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1,059 rows where state = "RI" and year = 2019 sorted by date descending

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http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-statement-on-us-embassy-attack-in-iraq Reed Statement on U.S. Embassy Attack in Iraq 2019-12-31 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Jack Reed R000122 www.reed.senate.gov     legacy 12/31/2019WASHINGTON, DC Today, after an attack by Shiite militia on the United States Embassy compound in Iraq, U.S. Senator Jack Reed, the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement: President Trump's disjointed, chaotic, ad hoc approach to foreign policy and failure to closely coordinate with our allies comes at a real cost. I'm thankful that no Americans were harmed today at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. Since the Bush Presidency, U.S. personnel are in Iraq at the invitation of the Iraqi Government and Iraq must do more to ensure their safety. Our relationship with Iraq is at a critical moment. Iraqi political leadership is in a state of turmoil with the recent resignation of the Prime Minister, and Iran will seek to capitalize on the instability to further its own goals. U.S. air strikes earlier this week were roundly criticized by the Iraqi Government and seem to have reignited the strong nationalistic tendencies that have been directed at the U.S. in the past. The Trump Administration appears to be losing political leverage in Iraq which could complicate our continued military presence there presence which is key to our counterterrorism efforts in Iraq, Syria, and the broader region. Unfortunately, this is an entirely predictable byproduct of the President's decision to dismiss the advice of senior military and diplomatic professionals and unilaterally withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal, thereby isolating the U.S. from our European allies and complicating our relationships with regional partners, including Iraq. No recent U.S. President has exhibited such disdain for our career military, diplomatic, and intelligence professionals. The continued turmoil and lack of continuity within the Trump Administration is making America less safe. Print Email Tweet 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline%E2%80%99s-christmas-troops-delegation-makes-final-stop-qatar Cicillines Christmas with the Troops Delegation Makes Final Stop in Qatar 2019-12-26 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI David Cicilline C001084 cicilline.house.gov     legacy Cicilline's Christmas with the Troops Delegation Makes Final Stop in Qatar Rhode Island Congressman concludes three-country trip to thank American servicemembers, set to return to United States DOHA U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline's (RI-01) bipartisan delegation to the Middle East concluded earlier today after the Rhode Island Congressman and his colleagues spent Christmas Day meeting with servicemembers on deployment in Qatar. The Congressional delegation thanked the troops and served them Christmas breakfast and dinner. I'm thankful that we had the opportunity to spend the Christmas holiday with the troops, said Cicilline. This visit was an opportunity to thank these brave men and women for all they've given our country. I'm very grateful that so many members of both parties joined me in this effort. While in Qatar, Cicilline and his colleagues visited Al Udeid Air Base where they met with constituents on active duty, including Henry Camacho of Woonsocket [PHOTO ATTACHED]. -30- 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-delegation-spends-christmas-eve-servicemembers-bahrain Cicilline Delegation Spends Christmas Eve with Servicemembers in Bahrain 2019-12-25 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI David Cicilline C001084 cicilline.house.gov     legacy Cicilline Delegation Spends Christmas Eve with Servicemembers in Bahrain MANAMA U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (RI-01) left Bahrain earlier today after meeting with U.S. military personnel and State Department officials on deployment in the Middle East. The U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Headquarters (NAVCENT) in Manama, Bahrain was the second stop for the bipartisan Congressional delegation that Cicilline is leading to spend Christmas with the troops. Members also spent part of the day serving Christmas lunch to servicemembers stationed at NAVCENT. This holiday season, all of us should give thanks for the thousands of American troops that are spending the holidays halfway around the world from their own families, said Cicilline. It was a privilege to meet with some of these great men and women today. I am honored to serve on their behalf and especially for the chance to spend Christmas Eve with them. The members of Congress, all of whom serve on committees responsible for national security or veterans affairs, met with officials from the Department of State for extensive briefings on the American military presence in Bahrain. The delegation was also joined by the U.S. Ambassador to Bahrain for a meeting with Bahrain's Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa. They also received briefings from American military leadership before dining with troops who have been deployed to Bahrain's capital city. Cicilline met with servicemembers from across America during the visit and thanked them for serving overseas during the holiday season. The other members of the delegation also met with constituents from the states they serve. The delegation departed early this morning for location that is being withheld for security purposes. -30- 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-leading-surprise-bipartisan-congressional-delegation-spend-christmas-troops Cicilline Leading Surprise Bipartisan Congressional Delegation to Spend Christmas with The Troops 2019-12-24 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI David Cicilline C001084 cicilline.house.gov     legacy Cicilline Leading Surprise Bipartisan Congressional Delegation to Spend Christmas with The Troops Rhode Island Congressman also met with his office's Veterans Affairs Advocate, Max Silva, who is currently on active duty KUWAIT CITY U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (RI-01), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, left Camp Arifjan, a key military base that supports operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria, moments ago after spending the day with American servicemembers who are serving in Kuwait. Cicilline is leading a bipartisan delegation of eight Members of Congress who are visiting troops in the Middle East to thank them for their service, receive classified briefing from military leaders, and meeting with diplomatic and economic personnel in the region. The men and women of the United States Armed Forces are heroes. I'm honored to lead this bipartisan delegation to the Middle East to thank them for their service, said Cicilline. We owe our servicemembers and veterans an enormous debt of gratitude. It's on all of us who serve in public office to honor their service with the resources and benefits they have earned. The visit held special importance for Cicilline, who also met with Rhode Island Air National Guard Staff Sergeant Max Silva, a Pawtucket resident who has been deployed overseas since July. Silva works as Cicilline's Veterans Affairs Advocate in his Pawtucket office. The Congressman brought gifts from Silva's family, including his young daughter, who are celebrating the holidays without him. Cicilline was also able to meet with and deliver care packages to other Rhode Islanders stationed in Kuwait, including: Steven Dearborn, Providence Samuel DeAlmeida, Pawtucket Edwin Gaviria-Mejia, Pawtucket Lloyd Ashong, North Smithfield David Gallego, Burrillville Also on the trip with Cicilline are: REP Lee Zeldin (R-NY-01), Foreign Affairs REP Max Rose (D-NY-11), Homeland Security REP Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Foreign Affairs REP Susan Wild (D-PA-07), Foreign Affairs REP Dean Phillips … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-warren-brown-call-on-government-watchdog-to-probe-coal-tax-credit-program-exploited-by-wall-street- Whitehouse, Warren, Brown Call on Government Watchdog to Probe Coal Tax Credit Program Exploited by Wall Street 2019-12-23 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Sheldon Whitehouse W000802 www.whitehouse.senate.gov     legacy 12.23.19 Whitehouse, Warren, Brown Call on Government Watchdog to Probe Coal Tax Credit Program Exploited by Wall Street Senators ask GAO to review IRS program that report shows fails to cut pollution - despite leading to billions in tax benefits for major financial firms Washington, DC Today, Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) called on the top congressional watchdog, the Government Accountability Office (GAO), to audit the IRS's coal production tax credit, which has permitted coal refiners many of them big Wall Street financial services companies to claim roughly $1 billion annually in tax write-offs based on questionable pollution reduction data. In June, the senators called on the IRS to justify its award of tax credits following the release of a report by the group Resources for the Future (RFF) that found under real world conditions emission reductions achieved with refined coal fell far short of those necessary to obtain the tax credit. The finding casts serious doubt on whether combusting refined coal at power plants generates emissions reductions required by law. We ought to know if Wall Street-backed corporations are bilking the U.S. Treasury for massive sums of money based on a phony premise, the senators said in a statement today. The data from private labs hired by these refiners to justify the use of these tax credits looks like it fails to measure dangerous pollutants from real-world burning of so-called refined' coal. Refined coal tax credits have become a big business for large financial services firms including Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, Capital One Financial, Fidelity Investments, and Arthur J. Gallagher. Some of these companies have generated hundreds of millions of dollars in refined coal tax credits and boast of a staggering return on investment of several hundred percent. RFF's June study suggests that real-world combustio… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/defense-bill-signed-into-law-tonight-with-key-victories-for-us-troops-and-military-families-ri-workers_ris-liberian-community Defense Bill Signed into Law Tonight with Key Victories for U.S. Troops & Military Families, RI Workers & RI’s Liberian Community 2019-12-20 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Jack Reed R000122 www.reed.senate.gov     legacy 12/20/2019WASHINGTON, DC Tonight at 7:30 p.m., President Trump is scheduled to sign the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2020. The FY 2020 NDAA defense policy bill authorizes $658.4 billion for the Department of Defense and for national security programs of the U.S. Department of Energy, $71.5 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations, and $5.3 billion in emergency funding to restore installations that were damaged by extreme weather and natural disasters. U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), worked on the bill with SASC Chairman James Inhofe (R-OK), and U.S. Representatives Adam Smith (D-WA) and Mac Thornberry (R-TX), Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committees (HASC). Senator Reed, who co-authored and backed a number of key provisions in the bill to enhance national security, support our service members, and improve military training and readiness, stated: The NDAA enhances national security and supports job creation here in Rhode Island. It will help create an estimated 1,500 jobs at Electric Boat in Rhode Island over the next five years building the next generation of submarines, said Senator Reed. I am proud we finally repealed the widow's tax and included major reforms to improve military housing. And after twenty plus years of working to help our Liberian friends and neighbors who contribute so much to Rhode Island, I am thrilled it lifts a heavy burden from them, taking away the constant threat of deportation and instead offering a path to citizenship for eligible Liberians who have lived here, paid taxes here, and put down roots here. America is their home and they have earned the opportunity to become citizens. Key provisions in the bill include: Supports the Two Virginia-Class Submarine Build Rate: The bill fully supports the two submarine build rate for the Virginia-class submarine program and the Virginia Payload Module, an 80-foot section with four large-diameter payload tubes in… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-bill-lower-prescription-drug-costs-become-law-today Cicilline Bill to Lower Prescription Drug Costs to Become Law Today 2019-12-20 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI David Cicilline C001084 cicilline.house.gov     legacy CREATES Act will make it easier for generic drugs to come to market, save taxpayers $3.9 billion, lower prescription costs by more than 80% WASHINGTON U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline's (RI-01) Creating and Restoring Equal Access to Equivalent Samples (CREATES) Act (H.R.965) will be signed into law by the President today. In the last election, Democrats promised to bring down the high cost of prescription drugs. Today, we are delivering on that promise, said Cicilline. The CREATES Act cracks down on the big pharmaceutical companies that are charging an arm and a leg for medicine that thousands of Rhode Islanders, and millions of Americans, need. No longer will these companies be able to recklessly block or delay access to generic drugs that perform the same as branded drugs, at a fraction of the cost. This is a big win for American consumers, and another example of how Democrats are delivering for the people. Cicilline's bipartisan legislation to bring down prescription drug costs was included as part of the federal spending bill that the House passed earlier this week and the Senate passed yesterday. President Trump is poised to sign the legislation into law later today. According to an AARP report published earlier this year, high prescription drug prices have forced more than one out of five Rhode Islanders to stop taking medication as prescribed by their doctor. Over a five year period, from 2012 to 2017, the cost of name brand drugs used to treat cancer, diabetes, and heart disease rose substantially (67%, 61%, and 95%, respectively). The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Food and Drug and Administration (FDA) have conducted studies showing that generic competition saves American consumers billions of dollars each year by reducing the cost of prescription drugs by more than 85%. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates the CREATES Act will lower federal spending on prescription drugs by $3.9 billion. Cicilline's legislation ends abusive delay tactics that big pharmaceutical companies h… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-votes-provide-tax-relief-rhode-island-families-teachers-and-first-responders Langevin Votes to Provide Tax Relief for Rhode Island Families, Teachers and First Responders 2019-12-20 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Jim Langevin L000559 langevin.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON - Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) today voted in support of H.R. 5377, the Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act. The bill, which passed the House by a vote of 218 to 206, reverses the $10,000 cap on the itemized deduction for state and local taxes (SALT) established by the 2017 Republican tax law and quadruples the amount teachers can deduct for out-of-pocket classroom expenses. The bill also creates a new, above-the-line deduction for unreimbursed expenses of first responders. The House of Representatives is working For the People,' and our tax policy needs reform that is fair, far-reaching and makes a difference in the lives of families across Rhode Island and the country, said Langevin. I'm proud that we are taking a step in the right direction to provide meaningful relief for hardworking, middle-class Rhode Islanders who have seen their tax bills go up thanks the Republicans' deficit-busting give away to the wealthiest Americans. Prior to the passage of the Republican tax bill, Rhode Islanders could deduct all of their property taxes from their income. Beginning in 2018, the amount that could be deducted was limited to $10,000; however, the average SALT deduction claimed by Rhode Islanders who itemized was approximately $13,000 in 2017, the year before the cap took effect. The Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act eliminates the $10,000 cap, ensuring that Rhode Islanders will once again be able to deduct their entire property tax bill. Roughly 3.5 million K-12 teachers across the country benefit from the educator expense deduction, which is currently set at $250. This bill quadruples the deduction for educators to $1,000 and indexes it for inflation. Further, it institutes a new deduction of up to $1,000 for law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians that will cover unreimbursed expenses related to tuition, professional development or expenses for uniforms. Educators and public safety officials are on the front lines making a… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-delivers-major-wins-for-ri-in-appropriations-bill Reed Delivers Major Wins for RI in Appropriations Bill 2019-12-19 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Jack Reed R000122 www.reed.senate.gov     legacy 12/19/2019WASHINGTON, DC The U.S. Senate today voted to overwhelmingly approve a package of bipartisan appropriations bills allocating $1.4 trillion in federal spending. The legislation, which was divided into two minibus' packages that together comprise all twelve fiscal year 2020 appropriations bills, will fund all federal agencies and departments for the remainder of the fiscal year. U.S. Senator Jack Reed, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Ranking Member of the panel's Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Subcommittee, included many important provisions for Rhode Island families in the bills and helped author key sections to strengthen the economy, create jobs, and invest in our infrastructure. This appropriations package makes critical investments to strengthen Rhode Island's economy, upgrade our infrastructure, and improve public schools and public health, said Senator Reed. I worked to prioritize the needs of Rhode Island's workers and businesses, ensuring, for instance, that 1,500 new jobs related to submarine construction will be coming to the Ocean State. Senator Reed continued: On a bipartisan basis, Congress rejected the president's proposed budget cuts for education and instead provided additional money to help improve schools and raise the maximum Pell grantto help deserving students pay for college. We also added funding to better protect our air and water and help make our communities safer and healthier. Notably, we added more money for election security. And for the first time in twenty years, we allocated $25 million for federal research into reducing gun violence. The THUD section of the bill authored by Ranking Member Reed and THUD Chairman Susan Collins (R-ME) provides a total of $74.27 billion in appropriated budget authority for programs that build the U.S. transportation network, support housing programs, and spur economic development. As a result, Rhode Island will receive about $350 million to improve the state's roadways, bridges, and mass … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-delivers-manufacturing-victories-in-2020-appropriations-bill Reed Delivers Manufacturing Victories in 2020 Appropriations Bill 2019-12-19 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Jack Reed R000122 www.reed.senate.gov     legacy 12/19/2019Today, after the U.S. Senate voted to overwhelmingly approve a package of bipartisan appropriations bills allocating $1.4 trillion in federal spending divided into two minibus' packages that together comprise all twelve fiscal year 2020 appropriations bills and will fund all federal agencies and departments for the remainder of the fiscal year, U.S. Senator Jack Reed,a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) and the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, highlighted important victories in the legislation for Rhode Island's manufacturing industry. With the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies funding totalling $70.7 billion, Senator Reed announced a number of allocations that will benefit the manufacturing industry in the state, including: $1.03 billion for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), an increase of $49 million above the fiscal year 2019 enacted level. $146 million for NIST's Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), a $6 millionincrease abovethe fiscal year 2019 enacted level. Rhode Island's Polaris MEP will receive an increase of $100,000 under the terms of the agreement. $16 million for the new National Network of Manufacturing Institutes (NNMI). Senator Reed also highlighted victories for submarine construction in the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The bill fully supports the two submarine build rate for the Virginia-class submarine program and the Virginia Payload Module, an 80-foot section with four large-diameter payload tubes in the center of the Virginia-class submarines. The NDAA bill also provides $8.3 billion for the Virginia-class submarine program, which supports the nine boat, multi-year $22 billion contract that the Navy and Electric Boat signed earlier this month, which is expected to help create 1,500 jobs at Electric Boat in Rhode Island over the next several years.The bill also fully funds the Columbia-class (Ohio-cla… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/opioid-crisis-response-programs-championed-by-whitehouse-get-major-boost-in-year-end-funding-bill Opioid Crisis Response Programs Championed by Whitehouse Get Major Boost in Year-End Funding Bill 2019-12-19 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Sheldon Whitehouse W000802 www.whitehouse.senate.gov     legacy 12.19.19 Opioid Crisis Response Programs Championed by Whitehouse Get Major Boost in Year-End Funding Bill Whitehouse establishes program to find cure for pancreatic cancer; Criminal justice reforms receive robust appropriations; Whitehouse's coastal resiliency fund lands 10 percent increase Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse today announced that the year-end appropriations bill passed by the Senate includes $378 million for the Department of Justice's Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act grant programs, an increase of $31 million over the previous year's funding levels. Whitehouse partnered with Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) to write the sweeping Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act to tackle the opioid addiction crisis that continues to grip Rhode Island communities. The legislation has guided the federal response to the epidemic since it was signed into law in 2016. Too many Rhode Island families from all walks of life are facing the many struggles that come with having a loved one suffering from the disease of addiction. In our small state, the addiction epidemic is creating enormous ripples through entire communities, said Whitehouse, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. I'm pleased that this funding bill will provide reinforcement to the health care and public safety personnel who are doing the important, difficult work on the front lines of this crisis. The bill also enables the Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs to empower state and local prisons to administer more than one form of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for addiction. There were 314 overdose deaths in Rhode Island last year, according to Rhode Island Department of Health data. The appropriations bill includes a number of other provisions secured by Whitehouse: At Whitehouse's urging, the bill establishes a federal research program to find a cure for pancreatic cancer with an initial $6 m… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-statement-impeachment-vote Cicilline Statement on Impeachment Vote 2019-12-19 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI David Cicilline C001084 cicilline.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC) Chair David N. Cicilline (RI-01) issued the following statement tonight after voting to impeach President Donald J. Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress: There is no question that President Trump abused the enormous power of his office when he solicited foreign interference to help him in his re-election campaign in 2020. His conduct is a continued threat to our democracy and the national security of our country. The facts are undisputed, and it is therefore our duty to our country and to the Constitution to hold this lawless President accountable. I voted tonight to impeach President Donald J. Trump. If the members of the Senate set aside partisanship and consider the evidence in this case, it will leave them with only one conclusion President Trump must be removed from office. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-statement-usmca-%E2%80%9Cmodest-improvement-nafta-not-cure-all-trump-says Cicilline Statement on USMCA: Modest improvement on NAFTA, but not the cure-all Trump says" 2019-12-19 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI David Cicilline C001084 cicilline.house.gov     legacy More than most other states, Rhode Islanders understand the devastating impact that bad trade deals have had on working men and women. In the 25 years since NAFTA was signed, we've lost nearly 83,000 manufacturing jobs. While corporations and CEOs have lined their pockets by shipping American jobs to Mexico, many Rhode Island workers have struggled just to make ends meet because of NAFTA. To be clear, the USMCA is not the cure-all that President Trump promises. Approving this agreement will not suddenly bring back the jobs we have already lost to Mexico. Nor will it mean ensuring a living wage, access to health care, and retirement security for every working person. We must continue those fights once this agreement passes the Senate. The USMCA is, however, an improvement albeit a modest one over the current NAFTA framework. That's in large part thanks to the hard work of leaders like Sherrod Brown and Elizabeth Warren, unions, and consumer groups over the past year. Thanks to them, this agreement eliminates giveaways to big pharmaceutical companies that the President wanted to include. It also has stronger labor and environmental protections than the ones the Trump administration first proposed. And it guts the Investor-State Dispute Settlement that gave corporations a free pass to extract hundreds of millions of dollars from American taxpayers. Governing means making tough decisions. But the choice before us today was very simple. It was a choice between whether to continue under the deeply-flawed NAFTA agreement, or to finally make some improvements to a bad trade deal that Congress never should have approved a quarter century ago. For me, that is an easy choice. My first priority has always been to advance the cause of Rhode Island's working families, to make sure that their voices are heard in Congress. This agreement is an improvement for working people even if it does not go as far as I would want. -30- 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-statement-on-the-impeachment-of-president-trump Reed Statement on the Impeachment of President Trump 2019-12-18 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Jack Reed R000122 www.reed.senate.gov     legacy 12/18/2019WASHINGTON, DC Today, after the U.S. House of Representatives approved two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) issued the following statement: Today, the U.S. House of Representatives impeached President Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress' constitutional power to investigate. These are gravely serious charges. President Trump's unprecedented actions have forced Congress to undertake the extraordinary step of considering articles of impeachment. The United States Senate now has a constitutional duty to hold a trial and render a decision. In weighing these articles of impeachment, the Senate must be fair, transparent, and deliberate. That should include hearing from witnesses who President Trump barred from testifying and seeing the actual documents at issue, not just the Trump Administration's summary of his call to the President of Ukraine. No Senator relishes this responsibility, but every Senator must take it seriously and with an understanding that our system of checks and balances is on trial as well. Print Email Tweet 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-portman-senate-colleagues-tropical-forest-conservation-reauthorization-act-included-in-final-fy-2020-funding-bill Whitehouse, Portman, Senate Colleagues’ Tropical Forest Conservation Reauthorization Act Included in Final FY 2020 Funding Bill 2019-12-18 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Sheldon Whitehouse W000802 www.whitehouse.senate.gov     legacy 12.18.19 Whitehouse, Portman, Senate Colleagues' Tropical Forest Conservation Reauthorization Act Included in Final FY 2020 Funding Bill Bipartisan Legislation Promotes Conservation & Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH),Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI),Tom Udall (D-NM), Richard Burr (R-NC), and Brian Schatz (D-HI), announced that the final FY 2020 funding bill includes $15 million for their bipartisanTropical Forest Conservation Reauthorization Act(TFCA). This program has saved more than 67 million acres of tropical forest by allowing developing countries that meet certain criteria to be relieved of debt owed to the United States in exchange for their conservation efforts. To date, the TFCA program has sequestered 56 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, which is the equivalent of taking 11.8 million cars off the road.For the first time since its inception in 1998, Portman's legislation expands TFCA to include the protection of coral reef ecosystems. It's going to take aggressive conservation efforts all over the world to address rising seas, declining wildlife populations, and disappearing natural habitats,said Senator Whitehouse.This program has successfully protected tropical forests, and I'm pleased that our bipartisan effort has been expanded to include other fragile ecosystems like coral reefs. I'm pleased that the final FY 2020 funding bill includes $15 million for this bipartisan conservation effort which is making significant strides toward building stronger relationships with countries around the world while ensuring our natural resources are protected and preserved for the next generation,said Senator Portman,co-chair of the International Conservation Caucus.Since 1998, this common-sense and proven approach has protected millions of acres of tropical forest from deforestationa leading cause of greenhouse gas emissions. This bipartisan legislation is si… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-statement-on-texas-aca-ruling Whitehouse Statement on Texas ACA Ruling 2019-12-18 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Sheldon Whitehouse W000802 www.whitehouse.senate.gov     legacy 12.18.19 Whitehouse Statement on Texas ACA Ruling Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) today issued the following statement about the ruling in the case of Texas v. United States regarding the Affordable Care Act: Democrats in Congress are working to improve our health care system and lower costs, while President Trump and his party continue to try to sow chaos. This ruling enables the Trump Administration to continue its legal quest to strike down the law that made health insurance affordable for millions of Americans. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-statement-on-trump-impeachment Whitehouse Statement on Trump Impeachment 2019-12-18 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Sheldon Whitehouse W000802 www.whitehouse.senate.gov     legacy 12.18.19 Whitehouse Statement on Trump Impeachment Washington, DC U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) released the following statement on House adoption of articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump: The House has gathered a wealth of undisputed facts to support its articles of impeachment. Now, it is the constitutional duty of the Senate to consider these articles and the underlying evidence with all the seriousness and care the Founders intended. That means a process where the relevant evidence is aired, necessary witnesses are called forward, and cases by both sides are fully made. I hope all of my colleagues heed the oath they will take at the beginning of the Senate trial to do impartial justice according to the Constitution and laws.' ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/speeches/time-to-wake-up-methane-and-the-captured-epa Time to Wake Up: Methane and the Captured EPA 2019-12-18 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Sheldon Whitehouse W000802 www.whitehouse.senate.gov     legacy 12.18.19 Time to Wake Up: Methane and the Captured EPA As-prepared for delivery. We're rapidly running out of time to protect our future, and that of our children and grandchildren, from worsening climate upheaval. America ought to be taking every measure available to rein in greenhouse gas emissions, from legislative action, to legal action, to diplomatic action, to regulatory action. But we're not, because of corruption. Regulatory action means enforcing the laws on the books. We have a Clean Air Act that requires the Environmental Protection Agency to stop dangerous pollutants from fouling our air. The EPA has found that greenhouse gases are pollutants under the Clean Air Act, and the Supreme Court has upheld that finding. That means we ought to be regulating methane. Methane is among the most potent greenhouse gases out there. When released into our atmosphere, it traps about 30 times more heat than its chemical cousin, carbon dioxide. Oil and gas extraction releases massive methane pollution; in fact, a growing body of science suggests methane pollution from natural gas extraction may completely offset the climate gains of switching from coal to natural gas. To fulfill its duties under the Clean Air Act, as a matter of law, EPA needs to prevent methane pollution. It's the law; it's not optional. But the corrupt Trump EPA won't fight methane pollution. This corrupt EPA is run by the fossil fuel industry, which couldn't care less about methane emissions. Within weeks of Scott Pruitt taking control of the agency, the corrupted EPA withdrew its request that oil and gas companies even report methane emissions. The industry knew a true report on methane leakage would damage the case for natural gas as a less dangerous air pollutant. So they went to a line of attack ripped directly from Big Tobacco's playbook: silence the science. The fewer facts the EPA has, the less action it needs to take under law. The… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/sen-whitehouse-on-reforming-the-congressional-budget-process Sen. Whitehouse on Reforming the Congressional Budget Process 2019-12-18 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Sheldon Whitehouse W000802 www.whitehouse.senate.gov     legacy December 17, 2019: U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) delivered these remarks on his bipartisan, budget process reform bill with Senator Mike Enzi (R-WY). You can read more about The Bipartisan Congressional Budget Reform Act here: https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/senators-whitehouse-and-enzi-offer-bipartisan_reforms-to-fix-broken-budget-process 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/time-to-wake-up-methane-and-the-captured-epa Time to Wake Up: Methane and the Captured EPA 2019-12-18 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Sheldon Whitehouse W000802 www.whitehouse.senate.gov     legacy On December 17, 2019, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse delivered these remarks to the Senate floor. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-remarks-during-floor-debate-impeachment Cicilline Remarks During Floor Debate on Impeachment 2019-12-18 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI David Cicilline C001084 cicilline.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC) Chair David N. Cicilline (RI-01) spoke on the House floor moments ago. Cicilline asked Republicans to consider the facts of the case, and to put our country ahead of their political party by voting to impeach President Donald Trump. The full text of Cicilline's remarks is embedded at the end of this email. A video of his speech can be viewed by clicking the image below. An electronic copy can also be furnished upon request. -------------------------------------- David N. Cicilline Remarks As Delivered Impeachment of President Donald J. Trump December 18, 2019 I rise in support of the articles of impeachment against Donald J. Trump, the 45th President of the United States. Mr. Speaker, no one runs for Congress to impeach a President. But this President has left us with no choice. President Trump abused the enormous powers of his office when he solicited foreign interference for the purpose of helping him in his re-election campaign in 2020. The President betrayed our national security and undermined the security of our elections when he put his own personal, political interests ahead of the interests of our country. He tried to cheat to win re-election. This wasn't an attack on Vice President Biden. It was an attack on our democracy. And if we do not hold him accountable today, we will no longer live in a democracy. We will live in a dictatorship where any future President will be free to abuse their office in order to get re-elected. So today, every member of this chamber faces a choice. Whether to do what the Constitution demands and the evidence requires, or to turn a blind eye to this President's grave misconduct, a blind eye to the overwhelming evidence of high crimes and misdemeanors. To my friends on the other side of the aisle, I say this: This is not about making history. This is about holding a lawless President accountable in the way our Framers intended. This is a time to put our country over your political party. Do not see… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-speaks-house-floor-ahead-vote-impeach-trump Langevin Speaks on House Floor Ahead of Vote to Impeach Trump 2019-12-18 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Jim Langevin L000559 langevin.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON - Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) delivered the following remarks on the House Floor in support of H. Res. 755, a resolution to impeach President Donald Trump. A copy of the digital video of the remarks can be provided upon request. Madam Speaker, our nation was founded on certain principles. That government should be of, by, and for the people. That a system of three co-equal branches of government would provide the checks and balances necessary to ensure the people's voices are heard. That no one is above the law. Today, sadly, we are voting to impeach President Donald John Trump because he has fundamentally broken his covenant with the American people. In doing so, we are using the powers the Founding Fathers enshrined in the Constitution to address a president who has violated his oath of office. The evidence is clear, and the facts are not in question. President Trump has consistently engaged in a pattern of behavior inconsistent with the rule of law. He has undermined the checks and balances we rely on by obstructing Congress at every turn. And, most importantly, he has abused his power by using his office to solicit foreign interference in our elections, undermining the will of the people. So on this sad day for our nation, I will do what the President has so often failed to do: I will fulfill my oath to support and defend the Constitution, and I will vote in favor of impeachment. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-supports-funding-package-prioritizes-families-service-members-and-ri-industry Langevin Supports Funding Package that Prioritizes Families, Service Members, and RI Industry 2019-12-18 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Jim Langevin L000559 langevin.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON -- Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) voted today in favor of H.R. 1865 and H.R. 1158, the legislative package that will fund the federal government for the remainder of the fiscal year, which ends September 30, 2020. The bipartisan legislation includes record funding for vital social services and schools; historic investments in federal gun violence research, election security, and opioid prevention; strong support for veterans and troops; and full funding for the 2020 decennial census. This bipartisan agreement will ensure that the federal government remains open to do its work For the People,' and it includes many of the top priorities for Rhode Islanders, said Langevin. By working across the aisle, we will deliver critical funding that will make a difference for our families and brave service members, enhance national security by directly supporting Rhode Island's important defense industry, and bolster efforts to make local communities safer and more resilient. The funding packages include a 3.1 percent pay raise for troops and federal civilian employees, $425 million for election security grants to be awarded to states, and $80 billion for Veterans Affairs medical care, including funds to provide homelessness assistance, suicide prevention and outreach, and gender-specific care for women. The legislation also supports a recently announced $22.2 billion Navy contract to produce fast-attack Virginia-class submarines and Virginia Payload Modules in Quonset Point. Rhode Island plays a major role in ensuring our nation's security with fleets of world-class submarines and cutting-edge capabilities being produced by hard-working Rhode Islanders right on our shores, said Langevin. I'm pleased that this final funding package makes strides to ensure our warfighters are prepared and never enter a fair fight, all while supporting job creation locally. The bills also reaffirm our commitment to supporting those who have put it all on the line for our nation by prioritizing critical aid and resources for our veter… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-scores-big-wins-for-national-security-and-ri-workers-in-ndaa Reed Scores Big Wins for National Security & RI Workers in NDAA 2019-12-17 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Jack Reed R000122 www.reed.senate.gov     legacy 12/17/2019WASHINGTON, DC In an effort to strengthen national security and help working families, the U.S. Senate voted 86 to 8 today to approve the conference agreement for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2020. The FY 2020 NDAA defense policy bill authorizes $658.4 billion for the Department of Defense and for national security programs of the U.S. Department of Energy, $71.5 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations, and $5.3 billion in emergency funding to restore installations that were damaged by extreme weather and natural disasters. U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), worked on the bill with SASC Chairman James Inhofe (R-OK), and U.S. Representatives Adam Smith (D-WA) and Mac Thornberry (R-TX), Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committees (HASC). Senator Reed, who co-authored and backed a number of key provisions in the bill to enhance national security, support our service members, and improve military training and readiness, stated: This bill makes smart investments in our national security and recognizes the increasing strategic importance Rhode Island plays in our national defense. It provides the Defense Department with the authorization, stability, and certainty to build the next generation of submarines. These multi-mission submarines are essential for power projection, deterrence, intelligence, and sea control. And I am proud of the contributions Rhode Island's defense workers make to building them. This bill will help create an estimated 1,500 jobs at Electric Boat in Rhode Island over the next five years. And recognizing the critical link between the quality of life for our troops and their families, and the overall quality, retention, and readiness of our Armed Forces, this conference report includes critical reforms and protections needed to improve military housing and hold contractors accountable. And it provides our troops with a much needed, well-deserved pay raise. … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/videos/reed-discusses-2020-ndaa-on-the-senate-floor Reed Discusses 2020 NDAA on the Senate Floor 2019-12-17 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Jack Reed R000122 www.reed.senate.gov     legacy Senator Reed, Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, discusses the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act, which passed in the Senate on a vote of 86-8. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/bipartisan-bill-to-improve-militarys-energy-security-included-in-ndaa Bipartisan Bill to Improve Military’s Energy Security Included in NDAA 2019-12-17 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Sheldon Whitehouse W000802 www.whitehouse.senate.gov     legacy 12.17.19 Bipartisan Bill to Improve Military's Energy Security Included in NDAA SEA FUEL Act would spur military innovation in carbon capture technology Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) today announced that bipartisan legislation to improve the U.S. military's energy security and reduce carbon emissions has been included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference agreement approved by the Senate. The Securing Energy for our Armed Forces Using Engineering Leadership (SEA FUEL) Act would direct the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security to pioneer new technologies that will capture carbon dioxide from air and seawater and convert it to clean fuels or other useful products. This marks the first time a federal program will be created for dedicated research and deployment of direct air capture and blue carbon technologies. The program has been allocated $8 million in the 2020 appropriations agreement set to be approved by Congress this week. The military has much at stake with climate change. Rising seas are lapping at bases at home and abroad, and the danger of conflict across the globe is increasing as natural resources dry up, said Senator Whitehouse. Investing the military's research capabilities in carbon capture technology holds the promise of making overseas installations more self-sufficient while heading off the effects of climate change. The Pentagon recognizes that climate change is real and poses serious national security challenges. This provision directs the Departments of Energy, Defense, and Homeland Security to invest in promising research into carbon capture technologies, said Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Armed Services Committee. The U.S. military has an opportunity to accelerate innovative technologies that could help our fleet project strength and operate in every corner of the globe like never before, while also revolut… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/sen-whitehouse-in-senate-judiciary-hearing-on-the-opioid-crisis Sen. Whitehouse in Senate Judiciary Hearing on the Opioid Crisis 2019-12-17 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Sheldon Whitehouse W000802 www.whitehouse.senate.gov     legacy December 17, 2019 Senate Judiciary Hearing | Tackling the Opioid Crisis: A Whole-of-Government Approach Panel I - Mr. Kemp Chester, Assistant Director of the National Opioids and Synthetics Coordination Group, Office of National Drug Control Policy - Ms. Amanda Liskamm, Director Of Opioid Enforcement And Prevention Efforts, Office Of The Deputy Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice - Mr. William T. McDermott, Assistant Administrator, Diversion Control Division, Drug Enforcement Administration - Dr. Neeraj Gandotra, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Substance Abuse And Mental Health Services Administration, Department of Health and Human Services Panel II -Dr. Bradley D. Stein M.D., Ph.D., Senior Physician Policy Researcher, RAND Corporation -Mr. Patrick M. Kelly, Executive Vice President, Government Affairs, Healthcare Distribution Alliance -Dr. Ronna B. Hauser, Pharm.D, Vice President, Policy and Regulatory Affairs, National Community Pharmacists Association -Ms. Sue Thau, Public Policy Consultant, Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-secures-critical-rhode-island-priorities-government-spending-bills Cicilline Secures Critical Rhode Island Priorities in Government Spending Bills 2019-12-17 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI David Cicilline C001084 cicilline.house.gov     legacy Bipartisan legislation heads to Senate with new resources for election security, gun violence research, infrastructure, and more WASHINGTON The U.S. House passed a bipartisan proposal today that will fund the federal government through the end of the fiscal year. U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (RI-01), who voted in favor of the bills proposed, used his position in House Leadership to lead the effort to secure substantial resources for several initiatives important to Rhode Islanders. Rhode Islanders deserve to know that they're getting more than their share of federal funding. That's exactly what we've done with the bill the House passed today, said Cicilline, who serves as chair of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC). This proposal will help create full-time, good-paying jobs in our state. It will enhance public safety, strengthen public education, and help secure our elections. Cicilline continued, I'm particularly proud that this proposal includes the CREATES Act, my legislation to drive down the cost of prescription drugs by as much as 80%, as well as $1.25 billion for 21st Century Community Learning Centers that provide high-quality afterschool programs, $20.1 million for Special Olympics Programs at the Department of Education, $2.576 billion for the Operation of the National Park System (ONPS), which funds the Blackstone Valley National Park, more than $10 billion for the Virginia and Columbia Class Submarine programs, and $25 million for gun violence research at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Institutes of Health (NIH). The Senate should take up this proposal without further delay. The requests that Cicilline led the fight to include in the bills passed today include the following: The CREATES Act, legislation Cicilline introduced to drive down prescription drug costs by as much as 80% $1.25 billion for 21st Century Community Learning Centers that provide high-quality afterschool programs $25 million for gun violence research at the Cente… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/photos/reed-celebrates-usda-grant-for-new-tiverton-police-cars-and-senior-bus Reed Celebrates USDA Grant for New Tiverton Police Cars & Senior Bus 2019-12-16 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Jack Reed R000122 www.reed.senate.gov     legacy Reed Celebrates USDA Grant for New Tiverton Police Cars & Senior Bus … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/photos/reed-helps-announce-innovative-textile-manufacturing-collaboration-initiative Reed Helps Announce Innovative Textile Manufacturing Collaboration Initiative 2019-12-16 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Jack Reed R000122 www.reed.senate.gov     legacy Reed Helps Announce Innovative Textile Manufacturing Collaboration Initiative 12/16/2019Senator Reed, the Ranking Member of the Armed Services Committee, members of the Congressional Delegation, and officials from the University of Rhode Island, U.S. Navy, the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association, Polaris MEP, and others gathered at Innovate Newport to announce the launch of the 401 Tech Bridge Advanced Materials Center. Tech Bridge is a network of more than 150 creative Rhode Island composites and textile businesses, governmental organizations, major corporations, and academic institutions who collaborate to advance and improve operations of Rhode Island businesses and who develop advanced textile and composite materials such as those used by the Navy and the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-announces-over-800k-to-help-health-centers-expand-client-base Reed Announces Over $800K to Help Health Centers Expand Client Base 2019-12-16 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Jack Reed R000122 www.reed.senate.gov     legacy 12/16/2019WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Jack Reed today announced federal funding to help local community health centers expand their ability to provide comprehensive primary care to low-income and underserved children and families. The $800,178 grant is being awarded to East Bay Community Action Program (EBCAP), a Federally Qualified Community Health Center that operates two community health centers, one in Newport and one in East Providence. The funds are being awarded through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Bureau of Primary Health Care's Section 330 Service Area Competition Program. EBCAP is a multi-service community action program that provides a wide spectrum of social, health, and human services to children, young adults, older adults, and families through dozens of associated programs and other services including: Head Start and Early Head Start programs; the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infant, and Children (WIC); family development and case management services; youth programs; housing and energy assistance services; food pantries; emergency and transitional housing; employment training; rental assistance; the Patient Assistance Pharmaceutical Program; and an array of services for the elderly including case management, senior employment, and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). Its two centers serve several surrounding Rhode Island communities including East Providence, Barrington, Warren, Bristol, Little Compton, Tiverton, Portsmouth, Middletown, Newport, and Jamestown. As the only organization in the state that is a Community Action Program, FQHC, Community Mental Health Center (CMHC), and state and federally-certified Home Visiting Agency, EBCAP addresses the social determinants of health issues in addition to directly providing programs for community health needs. In addition to helping EBCAP continue its present operations, the grant will allow EBCAP to provide medical services to a growing client base in towns it serves. EBCAP's FQHC locations … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/house-advances-rhode-island-priorities-defense-bill House Advances Rhode Island Priorities in Defense Bill 2019-12-16 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI David Cicilline C001084 cicilline.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (RI-01) voted in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act, which now heads to the U.S. Senate for further consideration. The annual defense authorization proposal includes several priorities for Rhode Island, including paid family leave for federal workers, higher wages for servicemembers, and protections for Liberian nationals facing deportation (Rhode Island has the highest Liberian population per capita of any state). This bill is a big win for Rhode Island. I'm proud that we included several provisions important to Rhode Island. It's critical that the Senate send this legislation to the President without further delay, said Cicilline. Creating a better Rhode Island for servicemembers, workers, and their families to call home is my top priority in Washington. That's exactly what this bill does. The conference report included the following provisions directly impacting Rhode Islanders: A long overdue 3.1% pay increase for servicemembers. A priority of Cicilline's to provide 12 weeks of paid parental leave for all federal employees. A provision introduced by Cicilline in the House, by Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) in the Senate, and backed by Congressman Jim Langevin (RI-02) and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) to allow Liberian refugees to apply for legal permanent residency. Cicilline introduced the Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act (H.R. 1169) with the support of 17 cosponsors. Senator Reed introduced a companion bill in the Senate with the support of 10 cosponsors. A repeal of the "Widow's Tax", which is an offset of Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) payments from Survivor Benefit Plan payments to surviving military spouses. Cicilline backed the bipartisan Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act (H.R. 553) to repeal the same provision. A policy change allowing LGBT servicemembers who received a dishonorable or less than honorable discharge under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" to apply to change their discharge status to honorable. Cicilline cos… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/photos/-reed-whitehouse-announce-2-million-in-anti-domestic-violence-grants-and-call-for-swift-passage-of-vawa Reed, Whitehouse Announce $2 Million in Anti-Domestic Violence Grants & Call for Swift Passage of VAWA 2019-12-13 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Jack Reed R000122 www.reed.senate.gov     legacy Reed, Whitehouse Announce $2 Million in Anti-Domestic Violence Grants & Call for Swift Passage of VAWA 12/13/2019Senator Reed and U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse joined with women's advocates and survivors of domestic abuse to call on the U.S. Senate to swiftly approve the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act. The bill preserves advancements to protect women that were made in previous reauthorizations, and includes improvements to prevent domestic violence and sexual assault and to support survivors. The Senators also outlined federal… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/photos/reed-honors-local-veterans-on-75th-anniversary-of-the-battle-of-the-bulge Reed Honors Local Veterans on 75th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge 2019-12-13 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Jack Reed R000122 www.reed.senate.gov     legacy Reed Honors Local Veterans on 75th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/photos/reed-salutes-electric-boat-workers-and-discusses-impact-of-navys-historic-new-submarine-contract Reed Salutes Electric Boat Workers & Discusses Impact of Navy’s Historic New Submarine Contract 2019-12-13 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Jack Reed R000122 www.reed.senate.gov     legacy Reed Salutes Electric Boat Workers & Discusses Impact of Navy's Historic New Submarine Contract … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-new-submarine-contract-will-lead-to-1500-new-jobs-in-ri Reed: New Submarine Contract Will Lead to 1,500 New Jobs in RI 2019-12-13 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Jack Reed R000122 www.reed.senate.gov     legacy 12/13/2019NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI The workload at Electric Boat's (EB) Quonset Point submarine building facility is scheduled for a major increase. The U.S. Navy and Electric Boat's parent company, General Dynamics Corp., recently signed an historic $22.2 billion contract for nine additional high-tech Virginia-class submarines. This represents the largest shipbuilding contract in U.S. Navy history. And Congress will soon send President Trump a National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020 that includes $8.4 billion for the Virginia-class submarine program, as well as $2.25 billion to fully support the Columbia-class (Ohio-class Replacement) program, including an additional $123 million to support submarine industrial base expansion. U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, led efforts to include this funding in the NDAA. Reed says that together, the contract and the NDAA, will mean more work at EB's expanding Quonset Point facilities; more business for local suppliers; more good-paying jobs coming to Rhode Island in the near future; improved savings for taxpayers and the U.S. Navy; and new next-generation stealth submarines that are absolutely critical to America's national defense. Today, Senator Reed visited Electric Boat to thank the workers who build these submarines and contribute to America's security. Saluting Electric Boat's workers, Reed stated: You build the guts of these boats and provide our nation with a strategic, technological advantage. Thanks for the great work you do. Your skill, dedication, and ingenuity is unmatched and absolutely essential to producing the best, most advanced submarines in the world. These submarines are a constant strategic deterrence to our adversaries. I am proud of the role Rhode Island workers play in their design and construction. The $22.2 billion contract - known as Block V - orders the production of nine submarines through 2029, with the option to build a tenth if the nine come in on time and on budg… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-whitehouse-call-for-swift-passage-of-violence-against-women-act Reed, Whitehouse Call for Swift Passage of Violence Against Women Act 2019-12-13 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Jack Reed R000122 www.reed.senate.gov     legacy 12/13/2019WARWICK, RI U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse today joined with women's advocates and survivors of domestic abuse to call on the U.S. Senate to swiftly approve the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act introduced by the Democratic senators last month. The bill preserves advancements made in previous reauthorizations of the landmark Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), and makes new strides to prevent domestic violence and sexual assault and to support survivors. Today's event was held in Warwick at the Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center, which serves victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. The most recent reauthorization of VAWA expired in February. It has been more than 250 days since the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act passed the House with bipartisan support, but Republican leadership in the Senate has not allowed a vote on the bill. The House passed the legislation 263-158, with 33 Republicans voting yes. Domestic violence is a major problem and the Violence Against Women Act is a critical lifeline that should be strengthened and reauthorized. Here in Rhode Island, and in communities across the country, the law has provided non-profit organizations like RICADV, the Women's Resource Center and Day One with federal support and resources to help victims of domestic and sexual abuse. To allow this law to lapse is to deny critical resources and protections to those who need it most. It is inexcusable and I urge Republican leaders in Washington to listen to law enforcement, advocates, and families across the country who are all saying the same thing: reauthorize VAWA, go after offenders, and protect vulnerable Americans, said Senator Reed. It is unconscionable that the landmark federal law protecting victims of domestic violence and sexual assault has been allowed to lapse for nearly a year, said Senator Whitehouse, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. This legislation has already passed the House with bipartisan support, and it goes further than previous version… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/reed-whitehouse-call-for-swift-passage-of-violence-against-women-act Reed, Whitehouse Call for Swift Passage of Violence Against Women Act 2019-12-13 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Sheldon Whitehouse W000802 www.whitehouse.senate.gov     legacy 12.13.19 Reed, Whitehouse Call for Swift Passage of Violence Against Women Act Senators announce $2 million in federal anti-domestic violence grants for RI Warwick, RI Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse today joined with women's advocates and survivors of domestic abuse to call on the U.S. Senate to swiftly approve the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act introduced by the Democratic senators last month. The bill preserves advancements made in previous reauthorizations of the landmark Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), and makes new strides to prevent domestic violence and sexual assault and to support survivors. Today's event was held in Warwick at the Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center, which serves victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. The most recent reauthorization of VAWA expired in February. It has been more than 250 days since the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act passed the House with bipartisan support, but Republican leadership in the Senate has not allowed a vote on the bill. The House passed the legislation 263-158, with 33 Republicans voting yes. Domestic violence is a major problem and the Violence Against Women Act is a critical lifeline that should be strengthened and reauthorized. Here in Rhode Island, and in communities across the country, the law has provided non-profit organizations like RICADV, the Women's Resource Center and Day One with federal support and resources to help victims of domestic and sexual abuse. To allow this law to lapse is to deny critical resources and protections to those who need it most. It is inexcusable and I urge Republican leaders in Washington to listen to law enforcement, advocates, and families across the country who are all saying the same thing: reauthorize VAWA, go after offenders, and protect vulnerable Americans, said Senator Reed. It is unconscionable that the landmark federal law protecting victims of domestic violenc… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-votes-approve-two-articles-impeachment Cicilline Votes to Approve Two Articles of Impeachment 2019-12-13 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI David Cicilline C001084 cicilline.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC) Chair David N. Cicilline (RI-01) issued the following statement this morning after voting to approve two articles of impeachment in the House Judiciary Committee: President Donald J. Trump tried to cheat to win the 2020 election. The overwhelming evidence established that he used the awesome power of his office to coerce a foreign government to corrupt our elections by smearing his most feared political rival. In so doing, he put his own political interests above our nation's interests and betrayed the national security of the United States. His conduct remains a clear and present danger to our democracy. He got caught. He confessed. And then he engaged in an unprecedented pattern of obstruction, categorically refusing to cooperate with duly authorized Congressional investigations of his serious misconduct. In the United States, anyone can become president, but no one is above the law. Not even the president. Today, the Judiciary Committee moved forward with articles of impeachment to hold this President accountable. This is a sad day for our country. But it is a necessary one. Donald Trump left us with no choice but to proceed as we have. This is the only remedy available to us under the Constitution. I voted to approve both articles of impeachment and to honor my oath of office to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. The Framers established the impeachment process because they feared a man like Donald Trump would one day hold the presidency. Next week, we will proceed as they intended. -30- 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/fcc-votes-in-favor-of-designating-9-8-8-for-national-suicide-hotline FCC Votes in Favor of Designating 9-8-8 for National Suicide Hotline 2019-12-12 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Jack Reed R000122 www.reed.senate.gov     legacy 12/12/2019WASHINGTON, DC -U.S. Senator Jack Reed's effort to create a three-digit national suicide hotline took an important step forward today when the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to move forward with designating 9-8-8 to reach a National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which currently has a ten digit number: 1-800-273-8255 (TALK). The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources, and best practices for professionals. Earlier this year, Senator Reed (D-RI), along with Senators Cory Gardner (R-CO), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Jerry Moran (R-KS) introduced the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act to designate a three-digit phone number for a national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline and ensure states have the flexibility to strengthen local crisis call centers. The current National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Veterans Crisis line are 10-digits, which is a barrier to Americans in crisis seeking support. The National Suicide Hotline Designation Act directs the FCC to designate 9-8-8 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. This line would include the Veterans Crisis Line for veteran-specific mental health support. Additionally, the legislation will authorize the ability of states to collect fees to ensure local call centers are able to support increased volume. The suicide prevention hotline is a real life saver and I am pleased the FCC is moving forward with our bipartisan proposal to create a simple, a three-digit phone number that people may call in times of crisis. A nationwide, three-digit number for suicide prevention and mental health crises will connect people with the specialized help they need, when they need it, said Senator Reed. Reed co-authored a law last year, the National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act, which directed the FCC to study assigning a three-digit number for suicide prevention. In August, the FCC recommended in its report the use of a 3-digit line and the number 9-8-8. The reg… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/over-objections-of-trump-us-senate-recognizes-armenian-genocide Over Objections of Trump, U.S. Senate Recognizes Armenian Genocide 2019-12-12 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Jack Reed R000122 www.reed.senate.gov     legacy 12/12/2019WASHINGTON, DC On its fourth try over the last several weeks, the U.S. Senate today passed an Armenian Genocide resolution formally recognizing that, in 1915, the Ottoman Empire began a campaign of genocide against Armenians. By 1923, an estimated 1.5 million Armenians were killed and over a half a million survivors were exiled. U.S. Senator Jack Reed, a cosponsor of the resolution this Congress and a longstanding cosponsor of similar resolutions in past congresses, issued the following statement: This official recognition of the Armenian Genocide and Turkey's role is long overdue and puts us on the right side of history. I am pleased we were able to overcome objections from those who seek to obscure the facts. The United States should not be a party to the denial of genocide. To prevent future acts of genocide, we must recognize past atrocities, educate the public, and uphold human rights. Passing this resolution aligns us with other NATO member nations such as Canada, France, and Germany that have already recognized the Armenian Genocide. Today, we solemnly honor the victims and survivors of the Armenian genocide and reaffirm our commitment to human rights. The resolution had been blocked three times at the request of the Trump Administration, but today won unanimous approval by the full U.S. Senate. On October 29, the U.S. House of Representatives passed an identical measure by a vote of 405-11. The Senate resolution was sponsored by U.S. Senator Bob Menendez and original cosponsors include Senators: Ted Cruz (R-TX), Jack Reed (D-RI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Ed Markey (D-MA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Tom Udall (D-NM), and Kamala Harris (D-CA). Text of the resolution follows: Expressing the sense of the Senate that it is the policy of the United States to commemorate the Armenian Genocide through official recognition a… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-collins-intro-pass-act-to-help-make-higher-education-more-affordable-and-accessible Reed, Collins Intro PASS Act to Help Make Higher Education More Affordable & Accessible 2019-12-12 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Jack Reed R000122 www.reed.senate.gov     legacy 12/12/2019WASHINGTON, DC Seeking to make higher education more affordable and accessible for students and help make postsecondary education achievable for more Americans, U.S. Senator Jack Reed, along withU.S.Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), today introduced the Partnerships for Affordability and Student Success (PASS) Act. This bipartisan legislation would amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to reestablish a federal-state partnership for increasing need-based aid, provide grants to institutions to improve student outcomes and reduce college costs, and build public accountability for institutions of higher learning. College is expensive. Today, too many hard-working young people and their families are falling behind as they try to pay for their degrees that were supposed to help them get ahead. The PASS Act will help make a college degree more affordable and accessible by reinvigorating the federal-state partnership for higher education with an emphasis on need-based grant aid, said Senator Reed. During the sixties and seventies, a combination of low in-state tuition and federal and state need-based grants meant students did not have to mortgage their future to earn a college degree. That is not true today. Over 43 million Americans now owe more than $1.5 trillion in student loans. Today's students should have the same opportunity as previous generations. Education plays a vital role in opening the doors of opportunity to all Americans, but the rising cost of a college education threatens to close those doors to many families across the country, said Senator Collins. This bipartisan bill would help alleviate such financial strains by creating a federal-state partnership program aimed at improving state educational attainment, college access, affordability, and completion, including through need-based grants. Reed noted that the federal government is unable to resolve the current crisis on its own, and that: States are critical partners in making college accessible, affordable, and accountable. However, state … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-includes-ndaa-provision-to-extend-permanent-residency-status-for-eligible-liberians-and-open-a-pathway-to-us-citizenship Reed Includes NDAA Provision to Extend Permanent Residency Status for Eligible Liberians and Open a Pathway to U.S. Citizenship 2019-12-12 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Jack Reed R000122 www.reed.senate.gov     legacy 12/12/2019WASHINGTON, DC -U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Armed Services Committee, included a major victory for the Liberian community in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 that will extend legal status for thousands of Liberians. Senator Reed included a provision in the NDAA backed by Congressman David Cicilline (D-RI) and the rest of the Rhode Island delegation, to allow eligible Liberians in the U.S. currently on the temporary immigration status of Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) to continue living legally in the U.S. and get on a pathway to earning U.S. citizenship. In order to be eligible to apply for permanent residency under the law, applicants must have been living in the U.S. continuously since November 20, 2014, not been absent for more than 180 days in aggregate, and be otherwise eligible and admissible for permanent residence. The NDAA provision was based on S. 456, the Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act, which Senator Reed introduced in the U.S. Senate. Congressman David Cicilline (D-RI) introduced companion legislation (H.R.1169) in the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation is estimated to impact about 4,000 Liberians who have been legally living in the United States. After decades of uncertainty, this is a huge win for my Liberian brothers and sisters and a great day for America. This provision will adjust the status of Liberians on DED and those formerly on TPS to enable them to apply for permanent residency. Liberians who've legally lived here for years, paid taxes, and made so many positive contributions to their various communities, especially in Rhode Island, deserve the opportunity to get on a path to becoming full citizens. Everything they have in America they've earned through hard work and hard work should be rewarded, said Senator Reed. These individuals came to America seeking safety from devastating wars and disaster. They've made a home here, built their lives, and strengthened our communities. America… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/sen-whitehouse-discusses-doj-ig-report-on-meet-the-press-daily Sen. Whitehouse Discusses DOJ IG Report on Meet the Press Daily 2019-12-12 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Sheldon Whitehouse W000802 www.whitehouse.senate.gov     legacy December 11, 2019: On Meet the Press Daily with Chuck Todd, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) discussed the Department of Justice Inspector General Michael Horowitz's report on the FBI's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-whitehouse-questions-inspector-general-mike-horowitz Senator Whitehouse Questions Inspector General Mike Horowitz 2019-12-12 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Sheldon Whitehouse W000802 www.whitehouse.senate.gov     legacy December 11, 2019: Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing | Examining the Inspector General's Report on Alleged Abuses of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act WITNESSES: - The Honorable Michael E. Horowitz, Inspector General, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-whitehouse-shares-bridgets-story Senator Whitehouse Shares Bridget's Story 2019-12-12 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Sheldon Whitehouse W000802 www.whitehouse.senate.gov     legacy December 12, 2019 "No one should have to struggle with chronic issues, or be discriminated against because of pre-existing conditions." - Bridget, Rhode Island resident Read her full story here: https://medium.com/@senwhitehouse/bridgets-story-8b765b360308 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/time-to-wake-up-no-cop-out Time to Wake Up: No COP Out 2019-12-12 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Sheldon Whitehouse W000802 www.whitehouse.senate.gov     legacy December 11, 2019: U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) delivered these remarks recapping his bicameral trip to the U.N. Conference of the Parties in Madrid with Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA 12). 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/house-passes-landmark-legislation-drive-down-prescription-drug-costs House Passes Landmark Legislation to Drive Down Prescription Drug Costs 2019-12-12 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI David Cicilline C001084 cicilline.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON The House of Representatives voted today to pass the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act (H.R. 3), landmark legislation that will give Medicare the power to negotiate directly with drug companies to bring down prices and make those savings available to hardworking families across America. We all know someone who has been forced to ration the medication they need to live so that they can afford to keep a roof over their family's heads or put food on the table. In America, in 2019, this should never be the case, said Congressman David N. Cicilline (RI-01), who voted to pass the measure. Pharmaceutical companies have abused American patients and taxpayers to increase their profits hand over fist without recourse for too long. The Lower Drug Costs Now Act will put an end to the price gouging by big pharma that sees American patients and taxpayers paying more for their prescription drugs than people in other countries. President Trump should honor his promise to lower prescription drug prices and call on Mitch McConnell to pass this bill without delay. The Lower Drug Costs Now Act specifically: Gives the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services the power to negotiate directly with drug companies to force real price reductions while also ensuring that seniors never lose access to the medicines they need; Expands access to the lower, negotiated drug prices to Americans with private insurance, not just Medicare beneficiaries; Prevents pharmaceutical companies from price gouging American patients and taxpayers by capping the maximum price for a negotiated drug at the average price people in countries similar to the U.S. pay; Creates a brand new, $2,000 out-of-pocket limit on prescription drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries; And finally delivers vision, dental, and hearing benefits to Medicare beneficiaries for the first time. Drug companies are price-gouging older Americans and taxpayers who pay the highest drug costs in the world, added AARP Rhode Island State Director Kathleen… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://langevin.house.gov/event/lunch-langevin-hope-valley Lunch with Langevin in Hope Valley 2019-12-12 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Jim Langevin L000559 langevin.house.gov     legacy Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) will host his quarterly Lunch with Langevin event on Saturday, December 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Wood River Golf and 11th Green Restaurant, 78A. Woodville Alton Road, Hope Valley, RI. Since 2014, Langevin has held these lunches in communities throughout the Second Congressional District. Lunch with Langevin is an informal event enabling residents of the Second District to meet one-on-one with Langevin to ask questions and share their concerns on any issues they wish to discuss. Caseworkers will be on hand to provide constituents with additional resources and schedule meetings. Pizza and refreshments will be provided. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-votes-favor-fiscal-year-2020-national-defense-authorization-act Langevin Votes in Favor of Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act 2019-12-12 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Jim Langevin L000559 langevin.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON -- Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee and chairman of its Subcommittee on Intelligence and Emerging Threats and Capabilities, issued the following statementtoday after voting in favor of the conference report to accompany the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act. The bipartisan, bicameral agreement supports a strong national defense and realizes long-sought reforms including a 12-week paid parental leave policy for all federal employees and the expansion of several supports and protections for service members. Langevin served on the National Defense Authorization Act Conference Committee, and the conference report was approved by a 377-48 vote. It is encouraging that Democrats and Republicans engaged in a collaborative process and have reached bipartisan agreement for a defense bill that helps keep our nation secure, prioritizes support for our brave service members, and will bolster Rhode Island's defense industry. As the chairman of the subcommittee focused on emerging threats to our country, I am proud the bill includes robust support for the Defense Department's science and technology ecosystem. Threats in cyberspace are among the most challenging we face, and I worked to ensure the conference report preserves important provisions I authored to continue to better our cybersecurity. I have made ensuring that Special Operations Forces remain professional, ethical, agile, and postured for high-end missions a priority of the subcommittee, and that goal, too, is reflected in the final agreement. This legislation marks a big win for many families nationwide as we set course to provide all federal workers paid parental leave. It also takes into account the extraordinary dedication and sacrifices of our troops and their families by raising pay, repealing the burdensome military widows tax,' and incorporating provisions that will strengthen mental health services and housing. At the local level, the agreement will help keep Rhode Island at t… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-votes-lower-prescription-drug-prices Langevin Votes to Lower Prescription Drug Prices 2019-12-12 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Jim Langevin L000559 langevin.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON -- Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) today voted in favor of H.R. 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act. The bill, which passed the House by a vote of 230-192, aims to provide relief to Americans struggling with high prescription drug prices by allowing Medicare to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies to achieve price reductions. The bill would also establish a new out-of-pocket expense limit for people on Medicare and enables taxpayer savings that will be reinvested into expanding Medicare benefits to include vision, dental, and hearing, addressing addiction, and researching new cures and treatments. Every American should be able to afford the prescription medication they need. It is shameful that people risk their health and wellbeing every day because high prices push them to ration medication or go without it. Even more, it is outrageous that Americans are paying higher prices than people of comparable developed countries. The Lower Drug Costs Now Act will finally allow the government to negotiate drug prices on behalf of millions of Americans, and I was proud to support it. In Rhode Island's Second Congressional District, over 460,000 people stand to benefit from the Lower Drug Costs Now Act. This includes people in dire need like patients diagnosed with cancer, diabetes, HIV/AIDS and other very serious conditions. A price tag should not keep lifelines out of reach for my constituents, but with many cancer medications costing over $100,000 annually and skyrocketing insulin prices, we know that patients continue to face impossible choices. Rhode Island seniors will see much needed relief from the Lower Drug Costs Now Act. By capping out-of-pocket expenses on prescription drugs for Medicare beneficiaries, people on fixed incomes will no longer have uncertainty looming over them. H.R. 3 also achieves one of my long-stated goals to ensure Medicare includes, vision, dental, and hearing benefits that are often particularly needed by older Americans. This bill is a bold step to make sure mi… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/congress-approves-reed-backed-bill-to-help-prevent-veterans-suicide Congress Approves Reed-Backed Bill to Help Prevent Veterans Suicide 2019-12-11 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Jack Reed R000122 www.reed.senate.gov     legacy 12/11/2019WASHINGTON, DC In an effort to improve suicide prevention and mental health resources for veterans, the U.S. Senate today passed the Support for Suicide Prevention Coordinators Act, which is cosponsored by U.S. Senator Jack Reed. The legislation seeks to ensure that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has the tools needed to meet the mental health needs of the veterans they serve. The Support for Suicide Prevention Coordinators Act requires the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct an assessment of the responsibilities, workload, and vacancy rates of the Department of Veterans Affairs Suicide Prevention Coordinators. Suicide Prevention Coordinators are on the frontlines of the VA's efforts to prevent veteran suicide. They identify and serve high-risk veterans to ensure they receive appropriate care, conduct outreach activities, and provide education and support to VA staff. According to the VA, as of 2019, VA suicide prevention coordinators are managing care for almost 11,000 veterans who are clinically at high-risk for suicide. The wounds and scars of war and continued deployments are not always visible, and we've got to provide veterans with high quality physical and mental health care. It's our solemn duty to care for our veterans and we must do a better job addressing veterans suicide on a variety of fronts. This legislation will lead to more effective, proactive interventions that can help save lives, said Senator Reed, the Ranking Member of the Armed Services Committee. We need to let veterans in need know we care and get them into the right care to ensure their health and safety. Suicide prevention coordinators are a key part of the solution. They work tirelessly to provide lifesaving care and we need to ensure they have the resources and support to be effective. According to the 2019 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, 45,390 American adults died from suicide in 2017, including 6,139 U.S. Veterans. This means about 20 veterans die by suicide each day an… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-includes-key-provision-in-ndaa-to-help-stop-flow-of-fentanyl-from-china-and-mexico Reed Includes Key Provision in NDAA to Help Stop Flow of Fentanyl from China & Mexico 2019-12-11 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Jack Reed R000122 www.reed.senate.gov     legacy 12/11/2019WASHINGTON, DC In an effort to save lives and stop foreign actors that manufacture and traffic fentanyl from flooding America with illegal synthetic drugs, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, teamed up with several colleagues to include targeted fentanyl sanctions in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2020. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid analgesic that is 50 times more powerful than heroin. It is classified as a schedule II prescription drug, and it is typically used to treat patients with severe or chronic pain. It is most commonly manufactured in China and shipped to the United States through the mail or smuggled through ports or across international borders. Often times, drug dealers mix fentanyl with heroin and cocaine, often without the user's knowledge, to make the drugs more potent and the consequences can be deadly. This bipartisan provision to the NDAA will help hold China and other nations accountable for their commitments to crack down on producers and traffickers of fentanyl and other deadly synthetic opioids, pushing China's government to honor its commitment to enforce new laws declaring all fentanyl derivatives illegal. Additionally, this provision of the NDAA will provide the U.S. government with additional resources to sanction illicit traffickers from China, Mexico, and other countries to dismantle the synthetic drug trade and stop the rising rates of fentanyl overdose deaths. Congress has significantly increased funding for drug treatment and recovery programs, but to effectively prevent overdose deaths we must crack down on the illicit manufacturing and distribution of fentanyl and prevent it from reaching our communities. This provision will help crack down on the operations of foreign traffickers of opioids and give the U.S. new tools to stop the flow of fentanyl, said Senator Reed. The provision in the defense bill will ensure foreign countries do a better job of going after illicit… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/speeches/time-to-wake-up-no-cop-out Time to Wake Up: No COP Out 2019-12-11 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Sheldon Whitehouse W000802 www.whitehouse.senate.gov     legacy 12.11.19 Time to Wake Up: No COP Out As-prepared for delivery. Mr./Mdm. President, I rise to again call this chamber to wake up to the threat of climate change and to say about Paris, in chorus with millions of Americans, we're still in. And in truth, America is still in The Paris Agreement. When you look at the states that are still in; when you look at the cities that are still in; when you look at the companies and universities that are still in; it's the vast majority of the American economy. Despite President Trump's fossil fuel nonsense, we really are still in. Last week, I traveled to Madrid with Speaker Pelosi and a delegation of House Committee Chairs and climate leaders for the U.N. Conference of the Parties, or COP, to support the Paris Agreement's climate goals. The mood in Spain was optimistic; it was an unexpectedly bright picture we saw. The Trump administration, of course, has begun the process of withdrawing the United States from the Paris Climate Accord. That is more than an abandonment of our American tradition of international leadership and adherence to higher ideals; it is abandonment of our own national security imperatives and economic wellbeing. This demeans the nation that has, from John Winthrop to Ronald Reagan, been called a city on a hill. Our military well understands the threat to our national security. Back in 2013, Admiral Samuel Locklear, commander of United States forces in the Pacific, observed that upheaval related to climate change is probably the most likely thing that is going to happen . . . that will cripple the security environment. He added, You have the real potential here in the not-too-distant future of nations displaced by rising sea level. . . . If it goes bad, you could have hundreds of thousands or millions of people displaced and then security will start to crumble pretty quickly. Preparing for these risks was a centerpiece of a recent Indo Pac Comma… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-urges-us-senate-to-pass-anti-robocall-bill Reed Urges U.S. Senate to Pass Anti-Robocall Bill 2019-12-10 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Jack Reed R000122 www.reed.senate.gov     legacy 12/10/2019WASHINGTON, DC In an effort to protect consumers by cracking down on unwanted corporate robocalls and spam callers, U.S. Senator Jack Reed is urging Congress to pass bipartisan legislation to provide regulators and prosecutors with enhanced tools to track, prosecute, and fine for-profit robocallers. Senator Reed is a cosponsor of the Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence (TRACED) Act (S. 151), which would require phone companies to verify where phone calls are coming from and let consumers block them at no additional cost. The Reed-backed bill also provides law enforcement, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) with new tools to investigate and take action against illegal robocalling operations. I have long advocated for cracking down on unwanted, predatory profit seeking robocalls and this bipartisan bill will help to reduce these intrusive spam calls and crack down on those who violate the law, said Senator Reed, who helped pass a version of the TRACED Act through the U.S. Senate in May, which served as the basis of this bipartisan, compromise agreement. The Senate should quickly take up and pass this bill to hang up on scammers and prevent consumers, hospitals, and other businesses from being bombarded with unwanted, predatory calls. Harassing robocalls have become a growing problem. Indeed, according to the YouMail Robocall Index, Rhode Islanders received 11.5 million robocalls last month (November 2019). The report also states that Americans received an estimated 47.8 billion robocalls last year, an increase of 56.8% over the estimated 30.5 billion robocalls in 2017. Several major carriers -- AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon -- have indicated they'll adopt new strategies consistent with the TRACED Act, which the full U.S. Senate passed in May. Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 417-3 to pass its version of the TRACED Act. Senator Reed says he hopes the full U.S. Senate will vote on the measure this week so… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/senators-warn-irs-against-weakening-dark-money-reporting Senators Warn IRS against Weakening Dark Money Reporting 2019-12-10 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Sheldon Whitehouse W000802 www.whitehouse.senate.gov     legacy 12.10.19 Senators Warn IRS against Weakening Dark Money Reporting Whitehouse, Udall, Blumenthal, and Warren in official comment: The IRS cannot stand down as a wealthy special-interest class unload[s] nearly a billion dollars of anonymous money into our elections' Washington, DC Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R), Tom Udall (D-NM), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) are pushing back against a Trump administration regulatory proposal to weaken the IRS's ability to collect information on the special interest donors spending hundreds of millions of dollars to influence elections and the operation of government. The proposed rule would limit one of the remaining avenues for federal and state officials to collect the true identities of major corporate and partisan special interests seeking to control the government. If the rulemaking is finalized and the IRS's enforcement capabilities weakened as they have been repeatedly in recent years corporate and ultra-wealthy special interests would further cement their political power at the expense of the transparency on which our democracy depends, the senators point out in an official comment to the IRS. Citizens United provided the wealthy special-interest class with significant new political artillery, which they swiftly ran through 501(c)(4) organizations to unload nearly a billion dollars of anonymous money into our elections the tsunami of slime,' the senators write. To protect their unprecedented powers of political influence, these elites engaged in a public campaign to bludgeon the IRS into a state of regulatory stasis. They are now back, asking the IRS to further hamstring its own ability to perform even the most basic oversight. The IRS should reject this invitation. After Citizens United, political spending by 501(c)(4) social welfare groups exploded. Since 2010, such organizations have spent over $800 million on political expenditure… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/sen-whitehouse-questions-apple-and-facebook-about-data-encryption-dangers Sen. Whitehouse Questions Apple and Facebook About Data Encryption Dangers 2019-12-10 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Sheldon Whitehouse W000802 www.whitehouse.senate.gov     legacy December 10, 2019 Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing - Encryption and Lawful Access: Evaluating Benefits and Risks to Public Safety and Privacy WITNESSES: - Mr. Cyrus R. Vance Jr., District Attorney, New York County, New York, NY - Professor Matt Tait, Cyber Security Fellow, Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX - Mr. Erik Neuenschwander, Manager of User Privacy, Apple, Inc., Cupertino, CA - Mr. Jay Sullivan, Product Management Director for Privacy and Integrity in Messenger, Facebook, Inc., Menlo Park, CA 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-statement-articles-impeachment Cicilline Statement on Articles of Impeachment 2019-12-10 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI David Cicilline C001084 cicilline.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC) Chair David N. Cicilline (RI-01), a member of the House Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement today: The facts are beyond dispute. President Trump abused his office, the enormous power of the presidency, to solicit foreign interference in an American election, specifically to help in his re-election. His actions undermined our national security. President Trump put his own personal, political interests ahead of our country's interest. His conduct makes him a clear and present danger to both our democracy and our national security. The articles of impeachment that we developed in the Judiciary Committee capture the scope of his most serious misconduct, including referencing his pattern of wrongdoing. In our country, no one is above the law, not even the President. Donald Trump has given us no other choice than to move forward with impeachment. Nearly 250 years ago, our Founding Fathers envisioned that our country might face a crisis like the one before us today. We will proceed with the only remedy provided in our Constitution. -30- 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-statement-articles-impeachment Langevin Statement on Articles of Impeachment 2019-12-10 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Jim Langevin L000559 langevin.house.gov     legacy Langevin Statement on Articles of Impeachment Dec 10, 2019 WASHINGTON -- Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) today expressed his support for the articles of impeachment for President Trump, issuing the following statement: This is a sad day for America. While impeaching a president is by no means good news for the nation, as elected officials we must uphold our oath to defend our Constitution and preserve our democracy. After careful consideration of the facts presented, I have decided to support the articles of impeachment proposed by the Judiciary Committee to make sure the president is held accountable and that we protect our nation. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-statement-release-ndaa-conference-report Langevin Statement on Release of NDAA Conference Report 2019-12-10 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Jim Langevin L000559 langevin.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON -- Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI), chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Intelligence and Emerging Threats and Capabilities, issued the following statement regarding the release of the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act conference report: I'm proud that the House and Senate have concluded their work on this defense bill and reached bipartisan consensus in support of our national security and our men and women in uniform. Rhode Island plays a major role in our national security by supporting our warfighters. This NDAA will ensure that our local businesses can continue to build advanced capabilities and get them in the hands of our forces to make sure they never enter a fair fight. I'm especially pleased that the bill continues to support the production of Virginia-class submarines and Virginia Payload Modules, which are built right in Rhode Island and support thousands of good paying jobs. This bill continues to show support for our service members with a pay raise and demonstrates a strong commitment to families by providing federal workers with paid parental leave. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/-reed-statement-on-bipartisan-house-senate-ndaa-conference-agreement Reed Statement on Bipartisan House-Senate NDAA Conference Agreement 2019-12-09 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Jack Reed R000122 www.reed.senate.gov     legacy 12/09/2019WASHINGTON, DC Today, the House-Senate conference committee reached a bicameral agreement on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2020. The reconciled FY 2020 NDAA defense policy bill authorizes $658.4 billion for the Department of Defense and for national security programs of the U.S. Department of Energy, $71.5 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations, and $5.3 billion in emergency funding to restore installations that were damaged by extreme weather and natural disasters. A summary of the conference report is available here. U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), worked on the bill with SASC Chairman James Inhofe (R-OK), and U.S. Representatives Adam Smith (D-WA) and Mac Thornberry (R-TX), Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committees (HASC). The NDAA includes a number of key provisions and reforms that were backed by Senator Reed to enhance national security, support our service members, and improve military training and readiness. The bill also implements the most substantial overhaul of the Privatized Military Housing Initiative since the program's creation in 1996. The bill authorizes a 3.1 percent pay raise for our troops, the largest in a decade, and reflects a policy shift to accelerate defense innovation and establishes inclusive pathways for the most promising small businesses to commercialize their innovations for the DOD market. The NDAA also strengthens congressional oversight of cyber operations, and enhances the Department of Defense's cybersecurity strategy and cyber warfare capabilities. Additionally, the bill helps guarantee civil servants receive 12 weeks of paid leave in the event of the birth or adoption of a child. Currently, the U.S. is the only industrialized nation that does not have paid parental leave. Senator Reed, a cosponsor of the Family and Medical Insurance Leave (FAMILY) Act to create a universal, gender-neutral paid family and medical leave program, w… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-statement-on-death-of-former-fed-chairman-paul-volcker Reed Statement on Death of Former Fed Chairman Paul Volcker 2019-12-09 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Jack Reed R000122 www.reed.senate.gov     legacy 12/09/2019WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Jack Reed, a senior member of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, today issued the following statement on the passing of Paul Volcker, former Chairman of the Federal Reserve: Chairman Volcker was a true patriot who exemplified why an independent Fed Chair is not only important but also necessary for the long term health of the U.S. economy. He was a trusted counselor whose wisdom, advice, and keen insight was invaluable to crafting the Dodd-Frank Wall Street reform law and in implementing and defending it for the benefit of working-class families. We are saddened by his loss, but grateful for his many contributions to our nation. Print Email Tweet 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/senators-whitehouse-markey-heinrich-and-cortez-masto-lead-push-for-clean-energy-tax-extenders Senators Whitehouse, Markey, Heinrich, and Cortez Masto Lead Push for Clean Energy Tax Extenders 2019-12-09 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Sheldon Whitehouse W000802 www.whitehouse.senate.gov     legacy 12.09.19 Senators Whitehouse, Markey, Heinrich, and Cortez Masto Lead Push for Clean Energy Tax Extenders Washington (December 9, 2019) As committees in both the House of Representatives and the Senate continue to discuss a potential legislative package of tax extenders, SenatorsSheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.),Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) today led 18 of their colleagues in calling on Congressional leadership to prioritize clean energy extenders in any tax legislation. In their letter, the Senators call on leadership to extend, expand, and update current tax policies to increase the adoption of zero-emissions generation, energy storage, zero-emission vehicles and energy efficient buildings. This includes prioritizing the Offshore Wind Investment Tax Credit, Storage Investment Tax Credit, Solar and Clean Energy Investment Tax Credit Extension, Energy Efficiency Tax Credit, clean vehicles, and onshore wind. Tax incentives have effectively encouraged the production of clean, renewable energy and contributed to the reduction of carbon emissions, write the Senators in their letter to House and Senate leadership. The scientific need for immediate climate action has only become more apparent in recent years, and now we have an opportunity to take significant steps and invest in the American economy. Especially as we work to convey our ongoing commitment to our global partners, we must work together to seize this opportunity to pass bipartisan pro-growth, pro-climate legislation. A copy of the letter can be found HERE. According to the Rhodium Group, extending and expanding tax credits through 2025 for zero-emitting electrical generation could reduce up to 125 million tons of emissions, making up a quarter of America's national commitment under the current Paris climate agreement targets. Also signing the letter are Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Chr… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-statement-on-inspector-general-report-on-russia-investigation- Whitehouse Statement on Inspector General Report on Russia Investigation 2019-12-09 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Sheldon Whitehouse W000802 www.whitehouse.senate.gov     legacy 12.09.19 Whitehouse Statement on Inspector General Report on Russia Investigation Washington, DC U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement on the Department of Justice Inspector General report released today on the FBI's inquiry into Russia's influence on the 2016 election: This report shows there was a proper predicate for the FBI to investigate Russia's malign influence on the 2016 election and contacts with the Trump campaign. That puts to rest President Trump's accusations of a deep state conspiracy, and no amount of spin from Attorney General Barr, the White House, or congressional Republicans can change that. Barr's decision to question the report in the media says a lot about Attorney General Barr. The Inspector General is an important defender against political influence over law enforcementa regrettable tendency under Attorney General Barr. I hope the Inspector General turns his attention to other allegations of politically motivated investigations by this administration. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-questions-witnesses-during-house-impeachment-hearing Cicilline Questions Witnesses During House Impeachment Hearing 2019-12-09 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI David Cicilline C001084 cicilline.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Democratic Policy and Communications Committee Chair David N. Cicilline (RI-01) questioned witnesses today during the House Judiciary Committee's hearing on the Trump-Ukraine Impeachment Inquiry Report and the Constitutional Grounds for Presidential Impeachment Report. A link to the full line of questioning and excerpts are included below: This has been one of the most productive Congresses in modern history. We've passed nearly 400 pieces of legislation that respond to the urgent priorities of the American people: driving down health care costs, raising wages for the American worker, responding to gun violence, providing equal pay for equal work, responding to the climate crisis. 275 of those bills are fully bipartisan, and 80% of those bills are sitting on the Senate Majority Leader's desk awaiting action. So we will continue to deliver on the important priorities of the American people, but we were also elected to hold this President accountable. We took an oath of office that said to protect and defend the Constitution, and that's what we're engaged in today. As we heard from Bill Taylor, who is a graduate of West Point and a decorated combat veteran who served in the Vietnam war Ukraine, then and now, is in an active war with the Russians. Russia stole part of their country in Crimea and has killed more than 10,000 Ukrainians and weakening Ukraine would only benefit Russia. Against the consensus of his own agencies and national security experts, the President used Congressionally appropriated funds to advance his own political interests at the expense of our national security. This action is a threat to the integrity of our elections and the sanctity of our democracy. President Trump must not get away with this. No one in this country, including the President of the United States, is above the law. -30- 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-statement-on-passing-of-justice-rodgers Reed Statement on Passing of Justice Rodgers 2019-12-06 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Jack Reed R000122 www.reed.senate.gov     legacy 12/06/2019PROVIDENCE, RI -- Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed issued the following statement on the passing of retired Superior Court Justice Joseph F. Rodgers Jr.: Justice Rodgers was a man of conscience, character, and courage who inspired us all with his integrity and commitment to public service. He understood that being a good judge is more than just enforcing the law. It's about seeking justice. He brought kindness and humility to the bench and an innate sense of fairness. He was a model public servant and someone who never forgot his roots. He had a profound impact on Rhode Island and the people he served. While we are deeply saddened by his passing, we remain grateful for his many accomplishments and contributions. Print Email Tweet 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-statement-on-shooting-at-us-naval-base Reed Statement on Shooting at U.S. Naval Base 2019-12-06 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Jack Reed R000122 www.reed.senate.gov     legacy 12/06/2019WASHINGTON, DC Today, after a Saudi military trainee shot and killed multiple people at Naval Air Station Pensacola before the gunman was shot dead by officers responding to the scene, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), Ranking Member of the Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement: There is still a lot we don't know about today's shooting, and right now the focus should be on the deceased and wounded, and supporting those impacted by this tragedy. Our hearts are with the victims, the Navy community, and the Escambia County Sheriff's office whose deputies were wounded stopping the gunman. We have a lot of questions and there must be a full, thorough investigation into this senseless attack. The FBI and other federal agencies are working hard to get to the bottom of it. And we are still awaiting facts and answers from the ongoing investigation into the recent shooting at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard in Hawaii as well. There needs to be a review of on base weapons policies. At some point, President Trump and members of Congress must summon the political courage and take meaningful action to keep guns out of the hands of those who pose a threat to others. Print Email Tweet 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/press-releases/whitehouse-statement-on-the-passing-of-ri-superior-court-justice-joseph-rodgers Whitehouse Statement on the Passing of RI Superior Court Justice Joseph Rodgers 2019-12-06 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Sheldon Whitehouse W000802 www.whitehouse.senate.gov     legacy 12.06.19 Whitehouse Statement on the Passing of RI Superior Court Justice Joseph Rodgers Providence, RI Senator Sheldon Whitehouse today issued the following statement regarding the passing of retired Rhode Island Superior Court Presiding Justice Joseph Rodgers: As a lawyer and as Attorney General I appeared often before Justice Rodgers. Indeed as Presiding Justice, he by statute had to approve our wiretap applications. He was always wise and practical, he moved his cases along fairly, he had no trouble making hard decisions, and he usually had a good-natured twinkle in his eye. There was a lot to admire and emulate about Joe Rodgers. I will miss him, and send my love and regards to his family. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-whitehouse-on-senator-isaksons-retirement Senator Whitehouse on Senator Isakson's Retirement 2019-12-06 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Sheldon Whitehouse W000802 www.whitehouse.senate.gov     legacy On December 5, 2019, U.S. Senator Whitehouse (D-RI) delivered these remarks in honor of Senator Johnny Isakson's (R-GA) retirement from the U.S. Senate. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-statement-death-former-superior-court-presiding-justice-joseph-f-rodgers-jr Cicilline Statement on Death of Former Superior Court Presiding Justice Joseph F. Rodgers Jr. 2019-12-06 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI David Cicilline C001084 cicilline.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (RI-01) issued the following statement today: I am deeply saddened by the death of my friend, former Superior Court Presiding Justice Joseph F. Rodgers Jr. A lifelong Rhode Islander, Joseph Rodgers dedicated his time on this earth to upholding the law and ensuring justice for the residents of our state. I was honored to know him and to see firsthand the fairness and compassion with which he served. His influence on our state, and the dignity of his example, will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his daughter, Superior Court Justice Kristin E. Rodgers, and all his loved ones during this difficult time. -30- 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/house-votes-restore-voting-rights-ac House Votes to Restore Voting Rights Ac 2019-12-06 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI David Cicilline C001084 cicilline.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Democratic Policy and Communications Committee Chair David N. Cicilline (RI-01) released the following statement today after the House passed the Voting Rights Advancement Act (H.R. 4), legislation he cosponsored to protect every American's right to vote by restoring the Voting Rights Act and fighting back against Republican attempts to make it more difficult for people to participate in the democratic process: The right to vote is the very foundation of our democracy. As Americans, we hold the sole power to choose our elected officials. We should do everything we can to ensure every single American has the ability to cast their vote free from undue burdens established by politicians trying to rig an election in their favor. I'm proud to see this important legislation pass the House, and I'll continue working to get it signed into law. In 2013, the Supreme Court unleashed a new wave of discriminatory voting practices by gutting the protections in the Voting Rights Act. This opened the floodgates for Republican politicians across America to make it more difficult for working people, young people, and minority voters to make their voices heard at the ballot box. The Voting Rights Advancement Act will not only restore the full protections of the Voting Rights Act, but it will also provide the tools needed to address new discriminatory practices in the future. H.R. 4 now heads to the Senate, where a companion bill has been introduced by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and has the support of 45 cosponsors. -30- 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-bipartisan-colleagues-demand-ed-dept-ig-investigation-loan-forgiveness Langevin, Bipartisan Colleagues Demand Ed Dept. IG Investigation into Loan Forgiveness Process Following Alarming NPR Report 2019-12-06 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Jim Langevin L000559 langevin.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON -- Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging the department's acting inspector general, Sandra Bruce, to investigate the federal student loan discharge process for Americans with total and permanent disabilities (TPD). The Members' letter comes after an alarming report from National Public Radio (NPR), aired earlier this week, that found that hundreds of thousands of Americans with qualifying disabilities have not received the student loan relief they are entitled to by law. In addition to Congressman Langevin, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) Angus King (I-ME), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Susan Collins (R-ME), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill), and Rob Portman (R-OH) along with U.S. Representatives Ron Kind (D-WI), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Don Young (R-AK). We are alarmed by the findings in this NPR investigation, the reported extremely low rate of loan discharges for eligible borrowers, and the contrast between the NPR report and the information previously provided by ED, the Members wrote. We are also concerned by ED's lack of transparency with Congress and failure to provide timely, verifiable information. Most importantly, it appears that ED's process for TPD loan discharges is failing to provide student loan relief to hundreds of thousands of Americans, including veterans, who are entitled to this relief under the law. The letter is copied below and availablehere. December 5, 2019 The Honorable Sandra D. Bruce Acting Inspector General Office of Inspector General U.S. Department of Education 550 12th Street, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20202 Dear Acting Inspector General Bruce: We write with serious concern about the Department of Education's (ED) process to discharge federal student loans for totally and permanently disabled Americans, including veterans. Under theHigher Education Act of 1965, individuals who are totally and permanently disabled (TPD) are eligible to have their outstanding federal s… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/opening-statement-by-ranking-member-reed-at-sasc-hearing-on-strategic-threats-ongoing-challenges-and-the-national-defense-strategy Opening Statement by Ranking Member Reed at SASC Hearing on Strategic Threats, Ongoing Challenges and the National Defense Strategy 2019-12-05 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Jack Reed R000122 www.reed.senate.gov     legacy 12/05/2019Thank you, Mister Chairman. I join you in welcoming our witnesses. Let me also thank the Chairman for scheduling this important hearing to review the strategic threats and ongoing challenges to our nation's security. Today's hearing is an opportunity to hear from our military leadership about how the Department is implementing the National Defense Strategy, or NDS, to meet these threats and challenges. The NDS marked a shift in our strategic priorities, from a focus on counterterrorism operations in the Middle East and South Asia to prioritizing the long-term strategic competition with Russia and China. The NDS called for increased investment in the strategic competition with near-peer competitors, while moving to a more resource-sustainable approach for countering North Korea and Iran, defeating terrorist threats, and winning the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Department has begun to shift its focus to this strategic competition, but much remains to be done. As the independent, non-partisan National Defense Strategy Commission assessed, the Defense Department and White House have struggled to clearly state how the United States will prevail in this strategic competition and still lack a whole-of-government approach for countering our adversaries in grey-zone operations below the level of traditional military conflict. In addition, the Administration's impulses to alienate allies and embrace authoritarian strongmen have undercut our military's ability to pursue a coherent defense strategy and have undermined U.S. national security interests globally. In the Middle East, there is a clear disconnect between the objectives stated in the NDS and our actions in the region. Despite the NDS shift to a more resource sustainable approach to the threats posed by Iran and counterterrorism, we have deployed more than 14,000 troops to the region since May. In the case of Iran, the Administration has pursued a so-called maximum pressure campaign that has only succeeded in isolating us from many of our alli… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-helps-pass-bipartisan-bill-to-permanently-fund-hbcus-and-simplify-student-aid-process Reed Helps Pass Bipartisan Bill to Permanently Fund HBCUs & Simplify Student Aid Process 2019-12-05 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Jack Reed R000122 www.reed.senate.gov     legacy 12/05/2019WASHINGTON, DC In an effort to support historically black and minority-serving colleges and universities and simplify the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process for millions of students, the U.S. Senate today passed a bipartisan, amended measure known as the FUTURE Act. Supported by U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the FUTURE Act will make permanent $255 million in annual funding for historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and minority-serving institutions. The federal funds to support these institutions will be paid for by reducing administrative costs and enabling FAFSA applicants to permit the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to directly share tax return data with the U.S. Department of Education. As a result, this bipartisan bill streamlines federal student aid for more than 20 million students applying for aid, and nearly 8 million borrowers. This is a win-win that will both increase opportunities for students at HBCUs, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and other minority-serving institutions and help streamline the financial aid application process for millions of Americans, said Senator Reed, a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies. A good education is critical to success. Despite being underfunded, these institutions provide tremendous, transformative value. They are making a positive difference in communities all over the country and continue to educate, nurture, and produce countless leaders. Passing this bipartisan measure is a long overdue step in the right direction. This is a smart investment not just in the schools themselves, but in our economy and workforce, and one that will yield a significant return in both the near term and for future generations. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, the changes would save taxpayers $2.8 billion over ten years, which will be used to pay for the permanent funding for HBCUs and other minority-serving institutions. I have long worke… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/senators-whitehouse-and-warren-call-for-reforms-to-eliminate-big-pharma-kick-back-schemes-via-patient-assistance-programs- Senators Whitehouse & Warren Call for Reforms to Eliminate Big Pharma Kick-Back Schemes Via Patient Assistance Programs 2019-12-05 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Sheldon Whitehouse W000802 www.whitehouse.senate.gov     legacy 12.05.19 Senators Whitehouse & Warren Call for Reforms to Eliminate Big Pharma Kick-Back Schemes Via Patient Assistance Programs Big pharmaceutical companies often cheat the system and collect tax write-offs by setting up "charities" that directly funnel donations to their own products Washington, DC - United States Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), member of the Senate Finance Committee, and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, wrote to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Acting Inspector General Joanne Chiedi raising concerns about abuse of charitable Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) by pharmaceutical companies. PAPs are largely funded by pharmaceutical companies and set up as independent charitable foundations to help patients afford their prescription drugs; however, many of their programs are structured to steer profits back to their donors. Since December 2017, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has reached settlements with at least eight pharmaceutical manufacturers, totaling more than $800 million, for funneling kickbacks through PAPs. These included a $210 million settlement with United Therapeutics and a $360 million settlement with Actelion Pharmaceuticals, both for receiving kickbacks through a foundation that helped patients purchase the manufacturers' drugs for pulmonary arterial hypertension. "Currently, the perverse structure of these programs allows pharmaceutical companies to reap profits from their tax-deductible 'charitable donations' while doing nothing to lower the high drug prices that force patients to rely on such programs in the first place," the senators wrote in their letter. Independent PAPs are not required to disclose key information, such as a list of the drugs that they cover - a lack of transparency that corporate donors can exploit. A recent study of the two PAPs that do release public d… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/time-to-wake-up-10000-papers Time to Wake Up: 10,000 Papers 2019-12-05 2019 2019-12 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-lower-drug-costs-now-act Cicilline Statement on Lower Drug Costs Now Act 2019-12-05 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI David Cicilline C001084 cicilline.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON - Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC) Chair David N. Cicilline (RI-01) issued the following statement today: In every single corner of our country, working men and women are struggling with the high cost of prescription drugs. But one of the very first things Donald Trump did in office was to give the big pharmaceutical companies and their CEOs a massive tax cut. He's putting his wealthy campaign donors first. Democrats are fighting For The People. Next week, the House will pass the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act. This is a bill that truly benefits working people. By passing this bill, we will give Medicare the ability to negotiate lower drug prices. We will reinvest the savings generated to strengthen Medicare for the first time in decades. And we will deliver on our promise to lower prescription drug costs For The People. -30- 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-collins-urge-appropriators-to-prioritize-heating-assistance-weatherization-in-fy-2020-appropriations-bills Reed, Collins Urge Appropriators to Prioritize Heating Assistance, Weatherization in FY 2020 Appropriations Bills 2019-12-04 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Jack Reed R000122 www.reed.senate.gov     legacy 12/04/2019WASHINGTON, DC Seeking to help vulnerable populations afford their heating and air conditioning during months of extreme temperatures, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Susan Collins (R-ME) are urging their colleagues who lead the Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies and Energy and Water Development to include the highest amount possible for heating assistance and weatherization programs in FY 2020 appropriations bills. Reed and Collins this week wrote a letter to Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee Chairman Roy Blunt (R-MO) and Ranking Member Patty Murray (D-WA) asking for their continued support of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and their adoption of the highest possible funding level for LIHEAP in the FY 2020 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. LIHEAP is the main federal program that helps low-income households and seniors with their energy bills, providing vital assistance during both the cold winter and hot summer months. LIHEAP is the main federal program that helps low-income households and seniors with their energy bills, providing vital assistance during both the cold winter and hot summer months, the senators wrote. LIHEAP assistance is an indispensable lifeline, helping to ensure that recipients do not have to choose between paying their energy bills and affording other necessities like food and medicine. Access to affordable home energy is a matter of health and safety for many low-income households, children, and seniors. Preserving LIHEAP funding is a perennial bipartisan priority for Reed and Collins, who in recent years have worked together to prevent funding cuts to the program. Last month, Reed helped secure $21,566,217 in LIHEAP funding to help Rhode Island families and seniors keep warm through the winter after joining Collins and other colleagues on a letter to Department of Health and Human Ser… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-recognized-by-american-society-of-landscape-architects Whitehouse Recognized by American Society of Landscape Architects 2019-12-04 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Sheldon Whitehouse W000802 www.whitehouse.senate.gov     legacy 12.04.19 Whitehouse Recognized by American Society of Landscape Architects ASLA presents Whitehouse with Olmsted Medal for environmental leadership Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse was today recognized by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) with the Olmsted Medal for environmental leadership. Representatives of ASLA's national and Rhode Island chapters presented the award to Whitehouse in his Washington D.C. office this morning. It's an honor to accept the Olmsted Medal from the American Society of Landscape Architects, said Whitehouse, a leading champion in Congress for addressing climate change. Landscape architects see the effects of climate change up close every day. I'm working to protect the environment and the businesses that rely on our natural resources from the worst effects of climate change. The Olmsted Medal was created in 1990 to recognize individuals, organizations, and programs outside the profession of landscape architecture for environmental leadership, vision, and stewardship. The Medal honors Frederick Law Olmsted, considered the founder of the American landscape architecture profession and a steward of the environment. Previous recipients of the Olmsted Medal include President Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter, Vice President Al Gore, and former Interior Secretary Ken Salazar. The American Society of Landscape Architects is deeply honored to present the Olmsted Medal to Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, said Roxanne Blackwell, Hon. ASLA, Acting Executive Vice President & CEO of ASLA. The Senator has long demonstrated a deep personal commitment to the values of environmental stewardship, respect for the natural world, and devotion to social justice that was at the heart of the life and career of Frederick Law Olmsted and of the profession and Society he helped found. This honor reflects ASLA's belief that design professionals and policymakers must come togeth… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/speeches/time-to-wake-up-10000-papers Time to Wake Up: 10,000 Papers 2019-12-04 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Sheldon Whitehouse W000802 www.whitehouse.senate.gov     legacy 12.04.19 Time to Wake Up: 10,000 Papers As-prepared for delivery. Mdm./Mr. President, On the occasion of new atmospheric carbon dioxide records being broken in our atmosphere the highest in the history of humankind I rise today for the 260th time to call this chamber to wake up. As we venture further into uncharted, dangerous climate change, the National Council for Science and the Environment issued this report, Climate Science Research in the United States and U.S. Territories. This report surveys climate research papers from public universities across all 50 states, to highlight the breadth and depth of climate science coming out of our state universities, and showcase the climate science centers and institutes they host. Some colleagues may pay no attention to the threat of climate change, but their home-state universities sure do: 10,000 peer-reviewed research papers published out of 80 universities from 2014 through 2018 on average, 185 peer-reviewed articles published on climate change in each state. The report says, in every state, public universities invest in scholarship and education to advance fields such as climate modeling, climate impacts, adaptation, and more. Increasingly, climate science has been integrated into coursework on sustainability, energy, engineering, architecture, business, and even political science. One wonders, what is the hold the fossil fuel industry has over the Republican Party that causes colleagues to ignore their home state universities? The report continues: Climate scientists are studying a wide diversity of topics. They are measuring carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions. They are studying carbon cycling and the impacts of a changing carbon cycle. They are studying the impacts of climate change on the nation's food security, crop yields, heat-stress, health impacts, soil erosion; on water resources, including water quality, balance, river basins,… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/senator-whitehouse-in-senate-judiciary-nominations-hearing Senator Whitehouse in Senate Judiciary Nominations Hearing 2019-12-04 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Sheldon Whitehouse W000802 www.whitehouse.senate.gov     legacy December 4, 2019 Nominees include: Panel I Andrew Lynn Brasher, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Circuit Panel II Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha, to be United States District Judge for the Central District of California John C. Hinderaker, to be United States District Judge for the District of Arizona Joshua M. Kindred, to be United States District Judge for the District of Alaska Scott H. Rash, to be United States District Judge for the District of Arizona Matthew T. Schelp, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Missouri 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-statement-trump%E2%80%99s-newest-attack-working-families Cicilline Statement on Trumps Newest Attack on Working Families 2019-12-04 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI David Cicilline C001084 cicilline.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (RI-01) released the following statement today after the Trump administration announced its new plan to kick more than 650,000 Americans, including approximately 7,300 Rhode Islanders off their Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program benefits by tightening work requirements for some recipients: This administration has proven time and time again that they will say they are for working families and seniors while simultaneously trying to undermine programs they rely on to get by. Now they've stooped so low that they're trying to kick hundreds of thousands of folks off their SNAP benefits as we head into the holiday season. House Democrats won't stand idly by while President Trump continues his assault on hardworking families and seniors that are just trying to get ahead. This decision is a disgrace, and we will work to fix it. -30- 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/house-passes-bill-stop-bad-robocalls House Passes Bill to Stop Bad Robocalls 2019-12-04 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI David Cicilline C001084 cicilline.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON In 2019 alone, Rhode Islanders have received 121 MILLION robocalls and more than 53 BILLION robocalls have been placed nationally. U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (RI-01) released the following statement following the passage of bipartisan, bicameral legislation to stop bad robocalls and protect Rhode Islanders from scammers, the Pallone-Thune TRACED Act (S. 151), in the House earlier today: Robocalls are not only annoying interruptions to our days. Many of them are nefarious attempts to scam people out of their money and confidential information. This comprehensive bill will finally require every call to be verified, empower the FCC to protect folks from scammers, and require that opt-in or opt-out robocall blocking be offered at no additional charge to consumers. I was proud to vote for this important legislation today, and I look forward to seeing the President sign it into law. -30- 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-votes-stop-bad-robocalls Langevin Votes to Stop Bad Robocalls 2019-12-04 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Jim Langevin L000559 langevin.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON -- Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) today voted in favor of S. 151, the Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence (TRACED) Act, which will curb unlawful robocalls by requiring that landline and cellphone carriers offer free call-authentication technology and opt-in or opt-out robocall blocking. The bill, which is based on House legislation that Langevin cosponsored, will further help the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) enforce actions against unlawful robocallers and require that they work to stop one-ring scams; help the Department of Justice bring more prosecutions against criminal robocallers; and help identify and sanction phone companies responsible for the vast majority of unlawful robocalls. S. 151 passed the House by a vote of 417-3. I have heard clearly from constituents that robocalls are simply out of control. It is past time that we take tougher measures to protect consumers and hold the primary drivers of intrusive and disruptive robocalls accountable. The TRACED Act will bring needed relief to the American people. Just this week, I joined seniors at a community event with local cybersecurity experts in Rhode Island's Second Congressional District to share online safety tips for the holiday season. Many in attendance took the opportunity to voice their frustrations and concerns about scam calls they received. In an interconnected world that relies more each day on technology, it is imperative that we act to establish safeguards for landline and cellphone users and send a message to those who use this technology improperly that their actions will not be tolerated. The grief that irresponsible robocallers cause is completely unacceptable, and I am proud to support this legislation. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/opening-statement-by-ranking-member-reed-at-sasc-hearing-on-gao-findings-of-inadequate-privatized-military-housing Opening Statement by Ranking Member Reed at SASC Hearing on GAO Findings of Inadequate Privatized Military Housing 2019-12-03 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Jack Reed R000122 www.reed.senate.gov     legacy 12/03/2019Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to begin by again thanking the vast number of military families who have spoken out about the inadequate conditions of their privatized housing. I especially want to recognize any military families who have traveled here today for this hearing. Today we welcome Ms. Elizabeth Field from the GAO and the senior civilian and uniformed leadership of the military services. Ms. Field, I especially want to thank you and your team for your dedicated work thus far. The GAO's findings thus far confirm the alarming trends we have heard from many military families. For example, the GAO found that the often quoted 87 percent satisfaction rate is misleading and unreliable, and that the records for resident requests for work orders and service calls are questionable. This committee continues to receive complaints directly from military families. While the services have made strides since last February, many unacceptable problems with housing remain. I am still not convinced these private companies are doing everything in their power and invest as much as they can to improve the quality of homes for our military. I also have several questions that I ask be entered into the record that were requested directly by military families on the many issues with military treatment facilities and diagnosing medical problems caused by inadequate housing conditions. While the conference process is still underway for the Fiscal Year 2020 NDAA, I remain confident that we will reach an agreement on legislation that will represent the most significant reform of privatized housing since its inception in 1996. We all still have a lot of work to do on addressing the systemic problems that have been discovered with privatized housing and I thank the chairman for convening this important and timely hearing. Lastly, I want to take this opportunity with the civilian and military leadership of each of the services present to express my deep concern about the President's recent interference in war c… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-new-222-billion-submarine-contract-is-good-news-for-national-security-and-ri-economy Reed: New $22.2 Billion Submarine Contract is Good News for National Security & RI Economy 2019-12-03 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Jack Reed R000122 www.reed.senate.gov     legacy 12/03/2019WASHINGTON, DC After years of work in Congress promoting the importance of our submarine fleet, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Armed Services Committee, today hailed the Navy's decision to award a $22.2 billion multi-year contract to General Dynamics and Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc. to build nine new Virginia-class submarines, with an option for a tenth submarine that would potentially raise the overall contract value above $24 billion. Reed says the Block V contract, which incorporates the Virginia Payload Module (VPM), will help strengthen our nation's defense capabilities, is cost effective for taxpayers, and ensures a stable workload at the company's Electric Boat (EB) shipyard in Quonset Point for many years to come. The Block V agreement means construction on Block V ships will commence this year, with deliveries scheduled from 2025 through 2029. This contract is a major win for Rhode Island that will bring a host of economic benefits to the state. It means submarine production at Quonset stays on course and continues full speed ahead for the next decade and will lead to further jobs and investment in the state, said Senator Reed. I have worked closely with the Navy on submarine building for many years. These next generation submarines provide our forces with a distinct national security advantage. They are an unmatched tool for deterrence. The awarding of this contract is a testament to the skill and dedication of the men and women at Electric Boat who do an outstanding job of building these submarines. I will continue working hard to ensure the Navy maintains a steady, two-per-year production rate. Virginia-class submarines are known for their speed, stealth, maneuverability, and advanced technologies, which enhance their capabilities to meet the Navy's multi-mission requirements, including: anti-submarine warfare; surface-ship warfare; special operations support; and intelligence gathering and reconnaissance capabilities. The Block V contract will expand the… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/videos/reed-pays-tribute-to-senator-johnny-isakson Reed Pays Tribute to Senator Johnny Isakson 2019-12-03 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Jack Reed R000122 www.reed.senate.gov     legacy Senator Reed speaks about his relationship with retiring Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA) on the Senate floor. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-bill-strengthen-us-portuguese-relations-passes-house Cicilline Bill to Strengthen U.S.-Portuguese Relations Passes House 2019-12-03 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI David Cicilline C001084 cicilline.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON The House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation today introduced by U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (RI-01), the AMIGOS Act (H.R. 565), to increase trade and investment ties between Portugal and the United States by making Portuguese nationals eligible for E-1 and E-2 nonimmigrant visas. H.R. 565, which will make it easier for Portugal and the United States to do business with one another, now heads to the Senate. Rhode Islanders know the tremendous contributions that Portuguese-Americans and Portuguese nationals make in every community across our state, Cicilline said. This legislation will break down barriers that currently limits Portuguese investments in American businesses and projects and will build upon an already strong relationship between our two countries. I'm proud to see this legislation pass the House with strong bipartisan support, and I look forward to it becoming law. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, The E-1 nonimmigrant classification allows a national of a treaty country (a country with which the United States maintains a treaty of commerce and navigation) to be admitted to the United States solely to engage in international trade on his or her own behalf. Certain employees of such a person or of a qualifying organization may also be eligible for this classification. Similarly, an E-2 nonimmigrant classification allows a national of a treaty country (a country with which the United States maintains a treaty of commerce and navigation) to be admitted to the United States when investing a substantial amount of capital in a U.S. business. Cicilline represents one of the largest Portuguese populations in the nation in Rhode Island's First District. In addition to leading efforts to strengthen U.S.-Portuguese relations as a co-chair of the Congressional Portuguese Caucus, he has previously introduced legislation to protect U.S. national security interests in the Azores and welcomed Portugal's Ambassador to the United States for an official visit t… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-statement-us-navy-contract-electric-boat-virginia-class-submarines Langevin Statement on U.S. Navy Contract to Electric Boat for Virginia-class Submarines 2019-12-03 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Jim Langevin L000559 langevin.house.gov     legacy Langevin Statement on U.S. Navy Contract to Electric Boat for Virginia-class Submarines Block V contract supports RI manufacturing and national security, provides more than $22 billion in funds for nine fast-attack submarines with advanced capabilities WARWICK, R.I. -- Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee's Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces, released the following statement regarding the awarding of a $22.2 billion U.S. Navy contract to General Dynamics Electric Boat for the construction of nine fast-attack Virginia-class submarines. Much of the work under the contract will be carried out at Electric Boat facilities in Rhode Island, and it includes an option for a tenth ship, which raises the potential contract value to approximately $24 billion. In addition, eight of the ships produced will include the Virginia Payload Module (VPM), which will be built at a newly constructed Quonset Point facility. The Block V multi-year contract awarded to General Dynamics Electric Boat is the largest Navy contract in history and is good news for Rhode Island. The agreement directly supports the leading defense industry work being done on the shores of Rhode Island's Second Congressional District. The new contract backs our state's workforce and, most importantly, promotes long-term stability for our submarine fleet, which will further enhance national security by ensuring we have the most capable submarines and naval technology available in the years to come. The new Virginia Payload Module represents a leap forward in capability for our submariners. The next-generation of submarines will enable new missions by our special operations forces and support additional sensors and payloads to maintain our tactical edge. I am incredibly proud that the VPMs … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-files-supreme-court-brief-in-bridgegate-case Whitehouse Files Supreme Court Brief in ‘Bridgegate’ Case 2019-12-02 2019 2019-12 Democrat House RI Sheldon Whitehouse W000802 www.whitehouse.senate.gov     legacy 12.02.19 Whitehouse Files Supreme Court Brief in Bridgegate' Case Washington, DC Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and a former Rhode Island Attorney General and U.S. Attorney, filed a friend-of-the-court brief last week in the Bridgegate case pending before the Supreme Court. Whitehouse argues in favor of federal laws and juries to protect the public from the corrupting influence of powerful special interests spending unlimited amounts of money to control the levers of Americans' government. [A] jurisprudence has emerged at the Supreme Court that dramatically narrowed the definition of corruption in the criminal law, limiting how the public through juries can hold its elected officials accountable. At the same time, the Court's jurisprudence in campaign-finance decisions has been inattentive to the corrupting influence of unlimited spending in elections. In consequence, citizens today face both more corruption and less ability to defend themselves from it, undermining the health of our democracy. Whitehouse writes. I urge, in responding to those facts, that the Court not further hobble the public's capacity in regulating political misdeeds, and that the Court affirm the Founders' legacy to us of a robust jury role in deterring and punishing public corruption. The Bridgegate case, Kelly v. United States, stems from the 2013 controversy in New Jersey over then-Governor Chris Christie's lane closure on the George Washington Bridge. The plaintiff, Bridget Anne Kelly, was the senior Christie aide who ordered the closing of the lane on the busy bridge between New Jersey and New York. Kelly argues that her conviction under federal fraud statutes is invalid because she was simply engaging in ordinary political conduct. Whitehouse underscores the importance of the jury in our legal system as a safeguard against unchecked political power and that a weak, narrow definition of corruption in federal law diminishes a jury's power. The jury is an essential tool, pres… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-applauds-directive-requiring-federal-agencies-have-vulnerability-disclosure Langevin Applauds Directive Requiring Federal Agencies to Have Vulnerability Disclosure Policies 2019-11-27 2019 2019-11 Democrat House RI Jim Langevin L000559 langevin.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC -- Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI), co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional Cybersecurity Caucus and a senior member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, issued a statement regarding the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's (CISA) draft binding operational directive entitled: Develop and Publish a Vulnerability Disclosure Policy. Langevin has long supported vulnerability disclosure policies (VDPs) as a way to improve the Internet ecosystem, and legislation he authored with House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy to require a VDP at the Department of Homeland Security was included in last year's SECURE Technology Act. This is a banner day for federal agency cybersecurity. The Internet was not built with security in mind, and while it will never be 100 percent secure, this decision will go a long way toward enhancing our defenses. Vulnerability disclosure policies are the front door through which well-meaning security researchers can alert system owners about security problems in the configuration or the code of the software they're using. From my visits to DEF CON and my time talking to the security research community, I know the important contributions these diverse individuals can make to improving our nation's cybersecurity. What's more, I recognize that most security researchers are looking for the right way to report the vulnerabilities they come across. CISA's decision to require every agency to have a vulnerability disclosure policy is a major step forward in both increasing security and extending an open hand to a community that is on the front lines of securing our nation in cyberspace. Implementing this directive will take time, and I appreciate the glide path CISA has provided for agencies to move systems into scope. Agencies must recognize, however, that disclosure policies are long-standing practices with international standards on implementation and that they have a responsibility to move quickly to improve their remediation processes. Congress will need to cond… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-duckworth-van-hollen-and-merkley-blast-trump-epa-methane-rule-as-giveaway-to-fossil-fuel-industry Whitehouse, Duckworth, Van Hollen, and Merkley Blast Trump EPA Methane Rule as Giveaway to Fossil Fuel Industry 2019-11-26 2019 2019-11 Democrat House RI Sheldon Whitehouse W000802 www.whitehouse.senate.gov     legacy 11.26.19 Whitehouse, Duckworth, Van Hollen, and Merkley Blast Trump EPA Methane Rule as Giveaway to Fossil Fuel Industry Fossil fuel lackeys riddled throughout the EPA are rigging the rules in polluting industries' favor, senators write in methane rule comment Washington, DC Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) are taking the Trump Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to task for dramatically rolling back standards for methane emissions from oil and gas facilities, calling Trump's methane proposal the product of a captured agency. In an official comment on the Trump administration's methane rule, the senators lay out how the proposal would benefit oil and gas companies at the expense of Americans' environment and public health. The senators point to a mountain of evidence that the Trump administration is controlled by the same fossil fuel interests the EPA is charged with regulating. Companies and individuals in the oil and gas and mining sectors have been prolific donors to Trump's campaign as well as outside spending groups supporting his reelection. Lobbyists and attorneys for oil and gas interests have also occupied top positions in the Trump administration. The Trump EPA has also acted consistently in the fossil fuel industry's favor when it comes to methane regulations, the senators write. Within weeks of former EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt taking control of the agency, the EPA withdrew its request that oil and gas companies provide detailed information regarding methane emissions at facilities they operatean assessment that academic studies suggest would seriously damage the case for natural gas as a less dangerous air pollutant than other fuels. Beginning in June 2017, the Trump EPA launched an effort to delay implementation of the Obama administration's stronger methane standards. Even while the Trump EPA has struggled to… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-leahy-share-new-information-implicating-justice-department-official-in-false-statements Whitehouse, Leahy Share New Information Implicating Justice Department Official in False Statements 2019-11-26 2019 2019-11 Democrat House RI Sheldon Whitehouse W000802 www.whitehouse.senate.gov     legacy 11.26.19 Whitehouse, Leahy Share New Information Implicating Justice Department Official in False Statements Documents show Former Civil Rights Division principal deputy John Gore appears to have violated Department ethics rules | Gore submitted an inaccurate statement that forced DOJ to issue a correction in federal court, Department acknowledges Washington, DC Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Patrick Leahy (D-VT) have shared with the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Professional Responsibility a Justice Department letter correcting statements by John Gore, former Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Civil Rights Division. The Justice Department letter confirms that Gore was not truthful in a sworn declaration in ongoing open records litigation between the Department and a watchdog group. The senators also shared with the Office of Professional Responsibility a memo from the House Committee on Oversight and Reform that details new evidence implicating Gore in efforts to create a pretextual justification for attempting to add a citizenship question to the 2020 Census. In October, Whitehouse and Leahy requested an ethics investigation of Gore after documents surfaced contradicting Gore's sworn declaration. The Department letter the senators shared with the Office of Professional Responsibility acknowledges that Mr. Gore's previous sworn statement describing the nature of his relationship with a Republican Party election official . . . was inaccurate, Whitehouse and Leahy write in a letter transmitting the new information. Documents obtained by the senators through a separate Freedom of Information Act request by the watchdog group American Oversight show Gore taking action as a Department official to pursue allegations of voting irregularities in Chicago brought to his attention by a Republican political operative. Gore went so far as to elevate the allegations to the Trump White … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-fitzpatrick-trone-urge-airlines-make-travel-safer-ahead-busy-holiday-season Langevin, Fitzpatrick, Trone Urge Airlines to Make Travel Safer Ahead of Busy Holiday Season 2019-11-26 2019 2019-11 Democrat House RI Jim Langevin L000559 langevin.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC -- Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) was joined by Congressman Brian Fitzpartrick (R-PA) and Congressman David Trone (D-MD) in issuing joint letters urging airlines to carry opioid overdose medication, such as naloxone, to make air travel safer ahead of what is projected to be a busy holiday travel season. The request to take this proactive public safety measures comes after a fatal overdose on board an airline over the summer. Four million Americans are expected to fly over the Thanksgiving holiday this year. The intent of this request is to save lives, said Langevin. Travel this holiday season is expected to hit historic highs, and the safety of airline passengers should be our top priority. A person's chance of survival should not depend on the airline they choose. I strongly urge air carriers that are not carrying naloxone to do so as soon as possible. To date, some air carriers, including American Airlines, Delta Airlines, United Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Alaska Airlines, have voluntarily agreed to stock naloxone on their planes. The letters, which were sent to the CEOs of Southwest Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Hawaiian Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and Allegiant Air, encourage them to protect their passengers by taking similar steps. Naloxone is a critical, life-saving drug. Flight crews should be equipped to handle any medical emergency, said Fitzpatrick. Carrying naloxone is an easy way for airlines to ensure the safety of their passengers. I'm glad to see that several airlines have begun carrying naloxone on commercial flights, and I hope to see others soon follow. Naloxone has saved thousands of lives by reversing the effects of an overdose, and we should make sure this life-saving drug is available in as many places as we possibly can, said Trone, founder of the Freshmen Working Group on Addiction. This holiday travel season and always, airlines should ensure that all passengers make it safely to their destinations by carrying naloxone to prevent any more deaths from this horrible epidem… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-statement-dismissal-navy-secretary-richard-spencer Langevin Statement on the Dismissal of Navy Secretary Richard Spencer 2019-11-26 2019 2019-11 Democrat House RI Jim Langevin L000559 langevin.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC -- Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI), chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Intelligence and Emerging Threats and Capabilities (IETC), issued the following statement regarding the dismissal of Navy Secretary Richard Spencer: I thank Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer for his distinguished service to our nation and for discharging his duties with honor. I am deeply concerned by the events surrounding Secretary Spencer's dismissal. His professional pedigree speaks for itself in his commitment to holding SEALS to the highest degree of professionalism and morality, consistent with the elite role they occupy. Unfortunately, President Trump's actions in recent weeks have continued a pattern of unstable and reckless conduct toward the military. By interfering in appropriate military administrative channels, President Trump is doing lasting damage to the fabric of good order and discipline that will take years if not generations to repair. His actions send a dangerous message to special operations forces that the laws of war do not always apply. As Americans, we understand what it means to value human rights and the rule of law, as they are concepts woven into our founding documents, from the Declaration of Independence to the Constitution. We uphold these values in times of peace and war, and it remains a cornerstone of American exceptionalism. We must ensure that our special operators remain known as the Quiet Professionals I know they are, acting with valor, courage, honor, and a commitment to accountability. The decision to dismiss Secretary Spencer further instills undue division within our nation and armed forces during a critical period. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-statement-on-president-trumps-war-crimes-intervention_ Reed Statement on President Trump’s War Crimes Intervention 2019-11-25 2019 2019-11 Democrat House RI Jack Reed R000122 www.reed.senate.gov     legacy 11/25/2019WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed, the Ranking Member of the Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement: This was an outrageous, irresponsible interference by President Trump in the military justice system. The White House's handling of this matter erodes the basic command structure of the military and the basic function of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. It signals to people that they can operate outside the rule of law and the Geneva Convention. Frankly, this is reminiscent of what happened leading up to Abu Ghraib, where the Bush Administration signaled that the rules don't apply. They were wrong then and President Trump is wrong now. Our military leaders work hard to instill integrity, good order, and discipline, all of which seem to be in short supply at the Trump White House. We still need more information, and we're working to get at the facts. But clearly, Spencer's forced resignation is another consequence of the disarray brought about by President Trump's inappropriate involvement in the military justice system and the disorder and dysfunction that has been a constant presence in this Administration. Last week, Senator Reed spoke about this issue on the floor of the U.S. Senate. Print Email Tweet 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-statement-mcgahn-ruling Cicilline Statement on McGahn Ruling 2019-11-25 2019 2019-11 Democrat House RI David Cicilline C001084 cicilline.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON - Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC) Chair David N. Cicilline (RI-01), a member of the House Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement tonight: Judge Jackson's ruling makes clear that no one is above the law, not even the President of the United States, and that witnesses must comply with subpoenas issued by Congress in connection with an impeachment inquiry. The Court completely rejected the Administration's position that officials may claim absolute immunity' and refuse to testify before Congress. Further, the Court agreed with counsel for the Judiciary Committee, finding no basis in the law for such a claim and ordering the witness to comply with the subpoena. Former White House Counsel Don McGahn must now testify before Congress about what he witnessed during his time in the White House. The same is true for former national security adviser John Bolton and other administration witnesses. This is a good day for anyone who values the rule of law. Both Mr. McGahn and Mr. Bolton should comply with this ruling without any further delay. -30- 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-urges-trump-not-to-betray-americas-core-values-or-people-of-hong-kong Reed Urges Trump Not to Betray America’s Core Values or People of Hong Kong 2019-11-22 2019 2019-11 Democrat House RI Jack Reed R000122 www.reed.senate.gov     legacy 11/22/2019WASHINGTON, DC- On the heels of the U.S. Senate unanimously approving the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, and the U.S. House of Representatives voting 417 to 1 in favor of the bill, President Trump who pledged to be tough on China' - is now waffling over whether he will sign the bill into law. Cosponsored by U.S. Senator Jack Reed, the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act supports human rights and democracy in Hong Kong amidst an escalating crackdown and interference by the Chinese Communist Party. This legislation would impose financial sanctions or travel restrictions against foreign persons determined to be responsible for extrajudicial rendition, arbitrary detention, torture, or forced confession of people in Hong Kong, or other gross violations of human rights in Hong Kong. Trump Administration officials initially indicated President Trump would sign the bill, however, after China demanded he veto it, President Trump appears to have backed down, telling reporters: We have to stand with Hong Kong, but I'm also standing with President Xi. He's a friend of mine. Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed issued the following statement: President Trump's simplistic, personalist view of foreign policy is a coup for Beijing's repressive style of government, but it weakens America and undermines our values. President Trump should not betray America's core values or the people of Hong Kong. His incompetent and destructive trade war has been a complete disaster and he seems to think that kowtowing to Xi now will miraculously change that fact. It won't. Instead of fawning over Xi, he should be urging him to call off the brutal campaign of repression in both Hong Kong and Xinjiang and engage in serious diplomacy. Signing the bipartisan Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act is the right thing to do and it would show China's Communist Party leaders that the United States does not back down from upholding human rights or democracy. The American people and the United States Congress clearly stand with th… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-langevin-bill-honoring-rhode-island-icon-become-law Cicilline, Langevin Bill Honoring Rhode Island Icon to Become Law 2019-11-22 2019 2019-11 Democrat House RI David Cicilline C001084 cicilline.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON The U.S. Senate today passed legislation to honor Elizabeth Buffum Chace, a 19th century Rhode Island abolitionist, by renaming the U.S. Post Office located at 575 Dexter Street in Central Falls. U.S. Congressmen David N. Cicilline (RI-01) and James Langevin (RI-02) introduced the proposal, H.R. 2451, which the U.S. House passed last month. It now awaits the President's signature. The unanimous support for Elizabeth Buffum Chace from both chambers of Congress is a testament to her life of service and tremendous legacy that lives on to this day, Cicilline said. I thank Mayor Diossa and my colleagues in Congress for recognizing the importance of this legislation. I look forward to seeing it signed into law. Congress has spoken with one voice to pay homage to Elizabeth Buffum Chace and honor the impact of her exemplary and selfless work, said Langevin. She embodied the best of the American spirit, risking it all to help others in their pursuit of freedom and justice. I'm proud to have introduced this legislation with my colleagues to recognize such a significant Rhode Island figure. A Rhode Island native, Elizabeth Buffum Chace was born in Providence in 1806 to activist parents who were vocal opponents of slavery. Growing up, her parents harbored runaway slaves seeking refuge in the state. She went on to follow in her footsteps as a leader of the abolitionist movement and eventually opened her home to runaway slaves as well. Chace also spent much of her adult life fighting for women's rights and reforms to the state's prison system. She worked tirelessly to improve the lives of every Rhode Islander, including in various leadership roles in the women's suffrage and penal system reform movements. Chace came to call what would become Central Falls home, seeing it incorporated four years before her death in 1899. A companion bill was introduced in the Senate by Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI). Central Falls Mayor James A. Diossa first proposed dedicating the Post Office in Chace'… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-thompson-introduce-bill-strengthen-career-counseling-middle-and-high-schools Langevin, Thompson Introduce Bill to Strengthen Career Counseling in Middle and High Schools 2019-11-22 2019 2019-11 Democrat House RI Jim Langevin L000559 langevin.house.gov     legacy November 14, 2019 WASHINGTON Today, in recognition of National Career Development Week, Congressmen Jim Langevin (D-RI) and Glenn GT' Thompson (R-PA), co-chairs of the Congressional Career and Technical Education (CTE) Caucus, introduced the Counseling for Career Choice Act, bipartisan legislation that would make new investments in school counseling to better prepare students for educational and career opportunities. Career counselors provide critical guidance to students and help ensure they are on track for future success, said Congressman Langevin. Career counselors are most effective when they are up-to-speed on the latest information on workforce development programs and trends in the local job market. My bipartisan bill with Congressman Thompson will leverage input from local educators, businesses, and community leaders to build and improve statewide career counseling frameworks, ensuring school counselors have the resources and training they need to help their students succeed. Empowering students with the tools to succeed starts with making well informed decisions, said Congressman Glenn GT' Thompson. With effective counseling, we can help close our nation's skills gap and put learners of all ages in the driver's seat of their own futures. The Counseling for Career Choice Act amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to provide grants to states to implement statewide career counseling frameworks that are developed in coordination with community stakeholders, including schools and local businesses. It is supported by the National Career Development Association (NCDA), the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), Advance CTE, the American School Counselors Association, and the Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers. Informed career choice is vital to the success of students. The availability of career development services throughout the educational experience plays a critical role in that process, said Dr. Kathy Evans, President of the National Career Development Asso… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z

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