Press releases
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1,267 rows where state = "RI" and year = 2017 sorted by date descending
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| https://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/age-trump-cicilline-plays-key-role-leading-house-dems-delivering-results-ri | In Age of Trump, Cicilline Plays Key Role Leading House Dems, Delivering Results for RI | 2017-12-30 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | David Cicilline | C001084 | cicilline.house.gov | legacy | PAWTUCKET Both as a member of the House Democratic Leadership team, and as the top Democrat on the House Antitrust Subcommittee, Congressman David N. Cicilline (RI-1) has spent the past year helping to shape the national discourse about the challenges facing working Americans. Even as President Trump ushers in an era of unprecedented uncertainty in Washington, Cicilline has continued to deliver results for the people he serves. Below are the highlights of Congressman Cicillines work in 2017: LEADING DEMOCRATS IN THE AGE OF TRUMP Shortly after President Trumps election, Congressman Cicilline was elected by the House Democratic Caucus to serve as Co-Chair of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC). In that role, Cicilline was one of three House members, along with U.S. Reps. Cheri Bustos (IL-17) and Hakeem Jeffries (NY-8), to craft a new Democratic economic agenda A Better Deal: Better Jobs, Better Wages, Better Future. A Better Deal outlines a series of proposals that Democrats will pass when they take back the majority next year, including plans to lower the cost of prescription drugs, break up corporate monopolies, protect the right to organize and form a union, and create 10 million new full-time, good-paying jobs. As the first Rhode Islander to serve in the House Democratic Leadership since Patrick Kennedy, Cicilline will continue using his seat at the table to ensure that Democrats address the most important issues facing men and women across our state. SEIZING AMERICAS MONOPOLY MOMENT This year also marked the first time that Congressman Cicilline has served as the top Democrat on the House Antitrust Subcommittee. In this role, he has worked relentlessly to highlight the ways that corporate monopolies eliminate jobs, raise costs on consumers, and limit competition in the marketplace. At a time of runaway consolidation, its clear that America is in A Monopoly Moment. Thats why, earlier this month, Cicilline joined U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison to introduce the 21st Century Competition Commission… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/op-eds/how-to-keep-the-supreme-court-from-partisanship | How to Keep the Supreme Court From Partisanship | 2017-12-26 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | 12.26.17 How to Keep the Supreme Court From Partisanship I share the same concern as Ilya Shapiro in his op-ed Another Escalation in the Judicial War (Dec. 18) that Americans will follow the politicians lead and think of judges in increasingly partisan terms, and I agree that its not healthy for an independent judiciary. One obvious solution is for the Supreme Court to render fewer 5-4 partisan decisions that so obviously confer electoral and financial benefit on the GOP and its corporate benefactors, and so often violate judicial norms to deliver the goods. Note to emperor: Wear clothes. By: Sheldon Whitehouse Source: Wall Street Journal Print Email Tweet Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-afghanistan-christmas-troops | Cicilline in Afghanistan for Christmas with Troops | 2017-12-24 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | David Cicilline | C001084 | cicilline.house.gov | legacy | KABUL Earlier this morning, U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (RI-01), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, landed in Kabul, Afghanistan, where he will celebrate Christmas with men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who are serving there as part of Operation Resolute Support. We owe our servicemembers and their families an incredible debt, said Cicilline, who represents more than 30,000 veterans in Rhode Islands First District. The men and women of the United States Armed Forces represent our countrys most important values of service, honor, and courage. Its an incredible privilege to spend Christmas with these brave men and women. Cicilline touched down in Afghanistan today at5:00 AM EDT(2:30 PMKabul time). He then traveled to Resolute Support Headquarters before receiving a security briefing from U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan designate John R. Bass at the U.S. Embassy. Cicilline is visiting Afghanistan along with three Republican colleagues from the House Foreign Affairs Committee U.S. Congressman Lee Zeldin, U.S. Congressman Mike Coffman, and U.S. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick. Tomorrowmorning, Cicilline will join Rhode Islanders serving as part of Operation Resolute Support for a Christmas Day breakfast. Later, he will take part in a series of briefings, visit tactical bases in the region, and serve Christmas Day lunch to troops at Resolution Support Headquarters. He will depart Kabultomorrowevening. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-statement-short-term-government-spending-bill | Cicilline Statement on Short-Term Government Spending Bill | 2017-12-22 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | David Cicilline | C001084 | cicilline.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (RI-01) issued the following statement today: Republicans spent yesterday celebrating a tax bill that robs money from the middle class and gives it to corporations and the wealthiest Americans. Today, they failed to address any of the urgent needs facing working people. This funding bill passed by the Republicans today fails to include a long-term, bipartisan extension of childrens health insurance and makes harmful cuts to critical preventative health care for kids. It fails to ensure that veterans can get the care they need through the VA. It abandons millions of American families who are struggling as a result of the ongoing opiate epidemic. If youre wealthy and well-off, Republicans have your back. If youre a working person, youre on your own. Thats the message Republicans are sending with their tax bill and this budget resolution. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/ri-delegation-commends-mid-atlantic-council-stopping-squid-fishing-restrictions-seeks | RI Delegation Commends Mid Atlantic Council for Stopping Squid Fishing Restrictions & Seeks to Give RI a Greater Voice on Fishery Management | 2017-12-22 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | David Cicilline | C001084 | cicilline.house.gov | legacy | 12/22/2017 NARRAGANSETT, RI After the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) recently voted 16-4 against a proposed squid buffer zone framework off the coast of Nantucket, Massachusetts that would have negatively impacted Rhode Island fishermen,U.S. Senators Jack ReedandSheldon WhitehouseandCongressmen Jim LangevinandDavid Cicillinecommended the council. And this week Reed introduced legislation in the U.S. Senate and Langevin introduced identical legislation in U.S. House of Representatives to give Rhode Island a seat at the council table going forward so that the state and local fishermen have a direct say over matters that impact them. The Rhode Island Fishermens Fairness Act, which is cosponsored by Whitehouse and Cicilline, would add Rhode Island to the list of seven states with voting representation on the MAFMC, a regional management board that establishes fishery management rules for stocks primarily caught in federal waters adjacent to the mid-Atlantic coast. The MAFMC denied the squid buffer zone proposals of 6 or 12 miles off the south of Nantucket and Marthas Vineyard -- which were backed by Nantucket charter boat captains, who claim the squid fishery is making it harder for their clients to land striped bass -- but would have had a severely negative economic impact on many commercial Rhode Island fishing boats. In consultation with Rhode Island fishermen and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM), all four members of the delegation urged the MAFMC to reject the proposed creation of a squid buffer zone in federal waters in the vicinity of Marthas Vineyard and Nantucket. The Congressional delegation wrote that the buffer zone proposal was not rooted in science, but wouldhave a significant effect on the harvest of one of the most important stocks for the Rhode Island fishing industry. We would also highlight the fact that the Council just a few months ago adopted measures to mitigate effort in federal waters during trimester 2 of the longfin squid season. It makes no se… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://langevin.house.gov/press-release/ri-delegation-commends-mid-atlantic-council-stopping-squid-fishing-restrictions-seeks | RI Delegation Commends Mid Atlantic Council for Stopping Squid Fishing Restrictions & Seeks to Give RI a Greater Voice on Fishery Management | 2017-12-22 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jim Langevin | L000559 | langevin.house.gov | legacy | After the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) recently voted 16-4 against a proposed squid buffer zone framework off the coast of Nantucket, Massachusetts that would have negatively impacted Rhode Island fishermen, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Jim Langevin and David Cicilline commended the council. And this week Reed introduced legislation in the U.S. Senate and Langevin introduced identical legislation in U.S. House of Representatives to give Rhode Island a seat at the council table going forward so that the state and local fishermen have a direct say over matters that impact them. The Rhode Island Fishermens Fairness Act, which is cosponsored by Whitehouse and Cicilline, would add Rhode Island to the list of seven states with voting representation on the MAFMC, a regional management board that establishes fishery management rules for stocks primarily caught in federal waters adjacent to the mid-Atlantic coast. The MAFMC denied the squid buffer zone proposals of 6 or 12 miles off the south of Nantucket and Marthas Vineyard -- which were backed by Nantucket charter boat captains, who claim the squid fishery is making it harder for their clients to land striped bass -- but would have had a severely negative economic impact on many commercial Rhode Island fishing boats. In consultation with Rhode Island fishermen and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM), all four members of the delegation urged the MAFMC to reject the proposed creation of a squid buffer zone in federal waters in the vicinity of Marthas Vineyard and Nantucket. The Congressional delegation wrote that the buffer zone proposal was not rooted in science, but would have a significant effect on the harvest of one of the most important stocks for the Rhode Island fishing industry. We would also highlight the fact that the Council just a few months ago adopted measures to mitigate effort in federal waters during trimester 2 of the longfin squid season. It makes no sense, even before th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/ri-delegation-commends-mid-atlantic-council-for-stopping-squid-fishing-restrictions-and-seeks-to-give-ri-a-greater-voice-on-fishery-management | RI Delegation Commends Mid Atlantic Council for Stopping Squid Fishing Restrictions & Seeks to Give RI a Greater Voice on Fishery Management | 2017-12-22 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | legacy | 12/22/2017NARRAGANSETT, RI After the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) recently voted 16-4 against a proposed squid buffer zone framework off the coast of Nantucket, Massachusetts that would have negatively impacted Rhode Island fishermen, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Jim Langevin and David Cicilline commended the council. And this week Reed introduced legislation in the U.S. Senate and Langevin introduced identical legislation in U.S. House of Representatives to give Rhode Island a seat at the council table going forward so that the state and local fishermen have a direct say over matters that impact them. The Rhode Island Fishermens Fairness Act, which is cosponsored by Whitehouse and Cicilline, would add Rhode Island to the list of seven states with voting representation on the MAFMC, a regional management board that establishes fishery management rules for stocks primarily caught in federal waters adjacent to the mid-Atlantic coast. The MAFMC denied the squid buffer zone proposals of 6 or 12 miles off the south of Nantucket and Marthas Vineyard -- which were backed by Nantucket charter boat captains, who claim the squid fishery is making it harder for their clients to land striped bass -- but would have had a severely negative economic impact on many commercial Rhode Island fishing boats. In consultation with Rhode Island fishermen and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM), all four members of the delegation urged the MAFMC to reject the proposed creation of a squid buffer zone in federal waters in the vicinity of Marthas Vineyard and Nantucket. The Congressional delegation wrote that the buffer zone proposal was not rooted in science, but would have a significant effect on the harvest of one of the most important stocks for the Rhode Island fishing industry. We would also highlight the fact that the Council just a few months ago adopted measures to mitigate effort in federal waters during trimester 2 of the longfin squid season. It… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/videos/reed-reacts-to-passage-of-gop-tax-bill | Reed Reacts to Passage of GOP Tax Bill | 2017-12-22 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | legacy | After the passage of the partisan GOP tax bill, Senator Reed reacts on the Senate floor. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-statement-passage-republican-continuing-resolution | Langevin Statement on Passage of Republican Continuing Resolution | 2017-12-21 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jim Langevin | L000559 | langevin.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) issued the following statement after voting against the Republican bill to fund the government through January 19, which passed the House by a vote of 231-188: I cannot support yet another bill that kicks the can down the road leaving vital work undone. Republicans waited until there were only hours left before a government shutdown to unveil this bill, which was crafted without any Democratic input. Instead, Republicans focused all their attention on passing a deeply partisan tax bill that puts a $1.5 trillion hole in the deficit in order to line the pockets of their wealthy supporters. I am deeply disappointed that there has been no outreach across the aisle since we came to an overwhelmingly bipartisan agreement to keep the government funded three months ago. There has been ample time to find permanent, bipartisan solutions to ensure children have health coverage, provide funding for community health centers, and protect DACA-recipients from deportation. Republicans have not even attempted to find those solutions, instead preferring to pursue their political agenda and lurch from crisis to crisis. We need to provide certainty to federal agencies that are unable to make needed investments with only weeks of funding. This bill fails on all accounts. While I remain skeptical that Republicans will take the four weeks theyve bought themselves to work collaboratively to tackle these challenges, I hope they do, and I remain ready to work with them. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/us-senators-seek-to-enhance-support-for-americas-libraries-and-museums | U.S. Senators Seek to Enhance Support for America’s Libraries & Museums | 2017-12-21 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | legacy | 12/21/2017WASHINGTON, DC In an effort to strengthen library and museum services across the nation, U.S. Senator Jack Reed is introducing the bipartisan Museum and Library Services Act of 2017 along with Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS), Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK). This critical bill renews and builds on the $231 million commitment to the federal museum and library programs administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Libraries and museums are anchor institutions for their communities, and we need to do all we can to support them in their mission. The Museum and Library Services Act represents our national commitment to ensuring these institutions are funded, staffed, and accessible to all. Through a relatively modest federal investment, this law helps build capacity to support and expand access to library and museum services at the state and local level. It will help fully leverage the role of libraries and museums in supporting the learning, educational, and workforce development needs of Americans nationwide, said Senator Reed, who noted that, since the last reauthorization in 2010, Rhode Island libraries and museums have received over $10 million in federal grants from these programs. This year, Rhode Island has received $1,070,238 from IMLS under the Library and Services and Technology Act Grants to States Program. From offering job search resources and free Internet access to exposing children and families to literary and educational experiences, libraries and museums serve vital roles in our communities, said Senator Collins. The Museum and Library Services Act would bolster our commitment to supporting these institutions that enrich our communities. Senator Reed and I urge our colleagues to join this effort to improve and update programs that help libraries and museums across Maine, Rhode Island, and the United States. Libraries and museums allow Americans to broaden their knowledge and awareness of our country and the … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-statement-on-year-end-stopgap-funding-measure | Whitehouse Statement on Year-End Stopgap Funding Measure | 2017-12-21 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | 12.21.17 Whitehouse Statement on Year-End Stopgap Funding Measure Washington, DC Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) released the following statement on the passage of another stopgap government spending measure: Again Republicans are refusing to do their work. They still havent acted to raise the budget caps threatening to hobble important programs across the federal government. They havent reauthorized the Childrens Health Insurance Program, which covers 9 million American children and mothers. They havent passed the disaster relief bill that the people of Puerto Rico, Texas, Florida, and the American west need so very badly. And, despite all the declarations and press conferences from this administration, they havent approved the kind of funding needed to combat the opioid epidemic raging in Rhode Island and around the country. Worse, they havent sat down with Democrats to try. Then there are the Dreamers, who are rightly making their voices heard here on Capitol Hill. Republicans refusal to extend the protections they signed up for in good faith is shameful. Failing them is not who we are as Americans. This is no way to govern. The American people should take note. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/time-to-wake-up-cafe | Time to Wake Up: CAFE | 2017-12-21 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | In this week's Time to Wake Up speech, Sen. Whitehouse discusses how the auto industry made a promise on fuel economy standards and now it's working hand in hand with Administrator Scott Pruitt to undo them. Why are they trying to get rid of a policy that reduces carbon emissions, boosts US industrial competitiveness, AND gives money back to consumers? | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/whitehouse-floor-remarks-on-daca | Whitehouse Floor Remarks on DACA | 2017-12-21 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | About Services Agency Assistance Success Stories Grants Flag Requests Visiting D.C. Student Resources Email Sheldon Events Community Dinners Community Outreach … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://langevin.house.gov/press-release/88-members-congress-request-clarification-hhs-and-cdc-reported-agency-censorship | 88 Members of Congress Request Clarification from HHS and CDC on Reported Agency Censorship | 2017-12-20 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jim Langevin | L000559 | langevin.house.gov | legacy | Representative Jim Langevin (D-RI) was joined by Representatives Diana DeGette (D-CO), Judy Chu (D-CA), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), and Sean Patrick Maloney (D-NY) in leading a letter expressing concern about censorship at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As first reported byThe Washington Post, CDC guidance directs employees to refrain from using the words vulnerable, entitlement, diversity, transgender, fetus, evidence-based and science-based in documents related to the CDCs Fiscal Year 2019 budget proposal. The letter, which was signed by 88 Members of Congress, requests information regarding the origin, purpose, and scope of the word ban. In the letter, the lawmakers emphasize that ideology cannot influence the ways a scientific agency communicates with the American public. The United States has advanced a national dialogue on ways to improve the health and well-being of diverse and vulnerable populations, the lawmakers wrote to Acting Secretary of Health and Human Services Eric Hargan and CDC Director Brenda Fitzgerald. Any explicit limitation of expression would be a step backwards from decades of progress. The American people deserve to know the source and reason of a perceived effort to censor science. HHS has said that the guidance offered to CDC employees was mischaracterized in media reports. However, any directive limiting the use of language is troubling, and it would appear to violate the CDCs ownGuidance on Scientific Integrity. The letter requests documents be provided on or before January 3, 2018, to clarify the situation and give Congress an understanding whether the censorship extends beyond CDC. A copy of the letter can be found HERE. Cosigners of the letter include Representatives: James R. Langevin, Diana DeGette, Judy Chu, Suzanne Bonamici, Sean Patrick Maloney, A. Donald McEachin, Adam Schiff, Alan Lowenthal, Alma Adams, Ami Bera, Barbara Lee, Betty McCollum, Bill Foster, Bobby L. Rush, Brian Higgins, Carol Shea-Porter, Charlie Crist, Chellie Pingree, Cheri Bustos, Collee… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/watchdog-agency-to-study-trump-changes-to-key-measure-of-carbon-pollution-cost | Watchdog Agency to Study Trump Changes to Key Measure of Carbon Pollution Cost | 2017-12-20 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | 12.20.17 Watchdog Agency to Study Trump Changes to Key Measure of Carbon Pollution Cost Washington, DC Acting upon the request of Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and six other Senators, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has indicated it will examine the governments method for calculating the social cost of carbonthe measure of long-term damage done by carbon pollution. The watchdog agency will begin the study in coming months, GAO indicated to Whitehouse today. On December 5, Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Kamala Harris (D-CA), and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) joined Whitehouse in requesting the GAO study after the Trump administration dramatically reduced estimates of the costs of climate change in recent assessments of federal actions. Using a lower estimate for the social cost of carbon could allow the administration to undermine a range of environmental regulations by exaggerating the compliance costs compared to the societal benefits of reduced carbon emissions. Earlier this year, President Donald Trump issued an executive order disbanding an important interagency working group charged with formulating the social cost of carbon and withdrew the guidance it had issued. The Trump administration also directed agencies to use an outdated Office of Management and Budget (OMB) policy to monetize the value of greenhouse gas emissions in federal regulation. As expected, the result has been a severe downtick in the value of the social cost of carbon. The Environmental Protection Agencys assessment of its proposed rule to repeal the Clean Power Plan, for example, dropped the social cost of carbon from $45 per ton to as low as $1 per ton for 2020. The Senators asked the GAO to look at states and other countries social costs of carbon; the Trump administrations justification for dramatically changing the way it discounts the costs or benefits of regulation change affecting carbon pollution; and the rationales that have been used to s… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-calls-for-opioid-crisis-funding-in-year-end-spending-bill | Whitehouse Calls for Opioid Crisis Funding in Year-End Spending Bill | 2017-12-20 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | 12.20.17 Whitehouse Calls for Opioid Crisis Funding in Year-End Spending Bill Senator Portman and I wrote a bipartisan law that directs the federal government to treat addiction like the public health crisis that it is . . . But it needs real funding behind it Washington, DC Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), author of comprehensive legislation to combat the opioid crisis and a member of the Senate Budget Committee, issued the following statement calling for increased funding to combat the opioid crisis in the year-end spending bill: We are fighting a long, difficult battle against opioid addiction and overdose. That battle claims hundreds of lives every week. It touches communities large and small in every corner of the country. And too many of those communities are struggling to muster the resources to do what we know can help turn the tide of this epidemic. Congress must provide those resources. Senator Portman and I wrote a bipartisan law that directs the federal government to treat addiction like the public health crisis that it is. Its helping communities do more of the things we know work, like boosting medication-assisted treatment and first responder access to overdose reversal drugs. But it needs real funding behind it. Its time for my Republican colleagues to listen to the stories weve heard from Rhode Islanders and Americans everywhere and provide opioid crisis funding in this bill. Opioid overdoses claimed 326 lives in Rhode Island in 2016, according to the Rhode Island Department of Health. Whitehouse was a lead author of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, sweeping legislation designed to combat the opioid epidemic, which was signed into law in 2016. Whitehouse believes a number of changes are needed to ensure sufficient funding to address the opioid crisis: The Trump administration should issue the second half of the $1 billion authorized under the 21st Century Cures Act, which… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-slams-passage-of-trumptax-plan | Whitehouse Slams Passage of TrumpTax Plan | 2017-12-20 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | 12.20.17 Whitehouse Slams Passage of TrumpTax Plan Washington, DC Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) released the following statement on passage of the Republican tax bill: TrumpTax reads like a list of broken promises to the middle class. Instead of boosting the middle class, it limits popular deductions and threatens home values in Rhode Island and across the country. Instead of honoring the Presidents commitment to protecting Medicare and Social Security, it sets the stage to slash them. Instead of making taxes simple enough for Americans to file on a postcard, it opens new loopholes and leaves the tax code every bit as complicated. TrumpTax even gives real estate developers a massive tax cut just in time for Christmas at Trump Tower. Jamming through this tax plan is regrettable. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/speeches/time-to-wake-up-cafe | Time to Wake Up: CAFE | 2017-12-20 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | 12.20.17 Time to Wake Up: CAFE Mr. President, I am here now for the 190th Time to Wake Up speech to talk about an issue that falls at the intersection of climate change and jobs and consumer power and protection. You would think that a policy that simultaneously reduces the carbon emissions responsible for climate change, and boosts American industrial competitiveness, and puts thousands of dollars back into the pockets of American consumers would be pretty universally popular. Unfortunately, you would be wrong. The Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards, known as the CAFE standards, set a minimum threshold for the average fuel economy of cars and light trucks that are sold in the United States. In 2011, the major automakers here in AmericaFord, GM, and the othersenthusiastically endorsed voluntary new fuel efficiency standards which would gradually increase the fuel economy for their cars and light trucks to 54.5 miles per gallon on average by 2025. Think about that for a second. In 2011, average fuel economy for these vehicles was stuck below 30 miles per gallon. The CAFE standards hadnt budged in years, and as a result, our automakers had stopped innovating to make cars more fuel efficient. They didnt have to make them more fuel efficient. And when gas prices soared in the mid-2000s, it was consumers who were on the hook. Today, thanks to the voluntary agreement that was reached by the automakers, the CAFE standard is presently over 40 miles per gallon for cars and over 30 miles per gallon for light trucks. Consumers have already saved $42 billion at the pump because of those increased fuel economy standards. Consumers who purchase a new car in 2025, on average, will save about $8,000 on gas over the lifetime of that car because of those new fuel economy standards. Of course, it is not just the consumers who win under the new CAF standards. The environment also wins. Already the American auto fleets increased average fuel economy has resulted in 195 million fewer metric tons of carbon emissi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/time-to-wake-up-tax-reform-and-what-hides-beneath | Time to Wake Up: Tax Reform and What Hides Beneath | 2017-12-20 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | In this week's "Time to Wake Up" speech, Sen. Whitehouse discusses the #GOPTaxScam that includes massive giveaways to fossil fuel producers, opens up precious wilderness to oil drilling & kills progress weve made on renewables. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/whitehouse-remarks-in-epw-subcommittee-hearing-on-the-freight-movement | Whitehouse Remarks in EPW Subcommittee Hearing on the Freight Movement | 2017-12-20 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | About Services Agency Assistance Success Stories Grants Flag Requests Visiting D.C. Student Resources Email Sheldon Events Community Dinners Community Outreach … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/whitehouse-remarks-in-help-hearing-on-the-21st-century-cures-act-responding-to-mental-health-needs | Whitehouse Remarks in HELP Hearing on the 21st Century Cures Act: Responding to Mental Health Needs | 2017-12-20 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | About Services Agency Assistance Success Stories Grants Flag Requests Visiting D.C. Student Resources Email Sheldon Events Community Dinners Community Outreach … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/whitehouse-remarks-in-judiciary-hearing-on-district-court-judicial-nominations | Whitehouse Remarks in Judiciary Hearing on District Court Judicial Nominations | 2017-12-20 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | Senator Whitehouse questions R. Stan Baker, Charles Barnes Goodwin, Matthew J. Kacsmaryk, Matthew Spencer Petersen, and Eli Jeremy Richardson. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/whitehouse-remarks-in-the-helsinki-commission_-the-magnitsky-act-at-five | Whitehouse Remarks in the Helsinki Commission - The Magnitsky Act at Five | 2017-12-20 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | About Services Agency Assistance Success Stories Grants Flag Requests Visiting D.C. Student Resources Email Sheldon Events Community Dinners Community Outreach … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-statement-republican-tax-scam-0 | Cicilline Statement on Republican Tax Scam | 2017-12-19 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | David Cicilline | C001084 | cicilline.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC) Co-Chair David N. Cicilline (RI-01), a member of the House Democratic Leadership, issued the following statement today: Republicans just pulled off one of the biggest cons in the history of American politics. This job-killing bill gives companies even more incentive to ship American jobs overseas. It lays the groundwork for devastating cuts to Medicare and Social Security. It robs working people in order to give even more money to the wealthy. And it will force the next generation to pay off more than $1 trillion in new deficit spending. The American people are going to see through this scam. Working men and women deserve real tax reform that begins with a tax cut for middle class families and promotes the creation of good-paying jobs. Thats what Democrats will deliver when we control the House again. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/how-grinch-stole-middle-class-tax-cuts | How the Grinch Stole Middle Class Tax Cuts | 2017-12-19 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | David Cicilline | C001084 | cicilline.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON With a little help from Dr. Seuss, U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (RI-01) shared the story of How the Grinch Stole Middle Class Tax Cuts this morning. A video of Cicillines remarks can be viewed by clicking here. The full text of his remarks, as delivered, is embedded below. -------------------------------------------------- David N. Cicilline How the Grinch Stole Middle Class Tax Cuts Remarks As Delivered December 19, 2017 With a little help from Dr. Seuss, Id like to share the story of How the Grinch Stole Middle Class Tax Cuts. Every middle class family wanted tax cuts a lot, But the Grinch, who lived in a big white house, did not! The Grinch hated middle class tax cuts. He wanted the whole tax code uneven. Now please dont ask why. No one quite knows the reason. It could be his head was screwed on a bit wrong. It could be his ties were two inches too long. But I think that the most likely reason of all, Was his heart (or his hands) were two sizes too small. Whatever the reason, his heart or his ties, He stood on Christmas Eve, planning workers demise. Staring out from his office with a sour, Grinchy frown, At the workers warm lighted windows below in their town. "Tomorrow is Christmas! It's practically here!" He said from his office with a terrible sneer. Why, for 71 years Ive put up with it now! "I MUST stop these middle class tax cuts! But HOW?" Then he got an idea! An awful idea! The Grinch got a terrible, awful idea. "I know just what to do!" The Grinch thought with a pause. "With this coat and this hat, I look like Santa Claus!" Then he loaded some empty bags on his plane, And he took off to cause some mean grinchy pain. While working families dreamed of sweet tax cuts without care, The Grinch came to the first little house on the square. "This is stop number one," the old Grinch Claus hissed, And he climbed to the roof, empty bags in his fist. Then he slid down the chimney, Santa suit all in place, And he stuck his head out of the small fireplace. Where… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-statement-final-passage-hr-1-%E2%80%9Ctax-cuts-and-jobs-act%E2%80%9D | Langevin Statement on Final Passage of H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act | 2017-12-19 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jim Langevin | L000559 | langevin.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) released the following statement after voting in opposition to H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which passed by a vote of 227 to 203: The Republican tax bill is a giveaway to the wealthythat ignores the needs of the majority of Americans and will actually raise taxes on tens of millions households. I have long said that we need reform to make the tax system simpler and fairer in a fiscally responsible manner. This Republican tax bill fails on all accounts. It will explode the national deficit to the tune of $1.5 trillion over the next decade. It adds needless complexity to the tax code with enormous new loopholes. And, in the end, it will give 83 percent of its benefits to the wealthiest one percent of Americans. Most prominently, the top tax rate for the rich is reduced from 39.6 percent to 37 percent. Giving millionaires a break will not jumpstart our economy, nor will it help the hardworking middle-class Rhode Islanders who will be hit by new restrictions on their ability to fully write off their state and local taxes. The few crumbs that are offered to the working class all expire in a few short years in order to keep the cuts for corporations permanent. Big business is the other real winner in the bill. The permanent cut of the corporate rate comes at a time when businesses are sitting on record amounts of cash. Corporations dont need a handout, they need a more efficient tax code. New rules for so-called pass-through entities willdisproportionately benefit complex holding companies like those the President still owns. Gaming the pass-through system is just the first of what is sure to be a bonanza of loopholes Republicans either put in at the request of lobbyists or failed to close in their rush to get the bill passed. We will be paying for these failures for years to come in the form of higher deficits and investments in tax lawyers instead of workers. This bill is not only filled with bad tax policy. Despite having failed again and again to repeal the Affordable Care Act,… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-statement-on-republicans-trickle-down-tax-bill | Reed Statement on Republicans’ Trickle-Down Tax Bill | 2017-12-19 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | legacy | 12/19/2017WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Jack Reed today issued the following statement on the Republicans tax legislation: If Republicans were willing to prioritize tax cuts for the middle-class and Main Street businesses, we could have passed bipartisan tax reform to simplify the tax code and strengthen our economy. Instead, Republican leaders rushed this slap-dashed, partisan, trickle-down tax scheme through with a reckless disregard for facts and independent analysis. I oppose the Trump tax bill because it is unfair and irresponsible. It is an historic transfer of wealth from students, seniors, and working families to multi-national corporations and wealthy estates. It weakens Americas financial stability and undermines the integrity of our tax system, baking corporate tax avoidance into the system. Republicans added so many new loopholes that some wealthy individuals with armies of tax lawyers may escape taxation altogether. They also got rid of targeted tax deductions that middle-class Rhode Island families have relied upon. The Trump tax will adversely affect Rhode Islanders in so many ways. The temporary benefits some families may see wont cover the long-term damage from this bill or offset the increased costs for things like child care, education, health care, and housing. Republicans currently control the House, Senate, and White House and are using their leverage to run up the federal debt and cut holes in the social safety net. They will soon demand cuts to Social Security and Medicare to reduce the deficit they just created. Rhode Islanders pay into Social Security and Medicare with every paycheck they earn, and I will strongly oppose any effort to take away or lessen their retirement security. Instead of simplifying the tax code, the Trump tax bill opens more loopholes than it closes. Instead of prioritizing tax relief for the middle-class and small businesses, it lines the pockets of the powerful at the expense of working families. There is not a single, respected economist or tax scholar on th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/videos/prior-to-vote-senator-reed-speaks-out-against-gop-tax-bill | Prior to Vote, Senator Reed Speaks Out Against GOP Tax Bill | 2017-12-19 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | legacy | As the Senate prepares to vote on the GOP's partisan tax bill, Senator Reed outlines some of the adverse effects the legislation would have on students, seniors, working families, and the middle class for the benefit of the wealthiest Americans. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-harris-press-pruitt-for-answers-on-no-bid-contract-with-gop-tied-opposition-research-firm | Whitehouse, Harris Press Pruitt for Answers on No-Bid Contract with GOP-Tied Opposition Research Firm | 2017-12-19 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | 12.19.17 Whitehouse, Harris Press Pruitt for Answers on No-Bid Contract with GOP-Tied Opposition Research Firm Contract presents an appearance of impropriety to which you as Administrator should never be a party. For the reasons that follow, you should terminate this contract immediately. Washington, DC Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Kamala Harris (D-CA) pressed Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt for answers today about the EPAs no-bid contract with an organization closely tied to the unofficial research arm of the Republican party. In a letter to Pruitt, the Senators ask for justification in awarding a $120,000 no-bid contract for news analysis to Definers Public Affairs, a public relations firm founded by Republican operatives that shares staff and an address with America Risinga partisan organization founded to expos[e] the truth about Democrats through video tracking, research, and communications. Definers and America Rising have done work on behalf of and accepted money from fossil fuel companies and other interests that the EPA regulates. On the heels of slowed enforcement against polluters and heightened politicization of the EPA, the Senators note, this contract is a troubling sign that demands explanation and termination of the contract. EPAs contract with Definers risks further politicizing the agency and is another instance of EPA under your tenure becoming captured by the industry it regulates, Whitehouse and Harris write to Pruitt. At a minimum, it presents an appearance of impropriety to which you as Administrator should never be a party. For the reasons that follow, you should terminate this contract immediately. America Rising and its affiliates have a long record of providing political support to Pruitt and his work at the EPA. Newly released documents show America Rising, led by the same opposition research experts at Definers, has been combing EPA record… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-deutch-hill-lead-71-members-pushing-pence-address-human-rights-egypt | Cicilline, Deutch, Hill Lead 71 Members Pushing Pence to Address Human Rights in Egypt | 2017-12-18 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | David Cicilline | C001084 | cicilline.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Congressmen David N. Cicilline (RI-01), Ted Deutch (FL-22) and French Hill (AR-02) led dozens of their House colleagues in asking Vice President Mike Pence to hold the Egyptian government accountable for systemic human rights violations during a scheduled meeting in Cairo this week. For decades American foreign policy has been based on promotion of our values of freedom, equality, and right to democratic representation. We have enjoyed a long and fruitful partnership with the government and people of Egypt and we very much support this continued relationship, they wrote in a letter signed by 71 Republican and Democratic colleagues, including House Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee Chairman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27). However, the close U.S-Egypt relationship is at risk as long as the Government of Egypt engages in widespread violations of internationally recognized civil and human rights. We respectfully ask that you do everything you can to ensure this message is delivered forcefully and regularly to the Egyptian government at all levels, particularly during your visit this month. Vice President Pence is visiting Cairo this week to meet with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. The Egyptian government has engaged in mass detentions, attacks on journalists, and efforts to restrict civil society. The full text of the letter sent to Vice President Pence is embedded below. A PDF version of the signed letter can be downloaded by clicking here. ---------------------------------------------------------- The Honorable Mike Pence Vice President Eisenhower Executive Office Building Washington, DC 20501 December 18, 2017 Dear Mr. Vice President: We write to you ahead of your upcoming visit to Egypt to raise concerns about recent actions taken by the Egyptian government that constitute a widespread crackdown against civil and human rights. Egypt and the United States have had a long and enduring partnership, predicated on strong military and counter-terrorism cooperation, shared security goals… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-reed-raimondo-urge-rhode-islanders-sign-health-care | Cicilline, Reed, Raimondo Urge Rhode Islanders to Sign Up For Health Care | 2017-12-18 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | David Cicilline | C001084 | cicilline.house.gov | legacy | PAWTUCKET Days before House and Senate Republicans vote on a tax bill that would eliminate a central provision of the Affordable Care Act, U.S. Congressman David Cicilline, U.S. Senator Jack Reed and Governor Gina Raimondo joined HealthSource RI Director Zach Sherman at the HealthSource RI Walk-in Center in East Providence to raise awareness of upcoming enrollment deadlines and speak about the importance of protecting health care access for tens of thousands of Rhode Islanders. With 29,000 Rhode Islanders already enrolled in health care through HealthSource RI for next year, Cicilline, Reed and Raimondo urged anyone who still needs coverage to sign up as soon as possible. New and returning customers should visit HealthSourceRI.com to shop for the plan that works best for them. December 23rd is the deadline for enrollees to be guaranteed coverage that begins on January 1st. December 31st is the last day to purchase health insurance for 2018 through HealthSource RI. Even as enrollments in Rhode Island and across the country outpace previous years, Congressional Republicans have included the end of the individual mandate for health care in the latest version of their tax plan. If the tax plan becomes law with this provision, 13 million Americans, including at least 12,000 Rhode Islanders, will be covered by 2025, and premiums will spike by more than 50 percent over the next three years, according to an analysis from HealthSource RI. In Rhode Island, enrollment is expected to drop from over 42,000 total this year to 30,000 in 2021, and the average annual premium for enrollees will rise from $418 in 2018 to $636 in 2021. Rhode Islanders deserve the opportunity to purchase health insurance that is affordable and provides them and their families access to high-quality care, said Cicilline. I urge everyone who still needs to purchase health insurance for 2018 to visit HealthSourceRI.com and shop for the plan that works best for their families. The Affordable Care Act has helped tens of thousands of Rhode islanders and… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-denounces-exclusion-climate-change-trump-national-security-strategy | Langevin Denounces Exclusion of Climate Change from Trump National Security Strategy | 2017-12-18 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jim Langevin | L000559 | langevin.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, denounced President Trumps decision to exclude discussion of climate change as a national security threat in his America First National Security Strategy: I am deeply disappointed in the Presidents decision to remove climate change as a threat to our national security, said Langevin. The Administration is choosing to make the militarys strategy harder and more dangerous just one week after signing the Fiscal Year 2018 National Defense Authorization Act, which included my amendment expressing the sense of Congress that climate change is a direct threat to the national security of the United States. The National Security Strategy is a report to Congress required by the Goldwater-Nicholas Act that lays out an Administrations goals and objectives for securing the United States. It does not carry the force of law. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), on the other hand, is an annual bill passed by Congress that sets funding levels and policies for the military. In addition to clearly stating Congresss intent on the issue, this years NDAA also requires the Department of Defense to report on military installations vulnerable to a changing climate and to address combatant commander requirements resulting from climate change. These provisions are not affected by the new strategy. As temperatures get warmer and sea levels rise, we know that a changing climate will lead to increased instability and will affect our readiness both tactically and strategically, continued Langevin. We have heard from the Pentagons top military and civilian officials, who believe that climate change poses a direct threat to their work and to the stability of the world at large. Even the Presidents own Secretary of Defense has stated that the effects of a changing climate will impact our security situation. The Presidents actions today represent a significant step backward on this issue, but they cannot reverse a rising tide or blind our military and … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/photos/reed-state-leaders-urge-rhode-islanders-to-sign-up-for-health-insurance | Reed, State Leaders Urge Rhode Islanders to Sign Up for Health Insurance | 2017-12-18 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | legacy | Reed, State Leaders Urge Rhode Islanders to Sign Up for Health Insurance … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-ri-delegation-demands-congress-fund-health-insurance-children | Cicilline, RI Delegation Demands Congress Fund Health Insurance for Children | 2017-12-15 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | David Cicilline | C001084 | cicilline.house.gov | legacy | Providence, RI. U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Jim Langevin and David Cicilline today gathered to demand the Republican majority in Congress immediately reauthorize the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Rhode Islands congressional delegation stood with pediatricians and childrens advocates at Meeting Street, which supports kids who have a wide range of specialized health needs. The federally funded Childrens Health Insurance Program is responsible for covering tens of thousands of children and pregnant women in Rhode Island. It has helped our state become a national leader in ensuring that all of our children have access to high-quality affordable health care, and,said Congressman Cicilline, who led 88 of his colleagues in calling on Speaker Ryan to bring a bill reauthorizing CHIP to the House floor. These Rhode Islanders could start losing their health care coverage as soon as March if Republicans in Congress continue to hold this reauthorization hostage. Across the country, almost 9 million children stand to lose coverage. Americans overwhelmingly want Congress to support health care for children and pregnant women through CHIP, and I urge Speaker Ryan to allow the House to take a vote on reauthorization immediately. CHIP has been successful here in Rhode Island and the programs benefits are clear: it helps kids with limited means see a doctor and get preventive care, including vaccinations, said Senator Reed. In addition to positive health outcomes, studies show that programs like CHIP and RIte Care translate to educational and economic gains. Healthy kids have better school attendance and greater productivity when they grow up. When you add it all up, CHIP is a win for kids and a win for taxpayers and it should be reauthorized with overwhelming bipartisan support. There is no possible justification for putting the health insurance of tens of thousands of Rhode Island children and expectant mothers in jeopardy, said Senator Whitehouse, a member of the Senate Health, Ed… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://langevin.house.gov/press-release/ri-delegation-demands-congress-fund-health-insurance-children | RI Delegation Demands Congress Fund Health Insurance for Children | 2017-12-15 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jim Langevin | L000559 | langevin.house.gov | legacy | U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Jim Langevin and David Cicilline today gathered to demand the Republican majority in Congress immediately reauthorize the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Rhode Islands congressional delegation stood with pediatricians and childrens advocates at Meeting Street, which supports kids who have a wide range of specialized health needs. CHIP has been successful here in Rhode Island and the programs benefits are clear: it helps kids with limited means see a doctor and get preventive care, including vaccinations,said Senator Reed. In addition to positive health outcomes, studies show that programs like CHIP and RIte Care translate to educational and economic gains. Healthy kids have better school attendance and greater productivity when they grow up. When you add it all up, CHIP is a win for kids and a win for taxpayers and it should be reauthorized with overwhelming bipartisan support. There is no possible justification for putting the health insurance of tens of thousands of Rhode Island children and expectant mothers in jeopardy,said Senator Whitehouse, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. Any parent raising a child with special health needs has enough to worry about without fear of medical bills that they simply cant pay. CHIP has been a bipartisan success for decades, and yet Republicans in Congress are prioritizing approval of a plan to give tax breaks to millionaires and billionaires over reauthorizing health insurance for children who need it. My colleagues across the aisle must set aside their partisan agenda and swiftly reauthorize CHIP to ensure the health care needs of 9 million children, including 36,000 Rhode Islanders, continue to be met,said Congressman Langevin. CHIP is a lifeline for our most vulnerable residents, and I cannot believe that Republicans would hold families across the country hostage in order to score political points. Our nations children are our most precious resource, and they des… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/photos/reed-librarians-academics-warn-of-negative-impacts-for-ri-if-trump-admin-repeals-net-neutrality | Reed, Librarians, Academics Warn of Negative Impacts for RI if Trump Admin Repeals Net Neutrality | 2017-12-15 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | legacy | Reed, Librarians, Academics Warn of Negative Impacts for RI if Trump Admin Repeals Net Neutrality … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/speeches/reed-speaks-in-opposition-to-the-gop-tax-bill | Reed Speaks in Opposition to the GOP Tax Bill | 2017-12-15 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | legacy | 12/15/2017Madam President, as Republicans in both Chambers rush to conclude their secret negotiations on the final details of their tax bill, I want to make clear to my colleagues what should be obvious about this legislation. We may not yet know the results of all of their horse-trading leading up to the final legislation, but the American people are watching this process. It is plain to see that, should this Republican bill become law, Republicans will have knowingly and deliberately made worse the most dangerous threats that we face to our economic and national security. Worse yet, they will have drained the public coffers that our children and our children's children will need to take up these challenges. We all know what these challenges are. We face unprecedented income and wealth inequality that threatens to stifle the social mobility that is the hallmark of the American Dream. There is also declining productivity, which has kept middle-class wages stagnant, and bred economic anxiety for too many parents wondering if their children will attain a higher standard of living--much higher, they hope--than they have achieved. We have a surging deficit from decades of trickle-down economics and unpaid-for wars that, if left unaddressed, could apply huge pressure to our ability to keep our most basic promises to the American people, not to mention meeting our obligations as a world power. To the families watching what is going on in Washington right now, the Republican end game appears to be to invite fiscal crisis due to irresponsible tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations, and then, because we have already given trillions of dollars away in tax cuts, to demand that Congress shred Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and other vital programs in order to pay our bills. We know this is the road that this bill sets us upon, and the American people certainly see this coming. So let no one who votes for this bill say that they did not know the consequences of their actions. This will not be remembered as tax refo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/op-eds/the-epa-tries-to-turn-a-blind-eye-to-carbon-emissions-the-courts-can-stop-it | The EPA tries to turn a blind eye to carbon emissions. The courts can stop it. | 2017-12-15 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | 12.15.17 The EPA tries to turn a blind eye to carbon emissions. The courts can stop it. In the recent Frontline documentary, War on the EPA, the CEO of the Murray Energy Corporation the largest coal mining company in the United States brags that he had given the Trump administration a three-page action plan on rolling back environmental regulations. Less than a year into his term, the president and his officials had already completed the first page,Murray Energy CorporationsBob Murray says in the film. Indeed, the administration has gone straight to work undoing environmental safeguards: reevaluating emission standards for cars and trucks, pressing for the Keystone XL tar-sands pipeline, disbanding science advisory committees, lifting the moratorium on federal coal leasing, trying to expand offshore drilling, and opening national monuments and marine sanctuaries to energy companies. The EPA is working to eliminate rules on the leaking and flaring of methane and has rescinded requirements for reporting methane emissions. It is also stalling on monitoring carbon pollution. And, of course, the president announced his intention to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris climate agreement. At the top of Murrays wish list, Frontline reports, is repealing the Clean Power Plan, the 2015 EPA rule to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from American power plants. Many utilities and states support the initiative. But the big polluters do not. So it is in the Trump administrations crosshairs. But any attempt to unravel Barack Obamas signature environmental policy will likely have to survive a lengthy legal fight. The benefits of the Clean Power Plan to public health, the climate, and the economy outweigh the costs of energy sector compliance by $26 billion to $45 billion every year, according to the EPAs own calculations. In order to rescind the Clean Power Plan, EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt has to make those benefits disappear. So he cooked the books, using two tricks: The first derives from the fact that todays c… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-statement-end-net-neutrality | Cicilline Statement on End of Net Neutrality | 2017-12-14 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | David Cicilline | C001084 | cicilline.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (RI-01), the top-ranking Democrat on the House Antitrust Subcommittee, issued the following statement today: “When working people pay their internet bill, they’re buying access to the full internet at the speed they pay for. Today’s decision by the Republican-controlled Federal Communications Commission ends the era of the open internet. Ending Net Neutrality will allow internet service providers to slow speeds on certain websites, charge new fees, and even block websites altogether.” “I’m also deeply disturbed that the FCC went ahead with this decision after New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman found that hundreds of thousands of public comments were submitted in recent weeks using stolen identities and even Russian email addresses. There’s no doubt the FCC rushed this decision and put the interests of telecom companies ahead of working people.” “I’m proud to stand with millions of Americans who know that this is a bad decision. I’ll continue fighting to change the law and restore Net Neutrality.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-statement-proposed-disneyfox-merger | Cicilline Statement on Proposed Disney/Fox Merger | 2017-12-14 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | David Cicilline | C001084 | cicilline.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (RI-01), the top-ranking Democrat on the House Antitrust Subcommittee, issued the following statement today: “Another day, another mega-merger. Disney’s proposed purchase of 21st Century Fox threatens to put control of TV, movie, and news content into the hands of a single media giant.” “If it’s approved, this merger could allow Disney to limit what consumers can watch and increase their cable bills. Disney will gain more than 300 channels, 22 regional sports networks, control over Hulu, and a significant portion of Roku.” “America is in a Monopoly Moment. We need more competition than before, not less, to create an economy that has more choices and innovation, lower prices, and better jobs. The House Antitrust Subcommittee should look at this proposal very closely.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-condemns-fcc-vote-repeal-net-neutrality-rules | Langevin Condemns FCC Vote to Repeal Net Neutrality Rules | 2017-12-14 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jim Langevin | L000559 | langevin.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI), co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional Cybersecurity Caucus, released the following statement after the Federal Communications Commission voted to repeal net neutrality rules: “I strongly condemn today’s vote by the Federal Communications Commission overturning net neutrality rules that protect consumers and encourage innovation. Despite the overwhelming opposition of my Rhode Island constituents and Americans across the country, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai has sided with cable companies and other Internet service providers, putting profits above the public interest. The Internet has been an open marketplace of ideas and information, but today’s repeal will allow throttling, filtering, and fast lanes. The rules adopted today will give companies, not consumers, the final say in what is accessible online, and that is a tragedy. “I’ve spent over a decade working in cybersecurity to better protect the Internet so that we can continue to reap the amazing benefits of an interconnected economy. My focus has been on malicious actors in cyberspace who threaten the confidentiality, integrity and availability of our networks and data and in doing so, undermine the free and open Internet. Never did I expect that our own government would attack these very principles. I work on cybersecurity because I believe in the power of the Internet, and I worry that today’s actions may begin its downfall. “The Internet was designed to be free. I urge my colleagues to unite to block today’s effort and restore net neutrality.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/on-5th-anniversary-of-sandy-hook-shooting-reed-aims-to-end-federal-ban-on-gun-violence-research | On 5th Anniversary of Sandy Hook Shooting, Reed Aims to End Federal Ban on Gun Violence Research | 2017-12-14 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | legacy | 12/14/2017 — WASHINGTON, DC – Today marks the five-year anniversary of the deadly mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. Five years after this unspeakable tragedy, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) is urging Congress to take action to prevent gun violence and lift the ban on federal research into gun violence: “Today, we remember the innocent victims we lost and those who tried to save them. Twenty bright, young kids should be sitting in their sixth grade classrooms today. But their lives were cut short by gun violence. “We as a nation must do more to prevent gun violence. Too many families have suffered tragic losses and hardships as a result of unnecessary gun deaths and injuries. “Congress must do more to help prevent these types of tragedies from recurring. We need bipartisan, commonsense action. I know many in Congress will not vote to impose universal background checks, or ban military-style assault weapons like the ones that have been used over and over again in mass-shootings. But I remain hopeful that my colleagues on the other side will at least join us in finally lifting the ban on federal research into gun violence.” A 1996 rider to an Appropriations law prohibits federal funds from being used to advocate or promote gun control. The author of the original provision, former Congressman Jay Dickey (R-AR), who passed away earlier this year, changed his mind and supported funding U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) gun violence research and stated that the rider should not stand in the way of researching the epidemic of gun violence: “I wish we had started the proper research and kept it going all this time,” Mr. Dickey said in an interview with the Huffington Post in 2015. “I have regrets.” Senator Reed has called on Congress to hold a hearing on funding gun violence research and provide dedicated funding for the CDC to gather data and conduct research into the causes and prevention of gun violence in the United States. “‘You can’t regulate evi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/opening-statement-by-ranking-member-reed-at-sasc-hearing-on-us-policy-and-strategy-in-the-middle-east | Opening Statement by Ranking Member Reed at SASC Hearing on U.S. Policy and Strategy in the Middle East | 2017-12-14 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | legacy | 12/14/2017 — Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for holding this important hearing. I also want to thank our witnesses for appearing today to provide their views on U.S. policy and strategy in the Middle East. We are fortunate to have such a distinguished panel of experts who have spent decades studying and working in the region and who continue to make important contributions to the discussion of U.S. strategy and policy matters. I’m confident you will provide valuable context to the dynamic political and security environment we see in the Middle East today. Working with our partners on the ground, we have made great progress in our efforts to dismantle the so-called ISIS caliphate. According to U.S. Central Command, in the last three years the coalition has liberated more than 4.5 million people and 52,000 square kilometers of territory from ISIS control. This is a significant achievement for the coalition and our Iraqi and Syrian partners. It is also important to recognize that ISIS, al Qaeda, and other violent extremists are not yet defeated and remain intent on attacking the U.S. and our interests while taking advantage of opportunities afforded by destabilization in the Middle East. Despite our operational success against ISIS, we have not achieved similar success in addressing the political and social challenges in the Middle East that gave rise to ISIS in the first place. Our efforts to deal ISIS, al Qaeda, and others a lasting defeat must not rest with the Department of Defense alone. Sustainable solutions will require significant contributions from the State Department, USAID, and others. Unfortunately, our ability to achieve such a whole-of-government approach is hampered by massive proposed cuts to the State Department’s budget and the fact that our career diplomats are leaving government service at an alarming rate. Each of you has deep experience in utilizing the non-military tools of our national power, and I hope you will provide the committee with your views on how such tools can be more effect… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-statement-on-democracy-and-human-rights-concerns-in-honduras | Reed Statement on Democracy & Human Rights Concerns in Honduras | 2017-12-14 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | legacy | 12/14/2017 — WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jack Reed today issued the following statement on the situation in Honduras: “I find reports of violence and irregularities related to the November 26 elections in Honduras to be deeply disturbing. I call upon the Government of Honduras to exercise restraint and demonstrate a commitment to transparency and human rights. It is critical that all Hondurans’ rights are respected and democratic processes are safeguarded. The Trump Administration should not turn a blind eye to human rights abuses in Honduras and should be vocal about any election irregularities that may have occurred.” Print Email Tweet | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-urges-congress-to-overturn-the-fccs-rollback-of-net-neutrality-rules | Reed Urges Congress to Overturn the FCC’s Rollback of Net Neutrality Rules | 2017-12-14 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | legacy | 12/14/2017 — WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, moments after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to kill net neutrality, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) joined with Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) in unveiling a plan to use the Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to effectively invalidate the FCC’s action and restore the 2015 net neutrality rules. The FCC’s vote of 3 to 2 fell along party lines, with Trump-appointed Chairman Ajit Pai and Republican Commissioners Brendan Carr and Michael O’Rielly voting in favor of the order, and Democratic Commissioners Mignon Clyburn and Jessica Rosenworcel voting against. “Today’s partisan vote could be the start of more restrictive access to the Internet, and Congress must not let that happen. Congress has the power to overturn this decision and ensure the Internet remains open and free for the American people,” said Reed. “I urge my colleagues to support this CRA and invalidate the FCC’s ruling. This is important for our citizens, consumers, and free speech.” The Congressional Review Act (CRA) requires that all federal agency rules be reported to Congress and allows lawmakers 60 legislative working days to nix administrative federal regulations through an act of Congress with a simple majority in both chambers. Legislators of either party can petition to reverse agency rulings, after which Congress must consider a “resolution of disapproval” with a simple majority in the Senate. The resolution of disapproval would rescind FCC Chairman Ajit Pai’s decision and fully restore the Open Internet Order. In accordance with the Congressional Review Act, the Senators will formally introduce the resolution once the rule is submitted to both houses of Congress and published in the Federal Register. There are plans to introduce a CRA resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives as well. A copy of the CRA can be found HERE. Print Email Tweet | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/videos/reed-speaks-in-opposition-to-the-gop-tax-bill | Reed Speaks in Opposition to the GOP Tax Bill | 2017-12-14 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | legacy | Home About Jack's Story Fast Facts Committees Voting Record Issues Services Tour D.C. Internships Service Academies U.S. Flags Grants … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/op-eds/time-to-root-out-political-interference-with-the-doj | Time To Root Out Political Interference With The DOJ | 2017-12-14 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | 12.14.17 Time To Root Out Political Interference With The DOJ President Trump was at it again recently, taking toTwitterto besmirch theU.S. Department of Justice, and doubling down on his demand for a DOJ investigation into Hillary Clintons emails. No justice! Trump complained, claiming the reputation of theFBIwas in Tatters worst in History! This latest outburst comes on the heels of his comments in aradio appearancelast month, lamenting: The saddest thing is that because I'm the President of the United States, I am not supposed to be involved with the Justice Department ... Why aren't they going after Hillary Clinton ... ? Its not sad, Mr. President, it is the rule of law. Presidents are not supposed to supervise, initiate or interfere with law enforcement investigations or prosecutions. Not of their political opponents. Not of anyone. Thats the way banana republics behave; not the government of the United States of America. To prevent even the appearance of undue political influence, Republican and Democratic administrations alike have for decades honored written policies limiting White House contacts with the Justice Department and other law enforcement agencies. Eventhe Trump White House has one, dictating that, with few exceptions, the White House may only communicate with the DOJ on matters that do not relate to a particular contemplated or pending investigation or case. Nevertheless, we are seeing troubling signs that these principles are being circumvented by tweet and other forms of pressure. Just days after Trump made those comments about going after Hillary Clinton, Attorney General Jeff Sessions signaled that hed heard Trumps frustrations loud and clear. In a letter to the House Judiciary Committee, Sessions confirmed that the Justice Department would evaluate a special counsel to investigate allegations against Secretary Clinton. Although Sessions appeared to backtrack in testimony before the committee, insisting that he had not been influenced and would not be improperly influenced by … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-slams-gutting-of-net-neutrality | Whitehouse Slams Gutting of Net Neutrality | 2017-12-14 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | 12.14.17 Whitehouse Slams Gutting of Net Neutrality FCC votes without investigating millions of fake comments calling for net neutrality repeal Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) slammed today’s vote by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to repeal net neutrality in a major victory over consumers handed to corporate interests by the Trump administration. The vote comes without a federal investigation into the millions of fake public comments filed with the FCC calling for the consumer protections to be rolled back. “Repealing net neutrality is a blow to a free and fair internet and the jobs that depend on it,” Whitehouse said. “It’s also a move based on a process that lacked basic transparency and a record full of fake or fraudulent comments that clearly don’t represent the views of the American people. The FCC is bowing to special interests and bots. Here’s the question: who’s behind the bots?” Whitehouse earlier this month called for the delay of today’s vote to allow federal investigators to look into the sources of the millions of apparently fake public comments on net neutrality that were submitted to the FCC and analyzed by the Pew Research Center. Whitehouse has joined Senator Edward Markey (D-MA) in announcing a plan to introduce a resolution that would undo today’s action by the FCC and restore net neutrality rules. Net neutrality rules are Obama-era rules protecting internet access for the public by requiring internet service providers to treat all online content alike. Once the repeal of net neutrality goes into effect, internet service providers will be allowed to deliberately slow down traffic to some websites and charge some consumers more for better and faster service to benefit the biggest companies. ### Print Email Tweet … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-warren-air-concerns-with-bls-nominee | Whitehouse, Warren Air Concerns with BLS Nominee | 2017-12-14 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | 12.14.17 Whitehouse, Warren Air Concerns with BLS Nominee ‘The Commissioner must safeguard the Bureau’s integrity. Dr. Beach’s thin qualifications and slanted record do not suggest he will.’ Washington, DC – Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) issued a statement today calling into question the qualifications of Dr. William Beach, Vice President for Policy Research at the Koch brothers-funded Mercatus Center and formerly of the Heritage Foundation, to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Beach was voted out of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Wednesday evening on a party-line vote. The Senators said: “William Beach does not have the qualifications to serve as Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics. His dissertation, provided to the Committee just two days before his markup, lacks the methodological rigor of a Ph.D. in economics, let alone one of the federal government’s most important economists. It appears that little, if any, of his work has undergone the scrutiny of the scientific peer review process that would be expected of a leader in his field. And he has failed to provide the Committee with a single paper he has authored that was published in an independent academic journal. “Instead of demonstrating independence and leadership, Dr. Beach built his career writing result-oriented policy papers for organizations like the Heritage Foundation and the Mercatus Center, which receive significant funding from the Koch brothers and other anonymous sources. Especially during this administration, the Commissioner must safeguard the Bureau’s integrity. Dr. Beach’s thin qualifications and slanted record do not suggest he will.” ### Print Email Tweet Previous Arti… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-questions-rosenstein-president%E2%80%99s-attempts-undermine-robert-mueller | Cicilline Questions Rosenstein on Presidents Attempts to Undermine Robert Mueller | 2017-12-13 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | David Cicilline | C001084 | cicilline.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – During today’s House Judiciary Committee oversight hearing, U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (RI-01) questioned Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein about the efforts undertaken by President Trump and his allies to discredit the Special Counsel’s investigation. “We need to hear your voice defending the integrity of this Department, the rule of law, the independence of this investigation because the very future of our democracy is at stake if you fail to do that,” Cicilline told Rosenstein. A video can be viewed by clicking here. A transcript of the exchange is embedded at the end of this release. --------------------------------------------------- Cicilline: In February, the Department of Justice changed its litigation position in Veasey v. Abbott, the Texas photo ID case. Did you have any involvement in the decision to reverse the Justice Department's long-standing position in this case that the Texas voter ID law was intentionally discriminatory? Rosenstein: No, I did not. Cicilline: In August, the Department of Justice changed its litigation position in the case Husted v. A. Philip Randolph Institute. The Justice Department is now defending Ohio's voter purging law. Were you involved in the decision to change this litigation position, and now side with the voter purging law? Rosenstein: I was at the Department at that time, but I don't believe I had any involvement in the decision. Cicilline: And were you involved in the Justice Department’s decision to file an amicus brief in Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission on behalf of the baker who seeks to deny baking wedding cakes to same-sex couples. Rosenstein: That decision was made by our Inspector General…pardon me, our Solicitor General. Cicilline: You described the Special Counsel as a heroic figure who served his country, a career prosecutor, someone who was confirmed unanimously as FBI Director, someone of extraordinary reputation, service, and patriotism. I take it your judgment on Mr. Mueller has not changed today. Ros… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-urges-fcc-to-abandon-plans-to-repeal-net-neutrality | Reed Urges FCC to Abandon Plans to Repeal Net Neutrality | 2017-12-13 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | legacy | 12/13/2017 — WASHINGTON, DC – With the Trump Administration gearing up to repeal net neutrality this week, U.S. Senator Jack Reed is urging the Administration to keep the Internet open, free, and with equal access for all. This week, Senator Reed joined 38 colleagues in sending a letter to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai urging the agency to abandon plans to repeal net neutrality rules in favor of giving Internet providers the ability to freely block or slow down consumers’ access to the Internet. Reed says that doing so could negatively impact consumers, businesses, and our democracy by putting people who can’t pay for preferential treatment online at a disadvantage. “Your plan gives a broadband provider the ability to significantly alter their subscribers’ Internet experience,” the Senators wrote. “Once adopted, this proposal will permit that provider to freely block, slow down or manipulate a consumer’s access to the Internet as long as it discloses those practices – no matter how anti-consumer – somewhere within mounds of legalese in a new 'net neutrality’ policy. …It is a stunning regulatory overreach.” The letter also highlights the inaccuracy of the Trump Administration’s claims that the move to repeal net neutrality would harken back to the supposed success of “light touch” regulation in the 1990s and early 2000s, and notes the entirely different and now central role the Internet plays in modern-day life. “Over the past 20 years, Internet communications have become widely adopted and relied on by American homes and businesses,” the letter continues. “Yet, your plan ignores the central and critical role that access to a free and open Internet plays in Americans’ lives and the role that the nation’s expert communications agency should play with respect to the networks underlying that access. Moreover, your assertion that your plan returns Internet access to the way it was before is not correct. Even under the Bush-era FCC, the agency adopted open Internet principles and … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/videos/reed-opposes-net-neutrality-repeal-on-the-senate-floor | Reed Opposes Net Neutrality Repeal on the Senate Floor | 2017-12-13 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | legacy | In an effort to keep the Internet open, free, and with equal access for all, Senator Reed urges his colleagues to join in opposition to the Trump Administration's decision to repeal net neutrality. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-carper-raise-alarm-over-epa-settlement-directive | Whitehouse, Carper Raise Alarm Over EPA Settlement Directive | 2017-12-13 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | 12.13.17 Whitehouse, Carper Raise Alarm Over EPA Settlement Directive Senators question EPA, DOJ on Pruitt’s effort to curtail Americans’ ability to prompt action on key environmental protections Washington, DC – Following rollbacks of important air and water protections and reports of dramatically slowed environmental enforcement by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Tom Carper (D-DE) are questioning the EPA and the Department of Justice about a new directive that curtails Americans’ ability to hold the EPA accountable for enforcing key environmental laws. The vaguely worded EPA policy makes it significantly harder for citizens and the EPA to enter consent decrees and settlements to ensure the timely completion of important environmental rules guaranteed by laws like the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act. The directive also states that before entering into a settlement, EPA will now seek the concurrence from the same industries whose air and water pollution it regulates. In a letter to EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, the lawmakers highlight how the directive “drastically changes the previous practice of attempting to settle legitimate claims in a fair and efficient manner. For example, where the EPA would have previously settled a deadline suit for clearly failing to meet a statutory deadline, the EPA appears to now intend to litigate that claim — absent agreement from the party(ies) that might be regulated if EPA takes action — resulting in excessive time and litigation costs to taxpayers and plaintiffs and yet leading to the same outcome: the Court setting a deadline for EPA action.” The directive clears the way for polluting industries to wrest control of the agency that regulates them. Whitehouse and Carper write in a letter to Justice Department Acting Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Wood, “The Directive’s mandated consultation only with ‘regulat… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/whitehouse-remarks-in-epw-hearing-on-the-oversight-of-the-nuclear-regulatory-commission | Whitehouse Remarks in EPW Hearing on the Oversight of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission | 2017-12-13 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | About Services Agency Assistance Success Stories Grants Flag Requests Visiting D.C. Student Resources Email Sheldon Events Community Dinners Community Outreach … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-opposes-increasing-defense-spending-at-the-expense-of-other-pressing-domestic-priorities | Reed Opposes Increasing Defense Spending at the Expense of Other Pressing Domestic Priorities | 2017-12-12 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | legacy | 12/12/2017 — WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today joined U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) and 42 of their fellow Senate Democrats in sending a letter to House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) urging them to continue bipartisan budget negotiations and forgo a proposed partisan funding bill that would underfund education, clean air and water, health care, infrastructure, veterans, and other vital domestic priorities. “Congress needs a balanced, responsible way to fix the sequester so our defense and domestic needs are met. Achieving that goal is essential to the security and financial well-being of all Americans. The Pentagon is critical to national security, but so is the FBI, Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, and many other federal agencies that help keep Americans safe,” stated Reed. “Some on the far right have proposed a lopsided approach that would damage our economy, hurt working families, and leave our country less safe. That would be a disaster and it is a non-starter. For too long, Republican leaders put off tough budget decisions while pursuing Trumpcare and corporate tax cuts. It is time to get serious about reaching a principled compromise to strengthen our military and help grow the economy so that all Americans have a fair shot to build a better life.” The letter, which was signed by 44 Senate Democrats, outlines Democratic opposition to a so-called “CRomnibus,” which means a funding bill that provides full-year sequestration relief for military programs but not for other important key domestic programs, resulting in devastating cuts to homeland security agencies like the FBI, as well as education, cancer research programs at the NIH, opioid treatment funding at HHS, and a host of other key programs. “We urge you to keep your commitment to the bipartisan budget negotiations and forego any plans to consider partisan legislation,” the 44 Democratic… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/speeches/reed-opposes-net-neutrality-repeal-on-the-senate-floor | Reed Opposes Net Neutrality Repeal on the Senate Floor | 2017-12-12 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | legacy | 12/12/2017 — Mr. President, I rise to discuss the Trump administration’s irresponsible plans to dismantle net neutrality. This is a very important and timely issue for Rhode Islanders. The Federal Communications Commission’s—the FCC’s—efforts to repeal net neutrality protections could have a devastating impact on students, small businesses, and ordinary Rhode Islanders who cannot afford to pay higher premiums on internet traffic. I have joined many of my Democratic colleagues in urging the FCC to abandon its reckless plan because it would radically alter the free and open internet as we know it and be an abdication of the FCC’s responsibility to protect consumers. Net neutrality does something incredibly important. It requires internet providers to treat all data equally. Net neutrality ensures a level playing field for everyone on the internet. It means free and open access to websites and information. Over the past 20 years, the internet has become central to the lives of Rhode Islanders and, indeed, millions of Americans—practically every American. From students completing homework assignments to small businesses conducting e-commerce, or family members communicating with loved ones on the other side of the country or the world, the internet is now our primary means of communication. As such, I believe this is an issue of fundamental fairness and equality of opportunity. This proposed repeal of net neutrality protections undermines the principles of a free and open internet and could be an unprecedented giveaway to big broadband providers, benefiting a few large corporations at the expense of their customers who use and rely on affordable access to the internet every day. Net neutrality protections also ensure that all content is treated equally. Without these rules, large internet service providers may choose to block, throttle, or prioritize certain internet traffic. Without these protections, big internet service providers will be given the power to erect virtual toll booths for some customers and fast lan… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/amid-evidence-of-plagiarism-carper-leads-epw-minority-in-calling-on-ceq-nominee-to-submit-new-and-original-answers | Amid Evidence of Plagiarism, Carper Leads EPW Minority in Calling on CEQ Nominee to Submit New and Original Answers | 2017-12-12 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | 12.12.17 Amid Evidence of Plagiarism, Carper Leads EPW Minority in Calling on CEQ Nominee to Submit New and Original Answers Kathleen Hartnett White, President Trump’s pick to serve as his most senior environmental advisor, copied at least 18 responses to questions for the record verbatim from previous nominees, including EPA Administrator Pruitt WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the minority members of the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee called on Kathleen Hartnett White, President Trump’s nominee to lead the White House Council on Environmental Quality and serve as his most senior environmental advisor, to submit new and original responses to questions for the record after it was discovered that at least 18 of her responses were copied verbatim from responses previously submitted to the committee. Repeatedly, Ms. White’s answers to questions of opinion – on issues including climate change, hazardous air pollutants and environmental justice – matched answers previously provided by President Trump’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) nominees, including EPA Administrator Pruitt and EPA Assistant Administrator Bill Wehrum. In a letter led by Ranking Member Tom Carper (D-Del.), the lawmakers wrote, “We write to request additional information about your responses to questions for the record sent to you by Members of the Environment and Public Works Committee after your confirmation hearing…We are troubled that it appears that you have cut and pasted from the written answers of other nominees in your responses to questions that were submitted to you.” The senators requested that Ms. Hartnett White identify and give appropriate citation to all responses that include someone else’s work and submit new answers to each of the plagiarized responses that represent her own views by December 22, 2017. Senator Carper was joined by Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/senators-to-tax-budget-conferees-remove-harmful-renewable-energy-provisions-protect-clean-energy-blue-collar-jobs | Senators to Tax Budget Conferees: Remove Harmful Renewable Energy Provisions, Protect Clean Energy Blue-Collar Jobs | 2017-12-12 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | 12.12.17 Senators to Tax Budget Conferees: Remove Harmful Renewable Energy Provisions, Protect Clean Energy Blue-Collar Jobs Three provisions in Senate and House bills would harm ability to claim essential federal tax credits, reduce tax credits specifically for wind industry, eliminate tax credit for electric vehicles Washington (December 12, 2017) – As Republicans on the congressional tax scam conference committee try to finalize their partisan plan this week, Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) are demanding removal of renewable energy provisions from the final conference report that would devastate clean energy deployment and job growth. Wind and solar energy currently have more than 360,000 workers in their industries, the majority of them blue-collar jobs such as roofers, electricians and steelworkers. These clean energy industries are projected to support 500,000 American workers in just three years. “The potential of these industries and this job creation is imperiled by provisions in the legislation that has been passed by the House and Senate,” write the Senators in the letter. “Wind and solar here in the United States are creating hundreds of thousands of good-paying, blue-collar jobs and more sustainable economic growth. The increasing deployment of electric vehicles will help reduce our consumption of foreign oil and enhance our national security.” A copy of the letter can be found HERE. A first provision included in the Senate bill called the “base-erosion anti-abuse tax” (BEAT) would harm the ability of renewable energy projects to make full use of essential federal tax credits. A second provision included in the House bill would significantly reduce tax credits for the wind industry, which could… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-bill-to-protect-servicemembers-and-veterans-from-foreclosure-signed-into-law | Whitehouse Bill to Protect Servicemembers and Veterans from Foreclosure Signed into Law | 2017-12-12 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | 12.12.17 Whitehouse Bill to Protect Servicemembers and Veterans from Foreclosure Signed into Law Washington, DC – Today, President Donald Trump signed into law Senator Sheldon Whitehouse’s (D-RI) bill to extend vital foreclosure protection to servicemembers, veterans, and their families. Whitehouse’s legislation, which was included as an amendment in the 2018 defense authorization bill, extends through 2019 the one-year grace period protecting servicemembers leaving active duty from foreclosure. “The men and women of our armed forces ought to have a shot to regain their financial footing when they return home,” said Whitehouse. “Extending this important protection recognizes their noble service to our country. I’m proud my legislation was signed into law today.” Senator Whitehouse has been fighting for years to ensure that those who have served our country and their families are protected from foreclosure as they transition from active-duty service to civilian life. In 2012, Whitehouse fought successfully to extend the period of foreclosure protection to one year. Since then, Whitehouse has succeeded in continuing that protection on a temporary basis, while fighting to make it permanent. The 2016 extension of these protections expires at the end of 2017. “Senator Whitehouse’s bill is particularly important in Rhode Island because we have one of the most deployed National Guard forces in the country,” said Erik Wallin, Executive Director of Operation Stand Down Rhode Island. “This bill provides servicemen and women with the relief they need as they transition from periods of active duty back into civilian life.” In 2008, Congress first extended the period of foreclosure protection under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act from 90 days to nine months in response to a report by the Commission on the National Guard and Reserves. The report found that “the threat of foreclosure is a stressor that need not be placed on members of the armed forces during the first months of their return to civili… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/whitehouse-remarks-in-help-hearing-on-the-cost-of-prescription-drugs-making-medicines-affordable | Whitehouse Remarks in HELP hearing on The Cost of Prescription Drugs: Making Medicines Affordable | 2017-12-12 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | About Services Agency Assistance Success Stories Grants Flag Requests Visiting D.C. Student Resources Email Sheldon Events Community Dinners Community Outreach … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/whitehouse-remarks-in-judiciary-hearing-on-the-oversight-of-the-drug-enforcement-act | Whitehouse remarks in Judiciary Hearing on the Oversight of the Drug Enforcement Act | 2017-12-12 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | About Services Agency Assistance Success Stories Grants Flag Requests Visiting D.C. Student Resources Email Sheldon Events Community Dinners Community Outreach … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/ri-nets-16-million-continue-infrastructure-improvements-port-galilee | RI Nets $1.6 Million to Continue Infrastructure Improvements At the Port of Galilee | 2017-12-11 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | David Cicilline | C001084 | cicilline.house.gov | legacy | NARRAGANSETT, RI – U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Jim Langevin and David Cicilline today joined Governor Gina M. Raimondo in announcing $1.6 million in federal funding to upgrade key infrastructure at the Port of Galilee in Narragansett to help protect jobs and promote investment at Rhode Island’s busiest commercial fishing port. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) will use the $1,661,500 federal grant, administered by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), to continue rehabilitation of critical infrastructure in the Port of Galilee. Funds will be used to support the reconstruction of piers, repair to bulkheads, and electrical upgrades. The improvements will enhance the long-term viability of the regional commercial fishing industry and the local businesses they support. This grant builds on a previous $2.9 million investment from EDA that the Congressional delegation secured for the Port of Galilee in 2013. The Port of Galilee includes thirty-eight docks and piers and is home to 240 commercial fishing vessels. Vessels based out of the Port of Galilee landed over 53 million pounds of seafood and shellfish, worth more than $55 million, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Activity at the Port also supports many small and medium-sized businesses, which employ hundreds of Rhode Islanders, and helps draw thousands of tourists each year. The State estimates this federal grant, which will be matched by state funds, will help protect existing jobs while also creating 22 new jobs and spurring $1.2 million in private investment. “Strengthening the Port of Galilee will support the creation of good-paying jobs and help keep Rhode Island’s fishing industry competitive,” said Congressman Cicilline. “I’m proud to support expanded federal investments through the Economic Development Administration to ensure that we are supporting better jobs and better wages for Rhode Islanders. While this award is exciting news for … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://langevin.house.gov/press-release/ri-nets-16-million-continue-infrastructure-improvements-port-galilee | RI Nets $1.6 Million to Continue Infrastructure Improvements at the Port of Galilee | 2017-12-11 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jim Langevin | L000559 | langevin.house.gov | legacy | U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Jim Langevin and David Cicilline today joined Governor Gina M. Raimondo in announcing $1.6 million in federal funding to upgrade key infrastructure at the Port of Galilee in Narragansett to help protect jobs and promote investment at Rhode Island’s busiest commercial fishing port. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) will use the $1,661,500 federal grant, administered by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), to continue rehabilitation of critical infrastructure in the Port of Galilee. Funds will be used to support the reconstruction of piers, repair to bulkheads, and electrical upgrades. The improvements will enhance the long-term viability of the regional commercial fishing industry and the local businesses they support. This grant builds on a previous $2.9 million investment from EDA that the Congressional delegation secured for the Port of Galilee in 2013. The Port of Galilee includes thirty-eight docks and piers and is home to 240 commercial fishing vessels. Vessels based out of the Port of Galilee landed over 53 million pounds of seafood and shellfish, worth more than $55 million, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Activity at the Port also supports many small and medium-sized businesses, which employ hundreds of Rhode Islanders, and helps draw thousands of tourists each year. The State estimates this federal grant, which will be matched by state funds, will help protect existing jobs while also creating 22 new jobs and spurring $1.2 million in private investment. “Modernizing the Port of Galilee is a smart investment that recognizes the importance of the fishing industry to our economy. I am pleased to deliver continued federal support to upgrade the port, helping it maintain and expand its operations. This grant will allow us to continue making progress strengthening the port’s infrastructure and sparking additional investment and economic growth,” said Senator… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/photos/reed-tours-tolman-high-schools-jrotc-leadership-education-program | Reed Tours Tolman High School's JROTC Leadership Education Program | 2017-12-11 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | legacy | Reed Tours Tolman High School's JROTC Leadership Education Program … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-non-profit-leaders-warn-that-house-and-senate-passed-tax-plan-could-harm-non-profits_the-people-they-serve | Reed, Non-Profit Leaders Warn that House & Senate-Passed Tax Plan Could Harm Non-Profits & the People They Serve | 2017-12-11 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | legacy | 12/11/2017 — PROVIDENCE, RI – The holidays are supposed to be a season of giving, but the partisan, corporations-first tax plan moving its way through Congress is making this a taxing time for many non-profits and charitable organizations. Today, U.S. Senator Reed joined with non-profit leaders from the United Way of Rhode Island and the Rhode Island Foundation to warn that that the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate-passed tax bills would end up taking resources from the non-profit sector and could harm charitable organizations and the people they serve. Reed noted that the Republican tax changes will treat corporations better than individuals, boost the deficit by at least $1.5 trillion, jeopardize economic growth, and force many middle-class families to pay more. Both the House-passed and Senate-passed tax bills contain provisions that could also cause a significant reduction to charitable giving in Rhode Island and nationwide, negatively impacting non-profits’ ability to help feed, educate, shelter, and nurture those in need. “The Republican tax bill is tax malpractice of the highest order. It is not helping middle-class families, it’s not making us more productive, and by its own terms the deficit goes up with no real benefits for the bulk of Americans,” said Senator Reed. “One of the most disturbing aspects of this bill is the conscious effort to deny resources to our non-profit sector. If this bill becomes law, it’s very likely we will see charitable giving go down. Everything we should be doing to help people we’ll see less of, and it’s going to ultimately hurt individuals and communities. This tax bill isn’t about the middle-class or helping increase wages, this is about getting money to the richest people through the tax system.” “We speak today on behalf of the thousands of people who will need help. Not just now, but especially in the future” said United Way of Rhode Island President & CEO Anthony Maione. “While people give for many different reasons, the charitable deductio… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/ri-nets-16-million-to-continue-infrastructure-improvements-at-the-port-of-galilee | RI Nets $1.6 Million to Continue Infrastructure Improvements at the Port of Galilee | 2017-12-11 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | 12.11.17 RI Nets $1.6 Million to Continue Infrastructure Improvements at the Port of Galilee Upgrades to piers, bulkheads, electrical system will boost commercial fishing hub NARRAGANSETT, RI – U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Jim Langevin and David Cicilline today joined Governor Gina M. Raimondo in announcing $1.6 million in federal funding to upgrade key infrastructure at the Port of Galilee in Narragansett to help protect jobs and promote investment at Rhode Island’s busiest commercial fishing port. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) will use the $1,661,500 federal grant, administered by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), to continue rehabilitation of critical infrastructure in the Port of Galilee. Funds will be used to support the reconstruction of piers, repair to bulkheads, and electrical upgrades. The improvements will enhance the long-term viability of the regional commercial fishing industry and the local businesses they support. This grant builds on a previous $2.9 million investment from EDA that the Congressional delegation secured for the Port of Galilee in 2013. The Port of Galilee includes thirty-eight docks and piers and is home to 240 commercial fishing vessels. Vessels based out of the Port of Galilee landed over 53 million pounds of seafood and shellfish, worth more than $55 million, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Activity at the Port also supports many small and medium-sized businesses, which employ hundreds of Rhode Islanders, and helps draw thousands of tourists each year. The State estimates this federal grant, which will be matched by state funds, will help protect existing jobs while also creating 22 new jobs and spurring $1.2 million in private investment. “Modernizing the Port of Galilee is a smart investment that recognizes the importance of the fishing in… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/photos/reed-presents-silver-star-and-purple-heart-to-vietnam-veteran | Reed Presents Silver Star & Purple Heart to Vietnam Veteran | 2017-12-08 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | legacy | Reed Presents Silver Star & Purple Heart to Vietnam Veteran 12/08/2017Senator Reed presented Jamestown resident and Vietnam veteran Paul Harvey with medals he earned but never received for his service d… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-librarians-and-educators-warn-of-negative-impacts-for-ri-if-trump-admin-repeals-net-neutrality | Reed, Librarians & Educators Warn of Negative Impacts for RI if Trump Admin Repeals Net Neutrality | 2017-12-08 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | legacy | 12/08/2017 — PROVIDENCE, RI – With the Trump Administration gearing up to repeal net neutrality next week, U.S. Senator Jack Reed is urging the Administration to keep the Internet open, free, and with equal access for all. Today, Senator Reed held an event at the Providence Public Library with librarians and leading educators to discuss how repealing net neutrality could negatively impact consumers, businesses, and democracy and put people who can’t pay for preferential treatment online at a disadvantage. A critical Federal Communications Commission (FCC) vote on whether or not to overturn net neutrality rules is expected to occur at the commission’s regularly-scheduled monthly meeting next Thursday, December 14. Earlier this week, Reed and 27 Senate colleagues wrote a letter to the FCC urging the commission to delay the vote until an investigation is completed into reports that bots impersonating Americans filed hundreds of thousands of phony comments to the FCC during the net neutrality policy making process, thus distorting the public record. Reed noted at today’s event that the Trump Administration’s decision to repeal net neutrality would undo protections requiring all Internet traffic to be treated equally by Internet service providers. He also noted that the Administration’s plan will undermine the principles of a free and open Internet and be an unprecedented giveaway to big broadband providers, benefitting a few telecommunications giants at the expense of their customers who use the Internet every day. “This is an issue that affects everyone,” said Senator Reed. “Net neutrality levels the playing field by allowing everyone to have equal access to the Internet and making sure that service providers treat everyone fairly and equally. It prevents Internet giants from placing tolls on the information superhighway. The Trump Administration’s plans to end net neutrality would be a devastating mistake that would likely have harmful consequences for consumers and businesses and could lead to a loss o… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-presents-silver-star-and-purple-heart-to-vietnam-veteran | Reed Presents Silver Star & Purple Heart to Vietnam Veteran | 2017-12-08 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | legacy | 12/08/2017 — CRANSTON, RI - U.S. Senator Jack Reed today presented Jamestown resident and Vietnam veteran Paul Harvey with medals he earned but never received for his service during the Vietnam War. A veteran of the United States Army, Mr. Harvey received a Silver Star Medal, the military’s third-highest personal decoration for valor in combat, as well as a Purple Heart Medal with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, among other awards. Born in Gloucester, Massachusetts in 1946, Paul Harvey moved to Narragansett in 1948 and also lived on Long Island, New York and in Nova Scotia, Canada where he attained dual American-Canadian citizenship before settling permanently in Jamestown, Rhode Island in 1983. Mr. Harvey was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1967 and completed basic training at Fort Jackson in South Carolina. He served in Vietnam as a member of the Army’s 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division (“Wolfhounds”), and saw significant combat action and was wounded on the battlefield. He completed his military service and was honorably discharged in 1973. In addition to the prestigious Silver Star and Purple Heart, Mr. Harvey was also presented with other military honors he earned but never received after completing his service, including: National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with four Bronze Service Stars; Combat Infantry Badge/1st Award; Republic Of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with Device (1960); Expert Badge Rifle Bar; and Sharpshooter Badge with Auto Rifle Bar. “As a young man, Paul Harvey made it through some very tough stuff in Vietnam and I am honored to present him with these medals. They are a reminder of his service to our country, and a token of our gratitude for the sacrifices he made on behalf of our nation,” said Senator Reed. The attention to orders for the ceremony noted: “Mr. Harvey's service was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States of America.” The orders continued: “Our … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-statement-house-republican-continuing-resolution-0 | Langevin Statement on House Republican Continuing Resolution | 2017-12-07 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jim Langevin | L000559 | langevin.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) released the following statement after voting against the two-week stopgap funding measure that passed the House of Representatives today by a vote of 235 to 193: “House Republicans have had more than two months to work with Democrats to develop a government funding package that responsibly supports vital domestic and national security programs. Instead, they have allowed the authorization of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to lapse, ignored the plight of hundreds of thousands of young immigrants affected by the cancelation of the DACA program, and failed to provide adequate disaster relief to Americans swamped by hurricanes and scorched by wildfires. All of these problems have readily available bipartisan solutions that Republican leaders refuse to bring to the Floor, instead choosing to kick the can down the road another two weeks. I cannot support a bill that leaves so many people in limbo and that was crafted behind closed doors with no Democratic input. Republicans need to drop their dangerous policies to cut taxes for the wealthy and instead reach across the aisle to actually govern.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/opening-statement-by-ranking-member-reed-at-sasc-hearing-on-department-of-defense-acquisition-reform-efforts | Opening Statement by Ranking Member Reed at SASC Hearing on Department of Defense Acquisition Reform Efforts | 2017-12-07 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | legacy | 12/07/2017 — I want to thank the Chairman for holding this important hearing and thank our witnesses for appearing today. We have a shared goal to ensure that our military forces are equipped with the best systems and technologies that the Department of Defense builds and buys, and that those systems are provided in the most effective and efficient way possible to protect our nation. We also have a shared goal that the Pentagon should be able to access the most innovative people and technologies available from the best small companies, defense industry, labs and universities. Also, we owe it to taxpayers to ensure that we are buying things at reasonable prices and budgets. This hearing will give us a chance to learn how the Department is also working to make those shared goals a reality. In my view, the Services should play a very important role in the research and acquisition programs that provide advanced systems and capabilities to our combatant commanders. Under Chairman McCain’s leadership, Congress has strengthened the Services’ role in the planning, requirements, and program review processes that strongly shape whether our acquisition programs succeed or fail. These new responsibilities are in addition to the role the Services have always played in the development of their plans and budgets, ensuring that programs are appropriately prioritized and funded, especially in difficult budgetary environments. Finally, the Services play a critical part in nurturing the careers of the military and civilian personnel who work in acquisition, requirements, and budget fields. Too often we forget about those individuals and the necessity to maintain, enhance, and prolong their effective careers within the Department of Defense. Building on the successes of the Weapons Systems Acquisition Reform Act and the Pentagon’s Better Buying Power initiatives, and making use of the new reforms in recent National Defense Authorization Acts, we are seeing some improvements in acquisition processes and outcomes today, an… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-booker-menendez-reintroduce-bill-to-hold-polluters-responsible-for-cleanup-of-superfund-sites | Whitehouse, Booker, Menendez Reintroduce Bill to Hold Polluters Responsible for Cleanup of Superfund Sites | 2017-12-07 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | 12.07.17 Whitehouse, Booker, Menendez Reintroduce Bill to Hold Polluters Responsible for Cleanup of Superfund Sites WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) reintroduced a bill to hold polluters responsible for the cleanup of contaminated Superfund sites in New Jersey and across the country. The Superfund Polluter Pays Restoration Act of 2017 reinstates the excise tax on polluting industries to pay for the cleanup of Superfund sites, relieving taxpayers of the expense. It also expands the definition of crude oil in order to make oil from tar sands and shale subject to the excise tax. Additionally, it makes funds available to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on an ongoing basis, not subject to annual appropriations. “In the face of the Trump Administration’s efforts to gut the Superfund program, it’s more critical than ever that Congress hold polluting industries accountable for the devastating consequences that have been brought on communities across the country,” said Senator Booker. “Superfund sites don’t just contaminate the ground and water—the high levels of carcinogens that seep out have led to heightened risks of cancers, birth defects and other serious health problems for too many Americans. The stakes could not be higher for New Jerseyans—half of our state lives within three miles of one of these Superfund sites. It’s time to address this injustice, clean up these sites, and hold polluting industries accountable for conditions they would never accept in their own communities.” “Businesses cannot contaminate our land, exploit our resources and endanger our communities without consequence,” said Senator Menendez. “Taxpayers shouldn’t have to pay for the mistakes of companies that contaminate our environment and risk our public health. Making polluters pay will help ensure the Superfund Trust Fund is solvent, strong, and effective to protect the healt… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-leads-senators-in-defending-epa-watchdog | Whitehouse Leads Senators in Defending EPA Watchdog | 2017-12-07 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | 12.07.17 Whitehouse Leads Senators in Defending EPA Watchdog Slashing funding would hamper the EPA Inspector General’s vital work Washington, DC – Ten Senators led by Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) are calling for Senate appropriators to protect funding for the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) in-house watchdog, which helps to ensure the agency carries out its function of protecting public health and the environment. The Senators ask leaders of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies in a letter to maintain current funding levels for the EPA Office of Inspector General. The President’s budget request would slash the Inspector General’s budget by 10 percent and reduce its staffing by roughly 25 percent. House and Senate appropriations bills would cut funding by 4 percent. “The EPA OIG plays a critical role promoting EPA’s core mission of fighting pollution and ensuring that agency officials adhere to ethical standards and that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely,” the Senators write. “We urge the Subcommittee to avoid reducing the appropriated funds for the EPA OIG and support adequate funding for the office. Such funding will allow this crucial office to do its job protecting taxpayer dollars and our environment.” Joining Whitehouse in signing the letter are Senators Jeffrey Merkley (D-OR), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Tom Carper (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). The EPA Inspector General, Arthur Elkins, is engaged in important investigations of EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. In August, Elkins began looking into whether Pruitt violated agency policies and procedures with his frequent, costly travel to his home state of Oklahoma. On Wednesday, Elkins confirmed that he is reviewing Pruitt’s meeting in April with the National Mining Association. Du… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-statement-on-franken-resignation- | Whitehouse Statement on Franken Resignation | 2017-12-07 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | 12.07.17 Whitehouse Statement on Franken Resignation Washington, DC – Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) released the following statement on Senator Al Franken’s (D-MN) decision to resign from the Senate: “Senator Franken made the right choice to step down. I applaud him and thank him. He is right that we are having an important conversation right now about the equal treatment of women in every part of our society. We have a long way to go in combatting these problems, but holding everyone to a high standard—including public servants—is an important step down that road. “Now, Republicans must join Democrats in holding their own accountable. The American people should take notice of national Republicans’ support for a morally degraded Senate candidate in Alabama and a President in the Oval Office facing equally credible charges. “The shift in attitude toward sexual harassment and abuse underway in other areas of society must extend to our politics. It is time for change. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/whitehouse-remarks-in-help-hearing-on-the-implementation-of-the-21st-century-cures-act | Whitehouse Remarks in HELP Hearing on the Implementation of the 21st Century Cures Act | 2017-12-07 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | About Services Agency Assistance Success Stories Grants Flag Requests Visiting D.C. Student Resources Email Sheldon Events Community Dinners Community Outreach … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-remarks-antitrust-forum | Cicilline Remarks at Antitrust Forum | 2017-12-06 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | David Cicilline | C001084 | cicilline.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (RI-01), the top Democrat on the House Antitrust Subcommittee, spoke to the Open Markets Institute today for a briefing on “America’s Monopoly Moment: Work, Innovation, and Control in an Age of Concentrated Power.” Cicilline highlighted the growing threat that big mergers and corporate monopolies pose to working people. He also discussed the importance of stopping anticompetitive mergers and updating antitrust laws that were written more than a century ago. The full text of Cicilline’s remarks is embedded below. Video of his speech will be live-streamed at www.facebook.com/congressmandavidcicilline. --------------------------------------------- U.S. Rep. David N. Cicilline America’s Monopoly Moment December 6, 2017 Remarks as Prepared for Delivery Good afternoon, and thank you for inviting me to today’s important discussion of America’s Monopoly Moment: Work, Innovation, and Control in an Age of Concentrated Power.” I am honored and delighted to join you to discuss one of the key issues of our time. We are in a monopoly moment. Nearly every relevant point of economic data shows that the concentration of economic power is at historic levels. The Wall Street Journal reported two years ago that nearly a third of U.S. industries “would be considered highly concentrated under current federal antitrust standards,” while 2015 was the biggest year ever for mergers and acquisitions. Since then, waves of anticompetitive mergers—deals that should never have made it out of the board room—have tested the boundaries and durability of the antitrust laws while straining the razor-thin resources of the antitrust agencies. Economic concentration is at a three-decade high and has structurally weakened competition on an economy-wide basis. In the midst of this wave of consolidation, there is also overwhelming evidence that corporations are earning monopoly profits that aren’t being reinvested in workers or the economy. Last month, Gary Cohn, President Trump’s top economic adviser, ac… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-condemns-passage-concealed-carry-reciprocity-bill | Langevin Condemns Passage of Concealed Carry Reciprocity Bill | 2017-12-06 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jim Langevin | L000559 | langevin.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI), a member of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, released the following statement regarding H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, which passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 231 to 198: “Today’s vote shows just how far Republicans will go to appease the National Rifle Association. The Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act will invalidate vital public safety laws that protect Americans from gun violence. The bill forces states to accept any concealed carry permit, even from a state that does not have a background check requirement and that allows non-residents to apply. The effects will be devastating. Rhode Island is one of many states that has strong and sensible requirements for concealed carry permits. “In our state, you must be at least 21 years old, trained in gun safety, and have just cause to carry a concealed weapon. Under the proposal that passed today, a Rhode Island resident, even one convicted of domestic violence or subject to a restraining order, would be able to ‘permit shop’ in a state with weaker laws. The bill would also allow residents of states with weak requirements for permitting – or no requirements at all – to carry freely in our neighborhoods. With this bill, the weakest state law becomes the national law. “It’s ludicrous that in the same year that we’ve seen the worst mass shootings in United States history, Republicans would pass such a dangerous bill. I urge my Senate colleagues to reject this legislation and preserve well-established state law.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-says-trumps-lack-of-strategy-in-middle-east-and-unforced-diplomatic-blunders-undermines-us-influence_interests | Reed Says Trump’s Lack of Strategy in Middle East & Unforced Diplomatic Blunders Undermines U.S. Influence & Interests | 2017-12-06 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | legacy | 12/06/2017 — WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of Senate Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement after President Trump announced he intends to move the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem: “On the heels of his anti-Muslim retweets, this is another diplomatic blunder and unforced error by President Trump. “Today’s announcement is counterproductive because the priority right now should be on reducing tensions in the region and working towards a two-state solution. The timing of this announcement and the way it was unveiled could trigger a backlash against Israel and American interests and personnel overseas. “This administration’s lack of a coherent Middle East strategy and its disorganized, disjointed decision-making process is concerning to our allies and the American people. President Trump is making America less secure.” Print Email Tweet | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/videos/reed-speaks-on-senate-floor-in-support-of-dreamers | Reed Speaks on Senate Floor in Support of Dreamers | 2017-12-06 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | legacy | Senator Reed highlights the positive contributions DREAMERS have made to the nation and urges colleagues to take action to counter President Trump's decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/op-eds/ups-and-pfizers-dirty-little-secret | UPS and Pfizer’s dirty little secret | 2017-12-06 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | 12.06.17 UPS and Pfizer’s dirty little secret The blandly named American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) is one of the most powerful groups you may have never heard of. ALEC describes itself as the “largest nonpartisan, voluntary membership organization of state legislators dedicated to the principles of limited government, free markets and federalism.” In reality, it is an almost entirely corporate-funded front group looking to roll back environmental, consumer and workplace protections in state legislatures across the country. When ALEC talks, conservative state legislators listen and act. Most state legislators serve part-time and don’t have large staffs to develop legislation. That’s where ALEC comes in. With its money and marching orders from corporate America, ALEC churns out bills and resolutions ready-made for state legislators to introduce in their home states. Want to kill off public unions in your state? ALEC has a bill for you. Looking to roll out the red carpet for for-profit education companies? Call ALEC. Voter ID laws? Anti-immigration laws? Privatizing government services? Check. Check. Check. Now, with a White House occupant who has said climate change is a hoax, ALEC’s anti-climate campaign is in overdrive. And complicit in that push are corporate supporters — such as Pfizer and UPS — who have not woken up to how inconsistent ALEC is with their values. ALEC receives a large share of its funding from the fossil fuel industry, notably the Koch brothers and ExxonMobil. The group has pushed a number of bills to undermine efforts to cut carbon emissions and combat the effects of climate change. Way back in 1998, ALEC drafted a model resolution that would have forbidden states from regulating greenhouse gases in any way. In 2004, ALEC again urged states to reject efforts to limit carbon pollution, arguing that global warming was a “myth” and that the carbon dioxide generated by burning fossil fuels was actually “beneficial.” During the Obama administration, ALEC r… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/epa-responds-to-new-england-members-of-congress-on-silencing-of-scientists | EPA Responds to New England Members of Congress on Silencing of Scientists | 2017-12-06 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | 12.06.17 EPA Responds to New England Members of Congress on Silencing of Scientists Senators, Representatives put Pruitt on notice Washington, DC – With the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) acknowledging fault, a group of federal lawmakers offered a forceful warning today never to repeat a troubling incident earlier this fall. In October, the EPA withdrew its scientists from an important workshop on the health of Narragansett Bay and the threats posed by climate change and other environmental factors. After a group of New England members of Congress demanded an explanation, EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt responded with a letter assuring the members of Congress that “[p]rocedures have been put in place to prevent such an occurrence in the future.” Pruitt also said the EPA would continue to fulfill its obligations under the National Estuary Program (NEP), which helps to protect estuaries like the Narragansett Bay. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Representatives Richard Neal (D-MA), Jim McGovern (D-MA), Jim Langevin (D-RI), David Cicilline (D-RI), Joe Kennedy (D-MA), Katherine Clark (D-MA), Seth Moulton (D-MA) and Bill Keating (D-MA) issued the following joint statement on Administrator Pruitt’s letter: “Americans rely on the EPA for accurate science to keep their communities healthy and safe, and to plan for serious environmental threats to their economies and way of life. After the EPA’s reckless and shortsighted decision to muzzle its own scientists from presenting to the Narragansett Bay Estuary Program, we appreciate Administrator Pruitt’s commitment never to let this happen again. We will hold him to that commitment. This administration has stocked the EPA with industry lobbyists and climate deniers. They include people like John Konkus, who brags about scrubbing all of the agency’s grants for the words ‘climate c… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/markey-whitehouse-and-harris-lead-call-to-protect-strong-fuel-economy-standards | Markey, Whitehouse and Harris Lead Call to Protect Strong Fuel Economy Standards | 2017-12-06 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | 12.06.17 Markey, Whitehouse and Harris Lead Call to Protect Strong Fuel Economy Standards In letter to EPA, Senators highlight benefits that save consumers money at the pump, reduce climate pollution and ensure energy security Washington (December 6, 2017) – Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), members of the Environment and Public Works Committee, today led a group of 24 Senators in calling on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt to not weaken light-duty vehicle emissions standards for model 2022 through 2025 and strenuously object to revisiting emissions standards for model year 2021, which were never supposed to be part of the EPA’s midterm evaluation. Since reaching an historic agreement with the Obama administration and state leaders, the auto industry has gone from the brink of economic disaster to record auto sales in 2015 and 2016, including adding 700,000 U.S. jobs. The average fuel efficiency of vehicles has already gone up five miles per gallon, saving drivers nearly $35 billion. The EPA has found that the net benefits of the fuel economy standards are nearly $100 billion and would reduce oil consumption by 1.2 billion barrels. “We urge you not to weaken these vehicle emissions standards, and allow the auto industry to ensure its continued success and further its innovation while maintaining a standard that brings clear public health, climate, and consumer benefits,” write the Senators in their letter to the EPA. “As you move to reevaluate the sound technical conclusions your agency reached last year in the mid-term evaluation, we expect you will consider the facts, the science, and the law, which all lead to the single conclusion that the standards are achievable.” A copy of the letter can be found HERE. Other Senators signing the letter include Chris Van Hollen (D-Md,), Al Franken (D-Minn.), Maggie Hassan (… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-statement-on-senator-al-franken | Whitehouse Statement on Senator Al Franken | 2017-12-06 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | 12.06.17 Whitehouse Statement on Senator Al Franken Washington, DC – Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) released the following statement regarding Senator Al Franken (D-MN): “Given what we have learned in recent weeks, I expect Senator Franken to step aside.” ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/time-to-wake-up-eroding-shorelines-and-confidence-in-congress | Time to Wake Up: Eroding Shorelines and Confidence in Congress | 2017-12-06 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | In this week’s “Time to Wake Up” speech, Sen. Whitehouse discusses how coastal communities in every corner of the country, in blue states like Rhode Island and red states like North Carolina, are facing the threat of climate change. Just a few weeks ago, credit service Moody's announced that cities and states along the coast need to prepare for climate risks like sea level rise and storm surge, or risk credit downgrades. Luckily, Rhode Island coastal communities are taking these threats seriously and preparing. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/whitehouse-remarks-in-epw-hearing-on-the-nomination-of-rd-james-to-the-army-for-civil-works | Whitehouse Remarks in EPW Hearing on the Nomination of R.D. James to the Army for Civil Works | 2017-12-06 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | About Services Agency Assistance Success Stories Grants Flag Requests Visiting D.C. Student Resources Email Sheldon Events Community Dinners Community Outreach … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/whitehouse-remarks-in-help-hearing-on-department-of-education-and-department-of-labor-nominations | Whitehouse Remarks in HELP Hearing on Department of Education and Department of Labor Nominations | 2017-12-06 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | Senator Whitehouse questions Kenneth Marcus to be Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights for the Department of Education, Johnny Collett to be Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services for the Department of Education, Scott Mugno to be Assistant Secretary of Labor for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for the Department of Labor , and William Beach to be Commissioner of Labor Statistics for the Department of Labor. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/whitehouse-remarks-in-help-hearing-on-department-of-education-and-department-of-labor-nominations-2017-12-06 | Whitehouse Remarks in HELP Hearing on Department of Education and Department of Labor Nominations | 2017-12-06 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | Senator Whitehouse questions Kenneth Marcus to be Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights for the Department of Education, Johnny Collett to be Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services for the Department of Education, Scott Mugno to be Assistant Secretary of Labor for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for the Department of Labor , and William Beach to be Commissioner of Labor Statistics for the Department of Labor. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/whitehouse-remarks-in-judiciary-hearing-on-firearm-accessory-regulation-and-nics | Whitehouse Remarks in Judiciary Hearing on Firearm Accessory Regulation and NICS | 2017-12-06 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | About Services Agency Assistance Success Stories Grants Flag Requests Visiting D.C. Student Resources Email Sheldon Events Community Dinners Community Outreach … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/senators-press-doj-leaders-on-trump-tweets-aimed-at-influencing-justice-department | Senators Press DOJ Leaders on Trump Tweets Aimed at Influencing Justice Department | 2017-12-05 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | 12.05.17 Senators Press DOJ Leaders on Trump Tweets Aimed at Influencing Justice Department Washington, DC – Following a pattern of President Donald Trump’s tweets apparently intended to direct the work of the Department of Justice (DOJ), Senators are asking top Department leadership what they are doing to safeguard the Department’s operations and prosecutions from Oval Office influence. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Al Franken (D-MN), Chris Coons (D-DE), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Mazie Hirono (D-HI) posed their questions in letters sent to Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, Associate Attorney General Rachel Brand, and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray. “With the power of his position, amplified through social media, the President need not have actual communications with any person at DOJ to make his opinions perfectly clear. He knows that. The public knows that. And ultimately, federal judges who may be called upon to hear cases brought by DOJ know that,” the Senators write in their letter to Rosenstein. “As a lifelong prosecutor, you must appreciate that if the Department were to develop a reputation as making litigation decisions based on presidential tweets, it would cast a shadow on every action DOJ and FBI take. New measures of attempted influence require new counter-measures to ‘ensure that partisan considerations do not influence the handling of particular cases.’” The Senators ask each official: Do you believe public statements by President Trump about particular matters that are being, or could be, investigated or prosecuted by DOJ or the FBI are consistent with relevant policies governing contacts between the Department and the White House? If so, please explain your answer. Do you believe such public statements by President Trump could inject improper partisan considerations into the handling of particular cases by DOJ attorneys? Please explain your answer. Do you believe such public statements b… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/senators-request-gao-study-of-trump-changes-to-key-measure-of-carbon-pollution-cost | Senators Request GAO Study of Trump Changes to Key Measure of Carbon Pollution Cost | 2017-12-05 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | 12.05.17 Senators Request GAO Study of Trump Changes to Key Measure of Carbon Pollution Cost Washington, DC – Seven Senators have asked the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to examine the governments’ method for calculating the social cost of carbon—the measure of long-term damage done by carbon pollution—after the Trump administration dramatically reduced estimates of the costs of climate change in recent actions. Using a lower estimate for the social cost of carbon could allow the administration to undermine a range of environmental regulations by exaggerating the compliance costs compared to the societal benefits of reduced carbon emissions. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Kamala Harris (D-CA), and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) made the request in a letter to the Comptroller General today. Earlier this year, President Donald Trump issued an executive order disbanding an important interagency working group charged with formulating the social cost of carbon and withdrew the guidance it had issued. The Trump administration also directed agencies to use an outdated Office of Management and Budget policy to monetize the value of greenhouse gas emissions from changes in federal regulation. The result has been a severe downtick in the value of the social cost of carbon. The Environmental Protection Agency’s assessment of its proposed rule to repeal the Clean Power Plan, for example, dropped the social cost of carbon from $45 per ton to as low as $1 per ton for 2020. The Senators ask the GAO to look at states and other countries’ social costs of carbon; the Trump administration’s justification for dramatically changing the way it discounts the costs or benefits of regulation change affecting carbon pollution; and the rationales that have been used to support various discount rates in assessing the social cost of carbon. Full text of the Senators’ letter to the GAO is below. A PDF copy is available here. De… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-and-whitehouse-urge-fcc-chairman-pai-to-delay-vote-rolling-back-net-neutrality-rules | Reed & Whitehouse Urge FCC Chairman Pai to Delay Vote Rolling Back Net Neutrality Rules | 2017-12-04 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | legacy | 12/04/2017 — WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and 25 of their colleagues sent a letter today to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai, expressing concern over reports that bots impersonating Americans filed hundreds of thousands of phony comments to the FCC during the net neutrality policymaking process. The Senators are strongly urging the Chairman to delay the planned December 14 vote to roll back net neutrality rules until an investigation of the state of the record is conducted. Reed and Whitehouse say that the Trump Administration’s plan to dismantle net neutrality will undermine the principles of a free and open internet and be an unprecedented giveaway to big broadband providers, benefitting a few big corporations at the expense of their customers who use the internet every day. “A free and open Internet is vital to ensuring a level playing field online, and we believe that your proposed action may be based on an incomplete understanding of the public record in this proceeding,” the Senators wrote. “In fact, there is good reason to believe that the record may be replete with fake or fraudulent comments, suggesting that your proposal is fundamentally flawed.” “Without additional information about the alleged anomalies surrounding the public record, the FCC cannot conduct a thorough and fair evaluation of the public’s views on this topic, and should not move forward with a vote on December 14, 2017,” the Senators continued. “The FCC must invest its time and resources into obtaining a more accurate picture of the record as understanding that record is essential to reaching a defensible resolution to this proceeding,” the Senators concluded. In addition to Reed, Whitehouse, and Hassan, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Bernie Sanders (D-VT), Ed Markey (D-MA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Elizabeth … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-and-reed-urge-fcc-chairman-pai-to-delay-vote-rolling-back-net-neutrality-rules | Whitehouse & Reed Urge FCC Chairman Pai to Delay Vote Rolling Back Net Neutrality Rules | 2017-12-04 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | 12.04.17 Whitehouse & Reed Urge FCC Chairman Pai to Delay Vote Rolling Back Net Neutrality Rules Letter follows reports that bots impersonating Americans may have flooded FCC net neutrality policymaking process with fake comments WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and 25 of their colleagues sent a letter today to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai, expressing concern over reports that bots impersonating Americans filed hundreds of thousands of phony comments to the FCC during the net neutrality policymaking process. The Senators are strongly urging the Chairman to delay the planned December 14 vote to roll back net neutrality rules until an investigation of the state of the record is conducted. Whitehouse and Reed say that the Trump Administration’s plan to dismantle net neutrality will undermine the principles of a free and open internet and be an unprecedented giveaway to big broadband providers, benefitting a few telecommunications giants at the expense of their customers who use the internet every day. “A free and open Internet is vital to ensuring a level playing field online, and we believe that your proposed action may be based on an incomplete understanding of the public record in this proceeding,” the Senators wrote. “In fact, there is good reason to believe that the record may be replete with fake or fraudulent comments, suggesting that your proposal is fundamentally flawed.” “Without additional information about the alleged anomalies surrounding the public record, the FCC cannot conduct a thorough and fair evaluation of the public’s views on this topic, and should not move forward with a vote on December 14, 2017,” the Senators continued. “The FCC must invest its time and resources into obtaining a more accurate picture of the record as understanding that record is essential to reaching a defensible resol… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/speeches/senator-jack-reeds-remarks-reagan-national-defense-forum | Senator Jack Reed's Remarks: Reagan National Defense Forum | 2017-12-02 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | legacy | 12/02/2017 — Thank you to the Reagan National Defense Forum for honoring me this evening with the Peace Through Strength Award. I have had the privilege of attending nearly every event since 2013, and have always found the discussions to be marked by thoughtfulness and insight, and not partisanship. Previous award recipients include two of the most dedicated Senators I’ve had the privilege to work with on the Armed Services Committee, Senator Carl Levin and the current Chairman, Senator John McCain. So I am humbled to be here tonight. Or, as Senator McCain would point out: how could someone without a college education receive such an award? It is also an immense honor to be alongside Secretary George Shultz, who played a monumental role in guiding U.S. foreign policy at the height of the Cold War. Starting as a United States Marine, later as the head of the Office of Management and Budget and Secretary of Treasury under the Nixon Administration, and then as President Reagan’s Secretary of State for nearly 7 years, he has been an inspiration to all who seek to serve. The profound sense of duty, dignity, and decency that both President Reagan and Secretary Shultz brought to their service contributed to their success. They invested their offices with respect and, in turn, they received the respect and admiration of their countrymen and the world. Their example is more important today than at any time in our history. This year marks the 30th anniversary of President Reagan’s famous speech in Berlin in which he challenged Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to tear down the wall dividing East and West. What lessons can be drawn from that historic address in 1987? First, President Reagan clearly understood the importance of principled U.S. leadership in the global competition between free societies and the forces of domination and destruction. In this struggle, the United States served as the guardian of a rules-based international order that kept the peace since the end of World War II. In Berlin, … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-statement-on-senate-passage-of-trumptax | Whitehouse Statement on Senate Passage of TrumpTax | 2017-12-02 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | 12.02.17 Whitehouse Statement on Senate Passage of TrumpTax Washington, DC – Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) released the following statement on the passage of Republicans’ tax proposal: “TrumpTax is a scam. Tonight, while most Americans were sleeping, Senate Republicans voted to hike taxes on millions of middle-class families to pay for tax cuts for President Trump and his billionaire friends. This so-called ‘tax reform’ moves our nation in the wrong direction by every measure: it will send more American jobs overseas, increase health insurance premiums, explode our national debt, and pollute an already-complicated tax code with new loopholes and gifts for the very wealthy. It’s a giveaway to Republican donors, and the American people should take note.” ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-statement-flynn-guilty-plea | Cicilline Statement on Flynn Guilty Plea | 2017-12-01 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | David Cicilline | C001084 | cicilline.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON - Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC) Co-Chair David N. Cicilline, a member of the House Democratic Leadership and the Judiciary and Foreign Affairs Committees, issued the following statement today after President Donald Trump's former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn pled guilty to making false statements to the FBI: “This is incredibly serious. President Trump's former National Security Adviser just pled guilty to lying to the FBI. No matter how much the President diminishes this ongoing investigation, it's clear that Robert Mueller is doing his job.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-statement-former-national-security-advisor-michael-flynn-lying-fbi | Langevin Statement on Former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn Lying to the FBI | 2017-12-01 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jim Langevin | L000559 | langevin.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI), a senior member of the House Armed Services and Homeland Security Committees, released the following statement regarding President Trump’s former National Security Advisor, Michael T. Flynn, pleading guilty to lying to the FBI: “I am deeply disturbed that President Trump’s senior-most advisor on national security issues lied to the FBI. Michael Flynn was entrusted with guiding policies integral to the defense of our nation, and it is clear he violated that trust. Equally worrying, he lied about contacts with Russian officials in the lead up to the inauguration, contacts that rightfully raise questions about the Trump campaign, transition, and Administration’s cozy relationship with a country that has actively sought to undermine our democracy. This development only further reinforces my concerns about the President’s judgment, and I am worried that his hiring decisions, his policies, and his tweets are compromising our security and our position as a global leader. “Today’s charges, coming just one month after the indictments of Trump campaign aides Paul Manafort and Rick Gates, are further validation of special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation. That investigation must be allowed to continue, free of political interference of any kind, in order to help restore faith in our institutions and demonstrate again that no one is above the law.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/-reed-statement-on-republican-tax-bill | Reed Statement on Republican Tax Bill | 2017-12-01 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | legacy | 12/01/2017 — WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed issued the following statement: “This trickle-down tax plan is a disaster for the middle-class and threatens America’s long-term economic security. It irresponsibly cuts benefits for students, seniors, working parents, and many others and is designed to put Medicare and Social Security on the chopping block. “I support responsible investments in repairing our infrastructure and educating Americans. Tax cuts that spur real job growth and increase take-home pay should be part of any package to help the middle-class. But I oppose this stunning transfer of wealth from taxpayers to millionaires. In fact, the non-partisan CBO shows that by 2027, people making $40,000 to $50,000 will see their taxes go up by $5.3 billion more in taxes, while those in the $1 million and up category would get a $5.8 billion cut. And the Joint Committee on Taxation, which serves as another non-partisan government budget referee, concluded that President Trump’s plan will balloon the federal budget deficit over $1 trillion in the next decade. “Congress should work together to responsibly cut taxes for working families, restore our infrastructure, invest in the middle-class, and help small businesses grow. Instead, Republicans are using a closed process to benefit multi-national corporations and mega-donors at the expense of hardworking Americans. “I encourage Americans everywhere to look at the facts and let Congress know what you think of this bill. Republicans are sadly prioritizing corporations over people. People need to speak up before it is too late. I suspect President Trump will try and claim this bill as a win for regular Americans, but the truth and the math are not on the President’s side.” Print Email Tweet | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-calls-for-senate-hearings-into-congressional-sexual-harassment-and-discrimination | Reed Calls for Senate Hearings into Congressional Sexual Harassment & Discrimination | 2017-12-01 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | legacy | 12/01/2017 — WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jack Reed today called on Senate Republican leaders to hold bipartisan public hearings on policies and laws regarding the handling of sexual harassment and discrimination cases on Capitol Hill. “Sexual harassment and discrimination must not be tolerated and Congress needs to increase protections for workers, reform the process used to report harassment and discrimination, and make any settlement process transparent so voters are fully informed. The current system is clearly broken and needs to change, and that should start with serious, substantive hearings,” said Senator Reed. “I urge my Republican colleagues to hold public hearings to help prevent discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace and ensure the system is fair and workers feel empowered to report misconduct. In particular, we need to address transparency when it comes to settlements.” The U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives recently passed resolutions requiring Senators and U.S. Representatives and staff to participate in certified anti-harassment and anti-discrimination training. But Reed says training alone is not enough, there should be public hearings to determine the most effective solutions for overhauling the Contract With America’s Congressional Accountability Act (CAA) of 1995, which established the procedures Capitol Hill staffers must follow to report sexual harassment or discrimination in the workplace. The Office of Compliance, a watchdog created by the CAA, oversees complaints lodged by Capitol Hill employees, ranging from lawmakers’ staff, to maintenance and support personnel, to Capitol Police officers. “Sexual harassment in the workplace is a serious, widespread problem,” said Reed. “Congress should start the process of reform with an open hearing that sheds more light on the scope of the issue and leads to positive changes.” Print Email Tweet | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-statement-on-flynn-indictment-and-continuing-criminal-investigation | Reed Statement on Flynn Indictment & Continuing Criminal Investigation | 2017-12-01 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Jack Reed | R000122 | www.reed.senate.gov | legacy | 12/01/2017 — WASHINGTON, DC – Today, after former Trump campaign foreign policy adviser, White House national security adviser, and retired Lt. General Michael T. Flynn pleaded guilty in a deal with the Special Counsel investigating foreign meddling in the 2016 elections, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), an ex officio member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, issued the following statement: “Today’s admission of guilt raises serious questions about both Flynn’s judgment and Trump’s credibility. It is further evidence that members of the Trump campaign appear to have engaged in unpatriotic and criminal activity and were undermining U.S. policy and working counter to American interests. “This is now the fourth senior Trump associate to face federal criminal charges, and second to plead guilty. “At some point in the near future, the President himself should answer questions under oath about his role in terms of what he did and what he - or senior members of his team - directed others to do. He owes the American people honest, straightforward answers. We live in the greatest country on earth, and protecting our democracy starts with protecting our elections. “It is disturbing that Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin seem to be birds of a feather in terms of refusing to acknowledge Russian interference in our 2016 presidential election. The American people deserve to know why. They deserve the facts. Today’s plea deal is further proof that this is not a ‘witch hunt.’ It is an evolving and much-needed criminal investigation.” Print Email Tweet | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-statement-on-flynn-guilty-plea-cooperation | Whitehouse Statement on Flynn Guilty Plea, Cooperation | 2017-12-01 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Democrat | House | RI | Sheldon Whitehouse | W000802 | www.whitehouse.senate.gov | legacy | 12.01.17 Whitehouse Statement on Flynn Guilty Plea, Cooperation Washington, DC – Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Terrorism, released the following statement on former National Security Advisor General Michael Flynn’s guilty plea for lying to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) about his contacts with a top Russian official, as well as Flynn’s cooperation with Special Counsel Robert Mueller: “As we learned at our subcommittee hearing in May, General Flynn made a false statement to the FBI about his contacts with a top Russian official. The White House Counsel knew that and waited 18 days before removing Flynn from his position. A false statement, made in the White House, by the National Security Advisor, about a call with a foreign adversary, looks like a prison case to me. And as Sally Yates’s testimony made clear in our hearing, Mr. Flynn’s behavior constituted a serious risk to national security and a betrayal of the public trust. Three-star generals don’t want to go to prison, so his cooperation is no surprise. “With this guilty plea and cooperation, Mr. Mueller can pursue the whole truth of the Trump campaign’s involvement in Russia’s meddling in our election, and any obstruction of justice. Flynn’s testimony has the potential to shed light on some of the most pressing questions about the behavior of the President, his top advisers, and his campaign. Special Counsel Mueller’s investigation must proceed without interference from the President or his administration.” In May, at a Senate Crime and Terrorism Subcommittee hearing, former Acting Attorney General Sally Yates raised serious concerns with the Trump administration’s handling of information on contacts between a top Russian official and Flynn. Yates revealed that she warned the White House that Flynn’s continued dishonesty about his inappropriate contacts with the Russian government posed a national security risk—a warning that Trump failed to act upon for 1… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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