url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-encouraging-ohioans-to-apply-for-local-2020-census-jobs,Brown Encouraging Ohioans To Apply For Local 2020 Census Jobs,2019-12-27,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Previously Urged Passage of Bipartisan Resolution to Recognize Critical Role of Census, Importance of Fair and Accurate Count Friday, December 27, 2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) is encouraging Ohioans to apply for open positions with the 2020 Census, that are available in their local communities. The Census Bureau is offering flexible hours and competitive wages, for Ohioans across the state to help with the 2020 Census count. Ohioans interested in applying for a position with the Census Bureau, can apply at 2020census.gov/jobs The 2020 Census is a constitutionally mandated undertaking and the data collected is used to properly allocate seats for the U.S. House of Representatives and state legislatures. It also directs more than $800 billion annually in federal funding to state and local communities. As we enter the next decade, it is critical that all Ohioans are accounted for in the 2020 Census, said Brown. Our government relies on the Census to evaluate needs and allocate resources. I encourage Ohioans to apply for this unique opportunity to ensure their communities are accounted for and receive the assistance they need. Last week, Brown joined his colleagues in introducing a bipartisan resolution highlighting the importance of the 2020 Census. The resolution encourages individuals, families, and households across the United States to take part in the Census so that all communities can be counted. The resolution also recognizes the importance and significance of the 2020 Census and encourages all people to participate. It concludes that it is the civic duty of every person to ensure that the 2020 Census is as accurate as possible. The resolution passed the Senate on December 18, 2019. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/announcements/congresswoman-beatty-votes-to-protect-voting,Congresswoman Beatty Votes to Protect Equal Access to Voting,2019-12-23,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Joyce Beatty,B001281,beatty.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty recently joined with 227 of her congressional colleagues to pass the Voting Rights Advancement Act, H.R. 4, critical legislation to restore the full strength of the landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA), following the disastrous Supreme Court Shelby v. Holder decision, which gutted the VRA's ability to combat voter suppression and discrimination. Since the Shelby v. Holder decision, at least 23 states have enacted voter suppression laws, including voter purges, strict ID requirements, poll closures, and curtailing of early voting hours. Nearly 55 years after the Voting Rights Act enshrined the sacred right to vote into law, access to the ballot box is under unprecedented threat, Beatty said. We have seen numerous, partisan voter suppression campaigns spring up across America, silencing the most vulnerable and underrepresented communities. Beatty exclaimed,That is why I joined my colleagues to pass the Voting Rights Advancement Act and to restore vital voter protections so that every eligible Central Ohioan voter can have their voice heard. The Voting Rights Advancement Act reestablishes full protections for voters in states with a recent and long history of discrimination. Among its key provisions, the bill: provides a new coverage formula that determines which jurisdictions are subject to preclearance to better ensure that every eligible American voter has full access to the ballot box; and also establishes practice-based preclearance, focusing administrative or judicial review on practices that are most likely to be tainted by discriminatory intent or to have discriminatory effects, as demonstrated by a broad historical record. The right to vote is the very foundation of our democracy, Beatty continued.Generations of brave, patriotic Americans have fought, marched, and shed blood to safeguard and expand that right.In passing the Voting Rights Advancement Act, House Democrats are honoring our promises for the people' to safeguard the right to vote for generations to come. H.R. 4 is supported by a wide range of nonpartisan organizations, including the NAACP, American Association of University Women, League of Women Voters of the United States, National Education Association, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Asian Americans Advancing Justice, and Native American Rights Fund. The Voting Rights Advancement Act is now awaiting further consideration in the U.S. Senate.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/icymi-nyt-endorses-browns-ban-conflicted-trading-act,ICYMI: NYT Endorses Brown's Ban Conflicted Trading Act,2019-12-23,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,"NYT: Brown's Bill Includes Necessary Reforms' that are Long Overdue'; Senator's Legislation would Prohibit Members of Congress and Senior Congressional Staff from Abusing their Positions for Personal Financial Gain Monday, December 23, 2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. In Case You Missed It, the New York Times Editorial Board today endorsed U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Jeff Merkley's (D-OR) Ban Conflicted Trading Act, legislation that would bar members of Congress and senior congressional staff from buying or selling individual stocks and other investments, and from serving on any corporate boards, while in office. A bill that would impose such a banwas introduced earlier this yearby Senator Jeff Merkley, Democrat of Oregon, and Senator Sherrod Brown, Democrat of Ohio, wrote the Times. It would require members to put holdings in blind trusts, or else to refrain from any trading until they leave Congress. The bill also would bar members of Congress from serving on corporate boards. These are necessary reforms, and they are long overdue. In 2012, Brown introduced an amendment to the STOCK Act which would have required Senators to divest themselves of company stocks that would be affected by their actions as a Senator. The amendment was left out of the final bill. A copy of theBan Conflicted Trading Actcan be foundhere. The New York editorial can be found here and below. New York Times: Editorial: Make Laws, Not Money Members of Congress should not be allowed to buy and sell stocks, or to serve on corporate boards. The case of Chris Collins, the New York Republican whoresigned from Congress and pleaded guilty to insider tradingearlier this fall, was a rare victory in the long-running battle to ensure that members of Congress do not take improper advantage of their privileged positions. It also underscored the need for stronger rules. Mr. Collins is going to jail because he called his son seven times from the White House lawn to share the private news that a small drug company's flagship product had failed a key clinical trial. Those phone calls prompted the son to dump his shares. But in the years before that flagrant act of insider trading, Mr. Collins already was deeply involved in the affairs of the company, Innate Immunotherapeutics, even as he served on various congressional committees that played a role in directing federal health care policy. Mr. Collins was the company's largest shareholder. He served on the company's board. He solicited investments in the company, including from other members of Congress. (Tom Price, who served as a Republican representative from Georgia and then as secretary of health and human services in the Trump administration,was among the buyers.) Mr. Collins wrote legislative language to expedite drug trials, potentially benefiting Innate, and he pressed a staff member at the National Institutes of Healthto meet with the companyabout its clinical trial. He also invested in other health care firms, some of which held federal contracts. None of this was clearly illegal. But it should have been. Members of Congress serve in positions of privilege and power. They have the opportunity to shape public policy for their own benefit, and to profit from information not available to the general public and it is clearly too much to expect that all of them will resist temptation. Congress tookan important step in 2012, passing a law that bars members and their aides from trading on the basis of confidential information that they receive as lawmakers. The law also strengthened disclosure requirements. It has made a difference. The volume of stock trading by members of Congress declined by 65 percent in the three years after it took effect, compared with the three years before its passage, according toa 2017 study by Public Citizen. But the 2012 law is insufficient. When the Securities and Exchange Commission began its first investigation under the new law, in 2013,Congress went to courtto prevent the S.E.C. from obtaining documents. The two sides eventually reached a deal, but the case showed that Congress remained unwilling to play by the same rules as everyone else. Congress also passed a bill in 2013 reversing some of the disclosure requirements that it had established and celebrated just one year before. The original bill, for example, mandated the creation of a searchable online database of trades by members and aides. The 2013 law made it harder to identify wrongdoing, allowing members of Congress to submit disclosures in a form that is not easily searchable. And the narrow ban on insider trading does not go far enough. Members still may be tempted to cast votes that are personally profitable but not in the public interest. And because insider trading is a very difficult crime to prove, it is likely that they still have ample opportunity to profit from their privileged positions. As if to underscore these problems, members continue to buy and sell shares in companies that have business before Congress. Senator James Inhofe, the Oklahoma Republican who chairs the Armed Services Committee,bought stock in the defense contractor Raytheon last yearwhile pushing for an increase in federal spending on defense. The senator said the decision was made by a financial adviser, and after its public disclosure, he said he would make no further investments in the industry. Inhofe's declaration of abstinence amounts to a tacit acknowledgment of the need for stronger rules that apply to all members of Congress. Public Citizen and other groups have argued for a narrow rule barring members from trading in the shares of companies that have business before their committees. Such a rule, however, would not go far enough. The work of Congress encompasses the entirety of the economy. The most comprehensive solution would be to require people who are elected to Congress to divest holdings in public companies within a reasonable period following their election. But such a requirement could impose significant costs on people entering public service. It would be nearly as effective, and less burdensome, to bar members from buying or selling shares. A bill that would impose such a banwas introduced earlier this yearby Senator Jeff Merkley, Democrat of Oregon, and Senator Sherrod Brown, Democrat of Ohio. It would require members to put holdings in blind trusts, or else to refrain from any trading until they leave Congress. The bill also would bar members of Congress from serving on corporate boards. These are necessary reforms, and they are long overdue. ### Press Contact",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/president-signs-bill-that-includes-brown-provision-with-record-investment-in-researching-non-addictive-methods-for-pain-treatment,President Signs Bill That Includes Brown Provision With Record Investment In Researching Non-Addictive Methods For Pain Treatment,2019-12-21,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Helped Create Defense Department's Opioid Alternative Research Program Last Year; Helped to Secure Record $15 Million in Final Appropriations Bill This Year Saturday, December 21, 2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. Late last night, the President signed into law a spending package that includes several key wins for Ohio that Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) helped secure. In the package, Brown helped secure a record investment of $15 million to support the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP). Brown helped create the program last year by securing $10 million in funding. The program allows the Department of Defense (DOD) to research opioid alternatives or non-addictive methods to treat and manage chronic pain for servicemembers. When it's easier for Americans to get their hands on opioids than it is for them to access non-addictive alternatives and treatments, we have a serious problem. This bill continues critical investments to help solve the addiction crisis through important research and creative, new approaches. Opioid addiction is a chronic disease and even our brave servicemembers are not immune so we need to ensure that there are a variety of non-addictive methods available so we can help prevent addiction before it takes hold, Brown said. Last year, Brown fought to include $10 million in the Defense Appropriations Bill to create the CDMRP at the DOD to research opioid alternatives or non-addictive methods to treat and manage chronic pain. Earlier this year, Brown led a letter urging the Appropriations Committee to include these funds in their bill. CDMRP aims to drive innovation in the medical community and seeks to find solutions for medical challenges facing servicemembers. This year, the $15 million in funding will help the research program focus on chronic pain management as well as treatment for service-related injuries and stress, as well as developing therapies to prevent dependence on opioids and other addictive substances. Servicemembers can suffer from chronic pain that is often attributed to a multitude of factors, both combat-related and stress-related as a result their service to our country. With few options outside of prescription opioids, members of the military can be reliant on highly addictive substances, such as opioids, to manage this pain. The Department of Veterans Affairs released a study in 2016 that shows veterans who receive the highest doses of opioid painkillers are twice as likely to die by suicide as those who receive lower doses. Over the past 12 years, there has been an increase in prescriptions for opioids among veterans by over 270 percent, which shows the growing use of these highly addictive substances. The risks of servicemembers and veterans becoming addicted to opioids are both a combat readiness challenge and a significant challenge for family and communities that rely on and support them while serving and after. ### Press Contact",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/president-signs-bipartisan-foster-care-bill-with-key-brown-provisions-into-law,President Signs Bipartisan Foster Care Bill With Key Brown Provisions Into Law,2019-12-21,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Cosponsored Legislation that Includes Provisions from His Family First Transition and Support Act; Bill Would Increase Support for Ohio Children, Help Family Members Raising Children Due to Addiction Crisis Saturday, December 21, 2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced his Family First Transition Act, which includes a number of key provisions Brown secured from his Family First Transition and Support Act, has been signed into law. His legislation increases investment and support for child welfare as Ohio counties struggle to make sure children are cared for, especially in light of the addiction crisis. Brown worked closely with the Senate Finance Committee to ensure his provisions were included in the bipartisan bill. As a society, we simply leave too many children behind. Child welfare agencies are overwhelmed by the number of kids entering the system, and the addiction crisis is only making it worse. For one third of all the children entering the system in Ohio, parents' substance abuse is listed as one of the causes. We have to do better, said Brown. The Family First Transition Actbuilds on the Family First Prevention Services Act (Family First) that was signed into law last year, by: Giving states more time and resources to build a wider range of evidenced-based foster care prevention programs to keep families safe at home. Such programs include substance use treatment and prevention, in-home parent training, and family mental health services. Providing states with flexible funding to transition to Family First, allowing states to use the funds to address the needs of their communities, including foster parent recruitment, training for child welfare workers, support for parents and kinship caregivers, including $18 million for Ohio programs. Providing additional funds for states like Ohio, that were operating under a federal child welfare demonstration program that ended in September. These funds would guarantee that Ohio service providers are able to continue to serve children and families without a gap in funding. The Family First Transition Act is led by leaders of the Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-OR). Chairman Danny Davis (D-IL) and Ranking Member Jackie Walorski (R-IN) of the Ways and Means Worker and Family Support Subcommittee also led the bill in the House of Representatives. Senator Brown has shown immense leadership fighting for children and families in Ohio and across the country, and I'm proud to have worked with him to develop this important proposal, said Wyden. This bill will ensure that states have the support they need to implement Family First and build a better child welfare system that provides children what they deserve the best chance at living in a safe and nurturing home. In May, Brown introduced the Family First Transition and Support Act, which would: Create a new kinship placement program fund to expand funding for kinship support services, which help family members raising children pay for essential needs and services, such as childcare, and transportation. This is especially important with the rise of family members raising children due to the addiction crisis. Invest in child welfare caseworker training and development. Work to enhance the child welfare Court Improvement Program and provide new resources to help recruit and retain foster parents. The Family First Transition and Support Act is co-sponsored by Sens. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Kamala Harris (D-CA), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA) has introduced companion legislation in the House. The bill has the support of over 100 organizations, including The Public Children Services Association of Ohio, Ohio Children's Alliance, Child Welfare League of America, Family Focused Treatment Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, Children's Defense Fund, Generations United, Boys Town, Within Our Reach, Children's Advocacy Institute, Children and Family Futures, National Children's Alliance, Alliance for Strong Families and Communities, Children's Home Society of America, National Organization of State Associations for Children, and Foster America. ### Press Contact",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/president-signs-spending-package-that-includes-key-agriculture-environmental-and-interior-wins-brown-secured-,"President Signs Spending Package That Includes Key Agriculture, Environmental And Interior Wins Brown Secured",2019-12-21,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Secured a Number of Provisions for Ohio Agriculture, Rural Infrastructure, Lake Erie, and Dayton's Aviation Heritage Area and to Support Clean up at Piketon Plant Saturday, December 21, 2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. Last night, the President signed into law a spending package that includes several key wins for Ohio that Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) helped secure. In the package, Brown secured provisions to support investments in Ohio agriculture, rural infrastructure, Lake Erie, Dayton's Aviation Heritage Area and to support clean up at the Piketon plant. The package includes Energy and Water appropriations, Agriculture Department appropriations and Interior Department appropriations. This bill makes critical investments that our state needs, including helping treat opioid addiction, bolstering local agriculture, and supporting infrastructure improvements and economic growth, said Brown. Brown helped secure the following investments: Energy and Water Appropriations $320 million for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI). GLRI is a results-driven program, and this funding ensures that it has the resources it needs to address the most serious issues that threaten the ecological and economic wellbeing of the Great Lakes basin, including invasive species, pollution, and toxic contamination. This $320 million is the largest annual investment in the Great Lakes' health, ecosystem restoration, and water quality, and has already helped combat harmful algal blooms, invasive species, and pollution in the Great Lakes. Funding to Support Ongoing Cleanup at Piketon Plant Brown ensured the final package included more than $400 million in funding for the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Piketon, which will ensure that cleanup continues as planned. Brown fought to ensure that workers at Piketon receive the necessary funding to maintain workforce levels and keep cleanup on pace. Brown has worked with Sen. Portman to keep jobs at the plant and maintain ongoing cleanup efforts in previous spending bills. MoreHERE. Extended Funding for Dayton's National Aviation Heritage Area Includes Brown and Portman's legislation to reauthorize funding for Dayton's National Aviation Heritage Area (NAHA) through September 30, 2022 NAHA spans eight counties throughout western Ohio, with a large presence in Dayton, the home of the Wright Brothers. There are a variety of cultural sites within the NAHA, including the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Park, Armstrong Air and Space Museum, Paul Laurence Dunbar State Memorial, Huffman Prairie Flying Field, and Grimes Flying Field, as well as resources related to the Wright Brothers. Agriculture appropriations Key investments for 1890 Land-Grant Institutions, including: An additional $6 million for research at 1890 Land-Grant institutions, which are historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) that are land grant universities. Brown secured this through an amendment. The funds will go toward research at Centers for Excellence on campuses like Central State University in Wilberforce. Browntook to the Senate floorearlier this year to demand inclusion of this amendment in the Senate bill, which he introduced with Sen. Doug Jones (D-AL). Rural Opioid Addiction Training: Brown helped secure $4 million for Rural Health and Safety Education Programs to combat opioid abuse in rural communities. In addition, the bill includes report language that recommends not less than $1 million for competitive external grants for eligible institutions to support the utilization of telehealth, telemedicine, distance learning, and virtual and augmented reality experiences for opioid education and training in minority rural communities. There is also prioritization language for treatment/recovery services under the Community Facilities loan/grant program at USDA. Brown encouraged this as part of the Farm Bill. Agricultural Research Service (ARS):Brown helped secure $1.4 billion in funding, which is $121 million above the fiscal year 2019 enacted level and $221 million above the President's budget request.As the USDA's in-house agricultural research unit, ARS has major responsibilities for conducting and leading the national agricultural research effort. National Institute of Food and Agriculture:Brown helped secure $962 million for the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, which is $13 million above the fiscal year 2019 enacted level and $93 million above the President's budget request. Included in this increase is $8 million for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network and an increase of $10 million for the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI). The NIFA helps fund extension services and promotes research at The Ohio State University (OSU). Farm Service Agency (FSA):Brown helped secure $1.112 billion for FSA for various farm, conservation, and emergency loan programs important to the nation's farmers and ranchers. This includes $35 million to assist with implementation of the 2018 farm Bill. It also prohibits the closure of FSA county offices and provides resources for information technology (IT) improvements and personnel across county offices. Water and Waste Disposal Programs:Brown helped ensure Water and Waste direct loans are maintained at $1.4 billion, and Water and Waste grants are funded at maintained at $659 million. These programs increase the availability of clean water and sanitary waste disposal systems to small, remote rural communities. Community Facilities Loans and Grants:Brown helped ensure the Community Facilities loan program was funded at just under $3 billion. These loans and grants can be used for any essential community facility, including hospitals, health clinics, schools, public buildings, health and safety vehicles and equipment, etc. Increased Investments in Rural Broadband: Brown helped secure $555 million for the ReConnect Program, a USDA pilot program that funds the expansion of broadband internet services into underserved rural areas. USDA will finish announcing awards from its first round of ReConnect funding by December 31st, and will begin accepting applications for its second round on January 31st, 2020. Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): Brown helped ensure the bill provides full funding for the program, which will serve over 6 million mothers and children each month. The funding level also includes $80 million for breastfeeding support services. Interior Department appropriations Lead Testing:Brown helped secure $26 million for lead testing in schools, and $19.511 million for reducing lead in drinking water. ### Press Contact",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/president-signs-spending-package-that-includes-key-commerce-justice-and-science-wins-for-ohio-secured-by-brown,"President Signs Spending Package That Includes Key Commerce, Justice And Science Wins For Ohio Secured By Brown",2019-12-21,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Secured Provisions to Support NASA Glenn in Cleveland and Sandusky, Bolster Economic Development Projects, Make Public Safety Improvements, and More Saturday, December 21, 2019 WASHINGTON, DC Late last night, the President signed into law a spending package that includes several key wins for Ohio that Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) helped secure. Brown helped secure these wins as part of the Commerce, Justice and Science appropriations bill. This bill makes critical investments that our state needs to do everything from bolstering our infrastructure and economic growth, to making investments that improve public safety for Ohioans while also allowing law enforcement officers to better and more safely serve their communities, to supporting our NASA Glenn facilities in Cleveland and Sandusky. These projects and programs help advance our state and help make it a better place to live. The wins for Ohio include: Critical funding for NASA programs in Ohio, including: $1.4 billion forNASA's Orion project. An Orion module is being tested at NASA Glenn's Plum Brook Station in Sandusky. $22.6 billion for NASA, including $784 million for aeronautics research. A portion of that funding will go toNASA's Glenn Research Centerin Cleveland. Key investments for law enforcement programs, including: $335 million for theCommunity Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Program. The COPS program invests in local law enforcement by helping police departments bolster their community policing efforts and hire new officers. The COPS program was designed to advance public safety by addressing the full-time officer needs of state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies. $545 million forByrne JAG, which provides grant funding for local law enforcement agencies to fund various programs including, drug treatment and enforcement programs, crime prevention and education programs, and crime victim and witness programs. The funding is administered through DOJ's Bureau of Justice Assistance. $22.5 million for theBody-Worn Camera Partnership Program. Body cameras have been found to reduce the use of force by officers by as much as 60 percent, reduce citizen complaints by as much as 88 percent, assist in resolving complaints against the police, and reduce the likelihood of false complaints against the police. $22.7 million for DOJ Office of Justice Program (OJP) Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program. Brown led bipartisan efforts to secure funding for the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program, a program through the Department of Justice's (DOJ) Office of Justice Programs (OJP) that provides funding for local and state law enforcement to acquire bulletproof vests for officers. In April, Brown led a letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee asking for full funding for the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program. Census Funding: $7.558 billion for the Census Bureau, including $6.696 billion for the decennial census. Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program funding:Brown secured $146 million for this program, is a public-private partnership consisting of MEP centers throughout all 50 states. Brown has been a strong supporter of the MEP, which provides approximately $5 million a year to Ohio's seven MEP centers. These centers help small and medium-sized manufacturers increase sales and achieve cost-savings. Second Chance Act grant funding:Senator Brown secured $90 million for this program enacted in 2008. The Second Chance Act has provided funding for programs that have proven to reduce recidivism, help former inmates reintegrate successfully into society, and save prison costs for states. In 2011, as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Brown fought to reinstate funding for the Second Chance Act after it had been eliminated earlier in the federal appropriations process. This year, Brown applauded the Senate passage of the First Step Act, which includedprovisionsfrom Brown's 2008 Second Chance Act. Violence Against Women Act (VAWA):Brown helped secure $500 million for VAWA. This vital program saves lives and provides substantial benefits to those who are victims of abuse and children who witness instances of abuse against family members. The programs is critical for effective community responses to domestic violence and sexual assault. VAWA Transitional Housing program: Brown helped secure $36.5 million to assist domestic violence victims obtain a safe place to rebuild their lives. Office of Justice DNA Initiative:Brown helped secure $136 million to fund the DNA initiative. This program assists states and local governments with the timely DNA processing of victims of crime and the DNA of criminal offenders. Brown introduced bipartisan legislation with Sen. Portman last year, theJustice Served Act of 2018, which would provide funds to prosecute the rape kit backlog and justice for victims of heinous crimes like sexual assault by resolving cold cases and exonerating those wrongfully convicted of crimes they did not commit. DOJ Community Teams to Reduce Sexual Assault Kit Backlogs:Brown helped secure $48 million that would support the creation of a coordinated community response, with a victim-based approach, to high numbers of submitted Sexual Assault Kits in the future. DOJ Sexual Assault Services Program (SASP):Brown helped to secure $35.5 million in funds that support adult and child victims secure counseling, medical and legal counseling and other forms of support for victims in underserved communities. National Institute of Justice Human Trafficking Initiatives:Brown helped secure $37 million that would fund expanded research into human trafficking victims and perpetrators. Brown has long been an advocate on this issue and reintroduced bipartisan legislation this year to crack down on addiction-driven human trafficking. HisProtecting Rights of Those Exploited by Coercive Trafficking (PROTECT) Actwould specifically address the use of drugs to facilitate human trafficking and protect vulnerable victims of trafficking. The John R. Justice Act prosecutor and defender loan repayment program:Brown helped secure $2 million for the creation of a student loan program for attorneys who serve as state or local criminal prosecutors or public defenders for at least 3 years. The program would help bolster the ranks of attorneys in the criminal justice system. ### Press Contact",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/president-signs-spending-package-that-includes-key-ohio-tax-wins-secured-by-brown,President Signs Spending Package That Includes Key Ohio Tax Wins Secured By Brown,2019-12-21,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Secured Provisions to Help Individuals Experiencing Lapses in Health Insurance, Low-Income Communities, Craft Brewing Industry, Churches Negatively Impacted by Trump's Tax Bill, and More Saturday, December 21, 2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. Late last night, the President signed into law a spending package that includes several key tax wins for Ohio that Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) helped secure. Brown also said there is still more work to be done to fix the tax code in a way that puts working families first. Brown vowed to continue fighting to secure an expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Child Tax Credit, which are two of the most effective tools we have to put money in the pockets of working people and pull children out of poverty. Putting hardworking Ohio families first is my top priority, said Brown. This spending bill includes several tax wins that will help put more money in the pockets of working Americans and help our communities continue to grow. I'm glad to see these important initiatives receive broad bipartisan support. Brown continued, At the same time, families are working harder than ever but have less and less to show for it. Congress must do more to help put money back in the pockets of working families and help pull children out of poverty and that means expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Child Tax Credit. I will never stop fighting to expand these vital programs and set children up for future success. Brown secured tax wins for Ohioans in this year-end spending bill, including: Extension of Health Coverage Tax Credit Sen. Brown worked with Sen. Portman (R-OH) to include a short-term extension of the Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC) through the end of 2020. This credit helps subsidize the cost of continued coverage for retirees and other individuals who lost their health care coverage in addition to their pensions and other benefits when their employers either entered into bankruptcy or laid off workers due to foreign trade. Earlier this year, Portman and Brown introduced bipartisan legislation that would extend for five years the Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC). The HCTC is critical for many hardworking Ohioans, including as many as 5,000 Delphi salaried retirees in Dayton, the Mahoning Valley, and Sandusky. In addition, a few hundred workers from the Lordstown General Motors plant have applied for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) and would benefit from the HCTC as well. Elimination of the Tax on Fringe Benefits for Charities, Places of Worship and Nonprofits Brown worked with Reps. James E. Clyburn (SC-06), Thomas Suozzi (NY-03), and Representative Steven Horsford (NV-04) to secure the inclusion of a tax fix in the Appropriations bill that would eliminate the tax on fringe benefits for charities, places of worship, and other nonprofit organizations. Last Congress, the Republican-passed Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 raised nearly $1.7 billion from places of worship and other nonprofits by applying the 21% unrelated business income tax to the value of certain so-called fringe benefits, such as parking and transit, provided to their employees. This tax would cost charities and places of worship tens of thousands of dollars each. Earlier this year, Brown introduced the Stop the Tax Hike on Charities and Places of Worship Act, which aimed to repeal the provision. Reps. Clyburn, Horsford, and Suozzi introduced companion legislation in the House. Expansion of New Markets Tax Credits Brown fought to secure an extension of the New Markets Tax Credit, which was set to expire at the end of this year. The one year extension includes a higher allocation for the program: $5 billion, up from $3.5 billion last year. The NMTC Program was established in 2000 with the goal of spurring revitalization by providing tax credit incentives to Community Development Entities (CDE) so they can invest in low-income communities. Under the program, CDEs apply to the U.S. Treasury Department for the authority to raise a certain amount of capital from investors. Awardees are then given a tax credit that equals a percentage of their investment output over the span of seven years. Since its inception, Ohio has seen billions of dollars in investment through the NMTC program. Brown has been a strong supporter of NMTC and helped secure a five-year extension of NMTC in December 2015. Extension of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Program Brown successfully secured the extension of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), which encourages employers to hire individuals who face significant barriers to employment. The program was extended through 2021. The WOTC provides an employer tax credit of between $1,200 and $9,600 per employee for hiring and retaining individuals that are part of certain targeted groups representing populations that have a difficult time finding work, or are often out of the labor force altogether. The credit amount is based on the qualified wages paid to those employees within the targeted groups. These targeted groups include: veterans, long-term unemployed, ex-felons, the disabled, summer youth employees, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and Supplemental Security Income recipients. Brown has fought to make the WOTC program permanent and will continue to fight for permanence. Funding for Black Lung Disability Trust Fund Brown secured higher funding levels for the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund, which helps coal miners who have been deemed disabled due to black lung disease. The excise tax on coal that supports the trust fund was allowed to revert to lower levels at the beginning of 2019, which would result in lower resources in the fund over time. Brown fought to restore the excise tax to its previous level, helping to ensure that disabled coal miners have the support they need from the fund. Lower Taxes on Craft Beverages Brown is a cosponsor of the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act of 2019, and helped secure a one-year extension of the current tax rates on beer, wine, and distilled spirits. Without this extension, Ohio's local breweries could have seen their taxes double in January. Ohio's 298 breweries help to employ nearly 6,000 people and since the first passage of these tax rates two years ago, a majority of those breweries have hired new employees, purchased new equipment, and upgraded their facilities. Increase in Grant Funding for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program Finally, Brown secured a $7 million increase to the VITA program. Brown secured $25 million in grant funding for FY2020, up from the $18 million previously secured. The VITA program provides support to free tax preparation sites that help individuals and families file their income tax returns. During the 2019 income tax filing season, VITA programs nationwide filed more than 1.5 million federal income tax returns, including more than 419,000 returns for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). This helped Americans claim approximately $1.8 billion they'd earned over the tax year. VITA sites aren't just a lifeline for those who cannot afford a paid tax preparer they also have a strong record for accuracy and help reduce IRS administrative costs. According to the IRS, returns claiming the EITC prepared by VITA preparers are 98 percent accurate the best of any in the tax preparation industry. VITA sites are also more likely to file electronically, helping to save taxpayers money in the process. Brown has long fought to secure funding and support for the VITA program. ### Press Contact",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/president-signs-spending-package-that-includes-priorities-for-veterans-and-servicemembers-secured-by-brown,President Signs Spending Package That Includes Priorities For Veterans And Servicemembers Secured By Brown,2019-12-21,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Secured Provisions for Ohio Military Installations, Language to help Reduce Veteran Debt, Requirements for Trump Administration to Act on Agent Orange Saturday, December 21, 2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. Late last night, the President signed into law a spending package that includes wins for Ohio's servicemembers and veterans that Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) helped secure. The funding that these bills provide will help the servicemembers and veterans who have dedicated their lives to our country, Brown said.These bills provide funding for the critical work being done at JSMC and Wright-Patt who work to keep our troops safe overseas and strengthen our national security as well as language to hold VA accountable and take action to improve the lives of veterans who have given so much for our country. The bill includes: Lima's Joint Systems Manufacturing Center (JSMC) $513.8 million to continue Stryker vehicle upgrades More than $1.74 billion for upgrades to the Abrams Tanks Wright-Patterson Air Force Base $1.62 billion to support critical research and development programs run out of Wright-Patt's Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) $120.9 million to support military construction of Wright-Patt's new National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC) $35.7 million to support improvements and rehabilitation efforts for Wright-Patt's historic Brick Quarters Housing District Veteran Debt Fairness provisions Brown secured language in the appropriations bill that builds on his earlier work to help reduce overpayment errors by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), thereby reducing veteran debt to the Department. Agent Orange provisions Brown was able to secure language in the bill to require the VA and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to issue a report within 30 days outlining any delays in making a determination on adding conditions to the list of service-connected presumptive illnesses. Lima JSMC Brown has long fought to ensure Lima's JSMC has the funding it needs to support its missions involving the Stryker vehicles and Abrams Tank. In May, Brown toured the JSMC after leading efforts to secure investments for JSMC and fighting for its workers. In 2018, Brown worked to secure more than $1.79 billion to protect critical manufacturing jobs at Lima's JSMC in the FY 2019 defense appropriations bill. In March 2017, Brown met with U.S. Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis to highlight the importance of continued funding for the Abrams Tank and the Stryker Vehicle. In May 2017, Brown wrote to his Senate Armed Services and Appropriations Committee colleagues to support inclusion of the Abrams Tank and Stryker Vehicle in both the NDAA and the Defense Appropriations bill. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base AFRL Funding The bill would authorize more than $1.62 billion for research and development programs run out of the Air Force Research Lab's (AFRL) Materials, Human Effectiveness, Propulsion, Aerospace Systems, Sensors and Manufacturing Directorates at Wright-Patt. This funding is critical to addressing emerging threats and strategic challenges that our men and women in uniform face. NASIC Military Construction Funding This bill would also appropriate $120.9 million to support military construction efforts for Wright-Patt's National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC). Last year, Brown was able to help secure more funding for NASIC construction than ever before, when the NDAA authorized $182 million for phase one and two of NASIC's expansion. The project received an appropriation authorization of $61 million for Fiscal Year 2019 to begin construction. In 2018, Brown wrote to then-DOD Secretary Jim Mattis calling for an investment at NASIC, along with other Ohio priorities. In 2017, Brown spoke to Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson about investing in construction needs at the base. Prior to that, in 2017, Brown as co-chair of the Senate Air Force Caucus brought his Republican caucus co-chair John Boozman (R-AR), Armed Services Committee Members Jack Reed (D-RI), Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) to visit Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and tour the facility. Together, Brown and Portman highlighted critical research and development work done at the base in support of the Air Force and national security. Brown also met with Sec. Mattis in 2017 to outline Ohio military priorities. During the meeting, Brown invited Mattis to visit Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the Air National Guard 178th Wing in Springfield. Historic Brick Quarters Housing District at Wright-Patt The bill also appropriate $35.7 million to support improvements efforts for 29 of Wright-Patt's historic Brick Quarters Housing District units. This housing on the Wright-Patt campus is in need of rehabilitation to meet current safety standards and this funding will ensure the buildings are updated to best support those living in the historic homes on the base. The Brick Officer housing was built in 1930s and was designed in the Tudor Revival style. Veteran Debt Fairness provision Brown was also able to secure language in the appropriations bill that builds on his earlier work to help reduce overpayment errors by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), thereby reducing veteran debt to the Department. This legislation would require VA to submit a plan and timeline to Congress to track the cause of veteran debt. VA currently does not have a way to track individual veteran debt. The legislation also states that a delay or mistake by VA or a VA employee is considered a Department error for the purposes of tracking debt. In March, Brown introduced the Veterans Debt Fairness Act to reduce overpayment errors and require VA to hold itself, and not veterans, accountable for its mistakes. Brown's amendment is based on his bill and represents a first step toward full implementation. Annually, VA sends as many as 200,000 overpayment notices totaling thousands of dollars to veterans and their families, sending them into crippling debt and withholding future benefits payments until the debt is paid. These overpayments are often a result of VA's own accounting errors, but VA puts veterans and their families on the hook for repaying the debt. VA benefit overpayment notices have been steadily increasing, sometimes for a payment period dating back as far as five years. Many of these debt overpayments are at no fault of the veteran or their dependents, but rather VA accounting errors and record mismanagement. Currently, VA can send out debt repayment notices to veterans requesting the full amount due within 30 days while freezing all benefit payments until the debt is repaid. Agent Orange provision Finally, Brown was able to secure language in the appropriations bill that would require the VA and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to issue a report within 30 days outlining any delays in making a determination on adding conditions to the list of service-connected presumptive illnesses. They will also need to include the estimate of adding to the list, and the date the Secretary anticipates promulgating new regulations associated with adding to that list. Brown has been leading his colleagues in urging the President to take action on behalf of thousands of Vietnam veterans across the country living with chronic health conditions, by expanding the VA's list of medical conditions associated with exposure to Agent Orange to include Parkinsonism, Bladder Cancer, Hypertension, and Hypothyroidism. Republicans rejected Brown's most recent measure. ### Press Contact",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/president-signs-spending-package-with-browns-pension-healthcare-fix-for-miners,"President Signs Spending Package With Brown's Pension, Healthcare Fix For Miners",2019-12-21,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Saturday, December 21, 2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. Late last night, President Trump signed a spending package that included U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown's (D-OH) Bipartisan American Miners Act -- which will help secure pensions and healthcare for Ohio miners and their families. Brown is an original cosponsor of Sen. Joe Manchin's (D-WV) Bipartisan American Miners Act, which would shore up the 1974 Pension Plan, which is headed for insolvency due to coal company bankruptcies and the 2008 financial crisis. The Bipartisan American Miners Act would also ensure that miners, who are at risk due to 2018 and 2019 coal company bankruptcies, will not lose their healthcare. What Washington doesn't understand is that Ohio coal miners gave up raises at the negotiating table because they were counting on these pensions when they retired. This important fix will ensure these workers and their families receive the full benefits they earned over a lifetime of backbreaking work, said Brown. I am grateful to the Ohio mineworkers and retirees whose tireless efforts have brought us this far, and I am committed to continuing to fight until Congress passes a comprehensive pension solution that all Ohioans deserve. Brown has led the fight to find a bipartisan solution to the overall pension crisis that faces 60,000 Ohioans, thousands of whom are retired mineworkers, as well as thousands of small businesses across the country. ### Press Contact",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/president-signs-spending-package-with-key-ohio-health-wins-secured-by-brown-into-law,President Signs Spending Package With Key Ohio Health Wins Secured By Brown Into Law,2019-12-21,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Secured Provisions to Increase Addiction Funding, Research Gun Violence and Reduce Maternal, Infant Mortality Saturday, December 21, 2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. Late last night, President Trump signed a spending package into law that includes key health wins for Ohio that U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) helped secure, including funding to fight the addiction crisis, to help study ways to prevent gun violence and to reduce maternal and infant mortality. Keeping Ohio families safe and healthy is one of the most fundamental roles of government, said Brown. The funding that Congress passed today represents an investment in our state from funding to fight the addiction crisis to creating jobs at the NIOSH project in Cincinnati. I'm glad to see these initiatives pass with broad bipartisan support and signed into law. Specifically, Brown helped secure: $3.8 billion to address the ongoing addiction crisis, including: $1.5 billion to states to address the opioid epidemic and mental health; $476 million for opioid overdose surveillance and prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); $90 million to address the needs of children affected by the opioid crisis; and $100 million to help affected rural communities. For the first time in decades, the bill includes $25 million for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to research gun violence. In 2017, gun violence killed nearly 40,000 people in the United States. $53 million -- an increase of $3 million for programs within the Health Resources and Services Administration and CDC for the initiative aimed at reducing the nation's alarmingly high maternal mortality rate. More women in the U.S. die from pregnancy-related complications than in any other developed nation, and the maternal mortality rate rose by 26 percent from 2000 to 2014. This funding will help support improved surveillance and help expand programs that are proven to be successful at reducing maternal mortality. $125.5 million for the Healthy Start program, a $3 million increase. Healthy Start aims to reduce the national infant mortality rate by identifying and supporting communities with infant mortality rates that are at least one and a half times the U.S. national average or increasing above the national average.Ohio is home to five Healthy Start grantees. Brown also secured provisions within the spending package to increase funding for the Children's Hospitals Graduate Medical Education Program and to protect funding for the NIOSH project in Cincinnati, funding to advance the firefighter cancer registry that Brown helped create, funding for vaccinations and funding to address the public health risk posed by the dramatic increase in e-cigarette use by minors. Brown will continue leading efforts to ensure Ohioans have the resources and the investments they need to stay healthy and safe. ### Press Contact",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/president-signs-spending-package-with-key-transportation-wins-secured-by-brown,President Signs Spending Package With Key Transportation Wins Secured By Brown,2019-12-21,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Secured a Number of Provisions to Increase Investment in Ohio's Transportation Infrastructure Saturday, December 21, 2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. Last night, the President signed into law a spending package that includes several key wins for Ohio's transportation infrastructure that U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) helped secure. It's time to put Americans to work across Ohio and around the country rebuilding our roads and bridges. This funding measure is a good step toward the infrastructure investment our nation needs, said Brown. Ohio is positioned to be a leader in zero-emission transportation solutions, and this bill expands work by The Ohio State University to research and test zero-emission buses. The Ohio transportations wins include: Supplemental Highway and Public Transportation Investments:Brown helped secure $781 million of supplemental funding for eligible projects under the Surface Transportation Block Grant program, which can be used for highway repairs, local transportation improvements and alternative fuel corridors. Ohio's share of the additional $781 million will be based on current formula programs. Brown also supported the $1.15 billion for bridge replacement and rehabilitation to repair and replace deficient bridges, a portion of which will be allocated to Ohio bridges. Brown has led bipartisan efforts to secure much larger federal investments in repairing and replacing deficient bridges. Ohio has more than 6,000 bridges that need structural repairs or other updates to make them safer and reduce congestion. The bill also includes $1 billion for investments in surface transportation infrastructure that are awarded on a competitive basis for projects that will have a significant local or regional impact that is commonly referred to at the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program (formerly the TIGER program). Brown also successfully urged the Committee to provide $510 million from the general fund for transit infrastructure grants, which will support efforts by Ohio transit agencies to the replace buses and vans that have reached the end of their service life. OSU and the Transportation Research Center (TRC): Brown secured $3 million of additional funding for the testing of low-emission and zero-emission buses. The Ohio State University (OSU) and the university-affiliated Transportation Research Center (TRC) in East Liberty operate one of just two testing centers in the nation that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) will utilize to undertake the work. Brown who serves as the ranking member of the U.S. Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, which oversees FTA has secured funding for low and zero-emission bus testing for the past two fiscal years. Allowing OSU and TRC to conduct bus testing will speed the delivery of low-emission buses to public transportation agencies working to reduce fuel consumption and improve air quality.Brown was previously instrumental in obtaining agrant for The Ohio State Universityfor testing components of zero-emission buses. Amtrak Station Agents:In June 2018, Amtrak closed the ticket window and removed ticket agents from all of its stations that had an annual ridership of fewer than 40 passengers daily. Cincinnati's Union Terminal fell below that threshold and lost its ticket agent, leaving only maintenance staff. Brown and Portman wrote to Amtrakurging them to reverse this decision, and Brown has led legislative efforts to reverse the decision. The FY19 bill partially restored staffing at some stations, and in this year's bill, Brown helped secure language that directs Amtrak to re-staff all stations that were staffed in FY 2018 and instructing them to improve communication and collaboration with local partners and consider the unique needs of each community when making decisions related to staffing Amtrak stations. Prevented Harmful Cut to Ohio transit funding: Brownhelped leadefforts to pass the Jones-McSally amendment on the Senate floor to prevent a$1.2 billioncut to public transportation funding, and the amendment is included in the final bill. The Senate passed the Jones-McSally Amendment by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 82-11. The amendment prevents implementation of an unnecessary, across-the-board funding cut of 12% to all public transportation formula programs administered by USDOT's Federal Transit Administration (FTA). Ohio transit agencies would have lost more than $24 million of funding if the cut had been implemented. Brown will continue leading efforts to ensure Ohioans have key investments in transportation and infrastructure. ### Press Contact",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://timryan.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-tim-ryan-urges-major-baseball-commissioner-and-cleveland-indians,Congressman Tim Ryan Urges Major Baseball Commissioner and Cleveland Indians Owner to Continue Affiliation with the Scrappers,2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Tim Ryan,R000577,timryan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13) today urged Major League Baseball Commissioner Robert Manfred and Cleveland Indians owner Paul Dolan to abandon MLB's plan to end its affiliation with the Mahoning Valley Scrappers and 41 other Minor League teams. Congressman Ryan had previously joined 105 of his Congressional colleagues in a letter to Manfred, underscoring the damage this move would cause to the Mahoning Valley and communities across the country where the at-risk teams are located. A copy of the letter was also provided to Cleveland Indians owner Paul Dolan. The letter can be found below and here: December 20, 2019 Mr. Rob Manfred Office of the Commissioner of Baseball 1271 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10020 Dear Commissioner Manfred, I am writing to express my firm opposition to Major League Baseball's radical proposal to eliminate numerous Minor League Baseball clubs. In my Congressional District, it would lead to the loss of the Mahoning Valley Scrappers, a pillar of our community for over 20 years, providing an affordable and fun way for families to spend time together. I am deeply concerned by the news that the MLB is discussing a reorganization that would eliminate the traditional affiliation with Major League Baseball held by the Scrappers and 41 other teams. This decision should be immediately reversed. If enacted, it would undermine the health of the minor league system that undergirds talent development and encourages fan loyalty. It would particularly be felt in areas far from a major league team or where tickets to a major league game are cost-prohibitive. Tens of millions of fans attend Minor League Baseball games each season. These professional baseball clubs are vital components of our communities because they provide affordable, family-friendly entertainment to members of our communities, support scores of allied businesses, employ thousands of individuals, donate millions of dollars in charitable funds, and connect our communities to Major League Baseball. A number of these Minor League clubs operate at a loss but continue to persist due to strong fan support and club ownerships' commitment to their communities and America's Pastime. The abandonment of Minor League clubs by Major League Baseball would devastate our communities, their bond purchasers, and other stakeholders affected by the potential loss of these clubs. We want you to fully understand the impact this could have not only on the communities we represent, but also on the long-term support that Congress has always afforded our national pastime on a wide variety of legislative initiatives. For over a century, Congress has taken numerous actions specifically designed to protect, preserve, and sustain a system and structure for both Major and Minor League Baseball to flourish. The Scrappers allow our community to see future-major league all-stars up close, including Scrapper alumni Francisco Lindor, Victor Martinez, Jose Ramirez, and CC Sabathia. The owners of the Mahoning Valley Scrappers are committed to the team and to the Mahoning Valley. They continue to make investments in what is already a great facility, recently replacing the entire playing surface and building an addition to the clubhouse with a weight room and area for the players at a cost of almost $600,000. It is my hope that Major League Baseball continues to provide needed support to the Mahoning Valley Scrappers in keeping the great American pastime in our community. As a member of Congress who recognizes the tremendous value of the Minor League system, I ask Major League Baseball to strongly reconsider this decision and do all that it can to ensure the continuation of affiliated baseball in the Mahoning Valley and in communities across the country. Sincerely, Tim Ryan Member of Congress CC: Paul Dolan, Cleveland Indians Jordan Taylor, Mahoning Valley Scrappers",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-blumenthal-urge-consumer-product-safety-commission-to-address-child-risk-and-safety-concerns-of-high-powered-magnets,"Brown, Blumenthal Urge Consumer Product Safety Commission To Address Child Risk And Safety Concerns Of High-Powered Magnets",2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Following Increase in Child Injuries Caused by Ingesting High-powered Magnets, Senators Urging Consumer Safety Commission to Strengthen and Prioritize Protections for Children Friday, December 20, 2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) are urging the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to address child risk and safety concerns of high-powered magnets, ahead of the holidays. In a letter to CPSC, the Senators pushed the CPSC to strengthen and prioritize protections for children, after an increase in reports of child injuries resulting from the ingestion of high-power magnets. The Senators are specifically requesting CPSC take measures to address health and safety concerns of high-powered magnet sets, after a Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling vacated the CPSC's rule to remove high-powered magnet sets from the market, and remanded it to the CPSC to pursue further proceedings consistent with accurate and representative data requirements. In 2014, a 19-month-old from Columbus, Ohio was misdiagnosed with a virus after ingesting multiple magnets and passed away the following day. The CPSC's initial intent was to ban high-powered magnet sets, as they present a significant threat to the safety of children. However, since these products have been reintroduced to the market, to our knowledge, the CPSC has not revisited its efforts to restrict these products despite receiving countless correspondences from reputable pediatric professionals, advocates, and organizations, expressing concern regarding the dangers these products continue to present to children. Given the rise in pediatric emergencies involving high-powered magnet ingestions, the emotional and financial burdens placed on children and their families, and the expert opinion of members within the pediatric field, it is past time to take action on this matter, the Senators wrote. According to the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, ingestion of high-powered magnets is more likely to cause injury to a child than ingestion of most other consumer products. While most ingestion cases result in children receiving an x-ray and letting the object pass naturally, high-powered magnet ingestions may result in additional x-rays, surgery consultations, transfers to pediatric hospitals, and multiple invasive surgeries, resulting in an increased financial and emotional burden to the patient and their family. The Senators also urged CPSC to provide an update on its current strategies to strengthen and prioritize protections for children, revisit a ban on these dangerous products, and engage in rulemaking as quickly as possible to ensure the strongest consumer protections possible to protect future children from the dangers associated with this product. And lastly, the Senators urged CPSC to work with Congress to provide guidance on legislative text that would enhance protections. A copy of Brown's letter to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, can be found here and below. Dear Acting Chair Adler: Pediatric experts and advocates have reported a substantial increase in the number of child and adolescent injuries since the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit vacated the Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) safety standard for round, high-powered magnets. We urge the CPSC to provide our offices and relevant stakeholders with an update on data collection and other monitoring efforts the CPSC has engaged on since the safety standard was vacated, plans for future rulemaking related to this product, and whether the Commission believes additional statutory authority is necessary for the Commission to fully address the critical product safety hazard. As you are aware, in September 2014, CPSC issued a safety standard for high-powered magnet sets that pose serious, and potentially deadly, risks to children. This safety standard restricted the sale of high-powered magnet sets. According to a 2017 study published in the Journal of Pediatrics, magnet ingestions after the 2014 CPSC ban decreased by nearly 80 percent. However, in November 2016, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit vacated the CPSC's rule on high-powered magnet sets and remanded it to the CPSC to pursue further proceedings consistent with accurate and representative data requirements. Since the CPSC's rule was vacated and these products reintroduced to the market, medical data suggests an uptick in the number of related injuries. For example, the National Poison Data System (NPDS) indicates that in 2017 about 300 cases of severe magnet ingestions were reported each year. However, after 2017, the same year CPSC lifted the ban on high-powered magnets, the total number of cases reported increased to approximately 1,600, an increase of 490 percent. The data also shows the number of related hospitalizations reported increased by 420 percent, and that the population most affected by this increase are between the ages of 6 years and 12 years. Children who ingest high-powered magnets can suffer from morbid conditions including respiratory depression and hypotension. Several medical organizations including the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition have expressed grave concern about the hazards presented to children by these magnets and have recommended these magnets be banned from the market again. In August 2019, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) published an article warning about the number of magnet-related injuries that required medical intervention, citing 54 magnets that required medically necessary removal from pediatric patients in just over a month. According to members from the pediatric gastroenterology community, ingestion of high-powered magnets is more likely to cause injury to a child than ingestion of most other consumer products. While most ingestion cases result in children receiving an x-ray and letting the object pass naturally, high-powered magnet ingestions may result in additional x-rays, surgery consultations, transfers to pediatric hospitals, and multiple invasive surgeries, resulting in an increased financial and emotional burden to the patient and their family. In 2014, a 19-month-old from Columbus, Ohio was misdiagnosed with a virus after ingesting multiple magnets and passed away the following day. The CPSC's initial intent was to ban high-powered magnet sets, as they present a significant threat to the safety of children. However, since these products have been reintroduced to the market, to our knowledge, the CPSC has not revisited its efforts to restrict these products despite receiving countless correspondences from reputable pediatric professionals, advocates, and organizations, expressing concern regarding the dangers these products continue to present to children. Given the rise in pediatric emergencies involving high-powered magnet ingestions, the emotional and financial burdens placed on children and their families, and the expert opinion of members within the pediatric field, it is past time to take action on this matter. Therefore, we request that you provide us with an update on the actions CPSC has taken to address the health and safety risks presented by high-powered magnet sets after the Tenth Circuit ruling. We also urge the CPSC to provide an update on its current strategies to strengthen and prioritize protections for children, revisit a ban on these dangerous products, and engage in rulemaking as quickly as possible to ensure the strongest consumer protections possible to protect future children from the dangers associated with this product. Finally, if the Commission believes it lacks appropriate statutory authority to address this serious hazard, we request guidance on legislative language that would provide such authority. Thank you for your prompt consideration on this critical issue. We look forward to receiving your written response. Sincerely, ### Press Contact",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/social-security-administration-heeds-casey-brown-request-puts-end-to-proposal-that-sought-to-monitor-americans-social-media-accounts,"Social Security Administration Heeds Casey, Brown Request, Puts End To Proposal That Sought To Monitor Americans' Social Media Accounts",2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senators Wrote Letter Earlier This Year, Following NY Times Story on White House Proposal to Monitor Social Media Activities of Americans who Claim Disability Benefits Friday, December 20, 2019 WASHINGTON, DC This week, U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that the Trump Administration heeded their request and put an end to their invasive and controversial proposal that sought to monitor and follow the social media accounts of Americans who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. The proposal to monitor people with disabilities through social media is a horrible precedent, Senator Casey said. I am pleased that the Social Security Administration ended consideration of this proposal, and I will continue my work to advocate for the disability community. People with disabilities deserve to enjoy life without fear of losing their SSDI benefits. People with disabilities should be able to experience the joys of life without fear of losing their SSDI benefits because of moments they post on social media, said Senator Brown. I'm glad the Trump administration listened to Senator Casey's and my concerns and put a stop to this invasive proposal. In March, following a New York Times report that outlined this proposal, the Senators penned a letter to raise several questions about the proposal related to the privacy of American citizens, the already limited resources available to Social Security Administration (SSA) workers, and plans to increase the scope of the social media monitoring program. In April, following a vague explanation from the Trump Administration regarding this proposal, the Senators continued pushing for answers and greater transparency. This week, the SSA wrote to Sens. Casey and Brown saying it did not plan to pursue the policy after all. ### Press Contact",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/announcements/beatty-on-impeachment-congressional-record,Beatty on Impeachment | Congressional Record,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Joyce Beatty,B001281,beatty.house.gov,,,legacy,"On December 18, 2019, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to impeach President Donald J. Trump on abuse of power and obstruction of justice. U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03)'s speech printed in theCongressional Recordis as follows: ""Thank you, Madam Speaker I rise today a day that will certainly be looked back upon by future generations. Many years from now, when conspiracy theories are put aside and the truth made plain, the American people will know that President Trump broke his oath, abused the power of that great office, and thought himself above the law. But they will also know that many members of this body the People's House kept their oath to defend the Constitution and held President Trump accountable. History will note each of our names and where we stood today for democracy, for justice, and for this great country. When we vote to impeach this president this evening, I can tell you that I will do so with a clear conscience and with the full confidence that future generations will judge us on the right side of history. Thank you, and I yield back.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/announcements/nbc4-beatty-votes-for-impeachment,NBC4: Beatty Votes for Impeachment,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Joyce Beatty,B001281,beatty.house.gov,,,legacy,"On December 19, 2019, NBC4 highlights Congresswoman Beatty's vote and other members of the Ohio Congressional Delegation's decision on impeaching President Donald J. Trump. An archived recording can be viewed on Beatty's YouTube page.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://fudge.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=2124,Rep. Fudge Statement on the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Marcia Fudge,F000455,fudge.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today,Rep. Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed legislation to implement the United States-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) trade deal: Today I voted no' on the USMCA because it neither adequately enforces labor standards nor sufficiently curbs the outsourcing of American jobs to other countries. The USMCA does not live up to the Administration's promises to improve upon the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and ensure a significant number of jobs return to America. The trade agreement also fails to address climate change in a meaningful way. NAFTA devastated industries in Northeast Ohio and communities across the country. I do not want us to find ourselves in the same situation after five years of USMCA. Protecting our workers and their collective bargaining rights and addressing climate change in a way that supports workers in frontline communities like Cleveland and Akron are very important to me. Our trade deals must be enforceable and secure, increase American job opportunities, and serve to protect our world environment. Unfortunately, this one leaves too much to chance. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-votes-no-usmca,Kaptur Votes No On USMCA,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Marcy Kaptur,K000009,kaptur.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), released the following statement after voting against the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Rep. Kaptur's floor speech urging her colleagues to vote against USMCA can be viewed here. As a life-long resident of Toledo, and the Representative for many working-class communities from Northern Ohio, I along with my constituents have borne witness to the devastating effects of what corporate America has sold to us as free trade,said Rep. Kaptur.Since NAFTA's passage in the early 90's, communities across America, especially in our industrial heartland, have endured the outsourcing of countless middle-class jobs to Mexico, where workers are exploited to produce goods for pennies on the dollar.Because of disastrous trade policies such as NAFTA, our young people have grown up in the shadows of shuttered factories they've never seen in operation. As an outspoken opponent of the first NAFTA, I have always said that any replacement agreement must protect American workers from offshoring more of their jobs, guard against Big Pharma abuses that inflate prescription drug prices, and ensure lock-tight and enforceable labor and environmental standards across North America. USMCA is not the answer working people in Northern Ohio deserve, nor is it safe to assume that USMCA will be anything more than NAFTA 2.0 a boon for corporations at the expense of working families in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Just like NAFTA before it, USMCA was rushed through Congress without so much as a true hearing or amendment. What's more, there is no chorus of consensus among our brothers and sisters in labor. USMCA will not bring back the 155,000 jobs in Ohio that were lost to outsourcing after NAFTA, it does nothing for our small farmers suffering under President Trump's trade wars, and it holds no true labor protections that the Mexican government is capable of enforcing. The bottom line is that I am deeply skeptical of USMCA's capacity to improve the lives of working people in my district. I will not vote for a trade deal that fails to put workers the people or our environment first. I will vote against USMCA just as I voted against its predecessor NAFTA, whose disastrous consequences are legend across the American landscape. Rep. Kaptur submitted the following materials to the Congressional Record following her floor speech debating USMCA: ### kaptur.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://timryan.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-tim-ryan-votes-impeach-president-donald-trump,Congressman Tim Ryan Votes to Impeach President Donald Trump,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Tim Ryan,R000577,timryan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13) today voted to impeach President Donald Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. Proceedings now move to the United States Senate. Chief Justice John Roberts will preside over the trial. The Constitution requires two-thirds supermajority of Senators present to convict the President of the United States. It is with a heavy heart that I cast my vote for impeachment today, but we cannot have a President that is above the law. If my constituents do something wrong then they face the consequences. There is overwhelming evidence that the President used his public office and taxpayer money for personal and political gain. His actions threaten our free and fair elections, our national security, and our democracy. Today the House of Representative voted to hold him accountable. The President is not a king. In Article 1 of the Constitution, the Founding Fathers created Congress to write our laws and act as a check on the Executive Branch. This duty is not held lightly. Every member of Congress takes an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States, and it is now more important than ever before to remember this pledge. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to remember the sacred oath they swore to uphold and put country before party.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://timryan.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-tim-ryan-votes-united-states-mexico-canada-trade-agreement,Congressman Tim Ryan Votes for United States-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Tim Ryan,R000577,timryan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13) today voted in favor of the renegotiated NAFTA, the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Northeast Ohio has been devastated by trade agreements that made it easier and cheaper to ship American jobs overseas, and Ryan came to Washington campaigning on the need to renegotiate NAFTA. From the start, Ryan made clear that any new agreement must prioritize workers' rights and freedoms, include substantive provisions to end outsourcing incentives, and strengthen enforcement mechanisms. This is the first trade agreement Ryan has voted for in his career. President Trump's first attempt at a revised deal did none of these things. But after months of negotiations between House Democrats, labor leaders, and United States Trade Representative (USTR), Robert Lighthizer, the USMCA now includes many significant improvements to the original NAFTA, including largely eliminating the Investor State Dispute Settlement (ISDS), creating stronger labor enforcement and committing resources to these efforts, and strengthening labor standards in Mexico. While Ryan does not believe that the USMCA should be the model for future trade agreements, he believes it is an improvement over the original NAFTA. Since the 1994 NAFTA, Ohio has lost nearly 1 in 3 manufacturing jobs 160,640 Ohio workers are certified as trade job loss victims under the U.S. Department of Labor's program called Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA). The reason I first ran for Congress was because I wanted to stop the destruction bad trade deals were inflicting on our community in Northeast Ohio. In my time in Washington, I have opposed every trade deal introduced, regardless of which party was in the White House. But this time is different. Today, I voted in favor of the USMCA, not because it is a perfect deal, but because it makes significant improvements to the original NAFTA which devastated our community and shipped thousands of jobs overseas. There is still a lot of work to be done to ensure Mexico follows through with raising wages and allowing workers to organize. And further efforts are needed to stop providing incentives to companies to outsource jobs. This is not going to bring back the jobs we lost or heal the heartache endured, but it will be better deal for American workers and is an important step forward, said Congressman Tim Ryan. Democrats secured the following provisions to improve NAFTA : High-standard rules for worker protection that are strong and clear enough to be enforceable Mechanisms and resources to monitor that labor rights are being given to workers Mechanisms and resources to hold actors accountable to this agreement Eliminated giveaways for Big Pharma that would have locked in high prescription drug prices Over the past two years, the labor movement, House Speaker Pelosi, and her allies on the USMCA working group pushed to remedy numerous shortcomings in the original USMCA text. The end result is a vast improvement over both the original NAFTA and the agreement negotiated by President Trump last year. The revised USMCA includes a first-of-its-kind facility-specific enforcement mechanism with rapid timelines and meaningful penalties. Developed by Senators Brown and Wyden, this rapid response mechanism will allow complaints to be brought against facilities for violating the rights of freedom of association and collective bargaining, including on-site verifications that must be resolved in a timely manner where violations are found, said Richard Trumka, President, AFL-CIO On behalf of the Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM), I write to express our support for passage of legislation to implement the United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA). The modernized agreement is a potentially substantial improvement over past trade agreements that have resulted in increased imports and lost American manufacturing jobs, said Alliance for American Manufacturing. The original USMCA required changes to Mexican labor law that we supported, as they were clearly better than current law. But the agreement had no clear path to ensure that workers' rights would be safeguarded. The updated agreement now has enforcement provisions that can help make a difference. There were also problematic provisions in the original USMCA that showered U.S. drug companies with huge opportunities for higher monopoly profits. Democrats, working with labor, were able to eliminate this language from the agreement. In addition, the labor movement, working with Democrats and other key allies, was also able to beat back portions of the original USMCA that would have jeopardized our ability to protect a sustainable environment. The revised deal is better than the original USMCA and certainly better than NAFTA. It should be adopted, said United Steelworkers. The USMCA agreement wasn't worthy of ratification a year ago. Since then, the Teamsters Union, House Democrats, our labor brothers and sisters and many other fair trade allies worked to secure improvements to the agreement as signed by the party countries. Now, for the first time, workers' interests are protected by enforceable labor standards. The revised final USMCA is better than the initially signed USMCA agreement and a significant improvement over the original NAFTA, said International Brotherhood of Teamsters. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce strongly supports H.R. 5430, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) Implementation Act,' which would strengthen trade ties that support millions of American jobs. The case for approval of this legislation is strong. First, it would strengthen U.S. ties with Canada and Mexico, which are by far the most important export markets. Second, USMCA would modernize North American trade rules. Third, USMCA would restore certainty to these vital trade relationships. Implementation of USMCA would be a boon to U.S. companies and the workers they employ as they compete in our top two export markets. We urge the House to approve USMCA expeditiously, said the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-blasts-trump-renewable-fuel-standard-proposal-as-betrayal-to-ohio-farmers,Brown Blasts Trump Renewable Fuel Standard Proposal as Betrayal to Ohio Farmers,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Thursday, December 19, 2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) blasted the Trump Administration after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced they are setting the 2020 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) requirements at 15 billion gallons of corn ethanol. Today's rule falls short of providing farmers and the biofuels industry the certainty needed to make important business decisions. Once again President Trump is choosing oil companies over family farms, said Brown. While farmers continue to struggle with low commodity prices, the oil companies seem to get whatever they want. The Administration's rule and abuse of these waivers is a betrayal to rural America. In September, Brown slammed the Trump Administration for abusing the use of federal waivers to help big oil while undercutting farmers and rural economies. The Administration is using small refinery waivers' to grant exemptions to the Renewable Fuel Standard for some of the world's largest oil companies, driving down demand for biofuels by more than 1.4 billion gallons. Brown joined Sens. Dick Durbin (D-IL), Tina Smith (D-MN) and Senate colleagues to send a letter to EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler calling on EPA to stop the abuse of these waivers and end the harm to rural economies and farmers across the country. In a separate letter to President Trump in September, Brown strongly urged him to help rural Americans, and the environment, by rescinding the 31 recently approved small refinery exemptions (SRE) for biofuels. He also urged the Trump Administration to uphold the intent of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).The letter followedrecent news reportsindicating that the Administration is considering changes to the RFS that would boost biofuel volumes following backlash from farmers after 31 additional SREs were approved on August 8.SREs, or so-called hardship waivers, are intended to help small refineries by exempting them from the RFS, but the EPA has issued dozens of waivers, including for some of the most profitable oil companies in the world. Brown is a long-time supporter of sensible biofuel production that promotes Ohio agriculture and reduces the need for foreign oil. In 2017, Brownapplauded the groundbreaking of an expansion at POET Biorefining-Marionthat will create jobs and double the size of the facility. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-secures-record-investment-in-researching-non-addictive-methods-for-pain-treatment-expected-to-pass-senate-today,"Brown Secures Record Investment in Researching Non-Addictive Methods for Pain Treatment, Expected To Pass Senate Today",2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Helped Create Defense Department's Opioid Alternative Research Program Last Year; Helped to Secure Record $15 Million in Final Appropriations Bill This Year Thursday, December 19, 2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, the Senate is expected to pass a spending package that includes key wins for Ohio that Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) helped secure. In the package, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) helped secure a record investment of $15 million to support the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP). Brown helped create the program last year by securing $10 million in funding. The program allows the Department of Defense (DOD) to research opioid alternatives or non-addictive methods to treat and manage chronic pain for servicemembers. These bills are expected to pass out of the Senate today before being sent to the President's desk to be signed into law. When it's easier for Americans to get their hands on opioids than it is for them to access non-addictive alternatives and treatments, we have a serious problem. This bill continues critical investments to help solve the addiction crisis through important research and creative, new approaches. Opioid addiction is a chronic disease and even our brave servicemembers are not immune so we need to ensure that there are a variety of non-addictive methods available so we can help prevent addiction before it takes hold, Brown said. Last year, Brown fought to include $10 million in the Defense Appropriations Bill to create the CDMRP at the DOD to research opioid alternatives or non-addictive methods to treat and manage chronic pain. Earlier this year, Brown led a letter urging the Appropriations Committee to include these funds in their bill. CDMRP aims to drive innovation in the medical community and seeks to find solutions for medical challenges facing servicemembers. This year, the $15 million in funding will help the research program focus on chronic pain management as well as treatment for service-related injuries and stress, as well as developing therapies to prevent dependence on opioids and other addictive substances. Servicemembers can suffer from chronic pain that is often attributed to a multitude of factors, both combat-related and stress-related as a result their service to our country. With few options outside of prescription opioids, members of the military can be reliant on highly addictive substances, such as opioids, to manage this pain. The Department of Veterans Affairs released a study in 2016 that shows veterans who receive the highest doses of opioid painkillers are twice as likely to die by suicide as those who receive lower doses. Over the past 12 years, there has been an increase in prescriptions for opioids among veterans by over 270 percent, which shows the growing use of these highly addictive substances. The risks of servicemembers and veterans becoming addicted to opioids are both a combat readiness challenge and a significant challenge for family and communities that rely on and support them while serving and after. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senate-expected-to-pass-spending-package-with-key-ohio-health-wins-secured-by-brown,Senate Expected To Pass Spending Package with Key Ohio Health Wins Secured By Brown,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Secured Provisions to Increase Addiction Funding, Research Gun Violence and Reduce Maternal, Infant Mortality Thursday, December 19, 2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, the Senate is expected to pass a spending package that includes key health wins for Ohio that U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) helped secure, including funding to fight the addiction crisis, to help study ways to prevent gun violence and to reduce maternal and infant mortality. The spending package passed the House earlier this week and after it passes the Senate, will head to the President's desk to be signed into law. Keeping Ohio families safe and healthy is one of the most fundamental roles of government, said Brown. The funding that Congress passed today represents an investment in our state from funding to fight the addiction crisis to creating jobs at the NIOSH project in Cincinnati. I'm glad to see these initiatives pass with broad bipartisan support and I urge the President to sign them into law quickly. Specifically, Brown helped secure: $3.8 billion to address the ongoing addiction crisis, including: $1.5 billion to states to address the opioid epidemic and mental health; $476 million for opioid overdose surveillance and prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); $90 million to address the needs of children affected by the opioid crisis; and $100 million to help affected rural communities. For the first time in decades, the bill includes $25 million for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to research gun violence. In 2017, gun violence killed nearly 40,000 people in the United States. $53 million -- an increase of $3 million for programs within the Health Resources and Services Administration and CDC for the initiative aimed at reducing the nation's alarmingly high maternal mortality rate. More women in the U.S. die from pregnancy-related complications than in any other developed nation, and the maternal mortality rate rose by 26 percent from 2000 to 2014. This funding will help support improved surveillance and help expand programs that are proven to be successful at reducing maternal mortality. $125.5 million for the Healthy Start program, a $3 million increase. Healthy Start aims to reduce the national infant mortality rate by identifying and supporting communities with infant mortality rates that are at least one and a half times the U.S. national average or increasing above the national average.Ohio is home to five Healthy Start grantees. Brown also secured provisions within the spending package to increase funding for the Children's Hospitals Graduate Medical Education Program and to protect funding for the NIOSH project in Cincinnati, funding to advance the firefighter cancer registry that Brown helped create, funding for vaccinations and funding to address the public health risk posed by the dramatic increase in e-cigarette use by minors. Brown will continue leading efforts to ensure Ohioans have the resources and the investments they need to stay healthy and safe. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senate-expected-to-pass-spending-package-with-key-transportation-wins-secured-by-brown,Senate Expected To Pass Spending Package with Key Transportation Wins Secured By Brown,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Secured a Number of Provisions to Increase Investment in Ohio's Transportation Infrastructure Thursday, December 19, 2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, the Senate is expected to pass a spending package that includes a number of provisions U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) secured to support investment in Ohio's transportation infrastructure. The spending package passed the House earlier this week and after it passes the Senate, will head to the President's desk to be signed into law. It's time to put Americans to work across Ohio and around the country rebuilding our roads and bridges. This funding measure is a good step toward the infrastructure investment our nation needs, said Brown. Ohio is positioned to be a leader in zero-emission transportation solutions, and this bill expands work by The Ohio State University to research and test zero-emission buses. The Ohio transportations wins include: Supplemental Highway and Public Transportation Investments:Brown helped secure $781 million of supplemental funding for eligible projects under the Surface Transportation Block Grant program, which can be used for highway repairs, local transportation improvements and alternative fuel corridors. Ohio's share of the additional $781 million will be based on current formula programs. Brown also supported the $1.15 billion for bridge replacement and rehabilitation to repair and replace deficient bridges, a portion of which will be allocated to Ohio bridges. Brown has led bipartisan efforts to secure much larger federal investments in repairing and replacing deficient bridges. Ohio has more than 6,000 bridges that need structural repairs or other updates to make them safer and reduce congestion. The bill also includes $1 billion for investments in surface transportation infrastructure that are awarded on a competitive basis for projects that will have a significant local or regional impact that is commonly referred to at the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program (formerly the TIGER program). Brown also successfully urged the Committee to provide $510 million from the general fund for transit infrastructure grants, which will support efforts by Ohio transit agencies to the replace buses and vans that have reached the end of their service life. OSU and the Transportation Research Center (TRC): Brown secured $3 million of additional funding for the testing of low-emission and zero-emission buses. The Ohio State University (OSU) and the university-affiliated Transportation Research Center (TRC) in East Liberty operate one of just two testing centers in the nation that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) will utilize to undertake the work. Brown who serves as the ranking member of the U.S. Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, which oversees FTA has secured funding for low and zero-emission bus testing for the past two fiscal years. Allowing OSU and TRC to conduct bus testing will speed the delivery of low-emission buses to public transportation agencies working to reduce fuel consumption and improve air quality.Brown was previously instrumental in obtaining agrant for The Ohio State Universityfor testing components of zero-emission buses. Amtrak Station Agents:In June 2018, Amtrak closed the ticket window and removed ticket agents from all of its stations that had an annual ridership of fewer than 40 passengers daily. Cincinnati's Union Terminal fell below that threshold and lost its ticket agent, leaving only maintenance staff. Brown and Portman wrote to Amtrakurging them to reverse this decision, and Brown has led legislative efforts to reverse the decision. The FY19 bill partially restored staffing at some stations, and in this year's bill, Brown helped secure language that directs Amtrak to re-staff all stations that were staffed in FY 2018 and instructing them to improve communication and collaboration with local partners and consider the unique needs of each community when making decisions related to staffing Amtrak stations. Prevented Harmful Cut to Ohio transit funding: Brownhelped leadefforts to pass the Jones-McSally amendment on the Senate floor to prevent a$1.2 billioncut to public transportation funding, and the amendment is included in the final bill. The Senate passed the Jones-McSally Amendment by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 82-11. The amendment prevents implementation of an unnecessary, across-the-board funding cut of 12% to all public transportation formula programs administered by USDOT's Federal Transit Administration (FTA). Ohio transit agencies would have lost more than $24 million of funding if the cut had been implemented. Brown will continue leading efforts to ensure Ohioans have key investments in transportation and infrastructure. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senate-passes-brown-spending-package-with-key-agriculture-environmental-and-interior-wins,"Senate Passes Brown Spending Package with Key Agriculture, Environmental and Interior Wins",2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Secured a Number of Provisions for Ohio Agriculture, Rural Infrastructure, Lake Erie, and Dayton's Aviation Heritage Area and to Support Clean up at Piketon Plant Thursday, December 19, 2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, the Senate is expected to pass a spending package that includes provisions U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) secured to support investments in Ohio agriculture, rural infrastructure, Lake Erie, Dayton's Aviation Heritage Area and to support clean up at the Piketon plant. The package includes Energy and Water appropriations, Agriculture Department appropriations and Interior Department appropriations. The spending package passed the House earlier this week and after it passes the Senate, will head to the President's desk to be signed into law. This bill makes critical investments that our state needs, including helping treat opioid addiction, bolstering local agriculture, and supporting infrastructure improvements and economic growth, said Brown. Brown helped secure the following investments: Energy and Water Appropriations $320 million for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI). GLRI is a results-driven program, and this funding ensures that it has the resources it needs to address the most serious issues that threaten the ecological and economic wellbeing of the Great Lakes basin, including invasive species, pollution, and toxic contamination. This $320 million is the largest annual investment in the Great Lakes' health, ecosystem restoration, and water quality, and has already helped combat harmful algal blooms, invasive species, and pollution in the Great Lakes. Funding to Support Ongoing Cleanup at Piketon Plant Brown ensured the final package included more than $400 million in funding for the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Piketon, which will ensure that cleanup continues as planned. Brown fought to ensure that workers at Piketon receive the necessary funding to maintain workforce levels and keep cleanup on pace. Brown has worked with Sen. Portman to keep jobs at the plant and maintain ongoing cleanup efforts in previous spending bills. MoreHERE. Extended Funding for Dayton's National Aviation Heritage Area Includes Brown and Portman's legislation to reauthorize funding for Dayton's National Aviation Heritage Area (NAHA) through September 30, 2022 NAHA spans eight counties throughout western Ohio, with a large presence in Dayton, the home of the Wright Brothers. There are a variety of cultural sites within the NAHA, including the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Park, Armstrong Air and Space Museum, Paul Laurence Dunbar State Memorial, Huffman Prairie Flying Field, and Grimes Flying Field, as well as resources related to the Wright Brothers. Agriculture appropriations Key investments for 1890 Land-Grant Institutions, including: An additional $6 million for research at 1890 Land-Grant institutions, which are historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) that are land grant universities. Brown secured this through an amendment. The funds will go toward research at Centers for Excellence on campuses like Central State University in Wilberforce. Browntook to the Senate floorearlier this year to demand inclusion of this amendment in the Senate bill, which he introduced with Sen. Doug Jones (D-AL). Rural Opioid Addiction Training: Brown helped secure $4 million for Rural Health and Safety Education Programs to combat opioid abuse in rural communities. In addition, the bill includes report language that recommends not less than $1 million for competitive external grants for eligible institutions to support the utilization of telehealth, telemedicine, distance learning, and virtual and augmented reality experiences for opioid education and training in minority rural communities. There is also prioritization language for treatment/recovery services under the Community Facilities loan/grant program at USDA. Brown encouraged this as part of the Farm Bill. Agricultural Research Service (ARS):Brown helped secure $1.4 billion in funding, which is $121 million above the fiscal year 2019 enacted level and $221 million above the President's budget request.As the USDA's in-house agricultural research unit, ARS has major responsibilities for conducting and leading the national agricultural research effort. National Institute of Food and Agriculture:Brown helped secure $962 million for the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, which is $13 million above the fiscal year 2019 enacted level and $93 million above the President's budget request. Included in this increase is $8 million for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network and an increase of $10 million for the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI). The NIFA helps fund extension services and promotes research at The Ohio State University (OSU). Farm Service Agency (FSA):Brown helped secure $1.112 billion for FSA for various farm, conservation, and emergency loan programs important to the nation's farmers and ranchers. This includes $35 million to assist with implementation of the 2018 farm Bill. It also prohibits the closure of FSA county offices and provides resources for information technology (IT) improvements and personnel across county offices. Water and Waste Disposal Programs:Brown helped ensure Water and Waste direct loans are maintained at $1.4 billion, and Water and Waste grants are funded at maintained at $659 million. These programs increase the availability of clean water and sanitary waste disposal systems to small, remote rural communities. Community Facilities Loans and Grants:Brown helped ensure the Community Facilities loan program was funded at just under $3 billion. These loans and grants can be used for any essential community facility, including hospitals, health clinics, schools, public buildings, health and safety vehicles and equipment, etc. Increased Investments in Rural Broadband: Brown helped secure $555 million for the ReConnect Program, a USDA pilot program that funds the expansion of broadband internet services into underserved rural areas. USDA will finish announcing awards from its first round of ReConnect funding by December 31st, and will begin accepting applications for its second round on January 31st, 2020. Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): Brown helped ensure the bill provides full funding for the program, which will serve over 6 million mothers and children each month. The funding level also includes $80 million for breastfeeding support services. Interior Department appropriations Lead Testing:Brown helped secure $26 million for lead testing in schools, and $19.511 million for reducing lead in drinking water. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senate-set-to-pass-spending-package-with-key-commerce-justice-and-science-wins-for-ohio-secured-by-brown-,"Senate Set To Pass Spending Package with Key Commerce, Justice and Science Wins for Ohio Secured By Brown",2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Secured Provisions to Support NASA Glenn in Cleveland and Sandusky, Bolster Economic Development Projects, Make Public Safety Improvements, and More Thursday, December 19, 2019 WASHINGTON, DC Today, the Senate is expected to pass a spending package that includes key wins for Ohio that Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) helped secure. Brown helped secure these wins for Ohio in the Commerce, Justice and Science appropriations bill. The package is expected to pass the Senate later today before heading to the President's desk to be signed into law. This bill makes critical investments that our state needs to do everything from bolstering our infrastructure and economic growth, to making investments that improve public safety for Ohioans while also allowing law enforcement officers to better and more safely serve their communities, to supporting our NASA Glenn facilities in Cleveland and Sandusky. These projects and programs help advance our state and help make it a better place to live. The wins for Ohio include: Critical funding for NASA programs in Ohio, including: $1.4 billion forNASA's Orion project. An Orion module is being tested at NASA Glenn's Plum Brook Station in Sandusky. $22.6 billion for NASA, including $784 million for aeronautics research. A portion of that funding will go toNASA's Glenn Research Centerin Cleveland. Key investments for law enforcement programs, including: $335 million for theCommunity Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Program. The COPS program invests in local law enforcement by helping police departments bolster their community policing efforts and hire new officers. The COPS program was designed to advance public safety by addressing the full-time officer needs of state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies. $545 million forByrne JAG, which provides grant funding for local law enforcement agencies to fund various programs including, drug treatment and enforcement programs, crime prevention and education programs, and crime victim and witness programs. The funding is administered through DOJ's Bureau of Justice Assistance. $22.5 million for theBody-Worn Camera Partnership Program. Body cameras have been found to reduce the use of force by officers by as much as 60 percent, reduce citizen complaints by as much as 88 percent, assist in resolving complaints against the police, and reduce the likelihood of false complaints against the police. $22.7 million for DOJ Office of Justice Program (OJP) Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program. Brown led bipartisan efforts to secure funding for the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program, a program through the Department of Justice's (DOJ) Office of Justice Programs (OJP) that provides funding for local and state law enforcement to acquire bulletproof vests for officers. In April, Brown led a letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee asking for full funding for the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program. Census Funding: $7.558 billion for the Census Bureau, including $6.696 billion for the decennial census. Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program funding:Brown secured $146 million for this program, is a public-private partnership consisting of MEP centers throughout all 50 states. Brown has been a strong supporter of the MEP, which provides approximately $5 million a year to Ohio's seven MEP centers. These centers help small and medium-sized manufacturers increase sales and achieve cost-savings. Second Chance Act grant funding:Senator Brown secured $90 million for this program enacted in 2008. The Second Chance Act has provided funding for programs that have proven to reduce recidivism, help former inmates reintegrate successfully into society, and save prison costs for states. In 2011, as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Brown fought to reinstate funding for the Second Chance Act after it had been eliminated earlier in the federal appropriations process. This year, Brown applauded the Senate passage of the First Step Act, which includedprovisionsfrom Brown's 2008 Second Chance Act. Violence Against Women Act (VAWA):Brown helped secure $500 million for VAWA. This vital program saves lives and provides substantial benefits to those who are victims of abuse and children who witness instances of abuse against family members. The programs is critical for effective community responses to domestic violence and sexual assault. VAWA Transitional Housing program: Brown helped secure $36.5 million to assist domestic violence victims obtain a safe place to rebuild their lives. Office of Justice DNA Initiative:Brown helped secure $136 million to fund the DNA initiative. This program assists states and local governments with the timely DNA processing of victims of crime and the DNA of criminal offenders. Brown introduced bipartisan legislation with Sen. Portman last year, theJustice Served Act of 2018, which would provide funds to prosecute the rape kit backlog and justice for victims of heinous crimes like sexual assault by resolving cold cases and exonerating those wrongfully convicted of crimes they did not commit. DOJ Community Teams to Reduce Sexual Assault Kit Backlogs:Brown helped secure $48 million that would support the creation of a coordinated community response, with a victim-based approach, to high numbers of submitted Sexual Assault Kits in the future. DOJ Sexual Assault Services Program (SASP):Brown helped to secure $35.5 million in funds that support adult and child victims secure counseling, medical and legal counseling and other forms of support for victims in underserved communities. National Institute of Justice Human Trafficking Initiatives:Brown helped secure $37 million that would fund expanded research into human trafficking victims and perpetrators. Brown has long been an advocate on this issue and reintroduced bipartisan legislation this year to crack down on addiction-driven human trafficking. HisProtecting Rights of Those Exploited by Coercive Trafficking (PROTECT) Actwould specifically address the use of drugs to facilitate human trafficking and protect vulnerable victims of trafficking. The John R. Justice Act prosecutor and defender loan repayment program:Brown helped secure $2 million for the creation of a student loan program for attorneys who serve as state or local criminal prosecutors or public defenders for at least 3 years. The program would help bolster the ranks of attorneys in the criminal justice system. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senate-set-to-pass-spending-package-with-key-ohio-tax-wins-secured-by-brown,Senate Set To Pass Spending Package with Key Ohio Tax Wins Secured By Brown,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Secured Provisions to Help Individuals Experiencing Lapses in Health Insurance, Low-Income Communities, Craft Brewing Industry, Churches Negatively Impacted by Trump's Tax Bill, and More Thursday, December 19, 2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, the Senate is expected to pass a spending package that includes key tax wins for Ohio that Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) helped secure. The spending package passed the House earlier this week and is expected to pass the Senate later today. It will then head to the President's desk to be signed into law. Brown also said there is still more work to be done to fix the tax code in a way that puts working families first. Brown vowed to continue fighting to secure an expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Child Tax Credit, which are two of the most effective tools we have to put money in the pockets of working people and pull children out of poverty. Putting hardworking Ohio families first is my top priority, said Brown. This spending bill includes several tax wins that will help put more money in the pockets of working Americans and help our communities continue to grow. I'm glad to see these important initiatives receive broad bipartisan support. I urge the President to sign them into law quickly. Brown continued, At the same time, families are working harder than ever but have less and less to show for it. Congress must do more to help put money back in the pockets of working families and help pull children out of poverty and that means expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Child Tax Credit. I will never stop fighting to expand these vital programs and set children up for future success. Brown secured tax wins for Ohioans in this year-end spending bill, including: Extension of Health Coverage Tax Credit Sen. Brown worked with Sen. Portman (R-OH) to include a short-term extension of the Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC) through the end of 2020. This credit helps subsidize the cost of continued coverage for retirees and other individuals who lost their health care coverage in addition to their pensions and other benefits when their employers either entered into bankruptcy or laid off workers due to foreign trade. Earlier this year, Portman and Brown introduced bipartisan legislation that would extend for five years the Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC). The HCTC is critical for many hardworking Ohioans, including as many as 5,000 Delphi salaried retirees in Dayton, the Mahoning Valley, and Sandusky. In addition, a few hundred workers from the Lordstown General Motors plant have applied for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) and would benefit from the HCTC as well. Elimination of the Tax on Fringe Benefits for Charities, Places of Worship and Nonprofits Brown worked with Reps. James E. Clyburn (SC-06), Thomas Suozzi (NY-03), and Representative Steven Horsford (NV-04) to secure the inclusion of a tax fix in the Appropriations bill that would eliminate the tax on fringe benefits for charities, places of worship, and other nonprofit organizations. Last Congress, the Republican-passed Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 raised nearly $1.7 billion from places of worship and other nonprofits by applying the 21% unrelated business income tax to the value of certain so-called fringe benefits, such as parking and transit, provided to their employees. This tax would cost charities and places of worship tens of thousands of dollars each. Earlier this year, Brown introduced the Stop the Tax Hike on Charities and Places of Worship Act, which aimed to repeal the provision. Reps. Clyburn, Horsford, and Suozzi introduced companion legislation in the House. Expansion of New Markets Tax Credits Brown fought to secure an extension of the New Markets Tax Credit, which was set to expire at the end of this year. The one year extension includes a higher allocation for the program: $5 billion, up from $3.5 billion last year. The NMTC Program was established in 2000 with the goal of spurring revitalization by providing tax credit incentives to Community Development Entities (CDE) so they can invest in low-income communities. Under the program, CDEs apply to the U.S. Treasury Department for the authority to raise a certain amount of capital from investors. Awardees are then given a tax credit that equals a percentage of their investment output over the span of seven years. Since its inception, Ohio has seen billions of dollars in investment through the NMTC program. Brown has been a strong supporter of NMTC and helped secure a five-year extension of NMTC in December 2015. Extension of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Program Brown successfully secured the extension of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), which encourages employers to hire individuals who face significant barriers to employment. The program was extended through 2021. The WOTC provides an employer tax credit of between $1,200 and $9,600 per employee for hiring and retaining individuals that are part of certain targeted groups representing populations that have a difficult time finding work, or are often out of the labor force altogether. The credit amount is based on the qualified wages paid to those employees within the targeted groups. These targeted groups include: veterans, long-term unemployed, ex-felons, the disabled, summer youth employees, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and Supplemental Security Income recipients. Brown has fought to make the WOTC program permanent and will continue to fight for permanence. Funding for Black Lung Disability Trust Fund Brown secured higher funding levels for the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund, which helps coal miners who have been deemed disabled due to black lung disease. The excise tax on coal that supports the trust fund was allowed to revert to lower levels at the beginning of 2019, which would result in lower resources in the fund over time. Brown fought to restore the excise tax to its previous level, helping to ensure that disabled coal miners have the support they need from the fund. Lower Taxes on Craft Beverages Brown is a cosponsor of the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act of 2019, and helped secure a one-year extension of the current tax rates on beer, wine, and distilled spirits. Without this extension, Ohio's local breweries could have seen their taxes double in January. Ohio's 298 breweries help to employ nearly 6,000 people and since the first passage of these tax rates two years ago, a majority of those breweries have hired new employees, purchased new equipment, and upgraded their facilities. Increase in Grant Funding for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program Finally, Brown secured a $7 million increase to the VITA program. Brown secured $25 million in grant funding for FY2020, up from the $18 million previously secured. The VITA program provides support to free tax preparation sites that help individuals and families file their income tax returns. During the 2019 income tax filing season, VITA programs nationwide filed more than 1.5 million federal income tax returns, including more than 419,000 returns for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). This helped Americans claim approximately $1.8 billion they'd earned over the tax year. VITA sites aren't just a lifeline for those who cannot afford a paid tax preparer they also have a strong record for accuracy and help reduce IRS administrative costs. According to the IRS, returns claiming the EITC prepared by VITA preparers are 98 percent accurate the best of any in the tax preparation industry. VITA sites are also more likely to file electronically, helping to save taxpayers money in the process. Brown has long fought to secure funding and support for the VITA program. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senate-set-to-pass-spending-package-with-priorities-for-veterans-and-servicemembers-that-brown-secured_-,Senate Set To Pass Spending Package with Priorities for Veterans and Servicemembers That Brown Secured,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Secured Provisions for Ohio Military Installations, Language to help Reduce Veteran Debt, Requirements for Trump Administration to Act on Agent Orange Thursday, December 19, 2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, the Senate is expected to pass a spending package that includes wins for Ohio's servicemembers and veterans that Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) helped secure. The spending package passed the House earlier this week and is expected to pass the Senate later today. It will then head to the President's desk to be signed into law. Previously, Brown helped secure many of these wins in the House-Senate NDAA conference report. The funding that these bills provide will help the servicemembers and veterans who have dedicated their lives to our country, Brown said.These bills provide funding for the critical work being done at JSMC and Wright-Patt who work to keep our troops safe overseas and strengthen our national security as well as language to hold VA accountable and take action to improve the lives of veterans who have given so much for our country. The bill includes: Lima's Joint Systems Manufacturing Center (JSMC) $513.8 million to continue Stryker vehicle upgrades More than $1.74 billion for upgrades to the Abrams Tanks Wright-Patterson Air Force Base $1.62 billion to support critical research and development programs run out of Wright-Patt's Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) $120.9 million to support military construction of Wright-Patt's new National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC) $35.7 million to support improvements and rehabilitation efforts for Wright-Patt's historic Brick Quarters Housing District Veteran Debt Fairness provisions Brown secured language in the appropriations bill that builds on his earlier work to help reduce overpayment errors by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), thereby reducing veteran debt to the Department. Agent Orange provisions Brown was able to secure language in the bill to require the VA and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to issue a report within 30 days outlining any delays in making a determination on adding conditions to the list of service-connected presumptive illnesses. Lima JSMC Brown has long fought to ensure Lima's JSMC has the funding it needs to support its missions involving the Stryker vehicles and Abrams Tank. In May, Brown toured the JSMC after leading efforts to secure investments for JSMC and fighting for its workers. In 2018, Brown worked to secure more than $1.79 billion to protect critical manufacturing jobs at Lima's JSMC in the FY 2019 defense appropriations bill. In March 2017, Brown met with U.S. Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis to highlight the importance of continued funding for the Abrams Tank and the Stryker Vehicle. In May 2017, Brown wrote to his Senate Armed Services and Appropriations Committee colleagues to support inclusion of the Abrams Tank and Stryker Vehicle in both the NDAA and the Defense Appropriations bill. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base AFRL Funding The bill would authorize more than $1.62 billion for research and development programs run out of the Air Force Research Lab's (AFRL) Materials, Human Effectiveness, Propulsion, Aerospace Systems, Sensors and Manufacturing Directorates at Wright-Patt. This funding is critical to addressing emerging threats and strategic challenges that our men and women in uniform face. NASIC Military Construction Funding This bill would also appropriate $120.9 million to support military construction efforts for Wright-Patt's National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC). Last year, Brown was able to help secure more funding for NASIC construction than ever before, when the NDAA authorized $182 million for phase one and two of NASIC's expansion. The project received an appropriation authorization of $61 million for Fiscal Year 2019 to begin construction. In 2018, Brown wrote to then-DOD Secretary Jim Mattis calling for an investment at NASIC, along with other Ohio priorities. In 2017, Brown spoke to Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson about investing in construction needs at the base. Prior to that, in 2017, Brown as co-chair of the Senate Air Force Caucus brought his Republican caucus co-chair John Boozman (R-AR), Armed Services Committee Members Jack Reed (D-RI), Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) to visit Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and tour the facility. Together, Brown and Portman highlighted critical research and development work done at the base in support of the Air Force and national security. Brown also met with Sec. Mattis in 2017 to outline Ohio military priorities. During the meeting, Brown invited Mattis to visit Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the Air National Guard 178th Wing in Springfield. Historic Brick Quarters Housing District at Wright-Patt The bill also appropriate $35.7 million to support improvements efforts for 29 of Wright-Patt's historic Brick Quarters Housing District units. This housing on the Wright-Patt campus is in need of rehabilitation to meet current safety standards and this funding will ensure the buildings are updated to best support those living in the historic homes on the base. The Brick Officer housing was built in 1930s and was designed in the Tudor Revival style. Veteran Debt Fairness provision Brown was also able to secure language in the appropriations bill that builds on his earlier work to help reduce overpayment errors by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), thereby reducing veteran debt to the Department. This legislation would require VA to submit a plan and timeline to Congress to track the cause of veteran debt. VA currently does not have a way to track individual veteran debt. The legislation also states that a delay or mistake by VA or a VA employee is considered a Department error for the purposes of tracking debt. In March, Brown introduced the Veterans Debt Fairness Act to reduce overpayment errors and require VA to hold itself, and not veterans, accountable for its mistakes. Brown's amendment is based on his bill and represents a first step toward full implementation. Annually, VA sends as many as 200,000 overpayment notices totaling thousands of dollars to veterans and their families, sending them into crippling debt and withholding future benefits payments until the debt is paid. These overpayments are often a result of VA's own accounting errors, but VA puts veterans and their families on the hook for repaying the debt. VA benefit overpayment notices have been steadily increasing, sometimes for a payment period dating back as far as five years. Many of these debt overpayments are at no fault of the veteran or their dependents, but rather VA accounting errors and record mismanagement. Currently, VA can send out debt repayment notices to veterans requesting the full amount due within 30 days while freezing all benefit payments until the debt is repaid. Agent Orange provision Finally, Brown was able to secure language in the appropriations bill that would require the VA and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to issue a report within 30 days outlining any delays in making a determination on adding conditions to the list of service-connected presumptive illnesses. They will also need to include the estimate of adding to the list, and the date the Secretary anticipates promulgating new regulations associated with adding to that list. Brown has been leading his colleagues in urging the President to take action on behalf of thousands of Vietnam veterans across the country living with chronic health conditions, by expanding the VA's list of medical conditions associated with exposure to Agent Orange to include Parkinsonism, Bladder Cancer, Hypertension, and Hypothyroidism. Republicans rejected Brown's most recent measure. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/news-articles/here-s-how-ohioans-in-congress-justified-their-historic-impeachment-vote,Heres how Ohioans in Congress justified their historic impeachment vote,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Joyce Beatty,B001281,beatty.house.gov,,,legacy,"As U.S. presidential history was made Wednesday, Ohio again played a prominent role. One member of the congressional delegation helped lead the defense of President Donald Trump and another forcefully argued that Trump had sold out the country to Russia. Republican firebrand Jim Jordan of Urbana has been doing heavy duty for his party throughout the process, arguing furiously that the case is a sham in impeachment hearings. On the House floor Wednesday, Jordan said Trump has been driving these guys crazy because he's getting things done, and listed administration achievements. But guess what, when you drain the swamp, the swamp bites back. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Toledo, is co-chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus. During Wednesday's debate, Kaptur said, The closeted villain sits in Moscow and the Kremlin, noting that Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine in 2014. Kaptur also noted that Russia meddled in the 2016 election on Trump's behalf and is trying to do so again in 2020. Rather than standing up to Putin, President Trump and his cronies aided Putin. Numerous administration officials testified to their direct knowledge of events that the impeachment articles are based on, but Rep. Troy Balderson, R-Zanesville, told The Dispatch that he would need to see more direct evidence to impeach. When asked whether he wanted to hear from administration officials who would have it, Balderson said Democrats had their chance. Here's what other members of the Ohio delegation said: Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-Columbus: The evidence is crystal clear that President Trump welcomed foreign interference in the 2020 election, abused the power of the presidency and tried to cover it all up. Rep. Steve Stivers, R-Columbus: I did not see conclusive evidence that the president has committed a crime, and this has not reached the high bar that I hold for impeachment. Rep. Warren Davidson, R-Troy, called the impeachment disgraceful. He said he hadn't seen proof that the president committed high crimes and misdemeanors. Rep. Steve Chabot, R-Cincinnati, accused Democrats of trying to designate nearly any disagreement with the president, from now on, an impeachable offense, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported. Today House Democrats are pursuing a wacky constitutional theory under which all four presidents on Mount Rushmore could have been impeached. Rep. Brad Wenstrup, R-Cincinnati, cited Democrats' superior imaginations and accused them of obsession disguised as self-righteous oversight. Rep. Bob Gibbs, R-Lakeville, cited testimony by Ambassador Gordon Sondland that he presumed the (military) aid (to Ukraine) was held up. Presumed? Gibbs said, incredulously. Everybody, including George Washington, could be impeached on these articles. Rep. Bob Latta, R-Bowling Green, said it was a sad day for our country one that our forefathers warned us against. He accused Democrats of putting political games over the public interest. Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Niles, said, There is overwhelming evidence that the president used his public office and taxpayer money for personal and political gain. His actions threaten our free and fair elections, our national security and our democracy. Rep. Bill Johnson, R-Marietta, said, I want to use my time to call on this chamber for members to rise and observe a moment of silent reflection, to give every member here the chance to pause for a moment and remember the voices of the 63 million American voters the Democrats today are wanting to silence. He then stood silently for a while. Rep. Dave Joyce, R-Mentor, wrote Tuesday that the process has operated on a rushed, artificial timeline set by Speaker (Nancy) Pelosi where due process was neglected, the majority of the testimony provided was secondhand, partisan presumptions were presented as facts and proof of impeachable acts was not articulated. The Columbus Dispatch originally published this article on December 18, 2019.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-beatty-to-vote-for-impeachment,Congresswoman Beatty to Vote for Impeachment,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Joyce Beatty,B001281,beatty.house.gov,beatty,https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) issued the following statement in advance of a vote by the U.S. House of Representatives to impeach President Donald J. Trump: ""We are a nation of laws, based on the principle that no one is above the law, but this president believes he can do anything he wants. As the record shows and the irrefutable testimonies by Trump Administration officials make crystal clear, President Trump welcomed foreign interference in the 2020 Election, abused the power of the presidency, and tried to cover it all up. I took an oath to support and defend the Constitution, as did the president. Unfortunately, he broke that sacred oath, but l will not. President Trump must be held accountable and removed from office—or I fear his actions will become even more reckless, dangerous, and lawless."" # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-beatty-votes-for-the-people-and-to-keep-government-open,Congresswoman Beatty Votes “For the People” and to Keep Government Open,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Joyce Beatty,B001281,beatty.house.gov,beatty,https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed two pieces of legislation, H.R. 1158 and H.R. 1865, to fund federal government agencies and related services for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2020. U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) voted in support of both measures, issuing the following statement after the vote. ""I voted for the government funding bills because they provide desperately-needed money for some of our nation's most critical programs and services that touch the lives of individuals and families everywhere, including early childhood through post-secondary education, affordable housing, job training, Social Security, nutrition for newborns, seniors, and working families, and—for the first time in over two decades—gun violence prevention research. In addition, this agreement helps veterans, gives a pay raise to our brave servicemembers, supports safety enhancements at places of worship, and funds the Census, ensuring everyone is counted and that the Central Ohio community receives proper funding for things like anti-poverty programs, highway and road maintenance, and community health initiatives. No bill is perfect, but as a whole this legislative package is good for veterans, seniors, students, the Armed Forces, the middle-class, and hardworking families. I stand with the people of Ohio's Third Congressional District today and every day."" Of note, included in the funding agreements was a provision authored by Beatty requiring the U.S. Department of Treasury to include in its reporting an analysis of the costs and availability of terrorism insurance for places of worship. This provision will help lawmakers determine the level of federal funding for grants that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) gives out to nonprofits, under the DHS Nonprofit Security Grant Program, to help offset the costs of target-hardening and other security enhancements. H.R. 1158 and H.R. 1865 Funding Highlights $550 million increase for Head Start, $550 million increase for the Child Care and Development Block Grant, and a $25 million increase for Preschool Development Grants. $450 million increase for Title I Grants to local educational agencies, $400 million more for Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) State Grants, $163 million increase for higher education programs, $42 million increase for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) as well as $93 million more for minority-serving institutions, and a $150 increase to the Pell Grant max award (new maximum award is $6,345). $98 million for the Reintegration of Ex-Offenders Program ($3 million increase), $40 million for a new grant program for community colleges to train people for in-demand jobs, almost $30 million more for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act State Grants, a $25 million increase for Job Corps, and a $15 million increase for registered apprenticeships. Fully funds the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) at $6 billion, increases funding for child nutrition programs by $474 million, and—for the first time ever—Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) reserve funds are available for three full years. Provides a 3.1 percent pay raise for members of the military and government civilian employees. # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://fudge.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=2123,Rep. Fudge Statement on House Vote to Impeach the President,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Marcia Fudge,F000455,fudge.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Rep. Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed two articles of impeachment against the President of the United States: As a Member of Congress, I swore before God and country to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. With that oath in mind, today I voted to impeach the President based on the evidence of his abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. The corroborated, undisputed facts on the record show the President ignored national security and other vital national interests for an improper personal political benefit when he enlisted a foreign power to corrupt our democratic elections. The official and public records clearly lay out the President's numerous defiant attempts and overt actions to obstruct Congress' investigation into his abuses of power. The President betrayed the public interest, undermined our national security, attempted to corrupt our free and fair elections the cornerstone of American democracy and refused to comply with constitutionally mandated Congressional oversight. These acts of betrayal cannot stand. I proudly stood with my colleagues and defended our Constitution today. No one, not even the President of the United States, is above the law. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-upholds-oath-office-votes-articles-impeachment,"Kaptur Upholds Oath of Office, Votes For Articles of Impeachment",2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Marcy Kaptur,K000009,kaptur.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), released the following statement after she voted to support Articles of Impeachment against President Donald Trump: Members of Congress swear a solemn oath to protect and defend our Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic. Today, we fulfilled our Oath, said Rep. Kaptur. No person runs for Congress with the desire to impeach a President I certainly did not. For the sake of our democracy, we pray impeachment is never necessary. But like so many patriotic Americans in Northern Ohio and communities across the country, I am deeply concerned by President Trump's systematic betrayal of our values and national security in favor of our adversary Vladimir Putin. Putin has sought to sow disarray and destabilize our democracy and the NATO Alliance. He has coordinated murders, election hacking, propaganda, and the entrapment of willing fools who would put their own self-interests over liberty President Trump among them. At Putin's direction, Russia illegally invaded Ukraine in 2014. As Ukrainians defend Europe's eastern flank, 14,000 have already died at Putin's hand with over 2 million more displaced. At home and abroad, President Trump has failed to defend our Constitution or be a champion for liberty. Rather than stand up to Putin, President Trump has aided him first in hastening Russian interference in our 2016 election, and more recently, by withholding vital military aid from Ukraine to extort their interference in our 2020 election for his personal gain. President Trump is guilty of abusing his power and strengthening America's adversaries. He has repeatedly obstructed Congress in his failure to comply with lawful subpoenas. His actions have subverted U.S. national interests and emboldened Putin. I would like my constituents to know that a vote for impeachment is not one that has been whipped up by Democratic leadership from its start, it has been driven by the public. Our office has fielded hundreds of calls from citizens urging impeachment. It has taken the strong moral courage of whistleblowers, public servants, veterans, and legislators to bring us to this solemn moment in our nation's history, but first and foremost it was the president's own actions that started us down this unfortunate path. No one is above the law, not even the president. Donald Trump is a threat to our republic and should be removed from office without delay. In defense of our democracy, I have voted to impeach President Donald Trump. Onward Liberty. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-secures-groundbreaking-provisions-for-workers-in-nafta-update,Brown Secures Groundbreaking Provisions for Workers in NAFTA Update,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Announced Support for Trade Agreement after Securing Brown-Wyden Labor Provisions Wednesday, December 18, 2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) hosted a news conference call after he improved President Trump's proposed NAFTA update and secured important, worker-empowering provisions. Brown, acknowledging this is not a perfect deal, announced his support for the trade agreement on Friday after he worked with Sen. Wyden, Speaker Pelosi and the labor movement to get a better deal for American workers. It took us months of fighting alongside Speaker Pelosi, Senator Wyden, and unions to improve this deal, and secure our Brown-Wyden provision that amounts to the strongest-ever labor enforcement in a U.S. trade deal, said Brown. When we lift up workers in Mexico, we lift up American workers if corporations are forced to pay workers a living wage and treat them with dignity, no matter where those workers are located, then we take away the incentive for them to move jobs abroad. That's what the Brown-Wyden provision does. This deal isn't going to stop outsourcing, when we have President Trump's tax plan that gives companies a tax break to send American jobs to Mexico, Brown continued. I'm going to keep fighting President Trump's corporate trade policies and tax policies, just like we did with this agreement. Democrats set an important precedent here we have to make sure our Brown-Wyden worker protection provision is in every trade agreement going forward. The Brown-Wyden Provisions that Brown helped secure will benefit workers by including the first-ever overhaul of labor enforcement standards in a trade agreement since the U.S. started negotiating trade deals. The new agreement will allow workers in Mexico to report when a company is violating their rights and seeing action within months if it's determined that workers' rights have been violated and apply punitive damages when corporations stop workers from organizing and stopping goods from coming into the U.S. if these anti-worker tactics continue. Brown was joined on the call today by Ohio AFL-CIO President Tim Burga to talk about the importance of Brown-Wyden provisions in the USMCA to Ohio workers and families. Thanks to Senator Brown, someone who has spent his congressional career understanding how international trade works and speaking up and fighting to include workers' rights, we now have a trade deal in USMCA that we can support. We were only able to get this deal across the finish line and get to yes because organized Labor and leaders like Senator Brown said no deal, however good the text may be, unless the labor provisions are clearly written and enforceable, said Brown. Labor organizations have thanked Sens. Brown and Wyden for their efforts to secure these labor enforcement provisions in the deal. AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka thanked Wyden and Brown for standing strong with us throughout this process as we demanded a truly enforceable agreement. United Steelworkers (USW) Union President Tom Conway praised the deal: [t]he updated draft agreement now has enforcement provisions [for worker's rights] that can help make a difference. There is still a great deal of work to do in terms of implementing, monitoring and enforcing the provisions, but the base for progress is there. USW also recognized Brown and Wyden for their efforts and refusal to back down in the face of massive special interest lobbying, alongside other Democratic congressional leaders in negotiating updates to NAFTA. United Autoworkers acknowledged Wyden and Brown's tireless work alongside their Democratic colleagues who fought to strengthen its labor standards and enforcement provisions. The Bakery, Confectionary, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM) also praised the work of Brown and Wyden, along with House Democratic leaders, as champions for American workers who stood strong throughout this long process. The Communications Workers of America (CWA) commended Wyden and Brown on their persistence and leadership which ensured new provisions [in the agreement that] allow for inspections of workplaces suspected of worker rights violations. Brown led the charge in the House of Representatives against NAFTA, forecasting the harm it would have on American workers and families. This will be the first trade deal that Brown will vote for. Brown will continue pushing for trade and economic policies that value workers over corporations. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-statement-on-the-impeachment-of-president-donald-trump,Brown Statement on the Impeachment of President Donald Trump,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Wednesday, December 18, 2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump -- abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. The articles of impeachment will now go to the Senate for a Senate trial. This is a solemn day for our country and an important one for the future of our democracy. We are following the process laid out by the founders in the Constitution, and every Senator owes it to the American people to be an impartial juror focused on the facts. I will listen to the evidence and weigh the facts of the case before coming to any decision. I urge my colleagues, of both parties, to do the same. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/news-articles/how-your-us-representative-voted-on-impeachment,How your U.S. representative voted on impeachment,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Joyce Beatty,B001281,beatty.house.gov,,,legacy,"COLUMBUS The U.S. House of Representatives voted Wednesday to impeach President Donald Trump on two charges:abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. And no surprises here: Ohio's U.S. representatives voted along party lines. District 1 - Rep. Steve Chabot (R) - Nay to both.The Cincinnati-area Republican told The Atlantic last week he's unconvinced by the case against Trump. He also tweeted: ""By pushing ahead with their impeachment craze without any semblance of fairness or due process, Democrats prove their objective is to undo the results of the 2016 election."" He also said during a hearing the bar for impeachment is being lowered. District 2 - Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R) - Nay to both.The southwest Ohio Republican tweeted on Dec. 10: ""The facts presented in the Intelligence and Judiciary Committee hearings do not amount to an impeachable offense."" The congressman also said, ""Unfortunately, this purely political process establishes a sad precedent for our nation."" District 3 - Rep. Joyce Beatty (D) - Yea to both.The Columbus-area Democrat said she fully intends on holding President Trump ""accountable for his actions."" She recently said it's ""crystal clear"" the president tried to bribe a foreign country for a political favor, abused the power of the office and ""attempted to cover it all up and got caught."" District 4 - Rep. Jim Jordan (R) - Nay to both.The central Ohio Republican is one of President Trump's biggest supporters. As recently as Tuesday, the congressman tweeted: ""The media attacks Republican senators for defending the President. But nearly all of the Dem senators running for President called for impeachment before the Ukraine phone call even happened! Americans are so sick of the double standard."" District 5 - Rep. Robert Latta (R) - Nay to bothThe northwest Ohio Republican does not have any apparent Twitter account, but he called the impeachment inquiry ""a sham process"" when he voted against a resolution. That was on Facebook in October. He criticized the ""closed-door"" approach to the inquiry. District 6 - Rep. Bill Johnson (R) - Nay to both.The eastern Ohio Republican tweeted: ""Democrats are pretending to be 'solemn' or 'sad' about their vote today. They aren't sad at all - their minds were set long ago. It's nothing more than a political hit job."" District 7 - Rep. Bob Gibbs (R) - Nay to both.The eastern Ohio Republican tweeted on Dec. 12: ""This impeachment is not just ridiculous on the merits, the very process Chairman Nadler & Speaker Pelosi are running is a sham."" District 8 - Rep. Warren Davidson (R) - Nay to both.The western Ohio Republican tweeted a criticism of Democrats on Dec. 11, saying: ""The facts they promised are not there, just like their Russia narrative."" He called watching the move to impeach ""painful."" District 9 - Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D) - Yea to both.The northern Ohio Democrat said on Twitter: ""The final report, written by the House Intelligence Committee, concluded that President Trump deliberately subverted American national security and abused his power to advance his own political self-interest."" District 10 - Rep. Michael Turner (R) - Nay to both.The Dayton-area Republican had a well-publicized exchange during the impeachment inquiry when he asked Gordon Sondland, ""No one on this planet told you that the president was trying to aid investigators, yes or no?"" The diplomat responded: ""Yes."" District 11 - Rep. Marcia Fudge (D) - Yea to both.The northeast Ohio Democrat recently retweeted a message from an account called ""House Judiciary Dems,"" which included the message: ""President Trump's actions were exactly what America's founders were concerned about. No one is above the law. Not even the President."" District 12 - Rep. Troy Balderson (R) - Nay to both.The central Ohio Republican has retweeted Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who has publicly said he will support the White House during a Senate trial. One tweet appeared to complain about a so-called ""Impeachment Effect"" which was blocking important economic development. District 13 - Rep. Tim Ryan (D) - Yea to both.The Youngstown-area Democrat, who made national headlines when he made a bid to run against President Trump in the 2020 election, tweeted on Dec. 10: ""The President used his public office and taxpayer money for personal and political gain. That is wrong, and he must be held accountable. We cannot have a President that is above the law."" District 14 - Rep. David Joyce (R) - Nay to both.The northeast Ohio Republican wrote in a press release in October: ""While Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats continue to focus on this partisan proceeding to undermine the President rather than on working across party lines to deliver results for Americans, I will continue to focus on the issues that matter to Ohio families like combating the opioid epidemic, restoring the Great Lakes, expanding jobs and opportunity, lifting wages and ensuring our veterans get the health care they deserve."" District 15 - Rep. Steve Stivers (R) - Nay to both.The central Ohio Republican wrote in a press release in October: ""The American people deserve a fair and transparent process, but today's resolution continues this purely political exercise."" District 16 - Rep. Anthony Gonzalez (R) - Nay to both.The northern Ohio Republican tweeted on Dec. 10 he was against impeachment. He also wrote on Facebook in October: ""Simply put, I refuse to support an impeachment inquiry that robs the President and House Republicans of due process and is conducted solely at the discretion of the Democratic majority."" Republicans are already working on how to conduct a Senate trial, which Majority Leader McConnell would like to end in a quick acquittal with few fireworks. 10TV originally published this article on December 17, 2019.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://fudge.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=2122,Rep. Fudge Statement on Declining Employee Morale at USDA,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Marcia Fudge,F000455,fudge.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Rep. Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11), Chair of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Nutrition, Oversight, and Department Operations, issued the following statement in response to an Office of Personnel Management survey that shows a decline in employee engagement at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. I am not surprised USDA experienced the largest decline in employee morale last year and continues to rank almost lowest in employee engagement among all large federal agencies. Clearly, its misguided decisions are taking a toll on dedicated civil servants. I find it deeply troubling USDA's Office of Civil Rights ranks as the lowest agency subcomponent in employee belief in management's ability to promote and respect diversity. My serious concerns about the failure of Deputy Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Naomi Earp to fulfill her duty to protect USDA employees from racial and gender discrimination are further validated. Additionally, the drastic drop in morale and significant staff turnover at Economic Research Service and National Institute of Food and Agriculture are clear reactions to Department decisions to uproot employees and move them to the Midwest. The low morale will surely impact research critical to farmers and policymakers. The mission of USDA is to provide leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, nutrition, and related issues based on sound public policy, the best available science, and efficient management.' Continued declines in morale across USDA threaten permanent damage to employee development and retention, further distancing the Department from its stated mission. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-announces-wins-northern-ohio-bipartisan-appropriations-agreement,Kaptur Announces Wins for Northern Ohio in Bipartisan Appropriations Agreement,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Marcy Kaptur,K000009,kaptur.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, released the following statement after the House passed two legislative packages that together comprise all 12 fiscal year 2020 funding bills H.R. 1865, domestic priorities and international assistance appropriations minibus, and H.R. 1158, national security appropriations minibus. Included among the 12 was Chairwoman Kaptur's Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies funding bill, legislation which funds the Department of Energy, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Department of the Interior programs, and other related agencies. These bills are the product of bipartisan, bicameral compromise. Together, they raise funding for critical Northern Ohio priorities, including: Historic investments in clean energy research and development and projects to protect the Great Lakes secured by Chairwoman Kaptur A fully funded, fair, and accurate 2020 Census Money for states to secure their elections $25 million for gun violence research Much more Working families across Northern Ohio understand the importance of making investments in our families and in our communities,said Rep. Kaptur.Through bipartisan negotiations and months of work, Democrats have turned back the Trump Administration's proposed dramatic and short-sighted cuts to programs that empower people and improve the lives of hardworking Americans in Northern Ohio and in communities across the United States. I'm pleased to vote in favor of these bipartisan bills that will grow our economy, create jobs, protect our environment, repair our infrastructure, strengthen healthcare, and set Northern Ohio communities up for success. A summary of district specific wins is below. The full text of the bill is here. Protecting Our Great Lakes and Their Cultural Heritage Great Lakes Restoration Initiative $320 million, rejecting President Trump's elimination request Combating Harmful Algal Blooms in Lake Erie $19 million for National Centers for Coastal Oceans Science for harmful algal bloom research Nearly $30 million for Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial seawall investments at Middle Bass Island Great Lakes Fishery $47,060,000, including $1 million for grass carp Great Lakes Icebreaking Capacity $2 million for the Coast Guard to establish a major acquisition program office to enhance icebreaking capacity on the Great Lakes and an additional $2 million for recurring program support Secures strong funding for environmental protection including the highest funding level for the Land and Water Conservation Fund in 15 years Investing in Space Exploration Efforts in Northern Ohio $22.63 billion is provided for NASA, an increase of $1.13 billion above the FY 2019 enacted level which supports jobs in Northern Ohio, including at the NASA Glenn Facility and NASA Plum Brook In addition, the bill provides key investments in Solar Electric Propulsion, the Regional Economic Development Program and Electric Air Flight research. These include human space flight and key research priorities at Glenn Rejects the Senate proposal to eliminate the Communications Service Program, a key priority for Northern Ohio space communications companies. Rep. Kaptur recently announced $33.8 million in federal funding to build a new Aerospace Communications facility at NASA Glenn $20 million to redevelop the Hypersonic Test Facility at NASA Plum Brook Station to advance Department of Defense hypersonic weapons capabilities Protecting Our Elections Secured $425 million for election security grants to protect our elections from foreign attack, which Republicans refused to fund last year Guaranteeing a Fully Funded, Fair, and Accurate 2020 Census $7.6 billion for the Census Bureau, including a strong increase to enable the Bureau to conduct a thorough and accurate 2020 Decennial Census Strengthening the Health and Well-Being of Our Families Permanently repeals health care taxes including the so-called Cadillac Tax Blocks Trump's ACA sabotage nuclear options, by preventing him from ending silver loading and auto re-enrollment Secures record funding for life-saving medical research at the NIH Ensures strong support for initiatives to lower the price of prescription drugs by increasing competition for generics Continues the historic $1.5 billion in funding for state grants to combat the opioid epidemic Lays the groundwork for progress in the spring to end the financially catastrophic practice of surprise billing, lower prescription drug costs and extend robust funding for key health initiatives Strengthening Americans' Economic & Financial Security Gives federal civilian employees and military a 3.1 percent pay raise Protects the pensions of 100,000 coal miners Invests billions in smart job training initiatives Extends the National Flood Insurance Program Secures a long-term reauthorization of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Extends key tax provisions through 2020: encouraging investments in clean energy priorities like wind and energy efficiency, providing relief for families recovering from recent disasters, supporting investments in low-income communities, and protecting families facing high medical costs or the loss of a home to foreclosure Investing in Ohio Transportation $43.885 million for highways and transit in Ohio $225 million for a maritime infrastructure grant program $38 million for the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, including $2 million to promote the Midwest exports Investing in Our Children Strengthens the Families First Prevention Services Act Achieves record funding levels for Head Start, Child Care and Development Block Grants, and Title I schools Extends funding for essential services in thousands of schools serving millions of children in rural communities across 41 states Creating Jobs & Supporting Economic Growth in Northern Ohio Infrastructure $61 billion for infrastructure projects included in Transportation-HUD bill Rural Broadband investing $680 million in expansion of rural broadband service to provide economic development opportunities and improved education and healthcare services National Science Foundation $8.27 billion ($203 million above FY19) for innovation & research on advanced manufacturing, mathematics, cybersecurity, neuroscience, and STEM education Economic Development Administration $333,000,000, including $15 million to assist communities with nuclear power plants to diversify their economic base, and empower these communities to take advantage of the specialized infrastructure surrounding civilian nuclear power plants Fighting Hunger Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) $67 billion in required mandatory spending for SNAP Historic funding for the Office of Urban Agriculture $5 million Gun Violence Research For the first time in more than 20 years, a total of $25 million provided at CDC and NIH for firearm injury & mortality prevention research Combating the Opioid Crisis Provides $1.5 billion for State Opioid Response Grants Caring for Our Veterans Veterans Affairs $216.5 billion in both discretionary and mandatory funding, which is $19.4 billion more than the FY2019 level VA Medical Care $80.2 billion providing for approximately seven million patients to be treated in fiscal year 2020 Mental Health Programs $9.4 billion for mental health programs, a $20 million increase above the budget request Suicide Prevention $221.7 million to combat the growing challenges of PTSD and other veteran mental health challenges, including suicide prevention outreach Opioid Abuse Prevention $402 million for opioid abuse prevention, an increase of $15 million PTSD Research $40 million for the National Center on PTSD Medical and Prosthetic Research $800 million for VA medical and prosthetic research Disability Claims Processing Backlog provides $125 million above the budget request to reduce the disability claims backlog to ensure adequate compensation & care for the more than 450,000 veterans still wading through VA bureaucracy Expanding Access to Housing Community Development Block Grants $3,425,000,000 up $100 million from FY19 Housing for the Elderly $793,000,000, $115 million above FY19, including $90 million for new construction Section 8 tenant-based housing $23,847,050,000, $1.6b more than President's budget $40 million for HUD/VA Supportive Housing for Homeless Veterans. The President's budget request proposed eliminating this program Weatherization $5 million to establish pilot projects to boost HUD and DOE weatherization coordination Lead Hazard Control $290 million for lead hazard control and healthy homes programs Public Housing Capital Fund: $2.9 billion, $94.9 million above FY19 Supporting Research at the University of Toledo and Case Western Reserve University $7 million for the University of Toledo to research and develop thin film photovoltaic solar energy cells materials for the Air Force $5 million for Case Western University to research and develop multi-layer dynamically responsive macromolecular composites for the Army Investing in Civilian-Military Programs $200 million to support the National Guard Youth Challenge Program $35 million for the STARBASE STEM Education Program $30 million for the Reserve and National Guard Innovative Readiness Program Supporting Our Ohio National Guard and Reserve Forces $590.2 million for C-130 procurement and modernization $281.5 million for Air National Guard F-16 Fighter plane active electronically scanned array (AESA) upgrades $100 million for Army National Guard High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) modernization Protecting Our Pets $500,000 to prohibit deadly pentobarbital in pet food ### kaptur.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-statement-after-house-approves-698-million-security-and-foreign,Kaptur Statement After House Approves $698 Million in Security And Foreign Assistance for Ukraine,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Marcy Kaptur,K000009,kaptur.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus and a senior Member on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, released the following statement after the House passed bipartisan, bicameral Appropriations legislation approving $698 million for security and foreign assistance for Ukraine in FY2020, an increase of $2.3 million over FY2019. I applaud the critical security assistance for Ukraine included in today's House-passed Appropriations agreement, said Rep. Kaptur. This support for Ukraine is more important than ever.With this Congressional action, we expect this vital assistance in the amount and timeframe mandated will help that beleaguered nation in its fight to turn back Russian aggression.Every day, brave Ukrainian men and women fight to defend their country's sovereignty and Europe's eastern flank from Russia. As the world reels in astonishment at this Administration's politicization of funding for Ukraine, this new action by a steadfast Congress sends a signal of robust bipartisan support for Ukraine's democratic trajectory, free from Russian aggression. Congress must never allow this Administration, or any Administration, to illegally withhold such assistance again. ### kaptur.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://timryan.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-ryan-announces-ohio-13th-congressional-district-may-receive-half,Congressman Ryan Announces Ohio 13th Congressional District May Receive Half a Billion Dollars in Federal Defense Funding,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Tim Ryan,R000577,timryan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13), a Member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, applauded the passage of the Fiscal Year 2020 Appropriations combined spending packages which contain the Defense and Veterans Affairs funding, among other agencies and departments. The combined bills fund several of Congressman Ryan's priorities which could end up being located in the 13th Congressional District. Ryan fought to receive funding for four new C-130J aircraft for the Air Force Reserve, additive manufacturing research and development, laser research, passive cooling material for military equipment, and other projects. This is a huge win for Northeast Ohio which includes critical investments to protect our servicemembers and veterans, maintain our competitive edge in research and development, and grow local jobs, said Congressman Ryan.I'm proud to have used my position on the House Appropriations Committee to fund projects such as $400 million for four new C-130J airplanes, tens of millions to continue local research and development initiatives, and key investments that will help our veterans. FY2020 Defense Funding Bill Highlights C-130J Aircraft Procurement Procurement of 4 C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, specifically designated for U.S. Air Force Reserve units. The Youngstown Air Reserve Station houses the 910th Airlift Wing, which utilizes older models of C-130 aircraft for its unique aerial spray mission as well as combat support. Additive Manufacturing Research and Development $30 million in research and development funding for large-scale additive manufacturing development, additive manufacturing training programs, and additive manufacturing supply chain development. Youngstown, Ohio is home to America Makes and a burgeoning additive manufacturing business cluster. Exploitation Detection for Flexible Combat Avionics $9 million in funding for developing critical technologies for cyber security and resilience of Air Force avionics and weapon systems. The University of Akron has a robust research and development program in this field. Competitively Awarded Technology Transition $10 million to connect small businesses with military funding opportunities. This is a project already being worked on by the Ohio Federal Research Network as well as BRITE Energy Incubator (formerly Tech Belt Energy Innovation Center) of Warren, Ohio. Cyber Mission Assurance Team (CMAT) Pilot Program and Cross-Training National Guard Cyber Force $2 million to strengthen National Guard Cyber Domestic Mission Assurance Capabilities. Ohio's National Guard is a leader in the cyber domestic mission. High Energy Laser Weapon System for Counter-UAS $10 million in research and development funding for high-energy laser weapon systems to defeat Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). UAS, or drones, have become widely available to both foreign and domestic actors and present an emerging threat. Passive Cooling Material Technology $5 million for materials science research into passive cooling technology. FY2020 Veterans Funding Bill Highlights Veterans Service Organization (VSO) Wellness Pilot Program The bill extends for another two years a program created by Congressman Ryan to make grants to nonprofit Veterans Services Organizations recognized by the Secretary in accordance with section 5902 of title 38, United States Code. These grants will upgrade, through construction and repair, VSO community facilities into health and wellness centers and promote and expand complementary and integrative wellness programs. VetsCorps Pilot Program An average of 20 veterans die from suicide every day. 14 of the approximately 20 veterans who die by suicide daily have not received care through the Department of Veterans Affairs, which shows that existing prevention efforts will fail to reach the majority of those in need. The bill directs the VA to create a $2,500,000 pilot program, carried out over a 2-year period, establishing a VetsCorps. This Corps will be designed to reach veterans wherever they are and provide a personal veteran-to-veteran connection to the VA. Whole Health Expansion The bill provides $10,000,000 to expand on the innovative work that the Office of Patient Centered Care and Cultural Transformation is doing to approach veteran health with an integrative effort, known in the VA system as Whole Health. Posttraumatic Growth Pilot Program The bill encourages the establishment of a pilot program to study the effectiveness and benefits of non-profit posttraumatic growth programs to determine the outcomes of such programs in contrast to traditional models of mental health care, the possible integration of such nonprofit programs into the mental health care programs provided by the Secretary, and the budgetary impacts of such integration. Posttraumatic growth programs show potential to provide suffering servicemembers and veterans with resilience and regained purpose. Adverse Childhood Experiences The bill recognizes that Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) exist within the veteran population at a substantially higher rate than in the general public. These experiences correlate with significant negative health outcomes, including on behavioral, mental and physical health. The bill encourages the Department to track ACEs among veterans and target individualized treatment. Veteran Suicide Prevention Grant Program The bill provides additional $3,000,000 to continue and broaden efforts to coordinate veteran suicide prevention efforts under the PREVENTS Initiative. A primary focus of these efforts is to engender collaboration across public and private sectors to end the national tragedy of suicide, including the use of public-private partnerships. This is a strategy that is vital to address critical mental health issues in our veteran population. The VA established a public-private pilot program in six states and the District of Columbia to address the causes and contributing factors that lead to suicides among our veteran populations. Because firearms were used in nearly 70 percent of all veteran suicide deaths, an important focus of the pilot program includes the safe storage of firearms.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://timryan.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-ryan-secures-millions-federal-funding-electric-vehicles-energy,"Congressman Ryan Secures Millions in Federal Funding for Electric Vehicles, Energy Incubators, and River Restoration",2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Tim Ryan,R000577,timryan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13) today voted in favor of Fiscal Year 2020 Domestic Appropriations Package (H.R. 1865), which contained the Labor-Health and Human Services-Education; Agriculture; Energy and Water Development; Interior-Environment; Legislative Branch; Military Construction-Veterans Affairs; State-Foreign Operations; and Transportation-Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bills. Congressman Ryan has served on the House Appropriations Committee since 2006 and currently serves as Chairman of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee. The domestic spending package passed today will benefit Northeast Ohio and Americans across the country. I am very proud we were able to make investments in energy incubators like BRITE in downtown Warren, restoration of rivers like the Mahoning River, and a loan program for electric vehicles which can be utilized by the new Lordstown Motors, said Congressman Tim Ryan. This bill also strengthens American manufacturing, prioritizes workforce development, funds innovative education programs like Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), increases funding for American farmers and agricultural conservation, increases funding to combat the opioid epidemic, protects our election security, and invests in hyperloop technology that may someday allow travel between Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Chicago in minutes. Click here to watch Rep. Ryan's floor speech on domestic spending bill FY2020 Domestic Funding Bill Highlights $5 million for Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program The funding package rejects President Trump's proposal to eliminate this Department of Energy program that could be utilized by Lordstown Motors. Ryan fought to protect this important program and applauds the $5 million appropriated for it. $5 million for Incubators Supporting energy innovation clusters. These incubators should have the support of state, regional, and local entities. $1.5 million to clear brush and downed trees in rivers for navigation and flood control [Sec 208] This is a significant issue for the Mahoning River and the Trumbull County MetroParks has requested assistance from the Army Corps of Engineers to remove obstructions from the Mahoning River between Newton Falls and the City of Warren. $10 million to fund removal of river dams [Sec 206] These funds can be used to restore natural river flow by removing dams like those in the Mahoning River. $174 million for Battery and Electrification Technologies and $40 million for Electric Drive Research and Development -- of which not less than $7,000,000 is to enable extreme fast charging and advanced battery analytics. $5 million for Hyperloop Technology The Committee provided $5 million to assist the Non-Traditional and Emerging Transportation Technology (NETT) Council in developing and establishing Department-wide processes, solutions, and best practices for identifying and managing non-traditional and emerging transportation technologies and projects, including hyperloop technology. Hyperloop is an emerging transportation concept that has the potential to improve safety, alleviate congestion, shorten commute times, expand mobility for rural and urban communities, and enable a more efficient flow of commercial goods. Strengthens America's infrastructure By providing more than $61 billion for infrastructure investments through dedicated trust funds, which will create jobs and improve safety. This includes $1 Billion for National Infrastructure Investments (BUILD Grants), which are awarded on a competitive basis to state and local governments, transit agencies, port authorities, and metropolitan planning organizations for projects that will have a significant local or regional impact. Kent, Akron, and Youngstown have all received BUILD Grants (formerly known as TIGER Grants). Workforce Development Package includes $2.8 billion for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Grants which prepare our workers for the 21st century . It also includes $175 million for a registered apprenticeships program. Firearm Injury and Mortality Research Package includes $25 million for NIH and CDC to conduct firearm research. This is the first time in over 20 years that the federal government is funding this important research Addiction Prevention & Treatment Package includes increased funding for SAMHSA's Substance Abuse Treatment and Prevention Grant, which provides $3.8 billion for addiction treatment and $206 million for addiction prevention. It also includes $1.5 billion for State Opioid Response Grants. Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) $123 million for a new Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Initiative, which Ryan has championed. Increase for Farm and Conservation Programs and Agriculture Research-- including $74,987,000 for the Soil Surveys Program. Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) Package includes full funding for the FRSAN which provides farmers with affordable stress assistance programs. Farming can be a stressful occupation given the volatility of weather, markets, and disease. Farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers have the highest rate of suicide than the general population. It is vital we fully fund this Farm Bill program to ensure farmers have access to mental health services. Protect and Secure our Election Systems By providing $425 million for election security grants to states. NIH and lifesaving medical research Package includes $41.7 billion investment for the National Institute of Health, which is a $2.6 billion increase over last year. Expands access for rural communities, with more than $640 million to strengthen rural broadband. Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) Package provides $3.4 billion for state and local governments and other eligible entities to carry out community and economic development activities. Provides pathways for affordable health care, better schools, and good-paying jobs With $185 billion for these priorities and record base funding for Title I schools, Head Start, and the Child Care and Development Block Grant.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senate-passes-brown-measure-to-repeal-the-widows-tax-and-help-gold-star-families-receive-their-benefits-,Senate Passes Brown Measure to Repeal the ‘Widow’s Tax’ And Help Gold Star Families Receive Their Benefits,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Brown's Provision Repeals the Widow's Tax that Kept Surviving Military Spouses from Getting the Benefits Their Loved Ones Earned ; Senator's Provision Included in National Defense Authorization Act, Headed to President's Desk to be Signed into Law ; Brown was Joined Ahead of Senate Vote by Kimberly Hazelgrove, Ohio Army Veteran and Advocate, Whose Husband Died in Iraq, and Their Son Brandon Tuesday, December 17, 2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, the Senate passed U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown's (D-OH) measure to repeal the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) and the Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) offset -- also known as the Widow's Tax -- over a three-year period, as part of theNational Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This tax has kept surviving military spouses from getting the benefits their loved ones earned while serving. Brown's provision will specifically help Gold Star families, who have lost a servicemember in the line of duty or service-connected death, to receive the full survivor benefits that they paid for and earned. The measure was first introduced by Sen. Doug Jones (D-AL) and Brown is a cosponsor. The NDAA has passed the House and Senate and now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law. Gold Star families have sacrificed so much for this country and nothing should get in the way of providing them with benefits that they have paid into and earned,said Senator Brown.It is past time for us to do the right thing and repeal the Widow's Tax so they are no longer penalized. Brown was joined today ahead of the Senate vote by Kimberly Hazelgrove, an Ohio Army veteran and advocate, whose husband died in Iraq, and their son Brandon. As a result of the SBP/DIC offset, Kimberly has not be able to receive the survivor benefits her husband earned from service. Retired service members paid premiums out of their retirement pay to get those benefits for their surviving spouse if they died in the line of duty. It's not our benefit. It's our deceased service member's benefit that they earned that the government stripped away. I'm glad Congress is finally making this right for all the surviving military spouses and their families, said Kimberly Hazelgrove. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senate-passes-defense-bill-with-fentanyl-and-north-korea-sanctions-that-brown-secured-,Senate Passes Defense Bill with Fentanyl & North Korea Sanctions That Brown Secured,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Brown's Sanctions would Provide New Tools to Combat Fentanyl Trafficking as Addiction-Related Deaths Continue to Spike in Ohio; North Korea Sanctions, Named for Otto Warmbier, would Pressure North Korea to Relinquish Nuclear Weapons, Curb Human Rights Abuses; Brown also Secured Provision to Prevent Federal Funds from Being Used to Purchase Rail Cars or Buses from China Tuesday, December 17, 2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. The U.S. Senate today passed the final National Defense Authorization Act which included three key priorities secured by U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH). The bill includes new sanctions tools to target foreign opioid traffickers in China, Mexico and other countries. It also includes legislation -- named in honor of Otto Warmbier, an Ohioan who lost his life after being held prisoner by North Korea -- to strengthen and expand current U.S. sanctions on that country. Finally, it includes provisions to prevent federal funds from being used by transit agencies to purchase rail cars or buses manufactured by Chinese state-owned, controlled, or subsidized companies. Brown helped secure these provisions in the House-Senate NDAA conference report, which now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law. Fentanyl Sanctions Brown's bipartisan Fentanyl Sanctions Act was included as an amendment to the NDAA and would give U.S. officials new sanction tools to target foreign opioid traffickers in China, Mexico and other countries. It would also better enable U.S. diplomats and law enforcement officials to maintain pressure on the Chinese government to implement and strictly enforce China's commitment to treat all forms of illicit fentanyl as illegal. Cities throughout Ohio -- including Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Columbus -- have experienced spikes in suspected overdose deaths, and law enforcement officials believe fentanyl is largely to blame. Brown originally introduced this bill with Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH). On average, 14 people will die every day in Ohio due to an opioid overdose, said Brown. The addiction crisis has taken too many lives and caused too much devastation in Ohio. This bill will provide effective new sanctions tools to help combat the flood of illicit fentanyl coming into the U.S. primarily from China and Mexico, and help provide intelligence and funding to keep these dangerous drugs out of Ohio communities. Brown's Fentanyl Sanctions Act would help crack down on illegal fentanyl coming to Ohio by: Requiring imposition of sanctions on foreign drug traffickers, drug manufacturers in China who knowingly provide illicit synthetic opioids to traffickers, individuals or firms operating alone or as part of transnational criminal organizations like those in Mexico who mix fentanyl with other drugs and traffic them into the U.S., and foreign financial institutions and others that knowingly assist such trafficking; Authorizing new funding to the Department of Treasury to implement sanctions to combat the foreign trafficking of opioids; Urging the President to intensify diplomatic efforts with U.S. partners to establish multilateral sanctions and to deploy other multilateral measures against foreign opioid traffickers; Establishing a National Commission on Synthetic Opioid Trafficking to monitor U.S. efforts and report on how more effectively to combat the flow of illicit synthetic opioids from China, Mexico and elsewhere. The fentanyl sanctions follow Brown's successful efforts to enact his INTERDICT Act into law, which provided U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) with additional high-tech screening equipment and lab resources to detect fentanyl before it enters the U.S. North Korea Sanctions Brown also secured his North Korea sanctions provisions in the NDAA, legislation named in honor of Otto Warmbier, an Ohioan who lost his life after being held prisoner by North Korea. The NDAA will include a new version of the bipartisan Otto Warmbier Nuclear Sanctions and Enforcement Act of 2019 to strengthen and expand current U.S. sanctions on North Korea. It's important we send a clear signal that the U.S. is serious about maintaining economic and diplomatic pressure on North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons program, and to stop its continuing human rights abuses like those that took the life of Otto Warmbier, said Brown. I thank Chairman Crapo, and Senators Toomey, Van Hollen and Portman for their leadership on this issue. Brown, Ranking Member on the Banking Committee, led this bill with Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID), Chairman of the committee. Brown worked alongside Sen. Crapo to shepherd this bill through committee. The original version of these sanctions against North Korea were first introduced last Congress and Banking Committee members Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) were lead cosponsors of the bill as well. North Korea's actions have drawn international condemnation. A North Korea armed with nuclear weapons presents a major threat to several of its Asian neighbors, and to U.S. national security. Specifically, the Otto Warmbier Nuclear Sanctions and Enforcement Act of 2019 would: Strengthen and expand U.S. sanctions on North Korea and its financial facilitators and supporters; Strengthen Congressional oversight of North Korea sanctions; Bolster US and UN enforcement of sanctions, including by requiring sanctions on foreign banks which support banned trade finance with North Korea; Strengthen Treasury's role in combating human trafficking. Chinese Rail Cars In addition to fentanyl sanctions, Brown also secured his Transit Infrastructure Vehicle Security Act, which he introduced with U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Mike Crapo (R-ID). This legislation would prevent federal funds from being used by transit agencies to purchase rail cars or buses manufactured by Chinese owned, controlled, or subsidized companies. The legislation will also ensure that the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority will not purchase Chinese rail cars for use in the Washington, DC region. This strong bipartisan bill protects federal dollars from being spent on Chinese buses and railcars, and improves cybersecurity in public transportation, said Brown. Federal dollars should not support Chinese state-controlled enterprises that want to undermine U.S. manufacturers and overtake our supply chain that supports rail and bus manufacturing. Additional Background: The Chinese government continues to use a range of state subsidies and predatory practices to support its market ascension in certain sectors of the United States' economy. Two of these sectors, rail manufacturing and bus manufacturing, are included as part of China's Made in China 2025 initiative, a plan targeting global dominance in areas that the Chinese government considers most strategic to its global aims. Chinese state-owned and state-supported enterprises have used subsidized bargain prices well-below competitive market price to win contracts throughout the United States. A number of large, metropolitan areas have recently awarded rail rolling stock procurements to a Chinese state-owned enterprise. There are a number of threats these procurements pose including impeding economic competitiveness and overtaking the supply chains that support United States public transportation agencies. Chinese state-owned and state-supported enterprises have increased security vulnerabilities and create new risks for rolling stock procurements. Specifically, the Transit Infrastructure Vehicle Security Act would prevent federal transit funds from being used by transit agencies to procure Chinese rail assets and ensure transit agencies develop and execute a cybersecurity plan. Limitation on Certain Rolling Stock Procurements: This legislation prevents federal transit dollars from being used to award a contract or subcontract for the procurement of passenger rail cars or transit buses to Chinese state-owned, controlled or subsidized enterprises after an implementation period. The bill would create a certification process for transit agencies to ensure their funds are not being used to purchase rolling stock from a covered manufacturer. A narrow exception would be made for transportation agencies with a pre-existing contract or subcontract with a covered rail rolling stock manufacturer executed prior to the date of enactment, but the legislation's restrictions apply immediately to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. Cybersecurity Certification: Given the level of technology and growing complexity of rail rolling stock assets, it is important that proper cybersecurity standards are in place. This legislation would require any transit operator that operates rail transit service to develop and execute a plan for identifying and reducing cybersecurity risks. Recipients of federal transit assistance would be required to review best practices and to identify any hardware and software components of new rolling stock assets that should undergo third-party testing. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senate-passes-defense-bill-with-key-provisions-brown-secured-for-ohio-servicemembers-veterans-and-civilians,"Senate Passes Defense Bill with Key Provisions Brown Secured For Ohio Servicemembers, Veterans, and Civilians",2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Bill will Help Ohio Servicemembers Harmed By Toxic Burn Pits; Burn Pit Exposure in Afghanistan, Iraq Linked to Serious Health Problems for Veterans; Bill also Reverses Trump Admin. Rule that Prevented Servicemembers with More Than 16 Years of Service from Transferring GI Bill Education Benefits to their Children Tuesday, December 17, 2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. The U.S. Senate today passed the final National Defense Authorization Act, which includes key provisions U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) helped secure for Ohio servicemembers, veterans, and civilians. The first provision would help study the effects of burn pits on servicemembers' health. The second would help restore eligibility to servicemembers seeking to transfer their educational benefits to dependents. Finally, the bill also includes legislation that provides paid parental leave for 2 million federal workers nationwide. Brown helped secure these provisions in the House-Senate NDAA conference report, which now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law. Burn Pits The military relied on open-air burn pits to dispose of toxic waste in Afghanistan and Iraq, which exposed servicemembers to toxic chemicals and fumes that have been linked to certain deadly diseases. Brown introduced his Burn Pit Accountability Act in January and helped secure its inclusion in the Senate's version of the NDAA, which passed in June. We have a responsibility to ensure our servicemembers have the care they need to address the dangers they face while serving our country, said Brown. This legislation is a first step toward addressing the unique health needs of those exposed to toxic burn pits while serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. Brown's Burn Pit Accountability Act would help Ohio servicemembers and veterans by: Requiring Department of Defense to evaluate servicemembers for toxic exposure during routine medical exams and directing the Department to share whether each servicemember was stationed near an open-air burn pit; Enrolling servicemembers exposed to toxic airborne chemicals or stationed near an open burn pit in the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry that will monitor and identify the harmful consequences of exposure to burn pits. Brown's legislation would increase the requirements on the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs to track and evaluate servicemembers' health when they have been exposed to burn pits. The Burn Pit Accountability Act is sponsored by Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and supported by several veterans organizations, including: Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), Fleet Reserve Association, Military Officers Association of America, US Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Non Commissioned Officers Association, Service Women's Action Network, US Army Warrant Officer Association, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the US, The Retired Enlisted Association, Chief Warrant Officer Association- US Coast Guard, Air Force Sergeants Association, National Military Family Association, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, Wounded Warrior Project, Vietnam Veterans of America, Paralyzed Veterans of America, AMSUS, American Veterans (AMVETS), Reserve Officers Association of the United States, Air Force Women Officers Associated, Disabled American Veterans, and Association of the United States Navy. Brown is the longest-serving U.S. Senator from Ohio on the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs. GI Bill Transferability Last summer, the Department of Defense issued a new policy that would have prevented servicemembers with more than 16 years of military service from transferring education benefits to their eligible dependents. Previously, any servicemember who had served for six years was eligible to apply to transfer their benefits. Brown fought to reverse this rule and secured a provision in the NDAA to reverse this Trump administration rule that prevented servicemembers with more 16 years of military service from transferring the GI Bill education benefits to their children. It's our duty to ensure that servicemembers, who sacrifice for our nation, have the ability to transfer this education benefit to a dependent if they so choose, Brown said. Earlier this year, Brown introduced the Post-9/11 GI Bill Transferability Entitlement Act with Senators Jon Tester (D-MT) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) to ensure that all servicemembers who have completed 10 years of service in the Armed Forces are eligible to transfer their benefits to dependents at any time either while serving on active duty or as a veteran providing a comprehensive fix to the Administration's unfair, broken policy. This legislation is supported by the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States and the Reserve Enlisted Association. Paid Parental Leave for Federal Workers The bill also includes a provision authored by Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) and cosponsored by Sen. Brown that will provide 2 million federal workers across the country with 12 weeks of paid leave to care for a new child after birth, adoption, or the initiation of foster care. Although the current Family and Medical Leave Act allows employees to take 12 weeks of unpaid leave to care of a new child, it does not provide any paid leave. For too many Americans, hard work doesn't pay off. If we truly value the dignity of work, we need to recognize that paid family leave is something all workers should have the opportunity to earn, said Brown. I'm glad to see the paid parental leave provision included in the defense authorization bill. This is an important step for federal employees, as we continue to invest in our workforce and ensure that hard work is rewarded for all workers. Studies have shown that providing paid leave for federal employees would save the government at least $50 million annually in turnover and replacement costs. Federal agencies are already struggling to recruit and retain young talent. Just 6 percent of the federal workforce is under the age of 30, while roughly 40 percent of the workforce is eligible to retire within the next three years. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senate-passes-defense-bill-with-more-than-2-billion-brown-secured-to-support-limas-jsmc-,Senate Passes Defense Bill with More Than $2 Billion Brown Secured To Support Lima’s JSMC,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Secured Language Authorizing the Investment at JSMC in Senate Bill; Will Continue Fighting to Secure Funds in Final Appropriations Bill Tuesday, December 17, 2019 WASHINGTON, DC The U.S. Senate today passed the final National Defense Authorization Act, which included key investments secured by U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) for Lima's Joint Systems Manufacturing Center (JSMC). Brown helped secure these funds in the House-Senate NDAA conference report, which now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law. The funds still need to be appropriated, and Brown said he will continue fighting to secure these funds in the final Defense Appropriations bill. The bill includes: $522.9 million to continue Stryker vehicle upgrades More than $1.75 billion for upgrades to the Abrams Tanks The men and women at JSMC perform critical work to increase the survivability and lethality of the vehicles our troops use throughout the world. Abrams and Stryker have proven highly capable time and time again,said Brown.I've seen JSMC's workforce firsthand and will make sure funding continues to expand production at the facility. Brown has long fought to ensure Lima's JSMC has the funding it needs to support its missions involving the Stryker vehicles and Abrams Tank. In May, Brown toured the JSMC after leading efforts to secure investments for JSMC and fighting for its workers. In 2018, Brown worked to secure more than $1.79 billion to protect critical manufacturing jobs at Lima's JSMC in the FY 2019 defense appropriations bill. In March 2017, Brown met with U.S. Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis to highlight the importance of continued funding for the Abrams Tank and the Stryker Vehicle. In May 2017, Brown wrote to his Senate Armed Services and Appropriations Committee colleagues to support inclusion of the Abrams Tank and Stryker Vehicle in both the NDAA and the Defense Appropriations bill. In October 2016, Brown and U.S. Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) brought then-Under Secretary of the Army Patrick J. Murphy to Lima for a tour of the JSMC. Brown and Portman have been longtime champions of the JSMC and have worked over the years with the Senate Armed Services Committee, the Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) leadership to promote the work done in Lima. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senate-passes-defense-bill-with-provision-brown-helped-secure-for-historically-black-colleges-and-universities-and-minority-institutions-program-,Senate Passes Defense Bill with Provision Brown Helped Secure For Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Institutions Program,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Wrote to Appropriators Asking for Increased Funding in Defense Bill Tuesday, December 17, 2019 WASHINGTON, DC The U.S. Senate today passed the final National Defense Authorization Act which includes more than $46 million that U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) helped secure for the Department of Defense's (DoD) Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Institutions Program. The HBCU/MI Program is designed to increase the participation of HBCU/MIs and minority students in DoD's research, development, test and evaluation programs and activities. Brown helped secure these funds in the House-Senate NDAA conference report, which now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law. Sen. Brown led a bipartisan amendment to the NDAA advocating for robust funding for the HBCU/MI program. In July, Brown wrote to Congressional appropriators asking for increased funding in the final version of the NDAA. The funds still need to be appropriated, and Brown said he will continue fighting to secure these funds in the final Defense Appropriations bill. Historically Black Colleges and Universities, like Wilberforce and Central State in Ohio, are a critical part of our nation's higher education system and provide important research that can be used to protect our servicememebers and keep our country safe, said Brown. This funding will help ensure the partnership between the Department of Defense and these institutions can continue for years to come. Earlier this month, Brown applauded Senate passage of his Fostering Undergraduate Talent by Unlocking Resources for Education (FUTURE) Act, bipartisan legislation to extend Title III mandatory funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Minority Servicing Intuitions (MSIs), and Tribal Colleges and Universities. Mandatory funding for these institutions lapsed on September 30, and is a critical funding stream for colleges and universities like Central State University and Wilberforce University.The bill has passed the House and Senate and now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/senate-passes-defense-bill-with-provisions-brown-secured-for-dayton-and-wright-patterson-air-force-base-including-new-pfas-standards-,"Senate Passes Defense Bill with Provisions Brown Secured For Dayton & Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Including New PFAS Standards",2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Secured Language Authorizing the Investment at Wright-Patt in Senate Bill; Will Continue Fighting to Secure Funds in Final Appropriations Bill; Senator also Secured New Disposal & Transparency Standards for PFAS Chemicals Tuesday, December 17, 2019 WASHINGTON, DC The U.S. Senate today passed the final National Defense Authorization Act, which included key investments secured by U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) for Dayton and the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Brown helped secure these funds in the House-Senate NDAA conference report, which now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law. The funds still need to be appropriated, and Brown said he will continue fighting to secure these funds in the final Defense Appropriations bill. The bill includes: An additional $117 million per year for the next five years to support critical Defense Production Act (DPA) projects nationwide, which would help support DPA jobs at Wright-Patt This comes after Brown successfully secured a provision in last year's NDAA to prevent DPA jobs from leaving Ohio by ensuring that the AFRL would continue to manage this critical program. $1.359 billion to support critical research and development programs run out of Wright-Patt's Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) $120.9 million to support military construction of Wright-Patt's new National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC) $35.7 million to support improvements and rehabilitation efforts for Wright-Patt's historic Brick Quarters Housing District Several provisions to phase out the use of and crack down on hazardous materials like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which have been found in Dayton drinking water. This bill will make sure Wright-Patt's highly-skilled workers can continue to do their jobs and help meet our national security needs,Brown said. Brown continued, PFAS materials have been associated with a variety of adverse human health effects, including birth defects and immune system dysfunction. This bill is just a start, but given the significant public health concerns related to these chemicals, I'm glad to see action taken to reduce exposure to PFAS and address any potential negative health effects contamination from these materials may have on our communities. DPA Increased Funding The Manufacturing Technology Division of Wright-Patterson's Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) helps run a key defense manufacturing program, which ishoused at Wright-Patt, that allows the federal government to support defense-related manufacturing when domestic capabilities aren't able to meet national security needs. The program was created under the Defense Production Act (DPA), and supports Ohio jobs and brings investments to the region through contracts awarded to the program. The DPA is overseen by the Senate Banking Committee, on which Brown sits as Ranking Member. Anticipating a major increase in the need for leading edge industrial base technology projects in the next several years, identified by Pentagon planners, Brown led the effort with Sen. Crapo (R-ID), Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, to increase authorized funding under the DPA from $133 million annually to $250 million annually for the next five years. This authorization will provide an additional $117 million annually over the next five years and willhelp the DOD address risks to the manufacturing and defense industrial base. This funding will be used for projects across the country and will help support jobs at Wright-Patt. Two years ago, the Department of Defense (DOD) announced plans to transfer management and program responsibilities for the DPA's Title III program away from AFRL at Wright-Patt and house them at the Pentagon. The move could have put local jobs, investments, and active projects at risk. Following this news, Brownwrote to DOD immediately, urging it to keep DPA program managers housed at Wright-Patt. Brown thensecured language in the Senate's NDAA billlast year that bars DOD from moving program management of DPA without Congressional approval and keeps the jobs in Ohio. AFRL Funding The bill would authorize more than $1.359 billion for research and development programs run out of the Air Force Research Lab's (AFRL) Materials, Human Effectiveness, Propulsion, Aerospace Systems, Sensors and Manufacturing Directorates at Wright-Patt. This funding is critical to addressing emerging threats and strategic challenges that our men and women in uniform face. NASIC Military Construction Funding This bill would also authorize $120.9 million to support military construction efforts for Wright-Patt's National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC). Last year, Brown was able to help secure more funding for NASIC construction than ever before, when the NDAA authorized $182 million for phase one and two of NASIC's expansion. The project received an appropriation authorization of $61 million for Fiscal Year 2019 to begin construction. In 2018, Brown wrote to then-DOD Secretary Jim Mattis calling for an investment at NASIC, along with other Ohio priorities. In 2017, Brown spoke to Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson about investing in construction needs at the base. Prior to that, in 2017, Brown as co-chair of the Senate Air Force Caucus brought his Republican caucus co-chair John Boozman (R-AR), Armed Services Committee Members Jack Reed (D-RI), Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) to visit Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and tour the facility. Together, Brown and Portman highlighted critical research and development work done at the base in support of the Air Force and national security. Brown also met with Sec. Mattis in 2017 to outline Ohio military priorities. During the meeting, Brown invited Mattis to visit Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the Air National Guard 178th Wing in Springfield. Historic Brick Quarters Housing District at Wright-Patt The bill also authorizes more than $35.7 million to support improvements efforts for 29 of Wright-Patt's historic Brick Quarters Housing District units. This housing on the Wright-Patt campus is in need of rehabilitation to meet current safety standards and this funding will ensure the buildings are updated to best support those living in the historic homes on the base. The Brick Officer housing was built in 1930s and was designed in the Tudor Revival style. PFAS Ohioans in the Miami Valley are living with the presence of toxic chemicals known as PFAS contaminating their drinking water. PFAS chemicals are contaminating water supplies all over the country, and Brown has been fighting for tougher standards to crack down on this contamination and require the DOD to be more transparent with communities affected by the contamination. The provisions in this bill will: Establish a new disposal standard for the PFAS foam as it relates to DOD; Encourage cooperative agreements between states and DOD entities as it relates to contamination, cleanup, testing and monitoring for PFAS at DOD sites; Encourage blood testing for firefighters at DOD installations to determine PFAS exposure; Require a phase out of PFAS containing firefighting foam; Require the DOD to enter into agreements with municipalities or municipal drinking water utilities located adjacent to military installations and share monitoring data relating to PFAS contaminants at the military installation; and Require the DOD to maintain a publicly available website that provides a clearinghouse for information about the exposure of members of the Armed Forces, their families, and their communities to PFAS substances. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/news-articles/abc6-beatty-joins-state-officials-to-highlight-property-tax-cap-bill,ABC6: Beatty Joins State Officials to Highlight Property Tax Cap Bill,2019-12-16,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Joyce Beatty,B001281,beatty.house.gov,,,legacy,"On December 16, 2019, Congresswoman Beatty joined Franklin County Auditor Michael Stinziano and State Senator Hearcel Craig in support of new legislation to be introducedin the Ohio Statehouse to cap property tax rates for Ohio homeowners. For more information, watch an archived ABC6 newscast on Beatty's YouTube page.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/news-articles/where-have-all-the-cfpb-fair-lending-cases-gone,Where have all the CFPB fair-lending cases gone?,2019-12-16,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Joyce Beatty,B001281,beatty.house.gov,,,legacy,"Despite assurances by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau that it is serious about cracking down on fair-lending violations, the dearth of CFPB enforcement actions regarding redlining and other discriminatory practices in two years worries consumer and civil rights advocates. Under Director Kathy Kraninger, the CFPB has filed barely any fair-lending enforcement orders, in sharp contrast to the Obama administration. In the past year, the agency issued onlyone actionrelated to fair lending, fining Freedom Mortgage $1.75 million for alleged violations of the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act. But neither Kraninger, nor her predecessor, Mick Mulvaney, filed any other orders or referred possible Equal Credit Opportunity Act violations to the Department of Justice in the past two years. Industry lawyers say the CFPB is still focused on fair-lending exams, and Kraningertold lawmakers in Octoberthat the agency was conducting investigations. Yet the lack of much public enforcement activity over such a long stretch concerns agency critics who say discrimination in the financial services sector still exists and is a barrier to minorities' financial well-being. ""The absence of fair-lending cases isn't because we've successfully ended discrimination,"" said Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and the former head of the Justice Department's civil rights division. ""It is, however, reflective of our new reality: Enforcement in this area has largely halted. The CFPB and the Department of Justice have an obligation to look out for discriminatory activity which remains illegal and to fight on behalf of those being harmed."" Under the Trump administration, the bureau has signaled a desire to pull back from enforcement actions generally and fair-lending investigations specifically. In an April speech, Kraninger said the agency wasrefocusing on supervision instead of enforcement. And last year, Mulvaney hadstrippedthe agency's Office of Fair Lending of enforcement powers. The drop in CFPB fair-lending cases can be attributed to a number of other factors. Mulvaney had instituted a temporary halt to all enforcement actions after coming aboard. Discrimination and redlining cases also take more time. It could suggest the industry is doing a better job of monitoring their fair-lending compliance, or cases are taking more time to develop, said Tim Burniston, senior adviser and regulatory strategist at Wolters Kluwer. ""The regulators are continuing to do fair-lending exams and fair lending is still a high priority but why the number of pattern and practice cases has declined, I can't wrap my arms around it, except they take time to develop."" He added that a drop in fair-lending cases and referrals is not limited to the CFPB. There is not only a substantial drop-off in referral activity from the CFPB to DOJ, but also a substantial drop-off by every other bank regulator that has [ECOA] responsibilities as well, he said. The agency was more active in fair-lending enforcement under the Obama administration. The CFPB made 40 lending discrimination referrals to the Justice Department since 2011, peaking at 15 in 2014 but dropping to just two in 2017. Lawyers who defend institutions targeted by the CFPB say the bureau is still focused on fair-lending exams through its nonpublic supervisory work. The bureau has conducted exams of a number of nonbank mortgage lenders in the past two years, lawyers say, but the exams ended without any findings of redlining or discrimination. We have seen a good bit of activity on the supervision side with fair lending, but nothing that is going to become public, and a lot of it started a long time ago, said Christopher Willis, a partner at Ballard Spahr. Others said the bureau has not prioritized fair-lending enforcement actions because Republicans have long opposed the agency's use of disparate impact theory, which holds that lenders can be found liable for racial discrimination even if it was unintentional. When Congress passed aresolutionlast year to repeal the CFPB's guidance on discrimination in auto lending, Mulvaney, now the White House chief of staff, told consumer advocates that the CFPB could no longer pursue disparate impact claims, according to some who attended a meeting with him. Although the Supreme Court in 2015 upheld the disparate impact theory under the Fair Housing Act, the high court's 5-4 decision was interpreted to limit the ability of consumers and federal agencies to file claims. The high court said plaintiffs have to prove a defendant's policies caused the alleged disparity. Consumers also would have to follow a five-step framework to prove discrimination under anAugust proposalby the Department of Housing and Urban Development. They would have to show that a policy or practice is ""arbitrary, artificial and unnecessary"" to move forward with a claim. Some are concerned that the CFPB will go further byreexamininghow it enforces the ECOA, the 1974 law that protects consumers from discrimination based on race, sex, age and other variables. We know that communities of color are disproportionately harmed, and the government must live up to its responsibility to enforce the law, Gupta said. ""The retreat from lending enforcement coupled with the administration's attack on disparate impact, which provides tools for challenging more common, less overt discrimination based on implicit bias, leaves communities more vulnerable than ever."" Consumer advocates also point to a proposal on HMDA data that Kraninger issued in May that would potentially exempt 85% of banks and credit unions from HMDA reporting. HMDA data is used to examine and identify fair-lending violations. In October, the CFPB gave a second, two-year exemption from HMDA requirements to institutions that offer fewer than 500 open-end lines of credit. Kraninger also plans to reopen the Obama-era HMDA rule written in 2015 to make those exemptions permanent. ""They've made it easier to hide patterns of discrimination by raising the threshold for reporting, which makes it harder for civil rights lawyers or state attorneys general to draw conclusions when the data is not available,"" said Linda Jun, senior policy counsel at Americans for Financial Reform, a nonprofit coalition. ""So in addition to not going after any bad guys in two years, they are making it a lot harder to find those patterns of discrimination."" With the backdrop of so many changes to fair lending, House Democrats grilled Kraninger in October about the bureau's efforts to ferret out discrimination in home loans. This is the first time in its history that there has been a six-month period where there has been no discrimination in lending occurring in this country, said Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-Ohio. Do you really expect me to believe that? Kraninger reiterated her commitment to fair lending. I can assure you that we do have fair-lending examinations, fair-lending investigations that are open and ongoing, she told Beatty. Enforcement cases ""definitely are not a measure of when discrimination is happening in the marketplace, but it is our best effort looking at referrals from other agencies, looking at our complaints, looking at what's happening in the marketplace where we're bringing investigations and career bureau attorneys are taking those investigations where they can based on the facts and circumstances and carrying them through to conclusion or closing them. In response to a question from Rep. Alma Adams, D-N.C., Kraninger said that the CFPB historically has conducted 13 fair-lending exams at any given time, and during her leadership it has had 10 exams. I can assure you that I am committed to it, Kraninger said. Part of this is also the hiring process of getting more examiners on board. We have 300 examiners who have taken fair-lending training, and are able to be engaged in fair-lending exams. I do commit to again a similar level, not an exact level, but a continued commitment to fair lending, I pledged and believe I'm meeting."" Still, the focus of fair lending has changed dramatically under Kraninger and Mulvaney. One of Mulvaney's first moves in 2018 was to dismantle the CFPB's Office of Fair Lending. He removed its enforcement powers and placed the office under a separate division focused on advocacy and education. The bureau's Office of Supervision, Enforcement and Fair Lending does not have a separate fair-lending unit. They appear to be in a mode where they are more restrained about [fair lending] right now, Willis said. Still, others suggested that if Kraninger does file a lawsuit on fair lending, it will happen closer to the 2020 presidential election. ""The CFPB may have lawsuits to file against consumer abuse but they may be waiting until it's closer to the elections before filing or to roll something out, but it will probably be something very minimal,"" said Jeanetta Williams, president of the NAACP Salt Lake Branch and Tri-State Conference of Idaho, Nevada and Utah. American Banker originally published this article on December 16, 2019.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/beatty-stivers-introduce-bill-to-empower-working-seniors-with,"Beatty, Stivers Introduce Bill to Empower Working Seniors with Disabilities",2019-12-16,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Joyce Beatty,B001281,beatty.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) and Congressman Steve Stivers (OH-15) introduced the SENIOR CARE Act, H.R. 5429, to allow for greater participation by adults over the age of 65 with disabilities in state Medicaid programs. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Bob Casey (D-PA) introduced companion legislation in the Senate. Under current law, when individuals with disabilities reach their 65th birthday, they are often forced to make a choice between their job and their Medicaid benefits.Unfortunately, the advantages of meaningful employment, such as income and a sense of self-sufficiency, are not enough to offset the increased healthcare costs that would result from a loss of Medicaid benefits. While many individuals find meaning in their work well into their later years, the current system discourages workers with disabilities from staying on the job they enjoy. The SENIOR CARE Act would eliminate the age limit for Medicaid buy-in programs for adults with disabilities, allowing those over the age of 65 to continue working. This bill is much-needed because no person should be forced to choose between working and their health and well-being. Yet, under current law, that is exactly the choice many Central Ohio seniors face on their 65th birthday, Beatty said. That is why I am proud to join in the bipartisan, bicameral effort to eliminate the Medicaid buy-in age limit and the barriers to work so that more seniors can make life decisions that are best for them and their families.. Since my days as a State Senator, eliminating the benefits cliff faced by far too many Ohioans has been a priority, Stivers said. The SENIOR CARE Act is an important step forward to ensure we are not penalizing work and instead empowering individuals to become self-sufficient. I believe that every disabled American over age 65 should have the opportunity to work and maintain Medicaid coverage, Senator Portman said. The Ticket To Work program's arbitrary age limit at 65 forces working disabled seniors to make an impossible choice between maintaining their independence and livelihood or their Medicaid coverage. This is unacceptable and that's why I'm proud to work with Senator Casey to introduce this important legislation to remove this unnecessary and obsolete barrier to working seniors with disabilities. For many older adults, choosing to remain in the workforce or retire is a personal decision. However, adults age 65 and over with disabilities are often stripped of this choice due to Medicaid age restrictions that force them to choose between continuing to work or losing their Medicaid coveragewhich supports their daily living needs, Senator Casey said. Instead of forcing seniors with disabilities out of the workforce we should be supporting them by removing barriers that reduce their independence. That's why I worked with Senator Portman to introduce the SENIOR CARE Act, which would allow seniors with disabilities to work and keep their Medicaid coverage. # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/beatty-stivers-introduce-bill-to-empower-working-seniors-with-disabilities,"Beatty, Stivers Introduce Bill to Empower Working Seniors with Disabilities",2019-12-16,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Joyce Beatty,B001281,beatty.house.gov,beatty,https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) and Congressman Steve Stivers (OH-15) introduced the SENIOR CARE Act,H.R. 5429, to allow for greater participation by adults over the age of 65 with disabilities in state Medicaid programs. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Bob Casey (D-PA) introduced companion legislation in the Senate. Under current law, when individuals with disabilities reach their 65th birthday, they are often forced to make a choice between their job and their Medicaid benefits. Unfortunately, the advantages of meaningful employment, such as income and a sense of self-sufficiency, are not enough to offset the increased healthcare costs that would result from a loss of Medicaid benefits. While many individuals find meaning in their work well into their later years, the current system discourages workers with disabilities from staying on the job they enjoy. The SENIOR CARE Act would eliminate the age limit for Medicaid buy-in programs for adults with disabilities, allowing those over the age of 65 to continue working. ""This bill is much-needed because no person should be forced to choose between working and their health and well-being. Yet, under current law, that is exactly the choice many Central Ohio seniors face on their 65th birthday,"" Beatty said. ""That is why I am proud to join in the bipartisan, bicameral effort to eliminate the Medicaid buy-in age limit and the barriers to work so that more seniors can make life decisions that are best for them and their families.."" ""Since my days as a State Senator, eliminating the benefits cliff faced by far too many Ohioans has been a priority,"" Stivers said. ""The SENIOR CARE Act is an important step forward to ensure we are not penalizing work and instead empowering individuals to become self-sufficient."" ""I believe that every disabled American over age 65 should have the opportunity to work and maintain Medicaid coverage,"" Senator Portman said. ""The Ticket To Work program's arbitrary age limit at 65 forces working disabled seniors to make an impossible choice between maintaining their independence and livelihood or their Medicaid coverage. This is unacceptable and that's why I'm proud to work with Senator Casey to introduce this important legislation to remove this unnecessary and obsolete barrier to working seniors with disabilities."" ""For many older adults, choosing to remain in the workforce or retire is a personal decision. However, adults age 65 and over with disabilities are often stripped of this choice due to Medicaid age restrictions that force them to choose between continuing to work or losing their Medicaid coverage—which supports their daily living needs,"" Senator Casey said. ""Instead of forcing seniors with disabilities out of the workforce we should be supporting them by removing barriers that reduce their independence. That's why I worked with Senator Portman to introduce the SENIOR CARE Act, which would allow seniors with disabilities to work and keep their Medicaid coverage."" # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/chairwoman-kaptur-secures-hundreds-millions-federal-funding-ohio-and-0,Chairwoman Kaptur Secures Hundreds of Millions in Federal Funding for Ohio and Great Lakes Region in Fiscal Year 2020 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill,2019-12-16,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Marcy Kaptur,K000009,kaptur.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, released the following statement after the House Committee on Appropriations released the final fiscal year 2020 spending agreement, which includes the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies funding bill. The legislation funds the Department of Energy, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Department of the Interior programs, and other related agencies. The bill now heads to the House floor. In total, the legislation includes $48.3 billion in funding to spur energy innovation that will increase economic prosperity across the country, especially in Ohio and the Great Lakes, while working to mitigate and adapt to climate change, improve the nation's water infrastructure, and strengthen national security. This represents an increase of $3.7 billion, or 8 percent, above the fiscal year 2019 enacted level. The bill includes $24.1 billion for non-defense activities, an increase of $1.9 billion above the fiscal year 2019 enacted level, and $24.25 billion for defense spending, an increase of $1.8 billion above the fiscal year 2019 enacted level. This bill makes historic investments in projects across the Department of Energy, Army Corps of Engineers, Department of the Interior, and Bureau of Reclamation that meet our national and regional priorities, said Chairwoman Kaptur. This bill makes historic investments to address the climate crisis and places our nation at the forefront of global energy innovation. This agreement takes concrete steps to fund environmental projects in the Great Lakes region, including reigning in the spread of deadly algal blooms in Lake Erie and preventing Asian carp from taking hold in the Great Lakes. The negative economic and environmental impact these species have on Lake Erie and its coastal communities cannot be overstated, and this legislation will help protect our $7 billion fishing industry and equally important tourism industry. This agreement also provides $305 million for the Weatherization Assistance Program, $51 million above 2019, which helps low-income households across this country, including in Northern Ohio, sufficiently weatherize their homes, cut down on energy costs, and keep themselves and their families safe. The bill also restricts the Army Corps of Engineers from disposing sediment collected from the Toledo and Cleveland Harbors in Lake Erie. A summary of the fiscal year 2020 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies bill is below. The full text of the bill is here. Summary of Provisions Benefitting Ohio and Great Lakes Region: Army Corps of Engineers The bill provides a total of $7.65 billion, an increase of $652 million above the fiscal year 2019 level and $2.69 billion above the budget request. Funding for Investigations is $151 million, an increase of $26 million above the fiscal year 2019 level and $74 million above the President's request. Significant additional funding is provided for environmental restoration, which will allow projects including the Asian Carp control project at Brandon Road to more easily compete for needed resources. A new start for a multi-purpose watershed study to assess coastal resiliency is included. The Great Lakes Coastal Resiliency study is well positioned to compete. The bill funds the Environmental Infrastructure program at $100 million, an increase of $23 million over the fiscal year 2019 level, and supports a variety of projects that invest in stormwater collection, recycled water distribution, and other surface water protection priorities. In the past, Parma, Ohio has received significant funding from this program. Funding for Construction is $2.68 billion, an increase of $498 million above the fiscal year 2019 level and $1.37 billion above the request. This funding includes significant additional funding for construction projects, including $75.3 million for the Soo Locks construction project. An additional $50 million is provided for certain navigation projects, for which Soo Locks will also be able to compete. Funding for Operations and Maintenance is $3.79 billion. This rejects the administration's proposed draconian cut, providing $1.86 billion above the request. This funding will benefit projects at the Cleveland and Toledo Harbors. The bill includes a provision that restricts the Army Corps of Engineers from disposing of sediment collected from the Ohio harbors in Lake Erie. Funding for Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund projects is estimated to be $1.63 billion, an increase of $665 million above the President's request. This exceeds the target set by the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 and represents 91.5 percent of estimated revenues compared to the fiscal year 2020 target of 80 percent. Projects in the Great Lakes receive approximately 13 percent of these funds. Six new studies and six new construction projects are included. Department of Energy A total of $38.6 billion is included for the Department of Energy, an increase of $2.9 billion above the fiscal year 2019 level and $7.1 billion above the President's budget request. Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy The agreement provides $2.79 billion, an increase of $411 million above the fiscal year 2019 level and $2.4 billion above the request. This funding provides for clean, affordable, and secure energy and ensures American leadership in the transition to a global clean energy economy. The agreement directs DOE to support middle and late stage research priorities and requires a broad commitment of projects at all stages of the R&D pipeline. This agreement provides $305 million for the Weatherization Assistance Program, $51 million above 2019, which helps low-income households across this country, including in Northern Ohio, have energy-efficient, more livable homes. Within the Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO), the agreement prioritizes technical assistance and R&D to assist our nation's wastewater and drinking water facilities in addressing rising energy prices at these facilities. The agreement funds the Solar Energy program at $280 million, $33.5 million above 2019, which supports critical domestic production of photovoltaic cells modules, including cadmium telluride, a Midwestern expertise. The agreement funds the Vehicles Technologies program at $396 million, $52 million above 2019. The agreement commits significant resources to a variety of new priorities related to energy storage. Fossil Energy Research and Development The agreement provides $750 million, an increase of $188 million above the request. This funding provides for research, development, and demonstration activities to ensure the safe, efficient, and environmentally sound use of fossil energy resources. This funding includes significant resources for the carbon capture and carbon storage technologies, which are critical for addressing climate change, and crucial for carbon intensive economies across the Midwest. Science The agreement provides $7 billion, an increase of $415 million above the fiscal year 2019 level and $1.5 billion above the request. The Office of Science funds basic science research in physics, biology, chemistry, and other science disciplines to expand scientific understanding and secure the nation's global leadership in energy innovation. This funding supports much needed infrastructure investment which is fundamental for ongoing basic research at our national laboratories, in partnership with universities and key industry partners. Investments in basic research and instrumentation supports a broad range of applications from the physical, energy, and health sciences. These investments bear fruit across a variety of fields. Workforce Development- The agreement provides $28 million for the Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists program at DOE and rejects the administration proposal to decrease resources for Workforce Development pipeline programs. DOE and the high sciences in general face a dramatic shortage of trained professionals and have difficulty retaining personnel. Advanced Research Projects Agency Energy The agreement provides $425 million, an increase of $59 million above the fiscal year 2019 level and rejects the budget proposal to eliminate the program. This funding supports research aimed at rapidly developing energy technologies that are capable of significantly changing the energy sector to address our critical economic, environmental, and energy security challenges. Environmental Management The agreement provides $7.46 billion, an increase of $280 million above fiscal year 2019 level and an increase of $986 million above the President's budget request. This funding is used for nuclear waste cleanup at 16 sites across the country. Uranium Enrichment Decontamination and Decommissioning $881 million, an increase of $40 million above the fiscal year 2019 level and $166 million above the budget request. This supports the Portsmouth cleanup project in Southern Ohio and funds it at $418.3 million, an increase of $10.2 million above the fiscal year 2019 level and $62.6 million above the budget request. This rejects the President's proposal to barter uranium; this shortsighted proposal was a bad budget gimmick that would have put the cleanup at Portsmouth in jeopardy. Defense Environmental Cleanup $6.255 billion, an increase of $231 million above the fiscal year 2019 level and $748 million above the budget request. National Nuclear Security Administration The agreement provides $16.7 billion for DOE's nuclear security programs, an increase of $1.48 billion above the fiscal year 2019level. This funding will maintain a safe, secure, and credible nuclear deterrent while addressing the threat of nuclear proliferation and terrorism. This includes: Weapons Activities $12.46 billion, an increase of $1.36 billion above the fiscalyear 2019level to maintain a credible nuclear deterrent. Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation $2.16 billion, an increase of $234 million abovethe fiscal year 2019 level and $171 million above the request. This funding secures nuclear material both globally and domestically. Funding is included to advance the Surplus Plutonium Disposition project. NavalNuclear Reactors $1.65 billion, equal to the budget request, to continue safe and reliable operation of the Navy's nuclear-powered fleet. Federal Salaries and Expenses$434.7 million, an increase of $24.7 million abovethe fiscal year 2019level, to strengthen federal oversight and program and project management. Department of the Interior/Bureau of Reclamation The agreement provides a total of $1.68 billion for the Department, an increase of $115 million above the fiscal year 2019 level and $560 million above the President's budget request. The agreement provides $1.66 billion for the Bureau of Reclamation, an increase of $110 million above the fiscal year 2019 level and $550 million above the request. Within Reclamation: The agreement provides $550 million in additional funding for water resources projects, including those authorized in the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act. Within additional funding, $117 million is provided for rural water projects above the budget request. ### kaptur.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://timryan.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-tim-ryan-speaks-hyperloop-event-cleveland,Congressman Tim Ryan Speaks at Hyperloop Event in Cleveland,2019-12-16,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Tim Ryan,R000577,timryan.house.gov,,,legacy,"CLEVELAND Today, Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13) spoke at a Hyperloop event held at the Great Lakes Science Center inCleveland, Ohio the Hyperloop would connect Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Chicago. Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HyperloopTT) along with government partners Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) and transportation planning firm Transportation Economics and Management Systems, Inc. (TEMS) released the final draft of theGreat Lakes Hyperloop Feasibility Study, available for downloadhere. The Hyperloop will allow travel as fast as 19 minutes from Pittsburgh to Cleveland and Cleveland to Chicago in about 30 minutes. This groundbreaking technology will be revolutionary to our community and our entire region. Allowing travelers to move between Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Chicago in just minutes is a game changer. This is the kind of innovation that can only happen when we are all working together -- Democrats and Republicans; business and labor; government and industry pushing in the same direction with a common goal. I am proud to have helped provide $5 million in federal funds for this project, and I look forward to continuing to work get the Hyperloop built and up and running,"" said Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13). To watch Tim Ryan's speech click here In June of 2019, Ryan helped secure $5 million in the Fiscal Year 2020 Transportation-Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill to assist the Non-Traditional and Emerging Transportation Technology (NETT) Council in developing and establishing Department-wide processes, solutions, and best practices for identifying and managing non-traditional and emerging transportation technologies and projects, including hyperloop technology. Hyperloop is an emerging transportation concept that has the potential to improve safety, alleviate congestion, shorten commute times, expand mobility for rural and urban communities, and enable a more efficient flow of commercial goods. ""The work our teams have done in the region alongside our government partners in a true public-private partnership, are historic in nature and provide further validation that Hyperloop is a viable, if not preferred, option for high-speed transportation solutions in the 21st century,"" saidAndres de Leon, CEO of HyperloopTT. ""The study validates what we have been saying for a few years now, Hyperloop makes economic sense,"" saidDirk Ahlborn, Chairman of HyperloopTT. ""We could not have accomplished this effort without the support, guidance, resources, and talent made available to us from the over eighty organizations that have been working alongside us on this project in the Great Lakes region. ""The Great Lakes corridor, throughCleveland, will need to meet the growing transportation demands heading into the coming decades. Hyperloop is proving to be the best choice to expand our infrastructure from an economic standpoint,"" saidGrace Gallucci, Executive Director of NOACA. ""Hyperloop meets the region's capacity needs and does so faster, cheaper, and more sustainably than other options currently available."" ""TEMS has performed over forty feasibility studies for high-speed rail inthe United States, and Hyperloop is the first system to be shown as profitable from a financial standpoint, meaning it does not require government subsidies,"" saidAlex Metcalf, Ph.D., president, TEMS. ""The results of this study show that Hyperloop, due to its inherent efficiencies, is a high-speed transportation system that truly makes economic sense for the Great Lakes corridor and likely for many corridors aroundthe United States."" NOACA, the Ohio Department of Transportation, and HyperloopTT are now moving into the next phase of the project which is an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) of the system. It is projected that this phase could be completed by 2023. About HyperloopTT Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HyperloopTT) is an innovative transportation and technology company focused on realizing the Hyperloop, a system that moves people and goods at unprecedented speeds safely, efficiently, and sustainably. Through the use of unique, patented technology and an advanced business model of lean collaboration, open innovation, and integrated partnership, HyperloopTT is creating and licensing technologies. Founded in 2013, HyperloopTT is a global team comprised of more than 800 engineers, creatives and technologists in 52 multidisciplinary teams, with 40 corporate and university partners. Headquartered inLos Angeles, CA, HyperloopTT has offices in the UAE,SpainandFrance. HyperloopTT has signed agreements inthe United States, UAE,France,India,China, Korea,Indonesia,Slovakia,Czech Republic, andUkraine. About NOACA The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) is the transportation and environmental planning agency that represents state, county, city, village, and township officials inGreater Cleveland. NOACA addresses the transportation, air quality, and water quality needs ofCuyahoga,Geauga,Lake,LorainandMedinacounties. The agency and its partners cooperatively develop and implement plans to ensure that travel throughout the region is safe, cost-effective and environmentally sound. About TEMS Transportation Economics & Management Systems, Inc. (TEMS) has been in existence since 1989 and is widely accepted as one of the foremost ground transportation planning firms inNorth America. TEMS provides specialized management, planning, market research, economic, and systems technology consulting services for the transportation industry. TEMS' economists, systems analysts, engineers, and professional managers have extensive experience with projects of all scopes and sizes throughoutNorth Americaand abroad. One of TEMS' strengths is its ability to provide clients with consultants who not only possess excellent theoretical knowledge, but also have practical, hands-on experience in operational environments. TEMS' clients include federal, state and local government agencies, railroad companies, international development organizations, investment banks, and a range of industrial and commercial companies.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-helps-secure-miners-pension-healthcare-fix,"Brown Helps Secure Miners Pension, Healthcare Fix",2019-12-16,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Monday, December 16, 2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced his bipartisan bill, the Bipartisan American Miners Act -- which would help secure pensions and healthcare for Ohio miners and their families -- has been included in the government funding package that Congress is set to vote on this week. Brown is an original cosponsor of Sen. Joe Manchin's (D-WV) Bipartisan American Miners Act, which would shore up the 1974 Pension Plan, which is headed for insolvency due to coal company bankruptcies and the 2008 financial crisis. The Bipartisan American Miners Act would also ensure that miners, who are at risk due to 2018 and 2019 coal company bankruptcies, will not lose their healthcare. What Washington doesn't understand is that Ohio coal miners gave up raises at the negotiating table because they were counting on these pensions when they retired. This important fix will ensure these workers and their families receive the full benefits they earned over a lifetime of backbreaking work, said Brown. I am grateful to the Ohio mineworkers and retirees whose tireless efforts have brought us this far, and I am committed to continuing to fight until Congress passes a comprehensive pension solution that all Ohioans deserve. Brown has led the fight to find a bipartisan solution to the overall pension crisis that faces 60,000 Ohioans, thousands of whom are retired mineworkers, as well as thousands of small businesses across the country. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-provides-commencement-address-for-2019-osu-autumn-graduation,Brown Provides Commencement Address for 2019 OSU Autumn Graduation,2019-12-15,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator: As Divided as our Country May Seem, Work is Something We All Have in Common We're All Trying to do Something Productive for Our Family and Our Community and Our Country.' Sunday, December 15, 2019 COLUMBUS, OH Today, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) provided the commencement address for The Ohio State University's 2019 autumn commencement. More than 3,500 students were expected to graduate during a ceremony at the Jerome Schottenstein Center. Brown's remarks, as prepared for delivery, can be found below. So, I gotta think that some of you may see me, with the grey hair, the suit a member of the generation who saddled you with climate change and student loan debt and economic policies that work for fewer and fewer people you may sit there looking up at me and think, okay boomer. And let me assure you, I wouldn't really blame you. I won't pretend that previous generations knew better than you do. We learn from our past, but we don't romanticize it. In the 1950s, 95 white men and one white woman couldn't pass Civil Rights legislation. The good old days were not all that good for a whole lot of people. In fact, I get asked a lot about how bad the state of our politics is today, and one response I often give is, hey I know things seem bad, but trust me, the 1850s were much worse! We were fighting actual slavery, not just the legacy of it. And yet even in the darkest of times, the seeds of progress are planted. One of the best ideas was brought to life by Congressman Justin Morrill probably a familiar figure to all of you, whether you lived in Morrill Hall or visited the Land Grant Taproom. He was the son of a blacksmith from a small town in Vermont, and his formal schooling ended at the age of 15. Yet he managed to educate himself on a wide range of topics, from art to architecture, from finance to education. He had the radical idea that higher education should not just be available to the sons of the wealthy and back then they really did only mean sons, another knock against those with their rose-colored glasses on. Congressman Morrill thought higher education should be for the sons of toil as well. He understood that our economy, our democracy, and our country would be far stronger if higher education were widespread. And thus the seeds for the Land Grant system were sowed. Now it's true that the issue of slavery consumed Congress and the country while Morrill was dreaming his big dreams. And it spilled out in ways you might not expect. Southerners thought the land grant system threatened states' rights the shibboleth of those down in Dixie who clung to their wealth and privilege built on an abomination.So when Congress first passed the Morrill Act in 1859, southerners persuaded President James Buchanan who used to have the distinction of being voted the worst president in history, but I think we may be revising that soon they persuaded him to veto it. But three years later, it became law.Eight years after that 150 years ago THE Ohio Agricultural and Mechanical College opened its doors. And southerners certainly had reason to fear where expanded higher education might lead. The second Morrill Act, passed in 1890, helped strengthen and transform the Historically Black College and University system, in the midst of the metamorphosis of the system of slavery into the racial terror of Jim Crow. As we celebrate the sesquicentennial of this storied institution this year, it's worth reflecting on this history on the vision of the children of farmers and mechanics and laborers being afforded the same opportunity as those of land-owners and industrial barons. Think about how far we've come in expanding on that vision. Look around at the class of 2019. The sons of 1870 might be scandalized to see the diverse, vibrant hundreds in this hall today the immigrants and the veterans, the parents and the first-generation college graduates. Your class is a reflection of our state today 48 veterans and 52 active-duty servicemembers. One-in-five of you are students of color. A quarter of you are the first in your family to graduate from college. That is a credit to Dr. Drake and his vision. Because of his work and his commitment, unlike higher education classes around the country and in previous decades, OSU's classes are looking more like America. He has understood that for this institution to succeed for the next 150 years, we need to honor its founding ideals by expanding on them. It's my hope that this school can build on Dr. Drake's legacy. As Justin Morrill noted: Under a free government the nation acquires rank, not by a few daintily-polished individualsbut by the intelligence and majesty of the entire community. I don't think anyone would ever accuse OSU graduates of being daintily-polished. Now, all of you are now part of that majesty of the entire community. So no pressure or anything. It sounds daunting, but I have faith in all of you. On the subject of intergenerational warfare, one of the most tired tropes in the media today has to be that millennials or Gen Z don't work as hard as past generations. But the data has made it clear you are some of the most civically-engaged, active young people we've seen in a long time. One 2015 study of college freshman when I'm guessing some of you started found unprecedented levels of student activism and political engagement. And let's face it you've been handed kind of a raw deal. Climate change. Soaring inequality. About to impeach a president. Looks like we're going to need you to put that degree to work. Luckily, young people have never been very good at quietly accepting the hand they've been dealt. We know who has been the engine behind movements for change throughout history. Alexander Hamilton was 21 years old in 1776. John Lewis was 23 when he spoke at the March on Washington. Martin Luther King, Jr. might have seemed ancient to him, at the august age of all of 34 years old. Little has changed today. Look all over the world from the campuses of Hong Kong, where protesters stream into the streets and face tear gas and worse, demanding democracy to high schools here at home, where students as young as 14 walked out of classrooms in a March for Our Lives, demanding their country protect them from gun violence. It's Greta Thunberg, saying to the UN, We will not let you get away with thischange is coming, whether you like it or not. It's young employees at the failing tech company WeWork, standing up to executives to demand the severance pay and health care they earned, writing, we don't want to be defined by the scandals, the corruption, and the greed exhibited by the company's leadership We are asking to be treated with humanity and dignity. Humanity and dignity. If you take two words with you out of this hall, out of this historic campus, and out into the lives you're about to build for yourselves, let it be those. A commitment to our common humanity and common dignity. Those are the values on which this school was built 150 years ago the idea that the daughters and sons of the industrial heartland have every bit as much potential as the children of Wall Street. And they're a creed to carry with you throughout your lives in your neighborhoods and your churches and your families and your workplaces. I talk often about the Dignity of Work, but that's not a term I came up with. The phrase comes from Dr. King. He understood the deep connection between civil rights and workers' rights, and said that, Whenever you are engaged in work that serves humanity and is for the building of humanity, it has dignity and it has worth. As divided as our country may seem, work is something we all have in common we're all trying to do something productive for our family and our community and our country. As you embark on the next phase of your lives, work with dignity. Work with purpose whether it's in a business or a non-profit, whether it's in public service, or caring for family members at home. And recognize that common dignity in those around you whether they're your coworkers, or the people who clean the office, or who put food on your plate. We're all in this together. None of you reached this moment on your own. You all know the village that got you here. As you leave this hall today, I implore you, thank your village. Thank your parents or your spouses or siblings, of course the people you're going to celebrate with tonight. But don't stop there. Think right now about two people who helped set you on the course that enabled you to walk out of here with a college degree or a Master's or a doctorate maybe a high school teacher, or an aunt or uncle, or a coach, or a Girl Scout or Boy Scout leader. Commit right now to calling them tonight and thanking them, and telling them how much their mentorship meant to you. I guarantee you it will make their day it might even make their month, or their year. And commit to being that inspiration, that mentor, for someone else. It's my hope that 10 or 20 or 30 years from now, you will all get that call from someone who is standing where you are today, calling to say, thank you because of you, I'm now a graduate of THE Ohio State University. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/beatty-statement-on-judiciary-vote-to-advance-articles-of-impeachment,Beatty Statement on Judiciary Vote to Advance Articles of Impeachment,2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Joyce Beatty,B001281,beatty.house.gov,beatty,https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) issued the following statement after the House Judiciary Committee advanced articles of impeachment on President Donald Trump to the full House for consideration: ""Over the course of the impeachment inquiry, the American people have had a front row seat to the irrefutable testimonies and evidence that make clear that President Trump abused the power of the presidency to solicit a foreign government for a political favor, jeopardizing our national security and electoral process, and then went to great lengths to obstruct a lawful congressional investigation into the matter. As I have said time and time again, no person—not even the president—is above the law. I took an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution and I fully intend on holding Trump accountable for his actions."" # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/article/brown-secures-priorities-in-bill,Brown secures priorities in bill,2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,"The Daily Advocate Friday, December 13, 2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) has announced that he helped secure key investments for Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Brown helped secure these funds in the House-Senate NDAA conference report, which is expected to pass both chambers over the next week. In June, Brown fought to secure this language for Dayton in the Senate's version of the NDAA. The funds still need to be appropriated, and Brown said he will continue fighting to secure these funds in the final Defense and Military Construction Appropriations bills. The programs and directorate run out of Wright-Patterson will receive funding once both the appropriations and authorization bills have passed. This bill will make sure Wright-Patt's highly-skilled workers can continue to do their jobs and help meet our national security needs, Brown said. The Manufacturing Technology Division of Wright-Patterson's Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) helps run a key defense manufacturing program, which is housed at Wright-Patt, that allows the federal government to support defense-related manufacturing when domestic capabilities aren't able to meet national security needs. The program was created under the Defense Production Act (DPA), and supports Ohio jobs and brings investments to the region through contracts awarded to the program. The DPA is overseen by the Senate Banking Committee, on which Brown sits as Ranking Member. Anticipating a major increase in the need for leading edge industrial base technology projects in the next several years, identified by Pentagon planners, Brown led the effort with Sen. Crapo (R-ID), Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, to increase authorized funding under the DPA from $133 million annually to $250 million annually for the next four years. This authorization will provide an additional $117 million annually over the next five years and will help the DOD address risks to the manufacturing and defense industrial base. This funding will be used for projects across the country and will help support jobs at Wright-Patt. Two years ago, the Department of Defense (DOD) announced plans to transfer management and program responsibilities for the DPA's Title III program away from AFRL at Wright-Patt and house them at the Pentagon. The move could have put local jobs, investments, and active projects at risk. Following this news, Brown wrote to DOD immediately, urging it to keep DPA program managers housed at Wright-Patt. Brown then secured language in the Senate's NDAA bill last year that bars DOD from moving program management of DPA without Congressional approval and keeps the jobs in Ohio. The bill would authorize more than $1.359 billion for research and development programs run out of the Air Force Research Lab's (AFRL) Materials, Human Effectiveness, Propulsion, Aerospace Systems, Sensors and Manufacturing Directorates at Wright-Patt. This funding is critical to addressing emerging threats and strategic challenges that our men and women in uniform face. This bill would also authorize $120.9 million to support military construction efforts for Wright-Patt's National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC). Last year, Brown was able to help secure more funding for NASIC construction than ever before, when the NDAA authorized $182 million for phase one and two of NASIC's expansion. The project received an appropriation authorization of $61 million for Fiscal Year 2019 to begin construction. The bill also authorizes more than $35.7 million to support improvements efforts for 29 of Wright-Patt's historic Brick Quarters Housing District units. This housing on the Wright-Patt campus is in need of rehabilitation to meet current safety standards and this funding will ensure the buildings are updated to best support those living in the historic homes on the base. The Brick Officer housing was built in 1930s and was designed in the Tudor Revival style. Brown secures priorities in bill",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/newsletters/preventing-child-abuse-deaths,Preventing Child Abuse Deaths,2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Friday, December 13, 2019 In 2017, the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System estimated that 1,720 children died from abuse and neglect. Even one child's death is one too many, and we know those numbers probably don't even tell the full story. Right now, the lack of a clear definition for child maltreatment fatality lets too many kids slip through the cracks. And one child's death is one too many. That's why I joined my Republican colleague Senator Roy Blunt to introduce our bipartisan Child Abuse Death Disclosure Act, to provide policymakers and public health officials with a clearer picture on exactly how many children we are losing each year. We can't solve the problem if we don't even have accurate data on how bad it is. Our bill would allow states to collect important information to better assess when and why child abuse fatalities occur. It would require the Department of Health and Human Services to consult with state and local officials, child welfare practitioners, pediatricians, public health officials, and law enforcement to develop a national standard definition related to child abuse deaths. Without a standard, national definition for child maltreatment fatality, we are never going to able to accurately track this problem. Our bill would also require states to report case-specific information to the National Center for Fatality Review and Prevention to better understand the circumstances around a child's death, including requiring that states to look into whether the family had access to housing, mental health services, or drug treatment services. It would also promote culturally competent training to address disparities in child protection reporting and investigations. The only way we can prevent more of these tragic deaths is if we get an accurate picture of the problem, and treat child abuse prevention like the public health issue that it is. That's why we need to tailor our responses to meet the needs of families in Ohio and around the country. We're all in this together. The fight to end child abuse and neglect deaths starts with community awareness and responding to at-risk families before they are in crisis. Our bill has the support of child advocacy organizations, including the National Children's Alliance and the Child Welfare League of America. And with Senator Blunt on board, I'm hopeful that we can make real progress on this commonsense, bipartisan plan to save children's lives.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-to-ncua-stop-delays-protect-working-families,"Brown to NCUA: Stop Delays, Protect Working Families",2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Friday, December 13, 2019 Today, the NCUA voted to delay the implementation of its risk-based capital rule to protect the credit union system and its members. Board Member Todd Harper opposed. The rule, which delays the effective date by three years to January 1, 2022, would impose stronger capital requirements on the most complex credit unions. Senator Brown raised concerns about the delay when the NCUA issued its proposal in June. Again, Chairman Hood puts industry interests over working Americans. We know what happens to working families when a financial crisis hits. Strong capital requirements will help credit unions protect against failure, and the NCUA is ignoring the lessons of the past by delaying these important protections, said Brown. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/wyden-brown-announce-support-for-renegotiated-nafta-update,"Wyden, Brown Announce Support for Renegotiated NAFTA Update",2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,"New Agreement Includes Key Labor Enforcement Provisions Authored by Brown and Wyden Friday, December 13, 2019 Washington, D.C. Today, Senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, announced their support for the renegotiated North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) that reflects groundbreaking changes achieved by Democrats after months of negotiations with the administration. Wyden is ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, while Brown sits on the Finance Committee and is ranking member of the Senate Banking Committee. I have long said NAFTA was in desperate need of an update to ensure Canada and Mexico live up to their side of the deal, Wyden said. The agreement Speaker Pelosi secured does exactly that. The many improvements include a new rapid-response mechanism for labor enforcement that Senator Brown and I advocated for that establishes the strongest enforcement of labor standards ever written into a U.S. trade agreement. By ensuring that Mexican workers' rights are protected, we prevent a race to the bottom and level the playing field for workers in Oregon, Ohio and across the country. One of my proudest votes was against NAFTA, because I knew it would encourage multinational corporations to close factories in Ohio and offshore jobs to Mexico. The agreement President Trump negotiated wasn't much better, and I have spent more than a year working to make it more pro-worker. We fought tooth and nail against the Administration, and with the support of Speaker Pelosi, Senator Wyden, and the union movement, we secured significant improvements for workers that President Trump's initial agreement left out, namely stronger enforcement. The Brown-Wyden anti-offshoring provision is a worker-empowering, corporation-scaring enforcement innovation that amounts to the strongest-ever labor enforcement in a U.S. trade deal, and that's why this will be the first trade agreement I've ever voted for. I'm always going to be straight with American workers this is an important step toward a pro-worker trade policy, but it's not a perfect agreement. We have a lot more work to do to make hard work pay off, and one trade agreement alone will not fix President Trump's economic policies that put corporations over workers. We must build on the successes we achieved here and make sure Brown-Wyden is in every trade agreement going forward to protect American jobs, said Brown. Wyden and Brown announced their support following labor groups' widespread praise for their role in strengthening enforcement of labor rights in the agreement. AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka thanked Wyden and Brown for standing strong with us throughout this process as we demanded a truly enforceable agreement. United Steelworkers (USW) Union President Tim Conway praised the deal: [t]he updated draft agreement now has enforcement provisions [for worker's rights] that can help make a difference. There is still a great deal of work to do in terms of implementing, monitoring and enforcing the provisions, but the base for progress is there. USW also recognized Brown and Wyden for their efforts and refusal to back down in the face of massive special interest lobbying, alongside other Democratic congressional leaders in negotiating updates to NAFTA. United Autoworkers acknowledged Wyden and Brown's tireless work alongside their Democratic colleagues who fought to strengthen its labor standards and enforcement provisions. The Bakery, Confectionary, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM) also praised the work of Brown and Wyden, along with House Democratic leaders, as champions for American workers who stood strong throughout this long process. The Communications Workers of America (CWA) commended Wyden and Brown on their persistence and leadership which ensured new provisions [in the agreement that] allow for inspections of workplaces suspected of worker rights violations. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-beatty-helps-pass-lower-drug-costs-now-act,Congresswoman Beatty Helps Pass Lower Drug Costs Now Act,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Joyce Beatty,B001281,beatty.house.gov,beatty,https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Lower Drug Costs Now Act, H.R. 3, once-in-a-generation legislation that sets out to address the skyrocketing cost of drug prices so that no American must ration their medicine or go to other extremes to make ends meet. Immediately following the vote, U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) said: ""We have all seen the dramatic increase in the price of insulin, EpiPens, and numerous other life-saving medications over the last decade. Yet, up until now, Congress—under Republican Leadership—had done little more than lip-service to solve the problem. As a cosponsor of H.R. 3, I proudly cast my vote in support of this historic bill because it will not only lower prescription costs, but also expand Medicare benefits for seniors and millions of people with disabilities. Quite simply, this bill delivers real results for the people of Ohio's Third Congressional District, the middle-class, and all hardworking American families."" If enacted into law, the Lower Drug Costs Now Act will give Medicare the power to negotiate directly with drug companies to bring down prices and create powerful new tools to force drug companies to the table to agree to real price reductions. In addition, newly-negotiated, reduced prices would be available to Americans with private insurance. Further, the bill would stop drug companies from ripping off Americans while charging other countries less for the same drugs by limiting the maximum price for any negotiated drug, and at the same time cap the out-of-pocket limit on prescription drug costs for Medicare recipients. Independent experts have concluded that H.R. 3 will save American households $120 billion, private businesses more than $40 billion, and taxpayers another $500 billion. Savings would then be reinvested back into Medicare. Of note, the Lower Drug Costs Now Act includes a provision that closely mirrors a recently introduced bill by Beatty, the End Price Gouging for Insulin Act, H.R. 5364, to tackle the rising cost of insulin. However, Beatty's bill goes a step further and would guarantee that no American—with or without healthcare coverage—is forced to pay upward of $300 for their insulin. For more information on the End Price Gouging for Insulin Act, please click here. # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-votes-pass-landmark-legislation-lower-prescription-drug-costs,Kaptur Votes to Pass Landmark Legislation to Lower Prescription Drug Costs,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Marcy Kaptur,K000009,kaptur.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), voted to pass H.R. 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act, landmark legislation to strengthen the health and financial security of working families and seniors by reducing the astronomical cost of prescription drugs in the U.S. The cost of prescription drugs in this country is a crisis that threatens the health and financial security of millions in Northern Ohio and in communities across the United States, said Rep. Kaptur.H.R. 3 is the most ambitious drug pricing reform bill Congress has ever seen. Our rigged system prioritizes profits for Big Pharma at the expense of working Americans struggling to make ends meet. Our constituents are getting ripped off by the pharmaceutical companies, forced to pay upwards of 4 times more for prescription drugs than people in other countries. I've long worked to end this broken system. Now, we have a real chance. Congress must allow Medicare the ability to negotiate drug prices and bring down prescription drug costs for our citizenry. Life-saving medicines are unaffordable, and unattainable for far too many patients. H.R. 3 is a step forward to aid both these financial and health crises according the Congressional Budget Office, this legislation will save taxpayers $500 billion over ten years. I have worked hard over the last year to strengthen this legislation and I am deeply thankful for the leadership of my colleagues in the House who joined me in that fight. I urge the Trump Administration to change course, support this legislation, and stand with us against the pain Big Pharma is causing American families. The Lower Drug Costs Now Act finally levels the playing field for American patients and taxpayers: Gives Medicare the power to negotiate directly with the drug companies,and creates powerful new tools to force drug companies to the table to agree to real price reductions, while ensuring seniors never lose access to the prescriptions they need. Makes the lower drug prices negotiated byMedicare available to Americanswith private insurance,not just Medicare beneficiaries. Stops drug companies ripping off Americans while charging other countries less for the same drugs,limiting the maximum price for any negotiated drug to be in line with the average price incountries like ours, where drug companies charge less for the same drugs andadmit they still make a profit. Creates a new, $2,000 out-of-pocket limit on prescription drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries,and reverses years of unfair price hikes above inflation across thousands of drugs in Medicare. Reinvests the hundreds of billions of dollars in savings in the most transformational improvement to Medicare since its creation delivering vision, dental and hearing benefits and turbocharging the search for new cures.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://timryan.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-tim-ryan-votes-lower-prescription-drug-costs,Congressman Tim Ryan Votes to Lower Prescription Drug Costs,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Tim Ryan,R000577,timryan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13) today voted for comprehensive legislation to lower drug costs for all Americans. The Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act (H.R. 3) ends the ban on Medicare negotiating directly with drug companies and creates powerful new tools to force drug companies to the table to agree to real price reductions. The legislation also expands Medicare coverage to include dental, vision, and hearing benefits. The money saved from H.R. 3 will be used to reinvest into public health programs and communities, including additional funds to fight the opioid epidemic. In Ohio's 13th Congressional District, there are 128,912 people enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan and 440,146 people enrolled in private health insurance all of whom stand to benefit from the passage of H.R. 3. Drug prices are out of control. Just to afford life-saving medication, hard-working families across the country are forced to ration their prescriptions, skip doses, or forgo paying their bills. Some drugs have become so out of reach that patients have stopped taking their medication all together. Big Pharma's greed and price gouging tactics have left millions of Americans sick and struggling to survive, said Congressman Ryan. Not only is the passage of H.R. 3 historic, but it honors our former colleague a giant in Congress who fought injustices in our country every single day. I'm proud to vote for the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drugs Costs Now Act and bring relief to American families from skyrocketing drug prices. This legislation is long-overdue and a much-needed first step to fix our broken drug pricing system. Drug Pricing Facts What H.R. 3 Can Do: In Ohio, there are an estimated 1,003,228 people living with diabetes. For the most commonly used insulin medications, Ohio residents spend anywhere from $1,200 to $20,000 annually. Under H.R. 3, Ohio residents could spend 3.5 times less on insulin. H.R. 3 can lower the average total cost of the insulin NovoLOG Flexpen by 76% from about $19,800 to $4,800 per year. Under H.R. 3, some commonly used insulins can cost as little as $400 per year. In 2019, an estimated 10,240 women in Ohio will be diagnosed with breast cancer. H.R. 3 can lower the average total cost of the breast cancer medication Ibrance by 65% from $69,000 to $23,900 per year. In 2019, an estimated 2,100 people in Ohio will be diagnosed with leukemia. H.R. 3 can lower the average total cost of the leukemia medication Tasigna by 71% from $93,700 to $27,400 per year. In 2019, an estimated 5,340 people in Ohio will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. H.R. 3 can lower the average total cost of the prostate cancer medication Zytiga by 66% from $109,500 to $37,400 per year. 25.3% of Ohio residents have arthritis, 30.1% of whom experience severe joint pain because of it. H.R. 3 can lower their total costs on most arthritis drugs from about $40,000 to $10,000 per year. About 9.9% or 888,520 Ohio residents live with asthma. H.R. 3 can lower their total costs on most asthma drugs from about $1,400 to $270 per year. In 2015, 1,020 Ohio residents were diagnosed with HIV. H.R. 3 can lower their total costs on most HIV drugs from about $15,000 to $6,000 per year. One million people are living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in the United States. H.R. 3 can lower their total costs on most MS drugs from about $40,000 to $13,000 per year. With the Lower Drug Costs Now Act, House Democrats are taking bold action to level the playing field for American patients and taxpayers. This bill: Empowers Secretary to Negotiate a Better Deal H.R. 3 establishes a fair price drug negotiation program to reduce the cost of certain high-priced drugs without competition. Just like private parties negotiate to get the best possible deal, the Secretary of Health and Human Services would be empowered to negotiate up to 250 drugs per year, drawn from a refilling list of the most costly drugs (price times volume) in the U.S. without competition. In the first year alone, drugs representing close to half of all Medicare Part D spending, drugs needed by tens of millions of patients both in private insurance and in Medicare, would be eligible for the negotiation process including insulin. To ensure negotiations produce real price reductions, the legislation creates a maximum price for any negotiated drug with an international price index called the Average International Market (AIM) price. Caps Out-of-Pocket Costs on Drug Spending in Medicare H.R. 3 creates a new, $2,000 out-of-pocket limit on prescription drug costs, adding an important protection for Medicare beneficiaries. With the increasing number of high-cost specialty drugs, many beneficiaries find that just one medicine can cost thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs. Under current law, Medicare Part D does not have an out-of-pocket maximum. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, one-third of American adults report that they or a family member have not filled a prescription, rationed medication below their prescribed dose, or skipped doses altogether because they could not afford the full cost. Requires Drug Companies to Pay Rebates if Drug Prices Increase Faster Than Inflation H.R. 3 reverses years of unfair price hikes above inflation across thousands of drugs in Medicare. H.R. 3 incentivizes manufacturers to stop unfair price hikes on Medicare beneficiaries by requiring them to pay a rebate back to Medicare if they increase prices faster than inflation. Year after year, drug companies have hiked the costs of drugs well above the rate of inflation, subjecting seniors to soaring prices. According to AARP, the average annual cost of prescription drugs rose nearly 58 percent between 2012 and 2017. Major New Expansion in Medicare Benefits: Dental Coverage H.R. 3 adds Medicare Part B comprehensive dental coverage for the first time. H.R. 3 adds a new dental benefit to Medicare Part B, and will provide coverage for screening and preventive services, as well as both basic and major treatments. The benefit will also cover one partial or full set of dentures once in a five-year period. About half of older adults that reported skipping dental exams cited cost as the reason. Because traditional Medicare does not cover dental services, in 2016, a fifth of Medicare beneficiaries who used dental services spent more than $1,000 out-of-pocket. Major New Expansion in Medicare Benefits: Vision Coverage H.R. 3 adds comprehensive Medicare Part B vision coverage for the first time. H.R. 3 adds new vision benefits to Medicare Part B that would cover routine eye exams, contact lens fitting services, and glasses or contact lenses once every two years. An estimated 20.5 million Medicare beneficiaries have vision problems, yet only 57 percent said they had received an eye examination during the previous year. Since traditional Medicare does not cover many vision services, Medicare beneficiaries who had received vision services in the previous year spent, on average, $715, 60 percent of which was out-of-pocket. Major New Expansion in Medicare Benefits: Hearing Coverage H.R. 3 adds comprehensive Medicare Part B hearing benefits for the first time. H.R. 3 adds new hearing benefits to Medicare Part B and provides hearing aid coverage for individuals with severe or profound hearing loss. The bill would also recognize audiologists as practitioners under Medicare and allow qualified audiologists to provide aural rehabilitation and treatment services. An estimated 73.5 million Americans are estimated to have hearing loss by 2060. Research has linked hearing loss to falls, dementia, cognitive decline, social isolation, reduced quality of life, and increased Medicare spending by an average of $2,500 annually. Expands Access to Programs that Reduce Medicare Out-of-Pocket Costs H.R. 3 increases the number of seniors who qualify for financial support in order to afford their prescription drugs and other health expenses through improvements to Medicare's Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) Program and Medicare Savings Program (MSP). H.R. 3 increases the number of seniors who can qualify for LIS subsidies by raising the income eligibility thresholds and providing assistance with Part D plan premiums and out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs. H.R. 3 increases the income eligibility levels for MSP, which helps beneficiaries with low incomes and adults with disabilities pay for Medicare out-of-pocket costs like coinsurance for a hospital or doctor visit. Additional Benefit Expansion and Coverage Protections to Lower Out-of-Pocket Costs H.R. 3 makes a number of additional investments in Medicare that will lower beneficiary out-of-pocket costs. H.R. 3 adds guaranteed issue protections for the more than a quarter of Medicare beneficiaries enrolling in supplemental Medigap plans. H.R. 3 extends guaranteed issue protections and provides a new one-time enrollment period for those returning to traditional Medicare from Medicare Advantage to prevent insurance companies from denying coverage based on pre-existing conditions or health status. H.R. 3 fixes a coverage glitch by which Medicare beneficiaries may be on the hook for unexpected high costs when a polyp is removed during a colorectal cancer screening. H.R. 3 expands coverage of treatment supplies for Medicare beneficiaries suffering from lymphedema. Reauthorization and Expansion of Health Profession Opportunity Grant Program (HPOG) H.R. 3 builds on the successful Health Profession Opportunity Grant (HPOG) demonstration project to address health worker shortages and help Americans start careers that will lift their families out of poverty. In successful federal demonstration projects, HPOG grantees used a career pathways approach that bundles together high-quality job training with career coaching and work supports such as child care and transportation to train individuals for health professions that are in-demand or experiencing shortages. The HPOG approach has worked for many Americans left behind by traditional workforce programs low-income parents, people of color, and those with a high school education or less. H.R. 3 expands HPOG's reach from a demonstration project that serves 15,000 individuals in 32 states to a nationwide competitive grant program that will provide opportunity and trained health care workers to every state, the U.S. territories, and Indian communities. Takes Action to Help Reduce Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Using Home Visiting H.R. 3 doubles our investment in the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting program (MIECHV), a proven tool to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity. Home visiting is one of the most effective tools we have to improve maternal health during pregnancy and after birth, but MIECHV only serves about 150,000 of the estimated 18 million expectant and new parents who could benefit from its help. H.R. 3 would double the federal investment in home visiting over two years, making it possible for more communities to address the root causes of maternal mortality and morbidity. H.R. 3 would quadruple the federal investment in home visiting in Indian communities. Native American women are 4.5 times more likely to die from pregnancy and childbirth complications, but only 23 of 425 eligible tribes receive any federal home visiting support under current law. Invests in the Nation's Search for New Cures and Treatments H.R. 3 bolsters funding for biomedical research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) investing over $10 billion with the goal accelerating the search for the next big scientific breakthrough. H.R. 3 builds on the momentum of the 21st Century Cures Act by providing 10 years of sustainable funding to the NIH, which is advancing innovation through four historic projects: the Precision Medicine Initiative, the Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative, the Beau Biden Cancer Moonshot, and regenerative medicine. H.R. 3 authorizes vital efforts to combat antimicrobial and antibiotic resistance, which the World Health Organization warns is one of the top ten threats to global health and provides additional funds to research thousands of rare diseases without a treatment. As a catalyst to get new medical cures from the lab bench to the patient's bedside, H.R. 3 also creates a new pilot initiative at NIH to assist the development of new cures and treatments currently in the clinical trials phase of the development pipeline. Provides Investments into FDA to Enhance Drug Development, Review, and Safety H.R. 3 directs an additional $2 billion to invest in innovation and scientific expansion and other activities at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), including: $920 million to modernize FDA's outdated and siloed technical infrastructure to ensure that the agency will be able to use modern technological advances to improve regulatory oversight of medical products and to protect the public health; $200 million for more widespread adoption of continuous manufacturing techniques for drugs and complex biologics, which will help to improve quality and mitigate drug shortages; $140 million to support the development of individualized gene therapies; and $25 million to help FDA recruit and retain scientific and technical talent and ensure the agency is staffed with expertise needed to keep up with evolving science and innovation. Provides New Investments in Combatting the Opioid Crisis H.R. 3 invests $10 billion of direct funds toward the national opioid epidemic over the next five years. This includes: $7.5 billion in funding for State Opioid Response (SOR) and includes a set aside for counties, cities, and towns. H.R. 3 also requires grantees and subgrantees to provide evidence-based treatment and provide medication-assisted treatment; Increasing support for innovation around non-opioid and non-addictive medical products for pain treatment, bolsters efforts to increase the availability and capacity of the behavioral health workforce and provides additional federal resources for States to combat opioid use disorder; and $200 million in funding to support children who have been impacted, including funding for trauma-informed practices in schools and additional investments in the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA). Enhances Funding for Community Health Centers H.R. 3 invests $10 billion of direct funds in Community Health Centers, which serve 29 million Americans in communities across the United States. This includes: $5 billion for capital improvements and construction to expand the footprint of Community Health Centers; and $5 billion in additional funding for Community Health Center grants, allowing them to serve more people, including veterans, patients with substance use disorder, and Americans living in rural areas.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/article/ohio-sen-sherrod-brown-seeks-better-tracking-of-child-abuse-deaths,Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown seeks better tracking of child abuse deaths,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Cleveland.com Thursday, December 12, 2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. - Ohio Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown teamed up with Missouri Republican Sen. Roy Blunt on Wednesday to introduce legislation that would require states to collect data on deaths that stem from child-abuse, and to devise ways to prevent them by collaborating with the Department of Health and Human Services, pediatricians, public health and law enforcement officials. Brown said better reporting of child abuse fatalities would help states gauge the scope of the problem and figure out when and why the fatalities occur. He hopes his legislative proposal will be wrapped into a larger Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) bill that Congress is considering. Too many kids slip through the cracks, said Brown, citing an estimate that 1,720 children died from abuse and neglect in 2017. One child's death is too many. Sierra Giles of Cleveland endorsed Brown's bill in a conference call with reporters. Giles is legal guardian of a child named Rayvon Owenswhose five-year-old sister, Ta'naejah McCloud, died of a seizureafter his mother threw her into a dresser. Giles said she reported prior abuse of the girl, but authorities didn't take the report seriously. Hopefully, we can get a better set of data and prevent more children from passing, said Giles, who said the bill would provide nationwide consistency in assessing and reporting fatalities. Brown's office said the bill is also supported by organizations including the National Children's Alliance, Child Welfare League of America, Children's Advocacy Institute, Within Our Reach, and the Alliance for Strong Families and Communities. Brown urged people to report cases of child abuse or neglect to the National Child Abuse Hotline at-1-800-422-4453, local law enforcement, or child protective services offices. Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown seeks better tracking of child abuse deaths",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-blasts-trump-regulators-for-weakening-the-community-reinvestment-act,Brown Blasts Trump Regulators for Weakening the Community Reinvestment Act,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Thursday, December 12, 2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee blasted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) for moving forward on a rule that overhauls the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA). The CRA meant to address generations of segregation and discrimination in bank lending a critical accomplishments of the Civil Rights Movement. Today's proposal undermines a basic principle we agreed to in this country nearly 50 years ago that banks should serve their customers and their communities. In 2019, it is shameful that Trump regulators are ready to cast aside that principle and trample on a fundamental civil rights law, the Community Reinvestment Act, by pushing aside those who most need access to the banking system, including communities of color and rural communities, said Brown Yesterday, Sen. Brown along with Chairwoman Waters and Rep. Meeks led all Senate Banking Committee Democrats and House Financial Services Democrats in a letter addressed to the FDIC, Federal Reserve, and OCC calling on the regulators to, at a minimum, include a public comment period of at least 120 days for any proposal reforming CRA to ensure it gets a full vetting and that all interested parties have an opportunity to analyze and comment on the proposal. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-introduces-major-proposal-to-tackle-the-eviction-crisis,Brown Introduces Major Proposal to Tackle the Eviction Crisis,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Thursday, December 12, 2019 Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today joined senate colleagues in introducing the Eviction Crisis Act to address the national housing crisis crippling millions of Americans who are struggling to rise into the middle class. The new legislation will shed light on the root causes of the eviction crisis, reduce preventable evictions, and limit the devastation to families when eviction is unavoidable. Home is the foundation of the rest of our lives: our family connections, our education, our work, and our health. The shortage of affordable housing and evictions tear at that foundation. The Eviction Crisis Act will give our communities new tools to prevent evictions and support vulnerable households,said U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), cosponsor of the Eviction Crisis Act. Background Adjusting for inflation, the median rent payment has risen 61% since 1960 while median renter income grew only 5%. In 2016, 2.3 million eviction filings were made in courthouses across the United Statesa rate of four every minute. That same year, one in 50 renters was evicted from his or her home. This affordable housing crisis has crippled economic security for families and placed enormous costs on the nation's health care system, courts, schools, and local governments. In Ohio, six cities ranked in the nation's 100 Top Evicting Areas: Akron (ranked #24, with a 6.06% eviction rate), Dayton (#26, 5.94%), Toledo (#30, 5.63%), Cincinnati (#46, 4.7%), Columbus (#52, 4.55%), and Cleveland (#53, 4.53%). The Eviction Crisis Act will: Improve Data and Analysis on Evictions Creates a national database to standardize data and track evictions, in order to better inform policy decisions. Establishes a Federal Advisory Committee on Eviction Research to make recommendations related to data collection, as well as policies and practices that can prevent evictions or mitigate their consequences. Authorizes funding for a comprehensive study to track evictions, analyze landlord-tenant law, and assess varying factors in urban, suburban, and rural areas. Reduce Preventable Evictions and Mitigate Eviction-Related Consequences Co-invest in state and local government programs: Creates a program to fund state and local governments expanding the use of landlord-tenant community courts and increasing the presence of social services representatives for tenants, which help both tenants and landlords avoid the high cost of eviction. Establishes an Emergency Assistance Fund to provide financial assistance and housing stability-related services to eviction-vulnerable tenants. Support increased legal representation for tenants: Expresses support for substantially increasing funding for the Legal Services Corporation, a public-private partnership that provides legal services to low-income Americans. Improve Information on Tenant Screening Reports Requires consumer reporting agencies to provide consumers with tenant screening reports when they are requested as part of a rental application process, so tenants can contest and correct inaccurate or incomplete information. When a court rules in favor of a tenant in an eviction proceeding, requires those judgments and eviction filings related to that proceeding to be removed from tenant screening reports. Resources The following resources for the Eviction Crisis Act are availableHEREand below: Support Sen. Brown was joined in introducing The Eviction Crisis Act by Sens. Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Rob Portman (R-OH), who led the bill, as well as Todd Young (R-IN). The following national organizations have endorsed the Eviction Crisis Act: Caracole, Children's HealthWatch/Boston Medical Center, Coalition on Human Needs, Community of Hope, Community Stabilization Project, Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities Housing Task Force, Family Promise, First Focus Campaign for Children, Food Research & Action Center, Funders Together to End Homelessness, Habitat for Humanity International, Housing on Merit, JustLeadershipUSA, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), Mayors and CEOs for US Housing Investment, Metropolitan Tenants Organization, NAACP, National Alliance on Mental Illness, National Alliance to End Homelessness, National Association for County Community and Economic Developments, National Association of Community Health Centers, National Association of Local Housing Finance Agencies, National Association of Social Workers, National Church Residences, National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, National Coalition for the Homeless, National Coalition for the Homeless, National Community Action Partnership, National Education Association, National Health Care for the Homeless Council, National Housing Law Project, National Housing Trust, National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty, National League of Cities, National Legal Aid & Defender Association, National Low-Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC), National NeighborWorks Association, National Nurse-Led Care Consortium, National Resources Defense Council, National Women's Law Center, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, Opportunity Starts at Home Campaign, Prosperity Now, RESULTS, The Arc, Unity Health Care, and ZERO TO THREE. The following state and local organizations have endorsed the Eviction Crisis Act: Chicago Area Fair Housing Alliance, Coalition on Homelessness & Housing in Ohio, Colorado Center on Law and Policy, Greater Syracuse Tenants Network, Housing Action Illinois, Legal Aid Association of California (LAAC), and Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County. Eviction isn't just a consequence of poverty; it's a cause of poverty. Yet we allow millions of Americans to face the threat of eviction each year. Families with children are at particularly high risk of eviction. Many evicted families lose their home and possessions, often falling into homelessness. Research shows that eviction thwarts economic mobility and is linked to long-term negative health outcomes. Passing the Eviction Crisis Act would be a big step forward, deepening our understanding of the problem and preventing families from the devastating consequences of displacement. Everyone needs a safe and affordable home. I commend Senators Bennet and Portman for their efforts and look forward to working with them to pass this bill into law,said Matthew Desmond, author ofEvicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City. I applaud Senators Michael Bennet and Rob Portman for their leadership in introducing legislation to create new tools to help end America's ongoing eviction epidemic, which most severely impacts the lowest-income seniors, people with disabilities, families with children, and other individuals. If enacted, the Eviction Crisis Act would create a new Emergency Housing Assistance Fund a policy solution developed and advanced by NLIHC's Opportunity Starts at Home campaign to extend an emergency cushion to families in crisis. Together [with the legislation's new data collection and outreach initiatives], the bill would help low-income renters avert the downward spiral of housing instability and homelessness. I urge Congress to quickly pass this bill,saidDiane Yentel, President and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition. The Eviction Crisis Act is an historic response our country's eviction epidemic. Through comprehensive data collection and emergency rental assistance, the bill will combat the devastating impacts of evictions on families and children and create a foundation for more effective prevention in the future. We are grateful to Senators Bennet and Portman for addressing this crucial area of U.S. housing policy and working to save families from eviction and homelessness,saidShamus Roller, Executive Director, National Housing Law Project. Colorado Center on Law and Policy applauds Senator Michael Bennet's legislation that addresses housing insecurity and the eviction crisis that is occurring in communities across the country. Tenants who are facing eviction are typically unable to access assistance. For tenants who must represent themselves in court, navigating the complex legal system of landlord-tenant laws can prove to be impossible. This major shortcoming in our justice system contributes to cycles of poverty and is especially harmful for families with children. An eviction can destabilize relationships, disrupt children's development and undermine community ties. Senator Bennet's legislation would provide support for emergency assistance, expand legal resources and enable comprehensive data collection. This legislation represents a monumental step forward in preventing evictions, and we encourage Members of Congress to lend their support,said Jack B. Regenbogen, Senior Attorney at Colorado Center on Law and Policy. The Coalition on Homelessness & Housing in Ohio (COHHIO) enthusiastically endorses the Eviction Crisis Act and the creation of the Emergency Assistance Fund designed to prevent unnecessary evictions. Evictions in many Ohio cities are hitting record levels as housing costs are growing increasingly out of reach, especially for those with the lowest incomes. We all now understand that evictions are not only the result of but also a cause of deeper poverty leading to increasing homelessness. This legislation has the promise of helping to reverse that tide. We appreciate the leadership of Senators Rob Portman and Michael Bennet working together to tackle this stubborn problem,said Bill Faith, Executive Director of COHHIO and state partner of theOpportunity Starts at Homecampaign. A full list of quotes from stakeholders is availableHERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/beatty-bipartisan-minority-banking-bill-passes-house-financial-services,Beatty Bipartisan Minority Banking Bill Passes House Financial Services Committee,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Joyce Beatty,B001281,beatty.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Today, the House Committee on Financial Services passed unanimously (57-0) the Expanding Opportunity for Minority Depository Institutions Act, H.R. 5315. Introduced by U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03), H.R. 5315 would make permanent the U.S. Department of Treasury's Financial Agent Mentor-Protg Program that helps pair minority-owned banks with financial agents to expand business and consumer products. Following the Committee vote, Beatty said: Minority-owned banks play a vital role in our economy, providing their customers the resources to start their own businesses, achieve their dreams of homeownership, or even save for retirement. However, we have seen many minority-owned banks that were once community pillars close up shop. My bill will provide support and guidance for minority-owned banks so that they can continue to meet the often-unmet needs of communities of color. According to the 2019 Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Report on Minority Depository Institutions, minority-owned banks originate a greater share of mortgages and a greater share of Small Business Administration (SBA) 7(a) loans to borrowers in low- to moderate-income census tracts than non-minority-owned banks. In addition, they also provide a greater share of reported loans to minority Americans than non-minority-owned financial institutions. # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/beatty-bipartisan-minority-banking-bill-passes-house-financial-services-committee,Beatty Bipartisan Minority Banking Bill Passes House Financial Services Committee,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Joyce Beatty,B001281,beatty.house.gov,beatty,https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, the House Committee on Financial Services passed unanimously (57-0) the Expanding Opportunity for Minority Depository Institutions Act, H.R. 5315. Introduced by U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03), H.R. 5315 would make permanent the U.S. Department of Treasury's Financial Agent Mentor-Protégé Program that helps pair minority-owned banks with financial agents to expand business and consumer products. Following the Committee vote, Beatty said: ""Minority-owned banks play a vital role in our economy, providing their customers the resources to start their own businesses, achieve their dreams of homeownership, or even save for retirement. However, we have seen many minority-owned banks that were once community pillars close up shop. My bill will provide support and guidance for minority-owned banks so that they can continue to meet the often-unmet needs of communities of color."" According to the 2019 Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Report on Minority Depository Institutions, minority-owned banks originate a greater share of mortgages and a greater share of Small Business Administration (SBA) 7(a) loans to borrowers in low- to moderate-income census tracts than non-minority-owned banks. In addition, they also provide a greater share of reported loans to minority Americans than non-minority-owned financial institutions. # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-beatty-joins-nearly-100-house-democrats-in-introducing,Congresswoman Beatty Joins Nearly 100 House Democrats in Introducing Protect SNAP Act,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Joyce Beatty,B001281,beatty.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Last week, U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) signed on as an original cosponsor of the Protect SNAP Act, H.R. 5349, a bill that seeks to prevent the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) from implementing stricter work requirements under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The bill follows the USDA's final rule restricting hundreds of thousands of Americans' access to SNAP, including an estimated 45,000 Ohioans. At a time when nearly 75 percent of SNAP recipients who are working or recently worked have lost their job, this rule will do nothing to create new jobs, lift people out of poverty, or solve food insecurity, Beatty said. On the contrary, the Trump Administration's latest move will take food away from hungry Americans, including 45,000 Ohioans, and reinforces harmful and just plain wrong stereotypes about our most vulnerable citizens. According to research from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), most working-age SNAP recipients are employed, but many are working jobs that provide low-pay, with uncertain schedules and little-to-no benefits such as paid sick leave. In fact, nearly three-quarters of adults who participate in SNAP in any given month work either that month or within a year of enrolling. CBPP research also found that over 50 percent of SNAP recipients in a typical month were working in that month and 74 percent worked in the year before or after applying for SNAP benefits. # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-beatty-joins-nearly-100-house-democrats-in-introducing-protect-snap-act,Congresswoman Beatty Joins Nearly 100 House Democrats in Introducing Protect SNAP Act,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Joyce Beatty,B001281,beatty.house.gov,beatty,https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—Last week, U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) signed on as an original cosponsor of the Protect SNAP Act, H.R. 5349, a bill that seeks to prevent the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) from implementing stricter work requirements under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The bill follows the USDA's final rule restricting hundreds of thousands of Americans' access to SNAP, including an estimated 45,000 Ohioans. ""At a time when nearly 75 percent of SNAP recipients who are working or recently worked have lost their job, this rule will do nothing to create new jobs, lift people out of poverty, or solve food insecurity,"" Beatty said. ""On the contrary, the Trump Administration's latest move will take food away from hungry Americans, including 45,000 Ohioans, and reinforces harmful and just plain wrong stereotypes about our most vulnerable citizens."" According to research from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), most working-age SNAP recipients are employed, but many are working jobs that provide low-pay, with uncertain schedules and little-to-no benefits such as paid sick leave. In fact, nearly three-quarters of adults who participate in SNAP in any given month work either that month or within a year of enrolling. CBPP research also found that over 50 percent of SNAP recipients in a typical month were working in that month and 74 percent worked in the year before or after applying for SNAP benefits. # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-amendment-improve-stem-education-among-priorities-included-house,Kaptur Amendment To Improve STEM Education Among Priorities Included in House Passed NDAA,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Marcy Kaptur,K000009,kaptur.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), voted to pass the FY2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Included in the $738B funding bill are a number of Rep. Kaptur's priorities, including the Congresswoman's bipartisaneffort to include the Coast Guard in a Department of Defense program to provide youth STEM education (STARBASE). Now more than ever the innovation capacity of the United Statesour prosperity and securitydepends on an effective and inclusive STEM education system and a ready workforce, said Rep. Kaptur. Given the Coast Guard's mission of coastal defense and maritime law enforcement, daily activity relies significantly on STEM skills. What better way to expose America's young people to the opportunities of the Coast Guard's mission than increased partnership with America's youth. This legislation will improve Americans' STEM skills while creating a viable pipeline of intellectually prepared young people to serve in our nation's Coast Guard and innovation sector. Rep. Kaptur looks to build upon her provision of the NDAA by advancing the separateCoast Guard Youth STEM Programs Expansion Act (H.R. 3205) to: Allow the Coast Guard to coordinate with the Department of Education to establish programs to improve STEM knowledge and skills for elementary and secondary school students and faculty; Allow the Coast Guard to cooperate and coordinate with the Department of Defense to establish programs to improve STEM knowledge and skills for elementary and secondary school students and faculty, particularly DOD's STARBASE Program; and Allow the Coast Guard to expand beyond traditional STEM skills to focus on expertise particularly important to their own mission, including limnology, marine science, and oceanography. Additional priorities reflected in the FY2020 NDAA include: 12 weeks of paid parental leave for federal workers A 3.1% military pay increase Improvements to military healthcare Repeals the military's Widow's Tax. $300 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, an increase of $50 million Strict sanctions related to the Nord Stream 2/Turk Steam energy pipelines. Improvements to nuclear oversight and strategic deterrence ### kaptur.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-announces-winners-congressional-app-challenge,Kaptur Announces Winners of Congressional App Challenge,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Marcy Kaptur,K000009,kaptur.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur(OH-09), announcedthe winners ofthe Ohio 9thCongressional District's firstannual Congressional App Challenge.VictorYavornitzky, Alexander Gee, and JohnJusko'ssoftware application MyHighSchoolJourneywas selected by a panel of judges as the winner of this year's competition.Theirappis designed to organize a student's high school experiences for the college applicationprocess andwas selected as the winner based on its design, creativity, and functionality.CongresswomanKapturlooks forward to meeting the winners andlearningfirst-hand of theskills and expertise that went into the creation of their application. The Congressional App Challenge is a district-level competition for high school students tofoster coding skillsand inspire students to pursue careers in computer science. Additional standout apps came from KamrynOhlyof Perkins High School in Sandusky, andYukyeongSeoof Parma Franciscan High School, who placed 2nd and 3rd respectively. Impressive submissions were also received from Horizon Science Academy in Lorain, Ohio, and St. Francis De Sales High School in Toledo, Ohio. Victor, Alexander, and John's submission was impressive in its widespread application for young people around the country who are organizing their high school experience in preparation for undergraduate institutions, community college, or technical schools, said Rep. Kaptur. We had strong submissions and participation from across the district. Developing STEM education must be a priority for our nation, and the Congressional App Challenge is an opportunity to foster critical skills. Rep. Kapturreceived a total of10app submissions from students atfive high schools in Ohio's 9th Congressional Districtinherfirstyear hosting thecompetition. Lucas, Erie, Lorain, and Cuyahoga counties were each represented.The judges for this year's competition included computer science professionals and scholars from across the district. Winners of the 2019 Congressional App Challenge will beeligible to attendthe #HouseOfCodeCapitol Hill Reception in Washington, D.C.,wheretheir app will be featured in the United States Capitol Building.Victor, Alexander, and Paulwill also receivegift certificates from Amazon, a sponsor of the competition. More information on the Congressional App Challenge can be foundhere. ### kaptur.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-votes-pass-farm-workforce-modernization-act,Kaptur Votes To Pass Farm Workforce Modernization Act,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Marcy Kaptur,K000009,kaptur.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), voted to pass H.R. 5038, The Farm Workforce Modernization Act, a bill to stabilize the agricultural sector and protect farm workers. For too long, I have borne painful witness to the plight of our migrant farm workers, those who endure harsh working conditions to ensure our food gets from farm to table, Rep. Kaptur said on the House floor in support of the bill.Many of these workers leave their families and come to the United States in hope of finding descent work at a respectable wage yet are subjugated into serfdom.That is why I stand heartened that the Farm Workforce Modernization Act has been brought forth to the House floor. This bill has strengths.It clears multiple pathways to citizenship, addresses the very serious issues of heat illness prevention, and proper family housing. All necessary provisions, upon which I will support this bill. However, we must endeavor to address the rampant exploitation of migrant workers through human trafficking, lack of financial literacy and reputable banking structures, and insufficient enforcement against those prey upon them.I look forward to continuing working with my colleagues to improve these conditions, and the many other outstanding obstacles, that prevent these workers from reaching the dignity they deserve. The Farm Workforce Modernization Act of 2019 will stabilize the agricultural sector and preserve our rural heritage by ensuring that farmers can meet their labor needs well into the future. Title I. Securing the Domestic Agricultural Workforce. This title establishes a program for agricultural workers in the United States (and their spouses and minor children) to earn legal status through continued agricultural employment. Provides a process for farm workers to seek Certified Agricultural Worker (CAW) statusa temporary status for those who have worked at least 180 days in agriculture over the last 2 years. CAW status can be renewed indefinitely with continued farm work (at least 100 days per year). Applicants (including spouses and children) must undergo background checks and pass strict criminal and national security bars. There is no requirement that workers do anything else. But long-term workers who want to stay can earn a path to a green card by paying a $1,000 fine and engaging in additional agricultural work, as follows: Workers with 10 years of agricultural work prior to the date of enactment must complete 4 additional years of such work. Workers with less than 10 years of agricultural work prior to the date of enactment must complete 8 additional years of such work. Title II. Ensuring an Agricultural Workforce for the Future. This title reforms the H-2A temporary agricultural worker program to provide more flexibility for employers, while ensuring critical protections for workers. Streamlines the H-2A visa process by: Consolidating the H-2A filing process through an electronic platform in which all agencies can concurrently perform their adjudicatory responsibilities. Allowing most employers to file a single petition for staggered seasonal labor needs. Transitioning recruitment from newspaper advertisements to electronic job postings. Reducing costs associated with visa processing by providing H-2A workers with 3-year visas. Reforms H-2A wages to better reflect real-world wages, while protecting against sudden wage increases that disrupt employer planning and operations by: Disaggregating wages for various agricultural occupations (e.g., crop workers, livestock workers, machine operators, etc.). Freezing wages for one year and capping wage fluctuations for most of the country at 3.25% for the next 9 years. Authorizing rulemaking to establish new wage standards after year 10. Eliminating mid-contract wage fluctuations. Accommodates the need for workers in year-round agriculture by: Providing up to 20,000 H-2A visas per year (for 3 years) for dairy and other year-round agricultural employers. Allowing the year-round H-2A cap to increase or decrease annually thereafter based on labor metrics or increase based on an emergency determination of a significant labor shortage, and providing the Secretary of Labor and Secretary of Agriculture authority to determine whether to establish a numerical cap after 10 years. Increasing the number of green cards that are available for employer sponsorship, while creating a means for workers to self-petition for green cards after 10 years of H-2A service. Establishes a Portable Agricultural Worker (PAW) pilot program to facilitate the free movement and employment of up to 10,000 H-2A workers with registered agricultural employers. Registered employers could employ individuals with PAW status without first having to file a petition. Improves the availability of farmworker housing while lowering employer costs related to such housing by: Preserving existing housing stock, including by adopting H.R. 3620, the Strategy and Investment in Rural Housing Preservation Act of 2019, which authorizes $1 billion to rehabilitate housing that is aging out of USDA incentives programs. Incentivizing new housing by tripling funding for USDA section 514 and 516 rural housing loan and grant programs and doubling funding for the section 521 rental assistance program. Increasing the USDA per-project loan limitation to $5 million (from $3 million). Granting operating subsidies to 514/516 property owners who house H-2A workers. Reduces the need for litigation by adopting prior compromises to expand the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act (MSPA) to cover H-2A workers, while effectively requiring mediation to resolve differences. Establishes a program to register and provide oversight over foreign labor recruiters engaged in the recruitment of workers for the H-2A program. Title III. Electronic Verification of the Agricultural Workforce. This title would establish a mandatory, nationwide E-Verify system for all agricultural employment, phased in after all legalization and H-2A reforms have been implemented, and including necessary due process protections for authorized workers who are incorrectly rejected by the system. This serves as the last necessary piece to ensure a legal workforce for the agricultural sector. Endorsements: There is broad support for the Farm Workforce Modernization Act across labor, agricultural organizations, faith and civil rights groups and other allies including the United Farm Workers, Farm Labor Organizing Committee (AFL-CIO), Farmworker Justice, MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund), Committee on Migration and the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Dairy Farmers of America, American Beekeeping Federation, American Seed Trade Association, Bipartisan Policy Center Action, Clif Bar & Company, Del Mar Food Products Corp., Driscoll's, Idahoan Foods LLC, Land O'Lakes Inc., Milk Producers Council, National Council of Agricultural Employers, National Farmers Union, National Immigration Forum, National Milk Producers Federation, Sunkist Growers, Sun-Maid Growers, Sunsweet Growers, U.S. Apple Association, U.S. Rice Producers Association, United Ag, United Egg Producers, United Fresh Produce Association, and more. ### kaptur.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/multimedia/watch/brown-marks-two-year-anniversary-of-gop-tax-bill-handout-on-senate-floor,BROWN MARKS TWO-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF GOP TAX BILL HANDOUT ON SENATE FLOOR,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-blunt-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-improve-reporting-of-child-abuse-deaths-prevent-future-fatalities,"Brown, Blunt Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Reporting of Child Abuse Deaths, Prevent Future Fatalities",2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senators' Bill Would Provide Clearer Picture of the Number of Child Abuse Fatalities, Better Assess When and Why Child Abuse Fatalities Occur Wednesday, December 11, 2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Roy Blunt (R-MO) introduced bipartisan legislation, the Child Abuse Deaths Disclosure Act, which would require states to report data on all child-abuse related deaths and develop recommendations to prevent child abuse deaths from occurring in the first place. The Senators' bill would provide policymakers and public health officials with a clearer picture of the number of child abuse fatalities and allow states to collect important information to better assess when and why child abuse fatalities occur. The only way we can prevent more of these tragic deaths is if we get an accurate picture of the problem and treat child abuse prevention like the public health issue that it is. That is why we must get an accurate picture of the problem and tailor our response to meet the needs of families in Ohio and around the country. said Brown. We have an obligation to do all we can to keep children safe, said Blunt. Having a complete and accurate understanding of the circumstances surrounding every child abuse-related death will give policymakers, law enforcement, and public health officials the information they need to prevent these heinous deaths. In 2017, the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS) estimated that approximately 1,720 children died from abuse and neglect. The federal Commission to Eliminate Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities (CECANF) indicated in its final report that NCANDS data does not fully capture the entire number of child abuse fatalities and recommended significant reforms including improved data collection and interagency collaboration, increased funding to child welfare programs, and the development of a standard definition of child maltreatment fatality. The Child Abuse Deaths Disclosure Act would: Require states to develop a multidisciplinary team to annually examine the circumstances of all child abuse related deaths and report case specific information to the National Center for Fatality Review and Prevention. The taskforce would also be required to develop recommendations to prevent child abuse deaths and submit an annual report to state and federal officials to publish on a national public website. Require HHS to consult with state and local officials, child welfare practitioners, pediatricians, public health officials, and law enforcement to develop a national standard definition related to child abuse deaths or child maltreatment fatalities. Promote training on child maltreatment fatalities for child death review teams to address disparities in treatment by officials or outcomes in child maltreatment fatalities based on race or culture and encourage best practices. Brown was joined on a conference call to announce the legislation today by Ms. Sierra Giles from Cleveland, Ohio, the legal guardian of Rayvon Owens, whose sister Ta'naejah McCloud was a victim of child abuse and tragically died. Ms. Giles reached out to Sen. Brown's office to advocate for legislation to help prevent child abuse deaths and spoke on the call about the importance of the Senators' bill. The Child Abuse Death Disclosure Act is necessary. It allows another set of eyes on the children of our country. It's one thing to have to disclose deaths to states, but the concern for children's safety and well being is a federal issue. This act will allow there to be consistency across the country with assessing and reporting child fatalities, and uniformity of data necessary to evaluate children and family services across the nation, said Ms. Giles. The bill is also supported by child advocacy organizations, including the National Children's Alliance, Child Welfare League of America, Children's Advocacy Institute, Within Our Reach, and the Alliance for Strong Families and Communities. If you suspect or know a child is being abused or neglected, please call or text the National Child Abuse Hotline at-1-800-422-4453, contact your local child protective services office, or a law enforcement agency. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-presses-bedrock-detroit-to-support-the-efforts-of-securamerica-workers-to-unionize,Brown Presses Bedrock Detroit to Support the Efforts of SecurAmerica Workers to Unionize,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Wednesday, December 11, 2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown is urging Bedrock Detroit LLC to support the efforts of SecurAmerica workers, who provide security services at Bedrock properties, to unionize. In a letter to Bedrock Detroit CEO Matthew P. Cullen, Brown called on the company to direct SecurAmerica to follow the standard set by industry leaders, and voluntarily recognize the workers' desire to form a union through a fast and fair process that includes card check neutrality. More than 1,000 security professionals in Cleveland and Detroit stand to benefit from joining the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), but SecurAmerica has taken significant steps to prevent its employees from gaining union representation. Over 300 security officers in Columbus, Ohio, joined SEIU, and ratified their first contract in 2017, which included pay increases, paid vacations, and job security, Brown wrote. The SecurAmerica employees in Cleveland and Detroit deserve the same union representation and voice on the job. I urge you to express your support for their unionizing effort to SecurAmerica and its employees and ensure that your contractor does not stand in the way of these workers' rights to form a union and collectively bargain. Most of the professionals employed by SecurAmerica are workers of color who must maintain more than one job in order to provide for themselves and their families, and face a number of unique challenges in the workplace. Joining a union will allow these workers the protection and support of a union to advocate for safe working conditions, wages and benefits, and the job security they deserve. Brown has long been a supporter of workers' rights to organize. In May, hejoined House and Senate Democrats to introduce theProtecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act comprehensive legislation to strengthen protections for workers' right to organize a union and bargain for higher wages, better benefits, and safer working conditions. As wage inequality continues to leave workers and middle-class families behind, this legislation would empower millions of Americans to stand together and ensure hardworking people are getting their fair share of economic growth. A copy of Brown's letter to SecurAmerica can be found here and below. Dear Mr. Cullen: I write to urge you to support the efforts of security professionals in Cleveland and Detroit at Bedrock's security contracting company, SecurAmerica, to unionize. These security professionals the majority of whom are workers of color and who must maintain more than one job in order to provide for themselves and their families are integral to the success of your company. We know that workers of color face a number of unique challenges in the workplace, and they should have the protection and support of a union to advocate for safe working conditions, wages and benefits, and the job security they deserve. More than 1,000 security professionals in Cleveland and Detroit stand to benefit from joining the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), but SecurAmerica has taken significant steps to prevent its employees from gaining union representation. Bedrock chose SecurAmerica to provide security services at the buildings in your company's real estate portfolio. As a result, Bedrock is in a position to direct SecurAmerica to follow the standard set by industry leaders and voluntarily recognize the workers' desire to form a union through a fast and fair process that includes card check neutrality. Over 300 security officers in Columbus, Ohio, joined SEIU, and ratified their first contract in 2017, which included pay increases, paid vacations, and job security. The SecurAmerica employees in Cleveland and Detroit deserve the same union representation and voice on the job. I urge you to express your support for their unionizing effort to SecurAmerica and its employees and ensure that your contractor does not stand in the way of these workers' rights to form a union and collectively bargain. Sincerely, Sherrod Brown United States Senator ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-secures-dayton-and-wright-patterson-priorities-in-key-defense-bill,Brown Secures Dayton & Wright-Patterson Priorities in Key Defense Bill,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Secured Language Authorizing the Investment at Wright-Patt in Senate Bill; Will Continue Fighting to Secure Funds in Final Appropriations Bill Wednesday, December 11, 2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today announced that he helped secure key investments for Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Brown helped secure these funds in the House-Senate NDAA conference report, which is expected to pass both chambers over the next week. In June, Brown fought to secure this language for Dayton in the Senate's version of the NDAA. The funds still need to be appropriated, and Brown said he will continue fighting to secure these funds in the final Defense and Military Construction Appropriations bills. The programs and directorate run out of Wright-Patterson will receive funding once both the appropriations and authorization bills have passed. The bill includes: An additional $117 million per year for the next five years to support critical Defense Production Act (DPA) projects nationwide, which would help support DPA jobs at Wright-Patt This comes after Brown successfully secured a provision in last year's NDAA to prevent DPA jobs from leaving Ohio by ensuring that the AFRL would continue to manage this critical program. $1.359 billion to support critical research and development programs run out of Wright-Patt's Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) $120.9 million to support military construction of Wright-Patt's new National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC) $35.7 million to support improvements and rehabilitation efforts for Wright-Patt's historic Brick Quarters Housing District This bill will make sure Wright-Patt's highly-skilled workers can continue to do their jobs and help meet our national security needs,Brown said. DPA Increased Funding The Manufacturing Technology Division of Wright-Patterson's Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) helps run a key defense manufacturing program, which ishoused at Wright-Patt, that allows the federal government to support defense-related manufacturing when domestic capabilities aren't able to meet national security needs. The program was created under the Defense Production Act (DPA), and supports Ohio jobs and brings investments to the region through contracts awarded to the program. The DPA is overseen by the Senate Banking Committee, on which Brown sits as Ranking Member. Anticipating a major increase in the need for leading edge industrial base technology projects in the next several years, identified by Pentagon planners, Brown led the effort with Sen. Crapo (R-ID), Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, to increase authorized funding under the DPA from $133 million annually to $250 million annually for the next four years. This authorization will provide an additional $117 million annually over the next five years and willhelp the DOD address risks to the manufacturing and defense industrial base. This funding will be used for projects across the country and will help support jobs at Wright-Patt. Two years ago, the Department of Defense (DOD) announced plans to transfer management and program responsibilities for the DPA's Title III program away from AFRL at Wright-Patt and house them at the Pentagon. The move could have put local jobs, investments, and active projects at risk. Following this news, Brownwrote to DOD immediately, urging it to keep DPA program managers housed at Wright-Patt. Brown thensecured language in the Senate's NDAA billlast year that bars DOD from moving program management of DPA without Congressional approval and keeps the jobs in Ohio. AFRL Funding The bill would authorize more than $1.359 billion for research and development programs run out of the Air Force Research Lab's (AFRL) Materials, Human Effectiveness, Propulsion, Aerospace Systems, Sensors and Manufacturing Directorates at Wright-Patt. This funding is critical to addressing emerging threats and strategic challenges that our men and women in uniform face. NASIC Military Construction Funding This bill would also authorize $120.9 million to support military construction efforts for Wright-Patt's National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC). Last year, Brown was able to help secure more funding for NASIC construction than ever before, when the NDAA authorized $182 million for phase one and two of NASIC's expansion. The project received an appropriation authorization of $61 million for Fiscal Year 2019 to begin construction. In 2018, Brown wrote to then-DOD Secretary Jim Mattis calling for an investment at NASIC, along with other Ohio priorities. In 2017, Brown spoke to Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson about investing in construction needs at the base. Prior to that, in 2017, Brown as co-chair of the Senate Air Force Caucus brought his Republican caucus co-chair John Boozman (R-AR), Armed Services Committee Members Jack Reed (D-RI), Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) to visit Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and tour the facility. Together, Brown and Portman highlighted critical research and development work done at the base in support of the Air Force and national security. Brown also met with Sec. Mattis in 2017 to outline Ohio military priorities. During the meeting, Brown invited Mattis to visit Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the Air National Guard 178th Wing in Springfield. Historic Brick Quarters Housing District at Wright-Patt The bill also authorizes more than $35.7 million to support improvements efforts for 29 of Wright-Patt's historic Brick Quarters Housing District units. This housing on the Wright-Patt campus is in need of rehabilitation to meet current safety standards and this funding will ensure the buildings are updated to best support those living in the historic homes on the base. The Brick Officer housing was built in 1930s and was designed in the Tudor Revival style. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-secures-fentanyl-and-north-korea-sanctions-in-key-defense-bill,Brown Secures Fentanyl & North Korea Sanctions in Key Defense Bill,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Brown's Sanctions would Provide New Tools to Combat Fentanyl Trafficking as Addiction-Related Deaths Continue to Spike in Ohio; North Korea Sanctions, Named for Otto Warmbier, would Pressure North Korea to Relinquish Nuclear Weapons, Curb Human Rights Abuses; Brown also Secured Provision to Prevent Federal Funds from Being Used to Purchase Rail Cars or Buses from China Wednesday, December 11, 2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today announced he secured key priorities in the joint House-Senate National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report. The bill includes new sanctions tools to target foreign opioid traffickers in China, Mexico and other countries. It also includes legislation -- named in honor of Otto Warmbier, an Ohioan who lost his life after being held prisoner by North Korea -- to strengthen and expand current U.S. sanctions on that country. Finally, it includes provisions to prevent federal funds from being used by transit agencies to purchase rail cars or buses manufactured by Chinese state-owned, controlled, or subsidized companies. Brown secured the inclusion of these provisions in the Senate-passed NDAA in June. The final NDAA bill is expected to pass both chambers over the next week. Fentanyl Sanctions Brown's bipartisan Fentanyl Sanctions Act was included as an amendment to the NDAA and would give U.S. officials new sanction tools to target foreign opioid traffickers in China, Mexico and other countries. It would also better enable U.S. diplomats and law enforcement officials to maintain pressure on the Chinese government to implement and strictly enforce China's commitment to treat all forms of illicit fentanyl as illegal. Cities throughout Ohio -- including Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Columbus -- have experienced spikes in suspected overdose deaths, and law enforcement officials believe fentanyl is largely to blame. Brown originally introduced this bill with Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH). On average, 14 people will die every day in Ohio due to an opioid overdose, said Brown. The addiction crisis has taken too many lives and caused too much devastation in Ohio. This bill will provide effective new sanctions tools to help combat the flood of illicit fentanyl coming into the U.S. primarily from China and Mexico, and help provide intelligence and funding to keep these dangerous drugs out of Ohio communities. Brown's Fentanyl Sanctions Act would help crack down on illegal fentanyl coming to Ohio by: Requiring imposition of sanctions on foreign drug traffickers, drug manufacturers in China who knowingly provide illicit synthetic opioids to traffickers, individuals or firms operating alone or as part of transnational criminal organizations like those in Mexico who mix fentanyl with other drugs and traffic them into the U.S., and foreign financial institutions and others that knowingly assist such trafficking; Authorizing new funding to the Department of Treasury to implement sanctions to combat the foreign trafficking of opioids; Urging the President to intensify diplomatic efforts with U.S. partners to establish multilateral sanctions and to deploy other multilateral measures against foreign opioid traffickers; Establishing a National Commission on Synthetic Opioid Trafficking to monitor U.S. efforts and report on how more effectively to combat the flow of illicit synthetic opioids from China, Mexico and elsewhere. The fentanyl sanctions follow Brown's successful efforts to enact his INTERDICT Act into law, which provided U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) with additional high-tech screening equipment and lab resources to detect fentanyl before it enters the U.S. North Korea Sanctions Brown also secured his North Korea sanctions provisions in the NDAA, legislation named in honor of Otto Warmbier, an Ohioan who lost his life after being held prisoner by North Korea. The NDAA will include a new version of the bipartisan Otto Warmbier Nuclear Sanctions and Enforcement Act of 2019 to strengthen and expand current U.S. sanctions on North Korea. It's important we send a clear signal that the U.S. is serious about maintaining economic and diplomatic pressure on North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons program, and to stop its continuing human rights abuses like those that took the life of Otto Warmbier, said Brown. I thank Chairman Crapo, and Senators Toomey, Van Hollen and Portman for their leadership on this issue. Brown, Ranking Member on the Banking Committee, led this bill with Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID), Chairman of the committee. Brown worked alongside Sen. Crapo to shepherd this bill through committee. The original version of these sanctions against North Korea were first introduced last Congress and Banking Committee members Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) were lead cosponsors of the bill as well. North Korea's actions have drawn international condemnation. A North Korea armed with nuclear weapons presents a major threat to several of its Asian neighbors, and to U.S. national security. Specifically, the Otto Warmbier Nuclear Sanctions and Enforcement Act of 2019 would: Strengthen and expand U.S. sanctions on North Korea and its financial facilitators and supporters; Strengthen Congressional oversight of North Korea sanctions; Bolster US and UN enforcement of sanctions, including by requiring sanctions on foreign banks which support banned trade finance with North Korea; Strengthen Treasury's role in combating human trafficking. Chinese Rail Cars In addition to fentanyl sanctions, Brown also secured his Transit Infrastructure Vehicle Security Act, which he introduced with U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Mike Crapo (R-ID). This legislation would prevent federal funds from being used by transit agencies to purchase rail cars or buses manufactured by Chinese owned, controlled, or subsidized companies. The legislation will also ensure that the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority will not purchase Chinese rail cars for use in the Washington, DC region. This strong bipartisan bill protects federal dollars from being spent on Chinese buses and railcars, and improves cybersecurity in public transportation, said Brown. Federal dollars should not support Chinese state-controlled enterprises that want to undermine U.S. manufacturers and overtake our supply chain that supports rail and bus manufacturing. Additional Background: The Chinese government continues to use a range of state subsidies and predatory practices to support its market ascension in certain sectors of the United States' economy. Two of these sectors, rail manufacturing and bus manufacturing, are included as part of China's Made in China 2025 initiative, a plan targeting global dominance in areas that the Chinese government considers most strategic to its global aims. Chinese state-owned and state-supported enterprises have used subsidized bargain prices well-below competitive market price to win contracts throughout the United States. A number of large, metropolitan areas have recently awarded rail rolling stock procurements to a Chinese state-owned enterprise. There are a number of threats these procurements pose including impeding economic competitiveness and overtaking the supply chains that support United States public transportation agencies. Chinese state-owned and state-supported enterprises have increased security vulnerabilities and create new risks for rolling stock procurements. Specifically, the Transit Infrastructure Vehicle Security Act would prevent federal transit funds from being used by transit agencies to procure Chinese rail assets and ensure transit agencies develop and execute a cybersecurity plan. Limitation on Certain Rolling Stock Procurements: This legislation prevents federal transit dollars from being used to award a contract or subcontract for the procurement of passenger rail cars or transit buses to Chinese state-owned, controlled or subsidized enterprises after an implementation period. The bill would create a certification process for transit agencies to ensure their funds are not being used to purchase rolling stock from a covered manufacturer. A narrow exception would be made for transportation agencies with a pre-existing contract or subcontract with a covered rail rolling stock manufacturer executed prior to the date of enactment, but the legislation's restrictions apply immediately to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. Cybersecurity Certification: Given the level of technology and growing complexity of rail rolling stock assets, it is important that proper cybersecurity standards are in place. This legislation would require any transit operator that operates rail transit service to develop and execute a plan for identifying and reducing cybersecurity risks. Recipients of federal transit assistance would be required to review best practices and to identify any hardware and software components of new rolling stock assets that should undergo third-party testing. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-secures-more-than-2-billion-in-key-defense-bill-to-support-limas-jsmc,Brown Secures More Than $2 Billion in Key Defense Bill to Support Lima’s JSMC,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Secured Language Authorizing the Investment at JSMC in Senate Bill; Will Continue Fighting to Secure Funds in Final Appropriations Bill Wednesday, December 11, 2019 WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today announced that he helped secure more than $2 billion in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to support vehicles manufactured at Lima's Joint Systems Manufacturing Center (JSMC). Brown helped secure these funds in the House-Senate NDAA conference report, which is expected to pass both chambers over the next week. In June, Brown fought to secure this language for Lima in the Senate's version of the NDAA. The funds still need to be appropriated, and Brown said he will continue fighting to secure these funds in the final Defense Appropriations bill. The programs run out of JSMC will receive funding once both the appropriations and authorization bills have passed. The bill includes: $522.9 million to continue Stryker vehicle upgrades More than $1.75 billion for upgrades to the Abrams Tanks The men and women at JSMC perform critical work to increase the survivability and lethality of the vehicles our troops use throughout the world. Abrams and Stryker have proven highly capable time and time again,said Brown.I've seen JSMC's workforce firsthand and will make sure funding continues to expand production at the facility. Brown has long fought to ensure Lima's JSMC has the funding it needs to support its missions involving the Stryker vehicles and Abrams Tank. In May, Brown toured the JSMC after leading efforts to secure investments for JSMC and fighting for its workers. In 2018, Brown worked to secure more than $1.79 billion to protect critical manufacturing jobs at Lima's JSMC in the FY 2019 defense appropriations bill. In March 2017, Brown met with U.S. Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis to highlight the importance of continued funding for the Abrams Tank and the Stryker Vehicle. In May 2017, Brown wrote to his Senate Armed Services and Appropriations Committee colleagues to support inclusion of the Abrams Tank and Stryker Vehicle in both the NDAA and the Defense Appropriations bill. In October 2016, Brown and U.S. Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) brought then-Under Secretary of the Army Patrick J. Murphy to Lima for a tour of the JSMC. Brown and Portman have been longtime champions of the JSMC and have worked over the years with the Senate Armed Services Committee, the Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) leadership to promote the work done in Lima. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-secures-more-than-46-million-in-key-defense-bill-for-historically-black-colleges-and-universities-and-minority-institutions-program,Brown Secures More Than $46 Million in Key Defense Bill for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Institutions Program,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Wrote to Appropriators Asking for Increased Funding in Defense Bill Wednesday, December 11, 2019 WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today announced that he helped secure more than $46 million for the Department of Defense's (DoD) Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Institutions Program in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The HBCU/MI Program is designed to increase the participation of HBCU/MIs and minatory students in DoD's research, development, test and evaluation programs and activities. Brown helped secure these funds in the House-Senate NDAA conference report, which is expected to pass both chambers over the next week. Sen. Brown led a bipartisan amendment to the NDAA advocating for robust funding for the HBCU/MI program. In July, Brown wrote to Congressional appropriators asking for increased funding in the final version of the NDAA. The funds still need to be appropriated, and Brown said he will continue fighting to secure these funds in the final Defense Appropriations bill. Historically Black Colleges and Universities, like Wilberforce and Central State in Ohio, are a critical part of our nation's higher education system and provide important research that can be used to protect our servicememebers and keep our country safe, said Brown. This funding will help ensure the partnership between the Department of Defense and these institutions can continue for years to come. Earlier this month, Brown applauded Senate passage of his Fostering Undergraduate Talent by Unlocking Resources for Education (FUTURE) Act, bipartisan legislation to extend Title III mandatory funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Minority Servicing Intuitions (MSIs), and Tribal Colleges and Universities. Mandatory funding for these institutions lapsed on September 30, and is a critical funding stream for colleges and universities like Central State University and Wilberforce University.The bill has passed the House and Senate and now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-secures-provisions-for-ohio-servicemembers-veterans-and-civilians-in-key-defense-bill,"Brown Secures Provisions for Ohio Servicemembers, Veterans, and Civilians in Key Defense Bill",2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Bill would Help Ohio Servicemembers Harmed By Toxic Burn Pits; Burn Pit Exposure in Afghanistan, Iraq Linked to Serious Health Problems for Veterans; Bill also Reverses Trump Admin. Rule that Prevented Servicemembers with More Than 16 Years of Service from Transferring GI Bill Education Benefits to their Children Wednesday, December 11, 2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today announced he secured language in the House-Senate National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report to help Ohio veterans and servicemembers. The first provision would help study the effects of burn pits on servicemembers' health. The second would help restore eligibility to servicemembers seeking to transfer their educational benefits to dependents. Finally, the bill also includes legislation that provides paid parental leave for 2 million federal workers nationwide. Burn Pits The military relied on open-air burn pits to dispose of toxic waste in Afghanistan and Iraq, which exposed servicemembers to toxic chemicals and fumes that have been linked to certain deadly diseases. Brown introduced his Burn Pit Accountability Act in January and helped secure its inclusion in the Senate's version of the NDAA, which passed in June. We have a responsibility to ensure our servicemembers have the care they need to address the dangers they face while serving this country, said Brown. This legislation is a first step toward addressing the unique health needs of those exposed to toxic burn pits while serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. Brown's Burn Pit Accountability Act would help Ohio servicemembers and veterans by: Requiring Department of Defense to evaluate servicemembers for toxic exposure during routine medical exams and directing the Department to share whether each servicemember was stationed near an open-air burn pit; Enrolling servicemembers exposed to toxic airborne chemicals or stationed near an open burn pit in the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry that will monitor and identify the harmful consequences of exposure to burn pits. Brown's legislation would increase the requirements on the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs to track and evaluate servicemembers' health when they have been exposed to burn pits. The Burn Pit Accountability Act is sponsored by Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and supported by several veterans organizations, including: Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), Fleet Reserve Association, Military Officers Association of America, US Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Non Commissioned Officers Association, Service Women's Action Network, US Army Warrant Officer Association, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the US, The Retired Enlisted Association, Chief Warrant Officer Association- US Coast Guard, Air Force Sergeants Association, National Military Family Association, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, Wounded Warrior Project, Vietnam Veterans of America, Paralyzed Veterans of America, AMSUS, American Veterans (AMVETS), Reserve Officers Association of the United States, Air Force Women Officers Associated, Disabled American Veterans, and Association of the United States Navy. Brown is the longest-serving U.S. Senator from Ohio on the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs. GI Bill Transferability Last summer, the Department of Defense issued a new policy that would have prevented servicemembers with more than 16 years of military service from transferring education benefits to their eligible dependents. Previously, any servicemember who had served for six years was eligible to apply to transfer their benefits. Brown fought to reverse this rule and secured a provision in the NDAA to reverse this Trump administration rule that prevented servicemembers with more 16 years of military service from transferring the GI Bill education benefits to their children. It's our duty to ensure that servicemembers, who sacrifice for our nation, have the ability to transfer this education benefit to a dependent if they so choose, Brown said. Earlier this year, Brown introduced the Post-9/11 GI Bill Transferability Entitlement Act with Senators Jon Tester (D-MT) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) to ensure that all servicemembers who have completed 10 years of service in the Armed Forces are eligible to transfer their benefits to dependents at any time either while serving on active duty or as a veteran providing a comprehensive fix to the Administration's unfair, broken policy. This legislation is supported by the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States and the Reserve Enlisted Association. Paid Parental Leave for Federal Workers The bill also includes a provision authored by Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) and cosponsored by Sen. Brown that will provide 2 million federal workers across the country with 12 weeks of paid leave to care for a new child after birth, adoption, or the initiation of foster care. Although the current Family and Medical Leave Act allows employees to take 12 weeks of unpaid leave to care of a new child, it does not provide any paid leave. For too many Americans, hard work doesn't pay off. If we truly value the dignity of work, we need to recognize that paid family leave is something all workers should have the opportunity to earn, said Brown. I'm glad to see the paid parental leave provision included in the defense authorization bill. This is an important step for federal employees, as we continue to invest in our workforce and ensure that hard work is rewarded for all workers. Studies have shown that providing paid leave for federal employees would save the government at least $50 million annually in turnover and replacement costs. Federal agencies are already struggling to recruit and retain young talent. Just 6 percent of the federal workforce is under the age of 30, while roughly 40 percent of the workforce is eligible to retire within the next three years. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-urges-passage-of-bipartisan-resolution-to-recognize-critical-role-of-census-importance-of-fair-and-accurate-count,"Brown Urges Passage of Bipartisan Resolution to Recognize Critical Role of Census, Importance of Fair and Accurate Count",2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Wednesday, December 11, 2019 WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Brown (D-OH) joined his Senate colleagues today in introducing a bipartisan resolutionto ensure the 2020 Census is fair and accurate. The resolution encourages individuals, families, and households across the United States to take part in the Census so that all communities can be counted. The 2020 Census is a constitutionally mandated undertaking. The data collected is used to properly allocate seats for the U.S. House of Representatives and state legislatures. It also directs more than $800 billion annually in federal funding to state and local communities. The resolution recognizes the importance and significance of the 2020 Census and encourages all people to participate. It concludes that it is the civic duty of every person to ensure that the 2020 Census is as accurate as possible. As we enter the next decade, it is critical that all Ohioans are accounted for in the 2020 Census, said Brown. Our government relies on the Census to evaluate needs and allocate resources. A full and accurate count of all Ohioans ensures that our communities and Ohio families will receive the assistance they need. The resolution was introduced by Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK). Senator Brown cosponsored the resolution, alongside U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Mike Braun (R-IN), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Tom Carper (D-DE), Susan Collins (R-ME), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Doug Jones (D-AL), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), Tina Smith (D-MN), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Jon Tester (D-MT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR). The resolution is supported by a number of organizations including the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the National League of Cities, the National Association of Counties, National the Association of Towns and Townships, the Census Project, NAACP, NALEO Educational Fund, Asian Americans Advancing Justice AAJC, National Congress of American Indians, Service Employees International Union, National Education Association, Nielsen, Facebook, Twitter, and Reddit. For a PDF copy of the resolution, click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-waters-and-meeks-lead-house-and-senate-committee-democrats-in-letter-to-regulators-on-proposed-cra-changes,"Brown, Waters, and Meeks Lead House and Senate Committee Democrats in Letter to Regulators on Proposed CRA Changes",2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Wednesday, December 11, 2019 WASHINGTON -- Today, Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), Chairwoman of the House Financial Services Committee, and Congressman Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Financial Institutions, led a letter to Jerome H. Powell, Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Joseph M. Otting, Comptroller of the Currency, and Jelena McWilliams, Chairman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, demanding that regulators provide the public, Members of Congress, and all interested parties with adequate time to thoroughly review and offer input on proposed changes to the framework of the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA). The letter was signed by every Democratic Member of the House Financial Services Committee and Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs. The CRA is a critical tool to combat redlining, a practice that still exists by which banks discriminate against prospective customers based primarily on where they lived, or their racial or ethnic background, rather than creditworthiness, the lawmakers wrote. Many of us have shared our views and concerns with you regarding your proposed changes to implementation of the CRA. Based on your past responses and statements, as well as the feedback we have received from interested stakeholders, we remain extremely concerned about the direction any proposed rule is likely to take and efforts to arbitrarily rush to finalize a rule in the near future. See the full text of the letter below. The Honorable Jerome H. Powell Chairman Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System 20th Street & Constitution Avenue, NW Washington DC 20219 The Honorable Joseph M. Otting Comptroller Office of the Comptroller of the Currency 400 7th Street SW Washington, DC 20551 The Honorable Jelena McWilliams Chairman Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation 550 17th Street, NW Washington, DC 20429 Dear Chairman Powell, Comptroller Otting, and Chairman McWilliams: We are writing regarding recent testimony and news that one or more of your agencies may soon issue a proposed rule to revise regulations implementing the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA).[1] As you know, the law directs your agencies to hold banks accountable in fulfilling their continuing and affirmative obligation to help meet the credit needs of the local communities in which they are chartered.[2] The CRA is a critical tool to combat redlining, a practice that still exists by which banks discriminate against prospective customers based primarily on where they live, or their racial or ethnic background, rather than creditworthiness.[3] Many of us have shared our views and concerns with you regarding your proposed changes to implementation of the CRA. Based on your past responses and statements, as well as the feedback we have received from interested stakeholders, we remain extremely concerned about the direction any proposed rule is likely to take and efforts to arbitrarily rush to finalize a rule in the near future. To the extent one or more of your agencies decides to proceed with a proposed rule, we request that you provide a public comment period of no less than 120 days for substantive review and comment on the proposal. Given the complexity of this rulemaking and the impact of the CRA, particularly within communities of color and for those who have been historically underserved by our financial system, it is essential that your agencies provide adequate time for thorough review by all interested parties. We look forward to your prompt attention to this request. Sincerely, Rep. Maxine Waters Senator Sherrod Brown Rep. Gregory W. Meeks Senator Jack Reed Senator Robert Menendez Senator Jon Tester Senator Mark R. Warner Senator Elizabeth Warren Senator Brian Schatz Senator Chris Van Hollen Senator Catherine Cortez Masto Senator Doug Jones Senator Tina Smith Senator Kyrsten Sinema Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney Rep. Nydia M. Velzquez Rep. Brad Sherman Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay Rep. David Scott Rep. Al Green Rep. Emanuel Cleaver Rep. Ed Perlmutter Rep. Jim A. Himes Rep. Bill Foster Rep. Joyce Beatty Rep. Denny Heck Rep. Juan Vargas Rep. Josh Gottheimer Rep. Vicente Gonzalez Rep. Al Lawson Rep. Michael San Nicolas Rep. Rashida Tlaib Rep. Katie Porter Rep. Cindy Axne Rep. Sean Casten Rep. Ayanna Pressley Rep. Ben McAdams Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Rep. Jennifer Wexton Rep. Stephen F. Lynch Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Rep. Alma Adams Rep. Madeleine Dean Rep. Jess Chuy Garca Rep. Sylvia Garcia Rep. Dean Phillips cc: The Honorable Kathy Kraninger, Director, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau The Honorable Martin Gruenberg, Board Member, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation The Honorable Richard Clarida, Vice Chair, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System The Honorable Randal Quarles, Vice Chair for Supervision, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System The Honorable Lael Brainard, Governors, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System The Honorable Michelle Bowman, Governors, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/watch-brown-marks-two-year-anniversary-of-gop-tax-scam-on-senate-floor,Watch: Brown Marks Two-Year Anniversary of GOP Tax Scam on Senate Floor,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,"GOP Tax Bill has Been a Handout to Corporations at the Expense of Workers Wednesday, December 11, 2019 **Download Production Quality FootageHERE** WASHINGTON, D.C. On the Senate floor today, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown marked the two-year anniversary of the enactment of the GOP Tax Scam, which has been a handout to corporations at the expense of workers. Despite Republican claims that the bill was a tax cut for working people, it has proven to be nothing more than a giveaway to corporations and the wealthy. Brown slammed Republicans and President Trump for breaking the promise that workers would see higher wages, and urged his colleagues to pass his Working Families Tax Relief Act, which wouldcut taxes for workers and familiesby expanding theEarned Income Tax Credit (EITC)andChild Tax Credit (CTC). The EITC and CTC are two of the most effective tools we have to put money in the pockets of working people and pull children out of poverty. The Working Families Tax Relief Act would also allow workers to draw a $500 advance payment on their EITC so that families aren't forced to turn to predatory payday lenders when the car breaks down or other unexpected expenses come up. It has now been two years since President Trump and Republicans in Congress passed their tax scam.They sold it as a tax cut for working people. But the jig is up we know people aren't seeing more money in their paychecks, said Brown. People see their tax scam for what it really was a giveaway to corporations and the wealthiest tiny sliver of the population. Brown also urged his colleagues to consider legislation he introduced earlier this year to hold companies accountable for shipping jobs overseas. Brown's Patriot Employer Tax Credit Act would provide a tax credit to companies that provide fair wages and good benefits to workers. His Corporate Freeloader Fee would levy a fee on large mega-corporations that are often extremely profitable yet pay their workers poorly. Brown has also introduced legislation to crack down on corporations who ship jobs overseas and reward companies that support their workers at home. The Pay What You Owe Before You Go Act would require corporations who want to shift their headquarters overseas for tax purposes to pay their full U.S. tax bill on all deferred overseas profits before reincorporating in a new country. In October, the Washington Postreported that for the first time in history, U.S. billionaires paid a lower tax rate than the working class last year.The report followed a recent study that found the average effective tax rate paid by the richest 400 families in the country was 23 percent, a full percentage point lower than the 24.2 percent rate paid by the bottom half of American households in 2018. Additionally, recent reports from the Washington Post and Columbus Dispatch have shown that income inequality is on the rise in Ohio and across the country. The separate Washington Post report revealed income inequality in America is at the highest it's been since the Census Bureau started tracking income inequality data in 1967. According to the Post, the separation between the rich and poor is at a five-decade high, despite recent reports of economic growth in the U.S. The GOP Tax Scam not only rewarded the wealthy and corporations at the expense of workers, it also fueled an already-growing racial wealth gap. According to a report by the Institute of Taxation and Economic Policy and Prosperity Now, the benefits of the tax law flow predominantly to white households. Of the Black and Latino households that received a tax cut, that tax cut was less than half the average tax cut received by white households. The Columbus Dispatch has also reportedthat while Ohio's median household income increased slightly last year, the divide between white and black households continued growing. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/news-articles/ohio-representative-gets-security-provision-included-in-terrorism-bill,Ohio representative gets security provision included in terrorism bill,2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Joyce Beatty,B001281,beatty.house.gov,,,legacy,"The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the Terrorism Risk Insurance Reauthorization Act of 2019, H.R. 4634 on Nov. 18. The vote was 385-22. An original co-sponsor of H.R. 4634, U.S. Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-Columbus, successfully had a provision included in the bipartisan bill that would ensure places of worship across the country are financially equipped to respond to security concerns and recover from terrorist attacks. We have all watched in horror as more and more houses of worship have become targets for white supremacists, white nationalists, and anti-Semites., she said in a news frelease. From Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, S.C., to the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pa., these attacks have taken the lives and injured countless individuals from a variety of faith communities. Beyond the horrific losses of life, there is also an economic toll, as devastated congregations are left to pick up the pieces and rebuild. My amendment will enhance security and improve recovery efforts for places of worship because the last thing they should worry about is whether they have the insurance backstop to rebuild and continue their important work. Specifically, Beatty's provision would require the U.S. Department of Treasury to include in its reporting an analysis of the costs and availability of terrorism insurance for places of worship. If enacted, the provision would help lawmakers determine the level of federal funding for grants that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security gives out to nonprofits, under the DHS Nonprofit Security Grant Program, to help offset the costs of target-hardening and other security enhancements. H.R. 4634 is awaiting consideration by the U.S. Senate and is expected to be voted on in the near future. The bill introduced by Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., chairwoman of the House Financial Services Committee. This article was originally published by Cleveland Jewish News on November 20, 2019.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-beatty-looks-to-lower-insulin-price,Congresswoman Beatty Looks to Lower Insulin Price,2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Joyce Beatty,B001281,beatty.house.gov,beatty,https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—Yesterday, U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) introduced the End Price Gouging for Insulin Act, H.R. 5364. If enacted, the bill will reduce the financial burden for the 7.4 million Americans who use insulin to manage their diabetes. According the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in Ohio and Ohio has the eighth highest diabetes mortality rate. ""Today, over 1 in 10 Ohioans are living with diabetes, many using insulin to regulate their blood sugar levels,"" Beatty said. ""However, with the dramatic increase in cost of insulin—almost tripling in price—in just the last 10 years, countless people are forced to choose between rationing or other extremes. This is unconscionable."" She continued, ""My bill would correct this travesty by setting a more economically feasible price based on the prevailing cost of insulin internationally."" Despite being invented over a century ago, the price of common insulin products has nearly tripled over the last decade. As a result, over a quarter of Americans with Type 1 diabetes have rationed their insulin in the last year, a rate four times higher than that of other economically developed countries according to data from the American Diabetes Association and T1 International. Specifically, the End Price Gouging for Insulin Act will require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to set a reference price for insulin products based on the average cost of insulin across 11 developed countries. Drug companies that sell insulin above the reference price would owe a civil penalty to be paid into the Medicare Trust Fund and the National Institutes for Health for drug research and development. Nearly 1.2 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, another 30 million are living with Type 2, and still 84 more million are considered pre-diabetic. Moreover, communities of color are disproportionately affected, as Black, Hispanic, and American Indiana/Alaska Native populations are more likely to be living with diabetes than White and Asian Americans and have poorer health outcomes like loss of vision, amputation, and kidney failure. H.R. 5364 is awaiting further consideration in several House committees, and companion legislation (S. 2817) has been introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Jeff Merkley (OR) and Dick Durbin (IL). # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-statement-trump-administration-snap-final-rule-regarding-able,Kaptur Statement on Trump Administration SNAP Final Rule Regarding Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents,2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Marcy Kaptur,K000009,kaptur.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced its finalized rule for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) regarding Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs), a decision that could impact 700,000 Americans.The rule will restrict a states' ability to waive SNAP's three-month time limit in areas with insufficient jobs. This new calculation is punitive and will see nearly 88% of ABAWDs hurt by the Trump Administration. For the holidays, the Trump Administration continues its war on working families by taking food out of the mouths of vulnerable Americans, said Rep Kaptur. The new SNAP ruling shows the 1.38 million hardworking Ohioans who participate in SNAP that this Administration is not interested in helping them.According to USDA's Economic Research Service, the prevalence of food insecurity in Ohio (13.7 percent) was higher than the national average (12.3 percent) in 2017. In Ohio alone, we could see 4,000 recipients lose food assistance. That is substantial and we cannot let our neighbors starve on the account of a negligent Administration. In the 2018, Republicans tried to pass the same rule in the Farm Bill. However, the House and Senate overwhelming passed the bill with the measure's rejection. I will work with my colleagues over these next few months to ensure this measure does not go into effect in April.I strongly encourage my colleagues in the Senate to follow suit, and understand the rule is harmful to the sick, learning disabled, mentally ill, and/or citizens who lack basic transportation those we take an oath to protect and serve.I will continue to fulfill my Constitutional obligation as a cosponsor of the Protect the SNAP Act. President Trump believes because he and his wealthy cohorts benefited from his tax cuts, that the rest of America did as well.That is simply not the case.Wealth disparity in the U.S. remains high, and those who suffer will continue to suffer under this Administration with these kinds of policy changes.This is an outright attack on our minority communities who live in disproportionate income regions, and our rural community workers who could see their jobs go overseas and be left without a safety net. This year, House Democrats passed $71 billion in funding for SNAP in the FY20 Agriculture Appropriations bill.This was with the promise that we help serve those who endure the challenge of food insecurity.As an appropriator, I take my duty to fund vital programs such as SNAP personally.We must not allow the continued malfeasance and inhumanity of this Administration to hurt those who truly need assistance. We must be better. ### kaptur.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-votes-pass-legislation-investing-great-lakes-communities,Kaptur Votes To Pass Legislation Investing In Great Lakes Communities,2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Marcy Kaptur,K000009,kaptur.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, spoke in favor of H.R. 729, The Coastal and Great Lakes Communities Enhancement Act, ahead of its passage on the House floor. The legislation now heads to the Senate for consideration. An amendment introduced on a bipartisan basis by Reps. Kaptur and Charlie Christ (R-FL) to expand eligibility to the climate change adaptation preparedness and response program for Harmful Algal Bloom related activities also passed. Full floor statement below as prepared [Video]: Madam Speaker, I rise to support HR 729 and call attention to the Great Lakes Fishery Research Authorization Act (GLFRA) which authorizes the USGS Science Center for the Great Lakes. I commend Congressman Quigley for his hard work on the legislation. USGS protects the Great Lakes fishery from invasive species that threaten the integrity of our Lakes. Today, in my district, USGS is leading the charge to identify and contain Grass Carp, a pernicious invasive whose population threatens to explode but for the work of the federal science agencies. Every day our country sits idle, with inadequate direction to USGS, we allow invasive species to undermine the multibillion-dollar Great Lakes fishery. The Great Lakes have come a long way since the Cuyahoga river caught fire 60 years ago, but we have a long way to go. With this authorization, USGS will be able to conduct deep-water ecosystem science, and help us better understand fish movement and behavior. And for my district, which contains the most productive, shallowest and warmest part of the Great Lakes, the Western Basin of Lake Erie, USGS's work protects the region's ecological and economic future. Thank you and I yield back. ### kaptur.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://timryan.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-tim-ryan-announces-oh-13-district-congressional-app-challenge,Congressman Tim Ryan Announces OH-13 District Congressional App Challenge Winners,2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Tim Ryan,R000577,timryan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Youngstown, OH Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13) is proud to announce the winning team for the 2019 Congressional App Challenge (CAC): Emma Davis (11th grade), Alara Erzurum (12th grade), and Ranean Sulebi (11th grade) from Boardman High School. Their app entitled Ohio Gun Obtaining Quiz gives examples of scenarios that could happen when someone is trying to buy a gun in Ohio. The user goes through a series of yes or no questions answering whether a person can legally buy or carry a gun in the described scenario, and an explanation for the correct answer appears on the screen following the user's response. According to Emma, Alara, and Ranean, the app was inspired by the mass shooting in Dayton, Ohio on August 4th of this year 17 people were killed and 27 were injured and better informs users about Ohio's gun laws. To view the students' submission video, click here. To view and download a photo of the winners, click here. Our students in Northeast Ohio are exceptional and second to none. This app from Emma, Alara, and Ranean from Boardman High School not only demonstrates that, but shows our young people are actively engaging with what's happening in our society. These three students responded to a tragedy that shook Ohio by creating an innovative app to better inform Ohioans about our current gun laws, said Congressman Ryan. I want to congratulate Emma, Alara, and Ranean for their work and winning this year's challenge. I also want to commend the goals of the Congressional App Challenge, which is to ensure continued growth and innovation in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields and to encourage students to excel in those occupations. This was definitely a fun experience, and I enjoyed every moment. Even through the trial and error, we were learning and having fun together as a team, said Emma Davis. Each one of us took a part of the challenge that we could excel in; Emma did the coding, Ranean did the research, and I did the filming. We all contributed to the outcome in our own ways. I can't believe we won but we did, said Alara Erzurum. Throughout the challenge, our groups' teamwork grew as we faced challenges in the creation of our app. We had a lot of fun despite the challenges. I believe our group has gained valuable skills, which include problem solving, teamwork, and perseverance, said Ranean Sulebi. ""I am so proud of the girls, and my entire class,"" said Boardman High School Technology Teacher Evelyn Stanton. ""Truly any of the 5 apps we sent in could have won the challenge. The girls' Ohio Gun Obtaining Quiz, which they were moved to do after the tragic mass shooting in Dayton, is a great example of what we do in Boardman High School.It is an informative app designed to raise awareness, and again I am so proud that these young ladies worked well together, using their individual strengths to try to make a difference with technology."" The following are responses from Emma, Alara, and Ranean about their app: Which Programming Language(s) Did You Use To Create Your App? The app was created using Block Code. Please Briefly Describe What Your App Does? Our app gives examples of scenarios that could happen when someone is trying to buy a gun in Ohio. Then, it asks if the person can legally buy or carry a gun as described in the scenario. The user answers the question. The option chosen, yes or no, will turn green or red to show whether or not the answer is right. Green stands for correct and red for a wrong answer. Afterwards, an explanation for the correct answer appears on the screen. What Inspired You To Create This App? We were inspired to create this app by the mass shooting in Dayton, Ohio on August 4, 2019. 17 people were killed and 27 people were injured. There are people that believe that stricter gun laws are necessary to prevent mass shooting. Although, many of these people have not provided a specific plan for change in Ohio's gun laws. We hope this app will give these people a quick overview of Ohio's gun law in an engaging way. What Technical Difficulties Did You Face Programming Your App? Our group experienced a few technical difficulties. One technical difficulty we faced was button automatically turning green when the screen initialized. This was due to an error in the coding. In our case, we had unfinished code lines. Another technical difficulty we faced was an error that would not allow the user to go to the thank you page. We had typed the name of the final screen incorrectly, and it would not go on to the next page due that mistake. These obstacles helped our group's ability coding ability grow. What Improvements Would You Make If You Were To Create A 2 - 0 Version Of Your App? We would improve the app by adding a scoring feature. Every time the user answers the question correctly, they will earn one point. At the end, there will be a screen with the score on it. Another improvement would be saving the users previous responses. That way, the user will be able to keep track of the questions she or he missed. Also, we would add more questions to the quiz. With more questions people can understand Ohio's gun laws even better. Furthermore, we could add a different quiz for each state. This would make our app more accessible to the people of the United States. These improvements would greatly personalize the app for each user. About The Congressional App Challenge: The Congressional App Challenge was created because Congress recognized that STEM and computer-based skills are essential for economic growth and innovation, and that the U.S. has been falling behind on these fronts. By some estimates, the U.S. may be short by as many as a million programmers by 2020. These are high-paying, high-demand jobs. To maintain American competitiveness, it's crucial that the U.S. invests in our youth now and helps them acquire the skills necessary to pursue these careers in the future. This nationwide competition highlights the creativity and talent of the students in each Congressional District, with each district selecting a winner(s) and their app to be prominently featured at the U.S. Capitol. Recognizing the racial, gendered, and other disparities in the tech sector, the CAC also focuses on inclusivity and making the Challenge widely accessible to students from all backgrounds. For more information about the Congressional App Challenge, please visitwww.CongressionalAppChallenge.us.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://timryan.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-tim-ryan-praises-inclusion-additional-c-130j-aircraft-repeal-widow,"Congressman Tim Ryan Praises Inclusion of Additional C-130J Aircraft, Repeal of Widows Tax and Other Key Priorities in FY20 Defense Authorization Bill",2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Tim Ryan,R000577,timryan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13) praised the inclusion of several key priorities in the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), including authorizing four C-130J aircraft, repealing the so-called Widow's Tax, implementing paid parental leave, funding emergency recovery projects for military bases, and protecting DREAMer and immigrant veterans. Ryan also announced that he will vote for the bill when it comes to the Floor of the House of Representatives this week. I'm pleased that the FY20 NDAA ensures our men and women in uniform are provided with the tools, resources and benefits they deserve. A major win in this bipartisan legislation is an authorization of four additional C-130J aircraft to match the appropriation I was able to secure in the Fiscal Year 2020 Defense Appropriations Bill. I will continue to work closely with Air Force Reserve Command leaders to demonstrate the importance of basing these four C-130Js at the Youngstown Air Reserve Station, and to lay out a game plan that will account for multi-year operational excellence at Trumbull County's largest employer, said Congressman Ryan. The NDAA also repeals the Widow's Tax which has cost thousands of dollars for military families of deceased servicemembers. Since 2009, I've been fighting for the repeal of this harmful tax, and I'm proud to see this become a reality. As a member of the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, I understand how critical it is to provide our military with the support they need to prepare for the threats and challenges our nation faces around the world, and I will continue fighting every day for our servicemembers, veterans, and their families. Vito Abruzzino, Executive Director of the Eastern Ohio Military Affairs Commission (EOMAC) added,We appreciate everything Congressman Ryan has done to make sure the men and women of the 910th are in the best equipment, and deeply appreciate his ever-vigilant attitude toward national defense and the importance of the 910th to the Valley's economy as a whole. Key provisions in FY20 NDAA include: Repeals the Widow's Tax: Eliminates an offset that costs families of deceased service members thousands of dollars a year in earned retirement benefits. Currently, surviving spouses of service members and Veterans who make the ultimate sacrifice receive payment from the Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) program. But to do so, they must relinquish, dollar for dollar, any earned military retirement. C-130J: Increases intertheater airlift by adding four additional C-130 aircraft. TransDigm: In light of Transdigm price gouging, strengthens contracting officers ability to determine fair and reasonable prices by ensuring that contractors comply with requests to provide cost and pricing data or face potential ineligibility for award. Counter Russia Aggression: Reverses Trump cuts to the European Deterrence Initiative (EDI) to support U.S. allies and deter Russia. Protects Dreamers and immigrant veterans: Prohibits a member who is protected under DACA or TPS from being involuntarily separated from the military, and requires that a veterans military service shall be consider in any determination for removal proceedings. Disaster-related military construction: Authorizes $4.1 billion for emergency recovery projects at installations affected by hurricanes, flooding, and earthquakes. PFAS and related chemicals: Bans DoD use of firefighting agents containing PFAS by 2024 and immediately bans use of PFAS in training. Authorizes DOD to provide alternative water to farmers effected by PFAS contaminated agricultural water. Paid Parental Leave: Provides federal employees with 12 weeks of paid parental leave, which matches benefits already provided to military members. This applies to all civilian employees throughout the federal government. Reform the Feres Doctrine: Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to allow and pay claims to service members for personal injury or death, providing service members an opportunity to seek justice for medical malpractice. Climate Change: Contains a number of provisions that require DoD to assess and address climate risk across the planning, design and construction process; authorizes $100 million, $25 million above the President's request, for the Readiness and Environmental Protection Initiative (REPI); supports land conservation efforts in cooperation with local communities to prevent incompatible development around military bases and ranges. Blocking Chinese Companies' Rail Cars or Buses: Bars federal dollars from being used to purchase passenger rail cars or buses from state-owned or state-controlled enterprises, such as those from China.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://timryan.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-tim-ryan-statement-house-unveiling-two-articles-impeachment,Congressman Tim Ryan Statement on House Unveiling Two Articles of Impeachment,2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Tim Ryan,R000577,timryan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13) issued the following statement regarding the House unveiling two articles of impeachment against President Trump: abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. It is sad that it has come to this. I take no joy in this process, but we cannot have a President that is above the law.If my constituents do something wrong then they face the consequences. The President used his public office and taxpayer money for personal and political gain. That is wrong, and he must be held accountable, said Congressman Ryan.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-opening-statement-at-hearing-on-oversight-of-the-sec,Brown Opening Statement at Hearing on Oversight of the SEC,2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Tuesday, December 10, 2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs delivered the following opening statement at today's hearing entitled Oversight of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission'. Sen. Brown's remarks, as prepared for delivery, follow: Thank you Chairman Crapo, and welcome Chair Clayton. Over the past few years, in this Committee, we have seen the Trump Administration dismantle many of the protections we put in place after the last financial crisis, putting our financial system and hardworking families around the country at risk. The SEC has flown under the radar, but often the agenda has been the same taking Wall Street's side over and over, instead of standing with investors saving for retirement or college or a down payment. Taken together, the SEC's latest actions are making it harder to hold corporate executives accountable to investors and hardworking Americans. While I appreciate the Enforcement Division's initiatives, including those to protect teachers and military service members from fraud and misconduct in financial advice, you've done so much damage by adopting what you call Regulation Best Interest. Under that rule, brokerage firms can merely disclose, but don't have to eliminate, firm-level conflicts. It should be simple investment firms need to work for the people they serve. Americans need to have confidence the professionals that they're trusting with their hard earned money are working for them, not scamming them to line the firm's own pockets. You could have simply followed Congress's guidance in the Dodd-Frank Act to create a uniform fiduciary standard for brokers and advisors, which would be the best way to give investors confidence that their interests come first. But you didn't. And that's not the only part of Dodd-Frank you are working to undermine. Look at the SEC's proposal to amend the whistleblower program, which is one of the most successful programs created under Dodd-Frank. We need brave workers to stand up to corruption and abuse when they see financial companies scamming people or engaging in other illegal behavior. The only way individual workers are ever going to able to stand up to powerful Wall Street firms is if we give them protection. We've already seen a chilling effect from your proposal. Each year since inception of the program, the number of tips has increased, in some years by more than 10 percent. But after your rule proposal in 2018 introduced a cap on whistleblower awards, the number of tips declined for the first time in 2019. The proposed cap on awards raised so many alarm bells that you had to put out a statement to clarify. I know whistleblower' is a dirty word nowadays to some in this town. It always is to serial lawbreakers. I don't see how you can make significant changes to a successful program like this without understanding that the decline in tips is a result of your actions, and the environment this Administration has created, attacking rather than protecting those who speak out against abuse of power. As the SEC continues to take fewer actions that hold the largest financial institutions accountable, we must encourage whistleblowers to identify misconduct wherever it exists and help uncover complex frauds. The SEC's recent proposed rules on proxy advisors and shareholder proposals are also clear examples of the Administration taking the side of corporate interests over Americans saving and investing for their future. Both proposals make it more difficult for shareholders to hold corporate executives accountable. The proposal on proxy advisors could make it harder for institutional investors to have timely access to independent research and analysis from the proxy advisory firms that they hire. The proposed rule would give corporations access to investors' research before the public retirement systems, investment fund managers, and foundations who manage hardworking Americans' money. The SEC says the changes are necessary because of errors and inaccuracies, but it provided scant evidence of errors. Instead, the new rule would give companies a new tool to intimidate proxy advisers and threaten their independence. The overhaul of the shareholder proposal rule would make it easier for corporate management to silence shareholders and avoid dealing with important issues critical to investors. The amendments could stop proposals for votes on issues such as disclosure of corporate political spending, separating the roles of Board Chair and CEO, and non-discrimination policies. I am disappointed in the direction you've taken these rules that have for decades allowed investors to hold management accountable, all while executives are further entrenching themselves and ignoring workers and shareholders. Protecting workers' hard-earned savings should begin with a simple concept: putting their rights first. Mr. Chair, I hope that the SEC will remember that. But over the last week we have had nearly all the financial regulators before the Committeethe Fed, the FDIC, the NCUA, and today the SEC all defending the same policies that amount to a wish list for Wall Street and corporate interests. The President promised to look out for ordinary, hardworking people, but he and the people he has put in charge of these agencies betray those workers over and over and over. Mr. Chairman, I'd like to offer for the record this letter from the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System, raising concerns about the SEC's rulemaking on proxy advisory firms. Thank you, Chairman Crapo. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/new-beatty-bill-doubles-affordable-housing,New Beatty Bill Doubles Affordable Housing Federal Funding,2019-12-09,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Joyce Beatty,B001281,beatty.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) recently introduced the Generating Resources and Opportunities Within (GROW) Affordable Housing Act, H.R. 5223. If enacted into law, H.R. 5223 would more than double the funding streams for two affordable housing programs: the Housing Trust Fund (HTF) and the Capital Magnet Fund (CMF). Affordable housing is a critical issue for the people of Ohio's Third Congressional District and hardworking families in every congressional district across the country, Beatty said. I hear from my constituents every day about their concerns with the rising price of rent, owning a home, not to mention the lack of affordable housing units. She continued, That is why I am focused on making federal funding for affordable housing a congressional priority and will continue working with government officials and community leaders to provide more opportunities for more Central Ohioans to live their American Dream. Last year alone, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac allocated nearly $400 million to HTS and CMF, which will result in the building of tens of thousands of new affordable housing units throughout the country. Under the GROW Affordable Housing Act, it is estimated that federal funding would have been $1 billion and generated nearly a hundred thousand new affordable housing units. Created in 2008, HTF is the first new federal housing resource since 1974. HTF funds are used to help build, preserve, rehabilitate, and operate housing affordable to low-income individuals. By law, at least 75 percent of HTF dollars used to support rental housing must serve extremely low income (ELI) households earning no more than 30 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) or the federal poverty limit. The CMF supports financing for the preservation, rehabilitation, development, or purchase of affordable housing for low-income communities, as well as related economic development and community service facilities such as day care centers, workforce development centers, and health care clinics. # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/new-beatty-bill-doubles-affordable-housing-federal-funding,New Beatty Bill Doubles Affordable Housing Federal Funding,2019-12-09,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Joyce Beatty,B001281,beatty.house.gov,beatty,https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.— U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) recently introduced the Generating Resources and Opportunities Within (GROW) Affordable Housing Act, H.R. 5223. If enacted into law, H.R. 5223 would more than double the funding streams for two affordable housing programs: the Housing Trust Fund (HTF) and the Capital Magnet Fund (CMF). ""Affordable housing is a critical issue for the people of Ohio's Third Congressional District and hardworking families in every congressional district across the country,"" Beatty said. ""I hear from my constituents every day about their concerns with the rising price of rent, owning a home, not to mention the lack of affordable housing units."" She continued, ""That is why I am focused on making federal funding for affordable housing a congressional priority and will continue working with government officials and community leaders to provide more opportunities for more Central Ohioans to live their American Dream."" Last year alone, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac allocated nearly $400 million to HTS and CMF, which will result in the building of tens of thousands of new affordable housing units throughout the country. Under the GROW Affordable Housing Act, it is estimated that federal funding would have been $1 billion and generated nearly a hundred thousand new affordable housing units. Created in 2008, HTF is the first new federal housing resource since 1974. HTF funds are used to help build, preserve, rehabilitate, and operate housing affordable to low-income individuals. By law, at least 75 percent of HTF dollars used to support rental housing must serve extremely low income (ELI) households earning no more than 30 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) or the federal poverty limit. The CMF supports financing for the preservation, rehabilitation, development, or purchase of affordable housing for low-income communities, as well as related economic development and community service facilities such as day care centers, workforce development centers, and health care clinics. # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/newsletters/helping-ohios-foster-youth-find-safe-stable-homes,"Helping Ohio’s Foster Youth Find Safe, Stable Homes",2019-12-09,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Monday, December 9, 2019 A safe, stable home is the foundation for opportunity without it, it can be hard to hold down a job, pursue a degree, and to build a life. But every year, just as they're about to start their lives as adults, 20,000 young people around the country lose their homes as they age out of foster care. All of a sudden these young adults who depended on the foster care system for a place to call home are now on their own. They don't have the same family safety net to fall back on that others may have. Instead of focusing on their higher education, they often face housing instability, and a third of them will experience homelessness. That's why I worked with foster care youth, alumni, and allies in Ohio, and with my Republican colleague Senator Grassley, to introduce the bipartisan Fostering Stable Housing Opportunities Act last month. The legislation would streamline access to housing assistance for foster youth, provide additional resources in more communities, and encourage local housing and child welfare agencies to work to together to better serve these vulnerable young people. Last week I spoke with Clo Cooper of Columbus. Ms. Cooper was in foster care until she turned 18, and aged out of the system. She struggled to find food and housing and to get through higher education. But then she found out about the Columbus State Scholar Network, which provides support to foster youth seeking higher education. She was hired as a coordinator for the program and was able to return to school. We need to help people like Ms. Cooper start off on the right foot, as they step out into the world as independent adults. Our bill has the support of nearly 100 organizations and 55,000 current and former foster youth around the country, and we've already held a hearing on it in the Banking Committee this year. I'm hopeful we can make progress on this bipartisan effort, so that more young Ohioans can have the safe, stable homes we all need in life.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-demands-answers-on-administrations-policy-and-personnel-choices-related-to-homelessness,Brown Demands Answers on Administration’s Policy and Personnel Choices Related to Homelessness,2019-12-09,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Trump Administration Recently Designated Robert Marbut to Lead U.S. Interagency Council On Homelessness Monday, December 9, 2019 WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, today demanded answers from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on the administration's pick, Robert Marbut, to lead the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH). Brown pressed David C. Woll, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development, on the administration's decision. Marbut has publicly proposed several harmful ideas that would effectively punish homeless Americans and are deeply troubling coming from someone selected to lead the agency tasked with responding to homelessness. The USICH coordinates the federal response to homelessness by working in close partnership with senior leaders across 19 federal member agencies and creating a national partnership at every level of government to reduce and end homelessness. Brown blasted the administration's decision last week and pushed Woll and HUD in a hearing last month to do more to help families succeed. The Administration's pick, Robert Marbut, has advocated a number of troubling policies with regard to homelessness, such as banning charities from providing food to people experiencing homelessness, and rejecting evidence-based policies that have worked to reduce homelessness. Mr. Marbut's selection comes on top of reporting that the Administration is considering a crackdown' on homelessness and reports that the Administration is developing an Executive Order on homelessness, Senator Brown wrote. Brown has led efforts to reduce homelessness in the U.S, and earlier this year, sent a letter to President Trump calling on the President to stop advancing policies that would exacerbate homelessness, including proposals to slash federal housing programs. Brown also called on the President to support initiatives that will help prevent and end homelessness. These include investing in affordable housing and resuming implementation of the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) rule to help communities identify local barriers to fair and affordable housing. A copy of the letter can be found here and below: December 9, 2019 Mr. David C. Woll Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 451 Seventh Street S.W. Washington, DC 20410 Dear Mr. Woll: I am writing to you out of concern about the direction that this Administration appears to be going in addressing homelessness. Since you appeared before the Committee on November 20, the Administration has selected an individual to become the new head of the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) whose policy positions have caused alarm among those working to end homelessness across the country. The Administration's pick, Robert Marbut, has advocated a number of troubling policies with regard to homelessness, such as banning charities from providing food to people experiencing homelessness, and rejecting evidence-based policies that have worked to reduce homelessness. Mr. Marbut's selection comes on top of reporting that the Administration is considering a crackdown on homelessness and reports that the Administration is developing an Executive Order on homelessness. In your current role, you are the top political appointee overseeing U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) homelessness programs and policy. You have also served as HUD's representative to the USICH, which coordinates the federal response to homelessness and partners with communities across the country to prevent and end homelessness. Given your critical role in HUD's, and the nation's, homelessness policy, please provide answers to the following questions by December 13, 2019: In your current capacity, have you been working with other Administration officials to develop an Executive Order or other new initiative to address homelessness? To your knowledge, has anyone else at HUD been working with other Administration officials to develop an Executive Order or other new initiative to address homelessness? If so, who? If you have been working on, or know of, such an Executive Order or initiatives: i. What are the elements of this Executive Order or initiative? ii. Is funding for additional affordable housing one of these elements? iii. Do any of these elements include efforts to round up people living in homeless encampments? iv. Do any of these elements involve making federal property available as housing for homeless individuals and/or families? v. If you are considering the use of federal property in this effort, how will you evaluate whether the property is suitable as a living facility for people experiencing homelessness? Are you or others working on this effort involving staff of HUD and/or other federal agencies who have experience working on homelessness in these discussions? Are you or others working on this effort reaching out to local and national stakeholders who have worked with communities to implement solutions to homelessness to inform your work? If so, who are these groups? Do you believe the Administration's requests to eliminate the CDBG, HOME, and Housing Trust Fund programs will help in the effort to address homelessness? I understand that it is possible that Mr. Marbut could be confirmed as the new leader of the USICH by vote of the Council as soon as the Council's next meeting on December 10, 2019. This important coordinating body should have strong, qualified leadership. i. As HUD's representative to the Council, is it important to you that the next Director is committed to policies based on the evidence and research about homelessness and its solutions? ii. Do you support Housing First as a model for addressing homelessness? iii. Will you attend the Council meeting on December 10th? iv. As HUD's representative on the Council, do you plan to vote to confirm Mr. Marbut as the new head of the USICH if his appointment comes to a vote on December 10th? v. If you do not plan to continue as HUD's representative to the Council, please state who will. I look forward to your prompt response. Sincerely, Sherrod Brown Ranking Member ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-statement-on-the-passing-of-former-chair-of-the-federal-reserve-paul-volcker,Brown Statement on the Passing of Former Chair of the Federal Reserve Paul Volcker,2019-12-09,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Sherrod Brown,B000944,www.brown.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Monday, December 9, 2019 WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, today released a statement following the passing of Paul Volcker, former Chairman of the Federal Reserve. Volcker served as Chair under both Presidents Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan. He was appointed by President Carter in 1979. He was re-nominated by President Reagan in 1983 and served until 1987. He started the Volcker Alliance in 2013 to support policies that protect hardworking Americans from another financial crisis like the one in 2008. Chairman Volcker stood out as a public servant who took financial stability and accountability seriously. His decades of experience were invaluable as our nation made much needed reforms to crack down on Wall Street's risky bets that caused the 2008 Financial Crisis. Paul fought to the end for reforms to the banking system that protect hardworking families. I am grateful for his guidance and wise counsel over the many meetings we had together, said Brown. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/news-articles/msnbc-richard-lui-talks-impeachment-with-reps-beatty-chu-and-cisneros,"MSNBC: Richard Lui Talks Impeachment with Reps. Beatty, Chu, and Cisneros",2019-12-07,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Joyce Beatty,B001281,beatty.house.gov,,,legacy,"On December 7, 2019, U.S. Congresswoman Beatty joined Representatives Judy Chu and Gil Cisneros on MSNBC to participate in a Tri-Caucus Panel discussing the latest updates on the impeachment of President Trump. An archived recording can be viewed on Beatty's official YouTube.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://beatty.house.gov/media-center/news-articles/wall-street-says-it-cares-about-diversity-but-most-big-banks-won-t-share,Wall Street says it cares about diversity. But most big banks wont share complete workforce data.,2019-12-06,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,OH,Joyce Beatty,B001281,beatty.house.gov,,,legacy,"Allison Gamba spent 10 years at Goldman Sachs gunning for a promotion to managing director. She said she worked long days and significantly increased the profits from the stocks she traded for the bank on the New York Stock Exchange. Gamba made a point of telling co-workers she didn't want children, she said, hoping to avoid the perception she was on the mommy track rather than the promotion track. Then a mentor pulled her aside and suggested she and her husband adopt a child to allay any fears that she would be distracted by a pregnancy. It was a very uncomfortable feeling. I knew he really liked me, and I think he was just warning me, she said. After leaving Wall Street, Gamba joined thousands of current and former female employees suing Goldman Sachs for gender discrimination in a long-running lawsuit. Goldman Sachs has denied the lawsuit's allegations, and said in a statement that Gamba's business unit was performing poorly and undergoing extensive downsizing. For years, Wall Street has promised to bring more women and people of color into its upper ranks, but none of the country's largest banks those with at least $200 billion in assets is headed by a woman or a person of color. And only two of the 15 biggest banks in the country TD Bank and BNY Mellon agreed to publicly disclose their most recent government diversity reports in response to a request from The Washington Post. It's going to take a lot for them to actually change. You have to fix the past to deal with the future, Gamba said. All of the banks already submit the workforce diversity data requested by The Post to the federal government each year through two-page forms known as EEO-1s. Companies with 100 or more employees are required to submit the forms each year, showing a breakdown of their U.S. workforce by race and gender across 10 job categories. The forms do not identify workers by name or contain trade secrets. The data the industry does share with the public shows slow progress: At JPMorgan Chase, the country's largest bank, with $2.7 trillion in assets, women and African Americans made up 25.8 percent and 2.9 percent respectively of senior executives in 2015, rising to 26.3 percent and 3.7 percent last year. In a yearly report, Wells Fargo, which has nearly $2 trillion in assets, told shareholders that women and minorities at levels 2-4 had reached 41 percent and 19 percent of its workforce, respectively. The categories aren't explained, and Wells Fargo didn't offer more insight into its racial makeup. At The Post's request, it released percentages but not the raw data it reports to the government. The data shows that women made up 24 percent of the bank's senior workforce in 2015, rising to 31 percent last year. Black employees made up 8 percent of senior roles, falling to 4.1 percent in 2018. At TD Bank, one of two banks to share its full EEO-1 reports for the three most recent years, there was one black woman among 72 senior executives in 2015. There were no black women in its top ranks last year out of 42 senior executives overall. BNY Mellon, which has $1.7 trillion in assets, has released its full EEO-1 reports for the past few years. In 2018, the data showed BNY's U.S. executive tier, made up of 14 people, was all white, except for one Asian man. The bank has since added two black executives. Capital One has made bigger improvements in promoting Hispanic and Asian employees into top roles than black employees, who were 2.4 percent of senior executives in 2016 and 2.6 percent last year. BB&T released data about its workforce diversity for the first time in 2019, showing that 8 percent of executives and senior managers are persons of color, but did not release its EEO-1 report to The Post. (Regulators approved its $66 billion merger with SunTrust last month, creating the country's sixth-largest bank, with more than $400 billion in assets.) SunTrust also only provided vague information, showing that 18 percent of executives and senior managers were people of color in 2017, increasing to 19.2 percent last year. Bank of America publishes EEO-1 data for its three top job categories, as well as all other and total figures. The data show slight improvements across most major racial groups and women in the United States at its highest ranks. The percentage of female executives ticked up slightly, from 31.3 percent in 2016 to 33.4 percent in 2018. At Morgan Stanley, the share of female executives in its U.S. workforce dipped from 18.4 percent in 2016 to 17.8 percent in 2018, while the share of black executives rose from 1.9 percent to 2.2 percent. Banks have struggled to increase the number of black employees in their upper ranks. A 2017 report from the Government Accountability Office found that between 2007 and 2015, African Americans in first-, mid- and senior-level management jobs fell, from 6.5 percent to 6.3 percent, even while overall minority representation in financial services management rose. The industry has been treading water, said Martin Davidson, a professor at the University of Virginia who has consulted with banks on their diversity programs. Firms that are built and developed in ways that support and privilege predominantly white male managers and leaders cultures that are built so they move people who fit that prototype will always continue to nurture those kinds of people, he said. Last year at Goldman Sachs, 2.7 percent of its senior executives were black, compared with 3 percent in 2012. The only black member of the executive committee, who is in charge of diversity efforts, announced in October that he was leaving to lead a company in Silicon Valley. The bank has made a renewed effort to address its lack of diversity, including a goal to increase the percentage of black entry-level recruits in the Americas to 11 percent and Hispanic or Latino entry-level recruits to 14 percent. In November, it announced its newest class of managing directors included its highest percentage yet of female and black employees. At Citigroup, black employees fell from 16 percent of the bank's total U.S. workforce in 2009 to 10.3 percent last year, and black executives now account for less than 2 percent of its senior ranks. Following a request from The Post, Citigroup, which released its entire EEO-1 data between 1999 and 2016, disclosed percentages for 2017 and 2018 across race and gender for most job categories, as well as a total workforce figure. The bank said it is working to improve those figures, partnering with several universities to identify diverse summer associates, hosting career symposiums for students at historically black colleges and training employees to spot subtle biases. It is one of the areas that honestly worries me the most, said Sara Wechter, Citigroup's human resources chief. HSBC's U.S. operations have increased the number of black employees in senior ranks from 16 in 2015 to 25 as of May of this year even as its overall workforce declined, according to company data. The hiring numbers look good and we have seen some great movement, but it's just not fast enough, Maureen Gillan-Myer, HSBC's head of human resources for North America, said in an interview. The industry's reputation as a bastion of white men have also turned Wall Street into a target of Democratic lawmakers and investors. The powerful House Financial Services Committee has established a first-of-its kind subcommittee dedicated to the issue. The banking industry has voiced support for workforce diversity for years but has struggled to make meaningful success, said Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio), chairwoman of the House Financial Services subcommittee on diversity and inclusion. Diversity cannot merely be the nice thing to do.' It must penetrate the company's mission, practices, and organizational culture. It must start at the top with the CEO and permeate throughout management. It must be intentional. Some banks said the EEO-1 form requested by The Post does not accurately reflect their workforce and that figures they provide to the government can be easily misinterpreted. What counts as a senior executive at one firm may be a middle manager at another, industry officials said. Others cited potential privacy issues for employees, argued that what they share is comparable to other banks, or declined to comment. The U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment Commission, which collects the forms each year, publishes a list of more than 800 job titles on its website, noting which categories each falls into. At Charles Schwab, the only bank among the top 15 that does not disclose race or gender data, shareholders holding 40 percent of shares voted this year to require the company to disclose its diversity data. Our management and our board believe our efforts are best spent on ensuring our employees enjoy a rich and inclusive culture rather than focusing on data that can portray an inaccurate picture of the culture of our firm, Schwab spokesman Glen Mathison said in a statement. New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer, who advises the city's public pension funds, is pressuring Charles Schwab to disclose more about its workforce. These companies have almost no people of color in senior positions, said Stringer. It's an absolute national disgrace, and we have targeted these companies because they've earned the right to be targeted. State Street, a large financial services company, drew international attention to the low number of women on Wall Street in 2017 when it deposited the statue of a petite girl in high-top sneakers in the shadow of the New York Stock Exchange. Fearless Girl illustrates the power of women in leadership, and the potential of the next generation of women leaders, the company said at the time. But women were only 29 percent of its senior executives last year, compared with 28 percent in 2015, according to a yearly report. The company is aiming to increase that figure to 33 percent within three years. The bank did not respond to a question about why it would not disclose its EEO-1 form but said in a statement: While we have made significant progress increasing the representation of women and employees of color in senior roles within the company, we are not yet satisfied and there remains much to do. To be sure, women have secured some of the industry's top jobs. The chair of Wells Fargo's board, Elizabeth Duke, is the first woman to hold that role in the industry. In October, Citigroup, where 33 percent of its U.S. executives are now women, named Jane Fraser president of the bank and CEO of its global consumer banking business, making her the heir apparent to succeed CEO Michael Corbat. The industry's slow progress has disappointed even some of its stalwart boosters. After more than 20 years in finance, Maura Cunningham launched Rock the Street, Wall Street, a year-long program that provides financial literacy training in hopes of encouraging high school girls to consider a career in finance. We tell them if they want to change the world, you've got to know the numbers; if you don't know the numbers, you won't get a seat at the table, she said. But Cunningham said her faith was shaken after her daughter joined a global financial company's office in Chicago and complained of the culture there having footballs thrown over her head and hearing comments about her body while waiting for the elevator. I said, keep your head down,' Cunningham said. But after a year, she said, I'm out.' It was a tough lesson, Cunningham said. It showed me the light, and I said the culture has to change. In addition to Goldman, several other major banks are also fighting discrimination lawsuits in court. In 2018, Faye Boatright, a black former managing director at U.S. Bancorp, sued the bank, alleging she was paid less than white male peers for the same or similar work, was given fewer support staffers and had clients taken away. Boatright also alleges in the lawsuit she was given a baseless negative performance review after complaining about discrimination. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission found the case had probable cause, according to the complaint, and the case is ongoing. A U.S. Bancorp spokeswoman, Rebekah Fawcett, said in an email that U.S. Bancorp thoroughly investigated Ms. Boatright's concerns when she first raised them. Her allegations have no merit. Ms. Boatright was paid equitably and treated fairly during her time at the bank. Meanwhile, seven black financial advisers sued Morgan Stanley in 2016, alleging they were less likely than white peers to be connected with the clients of departing brokers and assigned to high-producing teams, making it more difficult for them to earn equal pay and remain at the firm. There's this prevailing and harmful assumption that white clients would prefer to do business with white advisers, said Suzanne Bish, a lawyer representing the advisers. It's a way [the firms] avoid looking at their own conduct and their own practices. A judge dismissed the class-action claims, a move Bish said they will appeal, and ordered three of the advisers to address their complaints through arbitration. Kwesi Coleman, one of the seven advisers who sued the bank, said his white colleagues excluded him from conversations after team meetings and a manager only shared a potential client lead with him once a database of alumni of historically black colleges. After he spent his own money to earn a designation that would help market himself to National Football League players, he alleges the firm would only let him use it if he shared his revenue with a white financial adviser. After he filed a complaint with human resources, Coleman said, the firm later relented. I've always had to do more to get a leg up. Going in, I knew I would have to work harder, said Coleman, who joined Morgan Stanley as a trainee in 2012 with an MBA and more than 10 years of industry experience. What I didn't expect was to be basically held back. I didn't expect to have opportunities withheld. Once, Coleman said, a white colleague noted the long hours he was working, stopped by his desk and asked: How many top producers do you see that look like you? he recalled. He said, Most people with money want to work with other people who look like them.' He said it like it was nothing. Morgan Stanley declined to comment regarding Coleman's specific allegations but in a statement vigorously denied the accusations in the lawsuit. Contrary to the dated and misguided assumptions in the complaint, we wholeheartedly believe diverse teams are often stronger teams, and that clients recognize the value that diversity of background, thought and perspective brings when they are looking for advice, the statement said. The bank also said it allocates substantial resources to its diversity efforts and that while there is much more to do, we are making steady progress."" This article was originally published by the Washington Post on December 6, 2019.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z