. These Portman-led measures will protect and improve the Great Lakes by preventing Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes, promoting navigation, providing additional funding to maintain our harbors, and renaming the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation as the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation. \nI'm pleased the FY 2021 bipartisan funding agreement includes a number of my key priorities to protect and preserve Lake Erie and all our Great Lakes. These natural treasures play an indispensable role in the lives of millions of Ohioans. The lakes provide drinking water for 40 million people, contribute billions in tourism each year, and support hundreds of thousands of jobs across the region, said Portman. These bipartisan provisions are a major win for the Great Lakes and the people of Ohio. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting them.\nThe FY 2021 bipartisan funding agreement includes:\n \n\tThe legislation includes Portman-led language to authorize the Army Corps of Engineers to relocate access to the Port of Cleveland's confined disposal facility (CDF) for dredged material placement should such option be necessary to provide access to the CDF.\n\tThe legislation includes Portman's request to authorize construction of the Brandon Road Chief's Report to help keep Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes through the Mississippi River and adjusts the cost share from 65 percent federal to 80 percent federal.\n\tThe legislation includes the Portman-led bipartisan Great Lakes Navigation Act, to ensure adequate funding to maintain Great Lakes harbors that vessels can continue to travel safely throughout the Great Lakes. Specifically, the final legislation requires the Great Lakes Navigation System to receive no less than 13 percent of total annual funding from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF). \n\tFinally, the legislation includes the bipartisan legislation (S. 4870/H.R. 4470) to rename the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation as the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation.\n \nNOTE: As co-chair of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force, Senator Portman continues to lead efforts to protect and improve the Great Lakes. \nYesterday, Portman's bipartisan legislation with Senator Stabenow, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act (GLRI) Act, passed the Senate and is now headed to the President's desk to be signed into law. The bill reauthorizes GLRI, a results-driven program to address the most serious issues that threaten the ecological and economic well-being of the Great Lakes basin, for five years and increases the current authorization level from $300 million to $375 million in FY 2022 and increases funding by $25 million per year until it reaches $475 million in FY 2026. \nAdditionally, in 2019, Portman's bipartisanHarmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Actwhich helps protect fresh water bodies such as Lake Erie by reauthorizing the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act (HABHRCA) was signed into law.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-stabenow-joyce-kaptur-announce-senate-passage-great-lakes", "Portman, Stabenow, Joyce, Kaptur Announce Senate Passage of Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Rob Portman", "P000449", "www.portman.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Portman, Stabenow, Joyce, Kaptur Announce Senate Passage of Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act\n \n      \n  \n      \n                           \n      Bipartisan Bill Ensures Great Lakes Will Be Protected for Future Generations \n      \n  \n  \n\n          \n                          \n      December 21, 2020\n      \n  \n |     \n                          \n      Press Releases\n      \n  \n  \n    \n                  WASHINGTON, DCToday, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (OH) and Debbie Stabenow (MI), along with Representatives David Joyce (R-OH) and Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), announced the passage of their bipartisan bill, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Act, which reauthorizes and expands funding for the Great Lakes. The bipartisan bill will reauthorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which is set to expire at the end of FY 2021, for another five years. The bill increases the current authorization level from $300 million to $375 million in FY 2022 and increases funding by $25 million per year until it reaches $475 million in FY 2026. The legislation passed the House earlier this year and now heads to the President's desk.\nToday's strong bipartisan passage of the GLRI Act is a victory for our efforts to protect our Great Lakes. GLRI is a successful public-private partnership that has helped address the greatest threats to the Great Lakes, including harmful algal blooms, invasive species, pollution, and contamination. Despite the program's success, there is more work to be done, Senator Portman said. Lake Erie supports fishing and tourism industries totaling over $10 billion and is a top tourist destination in Ohio. With more than 10 million people depending on Lake Erie for their drinking water and hundreds of thousands of Ohioans depending upon the Lake for jobs, we must continue to protect our Great Lakes for the economic and environmental well-being of our region. I urge the president to sign this important legislation into law as soon as possible.\nThe Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which I authored in 2010, has been a major success story that has been critical to addressing the threats that face our beloved Great Lakes. In Michigan, this program has helped clean up contamination, restore wetlands, and fight invasive species, but there is much more to be done. The good news is that Republicans and Democrats have come together in a bipartisan way to reinvest in this important program, said Senator Stabenow.\nThe passage of this bipartisan bill is a huge win for the Great Lakes, the advocates who work tirelessly to protect them, Ohioans who rely on them for clean drinking water and the workers whose jobs depend on them,said Congressman Dave Joyce.The success of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative in combatting invasive species, reducing harmful algal blooms and restoring ecosystems proves just how much progress we can make when we work together to address the issues facing our communities. I was honored to introduce this bill alongside my colleagues on the Great Lakes Task Force and look forward to seeing the President sign it into law so that we can continue to preserve this national treasure for generations to come.\nSince its inception, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has made the Great Lakes healthier and our local communities stronger,said Congresswoman Kaptur.That's why it was my honor to join my House and Senate colleagues in introducing the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2019. This bipartisan and bicameral bill will reauthorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, the most essential program in the effort to protect and restore our most precious resource: the Great Lakes. This legislation doubles down on federal investment in the Great Lakes because we know how effective the GLRI has been. Across Lake Erie and the Great Lakes Region, the GLRI is at the center of fighting invasive species, preventing, controlling and predicting harmful algal blooms, and reinvigorating our watershed and ecosystems.\nThe Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is critical in cleaning up the Great Lakes and waterways, and addressing problems that directly impact public health and safety. The Initiative has focused efforts to stop the spread of Asian carp and other invasive species, restore coastline and prevent future contamination. Since 2010, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has provided more than $2.7 billion to fund 5,449 projectsthroughout the Great Lakes region.\nThe legislation is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-IN), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Mike Braun (R-IN), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Gary Peters (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Bob Casey (D-PA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Chuck Schumer (D-NY).\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-floor-portman-applauds-senate-passage-great-lakes-restoration", "On Senate Floor, Portman Applauds Senate Passage of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Rob Portman", "P000449", "www.portman.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On Senate Floor, Portman Applauds Senate Passage of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act\n \n      \n  \n      \n                           \n      Bill Now Heads to the White House for the President's Signature \n      \n  \n  \n\n          \n                          \n      December 20, 2020\n      \n  \n |     \n                          \n      Press Releases\n      \n  \n  \n    \n                  WASHINGTON, DC  Tonight on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH), co-chair of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force, applauded Senate passage of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Act, which is now headed to the president's desk for his signature. Senator Portman joined Senator Debbie Stabenow in introducing the GLRI Act to reauthorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which was set to expire at the end of FY 2021, for another five years. The bill increases the current authorization level from $300 million to $375 million in FY 2022 and increases funding by $25 million per year until it reaches $475 million in FY 2026. The House companion bill was authored by Representatives Dave Joyce (R-OH) and Marcy Kaptur (D-OH).\nPortman has led the effort in the Senate to reauthorize and fully fund the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), a results-driven program to address the most serious issues that threaten the ecological and economic well-being of the Great Lakes basin, including invasive species, pollution, and toxic contamination. The final FY 2020 funding measure included$320 million for GLRI,the largest investment in the program since its enactment. Additionally, in 2019, Portman's bipartisan Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act which helps protect fresh water bodies such as Lake Erie by reauthorizing the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act (HABHRCA) was signed into law.\nA transcript of the speech can be found below and a video can be found here.\nMr. President, first, I am delighted that we are finally at the point where we're passing legislation to deal with the COVID-19 crisis that has gripped my state and our country. We have a health care pandemic. We have an economic crisis. And I'm pleased to say that on a bipartisan basis we're now coming together, as we did nine months ago with the CARES Act. It shouldn't have been nine months, but we now have a targeted bill that focuses on providing a bridge between now and the time at which the vaccines will be widely available, and we need the help. The economy is faltering, as was just said. But also the health care crisis in my home state and so many other places has gotten worse. So it's time -- past time. Now I'm told I've given 21 speeches on the floor about the bipartisan nature of this. There's so many areas of common ground and I was pleased to be part of the ten person bipartisan group that put together our own package over the last month. I think that helped to encourage leaders on both sides to see that there was a lot of common ground, there were ways for us to come together. One of my colleagues is on the floor with me now, Senator Stabenow from Michigan. She is one of those Democrats who I spoke to over a month ago about this bipartisan process. We talked about the common ground and the ability for us to find ways to move ahead to help those small businesses that truly are struggling, individuals who through no fault of their own lost their jobs because of the economic crisis precipitated by the pandemic. And to help our schools and to help our health care providers and to help ensure that we are doing what we can here to help at the local level to respond to this crisis. \nTonight I'm on the floor to join my colleague, Senator Stabenow from Michigan, to ask our colleagues to support legislation that has to do with the Great Lakes. It's called the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. We're asking to reauthorize that legislation. This is one of those public-private partnerships that works. It's not only public like federal public and private. It's federal, state, and local and private individuals coming together to figure out how to keep our Great Lakes, the amazing treasure that it is. I represent Lake Erie. It is the north coast of Ohio. It is the most shallow and also the most fertile of the Great Lakes. It has incredible fishing. There is a gigantic $7 billion fishing industry in the Great Lakes. A lot of it is recreational fishing. $7 billion. It is being threatened right now, really by a few different things. One is these Asian Carp, so-called Big Head Carp that are coming up into the lake. We are doing all we can to keep them out. But this funding, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, focuses on that issue to keep the carp from ruining Lake Erie, as they've ruined other bodies of water for recreational and commercial fishing. \nSecond to deal with our toxic algal blooms. You've probably heard about this but we have these blooms that are increasingly forming in Lake Erie, particularly in the western basin and the Toledo area. And what they do is they keep people from being able to use the lake. You don't want to swim in it. By the way, you don't even want your dog to swim in it because the dogs can actually be injured by this. You don't want to fish in it, of course, and you really can't. I've gone fishing in the Great Lakes every year for the past many years. I love the Great Lakes. I grew up -- part of my childhood was on the Great Lakes, when I was a little kid fishing with my dad on the Great Lakes. You really can't fish when the algal blooms come in because they're so thick you literally can't get a lure or bait through the algal blooms. And your boat has a tough time getting through it. This is a serious issue. At one point it got so serious in the western basin that it actually affected the water supply for the city of Toledo. \nSo several years ago we had to stop the city water in Toledo. I remember going there with my pickup truck full of bottles of water to help hand out water because people -- particularly think of this, moms with babies who couldn't use the water. They were told don't allow your babies to have the formula be made from the water from the faucet because it's too dangerous, too toxic because these algal blooms had gotten into the water system. That's how scary this is if we don't ensure that we are taking efforts at every level -- state, local, private sector, and federal. Lake Erie and the other Great Lakes now provide drinking water for 40 million people. 40 million people. We want to be sure that that treasure continues, not just for recreation and fishing and swimming and so on, but also for the water supply for so many Americans. \nSo the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is a down payment really to ensure that we can deal with these invasive species like the Asian Carp and others. It is to ensure that we can deal with the toxic algal blooms and the erosion that's occurring as the water goes up and also some pollution issues that remain in Lake Erie and all the Great Lakes. Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Works. I've been to about ten of these sites all around Ohio and I've gone often with people from the private sector and the local community and sometimes the state government. And we talk about how, again, this is a model partnership. \nAs an example, I was at a farm in Northwest Ohio, where instead of telling them that Hey you have to stop farming because you're putting nitrogen and phosphorous into the creek that goes by your farm that's going into the Maumee River and then into Lake Erie and causing these algal blooms to grow,' instead, you say, How can we work with you as a farmer to try to reduce your runoff?' And we've had great success in that. But there's some expense in it. Often you have to provide for filters and pumps and so on to get this from going into the water supply. Dealing with these upstream issues with regard to algal blooms and the phosphorus and nitrogen is very important and the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative does that. \nSo, I'm pleased to say that as of tonight it appears that we have passed this on both sides of the chamber through a so-called hotline. We had to work with some of our colleagues to resolve some remaining questions that they had and we had answers because this is a program that works. I've seen it work. And I'm really pleased to partner with Senator Stabenow. We're co-chairs of the Great Lakes Task Force. She is the Democrat co-chair, I am the Republican co-chair. And tonight partnering with her on this legislation. I thank her for her friendship, her work on this issue, her passion for the Great Lakes. And I would like, if I could, Mr. President, to now turn to Senator Stabenow.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-portman-shaheen-bipartisan-legislation-reauthorize-peace", "Senate Passes Portman, Shaheen Bipartisan Legislation to Reauthorize Peace Corps Commemorative Project", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Rob Portman", "P000449", "www.portman.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senate Passes Portman, Shaheen Bipartisan Legislation to Reauthorize Peace Corps Commemorative Project\n \n      \n  \n\n          \n                          \n      December 21, 2020\n      \n  \n |     \n                          \n      Press Releases\n      \n  \n  \n    \n                  WASHINGTON, DC- Today, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) applauded the U.S. Senate for passing their bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Peace Corps Commemorative project. Representatives Joe Kennedy III (D-MA) and Garret Graves (R-LA) led the legislation in the House. In 2014, Senators Portman and Shaheens's and Rep. Kennedy's bipartisan Peace Corps Commemorative Act was signed into law to create a commemorative memorial in Washington, D.C.'s National Capital Area to celebrate the mission of the Peace Corps and the ideals on which the Peace Corps was founded. This bipartisan legislation designated the Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation as the lead nonfederal sponsor for the project, and prohibits the use of federal funding. The current authorization for the project is set to expire in January 2021. This legislation would extend the authorization for the project for an additional seven years, to January 2028, in order for the project to secure the necessary design approvals and raise the funding for construction.The legislation now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law. \nFor more than 50 years, the Peace Corps has served as a powerful vehicle for volunteers who wish to use their talents to carry America's humanitarian values to other parts of the world,said Portman.By reauthorizing this project, we can ensure the Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation can finish this important project and honor those Americans who have donated their time and talent to serving others. I am pleased my colleagues in the Senate passed this important legislation so that it will now be sent to the president's desk.\"\nPeace Corps volunteers provide an invaluable diplomatic service to America, serving in over 60 countries as envoys of our nation's democratic values and priorities. These volunteers work to improve the lives of countless individuals and communities around the world, said Shaheen. New Hampshire volunteers are among the more than 240,000 Americans who have provided health, education and economic development opportunities wherever they have served for nearly six decades. I appreciate the overwhelming bipartisan support for our legislation in both the House and Senate, which speaks to the importance of our effort to honor these remarkable men and women. I urge President Trump to swiftly follow suit and sign this bill into law.\"\nThe seven-year Peace Corps Commemorative authorization extension, passed unanimously by the Senate and the House, will enable continuation of Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation efforts to design, fund and build this national, historically significant project, said Roger K. Lewis, President of the Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation (PCCF). The Foundation and allAmericans who have served and worked for the Peace Corps, or who share Peace Corps ideals and values,deeply appreciate the unanimous Senate and House support and are especially grateful for the unflagging commitment of our legislative sponsors and their diligent staff members.\nPassage of the Peace Corps Commemorative Work Extension Act is wonderful news and we are grateful to Senator Portman, Senator Shaheen and other congressional leaders who made sure this would happen, said National Peace Corps Association President Glenn Blumhorst. The tremendous work of the Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation will now be able to continue without interruption, and we look forward to continued progress leading to groundbreaking.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://joyce.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=2886", "Stabenow, Portman, Joyce, Kaptur Announce Senate Passage of Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act", "2020-12-20", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Dave Joyce", "J000295", "joyce.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (MI) and Rob Portman (OH), along with Representatives Dave Joyce (R-OH) and Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), today announced the passage of their bipartisan bill, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Act, which reauthorizes and expands funding for the Great Lakes. The bipartisan bill will reauthorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which is set to expire at the end of FY 2021, for another five years. The bill increases the current authorization level from $300 million to $375 million in FY 2022 and increases funding by $25 million per year until it reaches $475 million in FY 2026. The legislation passed the House earlier this year and now heads to the President's desk.\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tThe Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which I authored in 2010, has been a major success story that has been critical to addressing the threats that face our beloved Great Lakes. In Michigan, this program has helped clean up contamination, restore wetlands, and fight invasive species, but there is much more to be done. The good news is that Republicans and Democrats have come together in a bipartisan way to reinvest in this important program,said Senator Stabenow.\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tToday's strong bipartisan passage of the GLRI Act is a victory for our efforts protect our Great Lakes. GLRI is a successful public-private partnership that has helped address the greatest threats to the Great Lakes, including harmful algal blooms, invasive species, pollution, and contamination. Despite the program's success, there is more work to be done,Senator Portman said.Lake Erie supports fishing and tourism industries totaling over $10 billion and is a top tourist destination in Ohio. With more than 10 million people depending on Lake Erie for their drinking water and hundreds of thousands of Ohioans depending upon the Lake for jobs, we must continue to protect our Great Lakes for the economic and environmental well-being of our region. I urge the president to sign this important legislation into law as soon as possible.\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tThe passage of this bipartisan bill is a huge win for the Great Lakes, the advocates who work tirelessly to protect them, Ohioans who rely on them for clean drinking water and the workers whose jobs depend on them,said Congressman Joyce.The success of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative in combatting invasive species, reducing harmful algal blooms and restoring ecosystems proves just how much progress we can make when we work together to address the issues facing our communities. I was honored to introduce this bill alongside my colleagues on the Great Lakes Task Force and look forward to seeing the President sign it into law so that we can continue to preserve this national treasure for generations to come.\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tSince its inception, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has made the Great Lakes healthier and our local communities stronger,said Congresswoman Kaptur.That's why it was my honor to join my House and Senate colleagues in introducing the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2019. This bipartisan and bicameral bill will reauthorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, the most essential program in the effort to protect and restore our most precious resource: the Great Lakes. This legislation doubles down on federal investment in the Great Lakes because we know how effective the GLRI has been. Across Lake Erie and the Great Lakes Region, the GLRI is at the center of fighting invasive species, preventing, controlling and predicting harmful algal blooms, and reinvigorating our watershed and ecosystems.\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tThe Great LakesRestoration Initiative is critical in cleaning up the Great Lakes and waterways, and addressing problems that directly impact public health and safety. The Initiative has focused efforts to stop the spread of Asian carp and other invasive species, restore coastline and prevent future contamination. Since 2010, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has provided more than $2.7 billion to fund 5,449 projectsthroughout the Great Lakes region.\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://joyce.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=2885", "Joyce Introduces Bill to Boost Restaurant Revenue, Support Workers Amid Pandemic", "2020-12-19", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Dave Joyce", "J000295", "joyce.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14) announced that he has introduced the Supporting America's Restaurant Workers Act, a bill designed to boost restaurant revenue and support restaurant workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. A companion to legislation introduced in the Senate by Senator Tim Scott (SC), Joyce's bill is endorsed by the National Restaurant Association, the American Hotel and Lodging Association and US Travel.\r\n\r\n\tWith Congress stalled on a COVID-19 relief deal, I'm proud to introduce this legislation to give a much-needed revenue boost to restaurants and support their workers during the pandemic, said Joyce. Close to half of our nation's restaurants are independent mom-and-pop' operations that are struggling to keep their heads above water during these difficult times. My bill makes a simple, commonsense adjustment that would lead to more customers and increased revenue, giving these folks and the workers they employ a better chance to make it through this pandemic.\r\n\r\n\tSpecifically, the Supporting America's Restaurant Workers Act would provide a 100% deduction for business meal expenses through the end of 2021. Currently, the deduction is available for only 50% of such expenses.\r\n\r\n\tOhio's restaurant industry employs 585,000 employees across 23,000 locations. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most Ohio restaurants were closed in mid-March and were not able to reopen with limited capacity until late May. The Ohio Restaurant Association reports that during this period,Ohio restaurants experienced sales losses ranging from -20% to more than -70%. The National Restaurant Association has stated that roughly 110,000 restaurants have already been forced to permanently close over the course of this year, and in a recent poll, 37% of restaurants stated it is unlikely they will be open six months from now if no additional assistance is provided.\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-brown-ryan-applaud-passage-bipartisan-bicameral-legislation-name", "Portman, Brown, Ryan Applaud Passage of Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Name Youngstown Veterans Affairs Clinic After Ohioan Carl Nunziato", "2020-12-19", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Rob Portman", "P000449", "www.portman.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Portman, Brown, Ryan Applaud Passage of Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Name Youngstown Veterans Affairs Clinic After Ohioan Carl Nunziato\n \n      \n  \n\n          \n                          \n      December 18, 2020\n      \n  \n |     \n                          \n      Press Releases\n      \n  \n  \n    \n                  WASHINGTON, DC  Today, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH), along with U.S. Representative Tim Ryan (D-OH) applauded the Senate passage of bipartisan and bicameral legislation to name a Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Youngstown, Ohio after Major Carl Nunziato, a veteran of the U.S. Army. \nMajor Nunziato served two voluntary tours of combat duty in Vietnam, where he was severely injured by a mortar shell while protecting the village of Soui Da, causing him to lose his legs. For his bravery, he received the Bronze Star, the Army Air Medal, a Purple Heart, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. Throughout his admirable life, Carl Nunziato has served Youngstown and the United States, both at home and abroad with bravery and honor. He has worked valiantly to improve accessibility, rights, and quality of life for veterans and people with disabilities, and the naming of the Youngstown Veterans Affairs Clinic after Mr. Nunziato would be a fitting tribute to his outstanding work and service. \nCarl Nunziato is a true son of Ohio and an American patriot who deserves this honor, said Portman. I'm proud that my Senate colleagues passed this important legislation to name the Veterans Affairs clinic in Youngstown, Ohio after Major Nunziato. He has fought and sacrificed for our nation, for his fellow veterans, and for all disabled Americans and this legislation is a fitting tribute to his valuable achievements. I'm grateful for his service and proud to call him a fellow Ohioan.\nThe renaming of the Youngstown VA Clinic in honor of Major Carl Nunziato is the right way to honor a man who did so much to help his fellow veterans, said Brown. Carl served our nation honorably in Vietnam and then continued that service through his work in the Valley through his advocacy work and philanthropy. I'm glad to join Senator Portman and Representative Ryan in celebrating this well-deserved honor.\nMajor Carl Nunziato is a true American hero and represents the very best of Ohio. From serving two tours in Vietnam to fighting for veterans and disabled rights, Carl has dedicated his life to serving our country. He was instrumental to bringing the VA outpatient clinic to Youngstown, and his tireless work in our community and with Youngstown State has helped countless of students and veterans. I couldn't be prouder that we are naming the new Youngstown VA facility in Carl's honor and recognize his heroism and sacrifice,said Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13). \nNOTE: Earlier this year, Senators Portman and Brown sent a letter to U.S. Representatives Mark Takano (D-CA) and Phil Roe (R-TN) in support of naming the outpatient clinic in Youngstown after Major Carl Nunziato. \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-brown-turner-resolution-recognizing-25th-anniversary-dayton-peace", "Portman, Brown, Turner Resolution Recognizing 25th Anniversary of Dayton Peace Accords Passes Senate", "2020-12-19", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Rob Portman", "P000449", "www.portman.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Portman, Brown, Turner Resolution Recognizing 25th Anniversary of Dayton Peace Accords Passes Senate\n \n      \n  \n      \n                           \n      Peace Accords Negotiated At Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton Ended Civil War, Genocide Against Muslims \n      \n  \n  \n\n          \n                          \n      December 19, 2020\n      \n  \n |     \n                          \n      Press Releases\n      \n  \n  \n    \n                  WASHINGTON, DC  Last Night, the Senate passed a bipartisan resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) to recognize the 25th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Accords that ended the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Bosnian Serbs used concentration camps as a tool against Muslim men, women and children, culminating in a genocide in July of 1995, where some 8,000 Muslim men and teenagers were detained and killed. Following airstrikes led by the United States and the North Atlantic Trade Organization (NATO), a ceasefire was initiated and peace accord negotiation began on November 1st, 1995 at Wight-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. U.S. Representative Mike Turner (R-OH) introduced the companion legislation in the House of Representatives.\nWe must never forget the human rights abuses committed during the civil war in Bosnia and Herzegovina, said Portman. This important resolution commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Accords that ended the war. I'm proud that Wright-Patterson Air Force Base was the site of the peace negotiations thatbrought an end to this deadly conflict, allowing the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina to work in partnership with the international community towards building a peaceful and democratic society based on the rule of law, respect for human rights, and a free-market economy.\nThe Dayton Peace Accords negotiated at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base put an end to a civil war between Bosnia and Herzegovina that resulted from brutally violent religious persecution and genocide against thousands of Muslim men, women, and children 25 years ago, said Brown. I'm proud the Senate passed this bipartisan resolution that not only commemorates the brave servicemembers who brought about peace through diplomacy, but also reminds us that we must always fight back against religious bigotry wherever it exists.\nI had the privilege of being the Mayor of Dayton when the Dayton Peace Accords were decided. Over the course of the peace negotiations, the Dayton community and I were able to lean into the history and significance of this watershed agreement. For months, we opened our community to Bosnian, Serbian, and Croatian diplomats and prayed for their peace, said Turner. I am happy that Congress is formally recognizing the 25thanniversary of this important event in Dayton history and world history.\nText of the Senate resolution can be found here and below:\nRecognizing the 25th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Accords.\nWhereas December 14, 2020, marks the 25th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Accords that ended the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina and brought peace to Bosnia and Herzegovina;\nWhereas ethnic cleansing and concentration camps were used as a tool of war against Bosnian Muslim men, women, and children, culminating in the July 1995 genocide at Srebrenica, where 8,000 Muslim men and teenagers were detained and killed;\nWhereas the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the United States initiated airstrikes against Bosnian Serbs to stop grave human rights abuses, which led to ceasefire negotiations and the peace accords;\nWhereas negotiations began on November 1, 1995, in Dayton, Ohio, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, led by then-negotiator Richard Holbrooke and then-Secretary of State Warren Christopher, with Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Alija Izetbegovic1, President of the Republic of Serbia Slobodan Milos5evic1, President of the Republic of Croatia Franjo Tudjman, European Union Special Representative Carl Bildt, First Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia Igor Ivanov, and representatives from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy;\nWhereas, after days of extensive discussions, a historic peace agreement was signed on December 14, 1995, to halt the conflict and bring peace to the region;\nWhereas, despite seemingly insurmountable differences in opinions, the negotiations succeeded due to dedicated foreign service professionals, a common yearning for a peaceful resolution, and an outpouring of support from the global community;\nWhereas the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, also known as the Dayton Peace Accords, laid the groundwork for NATO and European Union (EU) stabilization missions over the past 25 years, which have allowed the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina to live peacefully and prosper;\nWhereas the Dayton Literary Peace Prize, established in 2006, remains the only literary peace prize awarded in the United States and recognizes the power of the written word to promote peace, and after the death of Ambassador Holbrooke in 2011, the Lifetime Achievement Award was renamed the Richard C. Holbrooke Distinguished Achievement Award;\nWhereas the peace negotiations were strongly supported by the City of Dayton, Ohio, its leaders, and community, creating strong relationships between all parties involved, including a sister city relationship with Sarajevo;\nWhereas the United States Government reaffirms support for Bosnia and Herzegovina's sovereignty and upholds the commitment to equality for all ethnicities according to the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina; and\nWhereas, since the signing of the Dayton Peace Accords, the Government and people of Bosnia and Herzegovina have been working in partnership with the international community towards building a peaceful and democratic society based on the rule of law, respect for human rights, and a free-market economy: Now, therefore, be it\nResolved, That the Senate\n(1) condemns human rights abuses that took place during the conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and reconfirms the joint United States and EU commitment to promote and protect human rights, democracy, and the rule of law worldwide;\n(2) commends the commitment of the Government and people of Bosnia and Herzegovina to peace and cooperation 25 years after the Dayton Peace Accords;\n(3) encourages the Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina to continue pursuing NATO and EU membership;\n(4) encourages the Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina to continue its progress towards solving its constitutional issues and improving its economic policy as it advances towards NATO and EU memberships;\n(5) reiterates the importance of the Dayton Peace Accords as the basis of constitutional reform in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the promotion of political, economic, legal, and religious equality through the goals and values laid out by the EU;\n(6) urges the Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina to pursue constitutional reforms, needed to reconcile the past to seek empathy and respect as foundations to build a common future;\n(7) urges the United States Government to work closely with the governments of the countries that border Bosnia and Herzegovinaespecially those who are signatories of the Dayton Peace Accordsto support full implementation of the Stabilization and Association Agreement between the EU and the Balkan States, which requires regional cooperation; and\n(8) recognizes the State of Ohio and the greater Dayton community for their role in fostering the Dayton Peace Accords, and for continuing to support diplomacy, security, and peace around the world.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/robs-rundown/robs-rundown-week-december-14-december-18-2020", "Robs Rundown: Week of December 14  December 18, 2020", "2020-12-19", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Rob Portman", "P000449", "www.portman.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rob's Rundown: Week of December 14  December 18, 2020\n \n      \n  \n\n          \n                          \n      December 18, 2020\n      \n  \n |     \n                          \n      Rob's Rundown\n      \n  \n  \n    \n                  This week, Senator Portman delivered his 21st floor speech calling for the Senate to pass an emergency COVID-19 relief package. Earlier this week, Portman joined a group of bipartisan senators in announcing two bipartisan packages to provide as much as $908 billion in relief to American students, families, businesses, workers, and health care providers during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Congressional leadership is using most of the legislation for the basis of the final product they will unveil to create a bridge of support between now and when the COVID-19 vaccine is widely available.\nPortman also issued a statement with Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) and delivered floor remarks regarding the ongoing cyberattacks against our federal agencies, U.S. companies, and some state governments. Portman and Peters have been leaders in the Senate on legislative efforts to strengthen the federal government cyber response. They will lead the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee in the new Congress and plan to hold hearings and work on bipartisan comprehensive cybersecurity legislation in the new year.\nPortman penned an op-ed for The Cincinnati Enquirer, in which he discussed his efforts to secure additional aid for those facing evictions. Portman has long focused on ensuring Ohioans have affordable housing and is currently championing the bipartisan Evictions Crisis Act, which will help to address the national housing crisis that has been made worse by the economic impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The bipartisan legislation, which Portman introduced in December 2019, will shed light on the root causes of the eviction crisis, reduce preventable evictions, and limit the devastation to families when eviction is unavoidable. More than 75 national and Ohio based housing, civil rights, and homelessness groups have announced their strong support for the Eviction Crisis Act.\nOn Thursday, Portman touted the distribution of $77 million in federal State Opioid Response (SOR) grants to help local communities combat Ohio's drug crisis. The SOR program, funded through the 21st Century CURES Act, has been used by states to increase access to naloxone and support access to long-term addiction treatment and recovery services. Portman championed the passage of the CURES law and consistently works to increase the federal funding for the SOR program.\nIn addition, Portman highlighted the widespread support among Ohio stakeholders for his bipartisan Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) 2.0 - legislation to increase the funding authorization levels for the Comprehensive Addiction & Recovery Act programs enacted in 2016 and put in place additional policy reforms to help combat the opioid epidemic that has worsened during the coronavirus pandemic.\nFor a more detailed look at Senator Portman's week, please see the following:\nMonday, December 14, 2020\nWidespread Support Across Ohio for Portman's Bipartisan CARA 2.0 to Increase Access to Treatment, Prevention & Bolster Fight Against Addiction Epidemic\nAddiction treatment, recovery, enforcement, and prevention stakeholders across Ohio support Senator Portman's bipartisan Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) 2.0 to increase the funding authorization levels for the Comprehensive Addiction & Recovery Act (CARA) programs enacted in 2016 and put in place additional policy reforms to help combat the opioid epidemic that has worsened during the coronavirus pandemic. Portman introduced the legislation yesterday with Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN). CARA was a bipartisan, national effort designed to ensure that federal resources were devoted to evidence-based education, treatment and recovery programs that work. In FY 2020, CARA programs were funded at $658 million. CARA 2.0 builds on this effort by increasing the funding authorization levels and laying out new policy reforms to strengthen the federal government's response to this crisis.\nThe addiction treatment, recovery, enforcement, and prevention stakeholders across Ohio have voiced their support for the legislation can be found here.\nPortman Statement on the Electoral College Vote\nPortman released the following statement on the Electoral College vote:\nIn accordance with the Constitution and federal law, the Electoral College cast their votes for President today. The Electors met in their respective state following certification of the results. I think we need to respect this process the Founding Fathers established, and we must respect the will of the voters. As I've said previously, the Trump campaign had every right to pursue recounts and legal challenges. That has now happened over the past six weeks, and although there were instances of fraud and irregularities, it has not been shown to be widespread enough to change the result of the election. States must take seriously the proven examples of fraud and irregularities, prosecute anyone who engaged in it, and review voting systems to maintain the integrity of our elections. The transition process and briefings for the Biden team began three weeks ago at the direction of President Trump, and I commend him for that. The orderly transfer of power is a hallmark of our democracy, and although I supported President Trump, the Electoral College vote today makes clear that Joe Biden is now President-Elect.\nPortman, Bipartisan, Bicameral Members Share Details of Two Bipartisan COVID-19 Emergency Relief Bills\nSenators Rob Portman, Joe Manchin (D-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mark Warner (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Angus King (I-ME), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Tom Reed (R-NY) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) shared additional details for the two bipartisan, bicameral COVID-19 emergency relief bills.\nThe Bipartisan COVID-19 Emergency Relief Act of 2020, co-sponsored by Senators Portman, Manchin, Collins, Warner, Cassidy, Shaheen, Murkowski, King, Romney, Hassan, and Durbin, would provide as much as $748 billion in relief to American students, families, businesses, workers, and health care providers during this crisis. The Bipartisan State and Local Support and Small Business Protection Act of 2020, co-sponsored by Senators Portman, Manchin, Collins, Cassidy, Murkowski, and Romney, would provide $160 billion in funding for state and local governments and liability protections for businesses, schools, health care providers, and other organizations. The Problem Solvers Caucus is working on a version in the House.\nThe Senate should not adjourn until we have passed a new COVID-19 package to provide the relief Americans need, and I'm pleased to announce this bipartisan effort with my colleagues. Together, we have crafted two packages, one that will support our health care response to this pandemic and, just as important, provide a bridge of additional aid to bolster our economy until vaccines are widely available and Americans feel safe returning to normal life. The second package is focused on ensuring that state and local governments have the funding they need to provide essential services while protecting businesses, nonprofits, schools, and faith-based organizations from frivolous lawsuits. I hope all of our colleagues will support these bipartisan products, said Senator Portman.\nTuesday, December 15, 2020\nPortman Statement on Former Nationwide Children's Researcher and Chinese Talents Program Member Pleading Guilty for Alleged Theft of Scientific Trade Secrets and Wire Fraud\nPortman issued the following statement after John C. Demers, Assistant Attorney General for National Security, David M. DeVillers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Chris Hoffman, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced that a former Nationwide Children's Hospital's Research Institute researcher pleaded guilty to conspiring to steal scientific trade secrets and commit wire fraud while receiving benefits from the Chinese government. The researcher's wife previously pleaded guilty to the same crimes in July 2020.\nSenator Portman, as Chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), led a year-long investigation into China's talent recruitment programs like the Thousand Talents Program, culminating in a bipartisan report in November 2019 that detailed how China has recruited U.S.-based scientists and researchers since the late 1990s and incentivized them to transfer U.S. taxpayer-funded research and IP to China for their own military and economic gain. This case follows the string of arrests of academics affiliated with American universities for alleged crimes related to their participation in China's talent recruitment programs while accepting American taxpayer-funded grant funding. Earlier this year, Portman introduced the bipartisan Safeguarding American Innovation Act to protect American research and IP from global competitors. Both FBI Director Wray and Attorney General Barr, have spoken about the threat to American taxpayer-funded research and intellectual property from foreign governments, particularly China, which would be addressed by this legislation.\nI'm pleased that our committee investigation and resulting report last year continues to spur action by federal law enforcement to hold China accountable. For too long, China has exploited the lack of transparency in our education system to steal our taxpayer-funded research and innovation. I commend U.S. Attorney DeVillers and the DOJ for their work to stop another alleged member of China's talent programs, adding to the string of arrests that have been announced this year. This case further underscores the need for my bipartisan legislation to safeguard American innovation, hold countries like China accountable for their actions, and ensure our world-class research enterprise is protected here in America. I am encouraged by the actions taken by DOJ and the FBI to stop the exploitation of the openness and transparency of our research enterprise. China's ongoing theft of America's research and innovation must stop.\nPortman, Heinrich Secure Groundbreaking Advancements for Artificial Intelligence in FY 2021 NDAA\nSenators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM), the co-founders of the Senate Artificial Intelligence Caucus, have secured the most significant advancements for Artificial Intelligence (AI) ever included in a defense policy bill.\nThe FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) authorizes versions of four major pieces of legislation championed by Senators Portman and Heinrich that include: Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act (AI-IA), Artificial Intelligence for the Armed Forces Act, National AI Research Resource Task Force Act, Deepfakes Report Act\nWe cannot take America's AI leadership for granted. Right now, China is engaging in a full court press to unseat the United States' dominance in AI, said Portman. I'm pleased the FY 2021 NDAA conference report includes the AI-IA, National AI Research Resource Task Force Act, Artificial Intelligence for the Armed Forces Act, and the Deepfakes Report Act which provide groundbreaking advancements in AI in our nation. By coordinating and synchronizing our country's research and development efforts, these bipartisan bills ensure not just that the United States remains an AI leader, but that it does so by developing AI technology that prioritizes American values.\nSenate-Passed FY 2021 NDAA Conference Report Includes Wins for Ohio, Increases Troop Pay, Supports Ukraine Security Assistance\nPortman announced that the Senate-passed FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report includes a number of initiatives to support Ohio's military installations, increase troop pay, and provide additional assistance to Ukraine. The report now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law. He released the following statement: \nI'm proud that the Senate-passed conference report provides needed resources to continue rebuilding our military, support our troops, and provide upgrades and support to Ohio's defense installations. Our country faces significant security threats around the world, and this bipartisan legislation will help ensure that our soldiers, airmen, sailors, Marines and space professionals have the vital resources they need to accomplish their national security missions. Ohio is home to the best and brightest serving our country and some of our nation's premier defense installations, and this legislation provides for their continued success. This conference report also takes additional steps I've fought for to help Ukraine defend themselves against Russian aggression. This security assistance package sends a clear message that America continues to stand with the Ukrainian people in their struggle to secure a democratic, prosperous, and independent future and I hope the president signs it into law soon.\nPortman Announces $12.7 Million in FEMA Grants to Ohio Health Care Systems to Help Continue to Provide COVID-19 Treatment, Testing & Protective Measures\nPortman applauded the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for announcing two grants totaling $12.7 million to help health care systems in Ohio with costs associated with COVID-19. FEMA awarded these grants from replenished funds accessible thanks to the bipartisan CARES Act, which Senator Portman supported and was signed into law by President Trump.\nThe $12.7 million in FEMA funding announced today is great news for the Ohio State University and Premier Health because it will help them continue to provide the treatment and health care that Ohio desperately needs during this ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, said Portman. This pandemic has created significant and unprecedented challenges across Ohio and these grants will provide much-needed additional support for these hard-working health care providers. I will continue to work with my bipartisan colleagues in Congress to ensure that Ohio has the necessary resources during these uncertain times.\nWednesday, December 16, 2020\nPortman Applauds Service of Justin Herdman, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District\nPortman issued the following statement on the service of Justin Herdman as the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio. The Northern District of Ohio consists of the 40 northern counties in Ohio and has offices in Cleveland, Toledo, Akron and Youngstown. Portman praised the confirmation of Justin Herdman for the position of U.S. Attorney in the Northern District of Ohio in 2017.\nI want to thank U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman for his outstanding service to northern Ohio and the U.S. Department of Justice. I was proud to recommend him for his role as U.S. Attorney and I enjoyed working with him on issues important to Ohio and the country. Under Justin's leadership, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Ohio has led the charge on nationwide efforts to reduce violent crime and the trafficking of dangerous narcotics like fentanyl and synthetic opioids. I have particularly appreciated working with him on addressing the addiction crisis and stopping the theft of our nation's intellectual property by foreign governments like China. Justin has made a real difference in his office and in his community and I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.\nAt Hearing, Portman Questions Witnesses on Election Security & Cybersecurity Threats Facing United States\nAt a Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing, Portman questioned witnesses about election security and the cybersecurity threats facing the country. Portman has led efforts to address state and local cybersecurity threats and has worked to combat cyberattacks and ensure elections are free, fair, and secure from foreign interference. Last week, Portman announced that the Senate-passed FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report included his bipartisan provision to require the Department of Homeland Security to establish a Cybersecurity State Coordinator position in every state. In 2018, Senator Portman's bipartisan Hack Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Act and Public-Private Cybersecurity Cooperation Act were included in a package of bills that were signed into law.\nIn addition, earlier this year, Senators Portman and Gary Peters (D-MI) introduced the bipartisan Risk-Informed Spending for Cybersecurity (RISC) Act to require the federal government to make better investments in cybersecurity protections to keep Americans' data safe. The legislation would require federal agencies to efficiently allocate limited cybersecurity resources to acquire capabilities that address the most pressing cyber threats. In addition, earlier this month, the senators introduced a bipartisan bill that would increase transparency and modernize how the government responds to cybersecurity incidents on federal information systems. Federal System Incident Response Act will update and add critical new sections to FISMA, increasing transparency by clarifying how and when agencies must notify impacted individuals and Congress when data breaches occur. The bill would also require agencies to share information about cybersecurity incidents with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to ensure that attacks against one agency can be compared to other agency incidents. \nIn June 2019, Senator Portman, as Chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, released a bipartisan report that found that the vast majority of federal agencies reviewed by the Subcommittee failed to implement effective and comprehensive cybersecurity frameworks. This included the failure to protect sensitive personally identifiable information and an overreliance on outdated legacy systems.\nExcerpts of the hearing can be found here and a video can be found here.\nPortman, Brown Applaud House Passage of Bipartisan Legislation to Rename NASA's Plum Brook Station Test Facility After Neil Armstrong\nSenators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) applauded the U.S. House of Representatives for passing their bipartisan legislation to rename NASA's Plum Brook Station, the agency's test facility in Sandusky, Ohio, after Neil Armstrong. Portman and Brown introduced the legislation last year and it was passed by the Senate in June. Plum Brook is part of the NASA Glenn Research Center. It houses unique world-class facilities that conduct critical and innovative ground tests for the international aerospace community. The legislation now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law.\nFrom his service as a Navy fighter pilot, to his courageous experiments as a test pilot, to his space exploration and first step on the surface of the Moon, Neil Armstrong left an indelible mark in mankind's history of flight. In all his accomplishments, he considered himself first and foremost a test pilot who pushed the boundaries of what was possible in the air and in space, Senator Portman said. Neil was a humble and patriotic Ohioan who believed the honor of serving his country was a reward in and of itself. That's why, when I asked him the year before he passed away whether he wanted me to pursue naming Plum Brook after him, he demurred. But he was a strong supporter of Plum Brook Station and the important simulations and testing being done there, and I believe it is precisely because of his humility, coupled with his unparalleled accomplishments, that the renaming is appropriate. In consultation with his family and NASA, Senator Brown and I introduced this legislation last year and I applaud the House for passing it today. I urge the president to sign this legislation into law soon as a fitting tribute to Armstrongs amazing accomplishments in air and in space.\nOn CNBC, Portman Discusses Bipartisan Efforts to Pass COVID-19 Relief Package\nOn CNBC's Squawk Box, Portman discussed his bipartisan efforts to pass a COVID-19 relief package. Earlier this week, Portman joined a group of bipartisan senators in introducing two bipartisan packages to provide as much as $908 billion in relief to American students, families, businesses, workers, and health care providers during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Congressional leadership is using most of legislation for the basis of the final product they will unveil to create a bridge of support between now and when the COVID-19 vaccine is widely available.\nIn addition, Senator Portman highlighted the importance of coming together on a bipartisan basis to focus on what's best for the American people in the new Congress. Senator Portman believes it's vital that Congress set the example by coming together to solve important problems facing all Americans, regardless of political affiliation.\nExcerpts of the interview can be found here and a video can be found here.\nPortman Op-Ed in The Cincinnati Enquirer: Help is on the Way to Prevent Evictions\nToday, in an op-ed for The Cincinnati Enquirer, Senator Portman discussed his bipartisan efforts to pass a COVID-19 relief package, including additional aid to help those facing evictions. Portman has long focused on ensuring Ohioans have affordable housing and is currently championing the bipartisan Evictions Crisis Act, which will help to address the national housing crisis that has been made worse by the economic impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The bipartisan legislation, which Portman introduced in December 2019, will shed light on the root causes of the eviction crisis, reduce preventable evictions, and limit the devastation to families when eviction is unavoidable. More than 75 national and Ohio based housing, civil rights, and homelessness groups have announced their strong support for the Eviction Crisis Act.\nEarlier this week, Portman joined a group of bipartisan senators in introducing two bipartisan packages to provide as much as $908 billion in relief to American students, families, businesses, workers, and health care providers during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. The legislation includes a provision to provide an additional $25 billion in rental assistance across the country to help cover the rent for thousands of households. Congressional leadership is using most of the legislation as the basis for the final product they will unveil to create a bridge of support between now and when the COVID-19 vaccine is widely available.\nThe full op-ed can be found here.\nPortman Applauds HUD for Awarding Lucas County $450,000 Initiative Planning Grant to Ensure Stable Housing\nPortman applauded the announcement that Lucas County Metropolitan Housing and the City of Toledo have been selected to receive a $450,000 2020 Choice Neighborhoods Initiative Planning Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Choice Neighborhoods program leverages significant public and private dollars to support locally driven strategies that address struggling neighborhoods with distressed public and/or HUD-assisted housing through a comprehensive approach to neighborhood transformation.\nPortman has long focused on ensuring Ohioans have affordable housing and is currently championing the bipartisan Evictions Crisis Act which will help to address the national housing crisis that is undermining the efforts of millions of Americans to rise into the middle class. The bipartisan legislation will shed light on the root causes of the eviction crisis, reduce preventable evictions, and limit the devastation to families when eviction is unavoidable. More than 75 national and Ohio based housing, civil rights, and homelessness groups have announced their strong support for the Eviction Crisis Act. Portman released the following statement:\nThis $450,000 grant is great news for those struggling to find or stay in stable housing in Lucas County and the city of Toledo. I'm pleased to see that they have been selected for this grant that will help them to complete their Transformation Plan that will ultimately improve and create housing opportunities, said Portman. Stable housing is a key factor to keeping people out of poverty, and the COVID-19 pandemic has made this issue more important than ever. I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure Ohioans have the resources they need to address this housing and evictions crisis.\nPortman: $77 Million in Federal Funds Will Help Combat Addiction in Ohio\nPortman praised the announcement today from Governor Mike DeWine, Recovery Ohio Director Alisha Nelson, and Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) Director Lori Criss on how the state will distribute $77 million in federal State Opioid Response (SOR) grants to help local communities combat Ohio's drug crisis. As Portman announced in August, Ohio received $96 million in SOR funding and today's grants represent a portion of that funding. The SOR program, funded through the 21st Century CURES Act, has been used by states to increase access to naloxone and support access to long-term addiction treatment and recovery services. Portman championed the passage of the CURES law and consistently works to increase the federal funding for the SOR program.\nToday's SOR grant announcement comes at a time when many communities are suffering from an increase in addiction, overdoses, and the need for behavioral health services due to the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Portman has repeatedly discussed the impact the ongoing COVID-19 crisis is having on the addiction epidemic and called for a redoubling of efforts to save lives.\nOhioMHAS will award $58.8 million in grants directly to local county alcohol, drug addiction and mental health services boards and their community partners. OhioMHAS will make the remaining funding available for organizations utilizing innovative approaches for connecting people to care.\nState Opioid Response funds are vital for Ohio's continued efforts to combat the addiction epidemic, and I'm pleased to have led efforts to create this federal funding stream through the CURES legislation and to help secure this funding for Ohio, said Portman. The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges and we are now seeing a heartbreaking surge in overdose deaths. That's why I'm glad this federal funding will make a difference and continue to help save lives throughout Ohio. I will continue to work with my colleagues and Governor DeWine to ensure that our local communities and addiction providers have the resources they need to continue to combat this epidemic.\nOn Former U.S. Trade Representatives Panel, Portman Highlights Importance of Renewing Trade Promotion Authority, Proposes Supercharging' American Competitiveness\nPortman participated in a Center for Strategic and International Studies virtual event entitled A Conversation with Former USTRs, and highlighted the importance of renewing the Trade Promotion Authority (TPA). He also proposed using TPA, or a similar opportunity, to invest in American workers with new anti-dumping and countervailing duty laws, as well as in American manufacturing and high technology, like artificial intelligence, all in an effort to keep the United States competitive with respect to China. Portman, who was the U.S. Trade Representative during the George W. Bush administration, has been a leading voice in the Senate on U.S. trade policy and serves on the Senate Finance Committee, which has jurisdiction over trade issues.\nIn addition, Senator Portman discussed his support for President-Elect Biden's nomination of Katherine Tai to be the next U.S. Trade Representative.\nExcerpts of the event can be found here and a video of Senator Portman's remarks can be found here and here.\nOn Senate Floor, Portman Calls on Senate to Pass Critical Legislation to Respond to Challenges of COVID-19\nOn the Senate floor, Portman gave his 21st speech since March calling on Congress to pass legislation to respond to the health care and economic crises caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier this week, Portman joined a group of bipartisan senators in introducing two bipartisan packages to provide as much as $908 billion in relief to American students, families, businesses, workers, and health care providers during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Congressional leadership is using most of the legislation for the basis of the final product they will unveil to create a bridge of support between now and when the COVID-19 vaccine is widely available.\nIn addition, Portman pushed for the year-end agreement to include the Craft Beverage Modernization & Tax Reform Act, bipartisan legislation he has championed and cosponsored to make tax relief permanent for the craft beverage industry. Portman has consistently discussed the importance of supporting America's craft beverage industry, especially since brew pubs and other craft beverage retail operations have been hit hard by the COVID-19 economic slowdown. He urged his colleagues to support both the COVID-19 relief package and the upcoming end-of-year funding agreement so that Americans get the relief they need in time for the holidays.\nA transcript of his remarks can be found here and a video can be found here.\nHouse Passes Portman, Shaheen Bipartisan Legislation to Reauthorize Peace Corps Commemorative Project\nSenators Rob Portman and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) applauded the U.S. House of Representatives for passing their bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Peace Corps Commemorative project. Representatives Joe Kennedy III (D-MA) and Garret Graves (R-LA) led the legislation in the House. In 2014, Senator Portman's and Rep. Kennedy's bipartisan Peace Corps Commemorative Act was signed into law to create a commemorative in Washington, D.C.'s National Capital Area to celebrate the mission of the Peace Corps and the ideals on which the Peace Corps was founded. This bipartisan legislation designated the Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation as the lead nonfederal sponsor for the project, and prohibits the use of federal funding. The current authorization for the project is set to expire in January 2021. This legislation would extend the authorization for the project for an additional seven years, to January 2028, in order for the project to secure the necessary design approvals and raise the funding for construction. The legislation now awaits action in the Senate.\nFor more than 50 years, the Peace Corps has served as a powerful vehicle for volunteers who wish to use their talents to carry America's humanitarian values to other parts of the world, said Portman. By reauthorizing this project, we can ensure the Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation can finish this important project and honor those Americans who have donated their time and talent to serving others. I am pleased that this legislation was approved by the House today, and I urge my Senate colleagues to support it so that it can head to the President's desk for his signature.\nFriday, December 18, 2020\nPortman, Bipartisan, Bicameral Group Urges Leadership to Continue Moving Forward on COVID-19 Emergency Relief Package\nSenators Rob Portman (R-OH), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mark Warner (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Angus King (I-ME), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Tom Reed (R-NY) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) urged Senate and House Leadership to continue moving forward to finalize a COVID-19 emergency relief package. Earlier this week, the Senators and the Problem Solvers Caucus announced two bipartisan packages, one of which, the bipartisan COVID-19 Emergency Relief Act of 2020, is serving as the framework for the final COVID-19 relief package.\nThis pandemic has been devastating for millions of Americans and without Congressional action they will lose the lifelines that are keeping them afloat. We appreciate the ongoing efforts of Leader McConnell, Speaker Pelosi, Leader Schumer and Leader McCarthy to craft an emergency COVID-19 relief package that will help the American people weather the next few months of this pandemic. We know first-hand how hard it can be to find common ground on some of these issues. We encourage the leaders and their staff to continue this important work. By working together, we can and we will deliver immediate assistance to the workers, the families, and the businesses that need it most.\nPortman, Peters Statement on Widespread Cyberattacks, Plan Hearings & Legislation in Early 2021\nSenators Rob Portman and Gary Peters (D-MI) issued the following statement on the ongoing cyberattacks against our federal agencies, U.S. companies, and some state governments. Portman and Peters have been leaders in the Senate on legislative efforts to strengthen the federal government cyber response. They will lead the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee in the new Congress and plan to hold hearings and work on bipartisan comprehensive cybersecurity legislation in the new year.\nThe recently discovered and ongoing cyberattacks cannot be tolerated and demonstrate the weakness of our cyber defenses and capacity to respond. These attacks were highly complex and they must be unraveled to know the full extent of the exposure to federal and state agencies and the private sector. The immediate effort must be to stop the immediate threat and ensure our systems are secure. We will in the future need to understand the full scope and impact to ensure that we know what damage has been done and to better prepare to respond next time. These types of sophisticated attacks are going to continue and we must work across the federal government, as well as with our private sector and state and local partners, to learn from this and strengthen our cyber defenses moving forward.\nIn June 2019, the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations released a bipartisan report that extensively documented the cybersecurity vulnerabilities and weaknesses in many of our federal agencies, including the Departments of State and Homeland Security. Next Congress, through the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, we intend to work together to understand the origin, scope, and severity of this breach, and plan to work on bipartisan comprehensive legislation to improve our cyber defenses to ensure this doesn't happen again.\nPortman, Warner, Blumenthal, Grassley Urge U.S. Trade Rep to Not Include Tech Liability Shield in US-UK Trade Agreement\nSenators Rob Portman, Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Charles E. Grassley (R-IA) sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Robert Lighthizer urging the Trump Administration to refrain from including sweeping liability protection language modeled on Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996 in a trade agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom.\nWe are optimistic that a new trade agreement with the United Kingdom will ensure fair, balanced, and reciprocal trade. But we want to note that we have concerns with the inclusion of safe harbor language modeled on Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996, wrote the Senators. Including a safe harbor clause in any future trade agreements will further allocate more power to companies at the expense of individuals.\nThey continued, Congress can and should debate about Section 230 and how it has enabled platforms to turn a blind eye as their platforms are used to facilitate discrimination, cyber-stalking, terrorism, online frauds, and more. We urge USTR to refrain from including this provision in this and future free trade agreements until that debate has concluded.\nA copy of the letter is available here.\nOn Senate Floor, Portman Condemns Widespread Cyberattacks, Calls for Bipartisan Efforts to Bolster Cybersecurity\nPortman strongly spoke out against the ongoing cyberattacks on our federal agencies, U.S. companies, and some state governments on the Senate floor. Earlier today, Portman, who will serve as the top Republican on Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee in the new Congress, condemned the cyberattacks and announced plans to hold hearings and work on bipartisan comprehensive cybersecurity legislation in the new year.\nPortman noted that these attacks demonstrate the vulnerabilities of our cyber defenses and the need for bipartisan action in Congress to do more to equip the federal government to defend against and deter future cyberattacks. He highlighted the bipartisan report he issued last year as Chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations warning of vulnerabilities at federal agencies to cyberattacks. Portman also spoke about his leadership in legislative efforts to strengthen the federal government cyber response.\nA transcript of his remarks can be found here and a video can be found here.\nPortman, Bipartisan, Bicameral Group: Finish What We Started\nSenators Rob Portman (R-OH), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mark Warner (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Angus King (I-ME), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) and Tom Reed (R-NY-23) called on Congress to deliver immediate COVID-19 relief to the American people. Earlier this week, the Senators and the Problem Solvers Caucus announced two bipartisan packages, one of which, the bipartisan COVID-19 Emergency Relief Act of 2020, is serving as the framework for the final COVID-19 relief package.\nToday we find ourselves in the middle of a global pandemic that has taken the lives of more than 310,000 Americans, and hours away from a government shutdown that threatens to delay urgent aid to people in need throughout the nation. We must set our differences aside. The American people elected us to govern on their behalf, and at a time when they need us more than ever we must end the partisan games and meet this moment together for the good of the country. On Monday, our bipartisan, bicameral group presented a bill that helps provide for the emergency needs of the millions of families struggling to make ends meet. Once again, we encourage the leaders to finish what we started and deliver immediate assistance to the workers, families and businesses that need it most.\nOn Senate Floor, Portman Urges Colleagues to Pass Short-Term Funding Measure & End Government Shutdowns for Good\nOn the Senate floor, hours before the government will shut down if a temporary funding measure isn't passed, Portman discussed the unnecessary costs of government shutdowns and highlighted his End Government Shutdowns Act, which would permanently prevent the federal government from shutting down, ensure that essential government services aren't disrupted, and protect taxpayers from resulting deficits. The measure would create an automatic continuing resolution (CR) in the event of a lapse of appropriations, and incentivize Congress to pass full-year appropriations bills through gradually reducing spending after 120 days.\nLast year, Portman released the findings of a nine-month investigation by the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, which he chairs, detailing the real-world costs of the last three government shutdowns. Alongside Ranking Member Tom Carper (D-DE), Portman found that the combined 54 days of partial or full government closures since FY 2014 resulted in at least $4 billion in costs for taxpayers and 56,938 years of missed work by furloughed federal workers.\nTranscript of his remarks can be found below and a video can be found here.\n\nSOCIAL MEDIA\n\n\n\nPortman: Help is on the way to combat opioid crisis\nThe refrain I hear across Ohio about the opioid epidemic is clear: People are desperate for hope, and they want solutions.\nWe've made progress recently, and we have much more to do. But I'm proud that Congress took another important step to make the federal government a better partner through new legislation the president just signed into law.\nThe most urgent crisis we face in Ohio is the rise of fentanyl  a synthetic opioid 50 times more potent than heroin. Fentanyl overdose deaths in Ohio have increased by nearly 4,000 percent since 2013, and last year fentanyl was responsible for more than 70 percent of Ohio overdose deaths.\nNewtown Police Chief Tom Synan, co-chair of the Hamilton County Heroin Coalition, told me at a recent meeting that fentanyl continues to be the top killer in Greater Cincinnati  and other drugs like cocaine, heroin and meth are being laced with it.\nIn August 2016, Cincinnati experienced 174 overdoses over six days. That spike was caused by a fentanyl analogue called carfentanil. It drew national attention to this crisis  and highlighted the need to act.\nJust days after we learned this spike was caused by synthetic opioids, I introduced bipartisan legislation to combat the rise of these drugs.\nBased on an 18-month investigation by a congressional subcommittee I chair, we know that fentanyl is mostly shipped into our communities from China through our U.S. Postal Service. Our legislation addressed that.\nThe legislation  the STOP Act  was included in the new opioid law the president signed last week and closes the loophole in our international mail screening that drug traffickers have exploited. It requires the Postal Service to receive electronic advance data on packages entering the U.S., something private carriers are already required to do.\nThis information allows law enforcement to identify suspicious packages, test them and seize fentanyl.\nI've seen this process in person, including at the DHL distribution center at the Greater Cincinnati airport, where I met with Customs and Border Protection officers who told me how badly they need this information to keep fentanyl out.\nNow that it is law, the STOP Act will act as a tourniquet, stemming the flow of fentanyl into Ohio and allowing prevention, treatment, and recovery programs to take hold.\nThe new opioid law also expands access to treatment. When someone is ready to get over their addiction, treatment centers have to be ready to accept them. I've talked with too many families who have lost loved ones from overdoses after they were turned away from a treatment center because there wasn't enough space.\nA decades-old policy restricts those with Medicaid from seeking care in facilities with more than 16 beds. The new law includes bipartisan legislation I authored to lift this arbitrary restriction.\nWe want to help more people with the disease of addiction get treatment, and this initiative will do that. It will also ensure that all forms of substance abuse are covered and that treatment centers offer multiple forms of medication-assisted treatment to help people get treatment that is right for them.\nThe new opioid law also helps protect pregnant and postpartum moms affected by addiction as well as babies born dependent on drugs. These innocent babies have to be taken through the process of withdrawal as infants  and the long-term health effects are uncertain.\nEarlier this year, I introduced CARA 2.0 to build on the successes of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA), my bipartisan legislation that became law in 2016. A number of provisions from CARA 2.0 are in this new law, including $60 million for a plan of safe care for babies born dependent on drugs.\nThis is welcomed news for Cincinnati organizations like First Step Home, which provides support for expecting mothers, and Cincinnati Children's Hospital, which has an innovative program to help babies born dependent on drugs.\nThe law also includes the CRIB Act, a bipartisan bill I co-authored that will help newborns recover from addiction in the best care setting possible and provide support for their families.\nI've seen the love and care babies receive through these impressive recovery programs, like Brigid's Path in Dayton. This new law will assist that great program and support more like it.\nDespite overdose deaths rising to new highs last year, there are some encouraging signs. In Cincinnati, more Narcan is being distributed to save lives, medication-assisted treatment is being expanded at places like Center for Addiction Treatment and Talbert House to help more people get into effective treatment to overcome their addiction. Mercy Health in Cincinnati is partnering with treatment centers to bridge the transition from immediate medical assistance and detox to longer-term treatment and wellness.\nThrough the commitment I have seen at the local level and this new law's renewed partnership from the federal level, I believe we can turn the corner and take back our communities from the grips of addiction.\n\nElection Political Poison' Needs Bipartisan Fix, Portman Says\nA bipartisan commission might be the solution to removing the partisan poison from debate over the 2020 election, the next top Republican on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee said\nPulling this out of politics a little bit and having a bipartisan group that is more independent look at the issue is a good idea, Rob Portman (R-Ohio) said during a sometimes tense panel hearing Wednesday.\nThe hearing, Examining Irregularities in the 2020 Election, included at least one exchange between the current ranking member, Gary Peters (D-Mich.), and outgoing Chairman Ron Johnson (R-Wis.). Each senator accused the other of spreading disinformation or lies.\nThe bitter exchange and the hearing come as President Donald Trump refuses to accept the outcome of the 2020 election, which the electoral college this week certified he lost to president-election Joe Biden, and continues to lean on claims of widespread election fraud that his own attorney general and the Department of Homeland Security have found to be untrue.\nPortman, who will either be chairman or ranking member of the committee next Congress depending on the outcome of two Georgia Senate runoffs Jan. 5, is discussing with at least one Democratic colleague creating such a commission, he said. His remarks and proposal to extract the dispute from the committee's purview suggest how he'd prefer to see the committee operate.\nPortman proposed something similar to the 2005 Commission on Federal Election Reform, co-chaired by former President Jimmy Carter and former Secretary of State James A. Baker III. Baker was a consigliere to George W. Bush, who won the presidency over then-Vice President Al Gore in 2000 after the U.S. Supreme Court halted a recount in Florida.\nKen Starr, the former independent counsel in the investigation that led to President Bill Clinton's impeachment, lauded the idea of a new commission akin to Carter-Baker during the hearing Wednesday.\nIn light of the acrimony and the division with respect to the 2000 election, bringing together Jimmy Carter and former secretary Baker was, I think, very efficacious. They made thoughtful recommendations. But they bring attention and shed light on what the issues are, he said.\nHowever, the Brennan Center for Justice panned much of the report at the time, saying its study was only of a cursory nature after two hearings and no public comment opportunities.\nAlthough a number of its recommendations could improve our electoral system, several of its suggestions would be damaging and should not be included in any proposal for election reform, the report said. One of the biggest issues voting rights advocates took with the report at the time were recommendations on voter ID, a sore point to this day.\nPortman wants to establish the 2020 look-back commission quickly so it would be able to offer best practices to states before the next midterm elections, he said.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://anthonygonzalez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=309", "Gonzalez, Sherman, Van Hollen Applaud Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act\u2019s Signing into Law", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "OH", "Anthony Gonzalez", "G000588", "anthonygonzalez.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Anthony Gonzalez (RRocky River), U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Congressmen Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) released the following statements regarding the signing of their bipartisan Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act into law.\r\n\r\nTheHolding ForeignCompaniesAccountable Actis about ending the practice of companies based in China, some fully controlled by the Chinese Communist Party, from taking advantage of a loophole in securities law to fund their enterprises. Simply put, if a company wants access to US capital markets, they should follow US securities laws.I am pleased to see this bill be signed into law, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside my colleagues to hold the CCPaccountable and protect our investors and businesses,said CongressmanGonzalez.\r\n\r\nIt's our job to protect American investors from fraudulent businesses seeking to take advantage of them. Requiring all publicly listed companies on our U.S. exchanges to be held to the same standards is the best way to do that. Taking this action is crucial to hold Chinese companies accountable and to safeguard the millions of American families who rely on modest investments to retire, send their kids to college, and weather financial emergencies. I've been proud to lead this this bipartisan effort, and I'm glad to see the President sign it into law today. I will continue fighting to improve our financial system and ensure it puts the American people first,said Senator Van Hollen.\r\n\r\nThis may be the most significant piece of investor protection legislation passed in several years,said Congressman Sherman, Chair of the Investor Protection and Capital Markets subcommittee. It is designed to assure U.S. investors of financial statement integrity, when they invest in any of 224 U.S. exchange-listed companies with over $1.8 trillion in market capitalization. The purpose is not to de-list any company, but to persuade China to allow the audit oversight that U.S. investors need, and the U.S. investors get when investing in U.S. companies or companies in over 50 foreign jurisdictions.\r\n\r\nThe Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act  led by Congressmen Gonzalez and Sherman andSenators Van Hollen and John Kennedy (R-La.)  prohibits securities of a company from being listed on any of the U.S. securities exchanges if the company has failed to comply with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board's (PCAOB) audits for three years in a row. The bill would also require public companies to disclose whether they are owned or controlled by a foreign government, including China's communist government.The text of the legislation is available here.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/chairwoman-kaptur-statement-cybersecurity-breach", "Chairwoman Kaptur Statement on Cybersecurity Breach", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "OH", "Marcy Kaptur", "K000009", "kaptur.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies, released the following statement on the massive cybersecurity breach affecting federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Energy:\n\nThe cyberattack of U.S. government agencies and assets by Russian intelligence, including at the U.S. Department of Energy, through the private firm SolarWinds, is deeply troubling especially given the ongoing presidential transition of power,said Rep. Kaptur.Russia's actions are a breach of U.S. national security.Early reports highlight the serious consequences this could have for U.S. national security, though much is still unknown. Federal leaders across departments, agencies, and Congress must fully investigate what occurred, the risks, and how to prevent this from ever occurring again in the future.\n\nAlthough press reports indicate Russia's specific intensions are unknown, to date, its history of misinformation and overt sabotage reminds us that a united effort to combat their aggression is needed. We must work with our Allies to immediately discern what occurred and determine the appropriate response to hold all malign actors accountable. A coordinated domestic response supportedby international Allies will echo loudly and send a clear signal to Russia and all adversaries that such acts of aggression will not be tolerated.\n\nAs Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, I am particularly troubled by the implications this breach may have on the Department of Energy.I urge a full investigation by both Congress and the impacted agencies. Our nation must secure and defend our critical information and national assets assuring maximum confidentiality.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://timryan.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-tim-ryan-and-senators-brown-portman-applaud-passage-ryan-s", "Congressman Tim Ryan and Senators Brown & Portman Applaud Passage of Ryans Legislation to Name Youngstown Veterans Affairs Clinic After Local Army Hero Carl Nunziato", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "OH", "Tim Ryan", "R000577", "timryan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13) along with Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Rob Portman (R-OH) today applauded the final Senate passage of bipartisan and bicameral legislation authored by Ryan to name a Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Youngstown, Ohio after Major Carl Nunziato, a veteran of the U.S. Army. \nMajor Nunziato served two voluntary tours of combat duty in Vietnam, where he was severely injured by a mortar shell while protecting the village of Soui Da, causing him to lose his legs. For his bravery, he received the Bronze Star, the Army Air Medal, a Purple Heart, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. Throughout his admirable life, Carl Nunziato has served Youngstown and the United States, both at home and abroad with bravery and honor. He has worked valiantly to improve accessibility, right, and quality of life for veterans and people with disabilities, and the naming of the Youngstown Veterans Affairs Clinic after Mr. Nunziato is a fitting tribute to his outstanding work and service.\nMajor Carl Nunziato is a true American hero and represents the very best of Ohio. From serving two tours in Vietnam to fighting for veterans and disabled rights, Carl has dedicated his life to serving our country. He was instrumental to bringing the VA outpatient clinic to Youngstown, and his tireless work in our community and with Youngstown State has helped countless students and veterans. I couldn't be prouder that we are naming the new Youngstown VA facility in Carl's honor and recognizing his heroism and sacrifice,said Congressman Tim Ryan.\nThe renaming of the Youngstown VA Clinic in honor of Major Carl Nunziato is the right way to honor a man who did so much to help his fellow veterans. Carl served our nation honorably in Vietnam and then continued that service through his work in the Valley through his advocacy work and philanthropy. I'm glad to join Senator Portman and Representative Ryan in celebrating this well-deserved honor,said Senator Sherrod Brown.\nCarl Nunziato is a true son of Ohio and an American patriot who deserves this honor,said Senator Rob Portman.I'm proud that my Senate colleagues passed this important legislation to name the Veterans Affairs clinic in Youngstown, Ohio after Major Nunziato. He has fought and sacrificed for our nation, for his fellow veterans, and for all disabled Americans and this legislation is a fitting tribute to his valuable achievements. I'm grateful for his service and proud to call him a fellow Ohioan.\nCongressman Ryanintroduced this legislationin the House last year, and thenpressed US House Leadersto ensure its swift passage earlier this fall. Just over a week later, itpassed the Houseand was sent to the Senate for consideration.\nWatch Congressman Ryan's full remarks on the House floorregarding this legislation.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wenstrup.house.gov/updates/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404560", "Wenstrup Receives COVID-19 Vaccine; Encourages Others to Do the Same", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "OH", "Brad Wenstrup", "W000815", "wenstrup.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.Today, Congressman Brad Wenstrup, D.P.M. (OH-02) received his first of two doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at the U.S. Capitol through the Office of the Attending Physician.\r\nAfter the incredibly challenging year we've had, I feel very blessed to receive this vaccine. I hope that my decision to get it gives my constituents confidence in thesafety and efficacy that havebeen demonstrated in the extensive trails, said Congressman Wenstrup. Taking the vaccine will help protect our community, help end the pandemic, restore our way of life, and rebuild the economy. I urge everyone to learn the facts about this vaccine, consult with their doctor, and make the decision that is best for them.\r\nHe also added, I'm extremely grateful to the doctors, scientists, researchers, and manufacturers who worked around the clock to develop and produce this vaccine in record time. I commend President Trump, Vice President Pence, Secretary Azar, Dr. Moncef Slaoui, General Gustave Perna, the Operation Warp Speed team, and the thousands of clinical trial participantsfor their leadership on this endeavor, which will go down as one of the greatest medical feats in history.\r\nAbout the Pfizer vaccine:\r\nThe Pfizer vaccine is administered in two doses roughly 21 days apart. It is stored in temperatures of negative 94 degrees Fahrenheit and has demonstrated 95 percent efficacy in clinical trials.\r\nThe company received $1.95 billion from Operation Warp Speed to manufacture 100 million doses.\r\nBackground on the Availability of Pfizer/BioNTech COVID19 Vaccine for US Congress Continuity of Government Purpose from the Office of the Attending Physician:\r\nThe Food and Drug Administration granted an Emergency Use Authorization to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID19 vaccine on December 12, 2020. I have been notified by the National Security Council that consistent with Presidential Policy Directive 40 (2016), Congress and the Supreme Court, along with Executive Branch agencies, will be provided with a specific number of COVID19 vaccine doses to meet long-standing requirements for continuity of government operations. These requirements are focused on essential operations and personnel. PPD-40 establishes continuity requirements for the Federal Government and states that continuity actions for the Executive Branch should be undertaken in parallel with the Legislative and Judicial branches of government. The small number of COVID19 vaccine doses we will be provided reflects a fraction of the first tranche of vaccines as it is distributed throughout the country.\r\nThe following are some questions and answer format that may be helpful to inform your individual judgment about participating in this voluntary vaccination. My recommendation to you is absolutely unequivocal: there is no reason why you should defer receiving this vaccine. The benefit far exceeds any small risk.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-bipartisan-bicameral-group-finish-what-we-started", "Portman, Bipartisan, Bicameral Group: Finish What We Started", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Rob Portman", "P000449", "www.portman.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Portman, Bipartisan, Bicameral Group: Finish What We Started\n \n      \n  \n\n          \n                          \n      December 18, 2020\n      \n  \n |     \n                          \n      Press Releases\n      \n  \n  \n    \n                  WASHINGTON, DC  Today, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mark Warner (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Angus King (I-ME), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) and Tom Reed (R-NY-23) called on Congress to deliver immediate COVID-19 relief to the American people. Earlier this week, the Senators and the Problem Solvers Caucus announced two bipartisan packages, one of which, the bipartisan COVID-19 Emergency Relief Act of 2020, is serving as the framework for the final COVID-19 relief package.\nToday we find ourselves in the middle of a global pandemic that has taken the lives of more than 310,000 Americans, and hours away from a government shutdown that threatens to delay urgent aid to people in need throughout the nation. We must set our differences aside. The American people elected us to govern on their behalf, and at a time when they need us more than ever we must end the partisan games and meet this moment together for the good of the country. On Monday, our bipartisan, bicameral group presented a bill that helps provide for the emergency needs of the millions of families struggling to make ends meet. Once again, we encourage the leaders to finish what we started and deliver immediate assistance to the workers, families and businesses that need it most. \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-bipartisan-bicameral-group-urges-leadership-continue-moving-forward", "Portman, Bipartisan, Bicameral Group Urges Leadership to Continue Moving Forward on COVID-19 Emergency Relief Package", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Rob Portman", "P000449", "www.portman.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Portman, Bipartisan, Bicameral Group Urges Leadership to Continue Moving Forward on COVID-19 Emergency Relief Package\n \n      \n  \n\n          \n                          \n      December 18, 2020\n      \n  \n |     \n                          \n      Press Releases\n      \n  \n  \n    \n                  WASHINGTON, DC  Today, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mark Warner (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Angus King (I-ME), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Tom Reed (R-NY) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) urged Senate and House Leadership to continue moving forward to finalize a COVID-19 emergency relief package. Earlier this week, the Senators and the Problem Solvers Caucus announced two bipartisan packages, one of which, the bipartisan COVID-19 Emergency Relief Act of 2020, is serving as the framework for the final COVID-19 relief package.\nThis pandemic has been devastating for millions of Americans and without Congressional action they will lose the lifelines that are keeping them afloat. We appreciate the ongoing efforts of Leader McConnell, Speaker Pelosi, Leader Schumer and Leader McCarthy to craft an emergency COVID-19 relief package that will help the American people weather the next few months of this pandemic. We know first-hand how hard it can be to find common ground on some of these issues. We encourage the leaders and their staff to continue this important work. By working together, we can and we will deliver immediate assistance to the workers, the families, and the businesses that need it most.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-peters-statement-widespread-cyberattacks-plan-hearings-legislation", "Portman, Peters Statement on Widespread Cyberattacks, Plan Hearings & Legislation in Early 2021", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Rob Portman", "P000449", "www.portman.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Portman, Peters Statement on Widespread Cyberattacks, Plan Hearings & Legislation in Early 2021\n \n      \n  \n\n          \n                          \n      December 18, 2020\n      \n  \n |     \n                          \n      Press Releases\n      \n  \n  \n    \n                  WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Gary Peters (D-MI) issued the following statement on the ongoing cyberattacks against our federal agencies, U.S. companies, and some state governments.Portman and Peters have been leaders in the Senate on legislative efforts to strengthen the federal government cyber response. They will lead the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee in the new Congress and plan to hold hearings and work on bipartisan comprehensive cybersecurity legislation in the new year.\nThe recently discovered and ongoing cyberattacks cannot be tolerated and demonstrate the weakness of our cyber defenses and capacity to respond.These attacks were highly complex and they must be unraveled to know the full extent of the exposure to federal and state agencies and the private sector. The immediate effort must be to stop the immediate threat and ensure our systems are secure. We will in the future need to understand the full scope and impact to ensure that we know what damage has been done and to better prepare to respond next time.These types of sophisticated attacks are going to continue and we must work across the federal government, as well as with our private sector and state and local partners, to learn from this and strengthen our cyber defenses moving forward.\nIn June 2019, the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations released a bipartisan report that extensively documented the cybersecurity vulnerabilities and weaknesses in many of our federal agencies, including the Departments of State and Homeland Security. Next Congress, through the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, we intend to work together to understand the origin, scope, and severity of this breach, and plan to work on bipartisan comprehensive legislation to improve our cyber defenses to ensure this doesn't happen again.\nSenator Portman, as Chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, has led multiple investigations into the failure of federal agencies and companies to protect their networks and data. In June 2019, Portman released a bipartisan report finding that the vast majority of federal agencies reviewed by the Subcommittee failed to implement effective and comprehensive cybersecurity frameworks. This included the failure to protect sensitive personal identifiable information and an overreliance on outdated legacy systems. The report highlighted the cybersecurity failures of both the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security, two of the agencies affected in this breach. He also led a year-long investigation into the Equifax data breach, which culminated in a bipartisan report and hearing in March 2019 detailing the company's failure to protect the personal and financial data for more than 145 million Americans.\nAs Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Senator Peters has led a number of bipartisan efforts to bolster our nation's cybersecurity defenses. He and Senator Portman introduced a bill to require the federal government to make better investments in cybersecurity protections to keep Americans' data safe. In addition, earlier this month, the senators introduced a bipartisan bill that would increase transparency and modernize how the government responds to cybersecurity incidents on federal information systems. The Senate also unanimously approved their legislation to promote stronger cybersecurity coordination between the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and state and local governments. Peters has also introduced bipartisan legislation to improve access to cybersecurity resources and training forsmall businesses, supportK-12 schoolswith the resources they need to bolster their cybersecurity andensure that America is preparedto respond to and recover in the event of a major cyber incident. \n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-warner-blumenthal-grassley-urge-us-trade-rep-not-include-tech", "Portman, Warner, Blumenthal, GrassleyUrge U.S. Trade Rep to Not Include Tech Liability Shield in US-UK Trade Agreement", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Rob Portman", "P000449", "www.portman.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Portman, Warner, Blumenthal, GrassleyUrge U.S. Trade Rep to Not Include Tech Liability Shield in US-UK Trade Agreement\n \n      \n  \n\n          \n                          \n      December 18, 2020\n      \n  \n |     \n                          \n      Press Releases\n      \n  \n  \n    \n                  WASHINGTON, DC  Today, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH), Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Charles E. Grassley (R-IA) sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Robert Lighthizer urging the Trump Administration to refrain from including sweeping liability protection language modeled on Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996 in a trade agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom.\nWe are optimistic that a new trade agreement with the United Kingdom will ensure fair, balanced, and reciprocal trade. But we want to note that we have concerns with the inclusion of safe harbor language modeled on Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996,wrote the Senators. Including a safe harbor clause in any future trade agreements will further allocate more power to companies at the expense of individuals.\nThey continued,Congress can and should debate about Section 230 and how it has enabled platforms to turn a blind eye as their platforms are used to facilitate discrimination, cyber-stalking, terrorism, online frauds, and more. We urge USTR to refrain from including this provision in this and future free trade agreements until that debate has concluded. \nA copy of the letter isavailable here and text can be foundbelow.\nDear Ambassador Lighthizer:\nWe support strengthening trade relations between the United States and the United Kingdom through a potential free trade agreement. That relationship would not be improved, however, by a trade agreement that includes safe harbor language similar to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996. \nAs an initial matter, Congress is not requesting, let alone requiring, the Administration to include this type of liability protection in our trade agreements. Trade promotion authority, which establishes the United States' negotiating objectives for trade agreements, calls for recogniz[ing] the significance of the internet as a trading platform in international commerce  not for providing blanket immunity to bad actors because the wrongful conduct took place on the internet. Moreover, there is no reason to believe that such safe harbor language actually facilitates U.S. trade policy interests, particularly with respect to a country like the United Kingdom that has a strong rule of law tradition. Instead, the blanket immunity provided by measures like Section 230 allows platforms to escape liability for directly enabling heinous conduct such as online frauds, cyber-stalking, terrorism, and child abuse. Not surprisingly, neither the U.S. Congress nor the UK Parliament are seeking to export this type of immunity. Instead, they are undertaking vigorous debates regarding the proper oversight, transparency, and effective management of digital communications technologies. \nDomestically, there is bipartisan consensus around the need to address illegal behavior online. Many Members of Congress, as well as the Department of Justice, have offered bills to reform Section 230. The United Kingdom unveiled its long-awaited Online Harms regulation, which would create a new regulatory framework to address unlawful and harmful online content. In parallel, the United Kingdom also passed a law last year that, once fully implemented, will establish a code of practice to protect children from exposure to harmful online content.\nCongress passed Section 230 as part of wider legislation in 1996. The internet has changed dramatically since then and, accordingly, Section 230 has not aged well. As legislators proceed to review and examine the issues surrounding internet platform liability, it is unnecessaryand inappropriateto tie their hands by making Section 230-style immunity an international obligation of our respective countries. \nWe remain excited by the opportunities presented by a new trade agreement with the United Kingdom. We want our Special Relationship to be as strong economically as it is politically. But inclusion of a safe harbor clause in either negotiations or a final agreement is frankly unhelpful to achieving that goal. Thank you for your attention to this matter.\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-floor-portman-condemns-widespread-cyberattacks-calls-bipartisan", "On Senate Floor, Portman Condemns Widespread Cyberattacks, Calls for Bipartisan Efforts to Bolster Cybersecurity", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Rob Portman", "P000449", "www.portman.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On Senate Floor, Portman Condemns Widespread Cyberattacks, Calls for Bipartisan Efforts to Bolster Cybersecurity\n \n      \n  \n\n          \n                          \n      December 18, 2020\n      \n  \n |     \n                          \n      Press Releases\n      \n  \n  \n    \n                  WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senator Portman Rob Portman (R-OH) strongly spoke out against the ongoing cyberattacks on our federal agencies, U.S. companies, and some state governments on the Senate floor. Earlier today, Portman, who will serve as the top Republican on Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee in the new Congress, condemned the cyberattacks and announced plans to hold hearings and work on bipartisan comprehensive cybersecurity legislation in the new year. \nPortman noted that these attacks demonstrate thevulnerabilitiesof our cyber defenses and the needfor bipartisan action in Congress to do more to equip the federal government to defend against and deter future cyberattacks. He highlighted the bipartisan report he issued last year as Chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations warning of vulnerabilities at federal agencies to cyberattacks. Portman also spoke about his leadership in legislative efforts to strengthen the federal government cyber response.\nA transcript of his remarks can be found below and a video can be found here. \nSo 2020 has been a tough year. Let's face it. And unfortunately it looks like the challenges haven't ended. I came to the floor tonight primarily to talk about some shocking and disturbing news we just heard over the last few days. And that's that there has been a massive, highly sophisticated, and ongoing cyberattack that has compromised the networks of multiple federal agencies and the private sector. \nAccording to reports, for months now, months, hackers -- our intelligence experts think they are most likely connected with the Russian government in some way, that's what they tell us -- but these hackers have engaged in an espionage effort to access information at some of our biggest federal agencies that hold some of our most sensitive data, and our most sensitive and important national security secrets. Also again, many U.S. private companies were hacked as well. \nThese hackers are smart. They targeted some of these agencies that do handle things like national security, the State Department, for instance, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Energy and its Nuclear Security Administration. This is scary stuff. Others, like the National Institutes of Health, were hacked. Of course, they are closely involved with our work to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, so also a lot of important, sensitive information could have been hacked. They are a treasure-trove of information. These are agencies that protect our homeland, promote our freedom abroad, and are on the front lines battling this pandemic. \nBut what we know today may be just the tip of the iceberg, we are told. Experts expect that the number of agencies, as well as a number of private companies victimized by this attack, will only continue to grow. The main IT monitoring platform believed to have been hacked was used across the government and by 33,000 private companies. Shockingly, we also know that FireEye, the preeminent cyber incident response firm, was also breached. So think about this. FireEye, which is a company that people call when they are hacked, was hacked. \nWe're still learning the details about this attack, but what we know is chilling. Federal investigators from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agencies -- that's CISA -- under the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, and also the Office of National Intelligence -- the ODNI -- are all working to determine how this happened, what the extent of it is, but it looks like the main vulnerability was through a SolarWinds platform, which is an IT monitoring platform, again, widely used by the government and the private sector to oversee the operation of other computer networks. \nThe hackers disguised their entry into these federal agencies' and companies' systems in a troubling and clever way. They exploited a vulnerability in a security patch sent out by SolarWinds to update its software. I want to emphasize that. The security patches that we all advocate to be installed as soon as possible to protect our networks as basic good cyber-hygiene was actually a security breach. This technique and the breadth of this hack are both unprecedented and it shows that the federal government is still far from where we need to be to handle the cybersecurity challenges of the 21st century. \nAs the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations did in its investigation and report, these alarms that we have been raising over time are ones that we should have paid attention to. In 2019, last summer, Senator Carper and I issued a shocking report that detailed the unacceptable cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the federal government. Vulnerabilities that may very well have played a role in the extent of this breach. Our report looked back at how well federal agencies complied with basic cybersecurity standards over the past decade. Every agency we reviewed failed. And we know that four of those agencies, the Department of Homeland Security, the State Department, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Health and Human Services, are among those that have been breached in this current cyberattack. \nThat report from the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations made clear that federal agencies were a target for cyber criminals and other nation-state adversaries. In 2017 alone, federal agencies reported 35,277 cyber incidents. It's the most recent data we have. In one year, the number of cyber incidents in 2019 was a little bit less, 28,581. But 2020 will bring what is likely the biggest, most comprehensive breach across the federal government in our history. \nWe have also found we're not equipped to handle this threat. Many of the agencies we reviewed didn't even know what applications and platforms were operating on its systems. That begs the question -- how can you protect something if you don't even know what you need to protect? If federal agencies fail at meeting basic cyber standards, there is no way they are equipped to thwart the kind of sophisticated attack that apparently happened over the past several months. Here the attackers were meticulous and had a detailed understanding of how to evade intrusion detection practices and technologies, and because the federal agencies involved were unprepared, the attackers had ample time to cover their tracks, which means evaluating the extent of the damage and kicking them off our networks is going to be incredibly difficult and time consuming. Given how widespread this attack is and how much wider it's expected to become, it certainly seems like the federal government's current cyber resources are going to be spread incredibly thin. \nCongress and the executive branch have failed to prioritize cybersecurity and now we find ourselves vulnerable and exposed. We have to do better than this. This breach has to be a wake-up call for all of us. Over the years, I've worked across the aisle with Senator Peters, Senator Cornyn, Senator Hassan and others on legislation to beef up our federal government cyber capacities, including the Risk-Informed Spending for Cybersecurity Act, the Federal System Incident Response Act, the DHS Cyber Hunt and Incident Response Team Act, and others. We're proud of this legislation, but let's be honest. It wasn't enough. We need to do more. We need to not only defend our networks but go on the offense to deter nation states like Russia and non-state actors from even considering a future attack like this. That means there needs to be consequences for cyberattacks significant enough to prevent them from happening again, and a willingness to act preemptively when warranted. Congress has to take a hard look at the cybersecurity capabilities of our federal agencies. \nIn the next Congress, I will be the top Republican on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, which means I will either serve as its chairman or its ranking member, depending on the outcome of a couple of races in Georgia. Senator Peters will be the chair if the Democrats take the majority. I will tell you here tonight, whether I'm chairman in January or him, we intend to hold in-depth hearings on cybersecurity. With what's happened, we will also, of course, focus on the origin, scope, and severity of this breach. Actually, three weeks ago, even before this attack was revealed, we met and decided to hold these cybersecurity hearings and we are already working on comprehensive legislation to improve our cyber defenses in the federal government going forward. We must now move with renewed sense of purpose and urgency to learn from this massive attack. We have got to remove these hackers from these systems and put in place protections to prevent it from happening again.\nAs this cyberattack has made clear, we have got to redouble our efforts to shore up our defenses. We are two decades into the 21st century, but most of the federal government legacy computer systems are from the 20th century. Federal agencies are simply behind the times when it comes to defending themselves against these threats posed in cyberspace. The government is trying to respond to sophisticated 21st century attacks with 20th century defenses. This attack has shown us the consequences of that and should be the catalyst for real bipartisan action here in the next Congress to better defend networks that contain sensitive personal information and other information critical to our economy, our health care, and the safety and security of all Americans.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-floor-portman-urges-colleagues-pass-short-term-funding-measure-end", "On Senate Floor, Portman Urges Colleagues to Pass Short-Term Funding Measure & End Government Shutdowns for Good", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Rob Portman", "P000449", "www.portman.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On Senate Floor, Portman Urges Colleagues to Pass Short-Term Funding Measure & End Government Shutdowns for Good\n \n      \n  \n\n          \n                          \n      December 18, 2020\n      \n  \n |     \n                          \n      Press Releases\n      \n  \n  \n    \n                  WASHINGTON, DC  Today, on the Senate floor, hours before the government will shut down if a temporary funding measure isn't passed, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) discussed the unnecessary costs of government shutdowns and highlighted his End Government Shutdowns Act, which would permanently prevent the federal government from shutting down, ensure that essential government services aren't disrupted, and protect taxpayers from resulting deficits. The measure would create an automatic continuing resolution (CR) in the event of a lapse of appropriations, and incentivize Congress to pass full-year appropriations bills through gradually reducing spending after 120 days. \nLast year, Portman released the findings of a nine-month investigation by the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, which he chairs, detailing the real-world costs of the last three government shutdowns. Alongside Ranking Member Tom Carper (D-DE), Portman found that the combined 54 days of partial or full government closures since FY 2014 resulted in at least $4 billion in costs for taxpayers and 56,938 years of missed work by furloughed federal workers.\nTranscript of his remarks can be found below and a video can be found here.\nThe other thing that's going on tonight, I will say, I guess it's obvious, is that we're about to hit the government shutdown time period again. I mean, we are only about six and a half hours from another government shutdown. That is totally unacceptable. We should never have these shutdowns. They don't make any sense. By the way, to my Republican friends who think these shutdowns are good because you shut down a lot of government and it seems like you save money. We never save money. The taxpayers always end up paying more. You go back and provide back pay, even for services that are not provided. \nI think we have to figure out a way when we can't get our work done here -- and this is why this is happening. We have not gotten our spending bills and appropriations bills done, therefore we are facing a government shutdown again. At midnight, we turn into pumpkins. It means the government starts to get shut down. By the way, it creates confusion and uncertainty for federal workers, of course, who are wondering, you know, are they going to have their job and are they going to get paid, but also confusion and uncertainty for a lot of citizens who are depending on the services that otherwise would be provided. And it is so inefficient. If you believe in the efficiency of government and you believe in, you know, not wasting money, you shouldn't want these government shutdowns. \nSo my hope is that we do pass a continuing resolution at least to kick us into the next couple of days so that we don't have a shutdown tonight. That would be just such a disaster for so many people. And it could last a long time, by the way, as these shutdowns did over the last couple of years. It doesn't just mean it's a few days. Let's just not go into shutdown at all. \nI have introduced legislation called End Government Shutdowns for ten years now. I have introduced it in five different Congresses. We have 33 cosponsors. I think it has more cosponsors than any bill like it. But there are other ideas out there, and I am open to them, just some way for us to get away from these shutdowns. Our bill says we just can't shut it down. When you are going for a shutdown, instead you just do a continuing funding from the previous year. And then, by the way, over time you reduce that by one percent every 90 days and then every 60 days to get the attention of the appropriators to get them back to work. Now, other people have other ideas. Our bill has been bipartisan in the past. I don't believe it is today, but it does have 33 cosponsors. \nSo my hope is that we can figure out a way to end these government shutdowns with simple legislation that says let's just not do it. I don't think it provides healthy leverage. I think it provides, again, uncertainty and confusion.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/news-articles/rep-joyce-beatty-calls-deputy-who-shot-casey-goodson-jr-a-murderer", "Rep. Joyce Beatty calls deputy who shot Casey Goodson Jr. a murderer", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "OH", "Joyce Beatty", "B001281", "beatty.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As FBI agents spent a third day in the neighborhood where Casey Goodson Jr. lived, an Ohio congresswoman labeled the Franklin County Sheriff's deputy who shot and killed him a murderer.\nJoyce Beatty, a Democrat whose district includes most of Columbus, sent a letter to outgoing U.S. Attorney General William Barr on Thursday in which she wrote, Although a routine reality when Black in America, Mister Goodson's murderer was one of the very individuals who swore to protect and serve him and his family.\nGoodson, 23, was shot on Dec. 4 as he was returning home from the dentist, family say. He apparently drove past a group of U.S. Marshals, who were in the area on an unrelated operation. What happened next varies from accounts by law enforcement and Goodson's family.\nLaw enforcement say Goodson was seen waving a gun. Officers followed him several blocks before there was a verbal confrontation. Goodson then pointed a weapon at Franklin County deputy Jason Meade, who was part of the marshal's detail. Meade then fired at Goodson.\nFamily say that Goodson had a permit to carry a concealed weapon, but that he was returning home with sandwiches and attempting to unlock a door at his residence when he was shot. His death was witnessed by several family members.\nThe uncertainty of the case has drawn attention locally and nationwide. The FBI is investigating whether Goodson's constitutional rights were violated, and that agency is part of U.S. Department of Justice, run by Barr.\nIn her letter, Beatty said she intends to review the findings and to work with congressional colleagues to make systemic, long-term changes to the operations of police departments nationwide.\nIn response, Meade's attorneys wrote, in part: As criminal defense attorneys, we do not have the luxury of leaping to a conclusion before an investigation has even begun. We work to protect our clients' constitutional, procedural and statutory rights regardless of station in life, gender, political views, employment, race creed and sexual orientation.\nMeanwhile in the Northland neighborhood of Columbus where the shooting occurred, FBI agents were seen photographing and measuring the road.\nThis article was originally published by NBC 4 on December 17, 2020.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/news-articles/rep-joyce-demanding-justice-transparency-in-casey-goodson-investigation", "Rep. Joyce demanding justice, transparency in Casey Goodson investigation", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "OH", "Joyce Beatty", "B001281", "beatty.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, OH-3, is calling for justice, accountability, and transparency in the investigation into the death of Casey Goodson Jr., who was shot and killed by a Franklin County deputy.\nShe said she is calling for a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.\nBeatty recently sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General William Barr seeking more information as well as a fair, complete review of the shooting and death of Goodson.\n\"Unfortunately, although a routine reality when Black in America, Mr. Goodson's murderer was one of the very individuals who swore to protect and serve him and his family, Beatty wrote. Yet, as you are aware, his last steps were taken as he opened his front door to enter the safety of his own homethe place that should have been his sanctuary, as opposed to the scene of his unwarranted execution. She later added, I do not want Mr. Goodson's death to have been in vain, so my review of the investigation will only serve as the beginning of the work I will complete in partnership with my congressional colleagues to make systemic, long-term changes to the operations of police departments nationwide,\" Beatty said.\nJoyce Beatty Letter to AG William Barr by WSYX/WTTE on Scribd\nBeatty also took part in a rally in downtown Columbus calling for justice.\nColumbus Police and the FBI are conducting independent investigations into Goodson's death.\nAs of Wednesday, Columbus Police said they have yet to speak with Deputy Jason Meade, who shot Goodson. All police have received as of Wednesday is a statement from Meade's attorney.\nThis article was published by ABC 6 on December 17, 2020.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/demanding-justice-accountability-and-transparency-in-goodson-murder", "Demanding Justice, Accountability, and Transparency in Goodson Murder Investigation", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "OH", "Joyce Beatty", "B001281", "beatty.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "COLUMBUS, OHU.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) recently sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General William Barr seeking more information as well as a fair, complete review of the shooting and death of Casey Christopher Goodson, Jr. at the hands of a Franklin County sheriff's deputy.\nUnfortunately, although a routine reality when Black in America, Mr. Goodson's murderer was one of the very individuals who swore to protect and serve him and his family, Beatty wrote.Yet, as you are aware, his last steps were taken as he opened his front door to enter the safety of his own homethe place that should have been his sanctuary, as opposed to the scene of his unwarranted execution. She later added, I do not want Mr. Goodson's death to have been in vain, so my review of the investigation will only serve as the beginning of the work I will complete in partnership with my congressional colleagues to make systemic, long-term changes to the operations of police departments nationwide.\nA full copy of Beatty's later can be accessed on her website.\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/demanding-justice-accountability-and-transparency-in-goodson-murder-investigation", "Demanding Justice, Accountability, and Transparency in Goodson Murder Investigation", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Joyce Beatty", "B001281", "beatty.house.gov", "beatty", "https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "COLUMBUS, OH\u2014U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) recently sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General William Barr seeking more information as well as a fair, complete review of the shooting and death of Casey Christopher Goodson, Jr. at the hands of a Franklin County sheriff's deputy.\n\n\"Unfortunately, although a routine reality when Black in America, Mr. Goodson's murderer was one of the very individuals who swore to protect and serve him and his family,\" Beatty wrote. \"Yet, as you are aware, his last steps were taken as he opened his front door to enter the safety of his own home\u2014the place that should have been his sanctuary, as opposed to the scene of his unwarranted execution.\" She later added, \"I do not want Mr. Goodson's death to have been in vain, so my review of the investigation will only serve as the beginning of the work I will complete in partnership with my congressional colleagues to make systemic, long-term changes to the operations of police departments nationwide.\"\n\nA full copy of Beatty's letter can be accessed on her website.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://chabot.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401083", "Co-Chairs of the Congressional Nigerian Caucus Condemn Boko Haram's Kidnapping of Over 300 Schoolboys in Katsina State", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "OH", "Steven Chabot", "C000266", "chabot.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Representatives Steve Chabot (R-Ohio) and Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Nigerian Caucus, released the following statements on Boko Haram's kidnapping of over 300 schoolboys at the Government Science secondary school in Katsina State in northwestern Nigeria on Friday, December 11, 2020. This attack comes just two weeks after Boko Haram killed 110 people in a village near Maiduguri.\"Six years after the Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping, Boko Haram has continued to terrorize the people of Nigeria simply for seeking access to education for their children, said Congressman Chabot. This time, the kidnapping of over 330 schoolboys is not only the largest mass kidnapping of schoolchildren in history, but it is also a heartbreaking crime against innocent children and their families. We must not stand idly by as Boko Haram continues to terrorize the Nigerian people, and I will continue to work with Congresswoman Jackson Lee and all of our colleagues to secure the release of the children.\"  \"It is time for the Nigerian Government to stand up and seek a resolution to preserve their democracy and hold Boko Haram and other terrorist groups accountable for the kidnapping of children and countless brutal attacks on innocent citizens,\" said Congresswoman Jackson Lee. \"I do not know how much longer the world can look to Nigeria for leadership to resolve this horrendous disregard for human life. The future of Nigerian citizens is in jeopardy and its time for the Nigerian Government to send a strong message to the Boko Haram that they will no longer tolerate their complete disregard for human life and their disregard for the laws of the Republic of Nigeria.  The violence has to stop, and the human rights and security of the Nigerian people have to be preserved and honored.  As Co-Chairs of the Congressional Nigerian Caucus, we will continue to stand in solidarity with the people of Nigeria and demand that the Government of Nigeria take immediate action and locate all these young men and put an end to the Boko Haram. The Congressional Nigerian Caucus is a bipartisan caucus in Congress. The Caucus spearheads pro-Nigerian initiatives and legislative efforts to foster friendship, understanding and cooperation between the United States and Nigeria.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://davidson.house.gov/media-center/op-eds/do-nothing-congress-kicks-can-down-road-once-again", "A do-nothing Congress kicks the can down the road once again", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "OH", "Warren Davidson", "D000626", "davidson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The last thing the public needed this year was more political brinkmanship. In 2020, governments asked the public to stop working, traveling, gathering, and just stay home. The goal was to stop the spread or flatten the curve. The result is millions oflostjobs, thousands ofdelayedmedical procedures, anddiminished educational attainmentfor America's students. Now, on top of all this, Speaker Nancy Pelosi is steering Congress toward a disruptive government shutdown.\nTo be clear, Congress had all year to hammer out an agreement on appropriating money for congressionally funded government operations. In a perfect world, Congress would vote on the various department appropriations one by one before Sept. 30, and then, work would begin on the next year's spending. This would avoid the now-annual tradition of releasing thousand-page omnibus packages just days before the government runs out of money. Methodically negotiating and voting on each appropriation would allow members of Congress to address narrower issues in certain areas where Congress spends our hard-earned taxpayer dollars.\nWhat happens instead is that Congress kicks the can down the road, avoiding tough decisions.\nBack in September, the House of Representatives passed a continuing resolution to avoid a government shutdown before the general election. A continuing resolution is a piece of legislation that maintains spending at current levels for a short period of time. This may have been prudent, but it was a step that was necessary only because Congress failed to stay on schedule to fund the government before Oct. 1.\nLast week, Congress passed another continuing resolution, extending the deadline by a week as the possibility of passing further coronavirus relief complicated already thorny negotiations.\nThis is unacceptable. Most people must comply with deadlines or else face consequences. Students in school must turn in their homework on time. Hourly workers must show up for their shifts on time. Business owners must meet delivery deadlines and pay bills on time. Congress relentlessly files extensions to avoid making tough choices and pretends there are no consequences for the excessive spending or missed deadlines. It's high time the public demanded accountability from Congress.\nAssuming appropriators come to an agreement this week, the deal will have been brokered by only a handful of representatives. Outside of congressional leadership and the House Appropriations Committee, rank-and-file members of Congress will have maybe 24 hours to read thousands of pages. There is no room for debate. Amendments will not be accepted. It's a closed process dictated by a handful of people behind closed doors.\nWith the deadline looming, leadership and the appropriators will send a clear message once they reveal the text of the bill: Take it or leave it. Sadly, this power play to bankrupt America with excessive spending in a last-minute omnibus bill has been standard bipartisan practice.\nAfter wasting days and months, Congress will be filled with a sense of urgency. The forced dilemma is a choice to disrupt key government services by voting \"no\" or pass it and maintain the broken status quo. We should be clear, voting no is more of a rejection of the excess spending and this broken process than any one particular component of the deal. But, this year, the manufactured urgency is particularly rich. Congress had one of its least productive years in recent memory.A study by Quorumfound this Congress to be the least productive in at least 40 years. Although the metric is the number of bills passed, perhaps the more relevant metric is spending. No Congress has spent more money, ever, than the 116th.\nThe outlook isn't great for the 117th Congress, either. The 2021 congressional calendar only allots 101 session days next year, the fewest since 1933. So, we can likely expect a rerun of this drama next year. This is not acceptable. Our constituents deserve better and must demand a change to the broken status quo.\nThis opinion piece appeared in the Washington Examiner.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/portman-difference/cnbc-portman-discusses-bipartisan-efforts-pass-covid-19-relief-package", "On CNBC, Portman Discusses Bipartisan Efforts to Pass COVID-19 Relief Package", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Rob Portman", "P000449", "www.portman.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On CNBC, Portman Discusses Bipartisan Efforts to Pass COVID-19 Relief Package\n \n      \n  \n\n          \n                          \n      December 17, 2020\n      \n  \n |     \n                          \n      Portman Difference\n      \n  \n  \n    \n                  This morning on CNBC's Squawk Box, Senator Portman discussed his bipartisan efforts to pass a COVID-19 relief package. Earlier this week, Portman joined a group of bipartisan senators in introducing two bipartisan packages to provide as much as $908 billion in relief to American students, families, businesses, workers, and health care providers during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Congressional leadership is using most of legislation for the basis of the final product they will unveil to create a bridge of support between now and when the COVID-19 vaccine is widely available. \nIn addition, Senator Portman highlighted the importance of coming together on a bipartisan basis to focus on what's best for the American people in the new Congress. Senator Portman believes it's vital that Congress set the example by coming together to solve important problems facing all Americans, regardless of political affiliation. \nExcerpts of the interview can be found below and a video can be found here. \nPORTMAN ON PASSING COVID-19 RELIEF PACKAGE BEFORE DEADLINE:\nI'm always skeptical at year end because it tends to get pushed back a little bit. But I think we'll finish up on Saturday. It means we'll probably see something short-term on Friday night to deal with the continuing resolution for government shutdown. I think we'll get it done this weekend, and we should. It's been nine months since we passed the CARES package. People are hurting. Unfortunately the coronavirus health care crisis has gotten worse, not better recently, and the economy is not as strong as it should be, so we need a bridge between now and when we have the vaccines available. That's what this is, an emergency package to get us through the next few months, to the March, April time frame when we'll actually, hopefully, have the vaccines be widely disbursed and begin to turn the corner on this crisis.\nPORTMAN ON PROVIDING UNEMPLOYMENT SUPPORT IN COVID-19 RELIEF PACKAGE:\nI think Joe is right. You're not going to find a lot of daylight between Joe and me, as you can tell. With regard to unemployment, there are three things that we do in our bill, the bipartisan bill, that is also in the package, at least as we understand it. That is we extend the time period. Otherwise as of the day after Christmas, a bunch of people lose their unemployment. These are people who are self-employed, as an example, gig economy workers, but also people who are taking advantage of the 13-week federal government extension of the state program, and look, we need it in a lot of states. Some states are doing better than others, some sectors of the economy doing better than others, but as you know, as you begin to shut down the economy, a bunch of people lose their jobs through no fault of their own. Sometimes those shutdowns are because of a government edict in some of our states. Sometimes it's just because the coronavirus numbers are so high that people aren't going out to restaurants or to a bowling alley or a movie theater. That's what our bill does is to be sure that's there, and second it provides an additional federal supplement as we had until August, which is the $300. But it does it for a short period of time again, just until we get through the period, this is a bridge to the time when we're going to have vaccines readily available, and we can begin to turn the corner on this crisis.\nPORTMAN ON COMING TOGETHER ON A BIPARTISAN BASIS IN NEXT CONGRESS: \nYes because I think we're going to have a tighter majority. It's either going to be a very slight Democrat majority with 50/50 and a tie breaker by the Vice President or the Republicans are going to have 51 or 52, which is also a very slim majority, and look at the House, same thing, Speaker Pelosi seems to be losing a seat every day these days, so she's down to, I don't know, six or eight seat majority. So, it's very narrow, and this means that we have to figure out a way to work together. We can't allow the country to screech to a halt. We have to be able to work, as we did on this package, as Republicans and Democrats focused on what's best for the country. \nI don't know that it's so much that we're moderates. I think we're just practical in trying to get things done and there's a lot that we need to get done. I look at our infrastructure needs, I look at what's going on with regard to health care costs. I think those are opportunities for us. I look about retirement security, we have a bill to do that that's bipartisan that we could get through. We've got to figure out a way to work together to solve the real problems we face as a country. Look, we need to stop the polarization. Our country is split it's not just the Congress you know. We have seen that throughout Ohio and throughout the country that there's more division than ever. It's time to figure out how to focus on coming together to solve important problems, and I think that's what's this little process that Joe is such a big part of, and nine other colleagues of ours, you know, we figured that you needed to have a COVID-19 package nothing was going on, and we needed to frankly move leadership off the dime, and I think that was very helpful to have this process, and at the end of the day, we'll get something done here. That's good for the American people.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/portman-difference/former-us-trade-representatives-panel-portman-highlights-importance", "On Former U.S. Trade Representatives Panel, Portman Highlights Importance of Renewing Trade Promotion Authority, Proposes Supercharging American Competitiveness", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Rob Portman", "P000449", "www.portman.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On Former U.S. Trade Representatives Panel, Portman Highlights Importance of Renewing Trade Promotion Authority, Proposes Supercharging' American Competitiveness\n \n      \n  \n\n          \n                          \n      December 17, 2020\n      \n  \n |     \n                          \n      Portman Difference\n      \n  \n  \n    \n                  This afternoon, Senator Portman participated in a Center for Strategic and International Studies virtual event entitled A Conversation with Former USTRs, and highlighted the importance of renewing the Trade Promotion Authority (TPA). He also proposed using TPA, or a similar opportunity, to invest in American workers with new anti-dumping and countervailing duty laws, as well as in American manufacturing and high technology, like artificial intelligence, all in an effort to keep the United States competitive with respect to China. Portman, who was the U.S. Trade Representative during the George W. Bush administration, has been a leading voice in the Senate on U.S. trade policy and serves on the Senate Finance Committee, which has jurisdiction over trade issues. \nIn addition, Senator Portman discussed his support for President-Elect Biden's nomination of Katherine Tai to be the next U.S. Trade Representative. \nExcerpts of the event can be found below and a video of Senator Portman's remarks can be found here and here.\n\nPORTMAN ON OPPORTUNITY TO ENERGIZE TRADE PROMOTION AUTHORITY TO REINVEST IN AMERICA:\nI want to tie three things together, and then I have to run and go vote. One, is the WTO stuff we talked about, the Trade Promotion Authority issue, and China. I do think, and this may way too optimistic or pie in the sky, but I think with regard to the expiration of TPA there is an opportunity to attempt to supercharge it as we did in the 1988 Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act, where we both seek TPA to extend our authority to be able to negotiate agreements, but also put the United States in a stronger position. And vis-a-vis China that means investing more in artificial intelligence and other technologies as part of that. So I think it fits.\nWith regard to trade generally, and China in particular, strengthening our countervailing duty and antidumping laws and bringing them more up to speed -- and I've shared some drafts of some ideas we have with you and we'd love to get your input -- but I think it is time, as Bill Brock said earlier, to have a relook at our U.S. trade policy and come up with a policy that works better for us, and so that more of our citizens can say, Ok this is actually working. We think that trade is a good thing.' So anyway, that's the thought -- taking advantage of TPA to both reinvest in America and our technologies. We're doing this in the National Defense Authorization Act right now with regard to artificial intelligence by the way. We're taking some nice steps forward, but I think it needs to be even more. We've got legislative initiatives to do that, to catch up, and perhaps that combination of trade policy, TPA, and investing in technology could be successful where a narrow TPA could not.\nPORTMAN ON NOMINATION OF KATHERINE TAI TO BE NEXT U.S. TRADE REPRESENTATIVE: \nI'm glad that Katherine Tai is the likely nominee, I think that will help in terms of moving a trade agenda forward vis-a-vis Congress because she obviously knows how we operation and understands TPA well In the case of Katherine Tai, again, she's going to be knocking on all of your doors, I hope she will. But again, we have somebody who is an experienced trade lawyer who understands how the Hill works, which is, I think, enabling the new administration to hit the ground running.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/portman-difference/portman-op-ed-cincinnati-enquirer-help-way-prevent-evictions", "Portman Op-Ed in The Cincinnati Enquirer: Help is on the Way to Prevent Evictions", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Rob Portman", "P000449", "www.portman.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Portman Op-Ed in The Cincinnati Enquirer: Help is on the Way to Prevent Evictions\n \n      \n  \n\n          \n                          \n      December 17, 2020\n      \n  \n |     \n                          \n      Portman Difference\n      \n  \n  \n    \n                  Today, in an op-ed for The Cincinnati Enquirer, Senator Portman discussed his bipartisan efforts to pass a COVID-19 relief package, including additional aid to help those facing evictions. Portman has long focused on ensuring Ohioans have affordable housing and is currently championing the bipartisan Evictions Crisis Act, which will help to address the national housing crisis that has been made worse by the economic impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The bipartisan legislation, which Portman introduced in December 2019, will shed light on the root causes of the eviction crisis, reduce preventable evictions, and limit the devastation to families when eviction is unavoidable. More than 75 national and Ohio based housing, civil rights, and homelessness groups have announced their strong support for the Eviction Crisis Act. \nEarlier this week, Portman joined a group of bipartisan senators in introducing two bipartisan packages to provide as much as $908 billion in relief to American students, families, businesses, workers, and health care providers during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. The legislation includes a provision to provide an additional $25 billion in rental assistance across the country to help cover the rent for thousands of households. Congressional leadership is using most of the legislation as the basis for the final product they will unveil to create a bridge of support between now and when the COVID-19 vaccine is widely available. \nExcerpts of the op-ed can be found below and the full op-ed can be found here. \nHelp is on the Way to Prevent Evictions\nBy U.S. Senator Rob Portman\nThe Cincinnati Enquirer\nDecember 17, 2020\nEvictions were rising even before the coronavirus pandemic, and now we are on the cusp of a real eviction crisis. Through smart policy, a lot of these painful and costly evictions could be avoided to the benefit of families and landlords.\n\nOf course, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and the job loss associated with it, millions of Americans have lost economic security and are at risk of eviction, and potentially homelessness. Record levels of unemployment have hit low and middle-income families the hardest  the same families who were already at greatest risk for eviction before this pandemic, and thousands are now at risk of losing their home through no fault of their own.\n\nWorking with a small bipartisan group of senators  five Republicans and five Democrats  we reached an agreement on another COVID-19 relief package designed to help families and small businesses who need it the most. This includes renters vulnerable to eviction, and our bipartisan plan will do so by providing an additional $25 billion in rental assistance across the country to help cover the rent for thousands of households.\nThis new funding would supplement existing efforts to support tenants, while directing resources to those in the most vulnerable situations. This funding would also be provided to housing providers on behalf of tenants so as to make landlords whole as well. The bipartisan senators I am working alongside all recognize that it is essential that any new COVID-19 relief legislation include this kind of support.\n\nA year ago, I introduced, alongside Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO), the Evictions Crisis Act, which will help us better understand the causes of evictions, expand support for preventing evictions, and help mitigate the consequences when an eviction is unavoidable. Our bill has earned the support of affordable housing advocacy groups like the National Low Income Housing Coalition and the National Housing Law Project, civil rights groups like the NAACP, and countless Ohio groups, including the Affordable Housing Trust, the OHIO Capital Corporation for Housing, and the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio.\nI am hopeful that by building a bipartisan coalition in Congress and in communities across Ohio, we can continue to make headway and keep more families in their homes, even after this current COVID-19 crisis passes. Right now, my top priority in Congress remains passing another bipartisan COVID-19 relief bill that provides targeted help to those who need it most, including our vulnerable renters. And once this pandemic passes, I will continue to work with stakeholders across Ohio to solve this serious, systemic challenge of evictions.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/house-passes-portman-shaheen-bipartisan-legislation-reauthorize-peace-corps", "House Passes Portman, Shaheen Bipartisan Legislation to Reauthorize Peace Corps Commemorative Project", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Rob Portman", "P000449", "www.portman.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "House Passes Portman, Shaheen Bipartisan Legislation to Reauthorize Peace Corps Commemorative Project\n \n      \n  \n\n          \n                          \n      December 17, 2020\n      \n  \n |     \n                          \n      Press Releases\n      \n  \n  \n    \n                  WASHINGTON, DC- Today, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) applauded the U.S. House of Representatives for passing their bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Peace Corps Commemorative project. Representatives Joe Kennedy III (D-MA) and Garret Graves (R-LA) led the legislation in the House. In 2014, Senator Portman's and Rep. Kennedy's bipartisan Peace Corps Commemorative Act was signed into law to create a commemorative in Washington, D.C.'s National Capital Area to celebrate the mission of the Peace Corps and the ideals on which the Peace Corps was founded. This bipartisan legislation designated the Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation as the lead nonfederal sponsor for the project, and prohibits the use of federal funding. The current authorization for the project is set to expire in January 2021. This legislation would extend the authorization for the project for an additional seven years, to January 2028, in order for the project to secure the necessary design approvals and raise the funding for construction.The legislation now awaits action in the Senate. \nFor more than 50 years, the Peace Corps has served as a powerful vehicle for volunteers who wish to use their talents to carry America's humanitarian values to other parts of the world,said Portman.By reauthorizing this project, we can ensure the Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation can finish this important project and honor those Americans who have donated their time and talent to serving others. I am pleased that this legislation was approved by the House today, and I urge my Senate colleagues to support it so that it can head to the President's desk for his signature.\nPeace Corps volunteers provide an invaluable diplomatic service to America, serving in over 60 countries as envoys of our nation's values and priorities. These volunteers work to improve the lives of countless individuals and communities around the world, said Shaheen. New Hampshire volunteers are among the more than 240,000 Americans who have provided health, education and economic development opportunities wherever they have served since the agency's establishment in 1961. I'm pleased my bipartisan legislation with Senator Portman to provide more time to establish a tribute that honors the efforts of these remarkable people and the lives they've changed has passed the House and urge the Senate to pass it as swiftly as possible. \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-77-million-federal-funds-will-help-combat-addiction-ohio", "Portman: $77 Million in Federal Funds Will Help Combat Addiction in Ohio", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Rob Portman", "P000449", "www.portman.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Portman: $77 Million in Federal Funds Will Help Combat Addiction in Ohio\n \n      \n  \n\n          \n                          \n      December 17, 2020\n      \n  \n |     \n                          \n      Press Releases\n      \n  \n  \n    \n                  WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) praised the announcement today from Governor Mike DeWine, Recovery Ohio Director Alisha Nelson, and Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) Director Lori Criss on how the state will distribute $77 million in federal State Opioid Response (SOR) grants to help local communities combat Ohio's drug crisis.As Portman announced in August, Ohio received $96 million in SOR funding and today's grants represent a portion of that funding. The SOR program, funded through the 21st Century CURES Act, has been used by states to increase access to naloxone and support access to long-term addiction treatment and recovery services. Portman championed the passage of the CURES law and consistently works to increase the federal funding for the SOR program.\nToday's SOR grant announcement comes at a time when many communities are suffering from an increase in addiction, overdoses, and the need for behavioral health services due to the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Portman hasrepeatedlydiscussedthe impact the ongoing COVID-19crisis is havingon theaddictionepidemicand called for aredoubling of effortsto save lives.\nOhioMHAS will award $58.8 million in grants directly to local county alcohol, drug addiction and mental health services boards and their community partners. OhioMHAS will make the remaining funding available for organizations utilizing innovative approaches for connecting people to care. \nState Opioid Response funds are vital for Ohio's continued efforts to combat the addiction epidemic, and I'm pleased to have led efforts to create this federal funding stream through the CURES legislation and to help secure this funding for Ohio, said Portman. The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges and we are now seeing a heartbreaking surge in overdose deaths. That's why I'm glad this federal funding will make a difference and continue to help save lives throughout Ohio. I will continue to work with my colleagues and Governor DeWine to ensure that our local communities and addiction providers have the resources they need to continue to combat this epidemic.\nMany communities are seeing an increase in demand for mental health and substance use disorder services as the pandemic continues. The uncertainties of the pandemic intensify the struggle with substance use disorder that many Ohioans face, said Governor DeWine. Through the leadership of the teams at OMHAS in partnership, with the agencies under the RecoveryOhio initiative, we have been better able to meet the needs of Ohioans that are struggling, and federal funding will increase the flexibility of communities to address their specific, unique needs.\nWhile addiction and mental illness are a national and statewide crisis, we know that prevention, treatment, and recovery take place in local communities, said Director Criss. This investment marks a true partnership among federal and state government to support local planning and service delivery and improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities across Ohio.\nNOTE: Senator Portman has led efforts in the U.S. Senate to provide more resources to combat the nation's opioid epidemic. Portman is the author of the bipartisan Comprehensive Addiction & Recovery Act (CARA) that became law in 2016 and provides resources for evidence-based prevention, treatment, and recovery programs to help people overcome their addiction. The most recent bipartisan funding agreement actually funded these CARA programs at $647 million, much higher than the authorized amount. Last week, Portman introduced CARA 2.0 which would increase these authorization levels further. In addition, Portman worked to secure $1 billion in new funding for state grants to fight opioid abuse in the 21st Century CURES Act. He's also fought for more overall opioid funding, and helped secure more than $4 billion in new opioid funding over the last few years between CARA, CURES and other opioid programs. Last year, Portman's Combating Meth & Cocaine Act was signed into law giving states more flexibility to use federal funding to address the resurgence of psychostimulants such as methamphetamine and cocaine. \n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-applauds-hud-awarding-lucas-county-450000-initiative-planning-grant", "Portman Applauds HUD for AwardingLucas County a$450,000 Initiative Planning Grantto Ensure Stable Housing", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Rob Portman", "P000449", "www.portman.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Portman Applauds HUD for AwardingLucas County a$450,000 Initiative Planning Grantto Ensure Stable Housing\n \n      \n  \n\n          \n                          \n      December 17, 2020\n      \n  \n |     \n                          \n      Press Releases\n      \n  \n  \n    \n                  WASHINGTON, DC Today, Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) applauded the announcement thatLucasCountyMetropolitan Housing and the City of Toledo have been selected to receive a$450,0002020 Choice Neighborhoods Initiative Planning Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).The Choice Neighborhoods program leverages significant public and private dollars to support locally driven strategies that address struggling neighborhoods with distressed public and/or HUD-assisted housing through a comprehensive approach to neighborhood transformation.\nPortman has long focused on ensuring Ohioans have affordable housing and is currently championing the bipartisanEvictions Crisis Actwhich will help to address the national housing crisis that is undermining the efforts of millions of Americans to rise into the middle class. The bipartisan legislation will shed light on the root causes of the eviction crisis, reduce preventable evictions, and limit the devastation to families when eviction is unavoidable. More than 75 national and Ohio based housing, civil rights, and homelessness groups haveannouncedtheir strong support for theEviction Crisis Act.Portman released the following statement:\nThis$450,000 grantis great news forthose struggling to find or stay in stable housing inLucas County and the city of Toledo. I'm pleased to see that they have been selected for this grant that will help them to complete their Transformation Plan that will ultimately improve and create housing opportunities,said Portman.Stable housing is a key factor to keeping people out of poverty, and the COVID-19 pandemic has made this issue more important than ever. I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure Ohioans have the resources they need to address this housing and evictions crisis.\nNOTE:Senator Portman sent a letter to U.S. HUD Secretary on September 1, 2020 in support ofLucas Metropolitan Housing and the City of Toledo's application for this grant.\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-floor-portman-calls-senate-pass-critical-legislation-respond", "On Senate Floor, Portman Calls on Senate to Pass Critical Legislation to Respond to Challenges of COVID-19", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Rob Portman", "P000449", "www.portman.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On Senate Floor, Portman Calls on Senate to Pass Critical Legislation to Respond to Challenges of COVID-19\n \n      \n  \n\n          \n                          \n      December 17, 2020\n      \n  \n |     \n                          \n      Press Releases\n      \n  \n  \n    \n                  WASHINGTON, DC Today on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) gave his 21st speech since March calling on Congress to pass legislation to respond to the health care and economic crises caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier this week, Portman joined a group of bipartisan senators in introducing two bipartisan packages to provide as much as $908 billion in relief to American students, families, businesses, workers, and health care providers during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Congressional leadership is using most of the legislation for the basis of the final product they will unveil to create a bridge of support between now and when the COVID-19 vaccine is widely available. \nIn addition, Portman pushed for the year-end agreement to include the Craft Beverage Modernization & Tax Reform Act, bipartisan legislation he has championed and cosponsored to make tax relief permanent for the craft beverage industry. Portman has consistently discussed the importance of supporting America's craft beverage industry, especially since brew pubs and other craft beverage retail operations have been hit hard by the COVID-19 economic slowdown. He urged his colleagues to support both the COVID-19 relief package and the upcoming end-of-year funding agreement so that Americans get the relief they need in time for the holidays.\nA transcript of his remarks can be found below and a video can be found here. \n\nMr. President, I'm here on the floor today to talk again about the need for us to pass a legislative package which, I would call an emergency package, to deal with our COVID-19 crisis we have in this country. As we talk today on the floor of the Senate, there are negotiators working busily in a room nearby to try to come up with that package, and that's a good thing. I know they've run into some roadblocks, at least so I've been told. We need to work through those roadblocks. They're relatively small compared to the importance of the overall mission of helping the people we represent, helping those small businesses, helping those hospitals, helping those families who find themselves without a paycheck through no fault of their own, and my hope is that we can get there.\nThe legislation that is being looked at today, which may be part of a larger package that we'll vote on either tomorrow or the next day, is, as I understand it, informed by work that a bipartisan group of us did over the past several weeks, and I appreciate my colleagues so much. I see Senator Murkowski is here on the floor today. She was one of those people. Senator Manchin was one of the people who helped organize it. In fact, I think the first meeting was because Lisa Murkowski invited people to have pizza at her place. And that resulted in a very positive interaction between Democrats and Republicans on a lot of detail, a lot of specific issues to be able to put together a package that will help our country right now to work through this crisis. \nI wish I could say that things are better, but when I look at my own home state of Ohio, I see just the opposite. In fact, over the past few weeks, we've had weekly cases that have increased, not decreased. Our number of daily cases is averaging around 10,000 a day now, every day. That's double what it was just a month ago. So at least in my state, the coronavirus crisis has increased, not decreased. By the same token, the economic crisis that is a result of the COVID-19 crisis has continued to grow. So we have seen people who have lost their jobs because their restaurant doesn't have any business, not because there is a government edict, although there are in some states. Some states have said you have to shut down. Some states have gone so far as to say you have to shut down outdoor dining, not just indoor dining -- of course those people have lost their jobs. But in many cases it is just because the virus is so prevalent, people aren't going out, they aren't going shopping, they aren't going to the movie theaters, they aren't going to the bowling alley, they aren't going to the restaurant and they aren't going to the hotels.\nSo folks are losing their jobs. Again, not because of something they did or something they could control. It's almost like a natural disaster, and, therefore, they need some help and need it now. We really have kind of a k-shaped recovery here. People talk about a v-shaped recovery where you have a recession and then you come right back out the same way you went in. I wish that were the case here. Instead it's kind of k-shaped. We do have some industries that are doing quite well actually, and some areas of the country that are doing okay. That's the top of the K. But the bottom of the K is those who are not. So, if you are in the hospitality business, the travel business, if you are someone who has a job that is no longer there because of this crisis, then you're in trouble. You're in trouble. \nI am told that I've now given 20 floor speeches on the need for us to do something. I think it ought to be targeted. I think it ought to be focused. What I have said is that we have got this wonderful new vaccine coming out. Moderna is about to be approved, I believe. Pfizer was just approved. I'm in the trial for the Jannsen-J & J, Johnson & Johnson vaccine, actually. And I think that's coming along well. We'll probably have AstraZeneca coming soon. So this is something that is very positive about this crisis. We actually finally have something that will help us turn the corner. I think it is important that we wear our masks. I think it's important that we social distance. I think it's important that we use the hand sanitizer, all of that, we need to keep doing it. But the difference between that and the vaccine is that the vaccine gives you the immunity we're all seeking. People talk about herd immunity and that that could come early on, people said, by so many people getting infected. We can't have that happen. Why? Because that will lead to a lot of pain, a lot more deaths. 300,000 people have already died in this country from this crisis. We don't want to bring herd immunity in that way. We want to bring herd immunity from the vaccine. And by the way, these vaccines are safe. They're effective. I mean, if you look at the numbers, 95 percent efficacy? Unbelievable. So do your own research and look at it and make your own decision. But this is not a situation where, as with the flu, actually, when you take the flu shot, I'm told only about a third of the time does it work. About two-thirds of the time it doesn't. And that's happened to my family members, probably to you or your family members where you take a flu shot and it doesn't really help. But here, 90-95 percent, 98 percent, the numbers are amazing, take a look at them. Efficacy, meaning that's how effective they are. \nAgain, in the trial that I'm in, the initial numbers are quite positive. Also, it was done in a way that I think makes a lot of sense for the future in terms of public-private partnership. The government basically said to these companies, we'll provide a market for you if you get busy producing this lifesaving vaccine. And by the way, you can go ahead and start producing the vaccine even before it is approved so we don't have to wait four or five months after the approval to then get the production up and going. And if you don't get the approval, we're going to throw away the vaccine.' It was worth doing. It was probably the best expenditure of federal money we had here in the last package, the CARES package, because it ensured that we not only would get these vaccines quickly but we would get them distributed quickly. So as an example, even while the vaccines were being approved recently and these were the Pfizer vaccines, those vaccines were already on their way to my home state of Ohio. They were prepositioned there, and when the approval came, we could move quickly and people are being vaccinated today in my state and in your state -- primarily people who are on the front lines as health care providers. Next we're helping with regard to the nursing homes, people who come in and out of the nursing homes, which is where obviously most of this disease happens. Then the people in the nursing homes. Then our EMS and our other first responders, people who have health problems, preexisting conditions that make them more vulnerable to the virus, seniors. So this is really exciting and this is the answer. This is what's going to help us turn the tide. But that's going to be a ways off until that's widely available. So what I think in terms of this package, again, I think of it as a bridge. It's an emergency package to get us from where we are now to this period, probably in the March, April, May time period when the vaccine will be widely available and we'll be able to have that kind of herd immunity that we talked about earlier. We don't want community spread, we want community immunity. And that's the idea. \nThe package that the bipartisan group put together was $908 billion. Six of the ten of us voted for that. All of us voted for a smaller package, which was $748 billion. It's important to note that of that $908 billion or $748 billion, we also repurposed a lot of money that's already been spent. So roughly $600 billion was pulled back from the PPP program that had not been spent yet and also from a program that the Treasury and the Fed had to provide loans that were not being used. That's the 13-3 program that you might have heard about. That program, fortunately, was not tapped into because the commercial banks stepped in and provided a lot of that lending that was necessary. Rates are at historic lows right now for mortgages, as an example and other loans, so they didn't need to step in. That money is being repurposed. So instead of $748 billion, it's more like $148 billion. Instead of $908 billion, if you went for the whole thing, it is more like $300 billion. So not that that's not a lot of money -- it is. But compare that to what was being talked about only a couple weeks ago and for the previous nine months, by the way, which was a package in the House of Representatives called the HEROES Act which was trillions of dollars -- $3.5 trillion initially. Then they agreed maybe $2.4 trillion. Then the last offer that was on the table that they didn't take was $1.8 trillion. We're not talking about those kind of numbers now. We're talking about a bridge on an emergency basis that's targeted and focused. And I'll give you an example of that. \nIn this package, the bipartisan package which I hope is picked up, and I think it will be, by the package that the final negotiators are working on -- that would be Secretary Mnuchin, who has been very eager to get an agreement that helps the American people working for the president, but also the leadership here, the Democratic Leader, the Republican Leader, in the House, the Democratic Leader and Speaker, and the Republican Leader, that's the group right now -- What they're saying is, we want to get a package done' and I think, as an example, with the PPP program they'll end up picking up what this bipartisan group agreed to, which is to have a more narrow Paycheck Protection Program, PPP to help small businesses but to particularly focus on those businesses that are small businesses -- instead of under 500 people as an example, maybe under 300 --and those that are really hurting. In other words, those who are losing money relative to where they were last year. So when you do a quarter-to-quarter comparison -- fourth quarter this year, fourth quarter back in 2019, if you have a loss, let's say of 25 percent or 30 percent, that's significant. With the funding that we have, isn't it better to target that funding towards those small businesses that are really hurting? That I think will be in the final package. And again, I commend my bipartisan colleagues for coming up with some of these ideas and working out some of this stuff because there's some differences. And by the way, no one of the ten of us involved in this agreed with every part of this package. Trust me. There's a lot of things we would have done differently. I would have written a different package, as would have any of my colleagues. But it was necessary to get to yes', to get to a result. And we've done that. And I think, again, it will inform where we end up in terms of the package coming to the floor and the Paycheck Protection Program is a good example of that. \nWe also provided in that program loan forgiveness for small loans, $150,000 or less, in a very simplified manner so you don't have to go through all the bureaucracy and the cost and the loops and hoops which small businesses just can't afford to do. I am proud of our work there as well. We also provided help for some of the hardest hit industries, including the airline industry. We want to keep a viable airline industry in this country. We don't want them to go bankrupt and planes to stop flying. We actually want over this bridge period between now and I mentioned March, April, May, we want to be sure that the economy can get back on its feet as quickly as possible. That's why we don't want these small businesses to go out of business and their employees to be put on the unemployment lines. That's why we want to be sure that our airlines can continue. They are having a tough time, but 90,000 jobs alone in this industry will be lost, we're told, unless we do something along the lines of what we did in the bipartisan package. 90,000 additional jobs lost. We don't want that. We want to be sure we are positioned for growth. And by the way, my view, for whatever it's worth, I think this economy is incredibly resilient. I know it's not going great right now, we still have 10 million people out of work who were working as of February this year, we have 10 million people who haven't found their way back to work yet. We still have relatively high unemployment compared to where we were. In my state it's probably about double where it was. But we've been resilient given what we've been hit with. And I believe if we can get to this period of time when the vaccine is readily available, we are poised for a takeoff. I think there is pent-up demand. I think among my constituents, they're going to be happy to get out and shop again and go to the restaurants and go to the hotels and travel and go to the movie theaters, go to the stages, the places where there's a performance that has to be canceled now and where people are struggling to keep these venues open. Those will be not just reopen -- people, I think, will flock there, but we have to get through to that period. It's worth in my view helping to be sure in the interim period that we don't have more pain and more loss of jobs and are prepared to move forward. \nOn unemployment insurance, again, if you've lost your job not because of what you did, but because of what I said earlier, almost like a natural disaster of the virus, we should provide additional help and we do that in the legislation. The day after Christmas, the current relief ends in terms of the federal help on unemployment insurance. That is not something that any of us should want to see. If you're self-employed, if you're a so-called gig economy worker, then you are able to get unemployment insurance right now if you don't have a job. If you can't work because of this virus, you can get unemployment insurance. That's not typical in my state and that's not typical in most states, but because of our federal law we passed, the CARES Act, again, nine months ago, that has been permitted, but it ends on the day after Christmas. So I have people who are self-employed coming up to me back home and saying, I've got to know. I don't know if I can pay the rent, I don't know if I can make my car payment, I need to know, I don't know if I can make my mortgage. I need to know.' Well we're going to tell them, I hope in this legislation that passes, that indeed, they're going to get the coverage and the 13 weeks of the federal extension on the state unemployment that will also be extended. So that the day after Christmas, again, people aren't falling off the cliff. And then the federal supplement per week. Originally it was $600 per week, as you know. That $600 per week, I thought was relatively high. Meaning that many people were getting more on unemployment than they were in their jobs. And that was a problem for many employers, particularly small employers who were having a tough time getting people to come back to work as the economy started to improve after the March, April, May, time period when things started to pick up a little bit, it was tough. \nThis compromise, I think will be $300. Maybe it will be $200. I don't know what exactly they are working out, but our proposal was $300, which was a bipartisan compromise, many Democrats would like to go back to the $600, some Republicans think it should be less than $300. But this is a compromise and it's a way for us to ensure that during this time period, and this is for 16 weeks only --so between now and the end of March -- during this period, this bridge, as we talked about, if people are unemployed through no fault of their own, they should be able to get a little help to be able, again, to put food on the table, make their car payment, make their rent. So that's in this package too. There is also funding in here for rental assistance. As you know, some people have been hanging on wondering if they are going to be evicted or not. Evictions make no sense right now for the tenants or the landlords or the economy. We don't want people out on the street -- landlords don't want to go through the pain of having to go through an eviction and then trying to find somebody else if they can get some help just to hold on through this period. So there is funding in here for rental assistance to help keep people in their homes with a roof over their head as we go through this period. \nThe final one I want to talk about, and there are a lot of other provisions in here that I don't have time to go into, but one I want to talk about is one that is kind of a heartbreaker for me. Because for many years now we have been challenged with this drug addiction issue, particularly opioids. This would be prescription drugs and heroin and fentanyl, the deadly synthetic opioid. To the point that only four years ago we had the highest rates of overdose deaths in the history of our country, 72,000 people were dying a year, and a lot of us focused on that here. Over the past four or five years this Congress has spent money and changed policies to try to make it easier for people to get treatment and to get into longer-term recovery and more money in prevention activities to keep people from getting into the funnel of addiction in the first place, because this was at epidemic levels. In 2018 and 2019, we started to see a reversal of that for the first time in really three decades, so every year for something like 30 years, in my home state of Ohio, we would see more overdose deaths every year, every year. In 2018 we had a 20-plus percent reduction in overdose deaths. It was about a 22 percent reduction in Ohio. 22 percent reduction in deaths. That's because we all focused, at the federal level, state level, local level and we made a difference and we began to change this dynamic of young people and middle-aged people and across the spectrum, regardless of your zip code you lived in, you were being affected by this, we changed it so that people were actually getting the help they needed, getting out from under their addiction, getting back to work, back to their families. It was good news. The heartbreaking part of this for me is having made that progress finally, we now see during this coronavirus pandemic an epidemic underneath it and it's the epidemic of drug addiction. \nSo there are new numbers out today I saw that don't surprise me as much as they discourage me, which is that this year instead of 72,000 people dying of overdose deaths in America from drug abuse, and this is not just opioids, but all drugs including psychostimulants like methamphetamine, the crystal meth from Mexico is cheap, powerful, deadly, this year it is expected that our overdose death rate will be the highest ever. Again, we're getting back to where we were, plus. Probably 83,000 is the number I saw today. I remember I mentioned 72,000 people dying only four years ago, now we're back to 83,000? So this is a crisis within a pandemic, and we need to deal with it. There's lots of different opinions out there as to why this is happening. I believe strongly a lot of it is just from the isolation that comes with this pandemic. People haven't been able to go and meet with and talk to their recovery coaches which is one way we were changing this dynamic, people were able to meet with people who were recovering addicts themselves to be able to help them get through it. Longer-term recovery was working for a lot of people. And yet, some of these longer-term recovery places where people can be, a home, say a sober home, they've had issues with the pandemic and not been able to have the group homes that provide that care. Also people have not been able to just go see their doctors or their treatment providers. Telemedicine has helped, and that's one reason in our package we put more funding into telemedicine because that's the way you can get to people both with regard to behavioral health, mental health issues and with regard to addiction. But it hasn't filled the gap. Also, a lot of people are feeling a great deal of stress, and even despair and joblessness. \nAnd obviously, if you go to the foodbanks in Ohio, you see people who are in their cars waiting three, four, five, six hours at a time. There's something going on here folks. These are people who are feeling desperation to wait in line for six hours to get a box of food means that you've got a real problem in your family. By the way, some of these people because I've talked to them, I've gone to these foodbanks, some have never been in a foodbank in their lives. They've just found themselves in a tough situation. Again, not everybody. Remember the k-shaped recovery. For some people it's been fine. If you're a white-collar worker and you can telework from home. Maybe you're in the finance industry or maybe you're in the tech industry, you might be doing great. But your neighbor who's got a job at that restaurant or perhaps in another business like the travel business, the motor coach business, they don't have the opportunities to get that job and so they are the ones in the foodbank line. So by the way put more funding into the foodbanks as well and into helping people to be able to afford food is obviously a big issue right now. So the notion here is with this legislation that we're going to provide more help for people who are suffering from addiction with the thought of trying all we can to try to reverse this trend. Ultimately, again, the best way to reverse it is to have this coronavirus pandemic behind us so that people can socialize again, gather again, aren't feeling the despair, aren't isolated, and that is coming. But the bridge to there, it is important that we save as many lives as we can. So there's $5 billion in our legislation, the bipartisan bill, to do just that. \nMy hope is, again, that will be in the final package, and I believe it will be. I believe what the negotiators are working on is very similar to what's in the legislation that we came together with as a bipartisan group. My only disappointment in the group is that we couldn't end up with this combination of state and local funding targeted towards need -- by the way, not the way it was done last time by per capita, but targeted toward need --- and also liability protection for these small businesses, for these private nursing homes, for these EMS personnel, the emergency medical people, who are concerned, they are concerned about it. What we tried to put together was a package that said, okay, if you're a bad actor, if you didn't follow the rules and the rules were pretty clear, you aren't protected, you're accountable. But if you followed the rules and you were trying your best to deal with ever-changing standards,' and let's face it, they've been quite different, in March and April people were saying, don't wear a mask, we know now that was a mistake, but at the time we didn't. The notion is to protect people from frivolous lawsuits who were doing their best. \nBy the way, there was a survey done of people saying, do you think there should be protection for people that are doing their best versus people who are grossly negligent, that was the word used, gross negligence, would not be protected. They would be accountable. 79 percent of the American people agreed with that. There's also been polling out there with regard to the small businesses from the NFIB, saying that 70 percent of small businesses are very concerned and worried about this. So again, think about the business, revenue has crashed, profits have crashed, they are hanging on, the PPPs going to help them, because we're getting more PPP money in, that's the Paycheck Protection Program we talked about earlier. Hopefully it'll get them through this. But if they're facing a lawsuit, whether they win it or not, whether they can prove that they were doing the right thing, just the cost of that lawsuit could well mean the difference of that small business continuing in operation or not. Or a nonprofit. And the nonprofits in Ohio are very interested in the liability reforms, as is the education community, the higher education people, the school teachers. As are the people in the health care industry, across the board, in nursing homes and hospitals. My hope is that we can get back to work on that, perhaps after this legislation is passed. As we look at what we do next, let's be sure that we are providing that protection in combination with providing that help to our state and local governments who need it where they can demonstrate the need. I don't think it will be in this package, but it should be in the next package. \nI will say, this legislation on COVID-19 is needed and we ought to move it now. We cannot go home for the holidays without passing COVID-19 rescue legislation. Again, to me, it's a rescue package. It's not a stimulus package as much as it is getting us through this period. Providing that bridge between now and when the vaccine is readily available. This legislation is likely to be part of a broader bill that will include a number of things, including spending for the year so we don't have a government shutdown, which is a good thing not to have a government shutdown, but also it's likely that it will include some tax provisions which are so-called tax extenders. I would say one thing that I hope it includes is permanent extension of tax relief for our craft beverage industry, this would be craft breweries, craft vintners, craft distillers. We passed legislation a few years ago that was very important to them that allowed them to have a deduction in the excise tax they pay on certain volumes, relatively low volumes of their product. As a result many of these businesses have been able to expand, hire people and now they have the possibility of this expiring at the end of the year and having a big bill due that they cannot afford. \nWe're proud in Ohio to be home of a craft beer production industry that is now number six in the country. It supports 81,000 jobs. It's a business that has been hurt for two reasons, one you think about it, the restaurants aren't doing the business they used it to do so if you're providing your product to a restaurant, you're hurt, but also a lot of these craft distillers or craft brewers or craft vintners have their own tasting rooms or their own brew pubs and those, in some cases, have been shut down altogether and in other cases their revenues have crashed. So it would not be the time for them to be facing a big tax bill. And that's what the excise tax would be. Income tax you pay later in the year, excise tax you would have to pay right away. So my hope is that that would be extended permanently. More than half of the members of this body joined me and Senator Wyden on a letter to our leadership about this urging that this extender, which has worked so well to increase jobs and opportunity to America, can continue on a permanent basis going forward. So my hope is that that's part of the package as well. That will help in terms of the economic stimulus part of this, which is also important. \nSo I thank you for what you are doing if you are one of those people out there who is promoting the vaccines and talking about the importance of us getting the vaccine. If you're not, I hope you'll look at the research. I hope you'll look at the fact that we should be encouraging everyone to get vaccinated, unless someone has a health problem that makes it difficult for them. The polling data is not encouraging on this. The last Gallup poll shows that only 58 percent of Americans are comfortable being vaccinated. That needs to change. I've heard some people say, Well, when you look at the polling, it shows that Democrats are concerned because this happened during the Trump administration, this vaccine development.' This is not political, take the politics out of it. These are scientists that have been working around the clock over the past nine months, ten months to get us to this point. These are scientists who are now working around the clock to look carefully at these vaccines to determine whether they are approved or not. These are the scientists making the decisions, not the politicians. It's the people in the white coats. We need to trust them, for the sake of our country, because we need to reverse this terrible virus and the pandemic that is causing all of the issues that we talked about earlier today to our communities, to our families, so the way to do that is to ensure that we do in fact not just have this vaccine available but that people take advantage of it and are willing to be vaccinated. \nSo I hope that if you're listening this evening, that you pass that word along. And that you again do your own research, look at it. But my hope is that the conclusion will be to get to the period where we want to get, which is to have people feel like they can reengage in the economy, they feel like they can be back with their loved ones and congregate, they feel like they can go back to church or their other place of worship, they feel like they can send their kids back to school, they feel like they can get back to a more normal life. That will happen through the accessibility and the ability to actually get that vaccine. So my hope is that those listening tonight will do that and do their part in spreading that message instead of spreading the virus.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://latta.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402399", "Latta Calls for Permanent Change and Investigation of USPS Michigan Metroplex Facility", "2020-12-16", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Robert Latta", "L000566", "latta.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.Today, Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH5) penned two letters, one to Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY12) and Ranking Member James Comer (R-KY1) of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform and another to USPS Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer Louis DeJoy.\r\nThe letters request a formal Congressional inquiry into the mail processing operations of the USPS Michigan Metroplex facility in Pontiac, Michigan, and a permanent transfer of processing duties for Northwest Ohio's mail from the Metroplex to a mail processing facility within the State of Ohio.\r\nThe local postal carriers and the people who work to deliver the mail do a great job, but unfortunately, for years, the United States Postal Service (USPS) Michigan Metroplex Facility has failed to reliably deliver mail, including bills and absentee ballots, to residents of Ohio's Fifth Congressional District.\r\nFor too long, the Michigan Metroplex has failed in its duty to provide adequate mail processing services for my constituents in Northwest Ohio,wrote Latta.Consequentially, the lack of dependable mail delivery services has resulted in late billing payments and penalties for constituents, delays in local judicial proceedings, reputational and monetary harm to small businesses, and the violation of the right to vote, to name a few.\r\nI have tried to bring these concerns to the attention of USPS officials, including in Michigan, Northern Ohio, and Washington, D.C., with the hope that they could be addressed and remedied; unfortunately, the responses I have received over the years have been mixed at best,Latta continued. On behalf of my constituents in Ohio's Fifth Congressional District, I respectfully request that the House Committee on Oversight and Reform launch an investigation into this matter and work to ensure that USPS is being proactive in addressing mail delivery issues brought forward by Members of Congress.\r\nRead the complete letter to Postmaster General DeJoy here.\r\nRead the complete letter to Chairwoman Maloney and Ranking Member Comer here.\r\nSince 2011, Congressman Latta has held calls with the Postmaster General, brought in USPS officials for meetings, and visited mail processing centers in Ohio and Michigan.\r\nIn October 2016, Congressman Latta was made aware ofsignificant delays in the delivery of absentee ballotsbefore the 2016 general election. Over the following weeks and months, he pushed for answers as to why hundreds of ballots were delayed, and in some instances, lost all together. The problems were traced back to the USPS Michigan Metroplex Facility in Pontiac, Michigan.\r\nIn April 2017, following up on these inquiries, Congressman Latta traveled to the Michigan Metroplex Facility to inspect their operations and receive a briefing. At the time, USPS officials made assurances that the facility's performance would be improved and new absentee ballot procedures would be implemented.\r\nDespite these assurances, mail issues persisted in Northwest Ohio, leading Congressman Latta topen a letterto the Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer of the United States Postal Service in June 2020 to request a formal inquiry into the possibility of transferring the mail processing responsibilities for Northwest Ohio from the USPS Michigan Metroplex Facility to either the Cleveland Mail Processing Plant or the Columbus Mail Processing Plant.\r\nThe Congressman did receive a response to that letter stating no formal inquiry into the possibility of transferring the mail processing responsibilities from Pontiac to either Cleveland or Columbus will be made.\r\nAt the beginning of August, Congressman Latta sent residents of Ohio's Fifth Congressional District an online survey asking his constituents to share if they experience delays or challenges receiving their mail. 3,015 constituents marked they have experienced such hardships, which represents 85.9% of all people who responded to the survey.\r\nLater that month, Congressman Latta led a bicameral letter urging the USPS to protect Ohioans' constitutional right to vote. After discussions betweenCongressman Latta and the USPS, the USPS ordered Northwest Ohio mail to be sent to the Mail Processing Plant in Cleveland instead of the Metroplex facility in Pontiac, Michigan through the 2020 election. According to information provided to Congressman Latta's office, USPS Headquarters has said that they diverted Ohio mail normally bound for the Metroplex Sorting Facility to the Cleveland facility from September 16, 2020 through November 14, 2020.\r\nDuring this period, constituents of Ohio's Fifth Congressional District observed noticeable improvements in the delivery of their mail.However, since November 14, 2020, delays and delivery hardships have persisted, and will continue to do so if permanent changes are not made.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://stivers.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403076", "Support Our Small Businesses", "2020-12-16", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Steve Stivers", "S001187", "stivers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Support Our Small Businesses\r\nIn March, our nation faced an invisible enemy, and Congress came together to pass three relief bills: the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, the CARES Act, and the Health Care and Paycheck Protection Program Enhancement Act. Legislators from both sides of the aisle set aside their differences to deal with the health and economic consequences brought by an unprecedented situation. It is that spirit of bipartisanship that we need to get things done for the American people. \r\nOhioans want to get back to work. Americans want to get back to work. And Congress needs to get to work to make that possible. From ensuring that small businesses are able to weather the storm, to distributing vaccines to build herd immunity, there is plenty to be done to get our nation back to normal. We need to pass a stimulus bill that allows Main Street to take advantage of the Paycheck Protection Program funds and allows small business to operate safety by including liability protections.\r\nThe Paycheck Protection Program has been a lifeline for nearly 10,000 businesses in the 15th District  all with revenues of less than $150,000. PPP allowed these business owners to keep close to 50,000 employees on payroll. That's 50,000 families that did not have to worry about how they would put food on the table. Now, Congress has the opportunity to extend the program and help countless more families. Congress also needs to ensure that the help given by the PPP does not become a burden in the future by making those funds tax deductible. While businesses are struggling to get back on their feet, we can't allow them to be hamstrung by an unexpected tax bill. PPP is working, and Congress needs to make sure it continues to work for those businesses that are in dire need. \r\nCongress also needs to ensure that those who are taking every necessary precaution to keep their employees and their customers safe are not held liable if someone gets sick. Certainly, gross negligence cannot be excused or ignored, but businesses that are meeting local, state, and federal guidelines should not be punished. If businesses cannot operate without fear of a lawsuit, our economy will not survive  liability protections are essential. \r\nWithout Main Street, the engine of our economy, we cannot hope to get folks back to work and with over 700,000 still unemployed, there's no time to waste. In every corner of the country, in red districts and blue districts, small businesses and the employees who depend on them are suffering, and we need to work together in a bipartisan manner to get them the relief that they need. \r\nIf you are a small business owner with questions about the PPP or other relief programs, please call my Hilliard office at (614) 771-4968. \r\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://chabot.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401082", "Statement from Freedom of the Press Caucus Co-Chairs Schiff and Chabot on Reports of 43 Journalists Killed in 2020", "2020-12-16", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "OH", "Steven Chabot", "C000266", "chabot.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington D.C.   Today, Representatives Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Steve Chabot (R-OH), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Freedom of the Press Caucus released the following statement on International Federation of Journalists' (IFJ) new whitepaper regarding 2658 journalists who have been murdered since 1990, including 42 journalists in 2020. Just this weekend, Iranian journalist Ruhollah Zam was executed for running a website that criticized the Iranian government, bringing the year's total to 43.We are deeply troubled by IFJ's tragic findings that 42 journalists were killed this year and that 235 journalists remain in prison, the Co-Chairs said. With the addition of Ruhollah Zam's execution, 2659 journalists have been murdered over the past 30 years  which equates to about two journalists or media workers killed every week. Media freedom is critical to hold governments accountable to their citizens. No matter where they are located, journalists like Mr. Zam should be free to fulfill the critical mission of providing timely, accurate information to the public without the fear of repression, imprisonment, or death. On December 10, IFJ issued a white paper documenting the killing of journalists since 1990. According to IFJ, [t]he IFJ casualty toll included all journalists, freelance as well as support staff such as drivers, fixers and translators who died during newsgathering activitiesgiving a fuller picture of the extent of casualties within the media workforce. Ruhollah Zam was convicted of corruption on earth for his work running Amad News, a news website Iran accused of inciting the 2017-2018 protests.                                                                                 ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-bill-cultivate-next-generation-veterans-health-professionals", "Kaptur Bill to Cultivate Next Generation of Veterans Health Professionals Clears House and Senate, Heads to Presidents Desk", "2020-12-16", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "OH", "Marcy Kaptur", "K000009", "kaptur.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the bipartisan H.R. 1271, the Veterans'-Specific Education for Tomorrow's Health Professionals Act of 2019 (VET HP Act). The bill passed the U.S. Senate last week in a legislative package entitled the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020.\n\nThe shortage of Veterans Health Administration (VHA) physicians and medical professionals has been a major problem for VA medical centers across the country, including in Northern Ohio, forcing VA facilities to provide care with fewer staff than are medically necessary to properly care for our nation's veterans. According to a 4th Quarter 2020 VA report published in accordance with the VA Mission Act, the Louis Stokes VA Medical Center in Cleveland currently has 153 medical vacancies, the VA Healthcare System in Ann Arbor has 215 medical vacancies, and the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center in Detroit currently has 69 medical vacancies.\n\nThe VET HP Act would direct the Department of Veteran's Affairs (VA) to create a one-year pilot program in at least five VA medical centers for pre-med students to gain clinical observation experience, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of veterans' specific health needs and experiences, while creating a viable pipeline of future medical professionals in the process.\n\nBy expanding opportunities for future physicians interested in serving our nation's veterans, this legislation will lay the groundwork to help fill the roughly 30,000 medical vacancies at VHA by creating a viable pipeline of future physicians and medical professionals, said Rep. Kaptur. This bill will prioritize undergraduate students specializing in a health profession where there is an identified VHA staffing shortage, as well as students in medically underserved areas, first-generation college students, students referred by minority-serving institutions, and of course veterans. This legislation is the definition of a win-win. I thank our veterans' service organizations, including The American Legion and Paralyzed Veterans of America, for supporting this legislation. I also thank Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) for her support and sponsorship in the Senate as well as Chairman Mark Takano (D-CA) of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee for his leadership and support shepherding this bill through Congress. I call on the President to sign this bipartisan legislation without delay.\n\nThe VET HP Act is a sensible bill which will help fill the tens of thousands of vacancies across VA, improve the quality and timeliness of care for veterans, and move us one step closer to achieving our shared vision of a stronger VA, said Chairman Mark Takano (D-CA) of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. I'm grateful to Rep. Kaptur for her work addressing the serious staffing shortages at VA while ensuring students from underserved communities are able to earn the clinical observation hours necessary for medical school and gain experience caring for our nation's veterans. I urge the President to sign it without delay.\n\nThe VET HP Act previously passed the House of Representatives in March, 2019. The VET HP Act passed the U.S. Senate in December 2020 as a part of a broad veterans legislative package and had to be voted on again in the House. Kaptur's bill has been endorsed by the American Legion and Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA).\n###\n\nkaptur.house.gov", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-bill-rename-nasa-plum-brook-station-after-neil-armstrong-clears", "Kaptur Bill to Rename NASA Plum Brook Station After Neil Armstrong Clears House and Senate, Heads to Presidents Desk", "2020-12-16", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "OH", "Marcy Kaptur", "K000009", "kaptur.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) released the following statement after her bipartisan, bicameral legislation to rename NASA'sPlum Brook Station in Sandusky, Ohio in honor of Neil Armstrong passed the U.S. House of Representatives.Plum Brook is part of theNASA John H. Glenn Research Center and is home to unique world-class facilities that conduct critical and innovative tests for the international aerospace community.Plum Brook Station is testing a new generation of space exploration technologies that are essential for NASA's plans to explore the lunar surface and again land humans on the Moon. Rep. Kaptur introduced the legislation on a bipartisan basis alongside Rep. Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH). Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Senators Brown (D-OH) and Portman (R-OH) and has since passed.\n\nKaptur delivered the following remarks ahead of the final vote (as prepared for delivery):\n\n \nMadam Speaker, I rise in support of S. 2472, the Neil A. Armstrong Test Facility Act, Congresswoman Horn, you have been a trusted and valued colleague and have ably served the nation and your constituents. I want to express my deep appreciation for your assistance on today's legislation and for your friendship in Congress. In the frantic days before the end of session, Ohio is grateful for your assistance in getting this bill to the finish line.\n \n\n \nThe Neil A. Armstrong Test Facility Act renames the NASA Plum Brook Station after a true American Hero. The Plum Brook Station located in Sandusky Ohio is a true asset to American excellence in space exploration. The facilities at the site are second to none. It contains the space environments complex with the world's largest space test chamber, the in-space propulsion building has a space chamber where we can fire an upper stage rocket. There is also a world class clean air hypersonic wind tunnel and a space chamber to test equipment to simulate planetary surface conditions.\n \n\n \nThese capabilities enable our scientists to prepare for the rigors of space exploration.\n \n\n \nThe Plum Brook Station and test facility in Sandusky Ohio is a national asset, and today, it is being renamed after a pioneer in human history. This year, the Plum Brook station finished testing the Orion 1 the spacecraft that will fly the Artemis 1 mission. This mission will eventually return a man to the moon. 51 years after Neil Armstrong captivated the world with his famous words that united mankind and allowed us to dream for a common purpose, the nation turns our attention back to the test facility.\n \n\n \nI also want to express my deep appreciation for Representative Gonzalez's partnership on this bill. I am pleased to see him managing the Republican time today. You and your staff have been able partners in securing a floor vote.\n \n\n \nThe people of Ohio are also grateful to Chairwoman Johnson, Ranking Member Lucas, our Senate Colleagues Senator Brown and Portman for their bicameral partnership on today's legislation.\n \n\n \nIn the days of uncertainty for our society and planet, renaming the NASA Test Facility in Sandusky Ohio for Neil Armstrong offers a reminder to the world of the common purpose of the giant leaps that lie ahead for mankind. Indeed, we must continue reaching for the stars.\n \n\n \nI urge my colleagues to support S. 2472, the Neil A. Armstrong Test Facility Act and yield back.\n \n\n\"Renaming Plum Brook Station after one of our state's greatest icons is a fitting way to memorialize Neil Armstrong's legacy within the state of Ohio and to inspire the next generation of leaders in our quest to explore the universe, said Rep. Gonzalez. I ampleased to join Ohio's Senators, Congresswoman Kaptur, and the rest of the Ohio delegation in getting this legislation passed through Congress and on its way to the President's desk.\"\n\n###\n\nkaptur.house.gov", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://timryan.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-ryan-fudge-and-sen-brown-urge-appropriators-reject-cuts-auto-manufacturing", "Reps. Ryan, Fudge and Sen. Brown Urge Appropriators to Reject Cuts to Auto Manufacturing Program Critical to Bringing Jobs Back to Lordstown", "2020-12-16", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "OH", "Tim Ryan", "R000577", "timryan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13), Congresswoman Marcia Fudge (OH-11) and Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) wrote to congressional appropriators urging them to reject any cuts or elimination of the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing (ATVM) Loan Program in any year-end government funding legislation. In their letter, the Ohio lawmakers raise concerns about proposed cuts to the program and cite the importance of the ATVM program in bringing auto manufacturing jobs to the state, including at Lordstown Motors, which has applied for ATVM funding to produce electric trucks in Lordstown after GM laid off thousands of workers at its plant there.\nWorkers in Lordstown, and across America's industrial heartland, are ready to do the work building the vehicles that the world will drive in the 21st Century. As we have worked with the community to reverse the devastation left by GM's departure, potential investors have made clear that support from ATVM is a key part of the path to bringing advanced auto manufacturing into communities that are struggling to recover jobs lost to outsourcing. In fact, Lordstown Motors, a manufacturer of electric pickup trucks and other vehicles, is utilizing factory space at the former GM facility, and has submitted an application for ATVM loan funds. The loan program was created in 2007 to assist emerging companies like this as they build the vehicles of the future,the lawmakers wrote.\nIn January, Ryan leda group of ten Ohio Senators and Representatives, including Brown and Fudge, inurging the U.S. Department of Energyto approve Lordstown Motor Corps' (LMC) application for an Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing (ATVM) loan.\nBrown, Fudge and Ryan's full letter to Congressional Appropriators can be foundHEREand below.\nDear Chairman Shelby, Vice Chairman Leahy, Chairwoman Lowey, and Ranking Member Granger:\nAs you work to finalize the Fiscal Year 2021 (FY2021) Omnibus, we urge you to reject any efforts to eliminate or rescind funding for the Department of Energy's Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing loan program (ATVM).\nAs you know, Congress created ATVM to encourage innovation and create jobs in the domestic auto manufacturing sector and assist manufacturers as they work to produce fuel-efficient and emissions-free vehicles. To date, the program has supported automotive companies as they retool American factories to add electric, hybrid, and fuel-efficient conventional vehicles to their fleet. Increasing the capacity for manufacturing these advanced technology vehicles now is crucial to maintaining the global competitiveness of the American auto industry as demand for low-and-zero emissions vehicles increases, and to protecting good-paying American jobs.\nIn 2019, General Motors (GM) shuttered its production facility in Lordstown, Ohio, leading to the loss of over 2,700 jobs in the community. Workers in Lordstown, and across America's industrial heartland, are ready to do the work building the vehicles that the world will drive in the 21stCentury. As we have worked with the community to reverse the devastation left by GM's departure, potential investors have made clear that support from ATVM is a key part of the path to bringing advanced auto manufacturing into communities that are struggling to recover jobs lost to outsourcing. In fact, Lordstown Motors, a manufacturer of electric pickup trucks and other vehicles, is utilizing factory space at the former GM facility, and has submitted an application for ATVM loan funds. The loan program was created in 2007 to assist emerging companies like this as they build the vehicles of the future.\nWe have offered our support for this program in the past, and are alarmed to hear reports that this committee is considering defunding the program. For years, many of us have pushed back against previous efforts to undermine the program and we offer our strong support for ATVM. ATVM is an investment in America's manufacturing future that we must maintain it if we hope to preserve American leadership in automotive inovation.\nWe appreciate your consideration.\nSincerely,\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hearing-portman-questions-witnesses-election-security-cybersecurity-threats", "At Hearing, Portman Questions Witnesses on Election Security & Cybersecurity Threats Facing United States", "2020-12-16", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "OH", "Rob Portman", "P000449", "www.portman.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "At Hearing, Portman Questions Witnesses on Election Security & Cybersecurity Threats Facing United States\n \n      \n  \n\n          \n                          \n      December 16, 2020\n      \n  \n |     \n                          \n      Press Releases\n      \n  \n  \n    \n                  WASHINGTON, DC  Today, at a Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) questioned witnesses about election security and the cybersecurity threats facing the country. Portman has led efforts to address state and local cybersecurity threats and has worked to combat cyberattacks and ensure elections are free, fair, and secure from foreign interference. Last week, Portman announced that the Senate-passed FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report included his bipartisan provision to require the Department of Homeland Security to establish a Cybersecurity State Coordinator position in every state. In 2018, Senator Portman's bipartisan Hack Department of Homeland Security (DHS) ActandPublic-Private Cybersecurity Cooperation Actwere included in a package of billsthat were signed into law. \nIn addition, earlier this year, Senators Portman and Gary Peters (D-MI) introduced the bipartisan Risk-Informed Spending for Cybersecurity (RISC) Act to require the federal government to make better investments in cybersecurity protections to keep Americans' data safe. The legislation would require federal agencies to efficiently allocate limited cybersecurity resources to acquire capabilities that address the most pressing cyber threats. In addition, earlier this month, the senators introduced a bipartisan bill that would increase transparency and modernize how the government responds to cybersecurity incidents on federal information systems. Federal System Incident Response Act will update and add critical new sections to FISMA, increasing transparency by clarifying how and when agencies must notify impacted individuals and Congress when data breaches occur. The bill would also require agencies to share information about cybersecurity incidents with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to ensure that attacks against one agency can be compared to other agency incidents. \nIn June 2019, Senator Portman, as Chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, released a bipartisan report that found that the vast majority of federal agencies reviewed by the Subcommittee failed to implement effective and comprehensive cybersecurity frameworks. This included the failure to protect sensitive personally identifiable information and an overreliance on outdated legacy systems.\nExcerpts of the hearing can be found below and a video can be found here. \nPortman: I have been moving around the Capitol as we have had to vote, but I was at the hearing earlier, and I appreciate the witnesses and all of the information that we have received and you know, as I look at this issue and even watch some of the back and forth today between our colleagues, it seems to me that pulling this out of politics a little bit and having a bipartisan group that is a more independent look at the issue is a good idea. In part because most of us don't believe that this ought to be something that the federal government usurps from the states.\nIn fact, we believe that the Constitution got it right and that, generally speaking, it is better to have these states handle this, but there are obviously many disparities between how the states do it. So there was discussion earlier, I think it was the Carter-Baker Commission, I would ask you, Mr. Starr, is this time for us to establish a commission -- I have been involved in some of these commissions, I have been a commissioner and co-chaired some that have worked, some that haven't worked, but often they can be quite effective at sort of taking the partisan poison out of an issue and addressing it in a very straightforward way.\nIf you had a distinguished Democrat and a distinguished Republican and commissioners who are dedicated to increasing the confidence in our elections, do you think now is the time for us to establish such a commission that could report with plenty of time before the next midterm election and help to give the states a sense of direction and perhaps even a template of best practices?\n  \nFormer Justice Department Independent Counsel Kenneth W. Starr: The short answer is yes. In light of the acrimony and the division with respect to the 2000 election bringing together Jimmy Carter and former Secretary of State Baker was, I think, very efficacious. They made thoughtful recommendations, but they bring attention and shed light on what the issues are, and so yes, I think taking it out of what is clearly continuing to be a highly bitter and acrimonious discussion and to say to the American people, We are going to take a look at this and we are going to try to in fact improve in the great spirit of reform.'\nWe want honest elections. Abraham Lincoln, the subject of the fraudulent mail-in campaign, let's not lose sight -- even though I am thankful that foreign interference and so forth, I very much admire Mr. Krebs and all of that -- but we are really talking about down in the boiler room', so to speak, of American elections, and that is where I think these reforms need to be and safeguards need to be put in place.\n  \nPortman: Well, thank you for that, and I am looking forward to working with one of my Democratic colleagues to try to promote this idea. We have had some discussions of it already, and I think it again today what we have heard is indicative of the degree of intensity on this issue and the need for free and fair elections. I think everybody agrees with secure elections absolutely, and you mentioned Mr. Krebs; Chris, thank you for your service at CISA. I agree with what was said earlier about the fact that during your time there, you were instrumental in building up our defenses on the cybersecurity side.\nParticularly thank you for working with Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose so well. Frank LaRose and you, I think, were able to provide some examples for other states, as I understand it. You can speak to that. But we have in every county in Ohio the so-called Albert Intrusion Detection Monitoring Hardware, which is designed to detect suspicious cyber activity. Can you comment briefly on the benefits of using this kind of detection and monitoring hardware and how it worked?\n  \nCybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Former Director Christopher C. Krebs: Yes, sir. First off, I want to thank you for actually just the state of Ohio; for some reason, in my senior staff and my front office, two of my top three advisors happen to be from Ohio, so you are doing something right there. \nThe Albert systems are intrusion detection systems that effectively sit on the network, sit on the wire, that capture traffic that we can work with our intelligence community partners and develop what is known as signatures', looking for known malicious activity or known interaction with suspicious IP addresses, just looking for bad interaction. And it gives us a good insight into what sort of behaviors may be happening on those networks and they were actually pretty key after the 2016 election. Once we were able to get a sense of what was happening in Illinois, we could load up some of those signatures and then go do forensics.\nIt is a passive system. It is a forensics system. Where we need to go, though, is building on the trust we have developed through the Albert sensors and through the ISAC and through the coordinating councils to start deploying more advanced technologies, and I am specifically talking about some of the endpoint detection and response capabilities that will actually sit on a computer in a state and local office and be more of a real-time monitoring and mitigation capability. That is how we continue moving forward. We need the same capability in the federal government. We are not there yet, but we have to continue advancing, and I think Congress will.  \nPortman: Chris, and I again, as you know, you and I have talked about this, I appreciate what you did for elections. I also am very concerned that our federal government is not up to the task generally, and that is another topic for another hearing, perhaps one where you will be back to testify. But look what has happened just recently. In the last week, we found out that a very sophisticated group of hackers got into the computers of some of our most sensitive agencies and so we obviously have a lot of work to do, and I am not suggesting that CISA, you know, was that fault there, but on the other hand, I think we have not yet given even CISA the adequate resources and authority to be able to handle all of these issues, not just the election issues, but obviously we have a huge problem right now with cyberattacks, and we don't know all of the details yet, and I won't ask you to get into stuff you don't know about, but it was a massive cyber-attack on federal agencies that undercut our national security, we know that.\nBy the way, Senator Paul earlier talked about the fact that there has been some lack of understanding between what you testified to and what you stated as to the election being secure from cyber-attacks and this notion that there were not instances of irregularity and fraud in this election, which of course there have been in every election in the history of our country and there were in this election, and we have heard about some of those today.\nIs Senator Paul correct, and I guess I would slightly amend what he said. He said that your focus was just on foreign adversaries. My sense is your focus is not just on foreign adversaries, although you feel fairly confident that that did not happen this time, and obviously based on what happened in 2016 with the Russians, this is good news but also with regard to domestic cyber-attacks is that what your report was about? Is he accurate in saying that?\n  \nMr. Krebs: Yes, sir, so you know when you come in a federal office, you pledge the oath to uphold and defend the Constitution from threats foreign and domestic, and that is what we did. The focus of the statement, the joint statement, was security. It was secure, I think terms have been conflated here, you know, alleging that we were speaking to the fraud aspect. We absolutely were not. We were talking about security, hacking, manipulation of these machines. That was the thrust of the statement.\n  \nPortman: Yeah, I think that is very important to point out, and I think a number of people were confused about that, including perhaps some folks in the administration. Post-election there's been a lot of talk about signature matching and I will end with this Mr. Chairman, I know we are getting overtime here, but in Ohio what we know is -- and we have been doing this for 15 years quite successfully -- we send out an application for an absentee ballot.\nIt's a no-fault absentee. That's how I vote. But you have to send in an application including a signature. Those signatures are checked. Then the signature on the actual ballot -- once you receive the ballot and you send that in, you have another signature -- that's checked, and then of course the two are compared. They also, in Ohio, have access to other signatures if there is some confusion as to whether it might be the right person or not. Could you, Mr. Krebs or others, perhaps comment on that system? Is that a good way to ensure that you have the protection that we all want to have that the person who requested the ballot is an eligible voter and that the returned ballot was completed by that same person?\n  \nMr. Krebs: Not an expert on the system. Seems reasonable to me.\n  \nPortman: Anybody else want to comment on that?\n  \nCommonwealth of Pennsylvania State Representative Francis X. Ryan: Sir, this is State Representative Frank Ryan. I would tell you that that is a good system, and that would alleviate significant number of the concerns that I had in the election. And based upon some of the comments that were made by many of the senators and the testifiers, I would indicate that we saw a major problem with the dotcom bubble in 2001, which led to the Sarbanes-Oxley bill, much of which is the basis of my testimony today.\nAnd in 2008 and 2009 we had the crisis that happened in the banking industry with the no documentation law, and so we saw how that worked, it led to the Dodd-Frank bill. I would hope that what happened in 2000 elections and in the Abraham Lincoln election, and this most recent one in 2016 and 2020, there would be similar legislation that could help us restore the confidence that people have that there is some degree of uniform perspective about the requirements that each of the states needs to be able to comply with. What Ohio is doing would have alleviated a major amount of the concerns I had when we had a Supreme Court that decided to legislate from the bench.\n  \nMr. Starr: And Mr. Chairman, if I may say just a word, and that is I think what, Senator Portman, you have identified, is a best practice, and it certainly qualifies as one of the things that perhaps a commission, if one is founded, can say We have canvassed the entire 50 states, and here are the best practices.' The recommendations could be based on experience as opposed to simply theoretical constructs. Let's just see what has worked in the various states with reputations for honesty and integrity.\n  \nPortman: I think that would be the objective. 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