Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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430 rows where state = "RI" and year = 2013 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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| http://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-statement-expiration-unemployment-insurance | Cicilline Announces Bill to Extend Federal Unemployment Insurance and Calls on Speaker to Act Immediately | 2013-12-28 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | RI | David Cicilline | C001084 | cicilline.house.gov | legacy | PAWTUCKET – Congressman David N. Cicilline (D-RI) stressing the urgency of extending federal emergency unemployment compensation (EUC) at a press conference in his Pawtucket office this afternoon, announced that he will introduce a bill to extend EUC and called upon the Speaker to Act immediately. Cicilline was joined by several First District residents who discussed the impact this loss will have on them and their families. As of today, 1.3 million Americans including 4,900 Rhode Islanders will no longer received federal emergency unemployment benefits. “The day the Republican-led Congress skipped town for the holidays it left behind 1.3 million Americans who rely upon this assistance to survive as they continue to look for work. Nearly 5,000 Rhode Islanders who have already exhausted their state benefits are now without their last safety net," said Cicilline. "I'm not giving up this fight until we renew emergency unemployment benefits for people struggling to find work. We can't turn our back on more than a million Americans, especially in Rhode Island where our unemployment rate is the highest in the nation." Until today Rhode Islanders who had exhausted their 26 weeks of unemployment benefits from the state were eligible to receive an additional 47 weeks of federal benefits. If Congress fails to extend federal EUC, 4.9 million Americans, including 21,700 Rhode Islanders over the course of 2014 will be affected according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities Analysis of Budget Deal. The Economic Policy Institute has estimated that failure to extend Unemployment Insurance could cost the national economy 310,000 jobs over the course of the coming year. "I voted against the budget, which was the last vote Congress took before adjourning for the year because it failed to include an extension of these critical benefits. The minute Congress is back in session on January 7th I will introduce a bill to retro-actively extend these benefits and make sure it is paid for by eliminating unnecessary subs… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-says-target-hack-serves-reminder-importance-cybersecurity | Langevin Says Target Hack Serves as Reminder of the Importance of Cybersecurity | 2013-12-21 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jim Langevin | L000559 | langevin.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI), co-founder of the Congressional Cybersecurity Caucus, issued the following statement in response to the hacking of Target customers’ credit and debit card information: “I have been calling for greater urgency on cybersecurity for years, and this is yet another illustration of how hackers can disrupt commerce and the lives of everyday Americans. It is easy to imagine even more dire impacts if such hacks begin to focus on critical infrastructure. What if a power plant had been compromised and entire communities left with no electricity for weeks in the cold of winter?” Target announced this week that 40 million of its shoppers had their credit and debit card data breached. “We are talking about a Fortune 500 company. If Target is susceptible to these types of breaches, we can be sure that similar attacks are possible among other retailers, or worse, our transportation networks, financial systems, power grid and other elements of our critical infrastructure. We know that there are a number of actors who seek to do harm to our networks, from domestic criminals to foreign nation states, and as threats and capabilities grow, so do the risks of a cyberattack. We cannot wait any longer, and I hope this event serves as a reminder to my colleagues in Congress that we must act now and prioritize investments in cyber defense.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221055103/http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/release/congress-approves-defense-bill | Congress Approves Defense Bill | 2013-12-20 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | web.archive.org | legacy | Friday, December 20, 2013 Congress Approves Defense Bill Reed: Key RI Defense Projects Included in Bipartisan Defense Bill WASHINGTON, DC -- The U.S. Senate voted 84-15 late last night to approve the Fiscal Year 2014 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and sent it to the President to be signed into law. U.S. Senator Jack Reed, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said the comprehensive, bipartisan defense authorization bill will help provide combat pay, a 1 percent pay raise to military personnel, as well as funding for ships, submarines, aircraft, and military equipment. Reed also supported key reforms in the bill to help crack down on sexual assault in the military and strengthen protections for victims. “Sexual abuse not only is a violation of an individual, but it is a corrosive force that can undermine the trust that is essential for the functioning of any military unit. Solving this epidemic will help strengthen our military. This legislation includes important reforms to address this crisis and I will continue working with the Administration and my colleagues in Congress to ensure these reforms are carefully and thoroughly implemented to better protect our men and women in uniform,” said Reed, who noted that President Obama has already instructed Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Martin E. Dempsey to continue ongoing efforts to improve sexual assault prevention and response efforts, and directed them to report back with a detailed, comprehensive progress report in the coming year. Reed also noted that the $632.8 billion defense authorization recognizes the increasing strategic importance Rhode Island plays in our national defense and authorizes funds for key initiatives Reed supported. “This legislation authorizes full funding for the continuation of the Virginia-class submarine, which is a critical component of our national defense capabilities, and Rho… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221060721/http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/release/reed-collins-lead-bipartisan-coalition-of-39-senators-seeking-to-boost-liheap-fuel-assistance | Reed, Collins Lead Bipartisan Coalition of 39 Senators Seeking to Boost LIHEAP Fuel Assistance | 2013-12-20 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | web.archive.org | legacy | Friday, December 20, 2013 Reed, Collins Lead Bipartisan Coalition of 39 Senators Seeking to Boost LIHEAP Fuel Assistance WASHINGTON, DC – In an effort to help people stay safe and provide fuel assistance to households struggling with rising winter heating bills, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Susan Collins (R-ME) are once again leading the effort to restore and increase federal heating assistance to low-income families and fixed income seniors to past years’ levels. Today, Reed and Collins led a bipartisan coalition of 39 U.S. Senators in urging the President to restore Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to no less than $4.7 billion. Last year, the President’s budget proposed reducing LIHEAP funding from $3.47 billion down to $3.02 billion. Reed, Collins, and their colleagues were able to restore funding to $3.47 million, but after the automatic across the board cuts known as sequestration, the final level of LIHEAP funding for FY 13 was $3.29 billion. Last month, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released $2.93 billion in LIHEAP funding as part of the continuing resolution (CR), which is keeping the federal government running through January 15, 2014. Appropriators must now work out a plan to allocate funding for the remainder of the fiscal year. The U.S. Energy Information Administration projects heating costs will go up in the Northeast this winter when compared with last winter. “Funding for LIHEAP is not keeping up with demand. We are doing everything we can to stretch these federal dollars, but more families are in need, heating costs are up, and we need to protect them during the cold winter months. We need to keep the pressure on this Administration to robustly fund this critical program so that thousands of families can keep their heat on in the winter. We must also continue making smart investments in weatherizing more homes to try to reduce both energy bills and fuel consum… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/waxman-and-whitehouse-question-us-trade-representatives-position-on-tar-sands | Waxman & Whitehouse Question U.S. Trade Representative’s Position on Tar Sands | 2013-12-20 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | 12.20.13 Waxman & Whitehouse Question U.S. Trade Representative’s Position on Tar Sands Washington, D.C. – As the Obama Administration continues its process of determining whether to approve the development of the Keystone XL pipeline, a group of 21 U.S. Senators and Representatives are raising concerns about reports that U.S. trade negotiators are advocating for weaker international regulations on the tar sands crude oil that the pipeline would transport. In a letter led by Rep. Henry A. Waxman and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, the lawmakers ask whether the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has been pressing the European Commission to alter its proposed treatment of tar sands oil in the European Union’s (EU) Fuel Quality Directive (FQD). The EU has proposed a FQD that would discourage the use of high-emission fuels like tar sands oil. According to reports, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has lobbied against the directive. “If these reports are accurate, USTR’s actions could undercut the EU’s commendable goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in its transportation sectors,” the lawmakers wrote. “This would be contrary to the principles of the Obama Administration’s Climate Action Plan and would reflect a short-sighted view of the United States’ economic interests. Given the importance of the issues at stake, we believe clarification of USTR’s position is necessary.” The tar sands oil that would be unleashed by the proposed Keystone XL pipeline from Canada to the southern United States produces 17% more carbon pollution, on a lifecycle basis, compared with the average crude refined in the United States, and up to 22% more carbon pollution when the estimate accounts for the full range of products produced from a barrel of tar sands crude. Against this backdrop, the lawmakers are calling the U.S. Trade Representative’s reported actions “troubling,” and at odds with the goal outlined in the President’s Climate Action Plan of “galvanizing international action to significantly reduce … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/langevin-and-cicilline-urge-extension-federal-unemployment-insurance | Langevin and Cicilline Urge Extension of Federal Unemployment Insurance | 2013-12-19 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | RI | David Cicilline | C001084 | cicilline.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC – Congressmen Jim Langevin (D-RI) and David Cicilline (D-RI) today urged an immediate extension of federal unemployment benefits. Without action, 1.3 million Americans will soon lose these benefits, including 4,900 unemployed Rhode Islanders. An additional 8,900 Rhode Islanders would lose their benefits in the first six months of 2014. “In a state with an unemployment rate at 9 percent, this benefit cut is unacceptable,” said Langevin. “Our state is starting to show the signs of economic recovery, but that process has been a slow one, and cutting unemployment insurance would be a step in the wrong direction. I urge Speaker Boehner and my colleagues in Congress to bring this issue to a vote so we can extend this relief on which so many families rely.” “In just 9 days, 1.3 million Americans and 4,900 Rhode Island families, who have exhausted nearly all of their resources to stay afloat, will lose the only safety net they have left. We cannot allow these benefits to expire and I strongly urge Speaker Boehner to call the House back into session and pass an extension before it is too late,” said Cicilline. “With so many Rhode Islanders still struggling to find work, it is absolutely critical that we extend this emergency assistance to protect these families and our fragile economic recovery.” The Congressmen applauded the work of their Senate colleagues Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse for their leadership on extending benefits. Reed introduced legislation Wednesday to allow those affected to continue receiving benefits for three months while Congress determines a long-term plan. “Senator Reed has truly been a leader on this issue, and I am hopeful that his efforts to extend benefits immediately will be successful in the Senate,” Langevin continued. The federal unemployment insurance program, formerly called Emergency Unemployment Compensation, took effect in 2008 and has been reauthorized several times since, as the economy continues its recovery. Despite the progress made since near economic collapse,… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-and-cicilline-urge-extension-federal-unemployment-insurance | Langevin and Cicilline Urge Extension of Federal Unemployment Insurance | 2013-12-19 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jim Langevin | L000559 | langevin.house.gov | legacy | Congressmen Jim Langevin (D-RI) and David Cicilline (D-RI) today urged an immediate extension of federal unemployment benefits. Without action, 1.3 million Americans will soon lose these benefits, including 4,900 unemployed Rhode Islanders. An additional 8,900 Rhode Islanders would lose their benefits in the first six months of 2014. “In a state with an unemployment rate at 9 percent, this benefit cut is unacceptable,” said Langevin. “Our state is starting to show the signs of economic recovery, but that process has been a slow one, and cutting unemployment insurance would be a step in the wrong direction. I urge Speaker Boehner and my colleagues in Congress to bring this issue to a vote so we can extend this relief on which so many families rely.” “In just 9 days, 1.3 million Americans and 4,900 Rhode Island families, who have exhausted nearly all of their resources to stay afloat, will lose the only safety net they have left. We cannot allow these benefits to expire and I strongly urge Speaker Boehner to call the House back into session and pass an extension before it is too late,” said Cicilline. “With so many Rhode Islanders still struggling to find work, it is absolutely critical that we extend this emergency assistance to protect these families and our fragile economic recovery.” The Congressmen applauded the work of their Senate colleagues Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse for their leadership on extending benefits. Reed introduced legislation Wednesday to allow those affected to continue receiving benefits for three months while Congress determines a long-term plan. “Senator Reed has truly been a leader on this issue, and I am hopeful that his efforts to extend benefits immediately will be successful in the Senate,” Langevin continued. The federal unemployment insurance program, formerly called Emergency Unemployment Compensation, took effect in 2008 and has been reauthorized several times since, as the economy continues its recovery. Despite the progress made since near economic collapse, there are still … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/bicameral-task-force-on-climate-change-releases-recommendations-for-department-of-the-interior | Bicameral Task Force on Climate Change Releases Recommendations for Department of the Interior | 2013-12-19 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | 12.19.13 Bicameral Task Force on Climate Change Releases Recommendations for Department of the Interior Washington, DC – Following recent reports that John Podesta may be primed to push for “aggressive executive action on climate change” in his new role as White House counselor, the Bicameral Task Force on Climate Change today released a white paper recommending concrete steps the Department of the Interior (DOI) should take in carrying out the President’s Climate Action Plan. DOI manages roughly one-fifth of the land in the U.S. and plays a key role in policies regarding energy production and conservation. The agency is poised to assume a leadership role in achieving several goals of the President’s Climate Action Plan regarding emission reduction and resiliency. Some of the recommendations from the report include limiting methane emissions from fossil fuel production on federal land and the outer continental shelf; revising policies that effectively subsidize fossil fuel development on public land; advancing government-wide adaptation planning; and encouraging the Administration to expedite the timely release of guidance and regulations that help DOI advance its climate agenda. These recommendations are based on suggestions submitted to the Bicameral Task Force by over 200 groups ranging from environmental organizations and efficiency advocates to electric utilities and Fortune 500 companies. They also reflect input from academics and policy think tanks. “The Department of Interior has a crucial role in addressing climate change,” said Rep. Henry A. Waxman. “We hope the ideas in this report will help in this effort.” “The Interior Department is already working to fight climate change by advancing clean-energy technologies, and by protecting wildlife and habitat that support our tourism and recreation-based economies. These recommendations would expand on the Department’s ongoing efforts and ensure that the goals set out in President Obama’s Climate Action Plan are achieved as quickly and e… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221053847/http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/release/reed-heller-offer-bipartisan-short-term-unemployment-insurance-fix | Reed, Heller Offer Bipartisan Short-Term Unemployment Insurance Fix | 2013-12-18 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | web.archive.org | legacy | Wednesday, December 18, 2013 Reed, Heller Offer Bipartisan Short-Term Unemployment Insurance Fix WASHINGTON, DC – In an effort to prevent more than 1.3 million long-term unemployed workers from losing their unemployment insurance after the holidays, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Dean Heller (R-NV) today introduced bipartisan legislation to preserve federal unemployment insurance (UI) for three months while Congress works out a comprehensive plan. With just 10 days before federal UI benefits are set to expire, the Senators are seeking to provide some much needed certainty to our economy and ensure vulnerable families will continue to have access to this vital lifeline. “I hope this sensible and bipartisan approach will provide a path forward to preserving the program through the entire 2014 calendar year, which will give families and our economy time to recover. Because, frankly, this is a program designed to be there for every worker should the unfortunate happen and they find themselves without a job through no fault of their own,” stated Senator Jack Reed. “This program has been, and continues to be, a crucial benefit to millions of American households all over the country and of nearly every conceivable demographic. That is why it’s such a significant part of keeping this economic recovery going forward. Its expiration will hurt families and set back our recovery and cost the economy 200,000 jobs in 2014. So I look forward to working with Senator Heller and urging my colleagues to extend this program because this is not only the right thing to do in terms of the families of America, it is the smart and right thing to do for our economy.” “Providing a safety net for those in need is one of the most important functions of the federal government. As Nevada’s unemployment rate continues to top the charts nationwide, many families and individuals back home do not know how they are going to meet their basic needs. I am pleased to join Senator Reed on thi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221064821/http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/release/reed-whitehouse-join-bipartisan-coalition-to-address-flood-insurance-rate-increases | Reed, Whitehouse Join Bipartisan Coalition to Address Flood Insurance Rate Increases | 2013-12-18 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | web.archive.org | legacy | Wednesday, December 18, 2013 Reed, Whitehouse Join Bipartisan Coalition to Address Flood Insurance Rate Increases Lawmakers seek to advance flood insurance bill that would delay rate hikes WASHINGTON, DC – In an effort to help Rhode Islanders avoid abrupt increases in flood insurance premiums, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse last night joined with a bipartisan coalition of 26 of their Senate colleagues in introducing an updated version of the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act (S.1846). This legislation seeks to help protect property owners from sharp increases in their flood insurance premiums for up to four years in order to allow the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) time to develop a plan to assist property owners who cannot afford their premiums. FEMA’s proposal would require Congressional approval before it could be implemented. If Congress rejects the proposal, the Biggert-Waters reforms Congress passed last year would come back into force. The bill would also require FEMA to certify that its flood mapping strategy is based on sound science and engineering methodologies. Last year, to prevent the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) from lapsing and leaving thousands of property owners without access to flood insurance protection, Congress passed the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012. The law sought to phase out or eliminate federal subsidies for certain flood-prone properties in order to address the program’s growing debt. To date the program owes $24 billion to the U.S. Treasury for funds it borrowed to pay claims from past disasters, including Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Sandy. By law, the program may only borrow $31 billion from taxpayers in order to pay claims. Since 1978, the program has paid $117 million claims in Rhode Island, including approximately $70 million in the last four years as result of Superstorm Sandy and the floods of 2010. “The National Flood… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/sen-whitehouse-statement-on-passage-of-budget | Sen. Whitehouse Statement on Passage of Budget | 2013-12-18 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | 12.18.13 Sen. Whitehouse Statement on Passage of Budget Washington, DC – Today the U.S. Senate voted 64 to 36 to pass a bipartisan budget agreement. U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), a member of the Budget Committee, released the following statement: “I supported the agreement because it provides budget certainty for two years, protects Social Security and Medicare benefits, and will help to prevent another government shutdown. While it doesn’t go as far as I would have liked, the budget also provides for significant relief from the senseless sequester cuts. I’m disappointed the deal didn’t include an extension of emergency unemployment benefits and will strongly support Senator Jack Reed’s efforts to pass one when Congress reconvenes in January.” ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/senator-manchin-and-congressman-cicilline-introduce-bicameral-legislation-focus-job | Senator Manchin and Congressman Cicilline Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Focus on Job Growth | 2013-12-17 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | RI | David Cicilline | C001084 | cicilline.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Congressman David Cicilline (D-RI) today introduced commonsense legislation that would help Washington stay focused on what matters most to hardworking Americans: creating and protecting American jobs. Under current law, the government must “score” pieces of legislation to estimate the cost. Manchin and Cicilline’s legislation would require the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to also determine the number of jobs that would be created, protected, or lost should a specific piece of legislation become law. This bill will make debates about jobs more transparent and concrete, giving lawmakers a solid basis of information for decision-making. “Although America’s unemployment numbers have slowly declined from the beginning of the worst recession since the Great Depression, there are still too many hardworking Americans out of work. There should not be a higher priority in Congress than creating jobs right here at home, and it’s time that lawmakers start thinking about one simple question before they cast their votes: how will this bill impact jobs and job growth in America?” Senator Manchin said. “The Jobs Score Act is a piece of commonsense legislation that will ensure our elected representatives know exactly how many jobs would be created, protected or lost with each bill.” “My top priority in Congress is to strengthen our economy through job creation, and it is critical that we know the likely impact our decisions in Congress will have on employment across our nation,” said Cicilline. “I am proud to have worked with Senator Manchin in leading bipartisan efforts in both chambers, and look forward to continuing working for passage of this law and doing everything I can to get our economy back on track and get Rhode Islanders back to work." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221043701/http://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/speeches/republicans-outside-of-congress-support-action-on-climate-change | Republicans Outside of Congress Support Action on Climate Change | 2013-12-17 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | web.archive.org | legacy | As delivered on the Senate floor Tuesday, December 17, 2013 Thank you very much, Madam President, this is my fifty-third time for consecutive weeks that we’re in session that I’ve come to the floor to speak about climate change, and to urge my colleagues that it is time to wake up. These speeches aren’t easy and a great deal of effort goes into assisting me with research and crafting of them, and I am particularly grateful for the hard work of Dr. Todd Bianco in helping me to prepare them. He’s the fellow sitting on the other side of the sign, looking embarrassed that I’ve just called him out. Todd joined my office in September 2012 as a Geological Society of America-U.S. Geological Survey Congressional Science Fellow, and he has contributed considerable scientific understanding and analytical rigor to our work. His ability to interpret the latest climate research has helped me to convey complex scientific concepts both accurately and in a way that is accessible and meaningful to policymakers and the public. You may be used to seeing him with me here on the floor for each week’s speech, but he has also been effective in researching legislation and preparing for hearings in the Environment and Public Works Committee. I say this because this week marks the end of Todd’s fellowship, and he will soon return home to Rhode Island with his wife Allison. Allison Bianco, by the way, is a very talented artist whose work reflects our deep human connection to the natural world. So, in addition to lending us Todd, Allison has also lent us some of her artwork, which is hung on display in my front office. So, in addition to thanking Todd for his efforts I also want to thank Allison. Todd, like me, is an over-married human being. I wish them both the best of luck back home, and I thank Todd for his work in the United States Senate to advance responsible public policy grounded firmly in the best science. And, Madam President, it is time at last for Congress to heed that best science an… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221053937/http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/speech/reed-speaks-on-the-need-to-renew-unemployment-insurance | Reed Speaks on the Need to Renew Unemployment Insurance | 2013-12-17 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | web.archive.org | legacy | Monday, December 16, 2013 Reed Speaks on the Need to Renew Unemployment Insurance Mr. REED. Mr. President, in 12 days, unemployment insurance will expire for 1.3 million Americans. This will impact virtually every State. Over the course of the next year, it will set back millions of hard-working families, slow down job growth, and slow our economic recovery. Today I filed three amendments to the Bipartisan Budget Agreement Act. The amendments would extend UI for 1 month, 3 months, or a year respectively. While I believe the best policy is to extend unemployment insurance for 1 year in order to keep our economic recovery moving forward, I am willing to work with my colleagues who object to extending it for the full year to find a path forward. What we must, I think, provide is at least a message to those people that they will not see their benefits eliminated on December 28, and that we will, in fact, be working to make sure that this protection is in place for families all cross this country. Over the next several days I will be coming to the floor seeking consent and urging my colleagues to extend unemployment insurance. The expiration of unemployment insurance will be devastating to families across the entire Nation who rely on this as the last remaining source of support, in many cases for people who have worked hard for many years and because of this economy have lost their jobs. This is a stressful time. My home State of Rhode Island has an unemployment rate of 9.2 percent. We have been struggling since 2008 and 2009. This is very difficult for people. This difficulty will be particularly hard to bear as we celebrate the holidays--at a time when people should be able to consider and count their blessings--they will instead be looking ahead a few days afterward to the loss of valuable, irreplaceable income. It is also a devastating blow to our local businesses and economy. Extending UI is not only doing the right thing for American families, this is doing th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/defense-authorization-bill-includes-bipartisan-asset-tracking-provision | Defense Authorization Bill Includes Bipartisan Asset Tracking Provision | 2013-12-17 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | 12.17.13 Defense Authorization Bill Includes Bipartisan Asset Tracking Provision Washington, D.C. – This week the U.S. Senate is expected to vote on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), legislation that will authorize funding for defense programs in the year ahead. The final bill, which was unveiled last week, includes a bipartisan provision authored by U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Rob Portman (R-OH) to strengthen the military’s “asset tracking” efforts. These efforts can save taxpayer dollars and help prevent counterfeit military items from entering the supply chain. “This provision will help encourage the use of state of the art barcode tracking technology for military assets,” said Whitehouse. “This technology can help improve inventory management for military equipment and parts, while also cutting costs. It can also help to identify counterfeit items that pose serious risks to our troops.” “The Defense Department is wasting billions of dollars a year due to ineffective financial and supply management practices,” said Portman. “We need to solve these problems as we seek to find savings in the Defense budget while maintaining the superiority of our force. This initiative will force the Pentagon to accelerate solutions and get much-need input from industry partners that are at the cutting edge of supply chain management.” The Whitehouse-Portman legislation would: Require the Department of Defense (DOD) to include in its report to Congress a description of how improved asset tracking and in-transit visibility could enhance audit readiness, reduce counterfeit risk, enhance logistical processes and benefit the Department of Defense. Require a detailed description of asset marking requirements and how automated information and data capture technologies could improve readiness, cost effectiveness, and performance. Require a defined list of all categories of items that program managers shall identify for the purposes of asset marking. Require a description of step… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/rhode-island-seniors-continue-benefitting-from-health-care-law | Rhode Island Seniors Continue Benefitting from Health Care Law | 2013-12-17 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | 12.17.13 Rhode Island Seniors Continue Benefitting from Health Care Law Medicare Beneficiaries Saving on Prescription Drugs and Preventive Services Washington, DC – As the holiday season nears, thousands of Rhode Island seniors will have a little extra money thanks to prescription drug savings made possible by the Affordable Care Act. Through October of this year 10,600 Medicare recipients in Rhode Island saved over $7 million on prescription drugs, for an average savings of $677 per person. Prior to the passage of the Affordable Care Act, thousands of Rhode Island seniors fell into the so-called Medicare “doughnut hole” and were forced to pay the full cost of their prescription drugs. In 2010, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse successfully fought to eliminate the doughnut hole as part of the Affordable Care Act, enabling the savings they are seeing today. Additionally, new data released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services today shows that, thanks to the Affordable Care Act, in the first 11 months of 2013 alone, an estimated 25.4 million people with traditional Medicare – including 87,099 in Rhode Island – received at least one free preventive service at no out-of-pocket cost, such as an annual wellness visit or mammogram. “Seniors who were hurt by the doughnut hole for years are now saving hundreds of dollars on their prescription drugs while also gaining access to free preventive services,” said Senator Whitehouse. “These examples are further proof that the Affordable Care Act is making a real difference for Rhode Islanders.” The doughnut hole used to expose seniors to the full cost of prescription drugs after they and their plan spent a certain amount of money ($2,970) for covered drugs in a year, but before they hit catastrophic coverage ($4,750). The Affordable Care Act has been closing the doughnut hole in phases since it was enacted in 2010. Click here to see how many people benef… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221054418/http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/release/reed-grassley-want-answers-on-finra-expungement-rate | Reed, Grassley Want Answers on FINRA Expungement Rate | 2013-12-16 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | web.archive.org | legacy | Monday, December 16, 2013 Reed, Grassley Want Answers on FINRA Expungement Rate WASHINGTON, DC – In an effort to protect investors and the integrity of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority’s (FINRA) BrokerCheck program, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) today sent a bipartisan letter asking FINRA to clarify and strengthen standards for expungement of investor complaints against brokers. Citing a recent Public Investors Arbitration Bar Association (PIABA) study, which found that FINRA arbitrators granted expungement relief in 96.9% of cases from May 2009 through December 2011, the U.S. Senators said they are concerned about the number of times investor complaints may be expunged, or removed, from publicly available broker records maintained by FINRA via BrokerCheck. The Senators wrote: “We share FINRA’s view that “expungement is an extraordinary remedy that should be granted only under appropriate circumstances,” and that it should be permitted “only when it has no meaningful investor protection or regulatory value.” However, we believe that meaningful investor protection includes the disclosure of whether a customer dispute was settled. Not just for transparency sake, but also to help prospective investors make informed decisions about which individuals or firms with whom to do business.” In an effort to determine if the high percentage of expungements are warranted, the Senators asked FINRA to publicly detail the number of instances in which FINRA has questioned or challenged the provision of expungement relief and provide a detailed description of the circumstances of each case. The Senators also asked FINRA to respond to the recommended changes cited in the PIABA study and explain whether FINRA intends to adopt each recommendation. Full text of the letter follows (PDF attached): Dear Mr. Ketchum: Given our interest in improving transparency of our financial markets, we are writing in response to a recent Public Investors Arb… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-hosts-meeting-with-national-coalition-to-highlight-rhode-island-leadership-on-advanced-illness-care | Whitehouse Hosts Meeting with National Coalition to Highlight Rhode Island Leadership on Advanced Illness Care | 2013-12-16 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | 12.16.13 Whitehouse Hosts Meeting with National Coalition to Highlight Rhode Island Leadership on Advanced Illness Care Providence, RI – This morning, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse hosted a panel discussion with Bill Novelli, co-chair of the Coalition to Transform Advanced Care (C-TAC), to discuss the organization’s work to improve advanced illness care. Advanced illness occurs when chronic conditions, such as end-stage cancer and heart disease, progress to the point that general functioning declines and medical treatment begins to lose its effect. During the meeting, Senator Whitehouse and Rhode Island health care stakeholders highlighted initiatives already underway in the state to ensure that patients’ wishes are honored. They also discussed possible areas for collaboration between Rhode Island and C-TAC. The meeting marks the first step in what Senator Whitehouse and state health leaders hope will be an ongoing discussion about how to make Rhode Island a national model for care planning and the delivery of patient-centered advanced illness care. “Nearly all of us will, at some point in our lives, be forced to confront the difficult choices that come with advanced illness or end-of-life situations. These are uncomfortable discussions to have, but we need to have them and I thank C-TAC for joining me today,” said U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. “There is so much we can do to improve care and empower patients to express their wishes and goals for treatment. I hope today’s discussion is the beginning of a productive partnership between Rhode Island and C-TAC.” "We must strive to support our neighbors, our friends and our families, when they make some of the most challenging decisions of their lives, by ensuring that our care system puts patients and their families first and at the center of advanced illness and end-of-life care," said Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Roberts. “With Americans aging and older people needing more care, now is the time to transform our health system so that seriou… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cicilline.house.gov/video/justice-jean-claude-roger-mbede | Commemorating Human Rights Day | 2013-12-12 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | RI | David Cicilline | C001084 | cicilline.house.gov | legacy | Pawtucket 1070 Main Street, Suite 300, Pawtucket, RI 02860 Phone: 401-729-5600 Fax: 401-729-5608 Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30AM-5:30PM | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-statement-bipartisan-budget-act | Langevin Statement on Bipartisan Budget Act | 2013-12-12 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jim Langevin | L000559 | langevin.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) issued the following statement today in response to House passage of H.J.Res. 59, the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013: “This budget compromise represents a small, but important, step towards returning to a regular budget process. Our nation has suffered for far too long as the Republican leadership governs by crisis. I’m pleased we were able to roll back some of the most harmful cuts imposed by sequestration and temporarily avert a scheduled cut in Medicare physician reimbursements. “However, I am deeply disturbed that House Republican Leaders refused to allow a vote to extend unemployment insurance for 1.3 million Americans, including 4,900 Rhode Islanders, who will be cut off from federal emergency unemployment compensation in the middle of the holidays. Unemployment insurance provides vital assistance to those struggling to find jobs during a difficult economic recovery. That is why I joined 173 of my colleagues in calling on Speaker Boehner to prevent Congress from leaving for the year without addressing this critical issue. Democrats put forward a three-month, fully paid-for, extension of unemployment insurance, and it is unconscionable that Republicans did not allow a simple vote to include it in the budget with so many families facing financial uncertainty.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221044536/http://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/video-audio/time-to-wake-up-congress-is-being-irresponsible-on-climate | Time to Wake Up: Congress is Being Irresponsible on Climate | 2013-12-12 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | web.archive.org | legacy | As Sheldon travels the ocean state, he’s been hearing from middle-class families, seniors, small business owners – taking that information back to Washington and standing up for Rhode Island. We invite you to use the resources in this section to learn more about Sheldon’s latest efforts for the Ocean State. You’ll find video, press releases, speeches and more. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221043706/http://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/speeches/inaction-on-climate-change-is-irresponsible- | Inaction on Climate Change is Irresponsible | 2013-12-11 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | web.archive.org | legacy | As delivered on the Senate floor Wednesday, December 11, 2013 Thank you, Mr. President. This is the 52nd consecutive week we're in session that I have come to the Floor to ask us, please, for Lord's sake, to wake up to the damage carbon pollution is already doing to our atmosphere, oceans, and climate; and to look ahead, to use our God-given sense, and to plan for what is so obviously coming. In those weeks, I've talked about all different aspects of carbon pollution: its effect on sports and our economy, its effect on oceans and coasts, its effect on agriculture and wildfires, its effect on storms and insurance costs. I've talked about the measurements -- measurements -- we can already make of the harm already happening: sea level rise, which you measure with a yardstick, basically; ocean temperature, which you measure with a thermometer; and ocean acidification -- the fastest in fifty million years, according to research published in Nature Geoscience -- which you can measure with litmus tests. I have, I hope, to anyone listening with their logic turned on, thoroughly rebutted the deniers' phony arguments against solving carbon pollution, whether those arguments purported to be based in science, or religion, or economics, or our competitiveness. I have listed the thoughtful and responsible groups -- from the Joint Chiefs of Staff to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, from WalMart to NASA, from Ford and GM to Coke and Pepsi, from America's Garden Clubs to just last month our major sports leagues -- who understand the truth about climate change and are saying so. I've done my best to expose the calculated campaign of lies that we're up against, and the vast scandalous apparatus of phony organizations and engineered messages that are designed to propagate those lies. I've traced the connections back to -- of course -- the big carbon polluters and their billionaire owners. And I've been obliged to point out that the money of those big polluters and billionaires flo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221055241/http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/release/reed-key-ri-defense-projects-included-in-bipartisan-defense-bill | Reed: Key RI Defense Projects Included in Bipartisan Defense Bill | 2013-12-11 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | web.archive.org | legacy | Wednesday, December 11, 2013 Reed: Key RI Defense Projects Included in Bipartisan Defense Bill WASHINGTON, DC – After Armed Services Committee negotiators reached an agreement to move a bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2014, U.S. Senator Jack Reed, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today said that the bipartisan agreement recognizes the increasing strategic importance Rhode Island plays in our national defense. The $632.8 billion bill, which authorizes funding for the Department of Defense and the national security programs of the Department of Energy, includes a pay raise for troops, as well as funding for ships, submarines, aircraft, and military equipment. The bill also contains strong reforms to help strengthen DOD’s response to the problem of sexual assault in our military. “This bipartisan agreement makes smart investments in our national security and recognizes the increasing strategic importance Rhode Island plays in our national defense,” said Reed, the Chairman of the Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower, who helped ensure the NDAA fully authorizes the Virginia-class submarine program and the DDG-1000 program. “This legislation authorizes full funding for the continuation of the Virginia-class submarine, which is a critical component of our national defense capabilities, and Rhode Island plays an important role in its construction. It also helps restore military readiness and provides our servicemen and women with the resources, training, technology, equipment, and authorities they need to successfully carry out their mission.” The bill authorizes $5.8 billion for the Virginia-class submarine program, including two submarines in 2014, and advance procurement funding for two ships planned in 2015. The bill supports the upcoming ten boat, five year multi-year contract currently being negotiated by the Navy and Electric Boat. It also authorizes $1 billion to continue development of the Oh… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221060120/http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/release/senators-introduce-student-loan-borrowers-bill-of-rights | Senators Introduce Student Loan Borrowers Bill of Rights | 2013-12-11 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | web.archive.org | legacy | Wednesday, December 11, 2013 Senators Introduce Student Loan Borrowers Bill of Rights Legislation will reform disclosure and servicing standards for both federal and private student loans WASHINGTON, DC – In an effort to strengthen borrower protections and student loan servicing standards for both federal and private student loans, U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jack Reed (D-RI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Barbara Boxer (D-CA) today introduced new legislation to ensure struggling student loan borrowers are treated fairly and understand the full range of repayment options and resources available to them. “Student loan debt has tripled over the last decade,” Durbin said. “With student loan debt far outpacing the rise in starting salaries, many borrowers find that despite their best efforts, they are unable to make their monthly payments. And when lenders refuse to work with them on a repayment plan, they begin a downward spiral that is difficult to turn around. These borrowers and their families should not have to face the burden of additional costs because they cannot resolve errors quickly or gain access to programs meant to help them. The Student Loan Borrower Bill of Rights will ensure that all borrowers will have access to basic rights and protections.” “If we're going to make a dent in making college affordable, we have to hold servicers accountable, increase transparency, and ensure students and their families get a fair deal. The Student Loan Borrower Bill of Rights will help establish clear, measurable expectations for servicers and ensure borrowers have access to the information they need to make informed decisions about repaying their student loans,” said Reed. “Our students now face more than $1 trillion in student loan debt, but many young people are asked to pay even more in costs because of unfair treatment by loan servicers. We should be supporting students who have worked hard to get an education, not maki… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/ri-congressional-delegation-announces-123000-federal-funding-rhode-island-art | RI Congressional Delegation Announces $123,000 in Federal Funding for Rhode Island Art Organizations | 2013-12-10 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | RI | David Cicilline | C001084 | cicilline.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC – Rhode Island’s Congressional delegation today announced $123,000 in National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) grant funding for Rhode Island arts organizations and programs. These competitive grants were awarded to organizations that contribute to the cultural and economic development of the state through the arts. This is NEA’s first round of FY2014 competitive grant awards. “This federal funding will help support local artists and bolster economic development and education through the arts,” said U.S. Senator Jack Reed, the Chairman of the Appropriations subcommittee that oversees NEA’s budget. “By combining federal grants with state and local funds and private donations, we are expanding opportunities for young people and supporting artistic excellence, creativity, and innovation in communities across the state.” “Rhode Island’s arts community plays an important role in the revitalization of our economy,” said U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, an ex-officio member of the National Council on the Arts, the advisory body of the NEA. “I’m proud to announce these grants, which will help some of our most talented arts organizations continue to enrich our state’s robust arts scene and provide important arts education programs for our youth.” “I am so proud of Rhode Island’s vibrant arts community, and I know these grants will be put to good use,” said Congressman Jim Langevin. “Not only are the arts a major draw for tourism, and therefore a significant part of our economy, but they are also critical to education. The arts keep our students engaged and energized, and I am glad to see the list of recipients include agencies that provide arts education opportunities.” "I am delighted to join with the delegation to announce this competitive grant award to the organizations in Rhode Island that do so much to help our young people get involved in the arts and build upon the great programs that are already at work," said Congressman Cicilline. "The Alliance of Artists Communities in Providence, RI, Everett Danc… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://langevin.house.gov/press-release/ri-congressional-delegation-announces-funding-rhode-island-art-organizations | RI Congressional Delegation Announces Funding for Rhode Island Art Organizations | 2013-12-10 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jim Langevin | L000559 | langevin.house.gov | legacy | Rhode Island’s Congressional delegation today announced $123,000 in National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) grant funding for Rhode Island arts organizations and programs. These competitive grants were awarded to organizations that contribute to the cultural and economic development of the state through the arts. This is NEA’s first round of FY2014 competitive grant awards. “This federal funding will help support local artists and bolster economic development and education through the arts,” said U.S. Senator Jack Reed, the Chairman of the Appropriations subcommittee that oversees NEA’s budget. “By combining federal grants with state and local funds and private donations, we are expanding opportunities for young people and supporting artistic excellence, creativity, and innovation in communities across the state.” “Rhode Island’s arts community plays an important role in the revitalization of our economy,” said U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, an ex-officio member of the National Council on the Arts, the advisory body of the NEA. “I’m proud to announce these grants, which will help some of our most talented arts organizations continue to enrich our state’s robust arts scene and provide important arts education programs for our youth.” “I am so proud of Rhode Island’s vibrant arts community, and I know these grants will be put to good use,” said Congressman Jim Langevin. “Not only are the arts a major draw for tourism, and therefore a significant part of our economy, but they are also critical to education. The arts keep our students engaged and energized, and I am glad to see the list of recipients include agencies that provide arts education opportunities.” “I am delighted to join with the delegation to announce this competitive grant award to the organizations in Rhode Island that do so much to help our young people get involved in the arts and build upon the great programs that are already at work,” said Congressman Cicilline. “The Alliance of Artists Communities in Providence, RI, Everett Dance Theatre in Prov… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221054102/http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/speech/reed-speaks-on-the-need-to-preserve-unemployment-insurance | Reed Speaks on the Need to Preserve Unemployment Insurance | 2013-12-10 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | web.archive.org | legacy | Tuesday, December 10, 2013 Reed Speaks on the Need to Preserve Unemployment Insurance Mr. REED. Mr. President, first of all, I think it is appropriate to make some comments. I appreciate the Senator from North Dakota being here and making his point. But we are at a juncture that within 2 weeks 1.3 million Americans will lose their Federal unemployment compensation insurance. It will be a shock to them economically and particularly since it will be just a few days after the Christmas holiday. My legislation is very simple. I am seeking to extend for an additional year the unemployment compensation program that has been in place for several years. That will allow 1.3 million Americans to have some support as they face a very difficult economy. We have asked, as Democrats, that this UI proposal be part of the budget negotiation. Our colleagues in the House of Representatives have made the same request. It appears that will not be the case. So we have to seek a stand-alone legislative vehicle. That is why I proposed the legislation as I have done today. What we were trying to do, with the request that was just objected to, and what we have to do within 2 weeks is pass this legislation--so the upcoming expiration does not allow us the time for the procedural process of committee deliberation and markup, et cetera. What we have to do is try to avoid a huge economic shock to 1.3 million Americans immediately. There will be more after that. But as of December 28, if you are on unemployment insurance, Federal unemployment insurance, you lose it. In my State, that is 4,900 people celebrating New Year's Day by losing their Federal unemployment insurance benefits; for families who are struggling just to keep their heads above water in a very difficult economy--who have seen their jobs disappear, who after years of dedicated work find themselves now looking at very difficult circumstances for employment, in my home State particularly, but not my home State alone--this is a v… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221054125/http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/release/reed-statement-on-budget-conference-agreement | Reed Statement on Budget Conference Agreement | 2013-12-10 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | web.archive.org | legacy | Tuesday, December 10, 2013 Reed Statement on Budget Conference Agreement WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Jack Reed today issued the following statement: "I hoped for a more comprehensive agreement but this is an important step forward. Commendably, this budget blueprint reduces economic uncertainty and blunts the impact of the sequester. It will help save jobs, reduce unnecessary furloughs, protect vital programs like education from deep cuts, and should prevent another costly and wasteful government shutdown. "However, I would have preferred closing corporate tax loopholes to restore investments in defense and education. And I am most disturbed that negotiators refused to include help for the unemployed as part of their package. "Congress needs to act fast to preserve unemployment insurance or 1.3 million American job seekers will suddenly be without a financial safety net in the new year. Budgets are about priorities, and helping vulnerable families should be a bipartisan priority. "Even as the nation's economy continues to recover, Congress must do more to help create new jobs and sustain economic revitalization. I recently introduced the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2013 to stabilize the economy and provide relief for both states and struggling families by extending federal UI benefits through 2014. Unemployment insurance is a critical lifeline for vulnerable families and our economy. Preserving this program will help bolster consumer demand and provide some much needed economic certainty for businesses and families in need. "While this agreement doesn’t solve every issue facing the country and it could certainly do more for the unemployed and the middle class, it’s at least a reversal of the governing by crisis method that some on the other side of the aisle have embraced in the past few years.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221113428/http://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/obamacare-will-help-172000-rhode-islanders-gain-access-to-mental-health-and-substance-use-disorder-benefits | Obamacare Will Help 172,000 Rhode Islanders Gain Access to Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Benefits | 2013-12-10 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | web.archive.org | legacy | Tuesday, December 10, 2013 Washington, DC – According to data released today by the White House, 172,000 Rhode Islanders will gain access to expanded mental health and substance use disorder benefits and federal parity protections thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), a strong advocate for mental health parity, applauded the announcement as the latest example of the ACA improving care for Rhode Islanders. “For too long, Americans suffering from mental health conditions have been stigmatized, misdiagnosed, and poorly treated,” said Whitehouse. “The new benefits provided through the health care law will complement the landmark mental health parity law championed by Congressman Patrick Kennedy in 2008, and are an important step toward improving care for mental health patients. It’s long past time to recognize that mental health is just as important as physical health by providing equal access to care, and the Affordable Care Act is helping us do so.” Because of the health care law, for the first time insurance companies in the individual and small group market are required to cover mental health and substance use disorder services as one of ten categories of essential health benefits. Additionally, insurance companies must cover these services at parity with medical and surgical benefits, which means, for example, out-of-pocket costs for behavioral health services must be comparable to coverage for medical and surgical care. An estimated one in five adults experiences a mental health problem in any given year. While most mental health problems are treatable, mental health patients too often cannot access needed treatment if they do not have health insurance that covers mental health services. The Affordable Care Act requires most health plans to cover recommended preventive services like depression screenings for adults and behavioral assessments for children at no cost to consumers. And, because of the law, starting in 2014 insurers… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221113440/http://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/ri-congressional-delegation-announces-123000-in-federal-funding-for-rhode-island-art-organizations | RI Congressional Delegation Announces $123,000 in Federal Funding for Rhode Island Art Organizations | 2013-12-10 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | web.archive.org | legacy | Tuesday, December 10, 2013 Washington, DC – Rhode Island’s Congressional delegation today announced $123,000 in National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) grant funding for Rhode Island arts organizations and programs. These competitive grants were awarded to organizations that contribute to the cultural and economic development of the state through the arts. This is NEA’s first round of FY2014 competitive grant awards. “This federal funding will help support local artists and bolster economic development and education through the arts,” said U.S. Senator Jack Reed, the Chairman of the Appropriations subcommittee that oversees NEA’s budget. “By combining federal grants with state and local funds and private donations, we are expanding opportunities for young people and supporting artistic excellence, creativity, and innovation in communities across the state.” “Rhode Island’s arts community plays an important role in the revitalization of our economy,” said U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, an ex-officio member of the National Council on the Arts, the advisory body of the NEA. “I’m proud to announce these grants, which will help some of our most talented arts organizations continue to enrich our state’s robust arts scene and provide important arts education programs for our youth.” “I am so proud of Rhode Island’s vibrant arts community, and I know these grants will be put to good use,” said Congressman Jim Langevin. “Not only are the arts a major draw for tourism, and therefore a significant part of our economy, but they are also critical to education. The arts keep our students engaged and energized, and I am glad to see the list of recipients include agencies that provide arts education opportunities.” "I am delighted to join with the delegation to announce this competitive grant award to the organizations in Rhode Island that do so much to help our young people get involved in the arts and build upon the great programs that are already at work," said Congressman Cicilline. "The… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/sen-whitehouse-scotus-should-uphold-cross-state-air-pollution-rule | Sen. Whitehouse: SCOTUS Should Uphold Cross-State Air Pollution Rule | 2013-12-10 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | 12.10.13 Sen. Whitehouse: SCOTUS Should Uphold Cross-State Air Pollution Rule Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) released the statement below regarding the oral argument at the Supreme Court today on whether to uphold the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR): “For too long, virtually uncontrolled coal-fired power plants have used tall smoke stacks to export dirty air to downwind states like Rhode Island – polluting our skies and endangering our health. In 2011, EPA established the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule, which would finally protect people from out-of-state pollution. Sadly, the big polluters have fought this rule all the way to the Supreme Court, which heard arguments in the case today. The Court has an important choice: allow the EPA to do its job and protect the American people from dirty air, or allow the big polluters to have their way and continue dumping their pollution on downwind states. I hope the Court will rule in favor of the people.” Each year, according to EPA, the air quality improvements from CSAPR are estimated to prevent between 13,000 and 34,000 premature deaths; provide $120 to $280 billion in health and environmental benefits; and to avoid 1.8 million missed work or school days. Senator Whitehouse has had long-standing concerns about tall smoke stacks and how they diminish air quality in downwind states. During his time as Rhode Island’s Attorney General, Whitehouse joined EPA's lawsuit against American Electric Power for its illegal modification of 16 plants. He has also spoken on this issue many times in the Senate, and in 2010 requested that the Government Accountability Office complete a report about the contribution of tall smoke stacks to east coast air pollution. The report determined that “tall stacks [those taller than 500 feet] can increase the distance these pollutants travel in the atmosphere and harm air quality and the environment in downwind communities.” … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/sen-whitehouse-statement-on-budget-deal | Sen. Whitehouse Statement on Budget Deal | 2013-12-10 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | 12.10.13 Sen. Whitehouse Statement on Budget Deal Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), a member of the Budget conference committee, released the statement below regarding the budget agreement announced today by Chairmen Patty Murray (D-WA) and Paul Ryan (R-WI): “I commend Chairman Murray for completing the difficult task of coming to a budget agreement with House Republicans. To be sure, this is not the deal any of us had hoped for. Republicans refused to end a single special tax deal or to maintain extended unemployment benefits, and allowed only partial relief from the devastating sequester cuts. That said, this deal will allow Congress to return to regular order and away from Tea Party brinksmanship, and allow appropriators like Jack Reed to pursue sensible priorities within this budget.” ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-statement-death-president-nelson-mandela | Cicilline Statement on Death of President Nelson Mandela | 2013-12-06 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | RI | David Cicilline | C001084 | cicilline.house.gov | legacy | Pawtucket – U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (D-RI) issued the following statement in reaction to the death of former South African President and world leader Nelson Mandela: “Nelson Mandela was an inspirational and transformational leader who changed the world by standing up against institutional racism. Despite being in prison for 27 years, Mandela's determination and resolve to end apartheid remained unshaken. His strength and courage to stand up against social injustice, racism, oppression, and poverty will forever be remembered. Mandela also helped heal a broken nation after apartheid through racial reconciliation and forgiveness. While today is a sad day for the entire world, his legacy and fight to end racial inequality and injustice will live on forever.” -30- | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20131215191717/http://www.reed.senate.gov:80/news/release/32-us-senators-urge-reauthorization-of-key-unemployment-insurance-program | 32 U.S. Senators Urge Reauthorization of Key Unemployment Insurance Program | 2013-12-06 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | web.archive.org | legacy | Friday, December 6, 2013 32 U.S. Senators Urge Reauthorization of Key Unemployment Insurance Program WASHINGTON, DC – In an effort to prevent more than 1.3 million long-term unemployed workers from losing their unemployment insurance at the end of December -- and millions more from having no benefits after their initial 26 weeks of unemployment insurance (UI) are exhausted during the course of 2014 – a group of 32 U.S. Senators, led by Jack Reed (D-RI), today sent a letter urging Congress to preserve federal unemployment insurance for another year. With just 23 days before federal UI benefits are set to expire, the Senators wrote: “We are writing to urge the continuation of federal support for unemployment insurance, a critical component of our ongoing recovery and a lifeline to millions of Americans as they search for work in this challenging economy. As it stands now, a few days after the holiday season ends, unemployment insurance will abruptly terminate, cutting off support for 1.3 million Americans.” The unemployment insurance system is a partnership between the federal government and state governments that provides a temporary weekly benefit to qualified workers who lose their job and are seeking work. The amount of that benefit is based in part on a worker’s past earnings. In Rhode Island, the average weekly UI benefit amount is $354 and the Ocean State is among 43 states that offer 26 weeks of UI coverage, while 7 states offer fewer weeks. The extended federal UI program was signed into law in June 2008 by President George W. Bush, when the national unemployment rate was 5.6% and the average duration of jobless insurance was 17.1 weeks. It has been reauthorized by Congress a number of times since as America seeks to emerge from the greatest economic recession since the Great Depression. Today, the national unemployment rate is 7% and the average duration of UI benefits is 36.1 weeks, which is much longer than the 26 weeks of unemployment coverage tha… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-statement-emergency-unemployment-compensation-legislation | Cicilline Statement on Emergency Unemployment Compensation Legislation | 2013-12-05 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | RI | David Cicilline | C001084 | cicilline.house.gov | legacy | Washington – U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (D-RI) issued the following statement today in favor of legislation that would extend the current Federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program, which expires on December 28, 2013: “The facts are clear, if Congress fails to extend the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) by the end of this year, three million American families are expected to suffer.” “This will be particularly harmful in my home state of Rhode Island, where approximately 13,800 claimants would lose assistance should EUC expire – at a time where we are still struggling with the nation’s second highest unemployment rate at 9.2%.” “And the negative impact extends beyond the difficulties struggling families will face while trying to pay for rent and groceries without the critical assistance EUC provides in a time of need. According to the Economic Policy Institute, allowing EUC to expire would immediately harm first quarter 2014 economic growth, and could cost our economy over 300,000 jobs.” “So it is clear that allowing EUC to expire would hurt families in need as well as thwart an already fragile economic recovery.” “That is why I have joined many of my colleagues here today in cosponsoring legislation to extend the current EUC program and related provisions for one year, as well as joined colleagues in writing to Budget Conference Co-Chairs Paul Ryan and Patty Murray, urging they address the looming expiration of EUC as part of any budget agreement.” “Time is running out. We stand ready to work together on this and so many other pressing matters. I urge all my colleagues to join together and avoid another self-inflicted wound that would harm American families and our economy.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221113359/http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/release/reed-statement-on-the-death-of-nelson-mandela | Reed Statement on the Death of Nelson Mandela | 2013-12-05 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | web.archive.org | legacy | Thursday, December 5, 2013 Reed Statement on the Death of Nelson Mandela WASHINGTON, DC – Today, following the death of former South African President Nelson Mandela, U.S. Senator Jack Reed issued the following statement: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Nelson Mandela, an extraordinary human being and friend to all humankind. He transformed South Africa and helped liberate people of all walks of life from inequality and injustice. As a world leader, Nelson Mandela emanated wisdom, peace, healing, joy, and brotherhood. President Mandela was a uniquely gifted individual who taught us that we all have the capacity to make our communities, and the world, a better place. He continues to be an inspiration.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-statement-departure-risd-president-john-maeda | Cicilline Statement on Departure of RISD President John Maeda | 2013-12-04 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | RI | David Cicilline | C001084 | cicilline.house.gov | legacy | Washington – U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (D-RI) issued the following statement in reaction to the announcement that John Maeda will be leaving his position as President of the Rhode Island School of Design to take a job in the private sector: “For the past five years, President John Maeda has been a visionary, innovative, and imaginative leader of the Rhode Island School of Design and under his leadership, RISD earned recognition as America’s top design school. In both my work as Mayor of Providence and in Congress, John has been a dedicated and effective partner particularly in helping to promote, manufacturing, design, technology, and entrepreneurship in our state and he has been a passionate advocate for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics education (STEAM). While John’s departure from the school is a great loss for Rhode Island, his work for RISD, for the City of Providence, and for our state has helped transform the way we think about both academics and economic development. I congratulate John on his new position, wish him well as he begins the next chapter of his life, thank him for his leadership at RISD, and, of course, look forward to continuing our work together at the national level.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-honored-hero-main-street-award | Langevin Honored with Hero of Main Street Award | 2013-12-04 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jim Langevin | L000559 | langevin.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) will be presented with the Hero of Main Street Award by Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce Senior Vice President Janet Raymond this Friday. Distributed by the National Retail Federation (NRF), the Hero of Main Street Award recognizes Members of Congress that support the American retail industry, the nation’s largest private sector employer. “In our technologically advanced society, online shopping is a wonderful option. It is fast, easy and convenient, and has helped many businesses expand their operations and reach customers far outside their geographic area,” Langevin said. “However, convenience should not come at the cost of sustainability of small businesses that lack the resources to compete online. We need to level the playing field and support small businesses, which are the backbone of our economy.” This year’s inaugural award recipients were recognized by NRF for their support and sponsorship of the Marketplace Fairness Act, which seeks to level the playing field between online and local retailers so sellers and merchants compete fairly in the marketplace. “We salute a dedicated group of public servants and advocates for their outstanding support of the retail industry,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. “These ‘heroes’ have all demonstrated a unique understanding and commitment to policies that will ensure a growing and thriving Main Street.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/langevin-cicilline-call-stronger-background-checks | Langevin, Cicilline Call for Stronger Background Checks | 2013-12-03 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | RI | David Cicilline | C001084 | cicilline.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC - Rhode Island Congressmen Jim Langevin (D-RI) and David Cicilline (D-RI), who both serve on the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, described a Federal Bureau of Investigation report, released by Mayors Against Illegal Guns, as a call to action. The report illustrated Rhode Island’s failure to submit health records of individuals barred from purchasing handguns to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). Rhode Island ranked among the lowest-performing states in the country, submitting fewer than 100 mental health records since the inception of the database under the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act twenty years ago. The Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act of 1993 requires an individual to pass a background check through the NICS database before purchasing a firearm from a federally licensed dealer, a process that typically takes 90 seconds. Data released last month by the FBI, reflecting record submissions as of May 2013, shows that the NICS remains incomplete, with hundreds of thousands of state and federal records missing. According to the report, the omission of mental health records in the NICS has created dangerous information deficiencies. “This is an opportunity to educate ourselves on the deficiencies that exist within the NICS and strengthen gun violence prevention efforts in our state. It is critical that we take meaningful action to fill these information gaps and create a more effective background check process,” said Langevin. “I strongly believe that Rhode Island can strengthen its reporting requirements in a manner that respects the balance of privacy and public safety.” Rhode Island law currently prohibits the disclosure of mental health records without the express permission of the patient or guardian. State lawmakers created a 20-member task force to examine Rhode Island’s participation in the NICS and make recommendations to the General Assembly by January 31. “As a founding member of Mayors Against Illegal Guns, I strongly believe that common… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-cicilline-call-stronger-background-checks | Langevin, Cicilline Call for Stronger Background Checks | 2013-12-03 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jim Langevin | L000559 | langevin.house.gov | legacy | Rhode Island Congressmen Jim Langevin (D-RI) and David Cicilline (D-RI), who both serve on the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, described a Federal Bureau of Investigation report, released by Mayors Against Illegal Guns, as a call to action. The report illustrated Rhode Island’s failure to submit health records of individuals barred from purchasing handguns to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). Rhode Island ranked among the lowest-performing states in the country, submitting fewer than 100 mental health records since the inception of the database under the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act twenty years ago. The Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act of 1993 requires an individual to pass a background check through the NICS database before purchasing a firearm from a federally licensed dealer, a process that typically takes 90 seconds. Data released last month by the FBI, reflecting record submissions as of May 2013, shows that the NICS remains incomplete, with hundreds of thousands of state and federal records missing. According to the report, the omission of mental health records in the NICS has created dangerous information deficiencies. “This is an opportunity to educate ourselves on the deficiencies that exist within the NICS and strengthen gun violence prevention efforts in our state. It is critical that we take meaningful action to fill these information gaps and create a more effective background check process,” said Langevin. “I strongly believe that Rhode Island can strengthen its reporting requirements in a manner that respects the balance of privacy and public safety.” Rhode Island law currently prohibits the disclosure of mental health records without the express permission of the patient or guardian. State lawmakers created a 20-member task force to examine Rhode Island’s participation in the NICS and make recommendations to the General Assembly by January 31. “As a founding member of Mayors Against Illegal Guns, I strongly believe that commonsense measures, lik… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-observes-world-aids-day | Cicilline Observes World AIDS Day | 2013-12-02 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | RI | David Cicilline | C001084 | cicilline.house.gov | legacy | PAWTUCKET - U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (D-RI) issued the following statement in recognition of World AIDS Day: “Although we have made great progress against the HIV/AIDS epidemic, we still have a tremendous amount of work to do to achieve an AIDS free generation. On World AIDS Day, we celebrate the progress that has been made in the fight against HIV/AIDS, and renew our commitment to stemming the tide of this public health pandemic here in the United States and around the world.” “Today, nearly 35 million people around the world have died from HIV/AIDS, including an estimated 1,593 Rhode Islanders. With nearly 2,200 people in Rhode Island currently living with the disease and up to 100 people infected each year, this disease continues to impact Rhode Islanders and people all over the world.” “Last month, with tremendous bipartisan support, Congress reauthorized the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and I was proud to be a vocal proponent of this action. As we mark the 10 year anniversary of PEPFAR, it is critical that the United States continues to play a leadership role in the fight against this disease.” “Over the past decade, PEPFAR has enabled expanded access to antiretroviral therapy for those suffering from HIV/AIDS, which has led to a decrease in deaths from this devastating disease all around the world. I will continue to work in Congress to advance our ability to eradicate this disease and to support our country in continuing its leadership role in an increasingly international effort against HIV/AIDS.” “World AIDS Day gives us a chance to join in solemn recognition of the lives lost and to recommit ourselves to the goal of ending HIV/AIDS in Rhode Island, across the country, and across the world.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-visits-small-businesses-promote-small-business-saturday | Cicilline Visits Small Businesses to Promote Small Business Saturday | 2013-12-02 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | RI | David Cicilline | C001084 | cicilline.house.gov | legacy | U.S. Congressman David Cicilline (D-RI) visited small businesses in Smithfield, Providence, Tiverton, Warren, Newport, and Jamestown on Saturday, November 30 to emphasize the importance of supporting entrepreneurs as part of “Small Business Saturday.” “I am proud to emphasize the importance of the local economy by working with Rhode Island’s small business owners to promote Small Business Saturday around the First District,” said Cicilline. “These small businesses are the core of our economy here in Rhode Island and I encourage my constituents to support them on Small Business Saturday and throughout the year.” Throughout his two terms in Congress, Cicilline has focused heavily on revitalizing small manufacturers and providing new ways for small businesses to expand. As a member of the House Committee on Small Business during his first term in Congress, Cicilline fought hard to ensure that Rhode Island small businesses have the financial resources and technical assistance they need to compete in a global economy. In his second term, he continues to introduce and support legislation aimed at strengthening Rhode Island’s economy. Earlier this year, Cicilline introduced the Make It in America Manufacturing Act – legislation to help small manufacturers retool their facilities and retrain workers with the skills they need to compete for 21st century manufacturing jobs. "As a small business owner in the state of Rhode Island for 34 years, I have always stressed the need for superior customer service and interesting product selection," said Ephraim Doumato of Doumato Jewelers in Smithfield. "However, far more important to a small business's success is its willingness to support the community. By giving back to the local area through civic groups and donations to the churches and schools our business is a member of the community. Our 15 employees live, work, and shop in our area. With the support of the community, we hope to keep our business growing in the future." Cicilline worked across the aisle to help introd… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://langevin.house.gov/newsletters/investing-education | Investing in Education | 2013-12-02 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jim Langevin | L000559 | langevin.house.gov | legacy | Error message Image resize threshold of 5 per minute reached. Some images have not been resized. Resave the content to resize remaining images. Investing in Education Dec 2, 2013 Dear Friends, With the holidays upon us, my nieces and nephew are already counting down the days until school is out for winter break. But while they look forward to getting out of school, I had the pleasure recently of going back. My Back to School tour started at Stony Lane Elementary School in North Kingstown and ended at Davies Career-Tech High School in Lincoln, where I congratulated students and teachers on their achievement as Blue Ribbon schools for excellence. I read to pre-school students enrolled in HeadStart. I toured alternative education programs like YearUp Providence and the New England Laborers Academy. I saw young people like Nick Lowinger of Gotta Have Sole making a difference in his community. I met Rhode Island Teacher of the Year Patricia Page. I spoke with college students at URI and Salve who are ready to step into leadership roles in our state. At every level of education, I was impressed by the talent and drive that Rhode Island students possess. Whenever I visit schools or meet with young people, I am reminded of my own experiences. If not for the encouragement of passionate teachers, I would not be where I am today. Of course, that passion must be paired with adequate support and resources. If we as a society truly believe in strengthening our education system – and we must – then we need to put our money where our mouth is. An investment in education is an investment in our economy, and I believe that supporting our schools, educators and, most of all, students, is essenti… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221113448/http://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-and-ri-health-care-stakeholders-highlight-how-health-reforms-are-improving-quality-of-care-and-lowering-spending- | Whitehouse & RI Health Care Stakeholders Highlight how Health Reforms are Improving Quality of Care and Lowering Spending | 2013-12-02 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | web.archive.org | legacy | Monday, December 2, 2013 Providence, RI – This morning, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Roberts met with leaders of Rhode Island’s health care industry to discuss how key reforms, some of which are part of the Affordable Care Act, are improving health care quality and lowering health spending in the state. During the roundtable, Representatives from Coastal Medical, Blue Cross Blue Shield Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Quality Institute, Care New England, and the Chronic Care Sustainability Initiative–RI discussed how each of their organizations is working to reform our unsustainable delivery system and payment models. "While Washington is transfixed by a botched website launch, Rhode Island health care leaders are steadily implementing reforms that improve the quality of care and can lower the cost for Rhode Island patients,” said U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. “Our state’s leadership on health care reform will help make health care more efficient and affordable. And we built a pretty good website, too!” "This roundtable discussion is a tremendous opportunity for innovators in our state's healthcare industry to discuss how to move our state closer to a sustainable healthcare model," said Lt. Governor Elizabeth Roberts, Chair of the RI Healthcare Reform Commission. "I'm grateful that Senator Whitehouse embraces meaningful health reform, and supports our efforts to achieve measurable improvement in the health and productivity of all Rhode Islanders, while decreasing the overall cost of care.” "As the national debate over healthcare reform becomes louder and more politicized, here at Coastal Medical we are doing the daily work of transforming our healthcare delivery system. Our patients now have access to an urgent primary care visit 365 days a year. They can use the internet to look at their test results, request an appointment, and ask a question of their healthcare team. Clinical pharmacists, nurse care managers, diabetes educators, and behavioral hea… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221091025/http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/release/reed-calls-for-more-robust-funding-to-support-food-banks | Reed Calls for More Robust Funding to Support Food Banks | 2013-11-26 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | web.archive.org | legacy | Tuesday, November 26, 2013 Reed Calls for More Robust Funding to Support Food Banks PROVIDENCE, RI -- In an effort to ensure food banks in Rhode Island and across the country are able to help vulnerable families, U.S. Senator Jack Reed is calling on Congress to listen to the needs of the hungry. Reed is seeking to strengthen the federal nutrition safety net in the Farm Bill. Today, Reed and 25 of his Senate colleagues sent a letter to key Farm Bill negotiators urging them to support a level of funding for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) that will keep pace with the demand for emergency food relief. “Congress needs to do more to help thousands of hungry Rhode Islanders meet basic nutritional needs and alleviate hunger,” said Reed. “Our food banks are working overtime to feed hungry people in the communities they serve, but they’re already stretched thin. I urge bipartisan support for our nation’s emergency food assistance network in the Farm Bill. Instead of just shifting the burden to local food banks, Congress needs to work together to improve the economy and provide cost-effective resources to support programs like TEFAP.” TEFAP is a means-tested federal program that provides food commodities through organizations like food banks, soup kitchens, and emergency shelters. TEFAP helps feed children, seniors, and families at risk of hunger and poor nutrition by enabling the U.S. Department of Agriculture to purchase surplus foods from American farmers and ship it to states with high rates of unemployment and low-income families. State agencies administer the program and leverage the funding by partnering with local organizations to distribute the TEFAP commodities and storage and distribution funding with private donations of food, infrastructure, and manpower. Last year, Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee, helped secure $311 million overall for TEFAP, and Rhode Island received approximately $1.4 million. This year, Reed is seeking… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221091852/http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/release/reed-tours-providence-career-and-technical-academy | Reed Tours Providence Career and Technical Academy | 2013-11-26 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | web.archive.org | legacy | Tuesday, November 26, 2013 Reed Tours Providence Career and Technical Academy Senator Encourages RI to Apply for a Share of New, $100 million Youth CareerConnect Grant Program PROVIDENCE, RI -- In an effort to support Rhode Island schools and ensure more students have access to hands-on training that is relevant to today’s employers, U.S. Senator Jack Reed today visited the Providence Career and Technical Academy to meet with students and faculty and discuss his latest efforts to bolster career and technical education opportunities for all students. Reed is encouraging Rhode Island schools and workforce partners to apply for a new Youth CareerConnect grant program, which will provide $100 million in competitive grants to better integrate academic and career-focused learning, work-based learning opportunities, robust employer engagement, and apprenticeships. Providence Career and Technical Academy is one of New England’s premier technical high schools, providing students with both a high-quality academic education and state-of-the-art technical training. Students get training in any one of the school’s nine available technical training programs and graduate with both a traditional high school diploma and industry-recognized certification in their chosen field. “Career and technical education programs are a key element of ensuring Rhode Island has a highly-skilled workforce that can meet labor market needs and that young people can find in-demand jobs that pay good wages and benefits and offer opportunities for career advancement,” said Reed. “Business leaders and manufacturers across Rhode Island report that one of their greatest challenges is finding qualified workers with technical skills, and I want to improve collaboration between our schools and business so these programs are aligned with the job market. We want to better prepare students for college and the workplace. Schools like Providence Career and Technical Academy… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140223063542/http://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/sen-whitehouse-applauds-administrations-effort-to-crack-down-on-dark-money-activities- | Sen. Whitehouse Applauds Administration’s Effort to Crack Down on “Dark Money” Activities | 2013-11-26 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | web.archive.org | legacy | Tuesday, November 26, 2013 Providence, RI – U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) released the statement below today regarding the Obama Administration’s newly proposed guidance to limit political activity by 501(c)(4) nonprofit organizations: “Since the Supreme Court opened the floodgates to big money in elections in its disgraceful Citizens United decision, political groups posing as ‘social welfare’ organizations have abused their nonprofit status. They run ads targeting candidates for office and raise millions of dollars in secret donations that evade campaign finance disclosure laws. Some groups appear plainly to have lied to the IRS about their activities – which are supposed to be primarily geared toward ‘social welfare’ – and then hidden behind vague rules to avoid prosecution. Today’s proposed guidance is badly needed, and could ultimately help crack down on the unlimited, secret spending plaguing our elections and corrupting our democracy.” Senator Whitehouse has long been a leading voice for campaign finance reform in the Senate. Last year he led the fight to pass the DISCLOSE Act, which would have put an end to secretive campaign spending by strengthening disclosure laws for nonprofit 501(c)(4) groups and others. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221092823/http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/release/reed-encourages-riers-to-shop-local-on-small-business-saturday-nov-30 | Reed Encourages RIers to Shop Local on Small Business Saturday: Nov 30 | 2013-11-25 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | web.archive.org | legacy | Monday, November 25, 2013 Reed Encourages RIers to Shop Local on Small Business Saturday: Nov 30 CRANSTON, RI – U.S. Senator Jack Reed is once again encouraging Rhode Islanders to support their neighborhood small businesses on Small Business Saturday, set for this Saturday, November 30. Small Business Saturday is a national movement that marks a day to support the local businesses that help create jobs, boost local economic activity, and preserve neighborhoods around the country. While “Black Friday” (the day after Thanksgiving) and “Cyber Monday” (when online retailers typically offer deals) are some of the biggest shopping day of the year for national retailers, “Small Business Saturday” is providing an economic spark for local, independently owned stores in Rhode Island and nationwide. “Small businesses are vital to our communities and our economy and the goal of this event is to get more people shopping at locally owned businesses,” said Reed, who earlier this month helped pass a resolution designating November 30, 2013 as “Small Business Saturday.” “Shopping at small businesses and supporting local companies can have a big impact on Rhode Island’s economy.” The inaugural Small Business Saturday, held in 2010, galvanized support across the country and today the movement has grown. Shops, stores, and restaurants throughout Rhode Island will be participating in a number of ways, including a “Holiday Stroll” in East Greenwich and a gift card giveaway in Westerly, where some lucky local shoppers will receive free $10 gift cards courtesy of the Westerly Chamber of Commerce. “When you shop local, it has a ripple effect through our economy,” said Reed, noting that a Chicago study of Retail Economics found that spending $100 at a locally owned store produces $68 in additional local economic impact, while doing the same at a chain store produces $43 in local impact. The Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training (RIDLT) reports that smaller employers in Rho… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-responds-announcement-iran | Cicilline Responds to Announcement with Iran | 2013-11-24 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | RI | David Cicilline | C001084 | cicilline.house.gov | legacy | PAWTUCKET - U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (D-RI) issued the following statement in response to President Obama's remarks on a deal with Iran to end Tehran's nuclear program. The deal, which puts a freeze on Iran's nuclear program for the next six months, allows for a continuation of talks toward a permanent agreement between Iran and the international community and is intended to provide an opportunity to continue negotiations without the risk that Iran will proceed further with the development of nuclear capabilities. "This tentative agreement with Iran, reached in Geneva, is a positive step towards halting Iran's nuclear program," said Cicilline, who is a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa. "This interim agreement allows the international community to continue to work to ensure that no further progress is made toward Iran's nuclear capability and that Iran reverses some past actions that have enhanced this capability. After years of tension between our two countries, this appears to be a step in the right direction and I am hopeful and even cautiously optimistic that Iran will fully comply with the requirements of this interim agreement. It is critical that we ensure that any final deal in this matter fully protects the national security interests of the United States and our allies around the world." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/sen-whitehouse-statement-on-nuclear-deal-with-iran | Sen. Whitehouse Statement on Nuclear Deal with Iran | 2013-11-24 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | 11.24.13 Sen. Whitehouse Statement on Nuclear Deal with Iran Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse released the statement below regarding the agreement on Iran’s nuclear program announced last night by President Obama: “This agreement has the potential to change the trajectory of events in the Middle East. It is only an opening step, as two sides begin to emerge from decades of enmity. Ultimately the Iranian nuclear weapons program must be fully shut down, and blind trust on our part would not be wise. With proper follow-up, however, this could mark an historic turning point toward a more peaceful world. I commend Secretary Kerry and the President.” ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-honors-legacy-president-john-f-kennedy | Cicilline Honors Legacy of President John F. Kennedy | 2013-11-22 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | RI | David Cicilline | C001084 | cicilline.house.gov | legacy | PAWTUCKET - U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (D-RI) issued the following statement to commemorate the life of President John F. Kennedy, who died 50 years ago today: “Although he served fewer than three years in office, President John F. Kennedy left behind a legacy of leadership and accomplishment that continues to inspire generations. During his time in office, President Kennedy renewed our commitment to science and technology and gave our great nation a sense of optimism and pride with his promise to put a man on the moon. At the height of the Cold War, he skillfully negotiated a diplomatic solution to the Cuban Missile Crisis and brought the world back from the brink of nuclear annihilation. And at a time when many cities and states accepted the inevitability of dehumanizing segregation, President Kennedy committed himself to advancing the cause of civil rights and racial equality by calling upon Americans to respect and value the dignity of each other.” “It has now been 50 years since his voice was silenced in Dallas, but President Kennedy's lifelong devotion to service and his visionary leadership continue to inspire Americans of all ages to give back to their country and work towards a cause that is greater than themselves. As our nation commemorates his life today, I hope all of us will continue to honor President Kennedy's memory by following his example, embracing new challenges, and working together to build a better world than the one we were given.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/sen-whitehouse-statement-on-50th-anniversary-of-president-kennedys-assassination | Sen. Whitehouse Statement on 50th Anniversary of President Kennedy’s Assassination | 2013-11-22 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | 11.22.13 Sen. Whitehouse Statement on 50th Anniversary of President Kennedy’s Assassination Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) released the statement below regarding the 50th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy: “50 years ago today, I remember coming home and watching the news on a small black and white TV, and days later sitting on my father’s shoulders to see President Kennedy's caisson roll by – a black horse with boots backwards in the stirrups frisking behind it. President Kennedy’s sudden and senseless death was a dark moment in our nation’s history – particularly here in Rhode Island, which he loved dearly and visited frequently. But his legacy of calling young Americans into the service of this great country shines on through the decades, and his ideals of optimism, courage and equality can guide us still.” ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/bicameral-climate-task-force-co-chairs-meet-with-nba-wnba-nhl-nfl-mlb-and-usoc | Bicameral Climate Task Force Co-Chairs Meet With NBA, WNBA, NHL, NFL, MLB, and USOC | 2013-11-21 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | 11.21.13 Bicameral Climate Task Force Co-Chairs Meet With NBA, WNBA, NHL, NFL, MLB, and USOC Lawmakers Release Climate Change Letters from the Major Sports Organizations WASHINGTON, DC— Today the Bicameral Task Force on Climate Change met with representatives from the NBA, WNBA, NHL, NFL, MLB, and the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) to discuss the effects of climate change on these leagues and the work the organizations are doing to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The members also released written responses from the leagues to the Task Force’s request for views on actions the federal government could take to address climate change. “Congress can learn a lot about climate change from the leagues,” said Rep. Henry A. Waxman. “They recognize the problem is real, they recognize the threat it poses to their sports, and they are acting to protect the environment.” “Our major sports organizations are taking climate change seriously and doing their part to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, because they know that few things define American society like the teams we cheer and the games we play,” said Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse. “Now it is time for Congress to set aside the polluter-fueled fantasies, and join these leagues in addressing climate change.” “Whether it’s the slow death of pond hockey or increasing heat for football practices, global warming is negatively affecting the games we play and the sports we love,” said Sen. Ed Markey. “And just like steroids have distorted some of our sports records, carbon pollution is distorting our climate, breaking records and leading to more extreme weather. So whether you root for the Miami Heat, the Oklahoma Thunder, the Carolina Hurricanes, or any team in any sport, you should be concerned about global warming’s effect on sports and the role teams and leagues have in taking action to cut pollution.” Highlights from the letters from the leagues released… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/sen-whitehouse-applauds-filibuster-change | Sen. Whitehouse Applauds Filibuster Change | 2013-11-21 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | 11.21.13 Sen. Whitehouse Applauds Filibuster Change Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) released the statement below today regarding the Senate’s decision to modify its rules to break through repeated Republican filibusters of qualified nominees: “The Constitution gives President Obama the responsibility to fill executive and judicial vacancies, and the Senate the responsibility to advise and consent. Senate Republicans recently have used filibusters to seize the Senate’s advice and consent function and give it to the minority party. Nothing in the Constitution provides for filibuster, and nothing in the Constitution gives the Senate minority party the right to obstruct nominees. This pattern of obstruction had to stop. I support Majority Leader Reid's decision today to end the obstruction and put the Senate back to work for the American people.” ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-and-whitehouse-support-good-corporate-governance | Langevin and Whitehouse Support Good Corporate Governance | 2013-11-20 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | RI | Jim Langevin | L000559 | langevin.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) introduced legislation today that would allow federal employees to make socially responsible investments (SRI) in their retirement plans. The Federal Employees Responsible Investment Act would direct the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board to select a “Corporate Responsibility Index” as an option for Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) contributions by federal employees – allowing them to direct their retirement investments toward socially responsible corporations, and away from ones with poor environmental and human rights practices. The TSP is a retirement savings and investment plan for Federal employees and members of the uniformed services that offers similar benefits as 401(k) plans. Langevin has been a strong advocate for socially responsible investment, championing legislation in the House over the past five sessions of Congress. “I strongly believe that federal workers should be able to invest in companies that demonstrate a commitment to sound environmental, social and governance practices,” said Langevin. “This legislation would allow federal employees to feel good about their investments, and would encourage companies to implement socially responsible and environmentally sustainable policies and practices. Investors are increasingly turning to socially responsible investment options because good corporate practices are often an indicator of good management, financial success and long-term stability.” Whitehouse, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, introduced companion legislation in the Senate. “Across America, more and more people are calling on institutions to use their investments to send the message that they do not support big polluters, and that they care about issues like climate change,” said Whitehouse. “This legislation will allow millions of federal government employees and retirees to send that same message – to use the power of their individual purse to tell big polluters they can’t keep poisonin… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-highlights-success-healthsource-ri | Langevin Highlights success of HealthSource RI | 2013-11-20 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | RI | Jim Langevin | L000559 | langevin.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) went to the House floor to highlight the success of the Rhode Island health insurance exchange, HealthSource RI, and delivered the following remarks: “Mister Speaker, many of my colleagues have highlighted the challenges of implementing the Affordable Care Act at the federal level. And while these must be addressed, I’d like to take a minute to highlight the success we’ve seen in Rhode Island. Although a majority of states opted not to operate an exchange of their own, Rhode Island chose to be a leader in creating a state-driven, integrated marketplace to provide quality, affordable health insurance for its citizens. “On October 1, HealthSource RI, the Ocean State’s online portal and health insurance marketplace, opened for business. It has successfully enrolled over 5,000 residents without many of the issues plaguing the federal website. Of course, we are still at the beginning stages of this process, and efforts are under way to improve and expand the successful rollout with many of our state partners. This has been a highly collaborative effort, and I look forward to continuing our work together so individuals, families and small businesses can shop for insurance that meets their needs based on transparent, competitive pricing and robust coverage.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221043742/http://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/speeches/climate-change-threatens-sports | Climate Change Threatens Sports | 2013-11-20 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | web.archive.org | legacy | As Prepared for Delivery on the Senate Floor Wednesday, November 20, 2013 Mr./Madam President, I rise today, for the fifty-first time, to urge Congress to wake up to the effects of carbon pollution on the Earth. Climate change is taking its toll on our way of life—on long-cherished American pastimes we do in the great outdoors. New Englanders, for example, have memories of ski trips in Vermont, ice hockey on frozen ponds in New Hampshire, or fishing trips off the coast of Rhode Island. All of these activities are fun and fulfilling, and leave us with indelible memories of the wonders of our natural world, but climate change is putting many of them at risk. The New York Times reported that declining snowfall and unseasonably warm weather were a drag on winter sports and recreational tourism during the 2011-2012 winter. Before the end of the century, the number of economically viable ski locations in New Hampshire and Maine will be cut in half; skiing in New York will be cut by three-quarters; and there will be no ski area in Connecticut or Massachusetts. Rhode Islanders have been skiing our beloved Yawgoo Ski Valley since the 1960s, and we don’t want it threatened by climate change. As drought and increasing temperatures reduce the snowpack in the Cascade Range and the Rocky Mountains, the future of ski and snowboarding there is at risk. The Park City Foundation in Utah predicted an annual local temperature increase of 6.8 degrees Fahrenheit by 2075, which could cause a total loss of snowpack in the lower Park City resort area. Beyond the loss to the skiing tradition in Park City, the report estimates that this will result in thousands of lost jobs, tens of millions in lost earnings, and hundreds of millions in lost economic output. No part of the country will be immune from these changes our carbon pollution is driving. Studies have found that extremely warm days in the Southeast are on the rise; ice on the Great Lakes is forming later and disappearing earlier; rain… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221055635/http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/speech/reed-speaks-about-2014-national-defense-authorization-bill | Reed Speaks about 2014 National Defense Authorization Bill | 2013-11-20 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | web.archive.org | legacy | Wednesday, November 20, 2013 Reed Speaks about 2014 National Defense Authorization Bill Mr. REED. When sexual abuse occurs in a military unit or when a servicemember is a victim or a perpetrator of sexual abuse, we have failed. Certainly the military has failed, but Congress with its constitutional mandate to ``make rules for the government and regulation of the land and naval forces'' and to ``provide for ..... disciplining the militia'' shares in that failure. This is why the efforts of Senator McCaskill, Senator Gillibrand, and indeed all of my colleagues are so important and so commendable. They have elevated this debate and challenged this Congress and our military to act. They have recognized, through their passionate advocacy, that sexual abuse not only is a violation of an individual, but it is a corrosive force that can undermine the trust that is essential for the functioning of any military unit. The essence of military service is selfless service in which every soldier, sailor, marine, and airman must be prepared to give his or her life for a comrade. Sexual abuse is the antithesis of that ethic. It represents predatory behavior and exploitation, not selfless sacrifice and protection of those you serve with. It has no place in the military, and if not eliminated, it will insidiously destroy our military. No technology, no amount of military resources can assure military success if courage and character fail. Sexual abuse is a cowardly act that betrays the ethic and character of the military. I believe we are united on this point. This debate is about preventing sexual abuse, a shared goal of every Member of the Senate, of Congress, of the military, and of this Nation. The question is how best to achieve this essential goal. I believe it requires leadership at every stage: recruitment, training, evaluation, promotion, retention, and punishment. I believe commanders must be involved in every step. They must be responsible and their subordinates must re… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221060207/http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/release/reed-to-host-free-college-financial-aid-workshop-on-monday-nov-25th | Reed to Host Free College Financial Aid Workshop on Monday, Nov. 25th | 2013-11-20 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | web.archive.org | legacy | Wednesday, November 20, 2013 Reed to Host Free College Financial Aid Workshop on Monday, Nov. 25th PROVIDENCE, RI - U.S. Senator Jack Reed will host his annual College Financial Aid Workshop next Monday, November 25 at 7:00 p.m. at Johnston Senior High School to help ensure prospective college students know how to access available financial aid. Reed’s free, informational College Financial Aid Workshop is designed to help high school students and their families get a better sense of the financial aid options available at the federal and state levels; the eligibility criteria for these different types of aid; and the application process. It is never too early for students and their families to begin focusing on how to pay for college, and Senator Reed encourages current high school seniors to begin the process now so they can take full advantage of all available resources. During the workshop, financial aid and education experts will offer tips and discuss the loan and grant application process; what to expect when applying for financial aid; the process of paying back student loans; and tax benefits to assist with college expenses. This year’s panelists include representatives from the Rhode Island Higher Education Assistance Authority, the Rhode Island Student Loan Authority, the College Planning Center of Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, and the Rhode Island Society of Certified Public Accountants. “College is expensive and applying for financial aid can be complex and daunting,” said Reed. “My goal is to ensure Rhode Islanders know all their options and have a chance to ask experts questions so they can learn the most effective way to pay for college and reduce their debt burden. This workshop will help families and students find financial aid opportunities to make college more affordable.” RSVP HERE to register for the workshop. WHO: U.S. Senator Jack Reed Charles Kelley, Executive Director at Rhode Isl… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221095258/http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/release/reed-unveils-plan-to-preserve-assistance-for-jobseekers | Reed Unveils Plan to Preserve Assistance for Jobseekers | 2013-11-20 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | web.archive.org | legacy | Wednesday, November 20, 2013 Reed Unveils Plan to Preserve Assistance for Jobseekers Senators introduce Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2013 to preserve UI for one year WASHINGTON, DC – In an effort to stabilize the economy and prevent 1.3 million Americans from having their federal jobless benefits cut off, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), and Tom Harkin (D-IA) today introduced the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) Extension Act of 2013. This bill will provide relief for both states and struggling families by extending federal unemployment insurance (UI) benefits through 2014. Similar legislation is being introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives today by U.S. Representative Sander Levin (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Ways and Means Committee. The unemployment insurance system is a partnership between the federal government and state governments that provides a temporary weekly benefit to qualified workers who lose their job and are seeking work. The amount of that benefit is based in part on a worker’s past earnings. Failure to preserve UI will hurt 1.3 million American families who will be cut off at the end of the year, and nearly another 1.9 million Americans will be denied access to the emergency program during the first six months of next year. If Congress does not renew the law, then people who file for unemployment next year will only qualify for state benefits, which last a maximum of 26 weeks. “Preserving unemployment insurance will help jobseekers, businesses, and states and provide a major economic boost to the national economy as well,” said Senator Reed, who noted that preserving UI would help prevent 13,800 Rhode Island families from losing their benefits next year. “Maintaining UI is part of a broad range of pro-growth and pro-jobs policies that Congress should be enacting. We need to bridge the partisan divide and do what is best for American families a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/langevin-and-whitehouse-support-good-corporate-governance | Langevin and Whitehouse Support Good Corporate Governance | 2013-11-20 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | 11.20.13 Langevin and Whitehouse Support Good Corporate Governance Introduce the Federal Employees Responsible Investment Act WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) introduced legislation today that would allow federal employees to make socially responsible investments (SRI) in their retirement plans. The Federal Employees Responsible Investment Act would direct the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board to select a "Corporate Responsibility Index" as an option for Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) contributions by federal employees – allowing them to direct their retirement investments toward socially responsible corporations, and away from ones with poor environmental and human rights practices. The TSP is a retirement savings and investment plan for Federal employees and members of the uniformed services that offers similar benefits as 401(k) plans. Langevin has been a strong advocate for socially responsible investment, championing legislation in the House over the past five sessions of Congress. "I strongly believe that federal workers should be able to invest in companies that demonstrate a commitment to sound environmental, social and governance practices," said Langevin. "This legislation would allow federal employees to feel good about their investments, and would encourage companies to implement socially responsible and environmentally sustainable policies and practices. Investors are increasingly turning to socially responsible investment options because good corporate practices are often an indicator of good management, financial success and long-term stability." Whitehouse, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, introduced companion legislation in the Senate. “Across America, more and more people are calling on institutions to use their investments to send the message that they do not support big polluters, and that they ca… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-supports-strong-funding-career-and-technical-education | Langevin Supports Strong Funding for Career and Technical Education | 2013-11-19 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | RI | Jim Langevin | L000559 | langevin.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI), co-chair of the bipartisan Career and Technical Education (CTE) Caucus, submitted testimony today to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, as they consider reauthorization of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act. The Perkins Act supports CTE programs in all 50 states and aligns secondary and post-secondary technical education. “High school diplomas are no longer sufficient training for the modern job market,” said Langevin, who was invited to testify based on his leadership on CTE issues. “More than 30 percent of the 46.8 million projected job openings by 2018 will require some post-secondary education. Meanwhile, eight of the top 20 fastest-growing industries in the coming decades will be in the health care sector. Many of these positions will require more than a high school education; some will necessitate a professional certification, others a two-year degree. Cuts to career and technical education would be a disservice to our young people pursuing these high-demand fields.” While the demand for CTE has increased in recent years, funding stagnated from FY07 to FY10 and was cut in FY11 and FY12. In the past year, sequestration took an additional toll. “I strongly urge the committee to set the reauthorization amount at no less than the FY07 appropriation level of $1.3 billion,” Langevin said. “Even reauthorizing Perkins at FY07 levels would represent a barely sustainable cut of $170 million in 2013 dollars and fail to keep pace with inflation. We can and must do better to ensure the success of our students and workers.” Langevin has made additional efforts to strengthen career and technical education, including introduction of the Counseling for Career Choice Act that helps school districts provide comprehensive counseling to students so they are aware of all of the available pathways to a career. “Money invested in career and technical education and career counseling is returned back to the economy many times over,” Langevin continued. “The Perkin… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221095101/http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/release/reeds-layoff-prevention-law-helps-save-over-950-ri-jobs | Reed’s Layoff Prevention Law Helps Save over 950 RI Jobs | 2013-11-19 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | web.archive.org | legacy | Tuesday, November 19, 2013 Reed’s Layoff Prevention Law Helps Save over 950 RI Jobs Nationwide, Reed’s law has helped save more than 92,000 jobs WASHINGTON, DC – According to the latest figures from the U.S. Department of Labor, Rhode Island has saved over 950 jobs since February of 2012 thanks to Senator Jack Reed’s law providing federal support to state work sharing programs (also known as Short-Term Compensation (STC) programs). Reed’s law provides an estimated $500 million nationwide for business-state partnerships to help prevent layoffs. Since it was enacted in 2012, Rhode Island has received over $6 million in federal reimbursements and grants from Reed’s law and has used those funds to help save 968 jobs. STC programs help people who are currently employed, but in danger of being laid off, keep their jobs. These programs keep workers on the job by giving struggling companies the flexibility to reduce hours instead of their workforce, helping them save on rehiring costs while employees keep their jobs and receive a portion of Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits to make up for lost wages. Companies are able to remain competitive by lowering costs and keeping a skilled work force, employees keep their jobs and health benefits, and states only pay a fraction of the price it would cost if the workers went on unemployment. “This is a proven, cost-effective program that helps more workers earn a steady paycheck and allows companies to save when they’re forced to temporarily scale back,” said Reed. “Giving states an incentive to expand their work sharing programs is a smart investment in preventing future layoffs and blunting economic downturns.” Rhode Island’s work sharing initiative has helped save over 15,000 jobs since 2008. Under Reed’s law, the state will be relieved of all work sharing payments through 2015. Rhode Island is among 27 states and the District of Columbia that have implemented similar programs, saving ov… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cicilline.house.gov/event/forum-congressman-cicilline-and-liberian-community-rhode-island | A Forum with Congressman Cicilline and the Liberian Community of Rhode Island | 2013-11-18 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | RI | David Cicilline | C001084 | cicilline.house.gov | legacy | Please join U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline for a forum to discuss his recent trip to Liberia as a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee on Sunday, November 24 at 3:00 p.m at the Juanita Sanchez Educational Complex Cafetorium. The meeting will serve as a forum to discuss the state of affairs in Liberia, and engage the Liberian community of Rhode Island in a discussion about the Congressman’s experiences during his visit. For more information, please call 729-5600 or send an email to david.cicilline@mail.house.gov. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221065554/http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/release/new-effort-to-boost-jobs-in-ri-through-foreign-investment-reed-taveras-pathway-capital-partners-announce-first-ri-based-eb-5-regional-center | New Effort to Boost Jobs in RI through Foreign Investment: Reed, Taveras, Pathway Capital Partners announce first RI-based EB-5 Regional Center | 2013-11-18 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | web.archive.org | legacy | Monday, November 18, 2013 New Effort to Boost Jobs in RI through Foreign Investment: Reed, Taveras, Pathway Capital Partners announce first RI-based EB-5 Regional Center PROVIDENCE, RI – In an effort to spur job creation and boost economic development in Rhode Island, U.S. Senator Jack Reed, Providence Mayor Angel Taveras, and officials from Pathway Capital Partners, today gathered at Pathway’s Providence headquarters to announce a new EB-5 Regional Center aimed at attracting foreign investment to Rhode Island. Created by Congress in the 1990s, the Immigrant Investor Program, also known as “EB-5,” is a visa program designed to attract new capital from foreign investors interested in making a substantial investment in the U.S. economy. Under the EB-5 Regional Center Pilot Program, multiple foreign investors join together, each of them contributing at least $500,000 toward new U.S. business ventures that will result in a minimum of 10 full time jobs. There are currently over 320 EB-5 Regional Centers operating in the U.S., including a dozen in New England, but until now there haven’t been any based in Rhode Island. This new center could help create jobs in the Ocean State and raise Rhode Island’s profile among international investors. Regional Centers identify investment opportunities that will create jobs in local communities, often in partnership with economic development agencies. They also assist in marketing those investment opportunities to investors from around the world and ensure that the investment offering complies with federal and state securities laws and SEC regulations as well as specific EB-5 requirements. The centers are designated by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the federal agency in charge of lawful immigration into the United States. “Our designation will give developers a unique opportunity to capitalize projects in Rhode Island with the participation of foreign investors. The access to capital requires a mandate for j… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-statement-turkish-prime-minister | Cicilline Statement on Turkish Prime Minister | 2013-11-15 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | RI | David Cicilline | C001084 | cicilline.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON - U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (D-RI) issued the following statement after Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan claimed "there is no country named Cyprus:" "I am appalled by Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan’s insensitive comments this week regarding the sovereign nation of Cyprus. The Prime Minister’s refusal to acknowledge the illegal occupation of Cyprus, the religious freedom of Greek Cypriots, and the legitimacy of this great nation is an affront to anyone who respects the rule of law and Cyprus’s right to self-determination. I urge the Obama administration to immediately repudiate these comments in the strongest possible terms and reiterate the United States’ longstanding support and recognition of the Republic of Cyprus." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/senators-introduce-bipartisan-prison-reform-bill | Senators Introduce Bipartisan Prison Reform Bill | 2013-11-15 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | 11.15.13 Senators Introduce Bipartisan Prison Reform Bill Legislation Would Help Reduce Recidivism Washington, DC – As federal prison and detention costs continue to skyrocket, U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Rob Portman (R-OH) are pushing legislation that would help lower costs and reduce recidivism. The Senators recently introduced the Recidivism Reduction & Public Safety Act of 2013 (S. 1675), which would allow inmates to earn sentence-reduction credit for completing programming aimed at helping them re-enter society – potentially saving hundreds of millions of dollars in federal spending. The legislation has already been listed on the Judiciary Committee’s markup agenda, in recognition of the important need to address the problem of ever-increasing prison costs. During the last fiscal year, the costs of detaining federal inmates represented more than 30% of the Justice Department’s budget. Since 2000, costs associated with federal prisons and detention have doubled. As a result, funding for other important federal law enforcement priorities – from stopping cyber threats to providing services for victims of crime – has suffered. The legislation builds on successful reforms implemented by states across the country that cut prison spending while reducing recidivism and better protecting the public. A recent report from the Urban Institute estimated that several of the provisions in the bill could save the federal government at least $275 million over ten years, which could be spent on other law enforcement priorities. “As a former state and federal prosecutor, I recognize that there are no easy solutions to overflowing prison populations and skyrocketing corrections spending,” said Whitehouse, a former U.S. Attorney and Attorney General for Rhode Island. “But states like Rhode Island have shown that it is possible to cut prison costs while making the public safer. Inmates better pr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cicilline.house.gov/event/neighborhood-conversation-congressman-cicilline-3 | A Neighborhood Conversation with Congressman Cicilline | 2013-11-14 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | RI | David Cicilline | C001084 | cicilline.house.gov | legacy | Please join U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline for a neighborhood conversation Tuesday, November 26, at 5:30 PM at the Pawtucket Public Library. This forum will be an opportunity to discuss Congressman Cicilline's work in Washington, as well as an opportunity to ask questions, voice opinions, or express any concerns you have regarding issues like: A jobs and manufacturing agenda for Rhode Island Protecting the guarantee of Medicare and Social Security Honoring our responsibilities to our veterans Keeping student loan rates low Achieving comprehensive immigration reform For more information, please call 729-5600 or send an email to david.cicilline@mail.house.gov. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-recognizes-national-adoption-month | Langevin Recognizes National Adoption Month | 2013-11-14 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | RI | Jim Langevin | L000559 | langevin.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) is partnering with the “Adoptive Family Portrait Project” to raise awareness about the needs of children living without permanent families and the importance of foster care adoption. There are an estimated 400,000 children in foster care in the United States, and more than 100,000 of those are waiting to be adopted. Today, Langevin presents Adoption RI with the Drenda Lakin Memorial Award for Continuing Services to Adoptive Families at a reception for the “Adoptive Family Portrait Project.” “I was fortunate to grow up in a family with many foster brothers and sisters over the years. My parents taught me the importance of helping others in need, and their dedication to children living in the foster care system has stayed with me and continues to shape my work in Congress,” Langevin said. “I have long advocated for better support systems for foster youth and the families who care for them, and I hope that individuals and communities across the country will honor National Adoption Month this November by helping to raise awareness of foster care adoption.” In addition to his work with the Adoptive Family Portrait Project, Langevin signed on as an original cosponsor of a House resolution to support the goals and ideals of National Adoption Day and National Adoption Month. Earlier this month, he also introduced H.R. 3423, the Protecting Adopted Children Act, which provides pre- and post-adoptive counseling and support services to ease the transition for children and families. Through “Voice for Adoption,” a national advocacy organization, Langevin was paired with the Rabieau family from Harrisville for the “Adoptive Family Portrait Project” in an effort to raise awareness and support during National Adoption Month. Lisa Rabieau is the proud single mother of four adopted children, all from state care. “Every one of my kids meets the definition of special needs, but I just see them as special,” Lisa said. “Through tears and smiles, heartache and love, the word adoption defines us as much a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/us-senate-passes-childrens-hospital-graduate-medical-education-bill | U.S. Senate Passes Children’s Hospital Graduate Medical Education Bill | 2013-11-14 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | 11.14.13 U.S. Senate Passes Children’s Hospital Graduate Medical Education Bill Bill includes Whitehouse fix to include RI children’s psychiatric hospital Washington, DC – This week, the United States Senate unanimously approved the Children’s Hospital GME Support Reauthorization Act of 2013. The legislation, which authorizes federal support for graduate medical education (GME) in freestanding children’s hospitals, includes a provision authored by U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) that extends the program to children’s psychiatric hospitals like Bradley Hospital in Rhode Island. If this bill is signed into law, children’s psychiatric hospitals will be eligible for the same CHGME funding that general hospitals have benefitted from for years. Senators Whitehouse and Jack Reed (D-RI), original cosponsors of the legislation, have long advocated for the inclusion of Bradley and other children’s psychiatric hospitals in the Children’s Hospitals GME payment program. This would help address the shortfall in mental health professionals that specialize in treating children and adolescents. Senator Whitehouse's provision accomplishes this. “We must support medical training programs that teach new health professionals how to treat children's mental and behavioral health conditions, not just physical ones," said Whitehouse, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. “My provision will include children’s psychiatric hospitals in the CHGME program, so these hospitals can build and sustain their residency programs. I was pleased the Senate acted in a bipartisan manner to pass the CHGME bill with this provision included, and I urge the House to act quickly to do the same.” “I have fought to address the omission of children's psychiatric teaching hospitals for years because I believe it is essential to end discriminatory funding policies against children with mental he… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/bipartisan-coalition-38-members-congress-urge-federal-funding-fisheries-disaster | Bipartisan Coalition of 38 Members of Congress Urge Federal Funding for Fisheries Disaster | 2013-11-13 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | RI | David Cicilline | C001084 | cicilline.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC – In a bipartisan, bicameral letter to House and Senate leadership, 38 members of Congress — including all four members of Rhode Island’s Congressional delegation — today urged funding for fisheries disaster relief in the final funding package for Fiscal Year 2014. Last year, the U.S. Department of Commerce declared a federal fishery failure for the Northeast multispecies fishery for the 2013 season. Led by Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), the Senate Appropriations Committee approved legislation to include $150 million to provide a variety of assistance to help fishermen cope with the effects of the disaster in the FY 2014 Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies (CJS) appropriations bill. Last year, the Senate included this funding as part of the disaster assistance supplemental appropriations bill but it was stripped out by the House. As a result, many fishermen who have been impacted by the disasters have been waiting for assistance for more than a year. “Fishing is vital to local economies and provides a critical part of our domestic food supply. Providing this assistance is a matter of fairness for those fishermen and fishing communities that have been hit hard by disasters,” said Reed, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee who led the effort to include this assistance in the Senate CJS Appropriations bill. “Rhode Island's fishing industry has been hit hard in recent years by depleted fish stocks, tighter regulations, and a tough economy,“ said Whitehouse. ”This funding could provide badly needed assistance to our fishermen.” “Fishing and marine trades industries are a major part of the Rhode Island economy,” said Langevin. “In 2011 alone, Rhode Island fishermen brought in more than $76 million in revenue. We need to support their livelihood and protect a critical piece of our economy at the same time. These funds will help counteract the negative impacts of the 2013 fishery failure and will allow for reinvestment in preserving and promotin… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-joins-republican-small-business-committee-chair-bipartisan-effort-support | Cicilline Joins Republican Small Business Committee Chair in Bipartisan Effort to Support American Entrepreneurs | 2013-11-13 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | RI | David Cicilline | C001084 | cicilline.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (D-RI) today stood with Small Business Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) and U.S. Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) to introduce a resolution that would designate November 30, 2013, as Small Business Saturday. “I am proud to work across the aisle to introduce this resolution and stand with more than 93,000 small businesses that make up the backbone of Rhode Island’s economy,” said Cicilline. “Small Business Saturday is a commonsense, bipartisan effort to support the hardworking men and women who create jobs and bring life to our local communities, and I look forward to working with members of both parties to support this initiative.” As a member of the House Committee on Small Business during his first term in Congress, Cicilline fought hard to ensure that Rhode Island small businesses have the financial resources and technical assistance they need to compete in a global economy. In addition to bringing Administrator Karen Mills of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to Rhode Island, Cicilline has introduced the Make It in America Manufacturing Act – legislation to help small manufacturers retool their facilities and retrain workers with the skills they need to compete for 21st century manufacturing jobs. “Small Business Saturday is a great way to say ‘thank you’ to a small business near you, especially during the holiday shopping season,” Graves said. “America’s small businesses help define what communities are all about. Small firms create seven out of every ten new jobs, and employ nearly half of all private sector employees in the United States. Small businesses make a big difference in our nation’s economy and their growth is essential to a stronger recovery." As in previous years, Cicilline plans to support Rhode Island small businesses this year with a tour through the First District for Small Business Saturday. Further details regarding these events will be released at a later date. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://langevin.house.gov/press-release/bipartisan-coalition-urges-federal-funding-fisheries-disaster | Bipartisan Coalition Urges Federal Funding for Fisheries Disaster | 2013-11-13 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | RI | Jim Langevin | L000559 | langevin.house.gov | legacy | In a bipartisan, bicameral letter to House and Senate leadership, 38 members of Congress – including all four members of Rhode Island’s Congressional delegation – today urged funding for fisheries disaster relief in the final funding package for Fiscal Year 2014. Last year, the U.S. Department of Commerce declared a federal fishery failure for the Northeast multispecies fishery for the 2013 season. Led by Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), the Senate Appropriations Committee approved legislation to include $150 million to provide a variety of assistance to help fishermen cope with the effects of the disaster in the FY 2014 Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies (CJS) appropriations bill. Last year, the Senate included this funding as part of the disaster assistance supplemental appropriations bill but it was stripped out by the House. As a result, many fishermen who have been impacted by the disasters have been waiting for assistance for more than a year. “Fishing is vital to local economies and provides a critical part of our domestic food supply. Providing this assistance is a matter of fairness for those fishermen and fishing communities that have been hit hard by disasters,” said Reed, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee who led the effort to include this assistance in the Senate CJS Appropriations bill. “Rhode Island’s fishing industry has been hit hard in recent years by depleted fish stocks, tighter regulations, and a tough economy,” said Whitehouse. “This funding could provide badly needed assistance to our fishermen.” “Fishing and marine trades industries are a major part of the Rhode Island economy,” said Langevin. “In 2011 alone, Rhode Island fishermen brought in more than $76 million in revenue. We need to support their livelihood and protect a critical piece of our economy at the same time. These funds will help counteract the negative impacts of the 2013 fishery failure and will allow for reinvestment in preserving and promoting the fishing industry.” “R… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20131203183542/http://www.whitehouse.senate.gov:80/news/speeches/sen-whitehouses-50th-weekly-climate-change-speech | Sen. Whitehouse's 50th Weekly Climate Change Speech | 2013-11-13 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | web.archive.org | legacy | As delivered on the Senate floor Wednesday, November 13, 2013 Mr. President, I am here today, for now the fiftieth time, to urge my colleagues to wake up to what carbon pollution is doing to our atmosphere and our oceans. Once a week. Fifty weeks. Every week. Why? Why do I do this? Well, first, because it’s real. It’s very real. It’s happening. Here’s the change in average global surface temperature since 1970. [Show Global Surface Temperature Chart] It’s pretty hard to deny. Of course, if you are a denier, you will look at it and you will see from the same data that it stopped. Well, what the deniers who tell you that it stopped don’t tell you is that, yeah, and it stopped five times earlier on the way up. [Show Temperature Steps Chart] In fact, you could say that climate change has stopped six times since the 1970s. And even went down. But it didn’t stay stopped long. [Show Temperature Trend Chart] Look at the linear trend for the whole data set—from 1970 to 2013; no one can deny over this period that the earth is warming. This decade was warmer than the last, which was warmer than the one before that, which was warmer than the one before that. [Show Temperature Record 1880-2012 Chart] Let’s look at NASA’s entire historical surface temperature record, going back to the nineteenth century. Listen to what University of California-Berkley physics professor Richard Muller has to say about the temperature record: “The frequent rises and falls, virtually a stair-step pattern, are part of the historic record, and there is no expectation that they will stop, whatever their cause… [T]he land temperature record … is full of fits and starts that make the upward trend vanish for short periods. Regardless of whether we understand them, there is no reason to expect them to stop.” And here you can see again these short steps in the upward march. One reason we can’t expect these upward steps to stop is that we know what’s driving them. What’s driving climate change is … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221062442/http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/release/bipartisan-coalition-of-38-members-of-congress-urge-federal-funding-for-fisheries-disaster | Bipartisan Coalition of 38 Members of Congress Urge Federal Funding for Fisheries Disaster | 2013-11-13 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | web.archive.org | legacy | Wednesday, November 13, 2013 Bipartisan Coalition of 38 Members of Congress Urge Federal Funding for Fisheries Disaster WASHINGTON, DC – In a bipartisan, bicameral letter to House and Senate leadership, 38 members of Congress - including all four members of Rhode Island’s Congressional delegation - today urged funding for fisheries disaster relief in the final funding package for Fiscal Year 2014. Last year, the U.S. Department of Commerce declared a federal fishery failure for the Northeast multispecies fishery for the 2013 season. Led by Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), the Senate Appropriations Committee approved legislation to include $150 million to provide a variety of assistance to help fishermen cope with the effects of the disaster in the FY 2014 Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies (CJS) appropriations bill. Last year, the Senate included this funding as part of the disaster assistance supplemental appropriations bill but it was stripped out by the House. As a result, many fishermen who have been impacted by the disasters have been waiting for assistance for more than a year. “Fishing is vital to local economies and provides a critical part of our domestic food supply. Providing this assistance is a matter of fairness for those fishermen and fishing communities that have been hit hard by disasters,” said Reed, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee who led the effort to include this assistance in the Senate CJS Appropriations bill. “Rhode Island's fishing industry has been hit hard in recent years by depleted fish stocks, tighter regulations, and a tough economy," said Whitehouse. "This funding could provide badly needed assistance to our fishermen.” “Fishing and marine trades industries are a major part of the Rhode Island economy,” said Langevin. “In 2011 alone, Rhode Island fishermen brought in more than $76 million in revenue. We need to support their livelihood and protect a critical piece of o… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140223063745/http://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/bipartisan-coalition-of-38-members-of-congress-urges-federal-funding-for-fisheries-disaster- | Bipartisan Coalition of 38 Members of Congress Urges Federal Funding for Fisheries Disaster | 2013-11-13 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | web.archive.org | legacy | Wednesday, November 13, 2013 WASHINGTON, DC – In a bipartisan, bicameral letter to House and Senate leadership, 38 members of Congress - including all four members of Rhode Island’s Congressional delegation - today urged funding for fisheries disaster relief in the final funding package for Fiscal Year 2014. Last year, the U.S. Department of Commerce declared a federal fishery failure for the Northeast multispecies fishery for the 2013 season. Led by Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), the Senate Appropriations Committee approved legislation to include $150 million to provide a variety of assistance to help fishermen cope with the effects of the disaster in the FY 2014 Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies (CJS) appropriations bill. Last year, the Senate included this funding as part of the disaster assistance supplemental appropriations bill but it was stripped out by the House. As a result, many fishermen who have been impacted by the disasters have been waiting for assistance for more than a year. “Fishing is vital to local economies and provides a critical part of our domestic food supply. Providing this assistance is a matter of fairness for those fishermen and fishing communities that have been hit hard by disasters,” said Reed, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee who led the effort to include this assistance in the Senate CJS Appropriations bill. “Rhode Island's fishing industry has been hit hard in recent years by depleted fish stocks, tighter regulations, and a tough economy," said Whitehouse. "This funding could provide badly needed assistance to our fishermen.” “Fishing and marine trades industries are a major part of the Rhode Island economy,” said Langevin. “In 2011 alone, Rhode Island fishermen brought in more than $76 million in revenue. We need to support their livelihood and protect a critical piece of our economy at the same time. These funds will help counteract the negative impacts of the 2013 fishery failure and will al… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-honors-veterans-day-new-legislation | Langevin Honors Veterans Day with New Legislation | 2013-11-11 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | RI | Jim Langevin | L000559 | langevin.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) honored veterans as he announced the introduction of the Veterans Homebuyer Accessibility Act, legislation that would make it easier for veterans to purchase homes and for disabled veterans to make adaptive modifications to their homes. “The transition from military life overseas back to the United States is a challenging time for our veterans. We should be doing everything in our power to make that assimilation easier, including supporting veterans as they set roots in their communities,” said Langevin. “They have done so much for our country, protecting our lives and our freedoms, and we must return the favor. All veterans deserve safe, affordable and accessible housing.” The Veterans Homebuyer Accessibility Act would provide a tax credit of up to $8,000 for specially adaptive housing improvements and a first-time homebuyer tax credit of up to $8,000 to eligible veterans through 2016. The bipartisan legislation is cosponsored by Congressman Paul Cook (R-CA) and Congressman Alcee Hastings (D-FL), and is endorsed by the American Legion, the Vietnam Veterans of America, the Paralyzed Veterans of America and the Association of the United States Navy. Erik B. Wallin, executive director of Operation Stand Down Rhode Island, a non-profit that focuses on ending homelessness for local veterans, commented, “our warfighters face many challenges in transitioning back to civilian life. Those challenges are even more profound when these heroes have suffered a disabling injury. Our grateful nation should do all it can to assist these brave men and women in purchasing safe and adapted housing.” “I am so proud to introduce this legislation, which represents one piece of the puzzle in our nation’s ongoing commitment to those in the armed services,” Langevin continued. “It is especially exciting to announce this effort on Veterans Day, a time when all Rhode Islanders and Americans can come together to reflect on the service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-delauro-co-host-forum-highlighting-%E2%80%9Cwhen-women-succeed-america-succeeds%E2%80%9D | Cicilline, DeLauro Co-Host Forum Highlighting “When Women Succeed, America Succeeds” Economic Agenda | 2013-11-08 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | RI | David Cicilline | C001084 | cicilline.house.gov | legacy | PAWTUCKET – Dozens of Rhode Islanders joined U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (D-RI) and U.S. Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) at the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce this afternoon for a forum discussion on women’s economic issues. “I want to thank David for hosting this important forum and having me in Providence to discuss the women’s economic agenda,” DeLauro said. “Women are really struggling financially. They are looking for an increase in the minimum wage, equal pay, educational opportunities to raise their income – to support their families and have a chance for a better life. For women and families to succeed, for Rhode Island to succeed, for America to succeed, we need to ensure women are getting equal and rising pay, that they can take paid time off from work when they need it, and that they have access to quality, affordable child care. Taken together, this agenda can make a profoundly positive difference for women and our entire economy. Both David and I will not rest until it has become the law of the land.” Cicilline and DeLauro discussed their work to promote women’s economic concerns in the United States House of Representatives. Other speakers included Rhode Island State Senator Gayle Goldin, who also serves as the strategic initiatives officer for the Women’s Fund of Rhode Island, and Deb Masland, a Rhode Island resident who discussed her personal experience balancing work and family responsibilities. "Policies that ensure equality for women are good for families and our economy, in Rhode Island and across the country,” said Goldin. “I applaud Congressman Cicilline and Congresswoman DeLauro for their ongoing work to stand up and fight on behalf of working women.” Despite the progress made to promote gender equality over the years, Rhode Island women still earn an average of only 81 cents for every dollar earned by men. According to the National Partnership for Women and Families, only about one out of every ten American employees receive paid family leave through their job, and le… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-delauro-co-host-forum-highlighting-%E2%80%9Cwhen-women-succeed-america-succeeds%E2%80%9D-0 | Cicilline, DeLauro Co-Host Forum Highlighting “When Women Succeed, America Succeeds” Economic Agenda | 2013-11-08 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | RI | David Cicilline | C001084 | cicilline.house.gov | legacy | PAWTUCKET – Dozens of Rhode Islanders joined U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (D-RI) and U.S. Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) at the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce this afternoon for a forum discussion on women’s economic issues. “I want to thank David for hosting this important forum and having me in Providence to discuss the women’s economic agenda,” DeLauro said. “Women are really struggling financially. They are looking for an increase in the minimum wage, equal pay, educational opportunities to raise their income – to support their families and have a chance for a better life. For women and families to succeed, for Rhode Island to succeed, for America to succeed, we need to ensure women are getting equal and rising pay, that they can take paid time off from work when they need it, and that they have access to quality, affordable child care. Taken together, this agenda can make a profoundly positive difference for women and our entire economy. Both David and I will not rest until it has become the law of the land.” Cicilline and DeLauro discussed their work to promote women’s economic concerns in the United States House of Representatives. Other speakers included Rhode Island State Senator Gayle Goldin, who also serves as the strategic initiatives officer for the Women’s Fund of Rhode Island, and Deb Masland, a Rhode Island resident who discussed her personal experience balancing work and family responsibilities. "Policies that ensure equality for women are good for families and our economy, in Rhode Island and across the country,” said Goldin. “I applaud Congressman Cicilline and Congresswoman DeLauro for their ongoing work to stand up and fight on behalf of working women.” Despite the progress made to promote gender equality over the years, Rhode Island women still earn an average of only 81 cents for every dollar earned by men. According to the National Partnership for Women and Families, only about one out of every ten American employees receive paid family leave through their job, and less t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-praises-senate-passage-enda | Cicilline Praises Senate Passage of ENDA | 2013-11-07 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | RI | David Cicilline | C001084 | cicilline.house.gov | legacy | PAWTUCKET - U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (D-RI), who serves as a co-chair of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus, issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate voted 64-32 to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which is co-sponsored by a bipartisan coalition of 196 legislators in the U.S. House: “Earlier today, Republicans and Democrats in the United States Senate took a historic step on behalf of equal rights and worked together to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act – a commonsense bill that ensures no American can lose their job because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Now that the Senate has acted in a bipartisan fashion to prevent workplace discrimination, it is time for the House to do the same. The House Republican leadership should acknowledge the overwhelming support that exists for ENDA and allow a vote on extending these basic protections to hardworking Americans in every state. I look forward to continuing to work alongside members who are willing to set aside our partisan differences and do the right thing for LGBT Americans.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/sen-whitehouse-statement-on-passage-of-enda | Sen. Whitehouse Statement on Passage of ENDA | 2013-11-07 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | 11.07.13 Sen. Whitehouse Statement on Passage of ENDA Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) released the statement below regarding the Senate’s vote to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which will protect LGBT workers from discrimination based on their sexual orientation: “No one should fear persecution at work because of who they love. I was proud to join my colleagues in supporting this legislation to provide important workplace protections for LGBT Americans, and I hope the House of Representatives will soon pass it as well.” ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20131125033817/http://www.reed.senate.gov:80/news/release/reed-grassley-fines-and-penalties-for-wrongdoing-should-not-be-tax-deductible | Reed-Grassley: Fines and Penalties For Wrongdoing Should Not be Tax Deductible | 2013-11-06 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | web.archive.org | legacy | Wednesday, November 6, 2013 Reed-Grassley: Fines and Penalties For Wrongdoing Should Not be Tax Deductible WASHINGTON, DC – In an effort to protect taxpayers, hold corporate wrongdoers accountable, and deter future fraud and abuse, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) are introducing legislation to rescind tax write-offs for illegal corporate behavior. The bipartisan Government Settlement Transparency & Reform Act would close a loophole that has allowed some corporations to reap tax benefits from payments made at government direction stemming from settling misdeeds. Corporations accused of illegal activity routinely settle legal disputes with the government out of court because it allows both the company and the government to avoid the time, expense, and uncertainty of going to trial. Federal law prohibits companies from deducting public fines and penalties from their taxable income. But under current law, offending companies may often write off any portion of a settlement that is not paid directly to the government as a penalty or fine for violation of the law. This allows some companies to lower their tax bill by claiming settlement payments to non-federal entities as tax deductible business expenses. The Reed-Grassley bill would require the government and the settling party to reach pre-filing agreements on how the settlement payments should be treated for tax purposes. The bill clarifies the rules about what settlement payments are punitive and therefore non-deductible and increases transparency by requiring the government to file a return at the time of settlement to accurately reflect the tax treatment of the amounts that will be paid by the offending party. “A penalty is supposed to deter others because it causes pain to a company’s bottom line. If a company is paying thousands, millions, or even billions in fines, it shouldn’t save money for those same misdeeds, it should be held accountable. The law needs to change to ensu… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221043723/http://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/speeches/time-to-wake-up-the-deniers-playbook- | Time to Wake Up: The Denier's Playbook | 2013-11-06 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | web.archive.org | legacy | As delivered on the Senate floor Wednesday, November 6, 2013 I’m here today, for what is now the forty-ninth straight week in which the Senate has been in session, to urge that we wake up to the effects of carbon pollution on the Earth’s oceans and climate; to sweep away the manufactured doubt that so often surrounds this issue, and to get serious about the threat that we face from climate change. When I come to the floor I often have a specialized subject. I talk about the oceans and how they’re affected by carbon pollution. Or I talk about the economics around carbon pollution. Or I talk about the faith community’s interest in carbon pollution. Today I want to talk about the role of the media in all of this. We count in America on the press to report faithfully and accurately on our changing world, and to awaken the public to apparent mounting threats. Our Constitution gives the press special, vital rights, so that they can perform this special, vital role. But what happens when the press fails in this role? What happens when the press stops being independent, when it becomes the bedfellow of special interests? The Latin phrase, “Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?”, who will watch the watchmen themselves, becomes then the question. The press are supposed to scrutinize all of us. Who watches them when they fail at their independent role? I want to speak about a very specific example: the editorial page of one of our nation’s leading publications, the Wall Street Journal. The Wall Street Journal is one of America’s great newspapers, and there is probably none better when it comes to news coverage and to reporting. It is a paragon in journalism…until you turn to the editorial page, and then you step into a chasm of polluter sludge when the issue is harmful industrial pollutants. When that is the issue, harmful industrial pollutants, this editorial page will mislead its readers, will deny the scientific consensus, it will ignore its excellent news pages’ actual reportin… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cicilline.house.gov/event/affordable-care-act-workshop-uninsured-families | Affordable Care Act Workshop for Uninsured Families | 2013-11-05 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | RI | David Cicilline | C001084 | cicilline.house.gov | legacy | Join Congressman David N. Cicilline and HealthSource RI staff, as well as federal and state offices, for a workshop regarding the opportunities the Affordable Care Act provides for uninsured Rhode Island families. This event will be held on Saturday, November 9th, at Thundermist Health Center, 450 Clinton Street in Woonsocket at 1pm. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/sen-whitehouse-named-to-water-infrastructure-bill-conference-committee | Sen. Whitehouse Named to Water Infrastructure Bill Conference Committee | 2013-11-05 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | 11.05.13 Sen. Whitehouse Named to Water Infrastructure Bill Conference Committee Legislation includes Whitehouse measure to create oceans endowment Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) today was appointed as a member of the joint House-Senate conference committee convened to merge the versions of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2013 passed by the two chambers. The legislation authorizes and reforms civil works programs and policies for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Senate-passed bill includes an amendment authored by Whitehouse to establish a National Endowment for the Oceans, Coasts, and Great Lakes. “As a member of this conference committee, I’ll be working to improve the ability of the Army Corps to carry out its mission in Rhode Island and across the country,” said Whitehouse. “My other priority will be the National Endowment for the Oceans, which passed the Senate with strong bipartisan support. The Endowment would support ocean and coastal research and restoration projects critical to fisheries, tourism, and recreation – bolstering Rhode Island’s and our nation’s coastal economies and ecosystems.” The Water Resources Development Act authorizes the Army Corps to assist with flood protection, ecosystem restoration, and navigation and facilitate the flow of commerce. The bill is expected to support up to 500,000 jobs. When funded, the National Endowment for the Oceans would make grants available to coastal and Great Lakes states, local governments, academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations. The grants would support research, restoration, and conservation efforts, including projects to restore habitat, manage fisheries, plan for sustainable coastal development, enhance ocean monitoring and research activities, acquire coastal properties for preservation and recreation, and relocate critical coastal infrastructure. Other Senate members of the conf… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221060839/http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/release/reed-announces-207-million-for-ri-winter-heat-aid | Reed Announces $20.7 Million for RI Winter Heat Aid | 2013-11-04 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | web.archive.org | legacy | Monday, November 4, 2013 Reed Announces $20.7 Million for RI Winter Heat Aid PROVIDENCE, RI – U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today announced that the Obama Administration is releasing $2.9 billion in low-income heating assistance funds under the FY 2014 Continuing Resolution (CR). Under this release, Rhode Island will receive $20.7 million. Earlier this year, Senators Reed and Susan Collins (R-ME) worked to include language in the continuing resolution to fund LIHEAP at the higher Fiscal Year 2012 enacted level of $3.47 billion. Unfortunately, this funding remains subject to automatic, across the board sequestration cuts, which both Senators oppose and support addressing. Without the Reed-Collins language, LIHEAP would have been subject to even deeper cuts during the cold winter months ahead. “I am pleased the Obama Administration is releasing this vital heating assistance. LIHEAP helps families in need deal with heating and financial challenges during the cold winter months. With winter approaching it is critical to speed this assistance to seniors and low-income families in time to help with their heating bills,” said Reed, noting that about 34,000 Rhode Islanders depend on LIHEAP to help with their energy bills. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), states will soon receive 90% of their full year allocations under the FY 2014 Continuing Resolution. This level gives states certainty to plan for their upcoming heating season while allowing Congress flexibility in setting its final funding level for the program in a final 2014 appropriation, as required by the CR. “LIHEAP funds are now available for folks needing assistance with their energy bills. Residents seeking LIHEAP aid may schedule an appointment with their local Community Action Partnership office to apply. We want to ensure seniors and families stay safe and warm this winter,” said Reed. Rhode Islanders wishing to apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Pr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://langevin.house.gov/newsletters/back-business | Back to Business | 2013-11-01 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | RI | Jim Langevin | L000559 | langevin.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friends, When I last reached out to you, exactly one month ago, it was the first day of a government shutdown. The shutdown would end up lasting 16 days and cost our economy an estimated $24 billion. Our country simultaneously came dangerously close to defaulting on our debt, a financial disaster that would have been unprecedented in our nation’s history. Needless to say, it has been a challenging time in Washington. But just one week after these manufactured crises were avoided and a budget conference convened, I got to experience firsthand some of the good news that is too often overlooked in Rhode Island. The Rhode Island Foundation launched the “It’s All In Our Backyard” campaign to address what CEO Neil Steinberg calls a serious “self-esteem problem” in our state. Our economy is certainly facing challenges, but there are also bright spots to celebrate. If we want to bring in new business, and encourage existing business to set roots and expand here, we need to play to our strengths. The Foundation has done just that, and they graciously led me on a tour to see some success stories in action. From Armando & Sons Meat Market in Providence to Fielding Manufacturing in Cranston and FarSounder in Warwick, I was so impressed by Rhode Island’s resourceful and forward-thinking business owners. We need to empower those thriving businesses and gain best practices from them that will help small and growing enterprises to follow suit. Did you know that between 2000 and 2010, the health care industry added more than 10,600 jobs in Rhode Island? The Ocean State is also a top 10 state leading energy efficiency innovation and programs. And that’s just the beginning. There is a lot of work to be done to improve Rhode Island’s business climate, but it can be done with the right attitude and proper resources. We need to do better, and we need your help to do that. Share your thoughts via email, Facebook and Twitter, and check out my YouTube and Flickr pages. … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-disappointed-additional-cuts-snap | Langevin Disappointed in Additional Cuts to SNAP | 2013-11-01 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | RI | Jim Langevin | L000559 | langevin.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) issued the following statement in response to benefit cuts in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The cuts, which affect more than 47 million Americans, go into effect today due to the expiration of a temporary benefit increase under the 2009 Recovery Act. A family of three will receive $29 less per month, while a family of four will receive $26 less. “Why is it that every time we discuss cutting costs in government, it is our most vulnerable citizens who pay the price?” asked Langevin, who is co-sponsoring a bill to extend the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act’s 13.6 percent temporary increase for one additional year. “SNAP amounts to only 2 percent of the federal budget, and yet it continues to be targeted for additional cuts, cuts that will be devastating to millions of families. I was proud to join my colleagues who participated in the SNAP Challenge, helping us to understand what it is like to live on $4.50 per day. I assure you, it isn’t easy. And now, by allowing these benefits to expire, we are asking individuals to sacrifice more, living on an average of just $4.20 per day. “Eighty percent of the households receiving SNAP benefits have monthly income below the poverty line, and these reductions will serve to push them further into poverty. We are forcing parents to go hungry so that their children have enough to eat. We are forcing families to choose between paying the rent and buying groceries. Those are choices that no American should have to make.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221060857/http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/release/40-us-senators-led-by-reed-and-collins-urge-hhs-to-release-winter-heat-aid | 40 U.S. Senators Led by Reed & Collins Urge HHS to Release Winter Heat Aid | 2013-11-01 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | web.archive.org | legacy | Friday, November 1, 2013 40 U.S. Senators Led by Reed & Collins Urge HHS to Release Winter Heat Aid WASHINGTON, DC - In an effort to help millions of Americans who are struggling with their energy bills as winter approaches, a bipartisan group of 40 U.S. Senators, led by Jack Reed (D-RI) and Susan Collins (R-ME), are calling on the Obama Administration to release federal heating aid funds. Today, the Senators sent a bipartisan letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius urging her to release Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds as quickly and at as high a level as possible. Recently, Reed and Collins worked to include language in the continuing resolution to fund LIHEAP at the higher Fiscal Year 2012 enacted level of $3.47 billion. Unfortunately, this funding remains subject to automatic, across the board sequestration cuts, which both Senators oppose and support addressing. Without the Reed-Collins language, LIHEAP would have been subject to even deeper cuts during the cold winter months ahead. “The government shutdown hurt the economy and threatened to delay the release of LIHEAP assistance. Now that it’s behind us, it is critical to quickly get these funds out to ensure Rhode Islanders in need do not get left out in the cold this winter,” said Senator Reed, noting that about 34,000 Rhode Islanders depend on LIHEAP to help with their energy bills. “The LIHEAP programs assists some 8 million households nationwide; nearly 50,000 in Maine,” said Senator Collins. “As energy costs have increased, LIHEAP remains an important lifeline that helps prevent people from having to choose between heating their home, paying their bills, or going without food or medicine. I urge DHHS to release this critical funding quickly.” Recently, the U.S. Energy Information Administration released their Winter Fuels Outlook report, which projects that household expenditures for natural gas, propane, and electri… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/-bicameral-task-force-on-climate-change-applauds-president-obamas-commitment-to-climate-change-resilience-preparation | Bicameral Task Force on Climate Change Applauds President Obama’s Commitment to Climate Change Resilience Preparation | 2013-11-01 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | 11.01.13 Bicameral Task Force on Climate Change Applauds President Obama’s Commitment to Climate Change Resilience Preparation Washington, DC – The Bicameral Task Force on Climate Change strongly supports the executive order issued by President Obama today to enhance climate preparedness and resilience for the United States. This order firmly grounds Administration policy in the realities of climate science and acknowledges the variety of challenges that our country will face in coming years due to increasing erratic and dangerous weather patterns and events. It will encourage increased information sharing on all levels of government in order promote smarter, more climate-resilient investments and will help provide state and local governments the tools to identify and make those investments. The order also requires the Departments of Defense, the Interior, and Agriculture, the Environmental Protection Agency, NOAA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Army Corps of Engineers, and other agencies to compile an assessment of the effects of climate change on communities, economies, and ecosystems across the nation. “I commend President Obama’s continued action on climate change,” said Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD). “We are already feeling the effects of climate change through rising sea-levels, devastating wildfires, and deadly superstorms. These harms pose serious risks to the public health, our national security, and our economy. The Task Force the President established today will bring the wisdom and experience of state and local leaders to the challenge of protecting our communities from the worsening impacts of climate change.” “Climate change poses a serious threat to national security, undermines the health and safety of our communities, and represents a substantial risk to taxpayers,” said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI). “I applaud the Administration for issuing an executive order and forming a task force to help communities across the country prepare for the effects of … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/senators-introduce-legislation-to-promote-public-awareness-of-cyber-security | Senators Introduce Legislation to Promote Public Awareness of Cyber Security | 2013-11-01 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | 11.01.13 Senators Introduce Legislation to Promote Public Awareness of Cyber Security Bipartisan bill would improve transparency of threats to government, business, and infrastructure targets Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Roy Blunt (R-MO), Lindsey Graham (D-SC), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) today introduced the Cyber Security Public Awareness Act of 2013. The bill would improve public awareness of cyber security threats by instituting new reporting requirements for federal agencies charged with monitoring and responding to cyber threats. In recent years, cyber attacks by criminals, foreign intelligence and military services, and terrorists have increased in frequency and efficacy. These incursions have resulted in billions of dollars of intellectual property lost, millions of Americans’ identities stolen, increased vulnerability of critical infrastructure to sabotage, and intrusions into sensitive government networks. However, reliable information about cyber attacks and cyber risks remains largely unavailable to consumers, businesses, and policy makers. “The cyber threat posed to American corporate and government networks and to individual users of the internet is enormous and unrelenting,” said Whitehouse, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Terrorism. “Yet too many Americans remain in the dark about the severity and nature of this threat. This legislation will allow us to better arm ourselves with the basic knowledge needed to protect our nation’s vital assets and our privacy. I particularly thank my lead cosponsor Senator Blunt for his assistance.” “Cyber breaches are a serious and growing threat to our country's security, and this bill will give us a greater understanding of the number of threats and the tools available to repel them,” Blunt said. “I’m pleased to partner with Senator Whitehouse as we work to improve awareness of the … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-introduces-bill-protect-adopted-children | Langevin Introduces Bill to Protect Adopted Children | 2013-10-30 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Democrat | House | RI | Jim Langevin | L000559 | langevin.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) introduced legislation today that would help provide a more stable home environment for adopted children. A recent investigative series from Reuters, “The Child Exchange,” brought to light an alarming trend of adopted children being “re-homed” into the custody of strangers without oversight. Langevin’s bill, the “Protecting Adopted Children Act,” aims to curb that practice through the provision of pre- and post-adoptive support services. “All children deserve a loving home, but unfortunately, not every adoption has a happy ending. When a family is ill-equipped to care for a child, for whatever reason, there must be safe mechanisms in place through which an adopted child can be transitioned into a more stable environment,” said Langevin, who led a letter to the House Ways and Means Human Resources Subcommittee, asking them to investigate the practice known as “re-homing” and convene state and federal officials and other stakeholders to determine what authorities exist to address the problem. The Protecting Adopted Children Act, the House companion bill to S. 1527, provides for pre- and post-adoptive counseling to ease the transition for children and families. The bill helps to fund treatments specialized for adopted children, including psychiatric residential services, outpatient mental health services, social skills training, intensive in-home supervision services, recreational therapy, suicide prevention and substance abuse treatment. Adoptive parents would have access to peer-to-peer mentoring and support groups in order to learn from experienced adoptive parents, and could access a 24-hour emergency hotline. The bill also calls for a GAO study of re-homing practices, including how children are advertised for adoption on the internet. “This is a complex issue, and simply outlawing the online advertisement of children available for adoption will unfortunately not fix the problem. In many states, re-homing a child without notifying the state is already illegal, yet those prohibitio… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221054059/http://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/video-audio/sen-whitehouse-at-budget-conference-committee-hearing | Sen. Whitehouse at Bicameral Budget Conference Committee Hearing | 2013-10-30 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | web.archive.org | legacy | As Sheldon travels the ocean state, he’s been hearing from middle-class families, seniors, small business owners – taking that information back to Washington and standing up for Rhode Island. We invite you to use the resources in this section to learn more about Sheldon’s latest efforts for the Ocean State. You’ll find video, press releases, speeches and more. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221054137/http://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/video-audio/time-to-wake-up-hurricane-sandy-anniversary | Time to Wake Up: Hurricane Sandy Anniversary | 2013-10-30 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | web.archive.org | legacy | As Sheldon travels the ocean state, he’s been hearing from middle-class families, seniors, small business owners – taking that information back to Washington and standing up for Rhode Island. We invite you to use the resources in this section to learn more about Sheldon’s latest efforts for the Ocean State. You’ll find video, press releases, speeches and more. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/bicameral-budget-conference-committee-opens-negotiations | Bicameral Budget Conference Committee Opens Negotiations | 2013-10-30 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | 10.30.13 Bicameral Budget Conference Committee Opens Negotiations Sen. Whitehouse urges health care savings, closing tax loopholes to balance spending cuts Washington, DC – House and Senate negotiators today held the first formal meeting of the Fiscal Year 2014 Budget Conference Committee, tasked with merging the budget plans passed earlier this year by each chamber. In his opening remarks, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) urged his fellow conferees to support a responsible blueprint that will spur job creation and avoid further damage to the American economy from indiscriminate across-the-board spending cuts. “The sequester was designed to be stupid and painful, and has filled the bill,” said Whitehouse. “In poll after poll, Americans have been clear that the most urgent issue facing our nation is the weak economy and lack of jobs. Unfortunately, federal budget policy in recent years has been dragged toward the dangerous ‘austerity’ path, and largely ignored the role that infrastructure, research, and energy efficiency investments can play in supporting job growth.” Senator Whitehouse noted that the budget resolution passed by the Senate generates $975 billion over ten years from closing loopholes in the tax code, such as those that benefit corporations that ship American jobs overseas or allow billionaires to pay a lower income tax rate than many middle-income workers. Whitehouse also sought to harness the tremendous potential savings that can be achieved through health care delivery system reform without compromising health outcomes or reducing federal health care benefits. The full text of the Senator Whitehouse’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, is below. ________________________________________________________________ Senator Sheldon Whitehouse Opening Statement: Conference Committee The Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for FY 2014 October 30, 2013 Chairman Ryan… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/senate-panel-approves-childrens-hospital-graduate-medical-education-bill | Senate Panel Approves Children’s Hospital Graduate Medical Education Bill | 2013-10-30 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | 10.30.13 Senate Panel Approves Children’s Hospital Graduate Medical Education Bill Bill includes Whitehouse fix to include RI children’s psychiatric hospital Washington, DC – Today, the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee reported out the Children’s Hospital GME Support Reauthorization Act of 2013, with bipartisan support. The legislation, which provides freestanding children’s hospitals federal support for graduate medical education (GME) teaching programs for pediatric medical residents, includes a provision authored by U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) that extends federal support to teaching programs at children’s psychiatric hospitals. Senators Whitehouse and Jack Reed (D-RI), original cosponsors of the legislation, have long advocated for the inclusion of children’s psychiatric hospitals, like Bradley Hospital in Rhode Island, in the Children’s Hospitals GME payment program as a means to address the shortfall in mental health professionals that specialize in treating children and adolescents. Senator Whitehouse's provision accomplishes this. “Psychiatric children’s hospitals like Bradley play a key role in training the next generation of mental health professionals,” said Whitehouse, a member of the HELP Committee. “By including these hospitals in the CHGME program, this bill will make a significant difference in their ability to sustain, build, and strengthen their residency programs, and will help our children have access to trained health care professionals who can provide the best possible mental and behavioral health care services.” “I have fought to address the omission of children's psychiatric teaching hospitals for years because I believe it is essential to end discriminatory funding policies against children with mental health issues. I commend Senators Casey, Isakson, Whitehouse, and others who helped broker this bipartisan agreement to include… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-helps-force-house-vote-consideration-make-it-america-manufacturing-act | Cicilline Helps Force House Vote on Consideration of Make it in America Manufacturing Act | 2013-10-29 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Democrat | House | RI | David Cicilline | C001084 | cicilline.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (D-RI) today helped force a vote in the House of Representatives on whether to consider the Make it in America Manufacturing Act, the Rhode Island lawmaker’s signature proposal to reinvigorate American manufacturing and provide small to medium-sized manufacturers with targeted resources to retrain workers and retrofit facilities to compete in a global economy. “I am proud that we were able to force a vote related to the Make it in America Manufacturing Act in the House of Representatives. Growing manufacturing jobs shouldn’t be a partisan issue, it should be a national priority,” said Cicilline. “No matter who controls the House of Representatives, I am going to continue fighting for commonsense proposals that will put Rhode Island families back to work, strengthen our middle class, and reinvigorate our manufacturing sector.” On an entirely party line vote of 226-193, House Republicans defeated Cicilline’s proposal to defeat the previous question and consider the Make it in America Manufacturing Act. A video of Cicilline’s remarks to the House can be viewed by clicking here. The full text of Cicilline’s remarks, as delivered, is embedded below. ---- David N. Cicilline Make it in America Manufacturing Act Remarks As Delivered October 29, 2013 I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, it is beyond time for Congress to focus on getting Americans back to work. If we want to get things back on the right track, we have to start making things again in this country. Job creation shouldn’t be a Democratic issue or a Republican issue — it’s an American issue. At some point, the gridlock in Washington needs to end and we need to take advantage of the opportunities we have to reinvigorate this critical sector of our economy. And that’s why I urge my colleagues to defeat the previous question today, so that we can consider the Make It In America Manufacturing Act — legislation I have introduced that would facilitate the creation of unique public-private partnerships —… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-cosponsors-bill-delay-flood-insurance-rate-increases | Langevin Cosponsors Bill to Delay Flood Insurance Rate Increases | 2013-10-29 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Democrat | House | RI | Jim Langevin | L000559 | langevin.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) joined as an original cosponsor of the “Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act,” a bill introduced today that would delay increases in federal flood insurance rates for four years. This legislation calls for a two-year affordability study, followed by an additional two-year delay to implementation of new rates mandated in the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act. This delay applies to primary residences, including those sold after July 6, 2012. “Homeowners in Rhode Island coastal communities are already seeing significant increases in their flood insurance rates, rates that, for some, are unsustainable,” said Langevin. “These families have already been through enough, seeing their homes damaged and memories destroyed by the rising floodwaters in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. I understand that reforms are needed in the federal flood insurance program, but those changes should not come at the cost of someone losing their home.” The Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to set regulations addressing affordability within 18 months after the completion of the study. The bill eliminates the 50 percent cap on state and local contributions to levee construction or reconstruction; allows FEMA to utilize National Flood Insurance Funds to reimburse policyholders who appeal a map determination; protects the basement exemption that allows the lowest proofed opening in a home to be used for determining rates; and requires FEMA to certify that it has fully adopted a modernized risk-based approach to analyzing flood risk. The bill also establishes a Flood Insurance Rate Map Advocate within FEMA to answer policyholder questions. “As Rhode Islanders know all too well, so-called ‘100-year storms’ are becoming more frequent, providing a stark reminder that climate change is a reality we have to adjust to,” Langevin continued. “But as we work on mitigation efforts and improving our coastal defenses to superstorms like Sandy, we must… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221042529/http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/release/reed-calls-for-congress-to-focus-on-manufacturing-jobs | Reed Calls for Congress to Focus on Manufacturing Jobs | 2013-10-29 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | web.archive.org | legacy | Tuesday, October 29, 2013 Reed Calls for Congress to Focus on Manufacturing Jobs The “Manufacturing Jobs for America” initiative features Reed’s plan to increase investment in job training WASHINGTON, DC – In an effort to get Congress to refocus on manufacturing jobs, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today joined a group of 21 U.S. senators in launching the “Manufacturing Jobs for America” initiative, which seeks to build bipartisan support for legislation that will help create jobs, modernize America’s manufacturing sector, and improve workforce training. A key piece of the initiative is Senator Reed’s Adult Education and Economic Growth Act (S. 1400), which will reform and increase investment in job training and adult education and help connect adult learners with opportunities for jobs. Specifically, the Adult Education and Economic Growth Act would: • Encourage employers to invest in lower skilled working adults by providing a tax credit for employers who invest in their employee's education; • Increase funding for adult education to provide additional support for state and local authorities to ensure collaboration between adult education and workforce needs; and • Expand access to adult education services through the use of technology. “The best way to keep our economy moving forward is to get people back to work, and the best resource for our economy is an educated and skilled workforce. We need to invest in human capital,” said Senator Reed. “The “Manufacturing Jobs in America” agenda shows there is a broad range of things Congress should be doing to help create jobs. One of the initiatives I have put forward as part of this effort is the Adult Education and Economic Growth Act, which creates and supports avenues for adults to continue their education and build their career skills. By better aligning education and workforce training programs to the jobs that are available we can help people ge… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/speeches/time-to-wake-up-the-anniversary-of-hurricane-sandy | Time to Wake Up: The Anniversary of Hurricane Sandy | 2013-10-29 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | 10.29.13 Time to Wake Up: The Anniversary of Hurricane Sandy Mr. President, this is my forty-eighth trip to the floor to remind Congress it is time to wake up to the threat of climate change. I'm joined here by Senators Blumenthal and Schumer, because one year ago today, Hurricane Sandy struck our states with frightening force. Now, a year later, communities across the Northeast have dug out and are rebuilding, but Sandy left a permanent mark on our coasts and on our consciousness. To be sure, we cannot say that this devastating storm was specifically caused by climate change. However, Sandy showed the many ways we are vulnerable to the undeniable effects of climate change, like rising sea levels and warming oceans—effects that can in turn load the dice for more damaging storms. As evening fell on October 29, 2012, a storm surge from the largest Atlantic hurricane ever recorded swept against Rhode Island’s shores, about five feet above mean sea level. A few hours later, waters peaked around New York City, about nine feet above mean sea level. A harrowing night followed for victims of Hurricane Sandy—a night that took more than 150 lives and caused $65 billion in physical damage and economic loss. Hurricane Sandy—or Superstorm Sandy as many remember it—hit twenty-four states with direct effects. Flood waters invaded homes and swept out roads. High winds knocked out power to eight-and-a-half million homes and businesses, cutting a swath of darkness that could be seen from space. An entire New York neighborhood was gutted by fires that emergency personnel could not reach through the storm. Sandy flooded nearly the entire coastline, with beaches and dunes driven down by the waves and wind. Displaced sand and stone covered roads, like here on Atlantic Avenue in Misqaumicut, Rhode Island. Houses were swept off their foundations in Rhode Island's southern-coast communities like Matunuck, shown in this photo. Here we see Governor Lincoln Chafee, a former member of this body, surveying the … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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