Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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250 rows where chamber = "Senate", state = "RI" and year = 2023 sorted by date descending
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| url | title | date ▲ | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
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| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/ndaa-signed-into-law-with-key-wins-for-rhode-island | NDAA Signed into Law with Key Wins for Rhode Island | 2023-12-24 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC -- President Joe Biden signed the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY 24) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), annual defense authorization bill into law yesterday, confirming the largest raise in military basic pay in decades for servicemembers and the Department of Defense civilian workforce. The NDAA bolsters the defense industrial base and military readiness, providing the U.S. military with strong and versatile capabilities. Passage of the NDAA – which was approved by Congress earlier this month -- was led by U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, who worked on a bipartisan basis to pass a comprehensive NDAA that focuses on delivering the resources and equipment our troops need. “This bipartisan NDAA makes America safer and stronger. It enhances our alliances, improves national security, and supports our servicemembers, their families, and the U.S. economy,” said Senator Reed. Totaling $883.7 billion in national security investments, the NDAA establishes the policies and funding levels for the Department of Defense and the national security programs of the Department of Energy. This year’s NDAA addresses significant national security priorities, including: strategic competition with China and Russia; disruptive technologies like hypersonic weapons, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing; modernizing America’s ships, aircraft, and combat vehicles; and improving the lives of our servicemembers and their families. Notably, the FY 24 NDAA supports the trilateral security pact between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States (AUKUS) by facilitating the transfer of significant Australian funding to support the U.S. submarine industrial base and the future sale of Virginia-class submarines to Australia. “The defense bill is essential for supporting the brave servicemen and women who volunteer to safeguard America’s freedom, security, and interests at home and across the globe. Now that the NDAA has passed the Senate on a strong, bipartisan… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/ri-delegation-urges-federal-assistance-to-help-recover-from-storm-related-flooding | RI Delegation Urges Federal Assistance to Help Recover from Storm-Related Flooding | 2023-12-21 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – As Rhode Island assesses flood damage and begins to recover from a severe storm system that moved through the state earlier this week, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and U.S. Representatives Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo are urging President Biden to promptly approve any request for federal assistance made by the State of Rhode Island to support emergency operations and accelerate recovery from significant local flooding. The National Weather Service reported that northern Rhode Island into the Providence area saw the region’s highest rainfall totals, where at least 4.5 inches of rainfall were observed. Local utility providers also reported more than 70,000 power outages as a result of damaging winds. Governor McKee has declared a state of emergency as a result of the damaging storm. This step is an essential prerequisite for seeking federal disaster assistance. The state will now need to assess the cost of the emergency response and damages associated with the storm in order to determine if it meets the minimum thresholds required for a federal emergency or major disaster declaration. “This severe storm system wreaked havoc on certain parts of the state, and a number of neighborhoods were hit hard by flooding. We are committed to doing everything we can to help in the recovery effort. With the storm behind us, it is now important for the State to work with local leaders, FEMA, and other federal partners to quickly assess the damage and determine what assistance can be provided to help communities, businesses, and homeowners get back on their feet,” said Reed, Whitehouse, Magaziner, and Amo in a joint statement. In an effort to help Rhode Island communities and the state respond to storm-related damage and flooding, the state’s Congressional delegation sent a letter urging President Biden to support Rhode Island and expediate any and all emergency assistance. The full text of the letter follows: President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Wash… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/after-reed-delivers-federal-funding-east-providence-families-in-flood-prone-properties-begin-to-get-their-voluntary-home-buyouts | After Reed Delivers Federal Funding, East Providence Families in Flood Prone Properties Begin to Get Their Voluntary Home Buyouts | 2023-12-20 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | EAST PROVIDENCE, RI – Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed commended the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Rhode Island Association of Conservation Districts (RIACD), and East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva and his staff for teaming up to help residents relocate out of flood prone areas. Last year, Senator Reed helped deliver critical federal funds to buyout flood prone properties and deliver relief for homeowners who suffered from repetitive flooding. Now, owners of chronically flooded properties are closing on real estate deals with the federal government, meaning fewer homes will be flooded during future storms. Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee, secured up to $9.65 million in federal funding for voluntary property buyouts for eligible homeowners along Marsh Street and around the State Street neighborhood, which includes Abbott Street, Luther Avenue, Julien Avenue, and Humphrey Street. The federal funding comes from USDA’s NRCS Emergency Watershed Protection-Floodplain Easements (EWP-FPE) program. NRCS, RIACD, and East Providence officials have worked for months to assist homeowners with the buyout process. In November of this year, eleven houses and one vacant lot were purchased for a total of $4,297,460. Two more houses and four vacant lots are scheduled to close in early February of 2024. The costs for these closings will be approximately $1 million. This includes the purchase price for the properties, plus legal fees and relocation funds for homeowners and renters. As the lead agency, NRCS must complete a thorough technical review for each eligible property. Once approved, NRCS purchases easements (the rights to the properties) to restore floodplain functions. The City of East Providence will hold the property titles (remaining interest in the property). “These closings are welcome news for vulnerable property owners and will help the community enhance natural storm protection. These closings mean that families who wanted to relocate were able… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-helps-pass-short-term-faa-reauthorization | Reed Helps Pass Short-term FAA Reauthorization | 2023-12-20 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – In an effort to bolster air safety and prevent travel disruptions during the busy holiday season, the U.S. Senate approved a short-term reauthorization of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) financing and fee-collection authorities late last night. The temporary extension was needed or these FAA authorized would have expired on December 31. U.S. Senator Jack Reed, a senior member of the Appropriations subcommittee that oversees FAA funding, supported the three-month extension, which extends the FAA’s authority out to March 8, 2024. “This is a needed short-term fix. I am committed to working on a comprehensive, multi-year FAA reauthorization that enhances aviation safety, improves airline service, and provides better consumer protections for passengers,” said Senator Reed. “U.S. airports and airlines have seen substantial growth, and we must ensure we continue to invest in the technology, facilities, and infrastructure to handle it.” The U.S. House of Representatives approved the short-term FAA reauthorization bill earlier this month, so it now goes to President Biden to be signed into law. The FAA's current authorization dates back to 2018, when the most recent long-term reauthorization bill was passed. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/us-senators-introduce-legislation-to-cap-consumer-loans-at-36 | U.S. Senators Introduce Legislation to Cap Consumer Loans at 36% | 2023-12-15 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee and a senior member of the Banking and Housing Committee, today joined Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Chairman of the Senate Banking and Housing Committee, and others in introducing the Predatory Lending Elimination Act (S. 3549). This legislation would extend the protections of the Military Lending Act (MLA), which caps the effective interest rate on consumer loans (including fees) at 36 percent, to cover veterans and all other consumers. Under the Predatory Lending Elimination Act, the MLA’s 36 percent interest rate cap on most consumer loans and its current rules would be extended to all consumers, including veterans and Gold Star families. In 2006, Congress passed the bipartisan MLA to rein in predatory payday lenders and other loan product providers who used abusive lending practices to target and lure American troops into debt traps. However, the legislation left veterans, Gold Star families, and other Americans vulnerable to those exploitative lending practices and products. “While servicemembers are protected by the MLA, predatory lenders, particularly payday lenders, continue to target vulnerable Americans with abusive loans that can reach APRs as high as 664 percent, trapping individuals in cycles of debt. The MLA’s success demonstrates a feasible framework that protects consumers while preserving access to credit,” said Senator Reed. “Our servicemembers and their families should not lose important consumer protections simply because they retire, separate from honorable service, or lose their loved ones. Frankly, no American should be subject to such exorbitant interest rates. As such, our legislation would extend the MLA’s protections to veterans and Gold Star families as well as ensure that all Americans are shielded from predatory loans.” “Predatory loans with outrageous interest rates trap working Americans—including veterans and their families—in a vortex of debt,” said Senator M… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/brown-reed-warren-urge-venmo-cash-app-to-reimburse-victims-of-fraud-and-scams | Brown, Reed, Warren Urge Venmo, Cash App to Reimburse Victims of Fraud and Scams | 2023-12-14 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Chairman of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee; Jack Reed (D-RI), a senior member of the Banking and Housing Committee; and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), called on Venmo to adopt new policies to reimburse consumers who get scammed, and make it easier for users to report scams and fraud on Venmo. This new letter comes as instant payment platform Zelle has taken new steps to reimburse customers who fall prey to imposter scams. “We write to ask you to adopt new policies to reimburse consumers who get scammed on Venmo and that you make it easier for users to report when they have been scammed.… We are extremely concerned that instant payment platforms are not taking reasonable, commonsense, and proactive steps to protect their customers. Venmo must provide a safe platform for American consumers – who deserve a payments system that provides them with speed and convenience, but above all, that keeps their money safe,” the Senators wrote. Today’s letter follows a letter sent in June calling on Venmo to do more to address fraudulent activity taking place on the app and the steps Venmo was taking to protect its customers from fraud. The Senators also wrote to Brian Grassadonia, the CEO of Cash App, outlining similar concerns over the company’s ability to keep customers’ money safe. The Senators expressed concern over Cash App’s low reimbursement rate for unauthorized payments. A copy of that letter can be found HERE. Full text of the letter to Venmo follows: Dear Mr. Chriss: We write to ask you to adopt new policies to reimburse consumers who get scammed on Venmo and that you make it easier for users to report when they have been scammed. We wrote you on June 15, 2023, raising concerns about fraud and scams on your platform. Since then, according to press reports, at least one other very large instant payment platform has taken an important step to reimburse customers who are victims of imposter scams – in which someone impersonates a repr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/following-reed-whitehouse-push-to-prevent-price-manipulation-at-gas-pump-ftc-begins-to-probe-big-oil-merger | Following Reed-Whitehouse Push to Prevent Price Manipulation at Gas Pump, FTC Begins to Probe Big Oil Merger | 2023-12-13 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – In an effort to help lower gas prices at the pump, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse have led efforts to crackdown on potential gas price manipulation and antitrust violations by the oil and gas industry. Reed and Whitehouse have warned that unfair practices by Big Oil could greatly reduce competition, manipulate gas prices, and drive up gas prices at the pump for consumers. Rhode Island’s senators noted that domestic oil production under the Biden Administration recently broke records, hitting an all-time high, and said that strong U.S. production creating downward pressure on pump prices must not be undercut by unfair gas price manipulation and monopoly conditions in the industry. Last month, Reed and Whitehouse joined with 21 of their colleagues in sending a letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) urging a probe into Big Oil mergers that greatly reduce competition and drive up gas prices at the pump. ExxonMobil is already the largest oil and gas company in the U.S. Its proposed $60 billion acquisition of Pioneer Natural Resources and Chevron’s proposed $53 billion acquisition of Hess Corporation would be two of the biggest petroleum deals of the 21st century and could be detrimental to consumers. This month, the FTC, which enforces federal antitrust law, requested additional information from ExxonMobil, Pioneer Natural Resources, Chevron, and a Hess, according to public filings. This represents a key step the FTC takes when reviewing whether a merger could be anticompetitive. The joint letter, which was led by U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and signed by a total of 23 U.S. Senators, stated: “Exxon’s and Chevron’s operations downstream would enable them to redirect Pioneer’s and Hess’s crude supply to themselves, away from (and possibly to the detriment of) their midstream competitors. These new market dynamics could result in price hikes for midstream customers, and such added costs are often passed downstream to retail customers, including drivers at gas stations.” Am… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-leads-us-senate-passage-of-bipartisan-defense-bill | Reed Leads U.S. Senate Passage of Bipartisan Defense Bill | 2023-12-13 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC -- The U.S. Senate today voted 87-13 to pass the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY 24) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a comprehensive bill that will provide the military with strong and versatile capabilities. Passage of the NDAA was led by U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, who worked on a bipartisan basis to pass a strong, extensive NDAA that focuses on delivering the resources and equipment our troops need. The bill also provides a historic 5.2 percent pay raise for both military servicemembers and the Department of Defense civilian workforce. “This bipartisan NDAA makes America safer and stronger. It enhances our alliances, improves national security, and supports our servicemembers, their families, and the U.S. economy,” said Senator Reed. Totaling $883.7 billion in national security investments, the NDAA establishes the policies and funding levels for the Department of Defense and the national security programs of the Department of Energy. This year’s NDAA addresses significant national security priorities, including: strategic competition with China and Russia; disruptive technologies like hypersonic weapons, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing; modernizing America’s ships, aircraft, and combat vehicles; and improving the lives of our servicemembers and their families. Notably, the FY 24 NDAA supports the trilateral security pact between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States (AUKUS) by facilitating the transfer of significant Australian funding to support the U.S. submarine industrial base and the future sale of Virginia-class submarines to Australia. “The defense bill is essential for supporting the brave servicemen and women who volunteer to safeguard America’s freedom, security, and interests at home and across the globe. Now that the NDAA has passed the Senate on a strong, bipartisan basis, I urge the House to follow suit,” said Reed. Reed noted the NDAA is good news for Rhode Island and a major win for Amer… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/ri-delegation-wants-sba-assistance-for-local-businesses-squeezed-by-washington-bridge-closure | RI Delegation Wants SBA Assistance for Local Businesses Squeezed by Washington Bridge Closure | 2023-12-13 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC -- In an effort to assist small businesses and nonprofits affected by the emergency closure of the Washington Bridge that began on December 11, 2023, Rhode Island’s Congressional delegation sent a letter urging the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to promptly review any disaster assistance request from the state and to provide resources to help those impacted. U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo say that small businesses, restaurants, and shops that lose income as a result of the emergency Washington Bridge closure should be eligible for SBA assistance, if the state formally requests disaster aid. “The emergency closure of the Washington Bridge was imperative for public safety. The extended closure of this vital corridor may take a serious toll on Rhode Islanders and people throughout the region, especially residents, commuters, and small businesses,” said Reed, Whitehouse, Magaziner, and Amo in a joint statement. “Nearby businesses rely on the bridge for their daily operations. Customers might avoid areas surrounding the bridge due to traffic, which would hit business revenues particularly hard during the busy holiday season, and businesses are already struggling to receive and send out deliveries. “As the state looks to expedite repairs to safely reopen the bridge, we urge the SBA to provide emergency assistance to small businesses along this route, including making low-cost Economic Injury Disaster Loans available, while the bridge is being repaired. Small businesses are pillars of our community and we must do everything we can to help them stay afloat during the busy holiday season.” The delegation also encouraged residents to support local businesses, stating: “This is a critical moment for many of these local businesses. We’ve seen time and again the way Rhode Islanders come together to assist neighbors in need. We encourage everyone to make a point to continue supporting these local businesses and we’re working hard at the f… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-meets-with-zelenskyy-and-urges-congress-to-support-ukraine-now-to-prevent-future-wars | Reed Meets with Zelenskyy and Urges Congress to Support Ukraine Now to Prevent Future Wars | 2023-12-12 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, after attending an in person meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hosted by Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement: “President Zelenskyy reminded Senators of the urgent need to continue helping Ukrainians defend themselves against Putin’s brutal, illegal invasion. “U.S. assistance to Ukraine is a wise investment in America’s security that will save innocent lives, combat the spread of authoritarianism in Eastern Europe, and strengthen regional peace and global stability. It is clearly in America's economic and security interests to support Ukraine’s battle to repel Putin’s aggression, which, if unchecked, could pull the U.S. and our allies into a bloodier, costlier conflict. “This is about helping Ukrainians defend themselves and protecting American interests. Congress must act now, before it is too late and before the price of inaction results in far steeper costs down the road.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/ri-delegation-seeks-federal-aid-to-assist-with-washington-bridge-closure | RI Delegation Seeks Federal Aid to Assist with Washington Bridge Closure | 2023-12-12 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – In the wake of the emergency closure of the Washington Bridge, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo today sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) urging the federal government to free up existing formula funding that could accelerate completion of the emergency work on the Washington Bridge. The Congressional delegation is also urging technical assistance from the feds to optimize work on faster repairs, lane shifts, detour design, shuttle busses, and more. They also requested a meeting with Secretary Buttigieg and urged U.S. DOT to expedite any approvals requested by the state. Today, Reed, Whitehouse, Magaziner, and Amo issued the following joint statement: “Our offices are working together and closely monitoring this situation in coordination with federal, state, and local officials. We stand ready to help the state, support the community, and assist all those impacted by this ongoing emergency bridge closure. “Public safety is paramount. There are lots of moving parts here and we will ensure the federal government does its part to assist Rhode Island with getting this bridge repaired and reopened. “Right now our efforts are focused on working with the U.S. Department of Transportation. In the days and weeks ahead, we anticipate working with additional federal agencies, such as the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and others, on varying impacts from this emergency bridge closure. “We will continue to deliver historic investments to replace, repair, upgrade, and maintain our bridge infrastructure.” Text of their letter to Secretary Buttigieg (and cc:ed to President Biden) follows: December 12, 2023 The Honorable Pete Buttigieg Secretary U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, D.C. 20590 Dear Secretary Buttigieg: We are writing for your immediate assistance and focus on a Rhode Island transportation emergency. As we alerted your department yesterday, the westbound s… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-helps-launch-first-state-specific-energy-efficient-upgrade-savings-calculator-from-rewiring-america | Reed Helps Launch First State-Specific Energy Efficient Upgrade Savings Calculator from Rewiring America | 2023-12-11 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | PROVIDENCE, RI – In an effort to help Rhode Islanders save money and the environment, U.S. Senator Jack Reed today teamed up with Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER) to launch the first state-specific calculator from Rewiring America. The new calculator helps homeowners and renters find out how much they can save by taking advantage of new electrification incentives. The calculator is a creation of Rewiring America, the leading electrification nonprofit, focused on electrifying homes, businesses, and communities. The new tool will help Rhode Islanders quickly estimate how much they can save on energy efficient upgrades by leveraging green energy incentives and tax credits created by the historic Inflation Reduction Act (P.L. 117-169) in addition to other incentives on the state and local level. To use the calculator, Rhode Islanders will only need to input a few details about their households to get personalized estimates about how much they can save on efficient electric appliances and energy-saving technologies. Rewiring America estimates that American households can receive $10,600 on average in federal incentives to help with electrification which in turn can save households an average of $1,800 per year on energy bills. Senator Reed joined Governor McKee, Acting State Energy Commissioner Chris Kearns, and Rewiring America CEO and co-founder Ari Matusiak at United Way of Rhode Island to officially launch and demonstrate the new calculator. “We are on a mission to help Rhode Islanders save money on their energy bills while fighting climate change. So far more than $142 million has been announced for Rhode Island’s clean energy initiatives, and that doesn’t even include the thousands of dollars in tax credits that are available for so many Rhode Islanders from the transformative climate law Democrats passed. Today, we’re adding a new tool to help Rhode Islanders bring down costs and save money. This specialized calculator from Rewiring America is made just for the Ocean … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-helps-lead-bipartisan-effort-to-enforce-sanctions-and-crackdown-on-illicit-crypto-terrorist-financing | Reed Helps Lead Bipartisan Effort to Enforce Sanctions & Crackdown on Illicit Crypto Terrorist Financing | 2023-12-11 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC — In an effort to disrupt and eradicate the illicit financial networks of terrorist organizations such as Hamas, including their crypto funding, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) is teaming up with Senators Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Mike Rounds (R-SD), and Mitt Romney (R-UT) on bipartisan legislation that would apply sanctions to foreign parties that facilitate financial transactions with terrorists. The bill would broaden the U.S. Treasury Department's sanctions powers to cover more terrorist groups and provide Treasury with more resources to address crypto funding. Currently, these sanctions are imposed only in limited circumstances, primarily on the terrorist group Hezbollah following passage of the Hizballah International Financing Prevention Act in 2015. The Terrorism Financing Prevention Act (S. 3441) will expand this type of sanction authority to cover all U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs), including Hamas, and other foreign parties that are controlled by or act on behalf of those FTOs. It would help sanction the financial backers of terrorist groups like Hamas and crackdown on the illicit financing terrorist networks. “The Terrorism Financing Prevention Act will make sure that the Treasury Department has the tools necessary to enforce our sanctions against Hamas and other terror groups,” said Senator Warner. “I’m pleased to join Senators Rounds, Reed, and Romney in introducing this bipartisan legislation to improve our national security.” “It is critical that the Department of the Treasury has the necessary counter-terrorism tools to combat modern threats,” said Senator Rounds. “The Terrorism Financing Prevention Act takes commonsense steps toward rooting out terrorism by sanctioning foreign financial institutions and foreign digital asset companies that assist them in committing these heinous acts. Cutting off funding for terrorist organizations at the source will save lives. I am pleased to co-lead this bipartisan legislation that takes decisive action to disrupt terroris… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-statement-on-tuberville-dropping-military-promotions-hold | Reed Statement on Tuberville Dropping Military Promotions Hold | 2023-12-05 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC—For nearly a year, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) has blocked the promotions of all senior military leaders, now totaling 445 officers, over his partisan disagreement with a Department of Defense reproductive healthcare policy. Today, Senator Tuberville announced that he is dropping most of his holds, with the exception of four-star generals and admirals. Following this announcement, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement: “I am glad that hundreds of our nation’s finest military leaders will finally receive their hard-won, merit-based promotions. They, and their families, have shown us what grace and grit look like in the face of hardship. “Senator Tuberville’s actions have been an affront to the United States military and the Senate. He has jeopardized our national security and abused the rights afforded to all Senators. “No Senator should ever attempt to advance their own partisan agenda on the backs of our troops like this again.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-says-new-streamlined-fafsa-will-mean-less-paperwork-and-more-aid-for-ri-students | Reed Says New Streamlined FAFSA Will Mean Less Paperwork & More Aid for RI Students | 2023-12-01 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Applying for college financial aid is about to get a little bit easier. Later this month, college financial aid applicants can expect the release of the new, streamlined Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). And U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), who worked for over a decade to successfully simplify the key FAFSA form, says it should mean less paperwork and reach more students across Rhode Island for the 2024-25 school year. By December 31, the U.S. Department of Education plans to go live with the new, simplified FAFSA form. Nationwide, the changes will help an estimated 610,000 more students from low-income backgrounds receive Pell Grants and 1.5 million more students access the maximum Pell Grant -- including 2,859 new students in Rhode Island who are set to receive Pell Grants and 6,096 more set to receive the maximum Pell Grant, which now stands at $7,395 per year. Pell Grant eligibility will be linked to family size and the federal poverty level. The new law also mandates that the U.S. Department of Education Office of Federal Student Aid use federal tax information received directly from the IRS to calculate Pell Grant eligibility. The FAFSA is used to help determine a family’s ability to pay for college and the amount of need-based federal aid, such as Pell Grants they can receive. It is also the form Rhode Island residents complete to determine eligibility for the Rhode Island Promise and Hope Scholarships, programs that are available to Rhode Island residents attending the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) or Rhode Island College. “A better, simpler FAFSA is on its way and it should help thousands of families save time and money. I’ve worked for years to try to make the FAFSA application process more user-friendly so more families can access the financial aid they are qualified for,” said Senator Reed, who helped pass the FAFSA Simplification Act as part of the FY 2021 Consolidated Appropriations law (P.L. 116-260). “With fewer questions and enhanced eligibility, thi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-statement-on-passing-of-supreme-court-justice-sandra-day-oconnor | Reed Statement on Passing of Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor | 2023-12-01 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) issued the following statement regarding the death of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, 93, the first woman to ever serve on the Supreme Court: “Justice O’Connor was a trailblazer and dedicated public servant. She served the nation with honor, distinction, and steadfast devotion to the Constitution. She was a thoughtful and pragmatic jurist who vigorously upheld the values of judicial independence. She earned her place in history and continues to serve as an inspiration for so many.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-urges-regulators-to-scrutinize-synthetic-risk-transfers | Reed Urges Regulators to Scrutinize Synthetic Risk Transfers | 2023-11-30 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – In an effort to strengthen the U.S. banking sector, protect the U.S. economy and investors, and hold banks accountable, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) is urging top federal regulators to scrutinize the risks associated with ‘synthetic risk transfers’ – exotic transactions that allow banks to reduce their capital requirements by offloading risks to the opaque private market. “I’m concerned we could be seeing a return to the pre-2008 exuberance through exotic forms of financial engineering, unless the banking agencies take a comprehensive and rigorous look at the risks. These new transactions are different than the 2008 ones in critical ways, but the risks may yet not be fully understood,” said Reed, a senior member of the Senate Banking Committee, who sent a letter to Michael Barr, the Federal Reserve’s vice chairman of supervision, along with Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) chief Martin Gruenberg, and the acting head of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) Michael Hsu, urging the financial regulators to evaluate systemic risk associated with synthetic risk transfers. “I write to urge the banking agencies to evaluate the risks associated with “synthetic risk transfer” transactions, which allow banks to reduce their capital requirements by offloading risk to private market investors. I am concerned that synthetic risk transfers may not be conducted in a safe and sound manner by the banks under your supervision and that they may increase risk across the financial system,” Reed wrote. “According to industry reports and recent Federal Reserve legal interpretations, banks’ interest in synthetic risk transfers have picked up in recent months and years. These complex arrangements are a potentially lucrative way for banks to arbitrage the capital rules by selling debt instruments or derivatives to unregulated nonbanks who assume the risk that a consumer or corporate borrower will default on a loan. While synthetic risk transfers are generally permitted, they have been strongl… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-leads-bicameral-pass-the-gavel-meeting-as-lawmakers-hammer-out-final-details-of-national-defense-bill | Reed Leads Bicameral ‘Pass the Gavel’ Meeting as Lawmakers Hammer Out Final Details of National Defense Bill | 2023-11-29 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jack Reed, the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), today delivered remarks at the annual “pass the gavel” meeting, which is an opportunity for members of the Senate and House Armed Services Committees to meet and work together to resolve differences between the House and Senate versions of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Chairman Reed was joined by SASC Ranking Member Roger Wicker (R-MS), as well as House Armed Services Committee (HASC) Chairman Mike Rogers (R-AL) and Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA), and senior members of the House and Senate Armed Services committees for a joint, bicameral meeting of the NDAA conference committee, which negotiates the annual defense bill. Each year, the chairmanship of the NDAA conference committee alternates between the two chambers. This year, SASC Chairman Reed ‘passed the gavel’ to HASC Chairman Rogers, who chaired the conference meeting. Both chambers have approved bills authorizing about $886 billion in total defense funding for fiscal year 2024. However, the Senate and House bills have several key differences, which resulted in the U.S. Senate previously approving a strong, bipartisan NDAA on a vote of 86-11 while the House bill contains many partisan, controversial riders that resulted in a narrow 219-210 vote by the Republican-controlled House in July. Reed said that significant progress has been made over the last several weeks on hammering out a bipartisan, bicameral defense bill and expressed hope that the members of the conference committee could resolve remaining differences and enact a bipartisan NDAA for the 63rd year in a row. Reed said he hoped the conference committee could conclude its work this week and the NDAA could be readied for floor consideration by both chambers next week. During today’s meeting, Senator Reed stated: “The United States faces a dangerous set of national security challenges. China has emerged as our primary competitor, possessing both the intent and the capability … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T22:33:57Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/van-hollen-schatz-reed-release-joint-statement-following-white-house-meeting-on-situation-in-israel-and-gaza | Van Hollen, Schatz, Reed Release Joint Statement Following White House Meeting on Situation in Israel & Gaza | 2023-11-29 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Jack Reed (D-RI) released the following statement on their meeting yesterday with White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and over a dozen of their colleagues to discuss the letter the Senators led with 23 of their colleagues to President Biden condemning the brutal terror attacks by Hamas, expressing support for immediate funding to replenish Israel’s defensive systems, and seeking information on two clear U.S. priorities: supporting an Israeli strategy that will effectively degrade and defeat the threat from Hamas and taking all possible measures to protect civilians in Gaza. “Following the brutal terror attacks that Hamas conducted against Israel, America has stood united in our support for Israel’s duty to defend itself and hold Hamas accountable. As we noted in our letter, we believe the U.S. should immediately provide Israel with funding to support this effort, including funds to replenish its defensive systems. “But to better understand the efficacy of U.S. funding that supports Israel’s operations inside Gaza, we requested answers from the President on how these funds are being used in order to ensure they support an Israeli strategy that will effectively degrade and defeat the threat from Hamas while taking all possible measures to protect civilians in Gaza. In our letter to President Biden, we raised several key issues, including maintaining a focus on returning hostages, reducing civilian casualties, delivering humanitarian aid, establishing a plan for post-war governance and the future of the region, and addressing extremist violence in the West Bank. During yesterday’s briefing, we had an opportunity to discuss with the Administration each of the questions raised in our letter. “As we expressed in the meeting, we are grateful for their leadership in negotiating a temporary ceasefire to secure the release of many hostages and to allow some desperately needed humanitarian assistance into Gaza. We also… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/ri-delegation-announces-348-million-for-innovative-fishing-gear-to-boost-north-atlantic-right-whale-conservation-efforts | RI Delegation Announces $3.48 Million for Innovative Fishing Gear to Boost North Atlantic Right Whale Conservation Efforts | 2023-11-27 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | Providence, RI – Today, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo announced $3,483,190 in grants to support the adoption of innovative fishing gear in Rhode Island and across New England to reduce the risk of gear entanglement for the endangered North Atlantic right whales. These grants, administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), will provide additional resources to aid lobster and other fixed-gear fishermen in developing and bringing new ropeless gear technology onto their boats. Funding for the grant program, which was informed by the Right Whale Coexistence Act that Whitehouse and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced, was included in the bipartisan FY2023 government spending bill. “Rhode Island’s fishermen are a vital component of our local economy. This federal funding will ensure that our fishermen have the tools and latest technology they need while helping to protect endangered right whales,” said Senator Reed. “I’m pleased to announce this funding to support innovation in the fishing industry and help equip fishermen with the latest ropeless technology. Fewer ropes in the water will mean fewer entanglements for the endangered North Atlantic right whales,” said Senator Whitehouse, co-founder of the bipartisan Senate Oceans Caucus. “This federal funding will help Rhode Island’s fishing industry by making ropeless gear more affordable while also avoiding entanglements and protecting endangered species,” said Congressman Magaziner, a member of the House Committee on Natural Resources. “The federal funding I am pleased to announce with my colleagues will bolster our conservation efforts, help us improve the fishing industry in our region, and reduce human impacts on North Atlantic right whales,” said Congressman Amo. “Ensuring the hardworking men and women in Rhode Island’s fishing industry have the latest equipment will benefit fishery operations by helping to reduce entang… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/ri-delegation-delivers-773k-to-fuel-local-small-business-growth | RI Delegation Delivers $773k to Fuel Local Small Business Growth | 2023-11-22 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | PROVIDENCE, RI – In an effort to help Rhode Island small business owners unlock the resources they need to succeed, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo today announced that the Ocean State is set to receive $773,624 to help very small and underserved businesses access more federal, state, and local funding opportunities and contracts. This federal investment in growing Rhode Island’s small and underserved businesses flows from the U.S. Department of the Treasury State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). Reed and Whitehouse voted to establish the original SSBCI program in 2010 and helped to reauthorize it and deliver a $10 billion boost to the program as part of the American Rescue Plan Act, which was signed into law by President Biden on March 11, 2021. The federal funds announced today are from the SSBCI Technical Assistance Grant Program and will be used to provide legal, accounting, and financial advisory services to help eligible small businesses apply for the SSBCI capital program and access other governmental small business programs. Earlier this year, Senators Reed and Whitehouse and former Congressman David Cicilline secured $61.7 million in SSBCI funding for the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation to establish new small business credit-assistance programs to improve Rhode Island small businesses and entrepreneurs access to capital. “Rhode Island’s small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities and help to drive our economy forward. When we invest in the resources they need to thrive, we are helping to grow their ventures and boost job creation throughout our state,” said Senator Reed, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee. “This technical assistance funding through SSBCI will help our very small and underserved businesses access additional investments and will have a positive impact on economic development for our Main Street businesses, neighborhoods, and communities that need it most.” “More than half of all working Rhode I… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-hosts-us-secretary-of-veterans-affairs-for-tour-of-key-ri-vet-programs-and-facilities | Reed Hosts U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Tour of Key RI Vet Programs & Facilities | 2023-11-20 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | PROVIDENCE, RI – U.S. Senator Jack Reed today welcomed U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Denis McDonough to Rhode Island for a series of meetings with local veterans, support organizations, and VA professionals. Their engagements focused on meeting with the workers and employees providing Rhode Island veterans with the care, benefits, and services they earned. “I was pleased to join Secretary McDonough today to meet with some of Rhode Island’s finest – our courageous veterans. We have heard from organizations that support veterans about how we can work together to improve services and outcomes,” said Senator Reed, the Chairman of the Armed Services Committee, who served in the U.S. Army after graduating from West Point. “Secretary McDonough is a dedicated public servant who I’ve known since his time as a congressional staffer focused on foreign policy and advising former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle. I’m pleased to work with him now as he leads the Biden Administration’s efforts to provide high-quality care and benefits for our nation’s veterans. Today’s sessions gave us numerous takeaways that we can bring back to Washington and continue to build on for the benefit of Rhode Island’s veterans.” Senator Reed and Secretary McDonough began their tour of the Ocean State with a tour of Operation Stand Down Rhode Island (OSDRI), where they saw first-hand how the organization is working to support veterans experiencing homelessness and provide other legal and support services for at-risk veterans. Under the direction of Secretary McDonough, ending veteran homeless is a priority for the VA. The department is on track to meet its goal of housing 38,000 homeless veterans this year. OSDRI is a key local partner in this effort. The organization helps Rhode Island veterans to secure stable housing, employment, basic human needs, and legal and benefit assistance. Following the tour of OSDRI, Senator Reed and Secretary McDonough met with medical professionals, staff, and patients at the Providence VA … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-statement-on-the-passing-of-former-first-lady-rosalynn-carter | Reed Statement on the Passing of Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter | 2023-11-19 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, after the Carter Center announced the passing of former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, 96, the wife of former President Jimmy Carter, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) issued the following statement: “Rosalynn Carter was a remarkable First Lady and an incredible life partner for President Jimmy Carter. Married over 77 years, theirs was a love that was built to last. And they made it their life’s work to help and uplift others. Together and as individuals, in both public and private life, they succeeded beyond measure. They embodied the American values of family, community, faith, and civic pride and responsibility. “America owes a debt of gratitude to First Lady Carter for championing the Equal Rights Amendment and working to make mental health care more accessible for all. She was a trusted advisor to her husband and a national leader in her own right. “Rosalynn Carter set an example of hard work, honesty, grace, and care for others. She led by example and her example continues to inspire us. May we all be so lucky to give and receive the kind of love and compassion that Mrs. Carter showed and bestowed unto others each and every day.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/ccri-us-department-of-energy-teaming-up-to-help-ri-manufacturers-go-green-and-save-money | CCRI, U.S. Department of Energy Teaming Up to Help RI Manufacturers Go Green & Save Money | 2023-11-17 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WARWICK, RI – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) adds tremendous workforce value to local manufacturers and helps them improve efficiency and productivity in a variety of ways. Today, CCRI’s efforts to assist local businesses with energy savings is getting a major boost thanks to the Biden Administration selecting CCRI as one of seventeen new Industrial Assessment Centers (IAC) nationwide. And with the new designation comes the potential for significant federal funding. Today, Rhode Island’s Congressional delegation joined Community College of Rhode Island Interim President Dr. Rosemary A. Costigan to celebrate CCRI’s selection by the U.S. Department of Energy as an IAC to help local businesses with energy expenditures. This designation will help CCRI conduct energy audits and expand clean energy workforce training opportunities for in-demand, high-quality jobs. With the designation, CCRI will deliver technical expertise and assistance to conduct assessments at small- and medium-sized manufacturers and commercial and institutional buildings throughout Rhode Island while training CCRI students and incumbent manufacturing workers for quality careers. Trained CCRI experts will be able to provide small and medium enterprises with energy efficiency reports that help identify potential savings with detailed calculations and implementation cost estimates. According to the Department of Energy: “IACs typically identify more than $130,000 in potential annual savings opportunities for every manufacturer assessed, nearly $50,000 of which is implemented during the first year following the assessment. Over 20,000 IAC assessments have been conducted.” “Energy costs are a big concern for businesses of all sizes. This is a major accomplishment for CCRI and a win for local companies, particularly manufacturers, that are sure to benefit and achieve greater efficiencies and cost savings in the future,” said Senator Reed, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee who helped pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-touts-738000-for-ri-food-policy-council-to-help-local-farmers-grow-their-business | Reed Touts $738,000 for RI Food Policy Council to Help Local Farmers Grow Their Business | 2023-11-17 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – In an effort to help beginning farmers and food producers in Rhode Island grow their business and achieve success, U.S. Senator Jack Reed today announced a new $737,929 federal grant for the Rhode Island Food Policy Council (RIFPC) through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP). The funding will support RIFPC’s Advancing Equity in Capital Access for Beginning Farmers project which will lead state and regional partners to provide customized education, mentoring, and networking services to more than 100 Rhode Island farmers. This support will build farmers' financial literacy and allow them to access the capital they need to succeed. Partnering organizations on this project include the African Alliance of RI, the Carrot Project, the RI Association of Conservation Districts, Farm Credit East, Young Farmer Network, and the Sankofa Program of West Elmwood Housing Development Corporation. “New farmers don’t grow on trees. We have to invest in ensuring the next generation of Rhode Island farmers and beginning food producers can succeed and thrive here in the Ocean State. The Rhode Island Food Policy Council does a fantastic job of helping beginners break into the agricultural business and offers them tools and resources to build profitable businesses. This federal funding will help expand their reach and help diversify Rhode Island’s agricultural sector and landscape,” said Senator Reed, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee. “This federal funding will help beginning farmers in Rhode Island gain new skills, access capital, and gain hands-on skill building, connections, and experience.” Rhode Island’s BFRDP grant is one of 45 nationwide being awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which administers the program and awarded a total of $27.9 million in BFRDP grants nationwide. Co-project directors Nessa Richman and Josh Daly of RIFPC stated: “Local farms are critical to… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-biden-xi-agreement-to-crackdown-on-chinas-fentanyl-production-will-disrupt-trafficking | Reed: Biden, Xi Agreement to Crackdown on China’s Fentanyl Production will Disrupt Trafficking | 2023-11-16 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – After the Biden Administration implemented a series of comprehensive sanctions and legal actions against China-based companies, entities, and Chinese nationals for manufacturing and selling illicit fentanyl and related chemicals, the White House announced a new agreement between President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping aimed at slowing the flow of deadly fentanyl into the United States. The two leaders reached the joint agreement at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco, California. Under terms of the agreement, China will clamp down on chemical companies to halt the manufacture and export of the precursor materials used to make fentanyl. The U.S. and China will also restart bilateral cooperation on counter-narcotics and create a counter-narcotics working group to discuss and exchange information on law enforcement efforts. U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), a lead cosponsor of the FEND Off Fentanyl Act, says the Biden-Xi agreement will help save lives and curb the flow of fentanyl into the United States. “This agreement has the potential to help save lives, attack the problem at the source, and dismantle fentanyl trafficking networks. President Biden is taking bold action to address this crisis, strengthening collaboration to counter drug traffickers and those who profit by providing the ingredients. While this is a positive step forward, we will need to ensure that China lives up to its end of the deal,” said Reed, the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. The fight against fentanyl presents significant challenges and requires international cooperation, including with China. Fentanyl is an extremely potent synthetic opiate, and is linked to more deaths of Americans under the age of 50 than any other cause. Its abuse and illicit trafficking have triggered a public health and security crisis in many countries, requiring international cooperation to effectively address this problem. Fentanyl was responsible for the majority of overdoses that … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-delivers-877000-to-help-ride-advance-school-modernization-plans | Reed Delivers $877,000 to Help RIDE Advance School Modernization Plans | 2023-11-16 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – In an effort to help modernize Rhode Island’s public schools, prevent environmental health risks, improve maintenance, and conduct long-term planning, U.S. Senator Jack Reed today announced a new $876,792 federal grant for the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) under the Supporting America’s School Infrastructure Grant Program. With this funding, RIDE’s School Building Authority would increase necessary supports to assist local education agencies (LEAs) with improving building conditions and educational environments for students and teachers. Additional staff would coordinate energy efficiency and air quality audits, while aiding districts with procurement, technical assistance, and professional development. Senator Reed helped the U.S. Department of Education recently launch the Supporting America’s School Infrastructure Grant Program, to enhance the ability of state departments of education to address school facilities matters. “Schools are community assets. Modernizing school facilities can improve the learning experience for students, boost educational outcomes, and enhance student health and well-being. This federal funding will help identify opportunities for infrastructure upgrades and a blueprint to effectively implement these building improvements,” said Senator Reed, the author of the Rebuild America’s Schools Act (S. 2608), a bill that seeks to invest $130 billion in modernizing classrooms across the country. “RIDE is committed to ensuring more Rhode Island students learn in modern, safe, and welcoming school facilities that inspire them to reach their highest potential, and we are deeply appreciative of Senator Reed’s advocacy for critical federal funds to improve school infrastructure,” said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. “We know that the condition of the spaces our students learn in matter. When we invest in improvements and enhancements in learning spaces, we send a clear message to our kids and school staff that we care about their experiences and want them to … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-helps-pass-stopgap-bill-to-avert-a-shutdown-but-decries-republicans-for-wasting-time-and-taxpayer-money-while-failing-to-address-nations-long-term-needs | Reed Helps Pass Stopgap Bill to Avert a Shutdown But Decries Republicans for Wasting Time & Taxpayer Money While Failing to Address Nation’s Long-term Needs | 2023-11-16 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Shortly before midnight, the U.S. Senate voted 87-11 to pass a short-term funding bill, known as a continuing resolution (CR), that will avert a federal government shutdown ahead of tomorrow’s deadline. The measure, which also passed the U.S. House of Representatives this week, keeps some federal agencies open at current spending levels until mid-January, with others set to have their funding lapse in early February. The bill must now be signed into law by President Joe Biden before federal funding expires on Friday, November, 17 in order to prevent a government shutdown. The White House signaled the President’s intention to sign the bill into law. Citing the need to keep the government open and working for the American people, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, supported the measure, but criticized Congressional Republicans for bringing the federal government to the brink of a shutdown for the second time in the last 45 days. Reed issued the following statement: “I voted to keep the government open and working for the people. “When Republicans shut the government down, working families pay the price and our economy, security, and democracy suffers as a result. “Infighting amongst House Republicans wasted several weeks. “Congress should be passing bipartisan spending bills that address the nation’s long-term needs. Instead, Republicans are only agreeing to short-term, stop gap measures and threatening the paychecks of millions of Americans, including members of the military. “Elected leaders have a responsibility to appropriate funds in an orderly process. But far-right extremists are holding the country back and threatening to force another shutdown in the new year. “Congress must work together and fund the government and pass emergency aid for Ukraine, Israel, national security, disaster funding, childcare, LIHEAP, homeless assistance, and other pressing needs. House Republicans need to get serious and come to the table to negotiate responsi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/on-two-year-anniversary-of-bipartisan-infrastructure-law-reed-celebrates-18-billion-for-ri-infrastructure-upgrades-and-more-in-the-pipeline | On Two-Year Anniversary of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Reed Celebrates $1.8 Billion for RI Infrastructure Upgrades & More in the Pipeline | 2023-11-15 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC -- Two years after U.S. Senator Jack Reed helped pass the landmark Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act (P.L. 117-58), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which President Biden signed on November 15, 2021, this historic legislation continues to deliver necessary infrastructure funding for Rhode Island. To date, Rhode Island, along with cities, towns, and municipal entities have netted $1.8 billion from the law to finance infrastructure improvements across the state. The federal funds are enhancing the state’s transportation network, as well as public transit, passenger and freight rail, ports, and airports. This historic level of investment, which includes about $1.4 billion that has already been announced for transportation upgrades – to invest in 49 specific projects, including roads, bridges, public transit, ports and airports – and another $158 million that has been announced for clean water and water system improvements. Additionally, the state has already started tapping into $108.7 million to connect more Rhode Islanders to reliable high-speed internet and, as of today, more than 79,000 Rhode Island households are already saving on their monthly internet bills thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The federal funds are also being put to work to modernize Rhode Island’s electric grid, reduce pollution, replace lead pipes, and build a cleaner energy future. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure law kick started $1.8 billion in infrastructure upgrades across Rhode Island to benefit people, communities, and our economy. Soon, more projects will be added, more jobs will be created, and more lasting improvements will be made to our roads, bridges, water systems, and broadband networks. These federal funds are being put to work on an array of innovative projects to make lasting infrastructure investments,” said Senator Reed, a senior member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD). “This law is having a pos… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/rules-committee-votes-9-7-to-advance-resolution-to-override-tubervilles-blockade-of-merit-based-military-promotions | Rules Committee Votes 9-7 to Advance Resolution to Override Tuberville’s Blockade of Merit-Based Military Promotions | 2023-11-14 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Thousands of military members up and down the chain of command have had their careers left in limbo for months as Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) continues to block the merit-based promotions of hundreds of top officers over political objections that have nothing to do with those in uniform, as he seeks to limit the rights of women to seek and access reproductive care. Over the last nine months, Senator Tuberville has halted over 350 senior military officers from being promoted, receiving pay raises, and taking on new assignments. His blanket holds have negatively impacted military readiness, leaving critical senior military posts unfilled and forcing some senior officers to work multiple jobs. Today, the Senate Rules Committee voted 9-7 to advance a temporary standing order resolution (S. Res. 444) sponsored by U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, that would allow for a bipartisan super-majority of 60 or more Senators to override Tuberville’s blanket blockade of military promotions. This resolution is not a rule change. Rather, it temporarily establishes a standing order for the remainder of the 118th Congress to provide for the en bloc consideration of military nominations – with the exception of nominees to the Joint Chiefs of Staff and combatant commanders – that have been favorably reported by the Senate Armed Services Committee. “Senator Tuberville used a hyper-partisan maneuver to try and weaponize the military promotion process. Indefinitely blocking all these merit-based military promotions has harmed the national security of the United States. We’re now using a bipartisan standing order to prevent him from further hampering the U.S. military at a time of global strife. This resolution offers every member of the Senate a chance to vote to either support or overcome this irresponsible blockade. I have faith that Senators from both parties care deeply about our service men and women and will do the right thing,” said Reed. Now … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/collins-reed-push-bipartisan-plan-to-protect-working-waterfronts | Collins, Reed Push Bipartisan Plan to Protect Working Waterfronts | 2023-11-13 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – In an effort to protect working waterfronts, U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Jack Reed (D-RI) have teamed up to introduce the Working Waterfront Preservation Act (S. 3180). This bipartisan bill would create a grant program to fund improvements to existing working waterfront areas, supporting the commercial fishing, aquaculture, boatbuilding, and for-hire recreational fishing industries that are so vital to the culture, heritage, and economies of seaside towns and cities. “The hard working men and women that make up Maine’s maritime industries continue to lose access to the waterfronts that sustain them. Recent demand for coastal property has only intensified the problem both in Maine and across the nation,” said Senator Collins. “This bipartisan legislation would create a grant program to provide funding for municipal and state governments, nonprofit organizations, and participants in maritime industries to preserve and improve working waterfront property in our coastal states.” “Working waterfronts are valuable resources that are absolutely critical to our economic future. Today, our working waterfronts face a growing number of competing pressures, from rising sea levels to surging real estate prices and economic development challenges. This new federal grant program would provide a lifeline to coastal communities to preserve, protect, and enhance working waterfronts, upgrade infrastructure, and ensure public access to the water,” said Senator Reed. “Passing this bill would help support and sustain fishermen and other hardworking men and women who make their living on the waterfront.” “Providing a robust Working Waterfront is imperative to maintaining and sustaining a vibrant fishing community throughout Rhode Island. A healthy marine infrastructure is necessary to preserve the growth of our existing fleet, attract vessels from neighboring states and build incentives for shoreside businesses to invest in our communities. This is the Cornerstone of enriching our future for generations t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-seeks-to-boost-funding-for-child-care-and-help-lower-energy-bills-for-working-families | Reed Seeks to Boost Funding for Child Care & Help Lower Energy Bills for Working Families | 2023-11-08 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WATCH: At Key Appropriations Committee Hearing, Reed Questions HHS Sec. Becerra & DHS Sec. Mayorkas About Supplemental Funding for Child Care, LIHEAP, Border Security and More WASHINGTON, DC – As the U.S. Senate considers President Joe Biden’s supplemental appropriations request for domestic priorities to support public health, energy assistance, economic development, and more, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today attended a key hearing to review the need for additional funding for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The panel heard testimony on a wide range of issues from U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra, who each discussed their respective departments, and the need for additional funding for priorities like child care and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). To help more working families afford high-quality child care, the Biden Administration is seeking $16 billion in supplemental funding to help child care providers keep their staff paid and their doors open. And as winter approaches, the Biden Administration requested an additional $1.6 billion to help Americans in need lower their energy bills. Importantly, the President’s request also includes $1.55 billion for the State Opioid Response (SOR) grant program, which has provided tens of millions of dollars to Rhode Island to combat the fentanyl epidemic. In supporting these requests, Senator Reed noted: “Congress must take bipartisan action to help lower costs for families, strengthen our economy, and keep people safe. The President’s supplemental funding request includes critical funding to tackle urgent priorities. Congress should work together to advance this package and help working families afford the necessities of life.” In addition to bolstering child care and lower energy bills, the Biden Administration’s s… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/van-hollen-murphy-schatz-and-reed-lead-majority-of-democratic-caucus-in-push-for-more-information-around-strategy-to-defeat-hamas-protect-civilians-in-gaza | Van Hollen, Murphy, Schatz, and Reed Lead Majority of Democratic Caucus in Push for More Information around Strategy to Defeat Hamas, Protect Civilians in Gaza | 2023-11-08 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Jack Reed (D-RI) led the majority of the Senate Democratic Caucus in sending a letter to President Joe Biden condemning the brutal terror attacks by Hamas, expressing support for immediate funding to replenish Israel’s defensive systems, and seeking information on two clear U.S. priorities: supporting an Israeli strategy that will effectively degrade and defeat the threat from Hamas and taking all possible measures to protect civilians in Gaza. In addition to Senators Van Hollen, Murphy, Schatz, and Reed the letter was signed by Senators Peter Welch (D-VT), Angus King (I-ME), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Tina Smith (D-MN), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tom Carper (D-DE), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Tammy Baldwin (WI), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Ed Markey (D-MA), Laphonza Butler (D-CA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Tim Kaine (D-VA). “We have joined you in condemning the brutal terror attacks that Hamas conducted against Israel and agree with you that Israel has the right to defend itself and hold Hamas accountable. We applaud your actions to secure the release of two American citizens held hostage and support your continued efforts to free the remaining hostages. In the days and weeks since these attacks, you have rightly demonstrated America’s commitment to support Israel in this dark hour,” the 26 Senators begin. They continue, “The attacks of October 7th brought back chilling memories of the United States’ own confrontation with terror twenty-two years ago. In light of our own experience, we want to underscore how critical it is that Israel: (1) learn from the mistakes the United States made in our fight against terrorism by focusing on realistic and achievable military goals; and (2) abide by the laws of war, including the… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-on-need-to-pass-national-security-supplemental-appropriations-package | Reed on Need to Pass National Security Supplemental Appropriations Package | 2023-11-07 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | REED: Mr. President, reserving my right to object, I, too, believe, with my colleague from Washington State, that we must move forward with emergency funding for our allies--all of our allies, not just the State of Israel but also Ukraine. I also think we have to move quickly to head off a closure or shutdown of our government next week, and we have to address the pressing needs of the American people in this process. But it is very clear that this proposal before us--this unanimous consent to pass the bill including only funds for Israel--is just an attempt to deny assistance to Ukraine. It is not really about helping Israel. It is about making sure we don't continue to keep our commitments to Ukraine. And we have had a debate about Ukraine. We have talked over 2 years about Ukraine, how dangerous Russian aggression can be, not just with respect to the people of Ukraine but to the rest of the world. As my colleague said, China is watching. In fact, I think they are paying more attention to Ukraine than the current issue in Israel because Putin's imperialistic dreams of restoring the Russian Empire resonate more closely to the Xi Jinping's imperialist dreams to reunite Taiwan to China. So if we fail in Ukraine, I think that will send a very strong and unfortunate message to China that you can attack, wait the West out, and, eventually, they will concede. That is not good strategy or policy. My colleagues argue that this will deny Israel getting the means to defend itself. Well, we have already been supporting the State of Israel. We have moved two aircraft carrier strike groups into the region. We are moving marines into the region. We are sending signals that we are strongly protecting them. Indeed, we have already engaged and shot down missiles from our naval forces. We have also suffered more than 40 injuries of American military personnel because of actions against the United States' positions in the Middle East because of our protection of Israel. We cannot abandon Ukraine. They have lost hundreds of t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-us-senate-must-urgently-approve-emergency-aid-for-israel-and-ukraine-to-further-us-national-security-and-save-lives | Reed: U.S. Senate Must Urgently Approve Emergency Aid for Israel & Ukraine to Further U.S. National Security and Save Lives | 2023-11-07 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WATCH: Sen. Reed makes case for comprehensive package to support U.S. national security interest in Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific and deliver vital humanitarian aid WASHINGTON, DC – With Israel and Ukraine in urgent need of U.S. assistance, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) says it is important for Congress to rapidly approve emergency assistance and humanitarian relief that will help save lives and strengthen America’s national security. The Republican-led House is playing politics with the crisis in Israel -- delaying aid at this critical time by tying support to cutting funding for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). And despite bipartisan support to provide aid to Ukraine to help repel Putin’s illegal invasion, House Republicans insisted on not including a cent for Ukraine. Reed, the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee and a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, joined both Democratic and Republican colleagues on the Senate floor today to reject the House bill and vowed to work together to swiftly advance a strong, bipartisan package. Reed stated: “The House Republican messaging bill represents a misguided attempt to deny needed assistance to Ukraine. It’s not really about helping Israel. It’s about failing to keep our commitments to Ukraine. And we know how dangerous Russian aggression can be, not just with respect to the people of Ukraine, but to the rest of the world. As my colleague said: China is watching. In fact, I think China is paying more attention to Ukraine than the current issue in Israel because Putin’s imperialistic dreams of restoring the Russian empire resonate most closely to Xi Jinping’s imperialist dreams to reunite Taiwan to China. So if we fail in Ukraine, I think that will send a very strong and unfortunate message to China that ‘you can attack, wait the West out, and eventually they’ll concede.’ That’s not good strategy or policy.” During his floor speech today, Reed also reiterated that both Israel and Ukraine need timely U.S. support and this is not the … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-and-whitehouse-urge-humanitarian-pause | Reed & Whitehouse Urge Humanitarian Pause | 2023-11-06 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse issued a joint statement urging Israel to pause military operations against Hamas in Gaza in order to allow more humanitarian aid to reach the Palestinian people: “We support President Biden’s call for a humanitarian pause. Pauses in military operations should be for specific purposes like providing additional humanitarian assistance for the Palestinian people or releasing the innocent hostages kidnapped by Hamas. The U.S. is taking action to help save innocent Israeli and Palestinian lives and prevent the conflict from spreading.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-and-brown-hail-fsocs-steps-to-enhance-oversight-of-shadow-banks | Reed & Brown Hail FSOC’s Steps to Enhance Oversight of Shadow Banks | 2023-11-03 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, after the multi-regulator Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) -- a group of the top U.S. financial regulators led by the U.S. Treasury Department -- finalized a framework on financial stability risks and nonbank financial company oversight, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), a senior member of the Banking Committee, and U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, who led a joint letter encouraging FSOC to adopt the guidance, issued the following joint statement: “FSOC’s new guidance is a prudent, balanced, and necessary step toward protecting the U.S. economy and ensuring adequate oversight of shadow banks like private equity and hedge funds. “It is a forward-looking effort to rein in unregulated financial giants before their overleveraged, interconnected activities threaten the economy with a repeat of the 2008 financial collapse. Remember, many of these entities have benefited from trillions of dollars in bailouts in the wake of that collapse and the pandemic. Shadow banks need stronger oversight and regulation. “Today’s guidance wisely corrects Trump-era changes that weakened FSOC oversight and rolled back protections which left taxpayers with the bill for Wall Street’s excess. This new guidance will revitalize FSOC’s powerful tools for policing shadow banks. “It will also bring more transparency to FSOC’s regulatory approach. Both the public and the financial sector will benefit from the rigorous and transparent regulatory process that FSOC will use. “We applaud Secretary Yellen and the Council for their work today to protect our economy from shadow bank risks.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-hails-33-million-in-cops-grants-for-local-law-enforcement-to-hire-more-officers-and-improve-public-safety | Reed Hails $3.3 Million in COPS Grants for Local Law Enforcement to Hire More Officers and Improve Public Safety | 2023-11-03 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Several local police departments will soon have more backup and federal resources thanks to a new round of federal COPS grants totaling over $3.3 million that is being awarded to local law enforcement agencies across Rhode Island. U.S. Senator Jack Reed, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee who helped make the funds available through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program, says the federal grants will allow three local police departments to hire additional officers, support school violence prevention, and invest in the implementation of crisis intervention teams. “This federal investment will help put more cops on the beat to reduce crime and enhance public safety. It also invests in improving school safety and data-driven de-escalation programs to prevent violence in our communities. Our police officers do an outstanding job and it’s important that the federal government be a reliable partner when it comes to ensuring local police departments have the resources and staffing they need to keep people safe,” said Reed, who helped create the COPS program in the 1990s. Under the COPS grant program, local police departments can use the federal funding to help pay for hiring and retaining officers or for new equipment. This round of federal COPS grants includes: • $2.5 million for the Providence Police Department to hire twenty police officers; • $400,000 to the South Kingstown Police Department to implement Crisis Intervention Teams; • $220,514 to fund a Providence Police Department De-Escalation Program; • $132,518 to the Rhode Island Police Accreditation Commission to enhance existing law enforcement accreditation entities; and • $67,500 to fund a Tiverton Police Department School Violence Prevention Program. Created in 1994, the COPS program has advanced community-oriented policing nationwide, providing over 13,000 grants to state, local, territorial and Tribal law enforcement agencies. This includes the cops hiring program (CHP), t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/as-healthsourceri-open-enrollment-begins-reed-urges-riers-to-shop-compare-and-save-big | As HealthSourceRI Open Enrollment Begins, Reed Urges RIers to Shop, Compare, & Save Big | 2023-11-02 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | PROVIDENCE, RI – When it comes to health insurance, HealthSourceRI’s got Rhode Island covered – and now that open enrollment season is here, Rhode Islanders can pick out a plan that’s right for them. As open enrollment begins for consumers across the nation to sign up for health insurance under the historic Affordable Care Act (ACA), which U.S. Senator Jack Reed helped pass to make health coverage more accessible and affordable, Reed is encouraging Rhode Islanders to check out the options available and choose a plan that fits their needs at a price that’s right for them. Rhode Islanders can use HealthSourceRI’s (HSRI) online marketplace to compare dozens of affordable health plans and find out if they are eligible for financial assistance that helps make health insurance coverage easier to afford. In the past year, 6 out of 7 HSRI customers received assistance to help them get coverage, including nearly $9.6 million in Advance Premium Tax Credits (APTC). Furthermore, 31 percent of HSRI customers pay less than $20 a month to stay covered. HealthSourceRI’s annual Open Enrollment Period began on November 1st and runs through the end of January 2024. Those seeking coverage starting on January 1, 2024 must pick and pay for a plan by December 23, 2023. Senator Reed says, thanks to the American Rescue Plan Act (P.L. 117-2) and the Inflation Reduction Act (P.L. 117-169), which President Biden signed into law, many Rhode Islanders can save even more. For instance, thanks to the American Rescue Plan Act, most HSRI customers may qualify for financial help to lower their monthly coverage cost – even those who weren’t eligible in the past. And the Inflation Reduction Act included key health provisions to deliver cost savings to Rhode Islanders, such as lower premiums, capping insulin copays, and allowing Medicare to negotiate for reduced costs for prescription drugs. Individuals who wish to enroll, change, or renew their health coverage through HSRI may do so at: HealthSourceRI.com/OE or by calling: 1-855-840-HSRI (1-855… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-applauds-senate-confirmation-of-navy-and-air-force-chiefs-and-assistant-commandant-of-the-marine-corps | Reed Applauds Senate Confirmation of Navy and Air Force Chiefs and Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps | 2023-11-02 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, after the U.S. Senate voted to confirm the nominations of Admiral Lisa M. Franchetti to be Chief of Naval Operations, General David W. Allvin to be Chief of Staff of the Air Force, and General Christopher J. Mahoney to be Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement: “I am proud to congratulate each of these leaders on their hard-earned confirmations. America is safer because of their service, and our forces will benefit from their leadership. “Admiral Lisa Franchetti brings remarkable experience and expertise to the top Navy post. She has served in leadership roles at every level throughout the Navy, both ashore and at sea, and with postings around the globe. Admiral Franchetti’s promotion is historic, as she is the first woman to serve as CNO and on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. I am glad we have finally reached this moment. I know that Admiral Franchetti will provide the nation’s sailors, their families, and Navy civilian employees with the leadership they deserve. “General David Allvin is the right leader at the right time for the U.S. Air Force. As the current Vice Chief of the Air Force, he has helped lead the service through a critical period of modernization, and he is well positioned to continue that progress. He is a command pilot with more than 4,600 hours in over 30 aircraft, including 100 combat hours. Air power is key to our strategic competition with China and other adversaries, and General Allvin will lead the Air Force with skill and vision. “General Christopher Mahoney is one of our nation’s finest Marines, and I am glad to see him lead at this critical moment. General Mahoney is fighter pilot with more than 5,000 flight hours, and command experience at the squadron and group level. He has led Marines around the world and now stands ready to guide the service as the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps. “I am glad that we were able to fill these key lead… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/ri-delegation-delivers-38-million-for-port-infrastructure-at-quonset | RI Delegation Delivers $3.8 Million for Port Infrastructure at Quonset | 2023-11-02 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner today announced $3.8 million in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) to construct a ramp at the Port of Davisville’s Pier 1 to accommodate stern offload roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) vessels that carry automobiles and other wheeled cargo. Quonset Development Corporation, which manages the Port of Davisville, is currently in the process of reconstructing the perimeter of Pier 1. The new award will support continued improvements to Pier 1, including the construction of a stern ramp that will accommodate a growing and diverse fleet of ro-ro vessels that are more commonly being used for cargo transfer due to a shortage of other kinds of transport vessels. The Port of Davisville, Rhode Island’s only public port, is a key part of the Quonset Business Park, which is home to more than 200 companies and over 13,000 jobs. Last year, the delegation secured $11.25 million through PIDP to support upgrades to the port’s North Berth at Pier 1. In 2020, an additional $11.14 million was secured under PIDP for the first phase of improvements to Pier 1. “I’m pleased to once again deliver federal funding to help the Port of Davisville make long-term infrastructure investments that will lead to substantial efficiency gains and extend the operational capabilities of the port. We have worked hard to make Quonset a strategic gateway for the import and movement of automobiles and other cargo. The new stern off-load ramp will help drive more business to Rhode Island by allowing different types of vessels to process more cargo, safely and efficiently,” said Reed. “Thanks in part to frequent federal infrastructure investments, the Port of Davisville has become a regional leader in car imports and an economic engine for the Ocean State,” said Whitehouse. “This new award will support ongoing investments in the Port’s infrastructure and overall capacity that help create … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/us-senate-passes-trio-of-appropriations-bills | U.S. Senate Passes Trio of Appropriations Bills | 2023-11-02 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC -- Last night, the U.S. Senate voted 82-15 to pass an appropriations package including the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilCon-VA); Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies (Agriculture-FDA); and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) appropriations bills as part of a bipartisan appropriations package. The package combines three appropriations bills that were passed out of Committee unanimously earlier this year. Passage of the spending legislation marks the first and only bipartisan appropriations bills to clear either chamber of Congress this year. The Senate considered a total of 40 amendments to the package in an open process—and adopted 30 of those amendments. U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, hailed the bipartisan vote, stating: “This bipartisan appropriations package is a strong step toward improving our infrastructure, supporting our veterans and farmers, and making critical investments that benefit communities nationwide. Now that the Senate has acted in a bipartisan manner, I hope the House will do the same. Members of Congress were sent here to govern and it would be an abdication of responsibility to not take up and pass the full-year funding measures we need to keep our country strong, safe, and competitive. “In Rhode Island, the federal funding in these bills will help feed the hungry, and support our National Guard, our veterans, and their families. The bills will also make investments in transportation infrastructure, affordable housing, economic development, and more.” Reed noted the appropriations package includes several key wins for Rhode Island, including $73.6 million in earmarks he secured, including: MilCon-VA: $154.352 billion in discretionary funding, including $19.07 billion in defense funding and $135.282 billion in non-defense funding and $31.9 million in Reed-backed Congressionally-directed spending pr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-and-whitehouse-urge-ftc-investigation-of-big-oil-industry-mergers-for-anticompetitive-harms | Reed & Whitehouse Urge FTC Investigation of Big Oil Industry Mergers for Anticompetitive Harms | 2023-11-01 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) joined Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), along with 20 Senate Democrats, in sending a letter to the Chair of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Lina Khan, demanding the FTC protect American consumers by investigating two major proposed oil industry mergers and warning that the consolidations could hurt consumers. The 23 U.S. Senators want the FTC to take a closer look at record Big Oil mergers, including ExxonMobil’s (Exxon) proposed $60 billion acquisition of Pioneer Natural Resources (Pioneer) and Chevron’s proposed $53 billion acquisition of Hess Corporation (Hess). The senators say the FTC should oppose those mergers if any anticompetitive harms are discovered. “By allowing Exxon and Chevron to further integrate their extensive operations into important oil-and-gas fields, these deals are likely to harm competition, risking increased consumer prices and reduced output throughout the United States,” the 23 Senators wrote, noting these proposed acquisitions could be disastrous for Americans consumers – greatly reducing competition and driving up gas prices at the pump. The letter states: “Exxon’s and Chevron’s operations downstream would enable them to redirect Pioneer’s and Hess’s crude supply to themselves, away from (and possibly to the detriment of) their midstream competitors. These new market dynamics could result in price hikes for midstream customers, and such added costs are often passed downstream to retail customers, including drivers at gas stations.” Americans continue to feel the negative effects of petroleum industry mergers that occurred decades ago. A wave of nearly three thousand mergers in the 1990s has caused the number of major U.S. energy companies to plummet – creating a Big Oil oligopoly. That decrease in competition led to higher prices up and down the supply chain, and any further consolidation risks hurting American consumers even more. The letter goes on to note: “By 2005, due to the wave o… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-statement-on-senate-action-to-break-tuberville-blockade | Reed Statement on Senate Action to Break Tuberville Blockade | 2023-11-01 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC—Tonight, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement after several Senate Republicans took to the Senate floor for hours to implore Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) to allow votes on the merit-based promotions of dozens of U.S. military officers: “Tonight, Senator Tuberville’s obstinacy was once again exposed. Senate Republicans took the honorable step of holding the Senate floor for hours, attempting to promote dozens of individual officers by Unanimous Consent requests. “Despite claiming for months that he would allow individual votes on military promotions, Senator Tuberville blocked every single promotion that was requested. “After tonight, one has to wonder why Senator Tuberville persists in his obstruction, which only benefits America’s enemies. “Over the last ten months Senator Tuberville has undermined our military readiness and callously mistreated military families. “My Republican colleagues and I may disagree on policy, but I admire the patriotism of the Senators who spoke up tonight. They demonstrated their commitment to faithfully serve those who volunteer and sacrifice so much to defend our nation. “Senator Tuberville has had ample opportunity to do the right thing and change course. Members of his own party have counseled him to put the welfare of our troops and the safety of the American people above his own political ambitions. He has refused. “Only willful ignorance or stubborn hubris could lead Senator Tuberville to continue to stick with this tactic. My colleagues on both sides of the aisle must work together to bypass him.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-whitehouse-and-magaziner-help-secure-56m-in-federal-financing-for-block-island-water-infrastructure-upgrades | Reed, Whitehouse & Magaziner Help Secure $5.6M in Federal Financing for Block Island Water Infrastructure Upgrades | 2023-11-01 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – In a significant win for public health, safety, and fresh water supply on Block Island, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressman Seth Magaziner today announced that the federal government is investing $5,581,000 to upgrade water infrastructure on Block Island. As an island ecosystem, Block Island relies on rainfall and wells to replenish the island’s supply of freshwater. Additionally, Block Island Water Company uses reverse-osmosis to treat brackish water wells and provide fire protection and potable water supply for residents and businesses. The new federal funds will flow to the Town of New Shoreham through a $2,509,000 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development grant and a $3,072,000 low-interest USDA loan. The Town of New Shoreham and the New Shoreham Water District will be responsible for providing $120,000 for the projects, which include: Adding a 248,000-gallon water storage tank. Constructing a reverse-osmosis treatment system to produce an additional 144,000 gallons per day of treated water; and Developing a well field which can generate 100 gallons per minute raw water supply. With these elements, the Block Island Water Department will: Increase water storage capacity to 548,000 gallons; Increase treatment system production to 231,000 gallons per day; and Total raw water production will exceed 184 gallons per minute. “A reliable, sustainable supply of clean water is vital to maintaining public health, generating economic activity, and protecting our environment,” said Senator Reed, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee who worked with town officials and USDA to cut red tape for Block Island’s grant and loan application. “I am pleased to help deliver these federal funds so Block Island can meet its water needs now and in the future. This is a smart investment in clean, reliable water that is necessary for public health and safety. It’s good for homeowners, local businesses, and tourism. The fire at the Harborside Inn was a solemn re… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-rebukes-house-republicans-for-obstructing-support-for-israel-and-ukraine | Reed Rebukes House Republicans for Obstructing Support for Israel & Ukraine | 2023-10-31 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, after House Republicans unveiled their legislation to offset new funding for Israel by reducing funds for IRS tax code enforcement, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement: “The U.S. has a responsibility to help the Israeli and Ukrainian people defend themselves. But now, after weeks of dysfunction and delay caused by the chaos of choosing a new Speaker, House Republicans only want to provide U.S. aid to Israel by weakening the IRS’s ability to crack down on wealthy tax cheats. Their proposal abandons Ukraine and also eliminates humanitarian assistance. “The House Republican proposal would increase the deficit and let wealthy tax evaders off the hook. “Israel and Ukraine are in a fight for their very existence. This is an emergency supplemental bill, and it needs to be passed quickly with bipartisan support and without poison pills. “The Senate is moving forward in a responsible, bipartisan manner. But as House Republicans hold up aid to Israel and Ukraine, Russia and Iran are emboldened and the risk of these conflicts spreading only grows. Now is the time to take a stand against terrorists and tyrants. Decisive congressional action and U.S. leadership will help save lives and prevent a widening war.” Today, Senator Reed, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, attended an Appropriations Committee hearing with U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on the President’s national security supplemental funding request. Text of Senator Reed’s Q&A with the witnesses follows and video can be viewed here. RUSH TRANSCRIPT: Senate Appropriations Committee Holds Hearing on National Security Supplemental Request (Oct. 31, 2023) Sen. Reed: The first point I would like to raise is with respect to our colleagues in the House, their proposal, the Republican leadership: Not only do they not fund Ukraine, which I think your testimonies indicate is of vital importance to the U… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-and-whitehouse-urge-the-biden-administration-to-require-insurers-to-fully-cover-over-the-counter-birth-control-pill | Reed & Whitehouse Urge the Biden Administration to Require Insurers to Fully Cover Over-the-Counter Birth Control Pill | 2023-10-30 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – In an effort to ensure women can access the reproductive health care they need and remove cost barriers, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and 45 of their Senate colleagues sent a letter urging the Biden Administration to require federally and state-regulated health insurance plans to fully cover over-the-counter contraceptives, including Opill—the first-ever FDA-approved over-the-counter birth control pill, which will become available in early 2024—with no copays or out of pocket costs, and without a prescription requirement. “We urge you to improve health insurance coverage, both public and private, of the full range of FDA-approved, granted, or cleared contraceptive products—including birth control that is available over-the-counter (OTC) without requiring a prescription for coverage,” the 48 senators wrote today in their letter to Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, Department of Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, and the Department of Labor Acting Secretary Julie Su. “Over 19 million women live in counties with limited access to health care providers that offer comprehensive contraceptive services, and about one-third of women who have received prescription contraceptives have reported barriers to access. Expanding access to affordable coverage for eligible, uninsured populations would improve the quality of contraceptive care that patients receive.” “The availability of safe and effective OTC birth control products has enormous potential to help people overcome significant barriers to consistent contraceptive use, including the many logistical and financial challenges to obtaining a prescription. The FDA’s approval of Opill is a milestone; however, for an OTC birth control pill to meet its potential and be truly accessible, federal departments must ensure that it is covered without cost-sharing and without the need for a prescription as a condition of coverage,” the letter continued. “To expand access to affordable… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-brings-imls-director-crosby-kemper-to-ri | Reed Brings IMLS Director Crosby Kemper to RI | 2023-10-30 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | NEWPORT, RI – As the leading champion of public libraries in the U.S. Senate, U.S. Senator Jack Reed today hosted the director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), Crosby Kemper in Rhode Island. Director Kemper joined Senator Reed on Monday morning for a meeting with chief officers of state libraries from across the nation, including Rhode Island. Following this meeting, Reed and Kemper toured the Newport Historical Society’s Richard I. Burnham Resource Center to meet with librarians, curators, and researchers and to discuss local efforts to expand community engagement at libraries and museums across Rhode Island. “I’m pleased to bring Director Kemper to the Ocean State today to hear directly from some of our tremendous local librarians, museum curators, and historical experts about how Rhode Island’s network of public libraries and museums are teaming up to promote civic engagement, boost literacy, and bolster public health,” said Senator Reed, who helps oversee federal funding for libraries and museums as a key member of the Appropriations Committee. “Our libraries offer so much more than books. They are community centers that help Rhode Islanders learn new skills, identify opportunities for growth, and find new passions that help enrich our lives. When we invest in our public libraries and museums, we are helping to support and expand opportunities for Rhode Islanders of all ages.” Crosby Kemper is the sixth director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Kemper comes to IMLS from the Kansas City Public Library, where as director, he established the library as one of the city’s leading cultural destinations and a hub of community engagement. Under his direction, the library made special event programming a high-profile focus, with more than half a million people attending its evening programs or visiting exhibits in the art galleries. During his tenure, the Kansas City Public Library received multiple awards, including IMLS’s National Medal for Museum and Library Service … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-and-whitehouse-deliver-149m-boost-for-ri-health-care-workforce-pipeline | Reed & Whitehouse Deliver $1.49M Boost for RI Health Care Workforce Pipeline | 2023-10-27 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WEST WARWICK, RI – In an effort to increase the number of health care professionals in Rhode Island, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse today delivered a $1,498,000 federal earmark for Thundermist Health Center’s clinical workforce development programs. Locally, nearly one out of every five Rhode Islanders do not have a primary care provider. For those who do, wait times for an appointment can stretch on for months due to large waves of health care professionals leaving their field across the nation in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. “This federal funding will help strengthen Thundermist’s ability to provide affordable care for Rhode Islanders and it will help bolster health care across Rhode Island by creating a new, innovative workforce development pipeline for the next generation of health care workers in our state,” said Senator Reed. “Thundermist, and all of Rhode Island’s tremendous community health centers, really stepped up to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. They have been on the frontlines, tailoring services to best care for our communities from mental health care services to responding to the opioid crisis. More than ever, our health centers deserve our appreciation and support and I’m proud to team up with Senator Whitehouse to deliver this important funding.” “When health care facilities aren’t able to hire enough staff, patients experience long wait times and health care workers get burned out. Senator Reed and I delivered this earmark to get more Rhode Islanders into these in-demand jobs and build up the state’s health care workforce. Thundermist continues to do excellent work in partnership with URI, RIC, and CCRI to train the next generation of nurses and health care professionals,” said Senator Whitehouse. “The impact of the workforce development programs has been extraordinary,” said Jeanne LaChance, president/CEO of Thundermist Health Center. “These programs are making a difference for so many people. They’re helping Rhode Islanders get the care they need. More people are prepa… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-and-blumenthal-renew-push-to-end-special-tax-deductions-for-huge-executive-bonuses | Reed & Blumenthal Renew Push to End Special Tax Deductions for Huge Executive Bonuses | 2023-10-26 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – According to the AFL-CIO, the gulf in pay between CEOs and average workers is 272 to 1. In an effort to ensure that hardworking U.S. taxpayers are not forced to subsidize lavish executive compensation packages while making a fraction of CEO pay, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) today introduced legislation that would finally fully close a major loophole in corporate tax law. The Stop Subsidizing Multimillion Dollar Corporate Bonuses Act would put an end to a special tax break for huge executive bonuses by preventing publicly traded corporations from deducting the cost of any multimillion-dollar bonus paid to executives from their corporate tax bills. Under section 162(m) of the tax code, publicly traded corporations cannot deduct more than $1 million in compensation paid to their top executives. But section 162(m) does not cover compensation paid to all public company employees, and corporations have long exploited this loophole to claim tax deductions for executive compensation packages that far exceed $1 million. As publicly traded corporations offer lucrative compensation deals to increasing numbers of executives and not just those at the very top of the organization, U.S. taxpayers are still shouldering the cost. Both Republican and Democratic administrations have signed laws based on earlier versions of this legislation in order to curtail the abuse of this deduction. This includes ensuring that performance-based compensation is actually counted as compensation under section 162(m) and increasing the number of highly paid executives who are subject to section 162(m). Partially tightening the law in these ways has saved taxpayers well over $9.2 billion. However, the full loophole has still not been closed, and taxpayers continue to subsidize billions of dollars in extravagant compensation. The Stop Subsidizing Multimillion Dollar Corporate Bonuses Act would address the remaining gaps by applying section 162(m) restrictions to all employees of publicly traded co… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-backs-presidents-emergency-funding-request-for-american-families-and-communities | Reed Backs President’s Emergency Funding Request for American Families and Communities | 2023-10-26 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC — This week, after submitting a funding request for critical national security needs, the Biden Administration sent Congress a $56 billion emergency funding request to address critical needs of American families and communities. This request includes: $23.5 billion for natural disaster relief, $16 billion for child care stabilization, an extra $1.6 billion to help families lower their energy bills through LIHEAP, and $1.55 billion to counter the scourge of fentanyl. Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement on the President’s supplemental funding request: “Congress needs to take bipartisan action to help lower costs for families, strengthen our economy, and keep people safe. The President’s supplemental funding request includes critical funding to tackle urgent priorities. Congress should work together to advance this package and help working families afford the necessities of life.” The proposed supplemental spending package comes on the heels of the U.S. House of Representatives finally electing a new Speaker and shortly after the September 30 expiration of vital child care funding from the American Rescue Plan law (P.L. 117-2). This Reed-backed child care funding, which provided $93 million for child care in Rhode Island, helped child care providers nationwide keep their doors open. Senator Reed has pressed for legislation to replenish funding for this critical child care program for a full year. A report released by The Century Foundation (TCF) shows that as these American Rescue Plan child care funds dry up, child care for millions of children and families nationwide could begin to disappear. TCF projects that without Congressional action, a projected 3.2 million child care slots could be lost and roughly 70,000 child care programs could close, hurting working families and local economies. Parents nationwide will be forced to either pay more for child care or pull their children from care and work fewer hour… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-responds-to-mass-shootings-in-maine | Reed Responds to Mass Shootings in Maine | 2023-10-26 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed issued the following statement on the mass shootings in Lewiston, Maine: “I deeply mourn the victims of this tragic, senseless and horrific mass shooting. I have been in touch with my colleagues, Senators Collins and King, to let them know I will support any and all available federal assistance. And I know the FBI, the ATF, and U.S. Marshals are already contributing to coordinated efforts to keep people safe and track down the perpetrator of this horrendous crime. “And I will continue to speak out against gun violence and call for meaningful action to prevent it. “These weapons are out there because the national Republican party refuses to act. Congress can and should come together to pass commonsense gun safety measures like reinstating the assault weapons ban and banning high-capacity magazines, which would have a significant impact on preventing more mass-shootings. The United States is on pace to experience 700 mass-shootings this year. Thoughts and prayers are not enough. We need action and it must be comprehensive, bipartisan, and swift.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-seeks-to-combat-child-labor-by-strengthening-us-labor-laws-to-better-protect-children | Reed Seeks to Combat Child Labor by Strengthening U.S. Labor Laws to Better Protect Children | 2023-10-26 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | New data show companies employed 5,792 children in violation of child labor law in FY23 Since 2019, child labor violations have increased roughly 88 percent New CHILD Labor Act would grant U.S. Department of Labor greater enforcement power WASHINGTON, DC – Exploitive child labor should be a relic of the past. But some red states are reportedly seeking to weaken child labor protections rather than paying adults higher wages and recent reports by the New York Times and The Public’s Radio highlight the pervasiveness of child labor abuses that continue to plague children, families, and communities around the country. Amidst a concerning spike in child labor violations, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) is teaming up with Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Patty Murray (D-WA) on new legislation to protect children from exploitative child labor practices and hold the companies and individuals who take advantage of them accountable. Today, the senators introduced the Children Harmed in Life-threatening or Dangerous (CHILD) Labor Act. This legislation would enhance the federal government’s ability to combat child labor by cracking down on employers who violate child labor laws with stronger penalties and allowing children who have been seriously injured to sue their employers. The bill also expands child labor provisions to hold suppliers and subcontractors throughout the supply chain responsible and authorizes the U.S. Department of Labor to label goods that are produced with child labor. “Children do not belong in factories or working during hours when they should be studying, spending time with their families, or simply being children. Yet too many bad actors get away with forcing kids to work long hours and under dangerous conditions,” said Senator Casey. “It is long past time we bring our child labor laws into the 21st century and fight back against the employers, contractors, and subcontractors that violate them.” “Over the past few years, we have seen an alarming rise in instances of illegal and dangerous child labo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/grassroots-funding-reed-whitehouse-and-magaziner-deliver-35-million-to-advance-community-driven-environmental-justice-initiatives | Grassroots Funding: Reed, Whitehouse & Magaziner Deliver $3.5 Million to Advance Community-Driven Environmental Justice Initiatives | 2023-10-25 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC -- In an effort to improve public health and wellness through cleaner air and reduced lead hazards, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressman Seth Magaziner announced $3,439,618 to fund five environmental justice projects across the state. Reed and Whitehouse voted to commit federal funding for these grants, which are administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as part of the historic Inflation Reduction Act (P.L. 117-169), which President Biden signed into law in August of 2022. The Biden Administration is directing this round of federal investment to community-driven projects focused on neighborhoods that are underserved and overburdened by pollution with the goal of improving community health, wellness, and resiliency. “This federal funding will help plant seeds of change that lead to more greenery, cleaner air and water, and fewer lead hazards in underserved neighborhoods. This is a smart investment in community health and wellness. These programs can be a catalyst for lasting change, both in terms of creating more green space, improving public health, and also creating new opportunities for economic growth and community revitalization,” said Senator Reed, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee. “When we invest in public health and environmental justice, we are strengthening our state for generations,” said Senator Whitehouse. “This federal funding will help reduce childhood lead poisoning and expand the state’s efforts to improve air quality in urban communities.” “Access to clean air and water must be a right for every Rhode Islander,” said Representative Seth Magaziner. “This federal funding is vital to keeping Rhode Islanders healthy by ensuring clean air, preventing lead poisoning, and reducing contaminants entering waterways.” “For too long, communities of color in Rhode Island have borne the brunt of pollution, endured underinvestment in infrastructure and critical services, and consequently suffered disproportionate health and econ… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-announces-24m-in-liheap-aid-for-ri-home-energy-relief | Reed Announces $24M in LIHEAP Aid for RI Home Energy Relief | 2023-10-24 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded Rhode Island $24,039,524 in Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding to help low-income households lower their energy bills this winter. LIHEAP is a federally funded program that provides financial help with heating costs for qualifying households. It is administered at the state level by the Rhode Island Department of Human Services and local Community Action Program (CAP) agencies. “As colder weather approaches, this is good news for Rhode Islanders who need some help keeping their heat on this winter. Many Americans are facing elevated energy bills and I champion LIHEAP because it’s a real lifeline for seniors on fixed incomes and families that are struggling to balance the costs of energy bills and other household necessities,” said Senator Reed, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee. Maintaining safe indoor air temperatures is critical, particularly for households that include older adults, individuals with disabilities, and young children. By helping to reduce the costs of home heating and cooling bills, reconnecting energy services that have been disconnected, preventing energy shutoffs, and providing minor energy-related home repairs, LIHEAP helps make sure that our neighbors can meet their home energy needs and stay safe in their homes. Earlier this month, Senator Reed, along with U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) urged the Biden Administration to act swiftly to release these federal LIHEAP funds. Reed and Murkowski also led a bipartisan letter urging the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to take additional steps to reduce energy costs for Americans. Applications for LIHEAP grants opened on October 1 and Rhode Islanders may apply for assistance through their local Community Action Agency [ricommunityaction.org]. LIHEAP assistance amounts vary ba… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-whitehouse-and-durbin-urge-dol-to-crack-down-on-child-labor-law-violations | Reed, Whitehouse & Durbin Urge DOL to Crack Down on Child Labor Law Violations | 2023-10-24 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – A dozen leading U.S. Senators sent a letter to U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Acting Secretary Julie Su urging the Biden Administration to continue holding companies accountable for violations of child labor laws. The letter, penned by U.S Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jack Reed (D-RI), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and nine of their colleagues, follows a New York Times Magazine article that raised serious concerns about the influx of unaccompanied noncitizen children that are working long hours in dangerous conditions. Locally, the Public’s Radio reported on possible violations of child labor laws at seafood processing plants in New Bedford, Massachusetts. In the letter, the Senators commend DOL for holding accountable not just the subcontractors who directly hire child workers for dangerous jobs, but also the brands that hire subcontractors, including both Tyson and Perdue. The letter also urges DOL to consider additional workforce development opportunities for noncitizen youth—particularly recently arrived unaccompanied children. The twelve U.S. Senators wrote: “There have been multiple reports in recent months regarding the continued use of illegal child labor across the United States. We appreciate the efforts the Biden Administration and the Department of Labor (DOL) are taking to eliminate this scourge. However, these recent reports highlight the need to take further steps to protect children from dangerous employment that could result in injury and even death.” “We also urge you to consider additional means by which to provide eligible vulnerable noncitizen youth—particularly recent arrivals who are unaccompanied—access to safe and appropriate work opportunities. The Department has received funding from Congress to support programs that provide workforce development opportunities to ensure that youth have access to age-appropriate jobs and subsidized training. These programs offer opportunities for training and skills development to attain an on-ramp to quality career pathways. The Workfo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/ri-delegation-and-governor-mckee-announce-ri-ocean-tech-hub-designation | RI Delegation & Governor McKee Announce RI Ocean Tech Hub Designation | 2023-10-23 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Building on decades of investment, research, and innovation in undersea robotics and ocean engineering, Rhode Island has been identified as one of 31 regions driving American global competitiveness in key technology areas. Today, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner joined Governor Dan McKee to announce that the Biden Administration has designated Rhode Island to be home to one of 31 inaugural regional Tech Hubs across the country. This first-of-its-kind designation was authorized by the CHIPS and Science Act. Rhode Island was selected due to the Ocean State’s potential for rapid growth in undersea robotics, automation, and advanced materials. This designation also positions Rhode Island to compete for the next phase of Tech Hubs Program funding, which will invest between $50 to $75 million in at least 5 regional hubs. The Ocean Tech Hub, a consortium led by Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, will leverage the Ocean State’s unique coastal assets – including seven commercial ports and shallow and deep ocean access – to establish digital and physical testing and manufacturing environments for rapid prototype testing and delivery to meet the growing commercial demand. In doing so, the Ocean Tech Hub seeks to advance ocean technology innovation and become a global leader in the growing ocean economy. “The Ocean State is a leader in ocean tech and the Blue Economy and I commend the Biden Administration for selecting Rhode Island as one of the 31 inaugural Tech Hubs,” said Senator Reed. “This Tech Hub designation, paired with federal funding for Rhode Island, will help foster more collaboration and development across our region to position the Ocean State as a global leader in undersea automation and technological development.” “Rhode Island’s location and access to talent has long positioned our state to be a leader in innovation across growing sectors, including cutting edge technology and artificial intelligence,” said Senator Whitehouse. “I am p… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-welcomes-president-bidens-national-security-supplemental-request | Reed Welcomes President Biden’s National Security Supplemental Request | 2023-10-20 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – Today, after President Biden submitted to Congress a request for national security assistance, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, who is currently on a CODEL overseas, issued the following statement: “At a momentous time, President Biden is leading the United States and the international community with admirable resolve and is laser focused on keeping the American people safe and protecting America’s interests. The U.S. has marshalled a powerful response to Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, and we must also stand strong with our ally, Israel, while protecting our security interests in the Indo-Pacific and at home. Aiding these democracies in concert with our allies is vital to America’s security and economic interests. “The Ukrainians continue to fight for the same values that Americans cherish, and they face a challenging winter ahead. This emergency security supplemental request would provide vital tools for Ukraine and Israel, plus humanitarian assistance, enhanced border security, and measures to counter China. “It would deliver much needed training, equipment, and weapons necessary to help Ukrainians defend themselves against Russian aggression. “And, in the wake of the horrific terrorist attacks by Hamas in Israel, this request provides much needed security assistance for Israel as it seeks to defend itself and deter broader conflict. “In addition to replenishing our own stocks of weapons, this aid request would respond to China’s economic coercion. It would also support U.S. capabilities and initiatives that bolster security and stability in the Indo-Pacific. “Congress should send a strong message to the world that America continues to stand in solidarity with our allies, and there should be no doubt that we are committed to supporting them and standing firmly on the side of democracy and global stability. “Bipartisan discussions and review of this critical package are already u… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-and-whitehouse-statement-on-the-situation-in-the-middle-east | Reed and Whitehouse Statement on the Situation in the Middle East | 2023-10-19 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) today issued the following statement on the ongoing situation in the Middle East: “After the briefing we received, it is clear that the United States is standing fully with Israel. We must recognize Israel’s right to defend itself from murderous terrorists. “We are also assured that President Biden has negotiated the flow of humanitarian aid to Gazans. We must minimize harm to innocent civilians in Gaza, even as Hamas uses Palestinian civilians as human shields.” “The intelligence community has concluded that the tragic explosion at the hospital in Gaza was the result of an errant rocket launched by terrorists and not an Israeli airstrike. Those who are responsible for that horrific attack must be held accountable for the devastation they’ve caused.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-collins-and-murkowski-urge-swift-release-of-liheap-home-heating-aid | Reed, Collins & Murkowski Urge Swift Release of LIHEAP Home Heating Aid | 2023-10-19 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Falling temperatures and higher utility costs can put a damper on household budgets. With colder weather around the corner, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) led a bipartisan letter urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to release funds for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) as swiftly and at the highest level possible. LIHEAP is a federally funded program designed to assist low-income families, seniors on fixed incomes, and other eligible households cover their home energy costs, especially during the coldest and hottest months of the year. The Senators say LIHEAP funding is a crucial lifeline that provides targeted assistance to help millions of Americans stay safe during the winter. Reed, Collins, and Murkowski are leading efforts to include the highest level of funding possible for LIHEAP in the fiscal year 2024 appropriations package making its way through Congress. “As state agencies activate their LIHEAP programs for the coming winter, it is crucial that they have the resources on hand to help low-income households and seniors as soon as possible, especially in light of high energy costs. As such, we request that you quickly release LIHEAP funds at the highest level possible, so that low-income households do not have to choose between paying for heat and affording other necessities like food or medicine,” the Senators wrote. Nationwide, an estimated 6 million households received assistance with heating and cooling costs through LIHEAP in 2023. In FY23, Senators Reed, Collins, and Murkowski led successful efforts to provide a total of $6.1 billion for LIHEAP nationwide, resulting in nearly $40 million for Rhode Island, more than $54 million for Maine, and over $31.7 million for Alaska and Alaska Tribes. Approximately 26,000 Rhode Island households and more than 30,000 Maine households benefitted from LIHEAP last year. LIHEAP is administered by states and accessed through local Community Action … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-and-whitehouse-urge-humanitarian-aid-to-address-emergency-needs-of-palestinians-in-gaza | Reed & Whitehouse Urge Humanitarian Aid to Address Emergency Needs of Palestinians in Gaza | 2023-10-18 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse commended President Joe Biden for pledging $100 million in U.S. humanitarian aid to Palestinians amid the Gaza conflict. Earlier today, Reed and Whitehouse joined with 32 of their Senate colleagues in urging the Biden Administration to lead the international community in contributing to the United Nations’ emergency appeal of $294 million to address the immediate humanitarian needs in the West Bank and Gaza. The United Nations said it plans to partner with 77 aid organizations to distribute humanitarian aid among those in need in Gaza and the West Bank. “As a result of the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza prompted by Hamas’ horrific terror attacks, more than 1.2 million people are in urgent need of lifesaving humanitarian assistance. More than one million people have fled the violence, stretching the already strained ability of the United Nations and humanitarian partners on the ground to provide the food, medical treatment, and shelter they need to survive,” the 34 U.S. Senators wrote. The Senators continued: “We support Israel’s right to defend its people against the brutal attacks carried out by Hamas. Hamas knew that the Israeli government would have to respond to the unconscionable murder and hostage-taking of its citizens and thus bears the blame for initiating this conflict. We also know there are many innocent Palestinians in Gaza who do not support Hamas and urgently need help as they seek to flee the fighting.” The Senators highlighted the dire situation facing innocent civilians in Gaza: “More than one million people in Gaza have fled their homes in search of safety, with nearly half of those taking shelter in UN facilities. The United Nations estimates that Gaza will run out of food and water within days. Healthcare facilities are overwhelmed, running desperately short on supplies and impacted by the lack of electricity. The humanitarian needs on the ground have dramatically increased over the past week, and conditions will … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-and-young-introduce-bipartisan-adult-education-works-act-to-strengthen-and-expand-programs-for-adult-learners-2023 | Reed & Young Introduce Bipartisan Adult Education WORKS Act to Strengthen and Expand Programs for Adult Learners | 2023-10-18 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – For millions of Americans, adult education programs can make the difference between earning a family-sustaining wage and struggling to make ends meet. According to the Department of Education, at current funding levels, adult education programs reach less than one million Americans out of 43 million adults that are low-skilled in literacy and 63 million that are low-skilled in numeracy. In an effort to address the long-standing adult education crisis affecting quality of life for individuals and their families and holding our economy back, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Todd Young (R-IN) today introduced the Adult Education Workforce Opportunity and Reskilling for Knowledge and Success Act, or the Adult Education WORKS Act (S. 3075), to reauthorize adult education programs and expand upon the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). In the House, U.S. Representatives Lucy McBath (D-GA-7) Frank Mrvan (D-IN-1), and Kathy Manning (D-NC-6) are leading introduction of the Adult Education WORKS Act (H.R. 5987). A study commissioned by the Barbara Bush Foundation estimates that getting all American adults to the equivalent of a sixth-grade reading level would add $2.2 trillion to the country’s annual income. Without the opportunities provided by adult education programs, like numeracy, literacy, digital literacy, English language skills, soft skills, work readiness, high school equivalency, and other wraparound services, many adults will be left on the sidelines of an economy that needs more qualified workers in order to grow. The Adult Education WORKS Act provides a roadmap for addressing this crisis by updating WIOA and by strengthening and expanding access to adult education services. Specifically, the legislation calls for nearly doubling the authorized funding for adult education by 2029 to $1.35 billion while making significant changes to the adult education system. Critical for achieving success in modern workplaces and for navigating everyday life, the bill calls for a new emphasi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-whitehouse-and-magaziner-announce-44m-federal-grant-to-help-ri-build-healthier-communities | Reed, Whitehouse & Magaziner Announce $4.4M Federal Grant to Help RI Build Healthier Communities | 2023-10-18 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse along with U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner today announced new federal funding that will make Rhode Island a healthier place to live, work, and play by expanding access to healthy foods and increasing opportunities for exercise. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is awarding a 5-year $4.4 million grant to the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) as part of the State Physical Activity and Nutrition (SPAN) Program to improve physical activity, nutrition, and wellness initiatives. Rhode Island may use the federal funding to support key components of RIDOH’s 2023–2028 Rhode Island Healthy Eating and Active Living (HEAL) Strategic Plan, a statewide strategic plan for physical activity and nutrition which aims to improve community health and decrease the incidence of chronic diseases. The federal grant -- which is scheduled to be distributed in annual awards of $888,000 this month and over the following four years -- is designed to help fight obesity and promote healthy nutrition, wellness, and physical activity. Rhode Island may tap the federal SPAN funds to implement statewide and local initiatives and activities in multiple settings, including in schools, childcare facilities, senior centers, worksites, or other community setting to address several target areas, such as increasing physical activity; boosting the consumption of fruits and vegetables; or decreasing the consumption of sugar sweetened beverages. The federal funds will help address health disparities related to poor nutrition, physical activity, and obesity. “When it comes to community health, Rhode Island is making progress. This new federal funding will help the state and its partners address several health priorities and end health disparities,” said Senator Reed, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee. “Ultimately, the goal is to make it easier for everyone, regardless of their income, to lead a healthy, active lifestyle. So we must continue w… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-encourages-eligible-riers-to-apply-for-liheap-utility-assistance | Reed Encourages Eligible RIers To Apply For LIHEAP Utility Assistance | 2023-10-17 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | PROVIDENCE, RI – With winter approaching, U.S. Senator Jack Reed is encouraging eligible families to apply for the federally-funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). In fiscal year 2023, Senator Reed led efforts to make nearly $40 million in LIHEAP funds available to help Rhode Islanders struggling to pay their energy bills. Eligible households may apply for assistance in just a few easy steps by contacting their local Community Action Program (CAP) agencies. LIHEAP is a federally funded program that provides financial help with heating costs for qualifying households. It is administered at the state level by the Rhode Island Department of Human Services and local Community Action Program (CAP) agencies. “I champion LIHEAP to help Rhode Islanders in need afford their utility bills and keep people safe and warm. With winter approaching, LIHEAP is a real lifeline for seniors on fixed incomes and families that are struggling financially and need a little help keeping the heat on. So we’re trying to spread the word and ensure everyone who is eligible can apply and get the assistance they need,” said Senator Reed, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee. Applications for LIHEAP grants opened on October 1 and Rhode Islanders may apply for assistance through their local Community Action Agency [ricommunityaction.org]. In September, renewal applications were sent to individuals who received a LIHEAP grant last year. Agencies will send confirmation letters to households that heat with deliverable fuel starting November 1 and households that heat with utilities starting January 1. Deliverable fuel vendors may begin making deliveries starting November 1. LIHEAP assistance amounts vary based on the number of people living in the household, total household income, heat source, and other factors. To qualify for LIHEAP in Rhode Island, a household’s combined gross income must be equal to or less than 60 percent of the State Median Income (SMI) for their household size. For example, a household of … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-condemns-hate-fueled-murder-of-6-year-old-muslim-boy-and-urges-americans-to-stand-up-against-all-forms-of-hate-speech | Reed Condemns Hate-Fueled Murder of 6-Year-Old Muslim Boy & Urges Americans to Stand Up Against All Forms of Hate Speech | 2023-10-16 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jack Reed condemned the brutal murder of Wadea Al Fayoume, an innocent 6-year old Palestinian-American boy in Plainfield, Illinois, who was stabbed to death by a 71-year-old perpetrator, who also seriously wounded the boy’s mother, Hanaan Shahin. The alleged perpetrator was their landlord and has been charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, two counts of a hate crime and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. According to law enforcement, the perpetrator allegedly targeted Hanaan and Wadea due to their Muslim faith and the ongoing conflict in the Israel-Hamas War. Today, Senator Reed stated: “There are no words to express the profound sorrow we feel for the loss of this innocent child. This was a shocking, unconscionable act of hate. The perpetrator must be brought to justice. “This type of vitriolic hate has no place in our society. One of our nation’s founding principles is freedom of religion. We must confront and counter Islamophobic bigotry and show support for our Muslim neighbors. We must work together to advance tolerance and understanding. Those who kill indiscriminately seek to spread violence, hatred, and intolerance. Through education, taking a public stand, and refuting misinformation, we can help stop the spread of hate and build stronger, more just communities.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-and-whitehouse-announce-250000-citizenship-and-integration-grant-for-genesis-center | Reed & Whitehouse Announce $250,000 Citizenship and Integration Grant for Genesis Center | 2023-10-13 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | PROVIDENCE, RI – In an effort to assist immigrants on their path to citizenship, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse today announced that Genesis Center is receiving a $250,000 federal grant from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Office of Citizenship. The federal funds will expand Genesis Center’s citizenship preparation services available to lawful permanent residents and those with a pathway to lawful permanent residency. Based in Providence, Genesis Center is a multi-service organization offering a full range of services to immigrants, refugees and low-income families. Founded in 1982, Genesis Center now serves over 1,000 students annually from nearly 40 countries. Genesis offers day and evening adult education classes at its facility and offsite at local businesses. Classes are designed to fit the changing needs of motivated adult learners. “The Genesis Center does outstanding work helping people on their path to becoming American citizens. This federal funding will help the Genesis Center continue their important mission and promote prospective citizens’ integration into American society and civic life. It will enhance citizenship-preparation classes, offerings, and support services and help us build a stronger community,” said Senator Reed, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “The Genesis Center provides life-changing support to refugees and immigrants on their path to becoming American citizens. This federal funding will strengthen and expand the Genesis Center’s existing citizenship preparation services, and help build a more diverse and inclusive community,” said Senator Whitehouse. “We are excited to have been awarded this grant that will allow us to plan, develop, and implement innovative approaches to helping our Rhode Island residents on their path to U.S. Citizenship through an integrated model that includes essential components of everyday life, such as financial coaching and digital literacy. This award is a continuation of our mission to pr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/as-winter-approaches-reed-and-murkowski-lead-bipartisan-letter-urging-biden-administration-to-help-reduce-energy-costs | As Winter Approaches, Reed & Murkowski Lead Bipartisan Letter Urging Biden Administration to Help Reduce Energy Costs | 2023-10-12 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – A group of 28 lawmakers led by U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) sent a bipartisan letter calling on the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to take additional steps to reduce energy costs for Americans through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps low-income households with their home energy bills by providing payment and/or energy crisis assistance. Last year, Reed and U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) successfully led efforts to provide a total of $6.1 billion for the program in fiscal year (FY) 2023, which included $2 billion in emergency supplemental LIHEAP funding. In a letter to OMB Director Shalanda Young and HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, the 28 senators urged the Biden Administration to include supplemental LIHEAP funding in any additional request submitted for FY2024 appropriations. “Amid increased energy prices resulting from Russia’s war in Ukraine and inflationary pressures, LIHEAP has become even more important for helping families pay their energy bills without foregoing other essentials.,” the 28 Senators wrote. They continued, “Unfortunately, supplemental funding is needed once again as we head into another winter heating season. Winter heating prices are expected to remain roughly as high as last year, and LIHEAP applications are up significantly. According to the National Energy Assistance Directors’ Association, states are reporting increases of up to 20% in the number of LIHEAP applications since last year. With limited funding, states will face tough choices about the amount of assistance they can provide and the number of people they can serve.” LIHEAP is administered by states and accessed through local Community Action Agencies. Eligibility for LIHEAP is based on income, family size, and the availability of resources. Nationwide, an estimated 6 million households received assistance with heating and coolin… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-assists-riers-with-loved-ones-in-israel-provides-state-dept-resources-for-those-who-need-additional-help | Reed Assists RIers with Loved Ones in Israel, Provides State Dept. Resources for Those Who Need Additional Help | 2023-10-11 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – In the wake of the October 7 attacks by militant Hamas terrorists on Israel, U.S. Senator Jack Reed and his constituent casework team are working to assist Rhode Islanders with relatives and loved ones in Israel and provide critical information and U.S. State Department resources to those seeking help. “I make it my mission to assist Rhode Islanders traveling abroad. If any Rhode Islanders or their family members are in Israel and need emergency assistance, I am here to help,” said Senator Reed. “My office has been in contact with several Rhode Islanders who traveled to Israel recently, and we’re working to ensure they’re connected with the State Department.” Rhode Islanders with family members in Israel who need assistance can reach Senator Reed’s office at: (401) 943-3100. The State Department has established a 24/7 coordinating group to help U.S. citizens or their family members in Israel. To connect to the coordinating group, please call: 1-833-890-9595 or 1-606-641-0131 or visit: https://www.state.gov/israel-under-attack-latest-updates/ Americans currently in Israel or planning to travel to Israel in the near future are encouraged to utilize the following resources to stay updated and safe: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP); View the latest updates from the U.S. Embassy in Israel; and Review the latest travel advisory information from the State Department. According to the White House, at least 14 Americans were killed during the terrorist attacks by Hamas, and there are believed to be 20 or more Americans currently missing, including some believed to have been taken hostage by Hamas. Reed condemned the attacks by Hamas and expressed his support for Israel in its efforts to defend itself. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-backs-action-to-ban-hidden-junk-fees-that-cost-consumers-tens-of-billions-of-dollars-annually | Reed Backs Action to Ban Hidden ‘Junk Fees’ That Cost Consumers Tens of Billions of Dollars Annually | 2023-10-11 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC -- Calling it a major step forward for consumer protection, U.S. Senator Jack Reed is backing the Biden Administration’s efforts to ban hidden ‘junk fees’ across multiple industries. Junk fees are hidden charges and misleading fees that companies add to customer bills, costing consumers tens of billions of dollars annually and stifling business competition. Senator Reed today applauded the independent Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the independent Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) for announcing new actions and proposed rules against companies charging consumers junk fees. The FTC’s proposed rule would end hidden fees and make it clearer when businesses are adding extra charges, like at hotels, car rentals, apartment companies, live-ticket events, and more. It would also prohibit businesses from advertising prices that leave out mandatory fees, giving consumers a more accurate upfront cost. If this proposed rule is finalized as proposed, the FTC could bring enforcement actions to impose financial penalties on companies that don’t disclose their full upfront price and secure refunds for customers who have been defrauded by companies charging hidden fees. The CFPB is issuing guidance to enforce junk fee rules from financial institutions. The CFPB proposal would help prevent large banks from unfairly charging fees for basic services, like balance requests or other information. The consumer watchdog also announced $2 billion in savings and $140 million in consumer refunds from previous crackdowns on junk fees. Reed says he favors the moves by the FTC and CFPB and supports federal efforts to crack down on excessive hidden fees while promoting greater transparency, fairness, and competition in the market for all kinds of consumer goods and services. “Junk fees are an annoying, unfair business practice designed to confuse consumers. Unfortunately, they’ve become business as usual for too many companies these days and the practice needs to stop. The new actions by the FTC and CFPB will … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/making-a-splash-reed-delivers-500000-for-ri-fisheries-research | Making a Splash: Reed Delivers $500,000 for RI Fisheries Research | 2023-10-10 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | NARRAGANSETT, RI – Rhode Island’s commercial fisheries and seafood sectors account for more than 4,300 jobs and drive $420 million in statewide economic impact, according to a joint Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation-University of Rhode Island study. In an effort to help ensure continued growth and sustainability of Rhode Island’s commercial fishing sector amidst evolving challenges with ocean health, U.S. Senator Jack Reed today delivered a $500,000 federal earmark to finance a deep dive study that will help the Ocean State’s commercial fishermen. Senator Reed joined David Bethoney, PhD, Executive Director of the Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation (CFRF); local fishermen; and research collaborators at Point Judith’s Superior Trawl facility to celebrate this federal funding that will advance and enhance the organization’s efforts to understand, manage, and develop innovative solutions to challenges faced by commercial fishermen. “As climate change rapidly alters the coastal landscape and oceans, we’ve got to support our commercial fishermen and help them adapt while also taking good care of our commercial fisheries. The well-being of both our fishermen and fisheries is critical to the Blue Economy and our economic future,” said Senator Reed. “CFRF research is critical to resilient and sustainable fisheries and ensuring commercial fishermen have a voice and a say when it comes to policies that impact their livelihoods. This new funding will deepen our understanding of modern ocean challenges. The data collected by CFRF and their partners will be used to ensure commercial fishermen have appropriate access rights and develop innovative solutions to ensure our commercial fisheries are healthy, resilient, and can thrive.” “We are excited and grateful for this opportunity to build on initiatives that empower the commercial fishing community to help us understand and address significant change in the ocean environment,” said David Bethoney, PhD, Executive Director of CFRF. With this federal earmark, CFR… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-condemns-appalling-hamas-terrorist-attacks-in-israel | Reed Condemns Appalling Hamas Terrorist Attacks in Israel | 2023-10-07 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | PROVIDENCE, RI — Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), issued the following statement condemning the appalling terrorist attacks by Hamas against the people of Israel: “I condemn the appalling attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israeli civilians. Israel has a right to defend itself from attack. I stand with the people of Israel and send my condolences to the Israelis killed and wounded in this horrific attack.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-cheers-biden-admin-beginning-price-negotiations-to-lower-cost-of-rx-drugs | Reed Cheers Biden Admin Beginning Price Negotiations to Lower Cost of Rx Drugs | 2023-10-05 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – This week, the Biden Administration announced that the manufacturers of all of the first 10 prescription drugs selected for Medicare's inaugural price negotiations have agreed to participate, clearing the way for talks that could lower Rx drug costs for seniors. U.S. Senator Jack Reed, who helped pass the landmark Inflation Reduction Act (P.L. 117-169), granting the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) the authority to use the purchasing power of Medicare to negotiate lower prices for consumers, cheered the news and says it will help lower costs in the future for seniors on fixed incomes. “Overcoming decades of Republican obstruction and a multi-billion dollar lobbying campaign by Big Pharma, Democrats, led by President Biden, achieved a huge win for the American people that will help lower drug prices. Using the purchasing power of Medicare to bargain for lower costs and get the best possible prices for taxpayers and consumers is commonsense, good government. Businesses everywhere use this exact same principle themselves and anyone who has ever been to a warehouse store knows you can save when you buy in bulk. It took years to win this fight, but big drug companies are finally coming to the table, reluctantly. I urge CMS to use its authority to drive a hard, but fair bargain and ensure the American people get the best possible deal,” said Senator Reed. “We’re making real progress when it comes to lowering prices for the necessities and medicines people rely on. This step, and other key cost saving measures included in the Inflation Reduction Act, will result in lower prices for consumers. It means lower out of pocket costs for people who depend on life-saving medicines. And it will help put a stop to unchecked price gouging by Big Pharma.” According to KFF Health News, four-in-10 insured adults say they skipped or delayed some type of health care in the past year due to cost. Using the buying power of Medicare and Medicaid will allow the federal government to achieve significant … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-us-aid-to-ukraine-is-vital-to-americas-security-and-economic-interests | Reed: U.S. Aid to Ukraine is Vital to America’s Security & Economic Interests | 2023-10-05 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WAHINGTON, DC – Seeking a bipartisan path forward on critical U.S. aid to Ukraine, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), called on Congress to work together to pass a comprehensive spending package that includes assistance for Ukraine. Reed said that continued support for Ukraine is clearly in America’s national security and economic interest and urged Congress to swiftly approve it. “U.S. support for Ukraine is an investment that has saved lives, deterred broader conflict, and strengthened America’s international position,” Reed stated. “Congress must stand by the bipartisan commitments it made to equip Ukraine with security and humanitarian assistance. The American people will continue to stand with and support the people of Ukraine. It is the right thing to do for the United States, Ukraine, peace, and global stability. “We will match our defensive and humanitarian support with diplomatic resolve. Putin will not succeed,” Reed continued. SASC Chairman Reed, who also serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee, urged leaders from both parties to urgently act in America’s best interests by upholding America’s word and values and sustaining support for Ukraine and America’s security partners. Taking to the floor of the U.S. Senate last night, Senator Reed said: “I must point out that our support is the leading edge of worldwide support. Our NATO allies have stepped forward, and countries around the globe understand that this battle between democracy and freedom and autocracy and inhumanity must be won. “President Zelenskyy came to this very building two weeks ago to ask for our support. He received overwhelming bipartisan promises from Members of both the Senate and the House. Of course, I was proud to pledge my support, and I know nearly all of my Senate colleagues were also. “It is shameful that on the heels of that visit, after looking President Zelenskyy in the eye and promising to stand with him, our House colleagues decided to strip all Ukraine … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-statement-on-vote-to-avert-a-shutdown | Reed Statement on Vote to Avert a Shutdown | 2023-09-30 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Tonight, after Congressional Democrats provided the votes to pass a 47-day stopgap funding bill and prevent GOP extremists from shutting down the federal government, U.S. Senator Jack Reed issued the following statement: “For weeks, Democrats have made it clear that we don’t want a shutdown. The passage of a 47-day funding bill based on the overwhelming support of Democrats bears that out. “Although it is good that the government won’t shut down, it is deeply disappointing that the MAGA Right has succeeded in stripping out much needed assistance for Ukraine. Even Leader McConnell has said, “It’s certainly not the time to go wobbly” in our effort to support Ukraine. I am hopeful he can convince the Speaker and his colleagues to allow a vote on this important funding. “It’s also time for the Speaker and the House GOP leaders to come to the table and negotiate full-year funding bills without the draconian cuts and poison pills that won’t pass in the either the House or the Senate. Forty-seven days isn’t much time. So it’s time to get to work.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/on-us-senate-floor-reed-and-whitehouse-to-pay-tribute-to-the-life_legacy-of-brother-michael-reis | On U.S. Senate Floor, Reed & Whitehouse to Pay Tribute to the Life & Legacy of Brother Michael Reis | 2023-09-29 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | VIDEO: Senators pay tribute to Brother Michael WASHINGTON, DC – Last night, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse took to the floor of the U.S. Senate to celebrate the life, leadership, and lasting legacy of the late Michael Reis, a De Lasalle Christian brother who founded Tides Family Services Inc. Known for his compassion and unwavering dedication to assisting at-risk children and families, Brother Michael Reis passed away suddenly on September 24 at the age of 81. Born in 1942 in Queens, New York, Brother Michael Reis dedicated his life to service, joining the De La Salle Christian Brothers in 1960, teaching math and engaging in various forms of community and social service. Reis moved to Rhode Island in 1974, working as a chaplain for the Adult Correctional Institute and co-founding Ocean Tides, a residential treatment facility. Brother Michael went on to establish Tides Family Services, support the health, education, and well-being of children and families in Rhode Island. Today, the organization has grown to having more than 140 staffers serving over 500 youth daily. Tides Family Services offers include family and group counseling, home visitations, educational and court advocacy and other services. In 2018, Brother Michael stepped away from leading Tides Family Services’ full time as CEO and became its chief visionary officer. Brother Michael also impacted the community by serving in multiple roles with organizations such as the Rhode Island Children’s Policy Coalition, the Rhode Island Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Pawtucket Soup Kitchen, the State of Rhode Island: Sexual Offender Management Task Force, the Parent Support Network, and The San Miguel School in Providence. “Brother Michael lived the mission of the De La Salle Christian Brothers. For over 40 years, he worked across systems, finding innovative ways to reach and support our most challenged youth… and bring along partners to support this cause. His vision, tenacity, and great love for our communit… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-blasts-house-republicans-extreme-continuing-resolution-and-condemns-gops-failed-attempt-to-slash-liheap-by-74 | Reed Blasts House Republicans’ Extreme Continuing Resolution & Condemns GOP’s Failed Attempt to Slash LIHEAP by 74% | 2023-09-29 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, House Republicans attempted to pass an extreme, partisan Continuing Resolution that would cut the vast majority of domestic programs by nearly 30 percent across-the-board, including food assistance for women and children and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, while slashing over 70 percent of funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which thousands of Rhode Islanders depend on to heat their homes during the cold winter months. The House of Representatives rejected the bill on a vote of 232-198, with all Democrats voting no. U.S. Senator Jack Reed said the bill had zero chance of passing the Senate. Still, Reed, a leading Congressional champion of LIHEAP, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), condemned the Republican proposal – which garnered nearly 200 votes -- as short-sighted and mean-spirited. “The extremist House Republicans attempting to force a shutdown are beyond irresponsible. They’re wasting time and money making obscene demands that Congress leave vulnerable people out in the cold this winter or else they’ll follow through on their shutdown threats. But instead of standing up to them, Speaker McCarthy is letting the extremists call the shots. It’s time for House Republicans to end the dysfunction. They should take up and pass the bipartisan agreement on the table and keep the U.S. government open and operating. Neither side is going to get everything they want here, but every elected official should prioritize the needs of taxpayers,” said Senator Reed. The failed proposal put forth by House Republican leaders would have: Slashed investments in the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Medical research into treatments and cures for diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s, and heart disease would have been cut with the reduction of 7,000 research grants. Cut Title I education and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) support for schools. Republican proposed cu… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-floor-statement-on-the-life-and-legacy-of-us-senator-dianne-feinstein | Reed Floor Statement on the Life & Legacy of U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein | 2023-09-29 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | VIDEO: Senator Reed speaks on the Senate floor about Senator Feinstein’s remarkable legacy WASHINGTON, DC – Today, after the passing of U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), 90, the longest-serving female U.S. Senator in American history, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) delivered a speech on the floor of the U.S. Senate saluting her remarkable life and legacy: SENATOR REED: Madame President, I rise to pay tribute to our colleague, Senator Dianne Feinstein, who we all know passed away this morning. As California’s senior Senator and the longest-serving woman senator ever, Senator Feinstein was trailblazer. Everyone has made that point and it is a true, accurate, and compelling point. And representing the country’s most populous state for over three decades, she occupied the national stage. And for many people inside and outside this chamber, she became the archetypal senator: prepared, professional, pragmatic, and unfailing civil. Californians rewarded her hard work by voting for her by wider and wider margins. And he fought hard for the things she believed in – and very often successfully – but she never bullied or belittled those who took a contrary position. Her achievements are many: The enactment of the federal Assault Weapons Ban in 1994. The six-year review of the CIA’s detention and interrogation program, which prompted significant reform in the Intelligence community. She was a leader in the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. And, she delivered for the people of California. Enacting laws to protect public lands and natural treasures. Doing the hard work to bring stakeholders together to resolve thorny issues and complex environmental challenges in her home state. And she led on national environmental issues, including legislation to improve the fuel economy of automobiles. I had the privilege and pleasure to get to know her. We were both members the Aspen Strategy Group… To listen to her insights, to listen to her analysis was incredibly important to me… Her hospitality, her … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-statement-on-the-passing-of-us-senator-dianne-feinstein | Reed Statement on the Passing of U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein | 2023-09-29 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, after the passing of U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), 90, the longest-serving female U.S. Senator in American history, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) issued the following statement saluting her remarkable life and legacy: “Senator Feinstein was a trailblazer and a stalwart of the U.S. Senate. “She was a dedicated public servant who broke gender barriers and passed impactful laws to benefit working people, the environment, and public safety. Her strength and wisdom as the leader of the Intelligence Committee made America safer and stronger. “Throughout her career, Senator Feinstein prioritized people and results and demonstrated a willingness to work across the aisle to get things done, whether it was banning assault weapons, creating the breast cancer stamp, or rigorously overseeing the U.S. Intelligence community and enacting needed reforms. “It was an honor to serve alongside her, and a greater honor to count her as a friend. “I join the people of California and Americans everywhere in mourning her loss. Her historic contributions to California and the nation will not be forgotten. And her legacy of service to others will continue to inspire future generations.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/ri-delegation-and-governor-mckee-announce-2-million-for-clean-energy-job-training | RI Delegation & Governor McKee Announce $2 Million for Clean-Energy Job Training | 2023-09-29 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – As Rhode Island continues building toward a clean, reliable, affordable energy future, it is critical that the state has a strong pipeline of skilled workers to meet demand. To provide job training and employment opportunities to local job seekers trying to start a career in the clean energy sector, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner today joined Governor Dan McKee in announcing $2 million in federal funds to develop and launch a new workforce and career development program aimed at preparing Rhode Islanders from historically underserved communities to attain family-sustaining careers building and expanding needed infrastructure for the transition to a net-zero emissions economy. Administered by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA) and awarded to the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (DLT), the $2 million federal grant is from the Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs Grant Program. These funds will help DLT prepare Rhode Islanders for good-paying jobs in expanding sectors like renewable energy, transportation, and broadband infrastructure. The grant will be used to develop the Growing the Renewable Energy Employment Network (GREEN) program, which will target unemployed and underemployed Rhode Islanders, especially in the state’s urban core, to ensure a diverse pipeline into renewable energy infrastructure careers. “This federal job training funding will empower workers to upskill their careers, help meet growing job demand, and drive our economy forward. It’s a win for job-seekers and businesses alike and a smart investment in accelerating the transition to clean energy and combating climate change. Businesses facing workforce shortages need skilled workers and we need to prepare more Rhode Islanders for good-paying careers in skilled trades. This program will help grow the middle-class and the green economy and ensure we have a diverse, highly-skilled workforce. DLT will put this money t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/ri-delegation-announces-43-million-to-enhance-public-safety-and-support-local-law-enforcement | RI Delegation Announces $4.3 Million to Enhance Public Safety and Support Local Law Enforcement | 2023-09-29 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – New federal criminal justice funding is coming to Rhode Island police departments and the Rhode Island Department of Public Safety (DPS). In an effort to keep people safe and help law enforcement thwart crime, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner today announced $4,274,982 in federal funding to support local law enforcement. The federal funds will be used for a variety of programs to keep people and communities safe, including: Combating fentanyl trafficking and expanding substance use disorder treatment and recovery services and behavioral and mental health programs; Preventing domestic violence and assisting survivors; Bolstering forensic science research and services and enhancing the tracing/tracking of firearms; Upgrading criminal records systems; and Preventing children from being victimized by online predators. “From cracking down on drug traffickers to investing in cutting-edge technology, this federal funding will help local law enforcement keep people and communities safe. It will help ensure our police officers and law enforcement agencies have the equipment and training they need to effectively serve and protect and deter and solve crime. It will also help provide reliable, cost-effective and rapid methods for processing evidence and criminal justice information, and ensure that information is accurate, up to date, and widely shared across law enforcement and the criminal justice system so no one slips through the cracks and no cases are mistakenly overlooked. It also wisely invests in community violence intervention and prevention programs,” said Senator Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee who helped deliver roughly $771 million for the Byrne-Justice Assistance Grants (JAG) program in the FY 2023 Consolidated Appropriations law. “Local law enforcement agencies protect communities across Rhode Island each day, and they deserve every resource available to do their jobs safely and effectively,” said Senator Whitehouse, … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-and-whitehouse-shine-a-light-on-invasive-spotted-lanternfly-infestations | Reed & Whitehouse Shine a Light on Invasive Spotted Lanternfly Infestations | 2023-09-28 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | PROVIDENCE, RI – In an effort to prevent the spread of destructive, invasive spotted lanternflies -- which are harmful to plants and agriculture -- from taking hold in Rhode Island, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse are teaming up to squash the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), directing $132,474 in federal funds to Rhode Island to keep the pests from spreading and damaging local plant life as well as the state’s nursery and landscaping industry. If left uncontrolled, the invasive pests could affect ecological stability and cost Rhode Island millions of dollars in economic damage. The spotted lanternfly is an inch long moth-like insect that is native to China. Noted for its black spots and red underwings, these planthoppers feed on a wide range of fruit, ornamental, and hardwood trees, including maple, oak, pine, poplar, sycamore, and willow trees. The insects suck sap out of plant stems and branches, which can weaken and kill plants. It also leaves behind a sticky, sugary waste matter called ‘honeydew,’ which promotes the spread of sooty mold that further harms the plant. The invasive pest was first detected in Pennsylvania in 2014 and has since spread to surrounding states by attaching itself and its eggs to vehicles and cargo. Spotted lanternflies are now found in fourteen U.S. states, including most of the mid-Atlantic region and parts of the Northeast and Midwest (Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, and West Virginia). DEM reports that the Spotted Lanternfly is a threat to northern Rhode Island’s trees and crops. Last month, DEM commissioned spraying for the pests along Route 7 and Route 146 in Lincoln, North Providence, and Smithfield. The $132,000 in federal funding is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), which works closely with state departments of agriculture and cooperators to minimize the risk… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-hails-31-million-for-new-boardwalk-and-amenity-upgrades-at-roger-wheeler-state-beach | Reed Hails $3.1 Million for New Boardwalk & Amenity Upgrades at Roger Wheeler State Beach | 2023-09-28 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | NARRAGANSETT, RI – The U.S. National Park Service has approved $3,146,570 in federal funds from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) to build a new boardwalk and make upgrades to Roger Wheeler State Beach (locally known as Sand Hill Cove Beach), according to U.S. Senator Jack Reed. Reed says the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) will use the federal funds to construct 600 feet of boardwalk with guardrails supported by a new concrete retaining wall extending from each side of the existing beach pavilion, and other upgrades at the state’s oldest state beach. The new boardwalk will be 1,200 feet in length and will replace existing stairs currently at the beach. When it is completed, the project will improve Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandated accessibility and increase visitor safety for all beachgoers entering and exiting the area. Located on the ocean side of Narragansett, near Galilee, and protected from Block Island Sound by an extensive breakwater barrier, Sand Hill Cove is known for its gentle surf, playground, and modern beach pavilion with a kid-friendly environmental education area. “Sand Hill Cove is a popular spot for families and this new boardwalk will make it even more accessible and welcoming for all. I appreciate the National Park Service working to approve these funds so the project can continue to move forward. This is a very family-oriented place and the boardwalk will be a welcome addition that makes getting to and from the beach a little easier for everyone. It will complement the new planned amenities like shade structures, planters, and environmentally friendly foot-washing stations,” said Senator Reed, who helped pass the landmark Great American Outdoors Act, fully funding LWCF at $900 million annually. The National Park Service administers the LWCF state assistance program at the national level. A portion of LWCF money is generated from federal offshore oil and gas lease revenues. DEM awards its allocation of LWCF dollars to local communities an… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-whitehouse-magaziner-and-colleagues-urge-departments-of-state-and-treasury-to-impose-sanctions-on-azerbaijan-officials | Reed, Whitehouse, Magaziner, & Colleagues Urge Departments of State and Treasury to Impose Sanctions on Azerbaijan Officials | 2023-09-27 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), and U.S. Representatives Seth Magaziner (D-RI), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), and Frank Pallone (D-NJ) have sent a bipartisan, bicameral letter to the Departments of State and Treasury calling for sanctions on individuals in the government of Azerbaijan who are associated with the military attacks against and brutal blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh. The signatories cited the discretionary authority of the leaders of both agencies under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act to hold the perpetrators of the ongoing human rights crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh accountable. “Azerbaijan has blocked the Lachin Corridor, the only route connecting Armenia with Nagorno-Karabakh, depriving some 120,000 Armenians of freedom of movement and access to food, medication, hygiene products, and other commercial goods. The blockade’s effects are particularly acute for at-risk groups, such as children, elderly people, people with disabilities and chronic health conditions, whose access to healthcare services is severely limited or disrupted,” wrote the lawmakers. “After over nine months of trying to starve out the ethnic Armenian population in Nagorno-Karabakh, the Azerbaijani military launched a full-scale assault on the region on September 19, resulting in a ceasefire and the capitulation of the local government on September 20,” added the lawmakers. “This attack has exacerbated concerns about the worsening of the humanitarian crisis, and statements from the government of Azerbaijan about ‘re-integration’ raise the specter of ethnic cleansing and cultural genocide.” “America is a world leader on international human rights and must continue to serve as a mediating force and supporter of peace in the region,” they concluded. The letter was cosigned by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Bob Casey (D-PA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Dianne Feinstein … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/new-11-million-federal-award-to-fund-rwu-nbep-partnered-watershed-protection-projects | New $1.1 Million Federal Award to Fund RWU-NBEP Partnered Watershed Protection Projects | 2023-09-26 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | BRISTOL, RI – In an effort to protect Narragansett Bay, promote environmental stewardship, and enhance coastal resiliency and the blue economy, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner today announced $1.1 million in federal funding for Roger Williams University to continue working with the Narragansett Bay Estuary Program (NBEP) on issues pertaining to coastal ecosystems. The federal funds flow to the Ocean State under the National Estuary Program, which is a network of 28 place-based organizations working to restore “estuaries of national significance” around the United States. The Narragansett Bay Estuary Program activates a 30-member partnership of government, academic, scientific, and conservation organizations for the preservation, protection, restoration, and improvement of Narragansett Bay, Little Narragansett Bay. the Rhode Island Coastal Ponds, and their vast watersheds. This new award brings the total granted to NBEP in FY23 to more than $2 million, thanks in part to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Southeast New England Program (SNEP), and Senator Whitehouse’s Protect and Restore America's Estuaries Act. Senator Reed spearheaded the creation of SNEP as a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Whitehouse’s law nearly doubled the program’s authorization to $50 million per year annually for 2022 through 2026 to help protect 28 individual estuaries and watersheds in the United States. The federal funds may be used to further planning, research, and outreach for programs that engage local communities on issues such as wildlife and habitat restoration, water quality, storm protection and rising sea levels. “The strong community partnership between Roger Williams University and the Narragansett Bay Estuary Program is paying dividends for our coastal communities and improving the health of our waters. I commend Senator Whitehouse for his leadership in protecting not only Narragansett Bay, but estuaries and ecosystems nationwide. This ne… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-backs-bipartisan-senate-appropriations-bill-to-avert-a-federal-government-shutdown | Reed Backs Bipartisan Senate Appropriations Bill to Avert a Federal Government Shutdown | 2023-09-26 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), a senior member of the Appropriations Committee and the Chair of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee, announced his support for a stopgap spending bill that would keep the federal government open through mid-November and allow the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate more time to pass year-long appropriations measures. Members of the Appropriations Committee and Senate Democratic and Republican leaders have been working together on a bipartisan measure that could clear the U.S. Senate. They have kept House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) apprised of the negotiations and gotten input from the House. The bipartisan continuing resolution (CR) would do the following: Extend government funding through November 17. Extend funding to help communities struck by disaster and continue critical support for Ukraine. Prevent vital health statutes from lapsing to ensure funding for community health centers and teaching health centers does not expire. Extends the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) authorities through the end of the calendar year. Ensures federal wildland firefighters will not see a pay cut. Ensures the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) will continue to be able to serve the nearly 7 million women and children who rely on it. After the legislative text of the agreement was unveiled, Senator Reed issued the following statement: “I commend Appropriations Chair Murray and Vice Chair Collins for working out this continuing resolution. It will buy Congress more time to reach agreement and complete its work on year-long appropriations bills. “Republicans face a choice. They can allow extremists in their party to shut down the federal government, or not. Shutdowns are costly, wasteful, avoidable. The clock is ticking. Responsible Republicans should join Democrats in taking action to pass this bill and keep the government working for all Americans. “Just saying ‘no’ isn’t a policy. House Republican l… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-urges-swift-action-to-prevent-potential-republican-shutdown-of-federal-government-from-upending-housing-market | Reed Urges Swift Action to Prevent Potential Republican Shutdown of Federal Government from Upending Housing Market | 2023-09-26 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – With House Republicans threatening to force a federal government shutdown and prevent a stopgap funding extension, homebuyers and sellers could be forced to scramble and move up or push back closing dates in an already fraught housing market. U.S. Senator Jack Reed is urging a timely reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which will expire on September 30th unless Congress takes action to prevent an unnecessary lapse. The NFIP makes federally-backed flood insurance available in those states and communities that agree to adopt and enforce flood-plain management ordinances to reduce future flood damage. The program provides access to flood insurance to property owners, renters, and businesses. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the NFIP will not be able to issue new flood insurance policies during a funding lapse. “If House Republicans refuse to renew the NFIP and follow through on their threats to force a federal shutdown, it could negatively impact the housing market nationwide. FEMA would be unable to issue new flood insurance policies, or renew existing ones, until the government resumes operating. That could prove to be a disaster for folks buying a new home in the midst of Hurricane season,” said Senator Reed. “Congress needs to help working families protect their homes and make communities more resilient and flood resistant.” The NFIP was originally established in 1968 and is the principal provider of flood insurance across the United States. Today, there are over 4.7 million NFIP policyholders nationwide, including about 15,000 policies in force in Rhode Island. The last time the program expired, 1,300 home sales per day were disrupted across the country, according to the National Association of Realtors. Just one inch of floodwater can cause up to $25,000 in damage, according to FEMA. Senator Reed says that in case of a flood disaster during a government shutdown, federal funding would still be available to pay out flood claims of … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/ri-delegation-delivers-459k-for-local-firefighters | RI Delegation Delivers $459k for Local Firefighters | 2023-09-26 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – In an effort to ensure Rhode Island firefighters have the tools they need to efficiently and effectively respond to emergencies and to stay safe while protecting and serving their communities, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressman Seth Magaziner today announced $459,475 in federal funding for East Greenwich Fire Department, Harrisville Fire District, and Hope Valley Fire District to purchase new equipment. The federal funds are being awarded through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program. These federal grants are designed to enhance local fire departments’ abilities to comply with response, equipment, and operational standards established by the National Fire Protection Association. The following communities will receive AFG grants to enhance the safety of firefighters and purchase needed equipment: East Greenwich Fire Department will receive $167,464 for the purchase of interoperable P25 radios that will replace obsolete, unrepairable equipment and assist the department by providing reliable communications during local and mutual aid incidents. Harrisville Fire District will receive $271,260 to purchase 30 new self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA); 1 new RIT Pack, which supply emergency air reserves; and 10 additional facepieces. These upgrades will enable the district to outfit all members with their own fitted masks and will allow for the retirement of noncompliant SCBAs, nearly half of which are more than 10 years old. Hope Valley-Wyoming Fire District will receive $20,750 for a new hose and nozzles on the district’s fire apparatus which will allow firefighters to respond to emergencies as a full-engine company as opposed to a brush truck. These equipment upgrades are necessitated by new residential developments in the jurisdiction of Station 3. “Every time a call comes in, our firefighters risk their lives to protect their community. They deserve the best equipment… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-hails-new-strategic-investments-to-help-combat-climate-change | Reed Hails New Strategic Investments to Help Combat Climate Change | 2023-09-21 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jack Reed today hailed the Biden Administration for injecting a much-needed jolt of energy into effective, collective climate action this week with three key announcements: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) opened applications for $400 million in federal funding to help states and adopt and implement green building energy codes that reduce utility bills, increase efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make buildings more resilient to climate disasters [energy.gov]. Rhode Island is being allocated nearly $5.6 million of these energy efficiency funds, which Senator Reed advocated to include in the Inflation Reduction Act (P.L. 117-169). Rhode Island’s Office of Energy Resources (OER) is the state agency responsible for overseeing and distributing federal clean energy funds. In an effort to harness the power of innovative wind and water technologies and help more communities effectively transition to renewable energy, DOE is awarding the University of Rhode Island (URI) $2.5 million for Offshore Wind Energy Social Science Research [energy.gov]. Expanding offshore wind deployment requires it is done in a collaborative sustainable way that protects habitats and species, while engaging communities, fishermen, and ocean-users. URI will help study economic and other impacts of offshore wind development on local communities. President Biden used executive action to ramp up a key provision of Senator Reed’s ACTION for National Service Act, which included language to create a Civilian Climate Corps [reed.senate.gov]. The new Climate Corps announced by President Biden will create a workforce training and service program to train over 20,000 young people in clean energy, conservation, and climate resilience, such as restoring coastal wetlands, managing forest resources, and deploying clean energy technologies. “We need urgent, coordinated action to cut emissions and costs to create a healthier environment. The Biden Administration isn’t just talking about climate change, it’s dedic… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-warns-republican-infighting-and-dysfunction-may-force-a-costly-and-wasteful-us-government-shutdown_could-harm-the-economy | Reed Warns Republican Infighting and Dysfunction May Force a Costly & Wasteful U.S. Government Shutdown & Could Harm the Economy | 2023-09-21 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – With the clock ticking until the federal budget expires at midnight on September 30, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) is urging Republicans to take steps to avoid a costly, wasteful, and avoidable government shutdown. Earlier this year, after Republicans threatened the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, which would have caused massive economic calamity for every American, President Joe Biden and House Speaker McCarthy (R-CA) made a deal on government funding levels in order to avoid further brinkmanship and a government shutdown. But now, the Speaker is walking away from his agreement in order to placate extreme members of his caucus who are demanding deep cuts to domestic programs and a host of controversial, partisan culture war policy riders, all while abandoning funding for disaster recovery and aid to Ukraine. If Republicans force a shutdown, it could have far-reaching consequences, such as: active-duty military and federal law enforcement personnel, as well as TSA officers and air traffic controllers and other federal employees, being forced to work without pay until funds are appropriated; thousands of children would lose access to Head Start programs; FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund could be depleted, complicating disaster relief efforts; and employers can’t access the government’s E-Verify system to assure that they are hiring legal residents. The last time Republicans shut the U.S. government down for several weeks in 2018-19 under their own President, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated it reduced economic output by $11 billion in the following two quarters—including $3 billion that the U.S. economy never regained. Earlier this week during the Republican leadership’s weekly press conference, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) admitted that shutting down the federal government is a bad idea, saying: “They never have produced a policy change and they’ve always been a loser for Republicans politically.” “It’s basic governing to pass a temporary, short term f… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/senate-passes-childhood-cancer-awareness-month-resolution | Senate Passes Childhood Cancer Awareness Month Resolution | 2023-09-21 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | Washington, DC – The U.S. Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan resolution backed by U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Jack Reed (D-RI), and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) to officially recognize September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Cancer is the leading cause of death by disease among children past infancy; in 2023, an estimated 9,910 children under the age of 14 will be diagnosed with cancer and about 1,040 will die of the disease in the United States. “Ending childhood cancer requires strategic collaboration between the federal government and private sector. Together, we’re making real progress. Raising awareness is an important step and we must continue funding promising and innovative research and supporting kids and families battling cancer,” said Senator Reed, who wrote the Childhood Cancer STAR Reauthorization Act (Public Law No: 117-350). “Our children are the nation’s most important asset and their health is essential to West Virginia’s future. Every September, we honor the young lives that were taken too soon, recognize the progress we have made in treatment and recovery, and recommit ourselves to fighting this disease so all children have a chance at a full and healthy life. I am proud to help raise awareness around childhood cancer and the lives it affects every day,” said Senator Manchin. “I’m proud to join my colleagues once again in recognizing September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Since my Childhood Cancer STAR Act became law and was recently reauthorized this year, we have seen better outcomes for children facing this terrible disease and advanced our research capabilities. We must continue to direct resources to efforts that better our understanding of childhood cancer, track the incidences of disease, improve the quality of life for childhood cancer survivors, and work towards a world without cancer,” Senator Capito said. Senator Reed’s bipartisan Childhood Cancer STAR Act first passed in 2018 and has been called “the most comprehensive childhood cancer legislation ever in… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-statement-on-blocked-military-promotions | Reed Statement on Blocked Military Promotions | 2023-09-20 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the U.S. Senate moved to formally consider the nominations of the next Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Chief of Staff of the Army, and Commandant of the Marine Corps. These officers, along with nearly 300 other senior military officers, have been blocked from their promotions by the senior Senator from Alabama for more than seven months. Following today’s floor action, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement: “Senate Democrats are looking for every opportunity to get our military officers promoted. Today, Leader Schumer outmaneuvered Senator Tuberville and again exposed his hold for the absurd, dishonest political stunt it is. “I am glad we will get three key military posts filled, but hundreds more merit-based promotions are still frozen. We still have a lot more work to do to try and undo the damage Senator Tuberville is inflicting on military readiness and national security, and we need Senate Republicans to stop hiding from their duty to hold their colleague accountable. “Nothing demonstrates that Senator Tuberville is the sole cause of this crisis better than his vote against cloture on General CQ Brown today. It’s really quite something that he was willing to file a cloture motion earlier today, and ended up voting against a cloture motion a few hours later. “To be clear, Senate Democrats have no problem with voting on the most senior military officers, as we have done in the past. We are disturbed, however, by Republicans’ interest in voting exclusively on a few select officers while hundreds of other officers and their families are punished. Democrats pursued every opportunity we could before taking this route, and I hope Republicans understand the terrible message they are sending to the force. “Every single one of these military officers earned their promotions by faithfully executing their duties and exemplifying honor, courage, integrity, professionalism, and leadership. Every single one of … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-and-menendez-condemn-azerbaijan-military-assault-against-nagorno-karabakh_urge-restrictions-on-us-aid-to-azerbaijan | Reed & Menendez Condemn Azerbaijan Military Assault Against Nagorno Karabakh & Urge Restrictions on U.S. Aid to Azerbaijan | 2023-09-19 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ), the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, condemned Azerbaijan’s assault against Nagorno Karabakh and urged the cut off to U.S. assistance to the Aliyev regime. The two leading Senators sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressing their concerns about the situation and urging the Biden Administration to “immediately condemn the actions of the Government of Azerbaijan in Nagorno Karabakh and announce that United States will not extend of its waiver of Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act.“ In their letter, the Senators pointed out that “Azerbaijan has denied the people of Nagorno Karabakh have freedom of movement and access to essential goods, food, and medicine. With the Aliyev regime’s resumption of military operations, it now appears that Azerbaijan is intent on removing ethnic Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh from the region by any means necessary.” The Senators are calling on the State Department to fully implement and not waive requirements under Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act and halt future U.S. assistance to Azerbaijan, writing: “Given renewed Azeri aggression and the blockade of the Lachin Corridor, we no longer believe an extension of the waiver of Section 907 can be justified, and we urge you to declare this publicly. “We also urge you to strongly condemn Azerbaijan’s military actions and work to ensure humanitarian aid is able to enter the region. Thank you for your attention to this request and we look forward to your prompt reply,” the letter concluded. Full text of the letter follows: September 19, 2023 The Honorable Antony J. Blinken Secretary of State U.S. Department of State 2201 C Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20520 Dear Secretary Blinken: We urge you to immediately condemn the actions of the Government of Azerbaijan in Nagorno Karabakh and announce that United States will not extend of its waive… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-celebrates-hispanic-heritage-month-with-special-walking-tour-of-broad-street | Reed Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with Special Walking Tour of Broad Street | 2023-09-18 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | PROVIDENCE, RI -- In front of the colorful mosaic that defines the Roger Williams Park Gateway Center on Broad Street, U.S. Senator Jack Reed kicked off a celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month today with a walking tour along La Broa’ in Providence, a street that has long been known as a cultural corridor and historic heart of Providence’s diverse Latino community. Broad Street dates back to the 1700s, and its transformation to La Calle Broa’ began in the 1960s, when Latinos began to settle, rebuild, and make historic contributions that add to the bustling neighborhood’s unique character. Today’s walking tour began with an exploration of Café Recuerdos, an art and history exhibit that provides a visual complement to Rhode Island Latino Arts’ Nuestras Raíces: Latino Oral Histories Project of Rhode Island. The community art installation was commissioned in 2014 and completed by Cuban artist, Ana Flores. The project aims to commemorate the Latin American experience, celebrating the hyphenated reality of becoming Latino-American: honoring the past - allá and embracing the present and future here - aquí. Broad Street continues to gain recognition for its eclectic array of food, art, and shopping. Making stops at small businesses, restaurants, shops, art installations, and culturally significant sites, Senator Reed strolled through the neighborhood along with Marta V. Martínez, founder and Executive Director of Rhode Island Latino Arts, for a special walking tour: “Un paseo por la historia y hacia un futuro más brillante” (“A stroll through history and toward a brighter future”). Formally recognized by Congress since 1988, Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to appreciate and celebrate the colorful cultures, rich histories, and diversity of the nation’s Hispanic population whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Hispanic Heritage Month is observed annually from September 15 to October 15. The celebration begins in the middle of September because it coincides with nation… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-and-whitehouse-secure-500k-to-strengthen-ri-childcare-facilities | Reed & Whitehouse Secure $500K to Strengthen RI Childcare Facilities | 2023-09-15 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | PROVIDENCE, RI – Research shows that high-quality, affordable child care is a significant factor in family well-being and economic stability. And high-quality child care programs in safe, quality facilities that are staffed with skilled educators are a critical part of the state’s early learning system, helping children learn and develop skills necessary to succeed in school and life. In an effort to ensure Rhode Island’s child care and early learning facilities are high-quality centers that encourage growth and success, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse today announced $500,000 for the Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS) to support early learning providers looking to expand or enhance their spaces. This federal funding was secured by Senators Reed and Whitehouse as an earmark in the FY2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act (Public Law No. 117-328). “Top-notch child care makes a world of difference for families in Rhode Island, helping them put their children on the path to success with early learning opportunities and strengthening their economic security. I was proud to help secure this funding to ensure Rhode Island’s early learning facilities and child care providers have the resources they need to upgrade their facilities and pave the way for future growth,” said Senator Reed. “Every kid in Rhode Island deserves a strong start, and every parent should have reliable child care options so they can earn a living,” said Senator Whitehouse. “We are pleased to deliver this federal funding for early learning providers and child care facilities to ensure that every kid has access to high-quality care in a safe and appropriate setting.” "Research shows that high-quality child care spaces matter for early childhood development, yet many early childhood organizations do not have the capital they need to conduct pre-development work to expand or improve their space. This funding fills an important gap and sets early learning facilities up for future investment and future success,” said Governo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-hails-historic-infrastructure-investments-for-ri-airports | Reed Hails Historic Infrastructure Investments for RI Airports | 2023-09-15 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Thanks in part to the leadership of U.S. Senator Jack Reed, Rhode Island’s local airports have been awarded a record haul of federal funds from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for infrastructure improvements in 2023. After getting the latest infusion of $13 million in FAA funding under the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) Grant Program to help upgrade the runway at Quonset State Airport, as well as another round of funding for upgrades at Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (PVD), the Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) has now received $60,843,363 for airport infrastructure improvements this year -- the largest single year federal funding amount in Rhode Island airport history – surpassing the $45,512,884 in federal funding secured in fiscal year 2014. Senator Reed, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, helped provide over $3.35 billion for the AIP Grant Program in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Consolidated Appropriations law. The AIP Grant Program funds airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, airport signage, and lighting. This funding is in addition to the $15 billion for airport infrastructure improvements that was included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and will be available until FY 2026. “Our airports are engines of economic growth. Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport, Quonset Airport, and our smaller regional airports all have a critical economic impact and increase connections for air travel. And under RIAC, we’re seeing some major improvements as these airports really up their infrastructure. I am pleased to deliver federal funding to help make these infrastructure upgrades, which are critical to safety, reliability, and ensuring Rhode Island has a stable network of airports,” said Senator Reed. Under FAA guidelines, AIP awards may cover up to 90 percent of the cost of AIP projects, with the rest coming from state or local funds. RIAC is a quasi-public corporation empowered to undertake the planning, develo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/ri-gets-675m-boost-in-inflation-reduction-act-funds-for-tree-planting-and-job-growth | RI Gets $6.75M Boost in Inflation Reduction Act Funds for Tree Planting & Job Growth | 2023-09-15 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressman Seth Magaziner today hailed $6.75 million in federal funding for three projects that will plant more trees in East Providence, Pawtucket, and across the state. In addition to expanding tree canopies across Rhode Island and improving air quality, the federal funds will also grow youth and job training programs helping make the community greener through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Program. Reed and Whitehouse voted to commit more than $1.5 billion in federal grants for tree planting as part of the Inflation Reduction Act (P.L. 117-169) with the goal of helping communities become more resilient to climate change, while improving access to nature and promoting health and wellness in urban areas. In April, Rhode Island received $1.2 million in Inflation Reduction Act funding for the state’s Urban and Community Forestry Program. Today’s announcement brings the total to nearly $8 million for IRA-funded urban forestry initiatives across the state. With today’s announcement, Rhode Island is getting federal funds for three key projects: $3 million for the state’s Executive Office of Health and Human Services to support community-level work and provide comprehensive urban forestry training and technical assistance (TA) to diverse stakeholders to develop Urban Forestry Action Plans, leveraging existing investments in expanding tree canopy to advance planning, management, maintenance, and stewardship of urban forests. $3 million for the Pawtucket Foundation to provide new trees and bioretention green infrastructure planting strips in five key neighborhood locations including the transit center, primary arteries out of downtown, and other residential and commercial areas. $750,000 for the City of East Providence to implement a city-wide urban forestry plan with three major components: tree planting, a workforce development program, and environmental education programs. These progra… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/sen-reed-starlink-highlights-vulnerabilities-that-must-be-addressed | Sen. Reed: Starlink Highlights Vulnerabilities That Must be Addressed | 2023-09-14 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Following public reports about the use of the Starlink system in Ukraine, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement: “Serious national security liability issues have been exposed and the committee is engaged on this issue. Neither Elon Musk, nor any private citizen, can have the last word when it comes to U.S. national security. We’ve got to look at the broader satellite markets and the role of government outsourcing, the outsized role Mr. Musk and his company have taken on here, and the Pentagon’s actions and contractual arrangements. The committee is aggressively probing this issue from every angle and will continue to engage with the Department to ensure U.S. national security interests are protected.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-attends-historic-ai-insight-forum-in-dc-with-leading-tech-labor-and-business-leaders | Reed Attends Historic AI Insight Forum in DC with Leading Tech, Labor, and Business Leaders | 2023-09-13 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC -- As Congress gears up to begin drafting bipartisan regulations and laws pertaining to artificial intelligence (AI), U.S. Senator Jack Reed today attended a high-profile, bipartisan AI Insight Forum, led by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and co-hosted by U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-SD), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and Todd Young (R-IN). Speakers at the forum included several leading tech CEOs, as well as AI industry leaders, critics, skeptics, labor leaders, members of the arts and entertainment industry, and others. The AI summit, which took place in the Kennedy Caucus Room, included remarks from: Elon Musk, CEO of X/Tesla; Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta; Bill Gates, former CEO of Microsoft; Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI; Rumman Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft; Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google; Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google; Elizabeth Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO; Meredith Stiehm, president of the Writers Guild; Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers; and Maya Wiley, president and CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil & Human Rights. Senator Reed, the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said the forum kicks off an enormously important and complex undertaking, as Congress begins to grapple with developing regulations, laws, and a framework for the future of artificial intelligence policy. “This was a very productive and informative meeting that highlighted AI uses, challenges, and opportunities. It provided a lot of food for thought as we begin to grapple with these issues and kick off a series of public hearings and meetings and build a regulatory framework for AI. “There was unanimous consensus that there should be federal regulation of AI and it should be done rapidly, but very carefully. As with any great technology, there are benefits and also dangers. And we have to be able to separate the one from the other in a regulatory scheme. We have to have effective standards in place and test the standards. “This has to be a bipartisan issu… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/ri-delegation-announces-over-66m-to-support-survivors-of-violent-crime-and-enhance-forensic-science | RI Delegation Announces Over $6.6M to Support Survivors of Violent Crime & Enhance Forensic Science | 2023-09-13 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – In an effort to provide essential services to victims of violent crimes and survivors of sexual assault and bolster the state’s ability to process DNA evidence, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressman Seth Magaziner today announced new federal funding totaling $6,632,629 for the Rhode Island Department of Public Safety, the Rhode Island Department of Health, and Sojourner House. The Rhode Island Department of Public Safety is receiving two federal grants totaling $5.58 million to support victims of violent crimes who suffer personal, physical, or emotional injury. These grants include a $4,795,700 award through the Victim Assistance Formula Grant Program, which is funded by the Victims of Crime Act’s (VOCA) Crime Victims Fund, and $786,929 through the Sexual Assault Services (SASP) Formula Grant Program. Federal SASP funds support rape crisis centers and organizations that provide services and assistance to victims of sexual violence and non-offending family and household members of victims. These funds will provide survivors and their families with support services and direct compensation as a result of their experiences with violent crime. The Rhode Island Department of Health is receiving a $650,000 federal grant to increase efficiency and reduce the backlog of forensic DNA casework processed by the Forensic Sciences Laboratory (RIDOH-FSL). The laboratory serves numerous state agencies including state and municipal police, the Office of the State Medical Examiner, Attorney General, and other law enforcement agencies. These federal funds will support the hiring of two full-time Senior Forensic Scientists and will allow for additional overtime for all certified forensic analysts to process DNA casework. The RIDOH-FSL expects to reduce the casework backlog by at least 125 cases. Furthermore, this federal assistance will enable the laboratory to process incoming cases within an average 90-day time frame for non-violent crimes and 30 days for violent crimes. Sojourner Hous… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z |
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/150000-federal-step-grant-to-help-ri-small-business-boost-international-sales | $150,000 Federal STEP Grant to Help RI Small Business Boost International Sales | 2023-09-11 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Democrat | Senate | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | jackreed | https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases | scraper | SMITHFIELD, RI – U.S. Senator Jack Reed is working to help more local companies go global and grow the state’s export trade. And a new $150,000 federal grant for Bryant University’s John H. Chafee Center for International Business should provide a boost to assist more eligible small businesses. Since first helping to launch the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) over a decade ago, during the Obama Administration, Senator Reed has worked as a member of the Appropriations Committee to fund it. This year, Reed helped direct $20 million in federal funding to STEP to assist states working with local small business to enter the international marketplace and sell more goods and services abroad. This month, SBA is distributing $20 million in competitive STEP grants to all 50 state international trade agencies across the country, including a new infusion of $150,000 for Rhode Island. The federal funds may be used to reimburse small businesses for eligible export-related expenses. The STEP funds can help offset costs incurred by export related activities, including participation in foreign trade missions and export trade show exhibits, designing international marketing campaigns, and taking part in training workshops. “STEP helps local companies tap into global markets and expand their international sales. It’s a valuable tool for small businesses and I commend Bryant University and the Chafee Center for providing comprehensive international trade services to help local businesses expand,” said Senator Reed, who helped create the STEP program as part of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010. “STEP provides a strong return on investment and I will continue working to assist Rhode Island companies and ensure the federal government is responsive to their needs so they can compete and thrive.” “We want to thank Senator Reed for his strong support of Rhode Island businesses and continuing recognition of the value that Bryant University brings to the RI economy,” said Bryant Univer… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:35:26Z |
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