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.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/portman-difference/portman-delivers-results-ohio-second-year-116th-congress,Portman Delivers Results for Ohio in Second Year of the 116th Congress,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Portman Delivers Results for Ohio in Second Year of the 116th Congress December 31, 2020 | Portman Difference During the second year of the 116th Congress, Senator Portman continued to deliver results for Ohio, just as he did in the previous Congress. He worked tirelessly to help Ohioans who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic; create economic opportunity and retirement security for Ohio families; combat the addiction epidemic; honor our nation's veterans and strengthen our military; promote responsible use of artificial intelligence and technology; stand up against police brutality and the unnecessary violence in our country; protect and preserve our national parks; improve transparency and accountability within the federal government; fight for better and more affordable health care; and help all Ohioans achieve their God-given potential. During the 116th Congress, Portman has authored or co-authored 45legislative priorities in total that have been signed into law. Under President Trump, in total 82of Senator Portman's bills have been signed into law. Under President Obama, 68 of Portman's bill were signed into law. In total, during his 10 years in the Senate, Portman has successfully enacted 175 legislative priorities into law, including 129 bills as well as 46 amendments. Helping Ohioans Impacted By COVID-19 The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic impacted the lives of every American in 2020, and Senator Portman played a leadership role in crafting solutions to help families and small businesses leading to the passage of the COVID-19 Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. Since the beginning of the pandemic, Senator Portman has consistently called for bipartisan action to provide the health care and economic relief the American need and deserve. Since March, Portman has delivered 21 speeches on the Senate floor calling for bipartisan action to provide Americans the COVID-19 relief. Portman has urged Congress to provide additional relief to bolster our health care response, help our economy and small businesses recover, provide funding for schools and state and local governments, permanently expand telehealth options for addiction treatment, and provide enhanced federal unemployment benefits to help people who lost their jobs through no fault of their own. In November, in an effort to encourage all Americans to get vaccinated against COVID-19, Portman announced his participation in the ENSEMBLE phase 3 trial for the COVID-19 vaccine candidate being developed by Johnson & Johnson and managed by CTI Clinical Trial and Consulting Services (CTI) at its research center in Cincinnati, Ohio. Portman furthered this work by introducing his COVID-19 Vaccine Awareness Support Act to fund a national campaign to raise awareness of the safety and efficacy of FDA-authorized vaccines. In September, Portman introduced legislation to replenish FEMA's Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) to continue the enhanced federal unemployment insurance benefit of $300 per week authorized by President Trump's executive action and provide additional resources to support the federal government's response to historic wildfires in the West and other natural disasters such as Hurricane Sally. Securing Resources for Ohio: At the start of the pandemic, Portman worked closely with the administration and with Ohio companies to secure additional supplies for the strategic national stockpile including testing machines, ventilators, PPE, and food resources. In March, Portman successfully helped UC Health secure vital equipment to increase diagnostic testing for COVID-19. Portman helped UC Health secure a cobas 6800 machine which they will use to conduct nearly one thousand diagnostic tests every day, exponentially increasing COVID-19 testing capacity in southwest Ohio. Earlier this year, Portman worked with the White House and HHS and FDA to successfully facilitate the donation of approximately 2.2 million new gowns from Ohio-based Cardinal Health to theStrategic National Stockpile. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has authorized the distribution and use of these gowns asnon-surgical isolation apparel. When Ohio-based company Gojo, which produces Purell, alerted Portman to the issue of tariffs restricting the access of components used in the distribution of hand sanitizer - specifically pumphouses, and e-collars he reached out to U.S. Trade Representative Lighthizer and facilitated a tariff relief. This helps companies like Gojo increase production and distribution to accommodate the increased demand. In July, Portman visited GOJO Industries and met with the company's leadership and team members to discussPortman's work to facilitate tariff relieffor hand hygiene products including hand sanitizer and soap dispensers and components to allow for increaseddistribution during COVID-19 pandemic. In April, Portman sent a letter to USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue urging swift approval of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services' (ODJFS) request to operate the DisasterHousehold DistributionProgram.The request was approved the next week allowing foodbanks throughout Ohio to distribute more food across the state by removing administrative burdens, making it easier for staff and volunteers at foodbanks to maintain social distancing protocols, keeping themselves and their clients safe. Portman also worked with Ohio company Battelle in April to secure a new federal contract to help fund the rapid deployment of Battelle's decontamination systems to return to use previously worn N95 respirator masks and training to operate these systems to 60 sites across the country. In April, Portman facilitated Cleveland-based SecondBreath's request to produce ventilators for deployment around Ohio and the country. The ventilators were developed by Ohioans and tested in Ohio at a number of northeast Ohio hospitals, including the Cleveland Clinic, Akron Children's Hospital, and Akron City Hospital. The administration approved their production and SecondBreath was able to increase production for shipment across Ohio and the country. In August, Portman visited Honda Heritage Center and toured the ventilator compressor parts production facility. While on the tour, Portman, Honda leadership, and employees discussed Honda's efforts to help support the COVID-19 response, including production of face shields and compressor parts for ventilators. Portman also volunteered with the Ohio National Guard and met with leaders at foodbanks in the Mahoning Valley, at the Mid-Ohio Food Collective, and the Greater Cleveland Food Bank to see firsthand how the CARES Act funding helped with food access and distribution across Ohio. Listening to Ohio Groups Stakeholders: Senator Portman made it a priority tocommunicatewith constituents throughout the pandemic through tele town halls and FacebookLive town halls about the work he has done with the state and federal government. He also spoke with companies andstakeholdersthroughout the statetoensure Ohio has the resources it needs to respond to this unprecedented health crisis and can contribute to the national effort to slow the spread of the virus. Portman hosted multiples calls with Ohio business groups and leaders to discuss the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and how Congress and the administration could take further action to address their concerns. He spoke with business leaders of sizes in Central Ohio, Dayton, Toledo, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Warren County, and Butler County. In addition to business groups, Portman also hosted a wide-range of conference calls with the Ohio Restaurant Association, Ohio foodbanks, nonprofit organizations, manufacturers, bio science employers, higher education leaders, farmers, veterans, county commissioners, and mayors from all over the state. Portman also hosted conference calls with Ohio hospital leaders and withthe Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities (OACBHA) to discuss the impact of the COVID-19 health crisison health services, and mental health and addiction services around Ohio. Finally, Portman participated in a conference call with Ohio Jewish Communities to discuss the efforts the Jewish community made during the pandemic to help Ohio communities. Portman continued his push on the Senate Floor this year for swift bipartisan action to respond to the increasing number of drug overdoses as a result of the pandemic. Providing Resources for Ohioans Suffering with Addiction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing guidelines have disrupted traditional addiction treatment services and necessitated the use of telehealth services to help individuals with recovery. To meet this need, the CARES Act took unprecedented steps to expand access to telehealth through the waiving of federal restrictions to pay for telehealth and expanding grants to build out the nation's telehealth infrastructure. That's why Senator Portman has introduced legislation entitled theTelehealth Response for E-Prescribing Addiction Treatment Services (TREATS) Actto make permanent a number of temporary waivers for telehealth services that were authorized under the Public Health Emergency and to bolster telehealth options for addiction treatment services. Specifically, it will allow for a patient to be prescribed lower scheduled drugs like through telehealth on their first visit. Current law requires an in-person visit to receive any controlled substance, but this is a deterrent to patients in crisis and in urgent need of treatments from Schedule III or IV drugs. In July, Portman published a column highlighting the importance of Congress passing the TREATS Act to ensure that addiction health services have the resources they need to adapt to this new reality. He emphasized that doing so will help to preserve the progress made in combating the addiction crisis and ensure that more Americans can reach their God-given potential.He then participated in adrug addiction roundtable discussion with members of theHancock County Board of Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS)to discuss COVID-19's impact on addiction treatment. Securing Grant Funding: The COVID-19 Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Actprovided unprecedented economic and health care relief to Americans during the ongoing pandemic. Portman worked closely with the administration to ensure Ohioans received the support they needed. Housing: Portman worked with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to ensure communities in Ohio received funding to help promote economic development in urban communities, address the needs of homeless people in emergency or transitional shelters, and provide housing assistance and related supportive services for low-income persons. This includes: o Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG), and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Grants for cities in Ohio, o $30 million to Supplemental Public Housing Operating Funds across Ohio, which helps support public housing agencies across the state provide services during the COVID-19 pandemic; o Nearly $90 million in Housing Choice Voucher Program Housing Assistance Payments Supplemental Funding to be used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the pandemic among individuals and families who are homeless or receiving homeless assistance. o $1.85 million in funding to Ohio housing agencies to assist non-elderly persons with disabilities, particularly those who are transitioning out of institutional or other separated settings; at serious risk of institutionalization; currently experiencing homelessness; previously experienced homelessness and currently a client in a permanent supportive housing or rapid rehousing project; or at risk of becoming homeless; o and nearly $185,000 in CARES Act funding to provide project-based rental assistance for low income families. Agriculture: Senator Portman applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture for awarding more than $1.4 millionin grants to communities in Ohio for rural development.These grants will help these Ohio communities build and improve critical facilities. According to the USDA, the Ohio grant recipients can use the funding to build or upgrade a wide-range of rural community facilities such as schools, libraries, clinics and public safety facilities. FEMA: In March, Senator Portman senta letter urging President Trump to act swiftly on Governor Mike DeWine's request for approval of a major disaster declaration for the state of Ohio in response to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.The president approved the disaster declaration the following day. As a result, Ohio received nearly $4.1 million in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as well as the following funding; o $5.5 million for ProMedica Toledo Hospital to help fund COVID-19 protective measures; o $5.2 million to Ohio Health Care Systems and $2.6 million to University Hospitals Health System to help continue to provide COVID-19 treatment, testing and protective measures; o $12.7 million to help Ohio State University - Columbus Campus and Premier Health in Ohio with costs associated with COVID-19; o and $46 million to the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Businesses: Portman worked with the Trump administration to ensure that businesses of all sizes in Ohio had the resources they needed to help retain employees and keep their doors open. o In May, Portman applauded the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) for awarding a $3.75 million grant for COVID-19 Emergency Response for Small to Medium Enterprises to Appalachian Community Capital (ACC). ACC will use this funding to help the region's development finance institutions make up for lost revenue as they temporarily defer loan payments. o Thanks to funding available through the CARES Act, which Portman supported, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) CARES Act Emergency Program awarded the Ohio Development Services Agency $2.3 million to help support Ohio-based U.S. small- and medium-sized manufacturers, including rural manufacturers. o In August, Portman applauded U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross's announcement that the Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) awarded $8.8 million and $1 million in CARES Act grants to Ohio cities to be able to provide critical gap financing to small businesses and entrepreneurs. In addition, EDA awarded $2 million to five EDA Economic Development District organizations across Ohio to update economic development plans and fortify programs to assist communities in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. o In addition, through the CARES Act, the U.S. Department of Labor awarded $8.5 million in funding for Disaster Recovery Dislocated Worker Grants (DWGs) to help address the workforce-related impacts of the pandemic. Education: The historic CARES Act provided a higher education emergency relief fund to assist higher education institutions across the nation. Senator Portman worked with the U.S. Department of Education to ensure Ohio higher education institutions received the resources needed to meet the demands of the pandemic. o In April, Portman announced that the Department of Education distributed $388 million in funding to institutions of higher education in Ohio and in May, the National Science Foundation awarded more than $1.5 million in CARES Act-funded RAPID Response Research grants to fund research that addresses the pandemic. In September, Portman announced that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) awarded a $5 million, two-yearRapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADx)-UPgrant to The Ohio State University. The RADx-UP program supports projects designed to rapidly implement COVID-19 testing strategies in populations disproportionately affected by the pandemic. o Portman applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development for awarding more than $1.1 million in Distance Learning and Telemedicine grants to two school districts in Ohio: Gallia County Schools and New London Local School District. The $172,358 Rural Development grant for Gallia County Schools will help provide students and staff with primary and preventative care through the Appalachian Primary Care Telemedicine Program. The $999,524 grant for the New London Local School District will help expand Science Technology Engineering and Math resource access to students in Pre-kindergarten through sixth grade across the four Ohio counties served by the school district. USDA's Distance Learning and Telemedicine grant program was provided $25 million in the bipartisan CARES Act. Health Care: This year, thousands of Ohioans had to rely on telehealth in order to have access to their primary care providers. Thanks to the bipartisan CARES Act, which Portman strongly supported, Ohio received multiple telehealth grants to assist health care facilities, testing centers, and hospitals serving children and low-income, vulnerable populations across the state. Portman led legislation to provide certainty to hospitals participating in the 340B drug discount program during the COVID-19 public health emergency. In normal years, the 340B program provides needed flexible funds to meet the needs of a hospital's community, but during the ongoing pandemic, the 340B program has become a vital lifeline for hospitals as they've see precipitous drop offs in revenue and an inability to pay for the essential COVID services that patients continue to need. Early days of the pandemic forced many hospitals to reduce inpatient hospital admissions of low-income Medicare and Medicaid patients, a critical metric in determining eligibility for the 340B program. Though hospitals have resumed elective procedures, and patients have begun returning to seek care, there is concern that as a result of this year's slowdown and threats to suspend elective care again as hospital beds fill up, some hospitals may not meet the required inpatient admission threshold to remain in the program for the following year. This legislation would ensure that any previously eligible hospital will be deemed eligible for any cost reporting period during which the public health emergency occurred to meet the needs of hospitals now during this crisis and to preserve the vital program for years to come. o In May, Portman announced that Ohio received $238 million to expand COVID-19 diagnostic testing capabilities. o In July, Portman announced that the Federal Communications Commission's Wireline Competition Bureauawardedmore than $415,000in telehealth grants to four health care facilities in Ohio that will use this fundingto provide telehealth services targeted at low-income patients so thattheycan receive medical care in more flexible settings. This grant award followed previous announcements of telehealth grants for Ohio, including oneannouncedin April for the Health Partners of Western Ohio located in Lima, Ohio.In early May, three facilitiesreceivednearly $1 million in funding and four facilitiesreceivednearly $800,000 in funding, and later that month six facilitiesreceived$1.8 million in funding, and an additional six facilitiesreceived$1.1 million. In June, $3.46 million wasdistributedtofacilitiesin Ohio. o Portman made clearthat the Administration must do a better job of quickly distributing funding for safety net hospitals and providers, speaking out in April when other hospitals and health care providers received the first tranche of COVID-19 response funding while safety net provider funding was initially In April, he announced that Ohio received an additional $17 million in CARES Act funding for the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) to help increase testing and other response tools. In May, theHealth Resources andServices Administration (HRSA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,awarded$17.4million in federal grantsto support51health centers throughout Ohio in an effort to expand testing capacities. o Portman repeatedly urgedthe administration to support health care providers thatserve our nation's most vulnerable,including our children's hospitals, nursing homes, and safety net hospitals. In June, Portman and a group of bipartisan colleagues sent aletterto HHS urging them to actquickly and equitably in distributing funding to vulnerable populations and the next dayHHS released $10 billionfor these hospitals. In July, Portman applauded the Trump Administration for distributing $3 billion in additional emergency funding allocated in COVID-19 spending packages to hospitals that overwhelmingly serve Medicaid and low-income patients. Ohio received about $90 million from this $3 billion. In August, Portman announced that Ohio received an additional $165 million in federal funding for children's hospitals. Transportation: The transportation industry has been hit hard by the pandemic, and Senator Portman worked closely with the U.S. Department of Transportation to ensure Ohio companies have the financial resources they need during the pandemic. o Portman worked with DOT's Federal Aviation Administration to ensure that airports across Ohio received the resources they needed. In total, Portman has helped to secure more than $126.2 million for 97 airports across Ohio. These grants helped to provide economic relief for lost revenue due to COVID-19. o In addition, thanks to the CARES Act, Portman announced that DOT's Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded a $5.8 million grant to the Butler County Regional Transit Authority, and a $1.7 million grant to the City of Springfield in Clark County, Ohio in order to respond to and recover from the public health emergency. o In April, Portman announced that the Federal Transit Administration awarded a $1.7 million grant to Miami County to help fund critical continued public transit operations to keep the region moving during these unprecedented times. o In November, Portman applauded DOT for awarding a $12 million federal grant to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for the repair or reconstruction of federal-aid highways and roads on federal lands that have suffered serious damage as a result of natural disasters or catastrophic failures from an external cause. Helping Businesses Stay Afloat. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Portman has stayed in constant contact with business leaders of all sizes and worked to help deliver the results they need to stay afloat during this economic crisis. He visited business in Tipp City, Cincinnati, Russells Point, Sidney, and Hamilton and heard from company leaders about how, thanks to the Paycheck Protection Program loan that Portman supported, they were able to keep workers on payroll and continue operations. During the second year of the 116th Congress, Senator Portman continued to deliver results for Ohio, just as he did in the previous Congress. He worked tirelessly to help Ohioans who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic; create economic opportunity and retirement security for Ohio families; combat the addiction epidemic; honor our nation's veterans and strengthen our military; promote responsible use of artificial intelligence and technology; stand up against police brutality and the unnecessary violence in our country; protect and preserve our national parks; improve transparency and accountability within the federal government; fight for better and more affordable health care; and help all Ohioans achieve their God-given potential. During the 116th Congress, Portman has authored or co-authored 42 legislative priorities in total that have been signed into law. Under President Trump, in total 79 of Senator Portman's bills have been signed into law. Under President Obama, 68 of Portman's bill were signed into law. In total, during his 10 years in the Senate, Portman has successfully enacted 172 legislative priorities into law, including 126 bills as well as 46 amendments. Helping Ohioans Impacted By COVID-19 The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic impacted the lives of every American in 2020, and Senator Portman played a leadership role in crafting solutions to help families and small businesses leading to the passage of the COVID-19 Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. Since the beginning of the pandemic, Senator Portman has consistently called for bipartisan action to provide the health care and economic relief the American need and deserve. Since March, Portman has delivered 21 speeches on the Senate floor calling for bipartisan action to provide Americans the COVID-19 relief. Portman has urged Congress to provide additional relief to bolster our health care response, help our economy and small businesses recover, provide funding for schools and state and local governments, permanently expand telehealth options for addiction treatment, and provide enhanced federal unemployment benefits to help people who lost their jobs through no fault of their own. In November, in an effort to encourage all Americans to get vaccinated against COVID-19, Portman announced his participation in the ENSEMBLE phase 3 trial for the COVID-19 vaccine candidate being developed by Johnson & Johnson and managed by CTI Clinical Trial and Consulting Services (CTI) at its research center in Cincinnati, Ohio. Portman furthered this work by introducing his COVID-19 Vaccine Awareness Support Act to fund a national campaign to raise awareness of the safety and efficacy of FDA-authorized vaccines. In September, Portman introduced legislation to replenish FEMA's Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) to continue the enhanced federal unemployment insurance benefit of $300 per week authorized by President Trump's executive action and provide additional resources to support the federal government's response to historic wildfires in the West and other natural disasters such as Hurricane Sally. Securing Resources for Ohio: At the start of the pandemic, Portman worked closely with the administration and with Ohio companies to secure additional supplies for the strategic national stockpile including testing machines, ventilators, PPE, and food resources. In March, Portman successfully helped UC Health secure vital equipment to increase diagnostic testing for COVID-19. Portman helped UC Health secure a cobas 6800 machine which they will use to conduct nearly one thousand diagnostic tests every day, exponentially increasing COVID-19 testing capacity in southwest Ohio. Earlier this year, Portman worked with the White House and HHS and FDA to successfully facilitate the donation of approximately 2.2 million new gowns from Ohio-based Cardinal Health to theStrategic National Stockpile. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has authorized the distribution and use of these gowns asnon-surgical isolation apparel. When Ohio-based company Gojo, which produces Purell, alerted Portman to the issue of tariffs restricting the access of components used in the distribution of hand sanitizer - specifically pumphouses, and e-collars he reached out to U.S. Trade Representative Lighthizer and facilitated a tariff relief. This helps companies like Gojo increase production and distribution to accommodate the increased demand. In July, Portman visited GOJO Industries and met with the company's leadership and team members to discussPortman's work to facilitate tariff relieffor hand hygiene products including hand sanitizer and soap dispensers and components to allow for increaseddistribution during COVID-19 pandemic. In April, Portman sent a letter to USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue urging swift approval of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services' (ODJFS) request to operate the DisasterHousehold DistributionProgram.The request was approved the next week allowing foodbanks throughout Ohio to distribute more food across the state by removing administrative burdens, making it easier for staff and volunteers at foodbanks to maintain social distancing protocols, keeping themselves and their clients safe. Portman also worked with Ohio company Battelle in April to secure a new federal contract to help fund the rapid deployment of Battelle's decontamination systems to return to use previously worn N95 respirator masks and training to operate these systems to 60 sites across the country. In April, Portman facilitated Cleveland-based SecondBreath's request to produce ventilators for deployment around Ohio and the country. The ventilators were developed by Ohioans and tested in Ohio at a number of northeast Ohio hospitals, including the Cleveland Clinic, Akron Children's Hospital, and Akron City Hospital. The administration approved their production and SecondBreath was able to increase production for shipment across Ohio and the country. In August, Portman visited Honda Heritage Center and toured the ventilator compressor parts production facility. While on the tour, Portman, Honda leadership, and employees discussed Honda's efforts to help support the COVID-19 response, including production of face shields and compressor parts for ventilators. Listening to Ohio Groups Stakeholders: Senator Portman made it a priority tocommunicatewith constituents throughout the pandemic through tele town halls and FacebookLive town halls about the work he has done with the state and federal government. He also spoke with companies andstakeholdersthroughout the statetoensure Ohio has the resources it needs to respond to this unprecedented health crisis and can contribute to the national effort to slow the spread of the virus. In addition to business groups, Portman also hosted a wide-range of conference calls with the Ohio Restaurant Association, Ohio foodbanks, nonprofit organizations, manufacturers, bio science employers, higher education leaders, farmers, veterans, county commissioners, and mayors from all over the state. Portman also hosted conference calls with Ohio hospital leaders and withthe Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities (OACBHA) to discuss the impact of the COVID-19 health crisison health services, and mental health and addiction services around Ohio. Finally, Portman participated in a conference call with Ohio Jewish Communities to discuss the efforts the Jewish community made during the pandemic to help Ohio communities. Portman continued his push on the Senate Floor this year for swift bipartisan action to respond to the increasing number of drug overdoses as a result of the pandemic. Providing Resources for Ohioans Suffering with Addiction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing guidelines have disrupted traditional addiction treatment services and necessitated the use of telehealth services to help individuals with recovery. To meet this need, the CARES Act took unprecedented steps to expand access to telehealth through the waiving of federal restrictions to pay for telehealth and expanding grants to build out the nation's telehealth infrastructure. That's why Senator Portman has introduced legislation entitled theTelehealth Response for E-Prescribing Addiction Treatment Services (TREATS) Actto make permanent a number of temporary waivers for telehealth services that were authorized under the Public Health Emergency and to bolster telehealth options for addiction treatment services. Specifically, it will allow for a patient to be prescribed lower scheduled drugs like through telehealth on their first visit. Current law requires an in-person visit to receive any controlled substance, but this is a deterrent to patients in crisis and in urgent need of treatments from Schedule III or IV drugs. In July, Portman published a column highlighting the importance of Congress passing the TREATS Act to ensure that addiction health services have the resources they need to adapt to this new reality. He emphasized that doing so will help to preserve the progress made in combating the addiction crisis and ensure that more Americans can reach their God-given potential.He then participated in adrug addiction roundtable discussion with members of theHancock County Board of Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS)to discuss COVID-19's impact on addiction treatment. Securing Grant Funding: The COVID-19 Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Actprovided unprecedented economic and health care relief to Americans during the ongoing pandemic. Portman worked closely with the administration to ensure Ohioans received the support they needed. Housing: Portman worked with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to ensure communities in Ohio received funding to help promote economic development in urban communities, address the needs of homeless people in emergency or transitional shelters, and provide housing assistance and related supportive services for low-income persons. This includes: Agriculture: Senator Portman applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture for awarding more than $1.4 millionin grants to communities in Ohio for rural development.These grants will help these Ohio communities build and improve critical facilities. According to the USDA, the Ohio grant recipients can use the funding to build or upgrade a wide-range of rural community facilities such as schools, libraries, clinics and public safety facilities. FEMA: In March, Senator Portman senta letter urging President Trump to act swiftly on Governor Mike DeWine's request for approval of a major disaster declaration for the state of Ohio in response to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.The president approved the disaster declaration the following day. As a result, Ohio received nearly $4.1 million in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as well as the following funding; $5.5 million for ProMedica Toledo Hospital to help fund COVID-19 protective measures; $5.2 million to Ohio Health Care Systems and $2.6 million to University Hospitals Health System to help continue to provide COVID-19 treatment, testing and protective measures; $12.7 million to help Ohio State University - Columbus Campus and Premier Health in Ohio with costs associated with COVID-19; and $46 million to the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Businesses: Portman worked with the Trump administration to ensure that businesses of all sizes in Ohio had the resources they needed to help retain employees and keep their doors open. In May, Portman applauded the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) for awarding a $3.75 million grant for COVID-19 Emergency Response for Small to Medium Enterprises to Appalachian Community Capital (ACC). ACC will use this funding to help the region's development finance institutions make up for lost revenue as they temporarily defer loan payments. Thanks to funding available through the CARES Act, which Portman supported, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) CARES Act Emergency Program awarded the Ohio Development Services Agency $2.3 million to help support Ohio-based U.S. small- and medium-sized manufacturers, including rural manufacturers. In August, Portman applauded U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross's announcement that the Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) awarded $8.8 million and $1 million in CARES Act grants to Ohio cities to be able to provide critical gap financing to small businesses and entrepreneurs. In addition, EDA awarded $2 million to five EDA Economic Development District organizations across Ohio to update economic development plans and fortify programs to assist communities in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, through the CARES Act, the U.S. Department of Labor awarded $8.5 million in funding for Disaster Recovery Dislocated Worker Grants (DWGs) to help address the workforce-related impacts of the pandemic. Education: The historic CARES Act provided a higher education emergency relief fund to assist higher education institutions across the nation. Senator Portman worked with the U.S. Department of Education to ensure Ohio higher education institutions received the resources needed to meet the demands of the pandemic. In April, Portman announced that the Department of Education distributed $388 million in funding to institutions of higher education in Ohio and in May, the National Science Foundation awarded more than $1.5 million in CARES Act-funded RAPID Response Research grants to fund research that addresses the pandemic. In September, Portman announced that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) awarded a $5 million, two-yearRapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADx)-UPgrant to The Ohio State University. The RADx-UP program supports projects designed to rapidly implement COVID-19 testing strategies in populations disproportionately affected by the pandemic. Portman applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development for awarding more than $1.1 million in Distance Learning and Telemedicine grants to two school districts in Ohio: Gallia County Schools and New London Local School District. The $172,358 Rural Development grant for Gallia County Schools will help provide students and staff with primary and preventative care through the Appalachian Primary Care Telemedicine Program. The $999,524 grant for the New London Local School District will help expand Science Technology Engineering and Math resource access to students in Pre-kindergarten through sixth grade across the four Ohio counties served by the school district. USDA's Distance Learning and Telemedicine grant program was provided $25 million in the bipartisan CARES Act. Health Care: This year, thousands of Ohioans had to rely on telehealth in order to have access to their primary care providers. Thanks to the bipartisan CARES Act, which Portman strongly supported, Ohio received multiple telehealth grants to assist health care facilities, testing centers, and hospitals serving children and low-income, vulnerable populations across the state. Portman led legislation to provide certainty to hospitals participating in the 340B drug discount program during the COVID-19 public health emergency. In normal years, the 340B program provides needed flexible funds to meet the needs of a hospital's community, but during the ongoing pandemic, the 340B program has become a vital lifeline for hospitals as they've see precipitous drop offs in revenue and an inability to pay for the essential COVID services that patients continue to need. Early days of the pandemic forced many hospitals to reduce inpatient hospital admissions of low-income Medicare and Medicaid patients, a critical metric in determining eligibility for the 340B program. Though hospitals have resumed elective procedures, and patients have begun returning to seek care, there is concern that as a result of this year's slowdown and threats to suspend elective care again as hospital beds fill up, some hospitals may not meet the required inpatient admission threshold to remain in the program for the following year. This legislation would ensure that any previously eligible hospital will be deemed eligible for any cost reporting period during which the public health emergency occurred to meet the needs of hospitals now during this crisis and to preserve the vital program for years to come. In May, Portman announced that Ohio received $238 million to expand COVID-19 diagnostic testing capabilities. In July, Portman announced that the Federal Communications Commission's Wireline Competition Bureauawardedmore than $415,000in telehealth grants to four health care facilities in Ohio that will use this fundingto provide telehealth services targeted at low-income patients so thattheycan receive medical care in more flexible settings. This grant award followed previous announcements of telehealth grants for Ohio, including oneannouncedin April for the Health Partners of Western Ohio located in Lima, Ohio.In early May, three facilitiesreceivednearly $1 million in funding and four facilitiesreceivednearly $800,000 in funding, and later that month six facilitiesreceived$1.8 million in funding, and an additional six facilitiesreceived$1.1 million. In June, $3.46 million wasdistributedtofacilitiesin Ohio. Portman made clearthat the Administration must do a better job of quickly distributing funding for safety net hospitals and providers, speaking out in April when other hospitals and health care providers received the first tranche of COVID-19 response funding while safety net provider funding was initially In April, he announced that Ohio received an additional $17 million in CARES Act funding for the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) to help increase testing and other response tools. In May, theHealth Resources andServices Administration (HRSA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,awarded$17.4million in federal grantsto support51health centers throughout Ohio in an effort to expand testing capacities. Portman repeatedly urgedthe administration to support health care providers thatserve our nation's most vulnerable,including our children's hospitals, nursing homes, and safety net hospitals. In June, Portman and a group of bipartisan colleagues sent aletterto HHS urging them to actquickly and equitably in distributing funding to vulnerable populations and the next dayHHS released $10 billionfor these hospitals. In July, Portman applauded the Trump Administration for distributing $3 billion in additional emergency funding allocated in COVID-19 spending packages to hospitals that overwhelmingly serve Medicaid and low-income patients. Ohio received about $90 million from this $3 billion. In August, Portman announced that Ohio received an additional $165 million in federal funding for children's hospitals. Transportation: The transportation industry has been hit hard by the pandemic, and Senator Portman worked closely with the U.S. Department of Transportation to ensure Ohio companies have the financial resources they need during the pandemic. Portman worked with DOT's Federal Aviation Administration to ensure that airports across Ohio received the resources they needed. In addition, thanks to the CARES Act, Portman announced that DOT's Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded a $5.8 million grant to the Butler County Regional Transit Authority, and a $1.7 million grant to the City of Springfield in Clark County, Ohio in order to respond to and recover from the public health emergency. In April, Portman announced that the Federal Transit Administration awarded a $1.7 million grant to Miami County to help fund critical continued public transit operations to keep the region moving during these unprecedented times. In November, Portman applauded DOT for awarding a $12 million federal grant to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for the repair or reconstruction of federal-aid highways and roads on federal lands that have suffered serious damage as a result of natural disasters or catastrophic failures from an external cause. Helping Businesses Stay Afloat. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Portman has stayed in constant contact with business leaders of all sizes and worked to help deliver the results they need to stay afloat during this economic crisis. He visited business in Tipp City, Cincinnati, Russells Point, Sidney, and Hamilton and heard from company leaders about how, thanks to the Paycheck Protection Program loan that Portman supported, they were able to keep workers on payroll and continue operations. In July, Portman introduced theHealthy Workplaces Tax Credit Actto help businesses continue to safely reopen while ensuring the safety of employees and consumers through a refundable tax credit against payroll taxes for 50 percent of the costs incurred by a business for increased testing, personal protective equipment (PPE), disinfecting, extra cleaning and reconfiguring work spaces to adhere to social distancing guidelines.He hopes to have it included in any additional COVID-19 relief package that passes from the Senate. In September, in an effort to remove unnecessary regulations that undermined our nation's ability to rapidly respond to the pandemic, Portman introduced the Pandemic Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Act. The legislation establishes an accountable, expert-led, commission to identify ineffective, unnecessary, or overly burdensome regulations that should be modified, consolidated, harmonized, or repealed to promote jobs and higher wages; reduce household expenses; improve economic performance and competitiveness; reduce compliance costs; encourage growth and innovation; improve competitiveness; and protect public health, safety, and welfare. In July, Portman introduced theHealthy Workplaces Tax Credit Actto help businesses continue to safely reopen while ensuring the safety of employees and consumers through a refundable tax credit against payroll taxes for 50 percent of the costs incurred by a business for increased testing, personal protective equipment (PPE), disinfecting, extra cleaning and reconfiguring work spaces to adhere to social distancing guidelines.He hopes to have it included in any additional COVID-19 relief package that passes from the Senate. In September, in an effort to remove unnecessary regulations that undermined our nation's ability to rapidly respond to the pandemic, Portman introduced the Pandemic Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Act. The legislation establishes an accountable, expert-led, commission to identify ineffective, unnecessary, or overly burdensome regulations that should be modified, consolidated, harmonized, or repealed to promote jobs and higher wages; reduce household expenses; improve economic performance and competitiveness; reduce compliance costs; encourage growth and innovation; improve competitiveness; and protect public health, safety, and welfare. Assisting Second Chance Business Owners. In June 2020, Portman introduced the bipartisanPaycheck Protection Program Second Chance Act,which would remove barriers to PPP for owners with unrelated felony records while preserving the presumption of innocence and keeping in place the five year timeframe for felony crimes related to financial fraud. This legislation follows Senator Portman'sletterto Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Jovita Carranza urging that the SBA allow small business owners with criminal records to apply for the PPP. National and Ohioan reentry and second chance coalition leaders, law enforcement, and local officials havevoiced their supportof the initiative. In August, Portman met with local business leaders in Cincinnati for a discussion led by Innovative Labor and Cleaning Services owner Troy Parker. Parker's company received a $235,000 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan in June thanks to Portman's efforts to expand eligibility to cover Second Chance businesses owned by individuals who have a criminal record in their past but who have turned their lives around. Troyis an example of a Second Chance success story having started Innovative Labor and Cleaning in2015 after re-entering the community. Reshoring PPE: Portman believes that the American people should not have to rely so heavily on foreign countries for personal protective equipment and that we should bring personal protection equipment production back to the United States. In August, he introduced bipartisan legislation that will strengthen efforts to onshore production of PPE in the United States by requiring the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) to issue long-term contracts for American-made PPE. In June, Portman and Senator Sherrod Brown sent a letter urging the COVID-19 Joint Acquisition Task Force (JATF) to prioritize the procurement of American-made PPE, and to consider comprehensive measures to incentivize the reshoring of additional PPE production back to the United States. JATF was created to synchronize and support execution of the Department of Defense's COVID-19 response to interagency requests for medical resources involving the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Department of Health and Human Services, and other agencies. Meeting with Ohio Hospitals: As a result of the bipartisan CARES Act, which Senator Portman supported and President Trump signed into law, health facilities around Ohio were able to receive much needed resources to care for patients with COVID-19, to expand testing, and to work to address the disproportionate impact the virus had on minority communities. This year, Portman visited the Columbus Public Health Department, the Health Collaborative in Cincinnati, Adena Health System in Chillicothe, and Premier Health's Miami Valley Hospital to see firsthand how the CARES Act was working to help Ohio hospitals. Advocating for Additional Testing at Elkton: In April, Portman sent a letterurging Attorney General William Barr and Bureau of Prisons Director Michael Carvajal to increase COVID-19 testing at Federal Correctional Institution Elkton in Lisbon, Ohio. Elkton had the highest number of deaths of any federal prison, with nine fatalities. Creating Economic Opportunity & Retirement Security for Ohio Families Since his election in 2010, Senator Portman has focused on strengthening the economy, reforming our tax code and providing relief to families and small businesses. In the 115th Congress, he delivered on this commitment with the enactment of comprehensive tax cuts and tax reform, and Portman saw firsthand how Ohio companies are responding by creating more jobs, increasing wages, paying bonuses, making additional investments in plants and equipment, and expanding health care and retirement benefits. In addition to tax reform, Portman worked on a number of measures to help create jobs, level the playing field for Ohio workers, and make Ohio businesses more competitive. Strengthening Skills Training & Workforce Development. Portman, who is the co-founder of theSenate Career and Technical Education (CTE) Caucus,continued to help lead efforts in the Senate to expand skills training to close the skills gap and ensure that Ohioans are ready for the jobs available today. As part of his efforts, Portman joined Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) inintroducingthe bipartisanJOBS Actwhich will make high-quality and rigorous short-term job training programs more affordable by expanding access to Pell Grants for low-income students. Portman has toured Ohio meeting with community colleges, educators, workforce development officials and others to receive input and highlight the importance of this bill, which is supported by the Trump administration and was included in its budget request. As we work to rebuild the economy, and as manufacturers continue to look to hire more workers, this bill is needed now more than ever. In late July, Portman teamed up with Senator Peters (D-MI) to introduce bipartisan legislation to strengthen reentry programs that provide workforce training, as well as pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship opportunities. The Reentry Employment Opportunities Act would codify into law the U.S. Department of Labor's Reentry Employment Opportunities (REO) Program, which supports national, regional, and local organizations that administer skills training programs. The REO program provides critical opportunities for returning citizens to be able to have a smooth transition back into society and learn skills that will help them secure good jobs. Ensuring a Secure Retirement for Hard Working Americans. Portman is widely regarded as the leading Senate voice for common-sense pension reform. Portman believes that every American should have the opportunity to save for a safe, secure retirement. In February 2019, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) selected Portman to lead the committee's Subcommittee on Social Security, Pensions and Family Policy. Portman has leveraged this perch to spearhead passage of the SECURE Act at the end of 2019 and help lead bipartisan efforts to reform multiemployer pension funds and ensure hard working American's receive the benefits they have earned. In June, Portman delivered remarks on the Senate floor outlining the multiemployer pension crisis currently threatening the retirements of millions of Americans, and the consequences of ongoing inaction. Portman also underscored the need for any bipartisan multiemployer pension reform legislation to address both the immediate crisis with respect to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC,) and the longer-term structural issues that created the conditions for the persistent underfunding of multiemployer pension plans in the first place. He also emphasized that any solution to address the immediate crisis must involve a shared responsibility approach, with contributions from not just general public funds, but also employers and plan participants within the multiemployer pension system. Portman introduced the Railroad Employee Equality and Fairness Act, which would end the sequester on the Railroad Retirement Board's (RRB) Unemployment Insurance Account. Due to the Budget Control Act of 2011, and a subsequent sequestration order to implement mandated spending cuts, railroad unemployment benefits have been reduced by a set percentage that is subject to revision at the beginning of each fiscal year. Currently, the sequester, as it relates to the RRB, continues until fiscal year 2030. Without this legislation, it is expected that the sequestration will result in a 5.7 percent reduction in railroad unemployment benefits through fiscal year 2030. In December, Portman's Subcommittee held a hearing on his bipartisan Retirement Security & Savings Act, which was designed to help pave the way for bipartisan action early in the 117th Congress. Portman's legislation with Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) is poised for bipartisan action, and Portman was encouraged that new legislation introduced by Congressmen Richard Neal's (D-MA) and Kevin Brady's (R-TX), the Securing a Strong Retirement Act of 2020, included many similar reforms, such as: improving the tax credit so businesses have a larger incentive to create plans, allowing workers to save more for retirement, allowing workers to save longer for retirement, lowering the penalty on errors, and expanding product options so Americans can choose the right investment and annuity option for themselves. Portman and Cardin's bill, along with this new, bipartisan legislation in the House, seek to build on the SECURE Act, which became law in 2019 and included a set of reforms designed to help more Americans save for their retirement. Encouraging Broadband & Infrastructure Development in Rural Areas. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced countless functions of everyday life to go virtual. As such, it is vital that every American have access to reliable, high-speed internet. That is why Portman introduced legislation in July to bolster efforts to expand access to rural broadband nationwide and speed up the distribution of the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC) Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF). The Rural Broadband Acceleration Act also directs the FCC to adhere to the Universal Service requirement in federal law, which is a joint responsibility for the federal and state governments. The Universal Service requirement states that all people in rural areas must have access to telecommunications and information services that are reasonably comparable, in both speed and price, to the services in urban areas. Thus, this legislation will allow rural America to have the same level of broadband service enjoyed by cities and suburbs across the country. Expanding Markets for Ohio Farmers & Small Businesses. As a former U.S. Trade Representative, Portman continues to be a leading voice in the Senate on trade policy, working to ensure a level playing field for American workers and create more jobs for Ohio farmers and small businesses. This year, he worked to advance those priorities in a number of ways, including: Portman emerged as a leading advocate for the U.S.-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) Trade Agreement, which was ratified by the U.S. Senate on January 17th, 2020. The modernized trade agreement will create at least 176,000 new jobs, expand opportunities for agricultural trade, encourage new opportunities for auto jobs in America, and add a new section on digital trade to make online sales. Portman touted the trade pact's new and enforceable environmental and labor standards, a new section on digital trade, expanded opportunities for agricultural trade, and new opportunities for auto jobs in America. Portman touted the phase one trade agreement with China signed by President Trump on January 15th, 2020. Portman, who has taken on China's unfair trade practices for more than a decade, highlighted the agreement as a good first step towards rectifying unfair trade imbalances and creating a more balanced and durable economic relationship between the United States and China. In June 2020, Portman penned a letter urging the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) to side with American workers and fully and fairly enforce U.S. trade remedy laws. The letter, which was co-led by Senator Brown, pressed the ITC to give full and fair consideration to the United Steelworker's petitions in these cases of unfairly traded imports. In November 2020, Portman testified before the ITC and urged them to support an extension of the current Section 201 safeguard for washing machines. Portman has fought against unfair trade practices that have harmed Whirlpool and sent a letter to the ITC in October urging them to thoughtfully consider Whirlpool's request to extend and strengthen the safeguard to maximize its benefits for the domestic industry and its workers. Portman continued his years long effort to reform international trade and commerce by introducing a bipartisan resolution expressing support for U.S. leadership in the World Trade Organization (WTO) while also calling for reform to parts of the institution. In January 2020, Portman visited Lebanon, Ohio to participate in a workforce roundtable discussion hosted by the United Way of Warren County at Fecon, manufacturer of vegetation management machinery. Other participants included students, employees who have got through their program, and local employers. The discussion highlighted expanding access to workforce skills training and how Portman's bipartisan JOBS Act legislation will help more Ohioans get the skills and training they need to find in-demand jobs as well as the economic benefits of two trade agreements: the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement, and the phase one trade agreement with China signed by President Trump. On July 15th, 2020, Portman visited Ford Lima Engine Plant and met leadership and employees to discuss the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) Trade Agreement and how it will create new jobs, and encourage new opportunities for American manufacturing. Protecting American Taxpayers. Portman has a long history of working to reform the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). For instance, on July 1, 2019, President Trump signed the Taxpayer First Act into law - bipartisan legislation that included a number of Portman's legislative priorities. Over the course of this year, Portman built on his past success with two significant efforts: As Chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), Portman led a bipartisan investigation into the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) Free File Program, which provides free online tax preparation and filing services to U.S. taxpayers. The probe culminated with the release of a bipartisan staff memo detailing the lack of IRS oversight of the Free File program. As a result, the memo noted, American taxpayers may not be aware of the program or taking advantage of it. This could result in eligible taxpayers paying fees to file their taxes. Securing Funding for Key Ohio Economic Priorities. Senator Portman has worked with the Trump administration to ensure that Ohio has access to competitive grant opportunities in order to strengthen efforts to improve the economy and job creation around the state. This year, Portman worked alongside the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to announce several grant awards for Ohio including; $1.9 million to help support Lake County's Laketran Project; $13.8 million in grant funding to six Ohio rail systems for consolidated rail infrastructure and safety improvement programs; a $1.9 million University Transportation Centers (UTC) grant to The Ohio State University for their work to advance transportation research and technology; $14.7 million to help reconstruct and repair airports' taxiways and runways in Ohio; $23.6 million in funding as part of the Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) competitive grant program for the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Government; $15 million in funding as part of the BUILD competitive grant program for Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority; and $4.4 million to the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to help support the Interstate 70 truck automation corridor. Portman worked alongside the U.S. Department of Commerce to ensure cities and towns in Ohio had the resources they needed including; $3.7 million to the Greene County Board of Commissioners to assist the region with recovery efforts from the 2019 Memorial Day Tornadoes; $132,500 to the Eastgate Regional Council of Governments to help with conducting a broadband feasibility study; and $3.6 million for the city of Dayton to help purchase and establish new electric generators needed to upgrade water system infrastructure. In order to ensure Ohio has the adequate resources to ensure a culture of preparedness, Portman worked with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to secure grant funding, including; A $10.1 million grant to help Ohio assist state, local, tribal and territorial governments in preparing for all hazards, as authorized by Congress; and $1.6 million to help fund Ohio's security efforts along Ohio's northern border. Portman worked with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to ensure Ohioans had the resources they need to protect themselves and our schools including; More than $35 million in federal grants from the Office for Victims of Crime, a component of the DOJ's Office of Justice Programs; and more than $320,000 in federal funding for school safety through its School Violence Prevention Program. Earlier this year, Portman announced thatthe U.S. Department of Agriculture has allocated nearly $2.5 million in federal funding through its Rural Development Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program to improve the Village of Rio Grande's 84-year-old wastewater treatment facility. In addition, he announced that the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has awarded Vantage Aging in Akron, Ohio a nearly $2.3 million Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) grant to provide career services and training services to low-income older individuals who seek to enter or re-enter the workforce. In an effort to help lower income students, Portman announced that the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) has awarded seven higher education schools in Ohio nearly $3 million in Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP) grants. Combating America's Opioid Epidemic No one in the Senate has been more active in the fight against drug addiction than Senator Portman. He continues to lead the national effort to combat the opioid crisis that is devastating communities. As part of his efforts to help Ohio, Portman has worked to help stop the influx of synthetic drugs like fentanyl, expand access to treatment programs that are so critical to an effective recovery, and secure additional funding for evidenced-based Comprehensive Addiction & Recovery Act (CARA) programs focused on prevention, treatment, recovery, and first responders. In addition, Portman worked tosecure $1 billionin new funding for state grants to fight opioid abuse in the21st Century CURES Act.He's also fought for more overall opioid funding, and helped secure more than $4 billionin new opioid funding over the last few years between CARA, CURES and other opioid programs. Portman has also been at the forefront of addressing the changes faces of addiction in Ohio and around the country. In response to increasing reports of overdose deaths in Ohio due to psychostimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine both often laced with fentanyl Senator Portman introduced and successfully foug",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://chabot.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401085,Congressional Freedom of the Press Caucus Co-Chairs Schiff and Chabot Denounce Sentencing of Chinese Journalist Reporting on COVID-19 Pandemic,2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,OH,Steven Chabot,C000266,chabot.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Representatives Steve Chabot (R-OH) and Adam Schiff (D-CA), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Freedom of the Press Caucus, released a statement following the sentencing of Zhang Zhan, a Chinese citizen journalist who reported from Wuhan during the early days of the coronavirus pandemic:We are deeply concerned by the recent conviction of Zhang Zhan for her reporting on the early handling of the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan last winter, the Co-Chairs said. Ms. Zhang's photos and short video clips uploaded to WeChat, Twitter, and YouTube documented the harsh reality of life in Wuhan during lockdown in the early days of the virus, informing the Chinese people and the world about the extent of the crisis at a critical time. We are alarmed at the treatment of Ms. Zhang and call on PRC authorities to immediately release her and all others detained in connection with sharing news about the coronavirus. On December 28, Zhang Zhan was sentenced to four years in jail by the Shanghai Pudong People's Court for picking quarrels and provoking trouble. She is accused of spreading false information and accepting media interviews with foreign outlets. Her lawyer reports that Ms. Zhang has been on a hunger strike since June and was force-fed via a nasal tube while shackled in prison. Other citizen journalists who reported on the situation in Wuhan have gone missing or been under close surveillance for months. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-brown-announce-bipartisan-legislation-rename-nasas-plum-brook,"Portman, Brown Announce Bipartisan Legislation to Rename NASAs Plum Brook Station Test Facility After Neil Armstrong Signed Into Law",2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Portman, Brown Announce Bipartisan Legislation to Rename NASA's Plum Brook Station Test Facility After Neil Armstrong Signed Into Law December 30, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced that President Trump has signed into law their bipartisan legislation to rename NASA's Plum Brook Station, the agency's test facility in Sandusky, Ohio, after Neil Armstrong. Portman and Brown introduced the legislation last year. Plum Brook is part of the NASA Glenn Research Center. Ithouses unique world-class facilities that conduct critical and innovative ground tests for the international aerospace community. From his service as a Navy fighter pilot, to his courageous experiments as a test pilot, to his space exploration and first step on the surface of the Moon, Neil Armstrong left an indelible mark in mankind's history of flight.In all his accomplishments, he considered himself first and foremost a test pilot who pushed the boundaries of what was possible in the air and in space, Senator Portman said. Neil was a humble and patriotic Ohioan who believed the honor of serving his country was a reward in and of itself. That's why, when I asked him the year before he passed away whether he wanted me to pursue naming Plum Brook after him, he demurred. But he was a strong supporter of Plum Brook Station and the important simulations and testing being done there, and I believe it is precisely because of his humility, coupled with his unparalleled accomplishments, that the renaming is appropriate.In consultation with his family and NASA, Senator Brown and I introduced this legislation last year and I applaud President Trump for signing this legislation into law as a fitting tribute to Armstrongs amazing accomplishments in air and in space. Before Neil Armstrong became the first person to step foot on the moon, he was an up-and-coming test pilot in northeast Ohio at what is now known as the NASA John H. Glenn Research Center. I'm pleased to join Sen. Portman in honoring Ohio-native Neil Armstrong by renaming NASA Glenn's Plum Brook Station in Sandusky for a man who inspires future Ohioans to continue our state's tradition of breaking barriers in space,said Senator Brown, who nowoccupiesthe late Ohio Senator and astronaut John Glenn's old office in Washington, DC. NOTE: In July of 2019, in advance of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, Portman and Brown announced their intention to rename the facility. Prior to the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, Portman paid tribute to his friend, Ohio-native Neil Armstrong in a video, as well as on the Senate floor. In August of 2019, Portman accompanied NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine in a visit to NASA's Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field in Cleveland and Plum Brook Station in Sandusky to view progress on the agency's Artemis Program -- its multi-year plan to return American astronauts to the Moon and eventually send manned missions to Mars. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-votes-support-national-defense-bill,Portman Votes to Support National Defense Bill,2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Portman Votes to Support National Defense Bill December 30, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) issued the following statement in support of the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act: The defense bill provides needed resources that build on President Trump's successful efforts to restore our military after years of underfunding and deterioration of our readiness.It also supports the National Defense Strategy, gives a needed pay raise to our troops, and provides critical upgrades and support to Ohio's defense installations. Ohio is home to Wright-Patterson Air Force base, the Lima tank plant, and other important military facilities that help support our troops around the globe.This legislation directly impacts our Ohio defense community. I agree with President Trump that we need to take a serious look at Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, but a defense bill isn't the place for those reforms. Our country faces significant security threats around the world, and this bipartisan legislation will help ensure that our soldiers, airmen, sailors, Marines and space professionals have the vital resources they need to accomplish their national security missions.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://stivers.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403079,Statement from Rep. Stivers,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,OH,Steve Stivers,S001187,stivers.house.gov,,,legacy,"Statement from Rep. Stivers f t # e Washington, December 28, 2020 The following may be attributed to Representative Steve Stivers (R-OH) regarding the override of the veto of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): For decades, people on both sides of the aisle have put aside their differences for the sake of the men and women who serve our nation, Stivers said. While it's disappointing that the President let a political disagreement stand in the way of the well-being of our troops, I was proud to join my Republican and Democratic colleagues to let our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines know that we have their backs. -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wenstrup.house.gov/updates/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404579,Wenstrup Statement on Non-Offset Relief Payments,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,OH,Brad Wenstrup,W000815,wenstrup.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Today, Congressman Brad Wenstrup (OH-02) issued the following statement after voting on the CASH Act of 2020: The recently-passed bipartisan, bicameral COVID relief legislation provided targeted assistance to the American people in the form of direct cash payments, enhanced unemployment insurance, and an expanded earned income tax credit. There may be room for additional assistance in the coming months, and it should come in the form of more precisely targeted relief to those most in need as well as efforts to get individuals back to work, rather than blanket benefits for many who may not need them but qualify based off outdated data. According to the Joint Committee on Taxation, the CASH Act would cost $463.8 billion in taxpayer funding. With that sum, we could increase assistance to our small businesses that are struggling through the Paycheck Protection Program, increase direct food assistance to needy families, and increase resources to distributePPE to frontline healthcare workers and the vaccine to all Americans who want it. Should the Speaker wish to pass this legislation, she should offset it with the President's request to rescind certain foreign aid funding. However, without such an offset, I could not support this additional deficit spending.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wenstrup.house.gov/updates/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404580,Wenstrup Votes to Enact Defense Authorization Bill,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,OH,Brad Wenstrup,W000815,wenstrup.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Today, Congressman Brad Wenstrup (OH-02) issued the following statement after voting to advance into law the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): Our nation's servicemembers make countless sacrifices to protect the American people. We must provide our warfighters with the tools and resources necessary to carry out their missions and keep them safe. This legislation also addresses growing global challenges, from countering China's increasing aggression to strengthening our nation's cybersecurity capabilities. At the same time, I share President Trump's interest in reviewing the Communications Decency Act of 1996, and specifically Section 230. The Internet economy has grown beyond anything imagined in the 1990s, and it is the responsibility of legislators to ensure that our laws are keeping up with society and the tech companies that have come to dominate our economy and public discourse. Congressman Wenstrup was named a conferee to the FY 2021 NDAA Conference Committee andhad two amendments included in the final text. He also serves as a colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve. He served a tour in Iraq from 2005-2006 as a combat surgeon and was awarded a Bronze Star and Combat Action Badge for his service.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-announces-final-fy-2021-bipartisan-funding-measure-includes-ohio,Portman Announces Final FY 2021 Bipartisan Funding Measure Includes Ohio Projects to be Funded Through Restore Our Parks Act,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Portman Announces Final FY 2021 Bipartisan Funding Measure Includes Ohio Projects to be Funded Through Restore Our Parks Act Initial Project List Includes Funding for Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Wayne National Forest Infrastructure December 28, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) announced that the final FY 2021 bipartisan funding measure, which President Trump signed into law last night, includes the initial list of projects that will be funded through Portman's bipartisanRestore Our Parks Act to protect and preserve America's national parks and public lands by addressing thebacklog in long-delayed maintenance projects. Included in this list are two priority projects for Ohio the demolition of vacant structures at Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the replacement of the waterline at the Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area within the Wayne National Forest. This summer, Portman visited Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Wayne National Forest to see their deferred maintenance projects firsthand. Whether biking, fishing, kayaking, or hiking with my family, I'm proud to be one of the 2.7 million visitors to Ohio's National Parks annually. That's why I'm pleased that the final FY 2021 bipartisan funding measure included the first list of projects that will be funded through my bipartisan Restore Our Parks law to begin to address backlog in long-delayed maintenance projects throughout our park system, said Portman. I'm pleased that Ohio's Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Wayne National Forest will be among the first to be able to address critical infrastructure improvements to ensure these parks can be enjoyed for many generations to come. Over the summer, I was able to see the deferred maintenance projects at both of these parks firsthand and I look forward visiting these parks again soon to see the funds in action. We appreciate Senator Portman's leadership on the Restore Our Parks Act. CVNP will receive funds to demolish vacant buildings that are safety hazards and eyesores. Addressing critical infrastructure issues like this are important for a safe and positive visitor experience. We are grateful to Congress for being good stewards through these funds of the public lands that belong to all of us, said Deb Yandala, CEO, Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park. NOTE: Earlier this year, Portman applauded President Trump for signing into law the bipartisanGreat American Outdoors Act.Notably, the legislation included Senators Portman, Mark Warner (D-VA), Lamar Alexander (R-TN), and Angus King's (I-ME)Restore Our Parks Act,legislation to willsupportmore than 100,000 jobsover the next five years by rebuilding critical park infrastructure to help address the more than$12 billion backlog in long-delayed maintenance projects at the National Park Service(NPS).Portman worked with his colleagues to expand his legislation in theGreat American Outdoors Actto also include funding to address the deferred maintenance backlog at the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Bureau of Indian Education. The Great American Outdoors Act now provides $1.9 billion per year for five years into the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund from half of unobligated on and offshore energy revenues on federal lands to address maintenance needs on all federal lands. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://joyce.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=2889,Joyce Issues Statement on COVID-19 Relief and Government Funding Bills,2020-12-24,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Dave Joyce,J000295,joyce.house.gov,,,legacy,"BAINBRIDGE Today, Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14) issued the following statement regarding the COVID-19 relief and government funding bills recently passed by Congress: I want to address the misinformation going around about the legislation Congress passed on Monday night.Let's be very clear: Congress passed two independent pieces of legislation, one that provided COVID-19 relief and another that funded the government throughout next year. The Majority had us vote on these two bills at once, which is what confused a lot of people. Rumors that there was foreign aid in the COVID-19 relief bill are false. The only bill that included foreign aid was the annual spending bill, which was requested by the President in his budget ten months ago. The U.S. Constitution lays out the annual process by which we fund our government, a responsibility I take very seriously as a member of the House Appropriations Committee. That's why, since the President released his budget in February, I have worked with my colleagues to hold more than 36 budget and oversight hearings to move that process forward. Unfortunately, election year political games derailed this process significantly, causing a last-minute scramble to ensure the government remained up and running in the middle of a pandemic. That is unacceptable and the American people have every right to be frustrated by it. I know I am. The political games that delayed that government funding bill were the same games that prevented us from providing COVID-19 relief to the American people months ago. It's especially infuriating that it took eight months to pass this additional relief when it was largely similar to the bipartisan plan my colleagues and I on the Problem Solvers Caucus unveiled back in September. Despite this unconscionable delay, the bill we passed on Monday provides $900 billion to support our small businesses, working families and healthcare professionals. Any accusation that this relief bill only included $600 for Americans is a lie. The American people have made it clear they have no patience for Washington's dysfunction that prevented us from delivering critical relief in the first place. Those who are purposely creating confusion or spreading falsehoods about these two different bills are playing the kind of games that have no place in our nation's capital as we work to get through these unprecedented times. I remain committed to fighting for the needs of Ohio's 14th District and will continue to do everything in my power to ensure Ohioans have what they need until we restore our way of life. To learn more about the COVID-19 relief legislation, click here. To learn more about the FY2021 government funding legislation, click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-cardin-praise-establishment-national-memorial-fallen-journalists,"Portman, Cardin Praise Establishment of a National Memorial to Fallen Journalists",2020-12-24,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Portman, Cardin Praise Establishment of a National Memorial to Fallen Journalists December 23, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC Today, President Trump signed into law a companion bill to legislation written by U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Ben Cardin (D-MD) that authorizes the development and construction of a national monument to fallen journalists. The new, privately funded memorial will be constructed on federal lands within the District of Columbia and will honor journalists, photographers, and broadcasters killed in the line of duty.Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) is an original cosponsor of the Senate bill (S. 1969). Congressman Tom Cole (R-OK) and Congresswoman Grace Napolitano (D-CA) introduced the legislation (H.R. 3465) in the House of Representatives. A free and open press is essential to our democracy, and I applaud President Trump for signing into law our bipartisan legislation to establish the National Memorial to Fallen Journalists, said Senator Portman. This memorial will serve as a fitting tribute to the men and women in journalism, including those from the Capital Gazette, who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of the First Amendment. The free media, one of the pillars of our nation, is under attack figuratively and literally across America. Too many, including five innocent souls lost in the shooting at the Capital Gazette in Annapolis, gave everything they had in defense of democracy, transparency and freedom, said Senator Cardin. This new memorial will honor the lives of those who died reporting the news and supporting the media on behalf of the American people. It will be a steadfast symbol of their sacrifice and the fragility of our democracy. Those who personify the First Amendment rights granted to every citizen have made our nation stronger. The Portman-Cardin bill authorizes the Fallen Journalists Memorial (FJM) Foundation to establish a commemorative work (memorial) in the District of Columbia.Eligible federal land would be in Area I or Area II,, but not in the area designated as Reserve. The FJM Foundation must provide the funding necessary for the National Park Service or General Services Administration to maintain the memorial.The Annenberg Foundation and the Ferro Foundation have provided a total of $300,000 in initial funding to launch the FJM Foundation, which will operate under the auspices of the National Press Club Journalism Institute (NPCJI), the non-profit affiliate of the National Press Club. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-cardin-praise-establishment-national-memorial-fallen-journalists-0,"Portman, Cardin Praise Establishment of a National Memorial to Fallen Journalists",2020-12-24,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Portman, Cardin Praise Establishment of a National Memorial to Fallen Journalists December 23, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC Today, President Trump signed into law a companion bill to legislation written by U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Ben Cardin (D-MD) that authorizes the development and construction of a national monument to fallen journalists. The new, privately funded memorial will be constructed on federal lands within the District of Columbia and will honor journalists, photographers, and broadcasters killed in the line of duty.Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) is an original cosponsor of the Senate bill (S. 1969). Congressman Tom Cole (R-OK) and Congresswoman Grace Napolitano (D-CA) introduced the legislation (H.R. 3465) in the House of Representatives. A free and open press is essential to our democracy, and I applaud President Trump for signing into law our bipartisan legislation to establish the National Memorial to Fallen Journalists, said Senator Portman. This memorial will serve as a fitting tribute to the men and women in journalism, including those from the Capital Gazette, who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of the First Amendment. The free media, one of the pillars of our nation, is under attack figuratively and literally across America. Too many, including five innocent souls lost in the shooting at the Capital Gazette in Annapolis, gave everything they had in defense of democracy, transparency and freedom, said Senator Cardin. This new memorial will honor the lives of those who died reporting the news and supporting the media on behalf of the American people. It will be a steadfast symbol of their sacrifice and the fragility of our democracy. Those who personify the First Amendment rights granted to every citizen have made our nation stronger. The Portman-Cardin bill authorizes the Fallen Journalists Memorial (FJM) Foundation to establish a commemorative work (memorial) in the District of Columbia.Eligible federal land would be in Area I or Area II,, but not in the area designated as Reserve. The FJM Foundation must provide the funding necessary for the National Park Service or General Services Administration to maintain the memorial.The Annenberg Foundation and the Ferro Foundation have provided a total of $300,000 in initial funding to launch the FJM Foundation, which will operate under the auspices of the National Press Club Journalism Institute (NPCJI), the non-profit affiliate of the National Press Club. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://joyce.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=2890,Joyce Bill to Rename Grand River Post Office in Honor of Andy Nowacki Becomes Law,2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Dave Joyce,J000295,joyce.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today, the President signed into law Congressman Dave Joyce's (OH-14)bill to rename the U.S. Post Office in Grand River, Ohio after the late Lance Corporal Andrew Nowacki. Joyce introduced this legislation to honor the local Northeast Ohio hero in June of last year. Known as Andy or Ace to those in the Grand River community, Lance Corporal Nowacki was killed in action on February 26, 2005 during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was just 24 years old. I thank the President for signing this bill into law and helping me preserve the legacy of a true American patriot, said Joyce. Andy's sacrifice in defense of our nation is something we should never forget, as is his dedication to the Grand River community and his desire to help others. I was honored to introduce this bill and know that by renaming the Grand River post office after Andy, we are ensuring he will always be remembered by the community he cared so deeply for and contributed so much to. Our family is extremely thankful that Andy's service and sacrifice has not been forgotten, said Sheila Nowacki, Andy's mother. Andy was proud to serve his country as a United States Marine and theVillage of Grand River as a peace officer. To have his memory in both roles commemorated by having the Grand River Post Office bear his name is an honor that we are grateful for. It was an absolute privilege and honor to know Andy Nowacki and to call him my friend, said Grand River Mayor Christopher Conley. As a Marine myself, he is my brother, and I am sure he would be humbled by this and all the work his Mother and Father do in his honor. Andy joined the Marine Corps Reserve shortly after graduating from Brush High School in 1998. He later attended the Cleveland Heights Police Academy, joining the Grand River Police Department in 2001 where he was a dedicated member of the Ready Response Team, the Honor Guard and the Bike Patrol. Despite the fact that Andy's first enlistment was almost over when his unit was recalled for a second tour in Iraq, he reupped without hesitation. Andy was killed during his second tour while protecting a truck convoy south of Baghdad. Following his death, Andy's family and friends created the Andy Nowacki Foundation, which provides scholarships for those seeking to serve in the fields of public safety or nursing.To this day, the foundation continues to honor Andy's commitment to community, dedication to service and desire to help others by aiding those who wish to do the same. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/column/portman-column-2020-review,Portman Column: 2020 in Review,2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Portman Column: 2020 in Review December 22, 2020 | Column I think we are all ready for 2020 to be over. It's been a tough year. The health care and economic crises caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have changed so much of our lives, and too many Ohioans have lost their jobs, their businesses, or their loved ones to this disease. The good news is that the vaccines are coming and I am hopeful they will soon help us turn the corner in this pandemic. During a challenging year, I have kept my focus on delivering for Ohio, and we've had a lot of success in getting things done. Back in March, I helped negotiate the bipartisan CARES Act that was our first major legislation to respond to the pandemic. It helped Ohio workers, families, small businesses, and health professionals on the frontlines of this crisis. Many of the provisions of the CARES Act ended in the summer, while the pandemic did not. Instead, the virus continued to spread and, as the election approached, partisan gridlock seemed to take over in Washington. Since the summer, I have consistently advocated for breaking through the partisanship and providing needed funding for vaccine development and distribution, and targeted help for our families, small businesses, health care providers, schools, local governments and others as they navigated the challenges of COVID-19. I gave more than 20 speeches on the Senate floor laying out a targeted approach, and joined a bipartisan group of five Republicans and five Democrats Senators to draft our own targeted emergency relief COVID-19 legislation. On dozens of tele-townhalls, Facebook Live events, and Zoom calls with Ohio small businesses, health care workers, food banks, and others, I heard from Ohioans about what they needed. And I joined a clinical trial for Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine to do my part to help collect information on vaccines and to raise awareness about the safety and effectiveness of these vaccines now being authorized by the Food and Drug Administration. Just before Christmas, after months of stalled progress, Congress finally passed the COVID-19 emergency legislation, using as a basis our bipartisan proposal. It passed the Senate with an overwhelming 91-7 vote. I am proud to have been involved in the effort to bring both parties together to focus on where we had common ground, rather than taking partisan positions that had gotten us nowhere for months. The new law is already getting targeted aid out to those who need it most, including struggling small businesses, the unemployed, and our overworked frontline health care workers. It also provides a needed boost to vaccine development and distribution that is so critical to getting us back to a more normal life. While responding to this unprecedented pandemic has been my number one priority in the Senate, I am pleased that this year we were able to achieve a number of other significant wins for Ohio. In the summer, after years of work, my bipartisan Restore Our Parks Act was signed into law. This landmark conservation legislation will help us finally address the nearly $12 billion backlog in long-delayed maintenance projects at the National Park Service, including more than $100 million in needed repairs at Ohio's eight national park sites, while also supporting more than 100,000 jobs over the next five years. In addition, in this year's national defensebill, I successfully fought for critical funding for Ohio defense installations, including Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton and the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center in Lima. I also continued my efforts to respond to the addiction epidemic that has hit Ohio communities hard during this pandemic, securing $96 million in federal grants for Ohio's efforts to address the opioid crisis. And my legislation to strengthen the federal Nonprofit Security Grant Program was finally signed into law, allowing us to better protect our nonprofits and faith-based organizations, including synagogues and churches, from the rising wave of hate-fueled attacks. In total, 10 of my bills have been signed into law in 2020 so far, on a wide range of issues important to Ohio. I encourage you to visitportman.senate.govto see a full list of our wins in 2020. Next year, we will continue our work to respond to this unprecedented health care and economic crisis, and I will keep working to find bipartisan solutions to move Ohio and out country forward. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://chabot.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401084,Ranking Member Chabot: Its Time for Congress to Pass Small Business Relief,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,OH,Steven Chabot,C000266,chabot.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - Today, House Committee on Small Business Ranking Member Steve Chabot (R-OH) spoke on the House floor in support of the small business provisions in the COVID relief package. Remarks as prepared for delivery: I thank the gentleman/gentlelady for yielding. Mr./Madam Speaker, for months now, our nation's entrepreneurs and small business owners have been pleading for additional help from Congress. The Fourth Quarter Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index found that nearly three-quarters of small business owners said more federal relief is important for their success in 2021. While I am relieved that Congress is finally acting on those cries for help, I am dismayed that it has taken us this long. I introduced a bill in September that could have been brought to the floor at any time. That bill included many of these same provisions we are voting on today. Instead, the House considered bills about marijuana and online conspiracy theories. It's an embarrassment that it took this long because every moment of delay has put more small businesses at risk of permanent closure. These restaurants, bars, shops, and manufacturers employ nearly half of American workers and form the bedrock of communities across the country. Fortunately, the provisions in today's relief package will bring critical assistance to these small business workers and their families. The Paycheck Protection Program, which has supported over 50 million employees, will be reopened for new and second time applicants. Funds will be reserved for very small businesses and community lenders. The list of eligible expenses will be expanded so that owners can purchase PPE to keep employees and their loved ones safe. There are many more details in the packagetoo many to go into herebut the bottom line is this: these provisions will bring meaningful help to millions of Americans. Just in my own district in Cincinnati and the surrounding area, a PPP loan helped keep 140 employees on the payroll at the Silver Spring House restaurant. A PPP loan enabled HomeWell Care Services, an assisted living facility, to continue their important work for our community's elderly population. Finally, the folks at Neyer Plumbing used PPP funding to carry on as an essential business. These are real people with families to support and bills to pay. That's why it's so important we pass this package without delay. Small businesses and their employees are tough, resilient, and unyielding. Across the country, we hear stories about small businesses giving back to their communities, even when they are struggling themselves. It's time for Congress to meet the moment and get additional help in the hands of working Americans. I urge my colleagues to vote yes on this long overdue legislation. I yield back. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://joyce.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=2888,Joyce Highlights Buckeye Wins in Bipartisan Government Funding Agreement,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Dave Joyce,J000295,joyce.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Last night, Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14) voted in favor of the combined COVID-19 relief, FY2021 government funding bill, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. The omnibus portion of this legislation, which Joyce has worked on since the House Appropriations Committee began hearings back in February, funds the government at $1.4 trillion for FY2021 and includes numerous Buckeye priorities. You can learn more about the COVID-19 relief portion of the legislation here. While the process that took place to produce this legislation was unacceptable, the reality is that America can't afford for Congress to make the perfect the enemy of the good right now, said Joyce. The resources in this legislation are critical to continuing our recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting our veterans, and enhancing our national security. There were also a lot of wins for Ohio in this legislation, like increased funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, more resources to help us fight the opioid crisis, and improved support for rural broadband. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I look forward to continuing to advocate for Ohio's priorities next Congress and will fight to prevent another last-minute scramble when it comes to keeping our government funded and fully operational. Specifically, Joyce helped secure a $10 million increase for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, ensuring the successful program receives a total of $330 million in FY2021. The legislation also includes $25 million total for Asian carp prevention efforts at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, including a $500,000 increase for Asian carp contract fishing to keep them out of the Great Lakes, and an increase of more than $2.75 million in Harmful Algal Blooms funding at United States Geological Survey and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Additionally, report language accompanying the bill states that funding be made available to expand breakwaters andadvance local shoreline mitigation measures, which provide much needed protection for Great Lakes shorelines threatened by rising lake levels. Additionally, the legislation includes another one of Joyce's top priorities: combatting the rape kit backlog. By increasing funding to address the backlog of untested rape kits, more offenders can be taken off our streets and survivors can have access to the justice they deserve. One of the first pieces of legislation Joyce introduced during the 116th Congress encouraged states to make the necessary reforms to address this backlog. Learn more about that bill here. The bipartisan package also includes but is not limited to the following priorities and provisions: Combatting the Opioid Crisis & Supporting Americans in Recovery Provides $5.9 billion for substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery, and research into alternative therapies for pain management. Combats the drug epidemic by increasing funding for programs such as High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas by $5 million to a total of $290 million. Advances treatment and recovery initiatives by investing $541 million in grant programs that support drug courts, prescription drug monitoring, overdose-reversal drugs, and at-risk youth programs. Protects our communities from heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamines by increasing federal law enforcement resources to investigate and prosecute drug traffickers. Investing in Our Nation's Health and Safety Provides $43 billion for the National Institutes of Health, an increase of $1.25 billion above the enacted FY20 level. This critical funding includes $3 billion for Alzheimer's disease and more than $6 billion for cancer research. Secures $10 million for the Government Accountability Office to review and examine the federal response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Provides $35 million for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Mental Health Block Grant program. Expands services and support for mental for children and youth including $107 million for Project AWARE, an increase of $5 million. Sets aside $975 million to support Health Resources and Services Administration programs to improve maternal and child health, an increase of $32 million. Provides $5.9 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant program, an increase of $85 million. Provides $196 million for Family Violence Prevention and Services and the Domestic Violence Hotline, an increase of $8.5 million. Reigniting Our Economy Secures $272 million for Entrepreneurial Development Programs within the Small Business Administration (SBA), an increase of $11 million. That funding includes $136 million for Small Business Development Centers and $23 million for Women's Business Centers. Provides $142.9 million in disaster cap adjustment funds for SBA Disaster Loans. $3.5 billion for Community Development Block Grants, a $50 million increase. $1 billion for Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grants, including a requirement that half of the grants go to rural communities. $346 million for the Economic Development Administration (EDA). $9.4 billion for the Employment and Training Administration, an increase of $99 million. This includes $185 million for Registered Apprenticeships, which is a $10 millionincrease. Improving Rural Development Provides $732 million for rural broadband, the highest level in history, including $635 million for the ReConnect broadband pilot for unserved and underserved areas as well as $60 million for Distance Learning and Telemedicine grants. Provides $3.9 billion for rural development programs, as well as more than $38.1 billion in loans for rural housing, rural utilities, and rural businesses, which assists in building sustainable rural infrastructure for the modern economy and helps create an environment for economic growth and opportunity. Supporting Our Veterans Allows transfers of previously appropriated CARES Act funds to the Veterans Benefits Administration, the National Cemetery Administration, and the Board of Veterans Appeals to address the increased backlog due to COVID-19. Provides a total of $10.3 billion for VA mental health programs, including $313 million for suicide prevention outreach, $661 million for gender-specific care for women, $504 million for opioid abuse prevention, and $300 million in rural health initiatives. Provides a total of $1.9 billion to prevent veteran homelessness, including $420 million for Supportive Services for Veterans Families and $270 million for the Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program. Allows transfer of previously appropriated CARES Act funds to support State Veterans Homes. Provides a total of $2.63 billion to continue VA's transition to a new electronic health records system and increases congressional oversight of the program. Addressing Our Nation's Broken Immigration System Supports the continued hiring of additional judges to address the backlog in immigration cases. Assists Border Patrol Agents by providing $20 million for new border processing coordinators and $103 million for improvements to border patrol facilities. Provides $45 million over the Trump Administration's request for investments in border security technology such as mobile video surveillance systems, range finders, and thermal imaging devices, and $80 million over the request to expand CBP's air surveillance capabilities. Enhancing Our National Security Provides the funding needed to support a three percent pay raise for all military personnel, effective January 1, 2021. Provides $368 million to protect our nation's energy infrastructure against cyber and other attacks and to improve the nation's electricity delivery system. Fully funds the national security review of foreign investment from China, Russia, and other nations by providing $20 million for the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States. Fully funding the National Instant Criminal Background Check System at $85 million. Provides $1.482 billion to support implementation of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy and $300 million for the global Countering China Influence Fund. Provides $290 million for the Countering Russian Influence Fund. Provides $29.5 million for investments in cyber defense and training programs to ensure America has the workforce and knowledge to protect our cyber systems, and $10.5 million to establish a Joint Cyber Center for National Cyber Defense. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-brown-johnson-legislation-preserve-historic-barker-house-southeast,"Portman, Brown, Johnson Legislation to Preserve Historic Barker House in Southeast Ohio Included in Final FY 2021 Bipartisan Funding Agreement",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Portman, Brown, Johnson Legislation to Preserve Historic Barker House in Southeast Ohio Included in Final FY 2021 Bipartisan Funding Agreement December 21, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DCToday, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH), Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Representative Bill Johnson (R-OH) announced that the final FY 2021 bipartisan funding agreement includes their legislation to restore and protect the historic Joseph Barker Jr. House (Barker House) along the Ohio River in southern Washington County, Ohio. Specifically, the legislation will convey the Barker House and land immediately surrounding the house to the local friends group, Friends of the Joseph Barker Jr. House, with plans for the house to be restored and accessible to the public. The Barker House is currently owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and was used as office space in the 1960s for the Willow Island Lock and Dam. The Barker House was originally proposed to be torn down by the Corps since it is no longer in use and is in need of repair. However, following discussions with the Corps and local stakeholders, the Corps agreed to reverse its decision and leave the Barker House standing to allow for the land conveyance and restoration of the house. I'm proud that the final FY 2021 bipartisan funding agreement will preserve an important piece of history of the Northwest Territories and my home state of Ohio,said Senator Portman.I'd like to thank Chairman Barrasso and Ranking Member Carper on the Environment and Public Works Committee for working with me on this legislation, as well as Assistant Secretary R.D. James, whose leadership at the Army Corps made this partnership possible. I look forward to working with the Corps, the Friends of the Joseph Barker Jr. House, Ohio State Historic Preservation Office, and Ohio Department of Transportation to get to work on restoring and preserving this historic house. The friends group has worked tirelessly to protect the Barker House, and I am pleased that passage of this legislation is one step closer to protecting the rich history of the Barker House for future generations. Ohio's historic landmarks like the Barker House tell the story of our state and we must do everything we can to preserve them,said Senator Brown.This legislation would not be possible without the help of the Friends of the Joseph Barker Jr. House, and I'm proud to see it passed into law. If you've read David McCullough's latest book,The Pioneers,'the name of Joseph Barker sounds very familiar. Barker built a home in Washington County, just outside Marietta, that became known as the Barker House. The house has been on the National Historic Registry for decades. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which had jurisdiction and control over the house, had condemned and was planning to demolish it. I've been working for several years with Senator Portman and a group of concerned Ohio residents Friends of the Barker House to preserve this important part of both national and local history,said Representative Johnson.Everyone involved came to the table with a can-do attitude, determined to find a solution to save this historic home. The goal was accomplished earlier this year when Congress passed legislation to clear the way. Now, it's time to get to work to restore this historical house and showcase its role in Ohio's past. The Friends of the Joseph Barker Jr. House are grateful to Senators Portman and Brown and Representative Johnson for their efforts to preserve this significant structure and prepare the conveyance legislation,stated Friends of the Joseph Barker Jr. House President, Jack Haessly.We now look forward to the next tasks for restoration and program development. This legislation is the product of many hours of collaboration and cooperation by multiple entities at the federal, state and local levels,said Amanda Terrell, Director of Ohio's State Historic Preservation Office.We appreciate the assistance of Senator Portman, Senator Brown and Congressman Johnson in ensuring the preservation of the historic Barker House. We appreciate the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' willingness to work with the Friends of the Joseph Barker Jr. House, enabling the Friends' to preserve this house that is important to Washington County and endures as a reminder of the contributions of pioneers to the settlement of Ohio and the Northwest Territory. NOTE: The Barker House was built around 1828 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. Portman firstvisitedthe house in September 2018 and has actively worked to help preserve this historic home. Portmandelivered remarkson the Senate floor in November 2019 highlighting his work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), the Friends of the Joseph Barker Jr., House, the Ohio State Historic Preservation Office, and the Ohio Department of Transportation to restore and protect the historic Joseph Barker Jr. House in southern Washington County, Ohio. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-schatz-gardner-peters-klobuchar-bill-improve-federal-governments,"Portman, Schatz, Gardner, Peters, KlobucharBill to Improve Federal Government's Use of Artificial IntelligenceSet to Become Law",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Portman, Schatz, Gardner, Peters, KlobucharBill to Improve Federal Government's Use of Artificial IntelligenceSet to Become Law Provision Included in Must-Pass BipartisanGovernment FundingDeal,Expected to QuicklyPass Congress and be Signed intoLaw December 21, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Gary Peters (D-MI), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) announced that their Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Government Act was included as part of the must-pass government funding deal and is set to become law. The AI in Government Act will ensure that the use of AI across the federal government is effective, ethical, and accountable by providing resources and guidance to federal agencies. Artificial intelligence will have significant impacts on our country, economy, and society,said Senator Portman, Co-Chair of the Senate AI Caucus.Ensuring that our government has the capabilities and expertise to help navigate those impacts will be important in the coming years and decades. I'm pleased this important legislation was included in theFY 2021 bipartisan fundingpackage. It will ensure our government understands the benefits and pitfalls of this technology as it engages in a responsible, accountable rollout of AI. We need to get smart on AI if we want to have a competitive edge against the rest of the world in the next decade. That starts with making sure the federal government is using AI technology ethically and effectively,said Senator Schatz, the ranking member of the Senate Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet.With our bill set to become law, we will now be able to coordinate AI strategy so that all federal agencies can take full advantage of these new technologies and do so in a responsible way. Artificial intelligence is an emerging frontier and the United States has a responsibility to ensure our government is using this technology ethically and efficiently,said Senator Peters, Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and a founding member of the Senate Artificial Intelligence Caucus.I am thrilled this bipartisan measure will become law so government employees and agencies can utilize this innovative technology while safeguarding Americans' rights and liberties. TheAI in Government Act, which is expected to pass the House and the Senate today and quicklybe signed into law, will: expand an office within the General Services Administration to provide technical expertise to relevant government agencies; conduct forward-looking, original research on federal AI policy; and promote U.S. competitiveness through agency and industry cooperation; establish an advisory board to address AI policy opportunities and challenges for executive agencies; direct the Office of Management and Budget to establish a strategy for investing and using AI as part of the federal data strategy; and direct the Office of Personnel Management to identify skills and competencies for AI and establish a new or update an existing occupational series. NOTE:As co-founder and co-chair of the Senate Artificial Intelligence Caucus, Portman has helped lead efforts in the Senate on this issue, and has worked in a bipartisan manner onseveral key measuresto set high-quality standards around emerging technology, including cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://latta.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402400,Latta: Relief is On the Way,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Robert Latta,L000566,latta.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH5) provided the following statement after supporting theConsolidated Appropriations Act, 2021in the U.S. House of Representatives: After months of delays, House Democrats were finally able to join Republicans to deliver the American people the relief they deserve. Our agreement supports American families, workers, farmers, and small businesses. It prioritizes national security, continues to rebuild our military, protects the sanctity of life, helps schools reopen, expands rural broadband efforts, funds testing and vaccines, enables telehealth capabilities, provides for substance abuse programs, protects people from surprise medical bills, removes hurdles to reducing improper payments, provides funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, and more. In order to rebuild our country so that it remains the greatest country in the world, we must come together to find agreements where we can. Thanks to this agreement, American workers and small businesses will soon be able to apply for and use $284 billion in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds. Over $130 billion of those funds were already appropriated to support small businesses as they work to keep their doors open and staff employed during the pandemic, but Speaker Pelosi did not hold a vote to make those funds available after the deadline to apply for the PPP passed in August. I am especially proud this package resolves an issue over 6,000 businesses and 123,000 employees in the Fifth District would experience: PPP recipients will not be taxed on the loans they received through the Program. Included in this package are efforts I championed in the House that prioritize the importance of Internet connectivity and break-through technologies.The funding included to implement my Broadband DATA Act will help people across Ohio's Fifth Congressional District, especially people who live in rural communities, access high-speed Internet so they can work and learn remotely access health care through telehealth capabilities, and more. The SMART IoT Act takes it a step farther by evaluating how federal policies can impact the research and discovery of cutting-edge technologies that are already revolutionizing the internet-connected devices industry. The Advancing Unmanned Delivery Services Act helps people access needed resources from the comfort of their homes. The Pipeline Safety Pilot Program Act will allow PHMSA to establish pilot programs to test new and innovative technologies in pipeline facilities. And the Beat CHINA for 5G Act ensures the United States will advance U.S. leadership in 21stcentury wireless technologies. This package also contains conservative provisions I have supported since first elected to Congress. It protects the unborn by ensuring government funding cannot be used for abortions. It continues our efforts to improve border security and fund the wall. It also provides a well-deserved pay raise for our men and women in uniform who put their lives on the line for us. Furthermore, critical safeguards were included to make sure COVID-19 relief funding is not subject to fraud and abuse, and direct payments will not be going to illegal immigrants. Although this agreement is not perfect, I am encouraged this legislative package is a compromise prioritizing the wellbeing and safety of the American people. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021: Provides our military with the resources to defend our nation and advance U.S. national security Includes a 3% pay raise for the troops and provides the resources to continue rebuild our military, deter adversaries, and defend our national security interests Funds the wall and border security technology and enforcement Prohibits coverage of abortions in the Federal Employee Health Benefit plan and bans both federal and local revenues from being used for abortion in our nation's capital Provides $330,000,000 for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Extends the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which has helped 5 million small businesses retain 51 million employees in the United States, and adds deductibility for PPP expenses $20 billion for purchase of vaccines that will make the vaccine available at no charge for anyone who needs it Funding to provide help for families through economic impact payments Supports our farmers and agriculture sector Preserves pro-life protections and other conservative riders in current law such as: Prohibits federal funds from being used to pay for abortions Continues to advance the nation's all-of-the-above energy policies through targeted investments Provides $368 million to protect our nation's energy infrastructure against cyber and other attacks and to increase the efficiency and technological advancement of the nation's electricity delivery system Fully funds veterans' healthcare, including the MISSION Act's community care program, as well as other critical programs Ends surprise medical billing for unsuspecting patients Improves support for Rural and Underserved Health Care Energy package includes Republican priorities such as promoting carbon capture and utilization, ending reliance on critical minerals from foreign countries, and creating commercial opportunities for advanced nuclear technologies Includes pipeline reauthorization as well as bipartisan agreement to reform aircraft certification process ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://stivers.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403077,Stivers Secures Wins for OH-15 in Relief/Omnibus Legislation,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Steve Stivers,S001187,stivers.house.gov,,,legacy,"Stivers Secures Wins for OH-15 in Relief/Omnibus Legislation f t # e Washington, December 21, 2020 WASHINGTON Today, the House passed the Senate Amendment to H.R. 133, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, which makes appropriations for Fiscal Year 21 and provides critical relief as the nation continues to battle the pandemic. Representative Steve Stivers (R-OH) successfully advocated for several key provisions to support the families of Ohio's 15th Congressional District. Finally, after months of politically-motivated games by members of Democratic leadership, Congress has fulfilled its responsibility to the American people by ensuring that we keep the lights on, and by providing desperately-needed relief as we defeat the coronavirus, Stivers said. This package is a win for the folks in Ohio's 15th Congressional District, from Economic Impact Payments and unemployment assistance, to bipartisan provisions on health care and broadband access, and I am honored to fight for OH-15 every day. Stivers urged adoption of the following provisions that were included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act (list not exhaustive): Support for Families The Consolidated Appropriations Act includes $600 in direct payments to individuals making up to $75,000 (or couples making up to $150,000) and $600 for each dependent. Small Businesses: The legislation provides $284.5 billion to reopen and strengthen the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for first and second time borrowers, and creates a streamlined process for loans under $150,000. Small businesses cannot operate without reliable broadband access; the Consolidated Appropriations Act includes $732 million for rural broadband, with $635 million for the ReConnect Pilot Program. Health Care: In an effort to give families the flexibility needed to cover health care costs during the pandemic and beyond, the package includes language that allows funds in Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) to roll over into 2021, and from 2021 to 2022 a major change from the current use it-or-lose it rule. A longtime supporter of the biomedical research community, particularly in light of the success of Operation Warp Speed, Stivers is pleased to announce the inclusion of $43 billion for the National Institutes of Health and $7.9 billion for the Centers for Disease Control. For the 15th Congressional District, community health centers and rural health centers play a vital role in the health of communities, and the Senate Amendment to H.R. 133 includes $1.7 billion and $10 million, respectively, for their operations. The legislation continues to support the most vulnerable members of our society during the pandemic by providing additional funding for the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). Education: Since the 115th Congress, Stivers has advocated for employer-sponsored student loan repayment plans to be a tax-free benefit; the Consolidated Appropriations Act extends the initial provision included in the CARES Act, allowing student borrowers to keep more of their paychecks and help businesses bring talented employees back into the workforce. Stivers also led the Republican push for robust Head Start funding, resulting in a $135 million increase in annual appropriations, for a total of $10.7 billion; in the past year, millions of dollars have been directed to local programs throughout Ohio. The STOP School Violence Act has resulted in over $1 million in funding for local school districts throughout Central Ohio, and this legislation includes an additional $132 million for the programs. Housing: Stivers, the Ranking Member for the Subcommittee on Housing, Community Development, and Insurance, has been a strong proponent of rental assistance, as well as relief for small landlords who depend on rental income to support their families, and he is grateful to see the $25 billion in targeted relief included in the bill. The Consolidated Appropriations Act also ensures that public housing has the resources and flexibility necessary to operate during the pandemic by including Stivers-cosponsored legislation, the Housing Flexibility Waiver Act. The legislation also includes Stivers-supported provisions to aid youth in the foster system; the Fostering Stable Housing Opportunities Act is a bipartisan bill designed to increase access to housing for youth aging out of foster care without increasing federal spending. It also includes $25 million for the Family Unification Program, a national initiative to prevent family separation due to homelessness, as well as homelessness among foster care aging-out youth. Defense: In addition to improving the overall readiness of the Armed Forces, the package includes support for the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) Program that is available to foreign allies facing persecution for serving U.S. military forces as interpreters or other support staff. It also includes Stivers-authored language that seeks to understand the specific impact that military service has on the health of our female servicemembers. The full text of the Senate Amendment to H.R. 133 can be found here. -30- f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://balderson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1918,"House Passes COVID Relief, Government Funding Package That Includes Multiple Balderson Priorities",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,OH,Troy Balderson,B001306,balderson.house.gov,balderson,https://balderson.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=14,scraper,"WASHINGTON – The U.S. House of Representatives today passed bipartisan, bicameral appropriations legislation that authorizes $900 billion in targeted COVID-19 relief for American families, hospitals, small businesses, schools, local governments, and more. The legislation includes multiple of Congressman Troy Balderson’s (R-OH) top priorities, including the ability for small businesses to deduct Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) grants from their upcoming 2020 tax filings. “While long overdue, this legislation does exactly what it needs to do: provide major, critical relief to Ohio’s families, small business employees, rural communities, agriculture sector, and more,” said Balderson. “While I’m pleased my colleagues on both sides of the aisle have finally agreed to this much-needed package, it’s unacceptable to let these disagreements drag out at the expense of Americans’ livelihoods. I hope for more bipartisan lawmaking in the 117th Session of Congress.” Key Balderson priorities incorporated in the omnibus package include: DIRECT PAYMENTS TO AMERICANS Provides economic impact payments of up to $600 for more than 85% of American adults and their dependents SMALL BUSINESS RELIEF Provides $248.5 billion to reopen and strengthen the PPP Enables small businesses to deduct PPP grants from 2020 tax filings Allows small businesses with fewer than 300 employees that received a PPP loan previously to apply for a second loan by demonstrating a 25% decrease in revenue Allocates $20 billion to restart and extend the U.S Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program Advance Grant for small businesses in low-income communities, and allows prior grantees that received less than $10,000 to reapply Provides $15 billion in funding for entertainment venues, movie theaters, and museums that are experiencing significant revenue loss Includes 501(c)6 organizations such as local chambers of commerce, housing cooperatives, newspapers, broadcasters, and radio stations in eligibility for PPP and ensures churches and faith-based organizations are eligible for PPP loans FUNDING ADDITIONAL VACCINES AND TESTS Allocates $20 billion for the purchase of vaccines and $8 billion for their distribution, making vaccines available at no cost to all Americans who need it Provides $20 billion to assist states, such as Ohio, with testing SUPPORTING LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, INCLUDING IN OHIO Extends the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) for state and local governments and tribes by one year HELPING SCHOOLS AND CHILDCARE PROVIDERS REOPEN Allocates $82 billion for K-12 education and higher education to assist with reopening for in-person learning Provides $10 billion for grants to childcare providers to help them safely reopen UPLIFTING RURAL COMMUNITIES THROUGH BROADBAND CONNECTIVITY, TELEHEALTH, AND COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS Puts $7 billion toward the development of rural broadband connectivity, including nearly $2 billion to replace foreign-manufactured broadband equipment that poses national security threats Provides $250 million for the expansion of telehealth options Extends key public health programs for 3 years – such as community health centers – eliminating several funding cliffs over next several years AIDING AMERICA’S AGRICULTURAL SECTOR Provides $13 billion to support America’s farmers and agricultural sector Enhances assistance under the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) to support specialty crop, non-specialty crop, livestock, dairy, and poultry producers HELPING AMERICANS FIGHT SUBSTANCE ABUSE Allocates $4 billion toward substance abuse programs to help Americans suffering from addiction who were negatively impacted by stay-at-home orders EXPANDING HOUSING AND NUTRITION ASSISTANCE Increases SNAP benefits by 15% for 6 months and requires a report on the redemption rate and unexpended balances Provides $25 billion in temporary and targeted rental assistance for individuals who lost their source of income during the pandemic and extends the eviction moratorium until January 31, 2021 Provides funding for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), a program that serves over 700,000 older Americans monthly See the full bill text here. BACKGROUND Balderson is a member of the House Committees on Small Business; Agriculture; Transportation and Infrastructure; and Science, Space, and Technology. His bipartisan legislation was signed into law on July 4, extending PPP by nearly a month and supporting 51 million jobs nationwide. He has championed bipartisan telehealth expansion and repeatedly pushed for PPP tax deductibility. Balderson has also fought for the expansion of rural broadband internet access and worked to combat the opioid epidemic, which has taken a devastating toll on Ohio. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://joyce.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=2887,Joyce Secures Critical Relief for Restaurants and Their Employees in Emergency COVID-19 Package,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Dave Joyce,J000295,joyce.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14) released the below statement tonight after voting for the combined COVID-19 relief, FY2021 government funding bill: It shouldn't have taken so long for Congress to come together and agree on this package, but I'm thankful that much-needed relief is finally on its way to hardworking Buckeyes struggling with the impact of this pandemic,said Joyce. This legislation will help provide our communities with the tools and resources they need during these tough times and support Ohioans as they battle the impact this virus has had on their health and economic security. With vaccines being distributed across the country, there is light at the end of the tunnel but we're not out of the woods yet. The relief in this bill will ensure our small businesses, workers, healthcare professionals, students, and families have what they need to keep their heads above water until we defeat this virus once and for all. Importantly, the COVID-19 relief included a bill introduced by Joyce: the Supporting America's Restaurant Workers Act, a bill that makes a commonsense adjustment in order to lead to more customers and increased revenue for restaurants and their employees during the pandemic. Specifically, the version of the bill included in the final relief package would provide a 100% deduction for business meal expenses through the end of 2022. Currently, the deduction is available for only 50% of such expenses.Learn more about Joyce's original legislationhere. Additional highlights in the COVID-19 relief package include but are not limited to: $284 billion for another round of Paycheck Protection Program forgivable loans*; a provision that allows small businesses to deduct expenses on their taxes for costs that were paid for with their PPP loan*; $8.75 billion for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to support federal and state efforts to procure and distribute vaccines; $600 direct payments to eligible Americans; $3 billionfor the Relief Provider Fund to provide grants to hospitals and health systems*; expansion of the employee retention tax credit to help employers keep workers on the payroll during the pandemic*; $3.25 billion for the Strategic National Stockpileto rebuild our nation's supply of critical goods like PPE; $82 billion to make schools and colleges safer for in-person learning*; $7 billion to increase access to broadband in rural and underserved communities*; $19.695 billion for Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority to procure and manufacture vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics; $10 billion to prevent delays and interruptions in USPS services*; renewed federal supplemental unemployment benefits for 10 weeks at $300 per week; $20 billion for small business disaster loans in low-income communities; $15 billion in grants to live entertainment venues*; $22 billion to support COVID-19 testing and contact tracing at the state-level; $28 million for State Departments of Agriculture to support stress assistance programs for individuals engaged in farming, ranching, and other agriculture operations; and extending a federal moratorium on evictions through January 31, 2021. *indicates provisions Joyce has either personally advocated for or joined his colleagues in the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus in fighting for. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://turner.house.gov/2020/12/turner-advocacy-ends-surprise-medical-billing,TURNER Advocacy Ends Surprise Medical Billing,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,OH,Michael R. Turner,T000463,turner.house.gov,turner,https://turner.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,,0,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z https://turner.house.gov/2020/12/turner-foster-care-legislation-included-in-omnibus-funding-bill,TURNER Foster Care Legislation Included in Omnibus Funding Bill,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,OH,Michael R. Turner,T000463,turner.house.gov,turner,https://turner.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,,0,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z https://turner.house.gov/2020/12/turner-supports-oh-10-in-appropriations-and-covid-19-relief-package,TURNER Supports OH-10 in Appropriations and COVID-19 Relief Package,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,OH,Michael R. Turner,T000463,turner.house.gov,turner,https://turner.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,,0,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z https://turner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/turner-advocacy-ends-surprise-medical-billing,TURNER Advocacy Ends Surprise Medical Billing,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Michael Turner,T000463,turner.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Mike Turner (OH-10) cosponsored H.R. 2328, The Community Health Investment, Modernization, and Excellence Act of 2019, which has been included in the Omnibus Package that passed the House of Representatives earlier today. This legislation aims to end surprise medical billing by shielding patients from excessive costs given by out of network healthcare services. Meanwhile, it allows for fair negotiation of outstanding costs between insurers and medical providers through an independent dispute resolution process. I have long advocated for the end of surprise medical billing for those that are rushed to medical care in out of network healthcare facilities. The language of the Omnibus package not only protects patients from such medical bills, but it also allows doctors and hospitals to have a fair negotiation process with insurers, said Turner. I will continue to advocate for fair healthcare prices and practices.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://turner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/turner-foster-care-legislation-included-in-omnibus-funding-bill,TURNER Foster Care Legislation Included in Omnibus Funding Bill,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Michael Turner,T000463,turner.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Mike Turner's (OH-10) Fostering Stable Housing Opportunities Act has been included in the Omnibus spending bill that passed the House of Representatives earlier this evening. This housing legislation provides federal housing assistance for youths aging out of foster care. We cannot allow our foster children to age out of the system into federally created homelessness, said Turner. For years I have championed this legislation and I am thrilled it is being passed into law. The adoption of this legislation into the omnibus spending bill means that our federal government will help provide a straightforward approach to ending the cycle of homelessness among foster care youths. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://turner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/turner-supports-oh-10-in-appropriations-and-covid-19-relief-package,TURNER Supports OH-10 in Appropriations and COVID-19 Relief Package,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Michael Turner,T000463,turner.house.gov,,,legacy,"With the support of Congressman Mike Turner (OH-10), the House passed an omnibus funding and COVID-19 relief bill. This legislation helps Americans navigate the healthcare and financial hardships that have resulted from the coronavirus pandemic, and also funds the government for the upcoming year. This legislation is a much needed and long overdue step towards recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, said Turner. This bill addresses coronavirus funding concerns, as well as provides important funds for our government through the remainder of this fiscal year. I will continue to support legislation that helps our community recover from the pandemic and its economic hardships. The following highlights federal funding and Coronavirus relief provisions that will impact OH-10: Jobs and Small Businesses: $248 billion in Paycheck Protection Program loans for small businesses, allowing small businesses to apply for a second round of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. Makes all business expenses made with PPP loans tax deductible, allowing the over 7300 businesses in OH-10 that received over $820 million to continue recovering from the pandemic $15 billion in funding dedicated to funding for live venues and other businesses whose revenues are based on in-person interaction $600 economic impact payments for qualifying individuals, and additional $600 for children in qualifying families Extends Coronavirus unemployment benefits through March 2021 Defense and National Security: $5 million increase for Air Force advanced battery for directed energy weapons. $5 million increase for Air Force Autonomous Air Combat Operations. $23.5 million for Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Hydrant Fuel System. 3% pay raise for all military personnel effective January 1, 2021. $5 million increase above the budget request for Army tungsten manufacturing affordability initiative for armaments. $968.09 million provided for the Army Abrams Upgrade Program and $340 million increase above the budget request for Army Stryker upgrade. $11 million increase above the budget request for Army land surveying systems. Fully funds the Administration's budget request for the National Nuclear Security Administration for FY 2021, permitting the Department of Energy, in conjunction with the Department of Defense, to undertake long overdue modernization of our Nuclear Triad, ensuring we have a safe, secure, and reliable nuclear deterrent well into the future. Healthcare: Ends surprise medical billing Allocates funding for distribution of the Covid-19 Vaccine. Extension of the Health Coverage Tax Credit, which helps individuals who unfairly lost their jobs or their pensions pay for health coverage. Transportation and Housing: $414 million for the Federal Transit Administration Bus and Bus Facility Competitive Grant Program. $2 billion in Coronavirus Relief Funding for transportation service providers. An extension of the federal eviction moratorium through January 31, 2021. Veterans Affairs: $25 million dollars for the Department of Justice's Veterans Treatment Court grant program. $10.3 million for Department of Veterans Affairs suicide prevention and mental health programs. $1.9 billion dollars to combat veteran homelessness. Education: $204 million for scholarships, research funding, facility improvements for HBCUs. $49.33 million increase above the budget request for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and Minority-serving Institutions. Funding provisions to help schools and universities re-open safely.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wenstrup.house.gov/updates/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404567,Wenstrup Statement on Surprise Billing/COVID-19 Relief/Spending Package,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,OH,Brad Wenstrup,W000815,wenstrup.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Today, Congressman Brad Wenstrup, D.P.M. (OH-02) released the following statement after for the combined Surprise Billing, COVID-19 Relief, and Government Spending package: We have delivered two safe and effective vaccines so far, which will provide us the ultimate pathway forward to ending the pandemic, rebuilding the economy, and restoring our way of life. However, Americans need economic support now, and this legislation delivers that immediate help, including $325 billion to help the hardest-hit small businesses through reopening and improving the Paycheck Protection Program, another round of cash assistance for workers and families, averaging $2,400 for a family of four, and continued support for Americans who have lost their job during this global pandemic. I am also particularly proud to support the provisions that end surprise billing. Patients will no longer receive unexpected bills due to medical procedures or doctor visits. Rather, they will be provided more complete information before having to make health care decisions, will be removed from billing disputes that arise from unplanned or unscheduled care, and will have access to a robust network of doctors who are incentivized to continue seeing patients. Along with the GOP Doctors Caucus, I have championed this issue and fought hard to get it across the finish line. ""Undoubtedly, there are unnecessary provisions in the overall bill. However, our country faces unprecedented circumstances and urgent needs, and I supported this legislation because I know the American people have beencounting on us to deliver relief. ""Now, our work begins to ensure that we are better prepared to address our fiscal, medical, and supply chain challenges. Highlights Courtesy of Republican House Whip Steve Scalise: COVID Relief: Extends the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and adds deductibility for PPP expenses oGives businesses experiencing severe revenue reductions an opportunity to apply for a second draw PPP loan oIncludes 501(c)(6) organizations but excludes unions from eligibility o$15 billion in funding for entertainment venues, movie theaters, and museums that are experiencing significant revenue loss oCodifies federal rules that ensure churches and faith-based organizations are eligible for PPP loans Reopening America o $20 billion for the purchase of vaccines that will make the vaccine available at no charge for anyone who needs it o $8 billion for vaccine distribution o $20 billion to assist states with testing o $20 billion distribution from the existing provider relief fund Ends CARES Act emergency powers for the Federal Reserve oRescinds $429 billion in unused funds provided by the CARES Act for the Federal Reserve's emergency lending facilities and terminates these facilities to ensure that Democrats cannot use these funds to bail out poorly managed blue states Stimulus checks -- $600 for both adults and dependents with safeguards to prohibit illegal aliens from receiving payment Temporarily extends a number of unemployment programs created by CARES Act that expire Dec. 31, 2020 o Provide unemployed individuals an additional $300 per week for 10 weeks from December 26, 2020-March 14, 2021 o Extends and phases-out PUA, which is a temporary federal program covering self-employed and gig workers, to March 14 (after which no new applicants) through April 5, 2021 $10 billion for grants to childcare centers to help providers safely reopen $4 billion for substance abuse significant progress made over the past several years on opioid addiction has been reversed because of the impact of COVID lockdowns $82 billion in funding for schools and universities to assist with reopening for in-person learning that also includes $2.75 billion in designated funds for private K through 12 education $25 billion in temporary and targeted rental assistance for individuals who lost their source of income during the pandemic Extends the eviction moratorium until January 31, 2021 $7 billion in broadband funding that includes Nearly $2 billion to replace foreign-manufactured broadband equipment that poses national security threats $300 million to build out rural broadband $250 million for telehealth $45 billion for transportation, including o $16 billion for another round of airline employee and contractor payroll support o $14 billion for transit o $10 billion for highways o $2 billion for intercity buses o $2 billion for airports o $1 billion for Amtrak Increases SNAP benefits by 15% for six months, but does not expand eligibility, and requires the Secretary to issue a report on redemption rate and unexpended balances Provides funding for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, a program that serves over 700,000 older Americans monthly $13 billion to support our farmers and agriculture sector Enhances assistance under the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) to support specialty crop, non-specialty crop, livestock, dairy, and poultry producers Gives discretionary authority to the Secretary to support producers of biofuels, producers of organics or value-added products, and timber harvesting and hauling businesses Additional funding is directed to programs that support local producers and new and beginning farmers, dairy producers, dairy processors via reimbursement for donated dairy products, fisheries, textile mills, agricultural research, small and medium-size meat processors, and to state departments of agriculture for farm stress programs",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/portman-difference/toledo-blade-editorial-board-praises-portmans-cara-20-legislation,The Toledo Blade Editorial Board Praises Portmans CARA 2.0 Legislation to Combat Addiction Crisis,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"The Toledo Blade Editorial Board Praises Portman's CARA 2.0 Legislation to Combat Addiction Crisis December 21, 2020 | Portman Difference Today, the Toledo Blade editorial board published an editorial praising Senator Portman's bipartisan Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) 2.0 legislation which will increase the funding authorization levels for the Comprehensive Addiction & Recovery Act(CARA) programs enacted in 2016 and put in place additional policy reforms to help combat the opioid epidemic that has worsened during the coronavirus pandemic.CARA was a bipartisan, national effort designed to ensure thatfederal resources were devoted to evidence-based education, treatment and recovery programs that work. In FY 2020, CARA programs were funded at $658 million. CARA 2.0 builds on thiseffort by increasing the funding authorization levels and laying out new policy reforms to strengthen the federal government's response to this crisis. Addiction treatment, recovery, enforcement, and prevention stakeholders across Ohio have voiced their support for the legislation. Excerpts from the op-ed can be found below and the full article can be found here. Don't Forget the Other National Crisis The Toledo Blade Editorial Board December 21, 2020 While it seems a stalled coronavirus-relief package is all anyone can focus on in Washington, Ohio's Republican Sen. Rob Portman would like lawmakers to remember we had an opioid crisis before we had a coronavirus crisis, and addiction woes have only gotten worse during the pandemic. Mr. Portman has introduced new bipartisan legislation, the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act 2.0, as a sequel to the original bill from five years ago. With it, Mr. Portman believes state and local agencies grappling with the effects of the opioid-addiction epidemic can get more resources for the programs that have been effective. The $745 million CARA 2.0 focuses on expanding access to treatment, particularly by making permanent a provision to allow treatment providers to prescribe medication-assisted treatment for patients they see via telehealth. The original CARA from 2016, also sponsored by Mr. Portman, helped expand recovery programs and distribute overdose-reversing drugs to first responders, among other strategies. It was critical in Ohio's early successes in managing the effects of the addiction crisis. The sequel bill can build on that success and get much-needed resources to the programs Ohio needs now to get back on track in the fight against opioid addiction. This isn't going away, Mr. Portman said. We have seen what works and we need this to address the next steps. Lawmakers in Washington must be able to shift their attention from partisan intrigue and a myopic focus on the coronavirus-relief bill to take up CARA 2.0 and approve it swiftly. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/final-covid-19-emergency-relief-package-based-original-bipartisan-bicameral,"Final COVID-19 Emergency Relief Package Based on Original Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Final COVID-19 Emergency Relief Package Based on Original Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation December 20, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mark Warner (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Angus King (I-ME), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Tom Reed (R-NY) released the following statement applauding the final COVID-19 emergency relief package: Following months of deadlock in Congress while millions of Americans were at risk of losing their lifelines, we put our heads down and worked around the clock for nearly a month to produce a bipartisan, bicameral bill to address the emergency needs of our country. We are relieved Congress has finally agreed on a COVID-19 emergency relief package. Our consensus bill was the foundation of this final package and we applaud Congressional leadership for finishing what we started. Workers, businesses, and families need help right now and we urge our colleagues to quickly pass this bill and President Trump to immediately sign the legislation to provide Americans with relief. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/final-fy-2021-bipartisan-funding-bill-includes-portman-udall-bill-continue,"Final FY 2021 Bipartisan Funding Bill Includes Portman, Udall Bill to Continue Selling Stamps to Promote Wildlife Conservation",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Final FY 2021 Bipartisan Funding Bill Includes Portman, Udall Bill to Continue Selling Stamps to Promote Wildlife Conservation December 21, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DCToday, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Tom Udall (D-NM) announced the final FY 2021 bipartisan funding bill includes their bipartisanMultinational Species Conservation Funds Semipostal Stamp Reauthorization Act, legislation which would require the U.S. Postal Service to continue selling the approximately 45 million remaining Saving Vanishing Species Stamps. When the program began in 2011, the U.S. Postal Service printed 100 million stamps to help promote wildlife conservation and this legislation will require the U.S. Postal Service to sell the approximately 45 million remaining stamps left in stock. We owe it to our future generations to preserve our planet's rich wildlife and natural resources so that they can continue to be enjoyed,said Portman.This successful stamp program has raised millions of dollars to fund conservation without any taxpayer money. I'm glad this bipartisan legislation was included in the final FY 2021 bipartisan funding bill and strongly urge the president to sign this legislation into law to ensure that every last stamp is sold. ""By giving anyone the chance to easily and voluntarily contribute to a good cause with the simple act of mailing a letter, this stamp program has been a successful way to bolster conservation initiatives that protect iconic wildlife and critical habitat at no cost to taxpayers,""Udall said.""I'm glad to see this provision included in the funding bill, because we must ensure we are taking advantage of every opportunity to preserve the world's treasured natural landscapes and species for generations to come."" NOTE:On September 20, 2011, the U.S. Postal Service issued the Saving Vanishing Species Stamp, depicting an endangered Amur tiger cub, priced above the normal price of a first-class stamp. The difference in price from this first-class stamp is transferred to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to support the five Multinational Species Conservation Funds to protect tigers, rhinoceroses, Asian and African elephants, marine turtles, and great apes. These programs target poaching, illegal wildlife trade, habitat protection, and projects to incorporate species conservation into community development. According to the Fish and Wildlife Service, since the first of these stamps went on sale in 2011, nearly 55 million have been sold, raising more than $6 million. This has helped fund 99 projects in more than 35 countries. Portman and Udall authored legislation that was signed into law to extend the sale of the stamp through September 2018. This legislation would require the U.S. Postal Service to sell the approximately 45 million remaining stamps left in stock. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/final-fy-2021-bipartisan-funding-measure-includes-key-portman-priorities,"Final FY 2021 Bipartisan Funding Measure Includes Key Portman Priorities to Protect Great Lakes, National Parks",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Final FY 2021 Bipartisan Funding Measure Includes Key Portman Priorities to Protect Great Lakes, National Parks December 21, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) announced that the finalFY 2021 bipartisan funding bill includes several of his key priorities including theGreat Lakes Restoration Initiative(GLRI), theNational Park Service (NPS) Centennial Challenge,Migratory Birds of the America's Act, theGreat Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act,and theHarmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act (HABHRCA). Notably,the bill includes $330 million in funding for GLRI for FY 2021, the largest investment in the health, ecosystem, and water quality in the Great Lakes. Portman issued the following statement: I'm pleased this final FY 2021 bipartisan funding measure will benefit Ohio's national parks and Great Lakes, especially Lake Erie. The bill increases funding for the GLRI, a successful public-private partnership to protect the water quality and ecosystem of our Great Lakes, and also provides funding to combat harmful algal blooms and to protect our fish and wildlife populations and their habitats in the Great Lakes basin. It also includes funding for my bipartisan NPS Centennial Challenge program to ensure our national parks receive the resources they need in order to preserve our nation's treasures for generations to come. NOTE: Here's how the final bipartisanFY 2021funding bill benefits the Great Lakes: $330 Million for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative:Portman hasledefforts to ensure the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), a results-driven program, has the resources it needsto addressthe most serious issuesthatthreatenthe ecological and economic wellbeing of theGreat Lakesbasin, including invasive species, pollution, and toxic contamination. The FY 2021 spending bill includes $330 million for GLRI, which is $10 million above the FY 2020 spending level of $320 million. Yesterday, Portman praised passage of theGreat Lakes Restoration Initiative Actof 2020, whichwill authorize increased funding of $375 million in FY 2022and then increase the authorization by $25 million per year until it hits $475 million inFY 2026. Funding for the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act (HABHRCA):Portman worked to successfully reauthorize the HABHRCA program through FY2023, which has served as the federal government's research and response toolkit for harmful algal blooms. Senator Portman previously worked to include freshwater bodies, such as Lake Erie, as part of the program. The final FY 2021 spending bill includes funding for HABHRCA through programs at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). $20 Million for the National Park Service (NPS) Centennial Act:Portman, a lifelong outdoorsman and a frequent visitor to Ohio's national parks, has long been a leader in the U.S. Senate in effortsto protect our national parks. He is the author of theNational Park Service CentennialAct, legislation signed into law in 2016 that authorizes the National Park Centennial Challenge Fund and the Second Century Endowment Fund, two public-private partnerships that are providing additional funding to help preserve our national parks for generations to come. $4.9 Million for Migratory Birds:Portman'sMigratory Birds of the Americas Actprovides the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's (USFWS) the resources it needs to protect the migratory bird populations that make Lake Erie one of the nation's premier birdwatching destinations.Birding contributes more than $20 million to Ohio's tourism industry and attracts visitors from across the world each year. The bill will help sustain populations of migratory birds that face threats to their health and habitats. $1.89 Million for Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act:Portman's bipartisanGreat Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Actprovides critical resources to conserve and restore fish and wildlife populations in the Great Lakes. The legislation, which was signed into law in 2016 as part of theWIIN Act, reauthorizes the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's (USFWS) program to partner with other federal agencies, states, and tribes to develop and execute proposals for the restoration of fish and wildlife resources in the Great Lakes basin. Protecting Lake Erie from Dredged Materials:Portman's bipartisan language prohibits the Army Corps of Engineers from dumping material dredged from the Cuyahoga River shipping channel into Lake Erie without the approval from the State of Ohio that it is environmentally safe. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-announces-782-million-cara-programs-final-fy-2021-bipartisan,Portman Announces $782 Million for CARA Programs in Final FY 2021 Bipartisan Funding Bill,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Portman Announces $782 Million for CARA Programs in Final FY 2021 Bipartisan Funding Bill December 21, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) announced that the final FY 2021 bipartisan funding agreement includes $782 million for grants through his bipartisanComprehensive Addiction & Recovery Act(CARA), which became law in 2016. Portman recently introduced theComprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) 2.0 to increase the funding authorization levels for the Comprehensive Addiction & Recovery Act(CARA) programs enacted in 2016 and put in place additional policy reforms to help combat the opioid epidemic that has worsened during the coronavirus pandemic.Portman released the following statement: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a heartbreaking surge in overdose deaths, and that's why I'm glad Congress has acted to increase CARA funding to help make a difference and save lives throughout Ohio.This $782 million will help state and local health officials, prevention experts, treatment providers, and law enforcement to work together to address this epidemic.Prior to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we had made significant progress in combating this epidemic thanks to CARA and this funding will help us redouble our efforts.I will continue to work with my colleagues in the Senate to make sure those on the ground, our community leaders, first responders, and family members have the support and funding they need to continue their work fighting this epidemic. In the new Congress, we have a unique opportunity to work together in a bipartisan way and I believe that CARA 2.0 can help us strengthen our efforts to combat this epidemic. Summary of CARA Appropriations CARA Programs CARA Authorization in 2016 CARA Appropriations for FY 2017 CARA Funding for FY 2018 CARA Funding for FY 2019 CARA Funding for FY 2020 CARA Funding for FY 2021 National Campaign $5 Million $10 Million $10 Million $10 Million $13 Million Naloxone for First Responders $12 Million $24 Million $36 Million $36 Million $41 Million $42 Million Expanded Drug Treatment $25 Million $67 Million $95 Million $100 Million $100 Million $102 Million Recovery Support Services $1 Million $3 Million $5 Million $6 Million $10 Million $10 Million Treatment for Women $17.9 Million $19 Million $30 Million $30 Million $32 Million $33 Million Veterans Treatment Courts $6 Million $20 Million $22 Million $22 Million $25 Million Infant Plan of Safe Care $60 Million $60 Million $60 Million $60 Million Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Program $103 Million $103 Million $310 Million $325 Million $325 Million $369 Million Grants for Co-Prescribing Naloxone $1 Million $1 Million $1 Million $1 Million $1 Million $1 Million Coalition Enhancement Grant $5 Million $5 Million $5 Million $5 Million $7 Million Jason Simcakoski Memorial and Promise Act $50 Million $56 Million $52 Million $52 Million $120 Million Total $180.9 Million $ 267 Million $608 Million $647 Million $ 658 Million $782 Million NOTE:Senator Portman has led efforts in the U.S. Senate to provide more resources to combat the nation's opioid epidemic. Portman is the author of the bipartisan Comprehensive Addiction & Recovery Act (CARA) that became law in 2016 and provides resources for evidence-based prevention, treatment, and recovery programs to help people overcome their addiction. The most recent bipartisan funding agreement actually funded these CARA programs at $647 million, much higher than the authorized amount. Earlier this month, Portman introduced CARA 2.0 which would increase these authorization levels further. In addition, Portman worked to secure $1 billion in new funding for state grants to fight opioid abuse in the 21st Century CURES Act. He's also fought for more overall opioid funding, and helped secure more than $4 billion in new opioid funding over the last few years between CARA, CURES and other opioid programs. Last year, Portman's Combating Meth & Cocaine Act was signed into law giving states more flexibility to use federal funding to address the resurgence of psychostimulants such as methamphetamine and cocaine. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-announces-fy-2021-bipartisan-funding-agreement-doubles-security,Portman Announces FY 2021 Bipartisan Funding Agreement Doubles Security Resources for Faith-Based Communities & Institutions,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Portman Announces FY 2021 Bipartisan Funding Agreement Doubles Security Resources for Faith-Based Communities & Institutions December 21, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) today announced that the FY 2021 bipartisan funding agreement includes $180 million for the Department of Homeland Security's Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), which provides grants to faith-based and other nonprofit organizations to help secure their facilities against a potential terrorist attack, double the amount allocated in FY 2020. Portman and his bipartisan colleagues sent a letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee earlier this month requesting that the NSGP be adequately funded to meet the needs of at-risk organizations.Of the $180 million total, $90 million will be available for nonprofits located within high-risk urban areas, and the remaining $90 million will be available for organizations that fall outside of those areas. I am pleased that the FY 2021 bipartisan funding agreement will include $180 million for nonprofit security grants so that synagogues, religious and cultural facilities, and other nonprofits across our country have the resources they need to better secure their facilities,said Portman.FEMA's Nonprofit Security Grant Program is vitally important to ensure nonprofits, particularly faith-based organizations, have the resources necessary to invest in physical security enhancements, training, and contract security personnel to protect against potential attacks. At a time when we have seen a rise in violence against communities of faith, I'm pleased we have doubled the funding to protect at-risk organizations and communities. NOTE: The Nonprofit Security Grant Program helps nonprofits, identified by threat assessments to be at risk of attack, plan for and ready themselves against potential attacks. In addition to hardening facilities, this program has improved efforts to keep at-risk nonprofit organizations safe by promoting emergency preparedness coordination and collaboration activities between public and private community representatives, as well as with state and local government agencies. In January, Senator Portman and Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) announced that President Trump signed their bipartisanProtecting Faith-Based and Nonprofit Organizations From TerrorismActinto law. This legislation authorizes $75 million annually for five years, from FYs 2020-2024, for the program. Under the legislation, funding may be used for target-hardening activities, training for personnel, and any other appropriate activity, as defined by the FEMA Administrator. While the bill authorizes $75 million annually for the program for the next five years, Congress can appropriate more. Portman joined his bipartisan colleagues in December 2019 in requesting that the appropriators fund the program at $90 million. That request was approved and included in thefinal FY 2020 appropriationsagreement. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-announces-permanent-tax-relief-craft-beverage-industry-big-win-ohio,"Portman Announces Permanent Tax Relief for Craft Beverage Industry, Big Win for Ohio Brewers",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Portman Announces Permanent Tax Relief for Craft Beverage Industry, Big Win for Ohio Brewers December 21, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) announced that the year-end legislative package will include the Craft Beverage Modernization & Tax Reform Act, bipartisan legislation he has championed and cosponsored to make tax relief permanent for the craft beverage industry. Portman has consistently discussed the importance of supporting America's craft beverage industry, especially since brew pubs and other craft beverage retail operations have been hit hard by the COVID-19 economic slowdown. In 2017, Portman offered the Senate Finance Committee amendment to include the Craft Beverage Modernization & Tax Reform Act in the tax reform measure, which provided two years of excisetax relief. He's been fighting to make this tax relief permanent ever since, writing a recent op-ed in The Hill and leading a bipartisan letter with 55 of his Senate colleagues urging Leaders McConnell and Schumer to include the measure in a year-end package. Ohio is number six in the country in craft beer production and the industry supports 81,000 jobs in the state.Portman released the following statement: This agreement is good news for our economy and will help ensure that Ohio's craft beverage industry has the relief they need as they work to navigate the unprecedented challenges of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. I fought to include this tax relief in the 2017 tax reform law and it led to more economic growth and job creation as more and more entrepreneurs reinvested more in their businesses and our local communities. Making this tax relief permanent is good for Ohio and our country and I urge my colleagues to support this package. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-bill-improve-federal-procurement-save-taxpayer-dollars-included,"Portman Bill to Improve Federal Procurement, Save Taxpayer Dollars Included in Final FY 2021 Bipartisan Funding Measure",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Portman Bill to Improve Federal Procurement, Save Taxpayer Dollars Included in Final FY 2021 Bipartisan Funding Measure December 21, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) announced that the final FY 2021 bipartisan funding bill includes his bipartisanConstruction Consensus Procurement Improvement Act, which prohibits the use of reverse auctions to ensure federal construction projects are done in the most cost-effective manner. Portman issued the following statement: I'm pleased the final FY 2021 bipartisan funding measure includes my bipartisan legislation to ensure the federal governmentworks better for the American people. The bipartisan Construction Consensus Procurement Improvement Act will make sure that federally-funded construction projects are competitive both for cost and quality. American taxpayers deserve a streamlined, less costly and more accountable federal government and passage of this measure will help to ensure that. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-makes-clear-stop-act-must-be-fully-implemented,Portman Makes Clear that STOP Act Must be Fully Implemented,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Portman Makes Clear that STOP Act Must be Fully Implemented December 21, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) agreed to allow additional time to fully implement the STOP Act, and specifically for the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to finalize regulations related to refusing packages without identifying data. Under the STOP Act, starting January 1, 2021 the Postal Service must refuse any package shipped to the United States that lacks identifying data, such as shipper and recipient. Despite that deadline, until March 15, the Postal Service will now be able to accept packages after January 1, 2021 without identifying data only if CBP determines the packages present a low risk for containing illegal items, including fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. Senator Portman's bipartisanSynthetics Trafficking & Overdose Prevention(STOP)Act became law in 2018 and is working to help reduce the supply of fentanyl shipped into the United States through the U.S. Postal Service. On December 10, Portman pressed the federal agencies in charge of implementing the STOP Act on why they had not fully complied with the requirements as established in the law. Portman released the following statement: At our hearing on December 10, we learned that CBP would not be able to finalize regulations by the end of the year related to refusing packages without identifying data under the STOP Act, despite having over two years to do so. Because this failure could lead to confusion on January 1, the COVID-19 emergency relief package will include a grace period until March 15 that allows the Postal Service to accept packages without identifying data that CBP determines are low risk. Other countries, like France, Spain, and Germany, have made clear that any packages entering their countries on January 1 must have identifying data. Packages entering those countries without identifying data will be delayed or considered inadmissible and returned to sender. Further, starting March 15, the European Union will require identifying data on a package before it is loaded onto a plane for shipment. Congress cannot provide this type of extension on packages without identifying data entering the United States again. DHS must finalize the regulations to ensure that packages containing illicit opioids, like fentanyl, are stopped before they are delivered to our communities. NOTE: As the Chairman and Ranking Member of PSI, Portman and Carper conducted an 18-month investigation into this issue and released a stunning bipartisanreportdetailing how drug traffickers exploit vulnerabilities in our international mail system to easily ship synthetic drugs like fentanyl from China into the United States through the U.S. Postal Service. TheSTOP Actcloses this loophole by requiring advance electronic data on all inbound international packages, including packages coming from China. Starting January 1, 2021, the STOP Act requires the Postal Service to refuse any inbound international packages without advance electronic data.The STOP Act required Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) to finalize regulations regarding the refusal of inbound international packages by October 2019 so that the Postal Service could prepare for the January 1, 2021 deadline but CBP has not yet finalized those regulations. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-negotiated-25-billion-rental-assistance-plan-included-final-fy-2021,Portman-Negotiated $25 Billion Rental Assistance Plan Included in Final FY 2021 Bipartisan Funding Agreement,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Portman-Negotiated $25 Billion Rental Assistance Plan Included in Final FY 2021 Bipartisan Funding Agreement December 21, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC Today, Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) announced that the final FY 2021 bipartisan funding agreement includes $25 billion for rental assistance that he negotiated as part of a framework unveiled last week with the bipartisan group of senators. Senator Portman has long focused on ensuring Ohioans have affordable housing and is currently championing the bipartisanEvictions Crisis Actwhich will help to address the national housing crisis that is undermining the efforts of millions of Americans to rise into the middle class. Portman drew from the Evictions Crisis Act, which proposes emergency rental assistance for those facing extraordinary financial setbacks, when negotiating this bipartisan relief proposal. The rental assistance included in the COVID-19 relief bill will help those with financial setbacks due to the pandemic pay rent and make housing providers whole. More than 75 national and Ohio based housing, civil rights, and homelessness groups haveannouncedtheir strong support for theEviction Crisis Act.Portman released the following statement: Stable housing is a key factor to keeping people out of poverty, and the COVID-19 pandemic has made this issue more important than ever. That's why I'm pleased that this COVID-19 emergency relief package includes the $25 billion rental assistance plan I helped negotiate in the bipartisan framework announced last week. I urge my colleagues to support this rental assistance so that Ohioans have the resources they need to stay in their homes and apartments during this pandemic and prevent unnecessary evictions. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-praises-final-fy-2021-bipartisan-funding-agreement,Portman Praises Final FY 2021 Bipartisan Funding Agreement,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Portman Praises Final FY 2021 Bipartisan Funding Agreement Funding Measure Includes COVID-19 Emergency Relief Package Crafted Thanks to Portman's Bipartisan Negotiations December 21, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) released the following statement on the FY 2021 bipartisan funding agreement reached between both parties.The House and Senate are expected to pass the measure later today. The agreement includes key Portman priorities to help families and small businesses; provide additional aid to health care providers and support vaccine distribution; ensure stable housing; redouble efforts to combat addiction; protect the Great Lakes; support seniors and the most vulnerable; secure faith-based and nonprofit facilities; help keep and create jobs through key tax incentives; make tax relief for the craft beverage industry permanent; and provide the COVID-19 emergency relief Americans deserve. I'm pleased that Congress has finally passed another COVID relief package that is targeted to helping the American people who are most in need. I was proud to join the bipartisan group of five Republicans and five Democrats who negotiated a $908 billion package that served as the basis for this package.Our effort refocused the debate on areas of common ground rather than partisan proposals had previously pushed by Democratic leaders.The health care crisis in Ohio and so many other places has gotten worse and we cannot afford further economic suffering. The package supports direct stimulus relief, increased testing and vaccine development, resources for schools and universities, aid for small businesses through the Paycheck Protection Program, emergency rental assistance, and other provisions are critical to helping our country over the next several months until vaccines are more widely available. This measure also includes a number of other important priorities for Ohio.It redoubles our efforts with new funding to address the heartbreaking surge in overdose deaths we're seeing as a result of this pandemic. The bill also provides additional resources to protect the Great Lakes; preserve our national parks; support seniors and the most vulnerable; secure faith-based and nonprofit facilities; help keep and create jobs through key tax incentives; and make tax relief for the craft beverage industry permanent. I am disappointed that this package doesn't include the balanced compromise on liability that I brokered with my Democratic colleague Joe Manchin from West Virginia. Those liability protections would have protected businesses, nonprofits, schools, and faith-based organizations from frivolous lawsuits but I hope it will serve as a springboard for action next year on this issue. And while I'm disappointed that this package doesn't include additional aid for state and local governments, it extends the deadline for states and local governments to use previously-appropriated CARES Act funding beyond this calendar year and help assist with emergency services like police, firefighters and emergency medical services. I remain frustrated that Congress continues to operate by passing thousand-page omnibus bills at the end of the year with no amendments allowed. Congress should get back to regular order, including passing appropriations bills based on a budget and having an open amendment process. Here are some of the key Portman priorities included: ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-praises-key-tax-incentives-fy-2021-bipartisan-funding-agreement,Portman Praises Key Tax Incentives in FY 2021 Bipartisan Funding Agreement,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Portman Praises Key Tax Incentives in FY 2021 Bipartisan Funding Agreement December 21, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) praised the tax incentives included in the final FY 2021 bipartisan funding agreement, including key provisions like the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, the New Markets Tax Credit, the Health Coverage Tax Credit, CFC Look-through, the Medical Expense Deduction, and the Craft Beverage Modernization Act. Through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Portman has seen firsthand how these incentives help Ohio, helping to create and keep jobs, and boost economic development and innovation across the state. These tax incentives have been critical to Ohio during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Many of these incentives, especially the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, are critical to keeping folks employed during these unprecedented times and generating more investment and economic development in Ohio. These tax incentives drive more economic growth and job creation, and that's necessary as we continue to recover from the economic slowdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the negotiating progress we had some thoughtful discussions resulting in several provisions being made permanent or extended long term. Next Congress, we should continue this serious and thorough discussion on the future of the remainder of these provisions, making permanent the ones that work for our economy and ending or phasing out the ones that are unnecessary. I will continue to work with my colleagues in the House and Senate to help bring all sides together on a long-term agreement on these tax extenders. The package makes permanent the following tax incentives: The Medical Expense Deduction Expansion.Dating back to the passage of the ACA, Portman hasledefforts in Congress to roll back this onerous tax increase on the middle class and seniors. In the 2017 tax reform law, Portman worked with Senator Susan Collins to expand this relief to all taxpayers on a temporary basis. The tax package extends this relief for one additional year, ensuring that more Americans have access to this deduction designed to reduce the tax costs of out-of-pocket medical expenses and long-term care. The package expands the following tax provision: The Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC). The bill extends the credit until June 30, 2021 and expands the credit by providing a 70% credit for up to $10,000 in creditable wages per quarter and reducing the gross receipts decline to 20 percent from 50 percent. The employee retention credit gives businesses of all sizes, including nonprofits, a payroll tax credit for wages paid during a suspension of their business operations or periods where they have experienced significant revenue losses. These provisions allow Ohio nonprofits to prioritize keeping employees on payroll and thus minimize painful layoffs. The package extends for five years the following tax provisions: CFC Look-Through Rules.The tax package extends for five years the look-through rules for U.S. multinationals to allow for the efficient ability to bring back dollars trapped overseas and keep U.S. companies competitive abroad. Portman has led efforts to provide this tax certainty in the past, including an amendment to a previous extenders markup in 2015 that sought to make this relief permanent. These rules are an important element to our modernized international tax system and allow companies like Procter & Gamble, GE, and Walmart to bring back cash that's trapped overseas in order to increase jobs and investment here at home. The New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC).In the 2017 tax reform law,Portman led the effort to preserve the New Markets Tax Credit, which helpseconomically-distressed communities attract private capital for community redevelopment purposes, and Cincinnati has been a significant beneficiary. In 2017, Portmanvisitedthe Nehemiah Manufacturing Company, which is using the NMTC to expand and provide meaningful employment opportunities to ex-offenders re-entering society. This proposal would extend NMTC for five additional years at 2020 levels. The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC).In the 2017 tax reform law,Portmanled the effort to preserve the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, which provides employers with a tax credit for hiring and retaining veterans, ex-felons, disabled individuals, summer youth employees, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and Supplemental Security Income recipients. A 2015 Portmanamendmentadded a $2,400 credit for first-year wages paid to the long-term unemployed.This proposal would extend WOTC for five additional years. The package extends by one year a number of tax provisions, including: The Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC).The tax packageextendsfor one-year the Health Coverage Tax Credit, which 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. Portman has introduced bipartisan legislation to extend this important credit for five years. The HCTC is critically important 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. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-priorities-help-seniors-people-disabilities-included-fy-2021,Portman Priorities to Help Seniors & People with Disabilities Included in FY 2021 Bipartisan Funding Agreement,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Portman Priorities to Help Seniors & People with Disabilities Included in FY 2021 Bipartisan Funding Agreement Portman's Hospice Care Improvement Act, Independence at Home & EMPOWER Care Act Boost Quality of Life and Reduces Costs for Seniors & People with Disabilities December 21, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) announced that the FY 2021 bipartisan funding agreement includes three of his key priorities that support seniors and people with disabilities. The FY 2021 bipartisan funding agreement includes the Ensuring Medicaid Provides Opportunities for Widespread Equity, Resources, and Care Act(EMPOWER Care Act) which supports and expands access to long-term care services for Medicaid beneficiaries in home and community-based settings; the Hospice Care Improvement Act which establishes the first ever hospice patient protections and program integrity measures for Medicare; and a three-year extension and expansion of the Independence at Home program, a Medicare home-based primary care model. Portman released the following statement: I'm pleased that the FY 2021 bipartisan funding agreement will help the most vulnerable among us have better access to quality health care services. This bill will help ensure that the Money Follows the Person Program can build upon the more than 10,000 Ohioans that it has helped receive the care that they need in their homes and communities.It also empowers teams of doctors, care givers and other health care professionals to coordinate and provide primary care services in the comfort of patients' own homes, reducing unnecessary emergency room visits and avoidable hospitalizations and readmissions, as well as the costs associated with them. Most importantly, this bill ensures that hospice patients can live out their final days with comfort and dignity, and that their families have the peace of mind knowing their loved ones are receiving the best care by establishing the first-ever patient protections and program integrity measures for hospice in Medicare. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation to support America's seniors and people with disabilities. The FY 2021 bipartisan funding agreement includes: TheEnsuring Medicaid Provides Opportunities for Widespread Equity, Resources, and Care Act(EMPOWER Care Act) which Portman introduced with Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) - is designed to help Medicaid beneficiaries receive long-term services and support in their community or home and help save taxpayer dollars in the process. The FY 2021 bipartisan funding agreement will reauthorize for three years and expand the Money Follows the Person (MFP) Demonstration Program, which provides states with funding and flexibility to help Medicaid beneficiaries, particularly the elderly and people with disabilities, transition from institutional to home and community-based long-term care settings. This three-year extension is the longest extension of the program since 2010. The bipartisanHospice Care Improvement Act which Portman introduced with Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) to address the lack of safety protocols and transparency in hospices across the country, all while saving taxpayers $180 million. The final legislation incorporates bicameral solutions put forth from the House and Senate that would ensure patient safety and would seek to improve oversight and accountability in the nation's hospices by focusing on improving patient awareness of hospice abuse and by ensuring that hospices remain responsible for the care that they provide to patients. A three year extension of the Independence at Home program. Independence at Home is an innovative, team-based model that brings measurable, high-quality primary care to seniors with multiple chronic conditions in their homes The program has had year over year success in coordinating care for seniors and reducing hospitalization rates, all while significantly lowering costs for the Medicare program by almost $2000 per beneficiary. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-priorities-water-resources-development-act-protect-great-lakes,Portman Priorities in Water Resources Development Act to Protect Great Lakes Included in Final FY 2021 Bipartisan Funding Agreement,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Portman Priorities in Water Resources Development Act to Protect Great Lakes Included in Final FY 2021 Bipartisan Funding Agreement December 21, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) announced that the FY 2021 bipartisan funding agreement includes the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (WRDA) - bipartisan legislation that includes a number of Portman's priorities. These Portman-led measures will protect and improve the Great Lakes by preventing Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes, promoting navigation, providing additional funding to maintain our harbors, and renaming the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation as the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation. I'm pleased the FY 2021 bipartisan funding agreement includes a number of my key priorities to protect and preserve Lake Erie and all our Great Lakes. These natural treasures play an indispensable role in the lives of millions of Ohioans. The lakes provide drinking water for 40 million people, contribute billions in tourism each year, and support hundreds of thousands of jobs across the region, said Portman. These bipartisan provisions are a major win for the Great Lakes and the people of Ohio. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting them. The FY 2021 bipartisan funding agreement includes: The legislation includes Portman-led language to authorize the Army Corps of Engineers to relocate access to the Port of Cleveland's confined disposal facility (CDF) for dredged material placement should such option be necessary to provide access to the CDF. The legislation includes Portman's request to authorize construction of the Brandon Road Chief's Report to help keep Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes through the Mississippi River and adjusts the cost share from 65 percent federal to 80 percent federal. The legislation includes the Portman-led bipartisan Great Lakes Navigation Act, to ensure adequate funding to maintain Great Lakes harbors that vessels can continue to travel safely throughout the Great Lakes. Specifically, the final legislation requires the Great Lakes Navigation System to receive no less than 13 percent of total annual funding from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF). Finally, the legislation includes the bipartisan legislation (S. 4870/H.R. 4470) to rename the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation as the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation. NOTE: As co-chair of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force, Senator Portman continues to lead efforts to protect and improve the Great Lakes. Yesterday, Portman's bipartisan legislation with Senator Stabenow, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act (GLRI) Act, passed the Senate and is now headed to the President's desk to be signed into law. The bill reauthorizes GLRI, a results-driven program to address the most serious issues that threaten the ecological and economic well-being of the Great Lakes basin, for five years and increases the current authorization level from $300 million to $375 million in FY 2022 and increases funding by $25 million per year until it reaches $475 million in FY 2026. Additionally, in 2019, Portman's bipartisanHarmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Actwhich helps protect fresh water bodies such as Lake Erie by reauthorizing the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act (HABHRCA) was signed into law. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-stabenow-joyce-kaptur-announce-senate-passage-great-lakes,"Portman, Stabenow, Joyce, Kaptur Announce Senate Passage of Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Portman, Stabenow, Joyce, Kaptur Announce Senate Passage of Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act Bipartisan Bill Ensures Great Lakes Will Be Protected for Future Generations December 21, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DCToday, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (OH) and Debbie Stabenow (MI), along with Representatives David Joyce (R-OH) and Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), announced the passage of their bipartisan bill, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Act, which reauthorizes and expands funding for the Great Lakes. The bipartisan bill will reauthorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which is set to expire at the end of FY 2021, for another five years. The bill increases the current authorization level from $300 million to $375 million in FY 2022 and increases funding by $25 million per year until it reaches $475 million in FY 2026. The legislation passed the House earlier this year and now heads to the President's desk. Today's strong bipartisan passage of the GLRI Act is a victory for our efforts to protect our Great Lakes. GLRI is a successful public-private partnership that has helped address the greatest threats to the Great Lakes, including harmful algal blooms, invasive species, pollution, and contamination. Despite the program's success, there is more work to be done, Senator Portman said. Lake Erie supports fishing and tourism industries totaling over $10 billion and is a top tourist destination in Ohio. With more than 10 million people depending on Lake Erie for their drinking water and hundreds of thousands of Ohioans depending upon the Lake for jobs, we must continue to protect our Great Lakes for the economic and environmental well-being of our region. I urge the president to sign this important legislation into law as soon as possible. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which I authored in 2010, has been a major success story that has been critical to addressing the threats that face our beloved Great Lakes. In Michigan, this program has helped clean up contamination, restore wetlands, and fight invasive species, but there is much more to be done. The good news is that Republicans and Democrats have come together in a bipartisan way to reinvest in this important program, said Senator Stabenow. The passage of this bipartisan bill is a huge win for the Great Lakes, the advocates who work tirelessly to protect them, Ohioans who rely on them for clean drinking water and the workers whose jobs depend on them,said Congressman Dave Joyce.The success of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative in combatting invasive species, reducing harmful algal blooms and restoring ecosystems proves just how much progress we can make when we work together to address the issues facing our communities. I was honored to introduce this bill alongside my colleagues on the Great Lakes Task Force and look forward to seeing the President sign it into law so that we can continue to preserve this national treasure for generations to come. Since its inception, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has made the Great Lakes healthier and our local communities stronger,said Congresswoman Kaptur.That's why it was my honor to join my House and Senate colleagues in introducing the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2019. This bipartisan and bicameral bill will reauthorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, the most essential program in the effort to protect and restore our most precious resource: the Great Lakes. This legislation doubles down on federal investment in the Great Lakes because we know how effective the GLRI has been. Across Lake Erie and the Great Lakes Region, the GLRI is at the center of fighting invasive species, preventing, controlling and predicting harmful algal blooms, and reinvigorating our watershed and ecosystems. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is critical in cleaning up the Great Lakes and waterways, and addressing problems that directly impact public health and safety. The Initiative has focused efforts to stop the spread of Asian carp and other invasive species, restore coastline and prevent future contamination. Since 2010, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has provided more than $2.7 billion to fund 5,449 projectsthroughout the Great Lakes region. The legislation is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-IN), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Mike Braun (R-IN), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Gary Peters (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Bob Casey (D-PA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Chuck Schumer (D-NY). ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-floor-portman-applauds-senate-passage-great-lakes-restoration,"On Senate Floor, Portman Applauds Senate Passage of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"On Senate Floor, Portman Applauds Senate Passage of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act Bill Now Heads to the White House for the President's Signature December 20, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC Tonight on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH), co-chair of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force, applauded Senate passage of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Act, which is now headed to the president's desk for his signature. Senator Portman joined Senator Debbie Stabenow in introducing the GLRI Act to reauthorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which was set to expire at the end of FY 2021, for another five years. The bill increases the current authorization level from $300 million to $375 million in FY 2022 and increases funding by $25 million per year until it reaches $475 million in FY 2026. The House companion bill was authored by Representatives Dave Joyce (R-OH) and Marcy Kaptur (D-OH). Portman has led the effort in the Senate to reauthorize and fully fund the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), a results-driven program to address the most serious issues that threaten the ecological and economic well-being of the Great Lakes basin, including invasive species, pollution, and toxic contamination. The final FY 2020 funding measure included$320 million for GLRI,the largest investment in the program since its enactment. Additionally, in 2019, Portman's bipartisan Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act which helps protect fresh water bodies such as Lake Erie by reauthorizing the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act (HABHRCA) was signed into law. A transcript of the speech can be found below and a video can be found here. Mr. President, first, I am delighted that we are finally at the point where we're passing legislation to deal with the COVID-19 crisis that has gripped my state and our country. We have a health care pandemic. We have an economic crisis. And I'm pleased to say that on a bipartisan basis we're now coming together, as we did nine months ago with the CARES Act. It shouldn't have been nine months, but we now have a targeted bill that focuses on providing a bridge between now and the time at which the vaccines will be widely available, and we need the help. The economy is faltering, as was just said. But also the health care crisis in my home state and so many other places has gotten worse. So it's time -- past time. Now I'm told I've given 21 speeches on the floor about the bipartisan nature of this. There's so many areas of common ground and I was pleased to be part of the ten person bipartisan group that put together our own package over the last month. I think that helped to encourage leaders on both sides to see that there was a lot of common ground, there were ways for us to come together. One of my colleagues is on the floor with me now, Senator Stabenow from Michigan. She is one of those Democrats who I spoke to over a month ago about this bipartisan process. We talked about the common ground and the ability for us to find ways to move ahead to help those small businesses that truly are struggling, individuals who through no fault of their own lost their jobs because of the economic crisis precipitated by the pandemic. And to help our schools and to help our health care providers and to help ensure that we are doing what we can here to help at the local level to respond to this crisis. Tonight I'm on the floor to join my colleague, Senator Stabenow from Michigan, to ask our colleagues to support legislation that has to do with the Great Lakes. It's called the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. We're asking to reauthorize that legislation. This is one of those public-private partnerships that works. It's not only public like federal public and private. It's federal, state, and local and private individuals coming together to figure out how to keep our Great Lakes, the amazing treasure that it is. I represent Lake Erie. It is the north coast of Ohio. It is the most shallow and also the most fertile of the Great Lakes. It has incredible fishing. There is a gigantic $7 billion fishing industry in the Great Lakes. A lot of it is recreational fishing. $7 billion. It is being threatened right now, really by a few different things. One is these Asian Carp, so-called Big Head Carp that are coming up into the lake. We are doing all we can to keep them out. But this funding, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, focuses on that issue to keep the carp from ruining Lake Erie, as they've ruined other bodies of water for recreational and commercial fishing. Second to deal with our toxic algal blooms. You've probably heard about this but we have these blooms that are increasingly forming in Lake Erie, particularly in the western basin and the Toledo area. And what they do is they keep people from being able to use the lake. You don't want to swim in it. By the way, you don't even want your dog to swim in it because the dogs can actually be injured by this. You don't want to fish in it, of course, and you really can't. I've gone fishing in the Great Lakes every year for the past many years. I love the Great Lakes. I grew up -- part of my childhood was on the Great Lakes, when I was a little kid fishing with my dad on the Great Lakes. You really can't fish when the algal blooms come in because they're so thick you literally can't get a lure or bait through the algal blooms. And your boat has a tough time getting through it. This is a serious issue. At one point it got so serious in the western basin that it actually affected the water supply for the city of Toledo. So several years ago we had to stop the city water in Toledo. I remember going there with my pickup truck full of bottles of water to help hand out water because people -- particularly think of this, moms with babies who couldn't use the water. They were told don't allow your babies to have the formula be made from the water from the faucet because it's too dangerous, too toxic because these algal blooms had gotten into the water system. That's how scary this is if we don't ensure that we are taking efforts at every level -- state, local, private sector, and federal. Lake Erie and the other Great Lakes now provide drinking water for 40 million people. 40 million people. We want to be sure that that treasure continues, not just for recreation and fishing and swimming and so on, but also for the water supply for so many Americans. So the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is a down payment really to ensure that we can deal with these invasive species like the Asian Carp and others. It is to ensure that we can deal with the toxic algal blooms and the erosion that's occurring as the water goes up and also some pollution issues that remain in Lake Erie and all the Great Lakes. Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Works. I've been to about ten of these sites all around Ohio and I've gone often with people from the private sector and the local community and sometimes the state government. And we talk about how, again, this is a model partnership. As an example, I was at a farm in Northwest Ohio, where instead of telling them that Hey you have to stop farming because you're putting nitrogen and phosphorous into the creek that goes by your farm that's going into the Maumee River and then into Lake Erie and causing these algal blooms to grow,' instead, you say, How can we work with you as a farmer to try to reduce your runoff?' And we've had great success in that. But there's some expense in it. Often you have to provide for filters and pumps and so on to get this from going into the water supply. Dealing with these upstream issues with regard to algal blooms and the phosphorus and nitrogen is very important and the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative does that. So, I'm pleased to say that as of tonight it appears that we have passed this on both sides of the chamber through a so-called hotline. We had to work with some of our colleagues to resolve some remaining questions that they had and we had answers because this is a program that works. I've seen it work. And I'm really pleased to partner with Senator Stabenow. We're co-chairs of the Great Lakes Task Force. She is the Democrat co-chair, I am the Republican co-chair. And tonight partnering with her on this legislation. I thank her for her friendship, her work on this issue, her passion for the Great Lakes. And I would like, if I could, Mr. President, to now turn to Senator Stabenow. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-portman-shaheen-bipartisan-legislation-reauthorize-peace,"Senate Passes Portman, Shaheen Bipartisan Legislation to Reauthorize Peace Corps Commemorative Project",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senate Passes Portman, Shaheen Bipartisan Legislation to Reauthorize Peace Corps Commemorative Project December 21, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC- Today, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) applauded the U.S. Senate for passing their bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Peace Corps Commemorative project. Representatives Joe Kennedy III (D-MA) and Garret Graves (R-LA) led the legislation in the House. In 2014, Senators Portman and Shaheens's and Rep. Kennedy's bipartisan Peace Corps Commemorative Act was signed into law to create a commemorative memorial in Washington, D.C.'s National Capital Area to celebrate the mission of the Peace Corps and the ideals on which the Peace Corps was founded. This bipartisan legislation designated the Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation as the lead nonfederal sponsor for the project, and prohibits the use of federal funding. The current authorization for the project is set to expire in January 2021. This legislation would extend the authorization for the project for an additional seven years, to January 2028, in order for the project to secure the necessary design approvals and raise the funding for construction.The legislation now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law. For more than 50 years, the Peace Corps has served as a powerful vehicle for volunteers who wish to use their talents to carry America's humanitarian values to other parts of the world,said Portman.By reauthorizing this project, we can ensure the Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation can finish this important project and honor those Americans who have donated their time and talent to serving others. I am pleased my colleagues in the Senate passed this important legislation so that it will now be sent to the president's desk."" Peace Corps volunteers provide an invaluable diplomatic service to America, serving in over 60 countries as envoys of our nation's democratic values and priorities. These volunteers work to improve the lives of countless individuals and communities around the world, said Shaheen. New Hampshire volunteers are among the more than 240,000 Americans who have provided health, education and economic development opportunities wherever they have served for nearly six decades. I appreciate the overwhelming bipartisan support for our legislation in both the House and Senate, which speaks to the importance of our effort to honor these remarkable men and women. I urge President Trump to swiftly follow suit and sign this bill into law."" The seven-year Peace Corps Commemorative authorization extension, passed unanimously by the Senate and the House, will enable continuation of Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation efforts to design, fund and build this national, historically significant project, said Roger K. Lewis, President of the Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation (PCCF). The Foundation and allAmericans who have served and worked for the Peace Corps, or who share Peace Corps ideals and values,deeply appreciate the unanimous Senate and House support and are especially grateful for the unflagging commitment of our legislative sponsors and their diligent staff members. Passage of the Peace Corps Commemorative Work Extension Act is wonderful news and we are grateful to Senator Portman, Senator Shaheen and other congressional leaders who made sure this would happen, said National Peace Corps Association President Glenn Blumhorst. The tremendous work of the Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation will now be able to continue without interruption, and we look forward to continued progress leading to groundbreaking. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://joyce.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=2886,"Stabenow, Portman, Joyce, Kaptur Announce Senate Passage of Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act",2020-12-20,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Dave Joyce,J000295,joyce.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (MI) and Rob Portman (OH), along with Representatives Dave Joyce (R-OH) and Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), today announced the passage of their bipartisan bill, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Act, which reauthorizes and expands funding for the Great Lakes. The bipartisan bill will reauthorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which is set to expire at the end of FY 2021, for another five years. The bill increases the current authorization level from $300 million to $375 million in FY 2022 and increases funding by $25 million per year until it reaches $475 million in FY 2026. The legislation passed the House earlier this year and now heads to the President's desk. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which I authored in 2010, has been a major success story that has been critical to addressing the threats that face our beloved Great Lakes. In Michigan, this program has helped clean up contamination, restore wetlands, and fight invasive species, but there is much more to be done. The good news is that Republicans and Democrats have come together in a bipartisan way to reinvest in this important program,said Senator Stabenow. Today's strong bipartisan passage of the GLRI Act is a victory for our efforts protect our Great Lakes. GLRI is a successful public-private partnership that has helped address the greatest threats to the Great Lakes, including harmful algal blooms, invasive species, pollution, and contamination. Despite the program's success, there is more work to be done,Senator Portman said.Lake Erie supports fishing and tourism industries totaling over $10 billion and is a top tourist destination in Ohio. With more than 10 million people depending on Lake Erie for their drinking water and hundreds of thousands of Ohioans depending upon the Lake for jobs, we must continue to protect our Great Lakes for the economic and environmental well-being of our region. I urge the president to sign this important legislation into law as soon as possible. The passage of this bipartisan bill is a huge win for the Great Lakes, the advocates who work tirelessly to protect them, Ohioans who rely on them for clean drinking water and the workers whose jobs depend on them,said Congressman Joyce.The success of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative in combatting invasive species, reducing harmful algal blooms and restoring ecosystems proves just how much progress we can make when we work together to address the issues facing our communities. I was honored to introduce this bill alongside my colleagues on the Great Lakes Task Force and look forward to seeing the President sign it into law so that we can continue to preserve this national treasure for generations to come. Since its inception, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has made the Great Lakes healthier and our local communities stronger,said Congresswoman Kaptur.That's why it was my honor to join my House and Senate colleagues in introducing the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2019. This bipartisan and bicameral bill will reauthorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, the most essential program in the effort to protect and restore our most precious resource: the Great Lakes. This legislation doubles down on federal investment in the Great Lakes because we know how effective the GLRI has been. Across Lake Erie and the Great Lakes Region, the GLRI is at the center of fighting invasive species, preventing, controlling and predicting harmful algal blooms, and reinvigorating our watershed and ecosystems. The Great LakesRestoration Initiative is critical in cleaning up the Great Lakes and waterways, and addressing problems that directly impact public health and safety. The Initiative has focused efforts to stop the spread of Asian carp and other invasive species, restore coastline and prevent future contamination. Since 2010, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has provided more than $2.7 billion to fund 5,449 projectsthroughout the Great Lakes region. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://joyce.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=2885,"Joyce Introduces Bill to Boost Restaurant Revenue, Support Workers Amid Pandemic",2020-12-19,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Dave Joyce,J000295,joyce.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14) announced that he has introduced the Supporting America's Restaurant Workers Act, a bill designed to boost restaurant revenue and support restaurant workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. A companion to legislation introduced in the Senate by Senator Tim Scott (SC), Joyce's bill is endorsed by the National Restaurant Association, the American Hotel and Lodging Association and US Travel. With Congress stalled on a COVID-19 relief deal, I'm proud to introduce this legislation to give a much-needed revenue boost to restaurants and support their workers during the pandemic, said Joyce. Close to half of our nation's restaurants are independent mom-and-pop' operations that are struggling to keep their heads above water during these difficult times. My bill makes a simple, commonsense adjustment that would lead to more customers and increased revenue, giving these folks and the workers they employ a better chance to make it through this pandemic. Specifically, the Supporting America's Restaurant Workers Act would provide a 100% deduction for business meal expenses through the end of 2021. Currently, the deduction is available for only 50% of such expenses. Ohio's restaurant industry employs 585,000 employees across 23,000 locations. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most Ohio restaurants were closed in mid-March and were not able to reopen with limited capacity until late May. The Ohio Restaurant Association reports that during this period,Ohio restaurants experienced sales losses ranging from -20% to more than -70%. The National Restaurant Association has stated that roughly 110,000 restaurants have already been forced to permanently close over the course of this year, and in a recent poll, 37% of restaurants stated it is unlikely they will be open six months from now if no additional assistance is provided. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-brown-ryan-applaud-passage-bipartisan-bicameral-legislation-name,"Portman, Brown, Ryan Applaud Passage of Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Name Youngstown Veterans Affairs Clinic After Ohioan Carl Nunziato",2020-12-19,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Portman, Brown, Ryan Applaud Passage of Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Name Youngstown Veterans Affairs Clinic After Ohioan Carl Nunziato December 18, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH), along with U.S. Representative Tim Ryan (D-OH) applauded the Senate passage of bipartisan and bicameral legislation to name a Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Youngstown, Ohio after Major Carl Nunziato, a veteran of the U.S. Army. Major Nunziato served two voluntary tours of combat duty in Vietnam, where he was severely injured by a mortar shell while protecting the village of Soui Da, causing him to lose his legs. For his bravery, he received the Bronze Star, the Army Air Medal, a Purple Heart, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. Throughout his admirable life, Carl Nunziato has served Youngstown and the United States, both at home and abroad with bravery and honor. He has worked valiantly to improve accessibility, rights, and quality of life for veterans and people with disabilities, and the naming of the Youngstown Veterans Affairs Clinic after Mr. Nunziato would be a fitting tribute to his outstanding work and service. Carl Nunziato is a true son of Ohio and an American patriot who deserves this honor, said Portman. I'm proud that my Senate colleagues passed this important legislation to name the Veterans Affairs clinic in Youngstown, Ohio after Major Nunziato. He has fought and sacrificed for our nation, for his fellow veterans, and for all disabled Americans and this legislation is a fitting tribute to his valuable achievements. I'm grateful for his service and proud to call him a fellow Ohioan. The renaming of the Youngstown VA Clinic in honor of Major Carl Nunziato is the right way to honor a man who did so much to help his fellow veterans, said Brown. Carl served our nation honorably in Vietnam and then continued that service through his work in the Valley through his advocacy work and philanthropy. I'm glad to join Senator Portman and Representative Ryan in celebrating this well-deserved honor. Major Carl Nunziato is a true American hero and represents the very best of Ohio. From serving two tours in Vietnam to fighting for veterans and disabled rights, Carl has dedicated his life to serving our country. He was instrumental to bringing the VA outpatient clinic to Youngstown, and his tireless work in our community and with Youngstown State has helped countless of students and veterans. I couldn't be prouder that we are naming the new Youngstown VA facility in Carl's honor and recognize his heroism and sacrifice,said Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13). NOTE: Earlier this year, Senators Portman and Brown sent a letter to U.S. Representatives Mark Takano (D-CA) and Phil Roe (R-TN) in support of naming the outpatient clinic in Youngstown after Major Carl Nunziato. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-brown-turner-resolution-recognizing-25th-anniversary-dayton-peace,"Portman, Brown, Turner Resolution Recognizing 25th Anniversary of Dayton Peace Accords Passes Senate",2020-12-19,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Portman, Brown, Turner Resolution Recognizing 25th Anniversary of Dayton Peace Accords Passes Senate Peace Accords Negotiated At Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton Ended Civil War, Genocide Against Muslims December 19, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC Last Night, the Senate passed a bipartisan resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) to recognize the 25th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Accords that ended the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Bosnian Serbs used concentration camps as a tool against Muslim men, women and children, culminating in a genocide in July of 1995, where some 8,000 Muslim men and teenagers were detained and killed. Following airstrikes led by the United States and the North Atlantic Trade Organization (NATO), a ceasefire was initiated and peace accord negotiation began on November 1st, 1995 at Wight-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. U.S. Representative Mike Turner (R-OH) introduced the companion legislation in the House of Representatives. We must never forget the human rights abuses committed during the civil war in Bosnia and Herzegovina, said Portman. This important resolution commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Accords that ended the war. I'm proud that Wright-Patterson Air Force Base was the site of the peace negotiations thatbrought an end to this deadly conflict, allowing the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina to work in partnership with the international community towards building a peaceful and democratic society based on the rule of law, respect for human rights, and a free-market economy. The Dayton Peace Accords negotiated at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base put an end to a civil war between Bosnia and Herzegovina that resulted from brutally violent religious persecution and genocide against thousands of Muslim men, women, and children 25 years ago, said Brown. I'm proud the Senate passed this bipartisan resolution that not only commemorates the brave servicemembers who brought about peace through diplomacy, but also reminds us that we must always fight back against religious bigotry wherever it exists. I had the privilege of being the Mayor of Dayton when the Dayton Peace Accords were decided. Over the course of the peace negotiations, the Dayton community and I were able to lean into the history and significance of this watershed agreement. For months, we opened our community to Bosnian, Serbian, and Croatian diplomats and prayed for their peace, said Turner. I am happy that Congress is formally recognizing the 25thanniversary of this important event in Dayton history and world history. Text of the Senate resolution can be found here and below: Recognizing the 25th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Accords. Whereas December 14, 2020, marks the 25th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Accords that ended the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina and brought peace to Bosnia and Herzegovina; Whereas ethnic cleansing and concentration camps were used as a tool of war against Bosnian Muslim men, women, and children, culminating in the July 1995 genocide at Srebrenica, where 8,000 Muslim men and teenagers were detained and killed; Whereas the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the United States initiated airstrikes against Bosnian Serbs to stop grave human rights abuses, which led to ceasefire negotiations and the peace accords; Whereas negotiations began on November 1, 1995, in Dayton, Ohio, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, led by then-negotiator Richard Holbrooke and then-Secretary of State Warren Christopher, with Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Alija Izetbegovic1, President of the Republic of Serbia Slobodan Milos5evic1, President of the Republic of Croatia Franjo Tudjman, European Union Special Representative Carl Bildt, First Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia Igor Ivanov, and representatives from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy; Whereas, after days of extensive discussions, a historic peace agreement was signed on December 14, 1995, to halt the conflict and bring peace to the region; Whereas, despite seemingly insurmountable differences in opinions, the negotiations succeeded due to dedicated foreign service professionals, a common yearning for a peaceful resolution, and an outpouring of support from the global community; Whereas the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, also known as the Dayton Peace Accords, laid the groundwork for NATO and European Union (EU) stabilization missions over the past 25 years, which have allowed the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina to live peacefully and prosper; Whereas the Dayton Literary Peace Prize, established in 2006, remains the only literary peace prize awarded in the United States and recognizes the power of the written word to promote peace, and after the death of Ambassador Holbrooke in 2011, the Lifetime Achievement Award was renamed the Richard C. Holbrooke Distinguished Achievement Award; Whereas the peace negotiations were strongly supported by the City of Dayton, Ohio, its leaders, and community, creating strong relationships between all parties involved, including a sister city relationship with Sarajevo; Whereas the United States Government reaffirms support for Bosnia and Herzegovina's sovereignty and upholds the commitment to equality for all ethnicities according to the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina; and Whereas, since the signing of the Dayton Peace Accords, the Government and people of Bosnia and Herzegovina have been working in partnership with the international community towards building a peaceful and democratic society based on the rule of law, respect for human rights, and a free-market economy: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate (1) condemns human rights abuses that took place during the conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and reconfirms the joint United States and EU commitment to promote and protect human rights, democracy, and the rule of law worldwide; (2) commends the commitment of the Government and people of Bosnia and Herzegovina to peace and cooperation 25 years after the Dayton Peace Accords; (3) encourages the Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina to continue pursuing NATO and EU membership; (4) encourages the Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina to continue its progress towards solving its constitutional issues and improving its economic policy as it advances towards NATO and EU memberships; (5) reiterates the importance of the Dayton Peace Accords as the basis of constitutional reform in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the promotion of political, economic, legal, and religious equality through the goals and values laid out by the EU; (6) urges the Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina to pursue constitutional reforms, needed to reconcile the past to seek empathy and respect as foundations to build a common future; (7) urges the United States Government to work closely with the governments of the countries that border Bosnia and Herzegovinaespecially those who are signatories of the Dayton Peace Accordsto support full implementation of the Stabilization and Association Agreement between the EU and the Balkan States, which requires regional cooperation; and (8) recognizes the State of Ohio and the greater Dayton community for their role in fostering the Dayton Peace Accords, and for continuing to support diplomacy, security, and peace around the world. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/robs-rundown/robs-rundown-week-december-14-december-18-2020,"Robs Rundown: Week of December 14 December 18, 2020",2020-12-19,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Rob's Rundown: Week of December 14 December 18, 2020 December 18, 2020 | Rob's Rundown This week, Senator Portman delivered his 21st floor speech calling for the Senate to pass an emergency COVID-19 relief package. Earlier this week, Portman joined a group of bipartisan senators in announcing two bipartisan packages to provide as much as $908 billion in relief to American students, families, businesses, workers, and health care providers during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Congressional leadership is using most of the legislation for the basis of the final product they will unveil to create a bridge of support between now and when the COVID-19 vaccine is widely available. Portman also issued a statement with Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) and delivered floor remarks regarding the ongoing cyberattacks against our federal agencies, U.S. companies, and some state governments. Portman and Peters have been leaders in the Senate on legislative efforts to strengthen the federal government cyber response. They will lead the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee in the new Congress and plan to hold hearings and work on bipartisan comprehensive cybersecurity legislation in the new year. Portman penned an op-ed for The Cincinnati Enquirer, in which he discussed his efforts to secure additional aid for those facing evictions. Portman has long focused on ensuring Ohioans have affordable housing and is currently championing the bipartisan Evictions Crisis Act, which will help to address the national housing crisis that has been made worse by the economic impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The bipartisan legislation, which Portman introduced in December 2019, will shed light on the root causes of the eviction crisis, reduce preventable evictions, and limit the devastation to families when eviction is unavoidable. More than 75 national and Ohio based housing, civil rights, and homelessness groups have announced their strong support for the Eviction Crisis Act. On Thursday, Portman touted the distribution of $77 million in federal State Opioid Response (SOR) grants to help local communities combat Ohio's drug crisis. The SOR program, funded through the 21st Century CURES Act, has been used by states to increase access to naloxone and support access to long-term addiction treatment and recovery services. Portman championed the passage of the CURES law and consistently works to increase the federal funding for the SOR program. In addition, Portman highlighted the widespread support among Ohio stakeholders for his bipartisan Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) 2.0 - legislation to increase the funding authorization levels for the Comprehensive Addiction & Recovery Act programs enacted in 2016 and put in place additional policy reforms to help combat the opioid epidemic that has worsened during the coronavirus pandemic. For a more detailed look at Senator Portman's week, please see the following: Monday, December 14, 2020 Widespread Support Across Ohio for Portman's Bipartisan CARA 2.0 to Increase Access to Treatment, Prevention & Bolster Fight Against Addiction Epidemic Addiction treatment, recovery, enforcement, and prevention stakeholders across Ohio support Senator Portman's bipartisan Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) 2.0 to increase the funding authorization levels for the Comprehensive Addiction & Recovery Act (CARA) programs enacted in 2016 and put in place additional policy reforms to help combat the opioid epidemic that has worsened during the coronavirus pandemic. Portman introduced the legislation yesterday with Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN). CARA was a bipartisan, national effort designed to ensure that federal resources were devoted to evidence-based education, treatment and recovery programs that work. In FY 2020, CARA programs were funded at $658 million. CARA 2.0 builds on this effort by increasing the funding authorization levels and laying out new policy reforms to strengthen the federal government's response to this crisis. The addiction treatment, recovery, enforcement, and prevention stakeholders across Ohio have voiced their support for the legislation can be found here. Portman Statement on the Electoral College Vote Portman released the following statement on the Electoral College vote: In accordance with the Constitution and federal law, the Electoral College cast their votes for President today. The Electors met in their respective state following certification of the results. I think we need to respect this process the Founding Fathers established, and we must respect the will of the voters. As I've said previously, the Trump campaign had every right to pursue recounts and legal challenges. That has now happened over the past six weeks, and although there were instances of fraud and irregularities, it has not been shown to be widespread enough to change the result of the election. States must take seriously the proven examples of fraud and irregularities, prosecute anyone who engaged in it, and review voting systems to maintain the integrity of our elections. The transition process and briefings for the Biden team began three weeks ago at the direction of President Trump, and I commend him for that. The orderly transfer of power is a hallmark of our democracy, and although I supported President Trump, the Electoral College vote today makes clear that Joe Biden is now President-Elect. Portman, Bipartisan, Bicameral Members Share Details of Two Bipartisan COVID-19 Emergency Relief Bills Senators Rob Portman, Joe Manchin (D-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mark Warner (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Angus King (I-ME), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Tom Reed (R-NY) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) shared additional details for the two bipartisan, bicameral COVID-19 emergency relief bills. The Bipartisan COVID-19 Emergency Relief Act of 2020, co-sponsored by Senators Portman, Manchin, Collins, Warner, Cassidy, Shaheen, Murkowski, King, Romney, Hassan, and Durbin, would provide as much as $748 billion in relief to American students, families, businesses, workers, and health care providers during this crisis. The Bipartisan State and Local Support and Small Business Protection Act of 2020, co-sponsored by Senators Portman, Manchin, Collins, Cassidy, Murkowski, and Romney, would provide $160 billion in funding for state and local governments and liability protections for businesses, schools, health care providers, and other organizations. The Problem Solvers Caucus is working on a version in the House. The Senate should not adjourn until we have passed a new COVID-19 package to provide the relief Americans need, and I'm pleased to announce this bipartisan effort with my colleagues. Together, we have crafted two packages, one that will support our health care response to this pandemic and, just as important, provide a bridge of additional aid to bolster our economy until vaccines are widely available and Americans feel safe returning to normal life. The second package is focused on ensuring that state and local governments have the funding they need to provide essential services while protecting businesses, nonprofits, schools, and faith-based organizations from frivolous lawsuits. I hope all of our colleagues will support these bipartisan products, said Senator Portman. Tuesday, December 15, 2020 Portman Statement on Former Nationwide Children's Researcher and Chinese Talents Program Member Pleading Guilty for Alleged Theft of Scientific Trade Secrets and Wire Fraud Portman issued the following statement after John C. Demers, Assistant Attorney General for National Security, David M. DeVillers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Chris Hoffman, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced that a former Nationwide Children's Hospital's Research Institute researcher pleaded guilty to conspiring to steal scientific trade secrets and commit wire fraud while receiving benefits from the Chinese government. The researcher's wife previously pleaded guilty to the same crimes in July 2020. Senator Portman, as Chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), led a year-long investigation into China's talent recruitment programs like the Thousand Talents Program, culminating in a bipartisan report in November 2019 that detailed how China has recruited U.S.-based scientists and researchers since the late 1990s and incentivized them to transfer U.S. taxpayer-funded research and IP to China for their own military and economic gain. This case follows the string of arrests of academics affiliated with American universities for alleged crimes related to their participation in China's talent recruitment programs while accepting American taxpayer-funded grant funding. Earlier this year, Portman introduced the bipartisan Safeguarding American Innovation Act to protect American research and IP from global competitors. Both FBI Director Wray and Attorney General Barr, have spoken about the threat to American taxpayer-funded research and intellectual property from foreign governments, particularly China, which would be addressed by this legislation. I'm pleased that our committee investigation and resulting report last year continues to spur action by federal law enforcement to hold China accountable. For too long, China has exploited the lack of transparency in our education system to steal our taxpayer-funded research and innovation. I commend U.S. Attorney DeVillers and the DOJ for their work to stop another alleged member of China's talent programs, adding to the string of arrests that have been announced this year. This case further underscores the need for my bipartisan legislation to safeguard American innovation, hold countries like China accountable for their actions, and ensure our world-class research enterprise is protected here in America. I am encouraged by the actions taken by DOJ and the FBI to stop the exploitation of the openness and transparency of our research enterprise. China's ongoing theft of America's research and innovation must stop. Portman, Heinrich Secure Groundbreaking Advancements for Artificial Intelligence in FY 2021 NDAA Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM), the co-founders of the Senate Artificial Intelligence Caucus, have secured the most significant advancements for Artificial Intelligence (AI) ever included in a defense policy bill. The FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) authorizes versions of four major pieces of legislation championed by Senators Portman and Heinrich that include: Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act (AI-IA), Artificial Intelligence for the Armed Forces Act, National AI Research Resource Task Force Act, Deepfakes Report Act We cannot take America's AI leadership for granted. Right now, China is engaging in a full court press to unseat the United States' dominance in AI, said Portman. I'm pleased the FY 2021 NDAA conference report includes the AI-IA, National AI Research Resource Task Force Act, Artificial Intelligence for the Armed Forces Act, and the Deepfakes Report Act which provide groundbreaking advancements in AI in our nation. By coordinating and synchronizing our country's research and development efforts, these bipartisan bills ensure not just that the United States remains an AI leader, but that it does so by developing AI technology that prioritizes American values. Senate-Passed FY 2021 NDAA Conference Report Includes Wins for Ohio, Increases Troop Pay, Supports Ukraine Security Assistance Portman announced that the Senate-passed FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report includes a number of initiatives to support Ohio's military installations, increase troop pay, and provide additional assistance to Ukraine. The report now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law. He released the following statement: I'm proud that the Senate-passed conference report provides needed resources to continue rebuilding our military, support our troops, and provide upgrades and support to Ohio's defense installations. Our country faces significant security threats around the world, and this bipartisan legislation will help ensure that our soldiers, airmen, sailors, Marines and space professionals have the vital resources they need to accomplish their national security missions. Ohio is home to the best and brightest serving our country and some of our nation's premier defense installations, and this legislation provides for their continued success. This conference report also takes additional steps I've fought for to help Ukraine defend themselves against Russian aggression. This security assistance package sends a clear message that America continues to stand with the Ukrainian people in their struggle to secure a democratic, prosperous, and independent future and I hope the president signs it into law soon. Portman Announces $12.7 Million in FEMA Grants to Ohio Health Care Systems to Help Continue to Provide COVID-19 Treatment, Testing & Protective Measures Portman applauded the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for announcing two grants totaling $12.7 million to help health care systems in Ohio with costs associated with COVID-19. FEMA awarded these grants from replenished funds accessible thanks to the bipartisan CARES Act, which Senator Portman supported and was signed into law by President Trump. The $12.7 million in FEMA funding announced today is great news for the Ohio State University and Premier Health because it will help them continue to provide the treatment and health care that Ohio desperately needs during this ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, said Portman. This pandemic has created significant and unprecedented challenges across Ohio and these grants will provide much-needed additional support for these hard-working health care providers. I will continue to work with my bipartisan colleagues in Congress to ensure that Ohio has the necessary resources during these uncertain times. Wednesday, December 16, 2020 Portman Applauds Service of Justin Herdman, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District Portman issued the following statement on the service of Justin Herdman as the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio. The Northern District of Ohio consists of the 40 northern counties in Ohio and has offices in Cleveland, Toledo, Akron and Youngstown. Portman praised the confirmation of Justin Herdman for the position of U.S. Attorney in the Northern District of Ohio in 2017. I want to thank U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman for his outstanding service to northern Ohio and the U.S. Department of Justice. I was proud to recommend him for his role as U.S. Attorney and I enjoyed working with him on issues important to Ohio and the country. Under Justin's leadership, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Ohio has led the charge on nationwide efforts to reduce violent crime and the trafficking of dangerous narcotics like fentanyl and synthetic opioids. I have particularly appreciated working with him on addressing the addiction crisis and stopping the theft of our nation's intellectual property by foreign governments like China. Justin has made a real difference in his office and in his community and I wish him all the best in his future endeavors. At Hearing, Portman Questions Witnesses on Election Security & Cybersecurity Threats Facing United States At a Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing, Portman questioned witnesses about election security and the cybersecurity threats facing the country. Portman has led efforts to address state and local cybersecurity threats and has worked to combat cyberattacks and ensure elections are free, fair, and secure from foreign interference. Last week, Portman announced that the Senate-passed FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report included his bipartisan provision to require the Department of Homeland Security to establish a Cybersecurity State Coordinator position in every state. In 2018, Senator Portman's bipartisan Hack Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Act and Public-Private Cybersecurity Cooperation Act were included in a package of bills that were signed into law. In addition, earlier this year, Senators Portman and Gary Peters (D-MI) introduced the bipartisan Risk-Informed Spending for Cybersecurity (RISC) Act to require the federal government to make better investments in cybersecurity protections to keep Americans' data safe. The legislation would require federal agencies to efficiently allocate limited cybersecurity resources to acquire capabilities that address the most pressing cyber threats. In addition, earlier this month, the senators introduced a bipartisan bill that would increase transparency and modernize how the government responds to cybersecurity incidents on federal information systems. Federal System Incident Response Act will update and add critical new sections to FISMA, increasing transparency by clarifying how and when agencies must notify impacted individuals and Congress when data breaches occur. The bill would also require agencies to share information about cybersecurity incidents with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to ensure that attacks against one agency can be compared to other agency incidents. In June 2019, Senator Portman, as Chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, released a bipartisan report that found that the vast majority of federal agencies reviewed by the Subcommittee failed to implement effective and comprehensive cybersecurity frameworks. This included the failure to protect sensitive personally identifiable information and an overreliance on outdated legacy systems. Excerpts of the hearing can be found here and a video can be found here. Portman, Brown Applaud House Passage of Bipartisan Legislation to Rename NASA's Plum Brook Station Test Facility After Neil Armstrong Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) applauded the U.S. House of Representatives for passing their bipartisan legislation to rename NASA's Plum Brook Station, the agency's test facility in Sandusky, Ohio, after Neil Armstrong. Portman and Brown introduced the legislation last year and it was passed by the Senate in June. Plum Brook is part of the NASA Glenn Research Center. It houses unique world-class facilities that conduct critical and innovative ground tests for the international aerospace community. The legislation now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law. From his service as a Navy fighter pilot, to his courageous experiments as a test pilot, to his space exploration and first step on the surface of the Moon, Neil Armstrong left an indelible mark in mankind's history of flight. In all his accomplishments, he considered himself first and foremost a test pilot who pushed the boundaries of what was possible in the air and in space, Senator Portman said. Neil was a humble and patriotic Ohioan who believed the honor of serving his country was a reward in and of itself. That's why, when I asked him the year before he passed away whether he wanted me to pursue naming Plum Brook after him, he demurred. But he was a strong supporter of Plum Brook Station and the important simulations and testing being done there, and I believe it is precisely because of his humility, coupled with his unparalleled accomplishments, that the renaming is appropriate. In consultation with his family and NASA, Senator Brown and I introduced this legislation last year and I applaud the House for passing it today. I urge the president to sign this legislation into law soon as a fitting tribute to Armstrongs amazing accomplishments in air and in space. On CNBC, Portman Discusses Bipartisan Efforts to Pass COVID-19 Relief Package On CNBC's Squawk Box, Portman discussed his bipartisan efforts to pass a COVID-19 relief package. Earlier this week, Portman joined a group of bipartisan senators in introducing two bipartisan packages to provide as much as $908 billion in relief to American students, families, businesses, workers, and health care providers during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Congressional leadership is using most of legislation for the basis of the final product they will unveil to create a bridge of support between now and when the COVID-19 vaccine is widely available. In addition, Senator Portman highlighted the importance of coming together on a bipartisan basis to focus on what's best for the American people in the new Congress. Senator Portman believes it's vital that Congress set the example by coming together to solve important problems facing all Americans, regardless of political affiliation. Excerpts of the interview can be found here and a video can be found here. Portman Op-Ed in The Cincinnati Enquirer: Help is on the Way to Prevent Evictions Today, in an op-ed for The Cincinnati Enquirer, Senator Portman discussed his bipartisan efforts to pass a COVID-19 relief package, including additional aid to help those facing evictions. Portman has long focused on ensuring Ohioans have affordable housing and is currently championing the bipartisan Evictions Crisis Act, which will help to address the national housing crisis that has been made worse by the economic impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The bipartisan legislation, which Portman introduced in December 2019, will shed light on the root causes of the eviction crisis, reduce preventable evictions, and limit the devastation to families when eviction is unavoidable. More than 75 national and Ohio based housing, civil rights, and homelessness groups have announced their strong support for the Eviction Crisis Act. Earlier this week, Portman joined a group of bipartisan senators in introducing two bipartisan packages to provide as much as $908 billion in relief to American students, families, businesses, workers, and health care providers during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. The legislation includes a provision to provide an additional $25 billion in rental assistance across the country to help cover the rent for thousands of households. Congressional leadership is using most of the legislation as the basis for the final product they will unveil to create a bridge of support between now and when the COVID-19 vaccine is widely available. The full op-ed can be found here. Portman Applauds HUD for Awarding Lucas County $450,000 Initiative Planning Grant to Ensure Stable Housing Portman applauded the announcement that Lucas County Metropolitan Housing and the City of Toledo have been selected to receive a $450,000 2020 Choice Neighborhoods Initiative Planning Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Choice Neighborhoods program leverages significant public and private dollars to support locally driven strategies that address struggling neighborhoods with distressed public and/or HUD-assisted housing through a comprehensive approach to neighborhood transformation. Portman has long focused on ensuring Ohioans have affordable housing and is currently championing the bipartisan Evictions Crisis Act which will help to address the national housing crisis that is undermining the efforts of millions of Americans to rise into the middle class. The bipartisan 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. More than 75 national and Ohio based housing, civil rights, and homelessness groups have announced their strong support for the Eviction Crisis Act. Portman released the following statement: This $450,000 grant is great news for those struggling to find or stay in stable housing in Lucas County and the city of Toledo. I'm pleased to see that they have been selected for this grant that will help them to complete their Transformation Plan that will ultimately improve and create housing opportunities, said Portman. Stable housing is a key factor to keeping people out of poverty, and the COVID-19 pandemic has made this issue more important than ever. I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure Ohioans have the resources they need to address this housing and evictions crisis. Portman: $77 Million in Federal Funds Will Help Combat Addiction in Ohio Portman praised the announcement today from Governor Mike DeWine, Recovery Ohio Director Alisha Nelson, and Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) Director Lori Criss on how the state will distribute $77 million in federal State Opioid Response (SOR) grants to help local communities combat Ohio's drug crisis. As Portman announced in August, Ohio received $96 million in SOR funding and today's grants represent a portion of that funding. The SOR program, funded through the 21st Century CURES Act, has been used by states to increase access to naloxone and support access to long-term addiction treatment and recovery services. Portman championed the passage of the CURES law and consistently works to increase the federal funding for the SOR program. Today's SOR grant announcement comes at a time when many communities are suffering from an increase in addiction, overdoses, and the need for behavioral health services due to the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Portman has repeatedly discussed the impact the ongoing COVID-19 crisis is having on the addiction epidemic and called for a redoubling of efforts to save lives. OhioMHAS will award $58.8 million in grants directly to local county alcohol, drug addiction and mental health services boards and their community partners. OhioMHAS will make the remaining funding available for organizations utilizing innovative approaches for connecting people to care. State Opioid Response funds are vital for Ohio's continued efforts to combat the addiction epidemic, and I'm pleased to have led efforts to create this federal funding stream through the CURES legislation and to help secure this funding for Ohio, said Portman. The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges and we are now seeing a heartbreaking surge in overdose deaths. That's why I'm glad this federal funding will make a difference and continue to help save lives throughout Ohio. I will continue to work with my colleagues and Governor DeWine to ensure that our local communities and addiction providers have the resources they need to continue to combat this epidemic. On Former U.S. Trade Representatives Panel, Portman Highlights Importance of Renewing Trade Promotion Authority, Proposes Supercharging' American Competitiveness Portman participated in a Center for Strategic and International Studies virtual event entitled A Conversation with Former USTRs, and highlighted the importance of renewing the Trade Promotion Authority (TPA). He also proposed using TPA, or a similar opportunity, to invest in American workers with new anti-dumping and countervailing duty laws, as well as in American manufacturing and high technology, like artificial intelligence, all in an effort to keep the United States competitive with respect to China. Portman, who was the U.S. Trade Representative during the George W. Bush administration, has been a leading voice in the Senate on U.S. trade policy and serves on the Senate Finance Committee, which has jurisdiction over trade issues. In addition, Senator Portman discussed his support for President-Elect Biden's nomination of Katherine Tai to be the next U.S. Trade Representative. Excerpts of the event can be found here and a video of Senator Portman's remarks can be found here and here. On Senate Floor, Portman Calls on Senate to Pass Critical Legislation to Respond to Challenges of COVID-19 On the Senate floor, Portman gave his 21st speech since March calling on Congress to pass legislation to respond to the health care and economic crises caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier this week, Portman joined a group of bipartisan senators in introducing two bipartisan packages to provide as much as $908 billion in relief to American students, families, businesses, workers, and health care providers during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Congressional leadership is using most of the legislation for the basis of the final product they will unveil to create a bridge of support between now and when the COVID-19 vaccine is widely available. In addition, Portman pushed for the year-end agreement to include the Craft Beverage Modernization & Tax Reform Act, bipartisan legislation he has championed and cosponsored to make tax relief permanent for the craft beverage industry. Portman has consistently discussed the importance of supporting America's craft beverage industry, especially since brew pubs and other craft beverage retail operations have been hit hard by the COVID-19 economic slowdown. He urged his colleagues to support both the COVID-19 relief package and the upcoming end-of-year funding agreement so that Americans get the relief they need in time for the holidays. A transcript of his remarks can be found here and a video can be found here. House Passes Portman, Shaheen Bipartisan Legislation to Reauthorize Peace Corps Commemorative Project Senators Rob Portman and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) applauded the U.S. House of Representatives for passing their bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Peace Corps Commemorative project. Representatives Joe Kennedy III (D-MA) and Garret Graves (R-LA) led the legislation in the House. In 2014, Senator Portman's and Rep. Kennedy's bipartisan Peace Corps Commemorative Act was signed into law to create a commemorative in Washington, D.C.'s National Capital Area to celebrate the mission of the Peace Corps and the ideals on which the Peace Corps was founded. This bipartisan legislation designated the Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation as the lead nonfederal sponsor for the project, and prohibits the use of federal funding. The current authorization for the project is set to expire in January 2021. This legislation would extend the authorization for the project for an additional seven years, to January 2028, in order for the project to secure the necessary design approvals and raise the funding for construction. The legislation now awaits action in the Senate. For more than 50 years, the Peace Corps has served as a powerful vehicle for volunteers who wish to use their talents to carry America's humanitarian values to other parts of the world, said Portman. By reauthorizing this project, we can ensure the Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation can finish this important project and honor those Americans who have donated their time and talent to serving others. I am pleased that this legislation was approved by the House today, and I urge my Senate colleagues to support it so that it can head to the President's desk for his signature. Friday, December 18, 2020 Portman, Bipartisan, Bicameral Group Urges Leadership to Continue Moving Forward on COVID-19 Emergency Relief Package Senators Rob Portman (R-OH), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mark Warner (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Angus King (I-ME), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Tom Reed (R-NY) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) urged Senate and House Leadership to continue moving forward to finalize a COVID-19 emergency relief package. Earlier this week, the Senators and the Problem Solvers Caucus announced two bipartisan packages, one of which, the bipartisan COVID-19 Emergency Relief Act of 2020, is serving as the framework for the final COVID-19 relief package. This pandemic has been devastating for millions of Americans and without Congressional action they will lose the lifelines that are keeping them afloat. We appreciate the ongoing efforts of Leader McConnell, Speaker Pelosi, Leader Schumer and Leader McCarthy to craft an emergency COVID-19 relief package that will help the American people weather the next few months of this pandemic. We know first-hand how hard it can be to find common ground on some of these issues. We encourage the leaders and their staff to continue this important work. By working together, we can and we will deliver immediate assistance to the workers, the families, and the businesses that need it most. Portman, Peters Statement on Widespread Cyberattacks, Plan Hearings & Legislation in Early 2021 Senators Rob Portman and Gary Peters (D-MI) issued the following statement on the ongoing cyberattacks against our federal agencies, U.S. companies, and some state governments. Portman and Peters have been leaders in the Senate on legislative efforts to strengthen the federal government cyber response. They will lead the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee in the new Congress and plan to hold hearings and work on bipartisan comprehensive cybersecurity legislation in the new year. The recently discovered and ongoing cyberattacks cannot be tolerated and demonstrate the weakness of our cyber defenses and capacity to respond. These attacks were highly complex and they must be unraveled to know the full extent of the exposure to federal and state agencies and the private sector. The immediate effort must be to stop the immediate threat and ensure our systems are secure. We will in the future need to understand the full scope and impact to ensure that we know what damage has been done and to better prepare to respond next time. These types of sophisticated attacks are going to continue and we must work across the federal government, as well as with our private sector and state and local partners, to learn from this and strengthen our cyber defenses moving forward. In June 2019, the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations released a bipartisan report that extensively documented the cybersecurity vulnerabilities and weaknesses in many of our federal agencies, including the Departments of State and Homeland Security. Next Congress, through the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, we intend to work together to understand the origin, scope, and severity of this breach, and plan to work on bipartisan comprehensive legislation to improve our cyber defenses to ensure this doesn't happen again. Portman, Warner, Blumenthal, Grassley Urge U.S. Trade Rep to Not Include Tech Liability Shield in US-UK Trade Agreement Senators Rob Portman, Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Charles E. Grassley (R-IA) sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Robert Lighthizer urging the Trump Administration to refrain from including sweeping liability protection language modeled on Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996 in a trade agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom. We are optimistic that a new trade agreement with the United Kingdom will ensure fair, balanced, and reciprocal trade. But we want to note that we have concerns with the inclusion of safe harbor language modeled on Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996, wrote the Senators. Including a safe harbor clause in any future trade agreements will further allocate more power to companies at the expense of individuals. They continued, Congress can and should debate about Section 230 and how it has enabled platforms to turn a blind eye as their platforms are used to facilitate discrimination, cyber-stalking, terrorism, online frauds, and more. We urge USTR to refrain from including this provision in this and future free trade agreements until that debate has concluded. A copy of the letter is available here. On Senate Floor, Portman Condemns Widespread Cyberattacks, Calls for Bipartisan Efforts to Bolster Cybersecurity Portman strongly spoke out against the ongoing cyberattacks on our federal agencies, U.S. companies, and some state governments on the Senate floor. Earlier today, Portman, who will serve as the top Republican on Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee in the new Congress, condemned the cyberattacks and announced plans to hold hearings and work on bipartisan comprehensive cybersecurity legislation in the new year. Portman noted that these attacks demonstrate the vulnerabilities of our cyber defenses and the need for bipartisan action in Congress to do more to equip the federal government to defend against and deter future cyberattacks. He highlighted the bipartisan report he issued last year as Chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations warning of vulnerabilities at federal agencies to cyberattacks. Portman also spoke about his leadership in legislative efforts to strengthen the federal government cyber response. A transcript of his remarks can be found here and a video can be found here. Portman, Bipartisan, Bicameral Group: Finish What We Started Senators Rob Portman (R-OH), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mark Warner (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Angus King (I-ME), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) and Tom Reed (R-NY-23) called on Congress to deliver immediate COVID-19 relief to the American people. Earlier this week, the Senators and the Problem Solvers Caucus announced two bipartisan packages, one of which, the bipartisan COVID-19 Emergency Relief Act of 2020, is serving as the framework for the final COVID-19 relief package. Today we find ourselves in the middle of a global pandemic that has taken the lives of more than 310,000 Americans, and hours away from a government shutdown that threatens to delay urgent aid to people in need throughout the nation. We must set our differences aside. The American people elected us to govern on their behalf, and at a time when they need us more than ever we must end the partisan games and meet this moment together for the good of the country. On Monday, our bipartisan, bicameral group presented a bill that helps provide for the emergency needs of the millions of families struggling to make ends meet. Once again, we encourage the leaders to finish what we started and deliver immediate assistance to the workers, families and businesses that need it most. On Senate Floor, Portman Urges Colleagues to Pass Short-Term Funding Measure & End Government Shutdowns for Good On the Senate floor, hours before the government will shut down if a temporary funding measure isn't passed, Portman discussed the unnecessary costs of government shutdowns and highlighted his End Government Shutdowns Act, which would permanently prevent the federal government from shutting down, ensure that essential government services aren't disrupted, and protect taxpayers from resulting deficits. The measure would create an automatic continuing resolution (CR) in the event of a lapse of appropriations, and incentivize Congress to pass full-year appropriations bills through gradually reducing spending after 120 days. Last year, Portman released the findings of a nine-month investigation by the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, which he chairs, detailing the real-world costs of the last three government shutdowns. Alongside Ranking Member Tom Carper (D-DE), Portman found that the combined 54 days of partial or full government closures since FY 2014 resulted in at least $4 billion in costs for taxpayers and 56,938 years of missed work by furloughed federal workers. Transcript of his remarks can be found below and a video can be found here. SOCIAL MEDIA Portman: Help is on the way to combat opioid crisis The refrain I hear across Ohio about the opioid epidemic is clear: People are desperate for hope, and they want solutions. We've made progress recently, and we have much more to do. But I'm proud that Congress took another important step to make the federal government a better partner through new legislation the president just signed into law. The most urgent crisis we face in Ohio is the rise of fentanyl a synthetic opioid 50 times more potent than heroin. Fentanyl overdose deaths in Ohio have increased by nearly 4,000 percent since 2013, and last year fentanyl was responsible for more than 70 percent of Ohio overdose deaths. Newtown Police Chief Tom Synan, co-chair of the Hamilton County Heroin Coalition, told me at a recent meeting that fentanyl continues to be the top killer in Greater Cincinnati and other drugs like cocaine, heroin and meth are being laced with it. In August 2016, Cincinnati experienced 174 overdoses over six days. That spike was caused by a fentanyl analogue called carfentanil. It drew national attention to this crisis and highlighted the need to act. Just days after we learned this spike was caused by synthetic opioids, I introduced bipartisan legislation to combat the rise of these drugs. Based on an 18-month investigation by a congressional subcommittee I chair, we know that fentanyl is mostly shipped into our communities from China through our U.S. Postal Service. Our legislation addressed that. The legislation the STOP Act was included in the new opioid law the president signed last week and closes the loophole in our international mail screening that drug traffickers have exploited. It requires the Postal Service to receive electronic advance data on packages entering the U.S., something private carriers are already required to do. This information allows law enforcement to identify suspicious packages, test them and seize fentanyl. I've seen this process in person, including at the DHL distribution center at the Greater Cincinnati airport, where I met with Customs and Border Protection officers who told me how badly they need this information to keep fentanyl out. Now that it is law, the STOP Act will act as a tourniquet, stemming the flow of fentanyl into Ohio and allowing prevention, treatment, and recovery programs to take hold. The new opioid law also expands access to treatment. When someone is ready to get over their addiction, treatment centers have to be ready to accept them. I've talked with too many families who have lost loved ones from overdoses after they were turned away from a treatment center because there wasn't enough space. A decades-old policy restricts those with Medicaid from seeking care in facilities with more than 16 beds. The new law includes bipartisan legislation I authored to lift this arbitrary restriction. We want to help more people with the disease of addiction get treatment, and this initiative will do that. It will also ensure that all forms of substance abuse are covered and that treatment centers offer multiple forms of medication-assisted treatment to help people get treatment that is right for them. The new opioid law also helps protect pregnant and postpartum moms affected by addiction as well as babies born dependent on drugs. These innocent babies have to be taken through the process of withdrawal as infants and the long-term health effects are uncertain. Earlier this year, I introduced CARA 2.0 to build on the successes of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA), my bipartisan legislation that became law in 2016. A number of provisions from CARA 2.0 are in this new law, including $60 million for a plan of safe care for babies born dependent on drugs. This is welcomed news for Cincinnati organizations like First Step Home, which provides support for expecting mothers, and Cincinnati Children's Hospital, which has an innovative program to help babies born dependent on drugs. The law also includes the CRIB Act, a bipartisan bill I co-authored that will help newborns recover from addiction in the best care setting possible and provide support for their families. I've seen the love and care babies receive through these impressive recovery programs, like Brigid's Path in Dayton. This new law will assist that great program and support more like it. Despite overdose deaths rising to new highs last year, there are some encouraging signs. In Cincinnati, more Narcan is being distributed to save lives, medication-assisted treatment is being expanded at places like Center for Addiction Treatment and Talbert House to help more people get into effective treatment to overcome their addiction. Mercy Health in Cincinnati is partnering with treatment centers to bridge the transition from immediate medical assistance and detox to longer-term treatment and wellness. Through the commitment I have seen at the local level and this new law's renewed partnership from the federal level, I believe we can turn the corner and take back our communities from the grips of addiction. Election Political Poison' Needs Bipartisan Fix, Portman Says A bipartisan commission might be the solution to removing the partisan poison from debate over the 2020 election, the next top Republican on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee said Pulling this out of politics a little bit and having a bipartisan group that is more independent look at the issue is a good idea, Rob Portman (R-Ohio) said during a sometimes tense panel hearing Wednesday. The hearing, Examining Irregularities in the 2020 Election, included at least one exchange between the current ranking member, Gary Peters (D-Mich.), and outgoing Chairman Ron Johnson (R-Wis.). Each senator accused the other of spreading disinformation or lies. The bitter exchange and the hearing come as President Donald Trump refuses to accept the outcome of the 2020 election, which the electoral college this week certified he lost to president-election Joe Biden, and continues to lean on claims of widespread election fraud that his own attorney general and the Department of Homeland Security have found to be untrue. Portman, who will either be chairman or ranking member of the committee next Congress depending on the outcome of two Georgia Senate runoffs Jan. 5, is discussing with at least one Democratic colleague creating such a commission, he said. His remarks and proposal to extract the dispute from the committee's purview suggest how he'd prefer to see the committee operate. Portman proposed something similar to the 2005 Commission on Federal Election Reform, co-chaired by former President Jimmy Carter and former Secretary of State James A. Baker III. Baker was a consigliere to George W. Bush, who won the presidency over then-Vice President Al Gore in 2000 after the U.S. Supreme Court halted a recount in Florida. Ken Starr, the former independent counsel in the investigation that led to President Bill Clinton's impeachment, lauded the idea of a new commission akin to Carter-Baker during the hearing Wednesday. In light of the acrimony and the division with respect to the 2000 election, bringing together Jimmy Carter and former secretary Baker was, I think, very efficacious. They made thoughtful recommendations. But they bring attention and shed light on what the issues are, he said. However, the Brennan Center for Justice panned much of the report at the time, saying its study was only of a cursory nature after two hearings and no public comment opportunities. Although a number of its recommendations could improve our electoral system, several of its suggestions would be damaging and should not be included in any proposal for election reform, the report said. One of the biggest issues voting rights advocates took with the report at the time were recommendations on voter ID, a sore point to this day. Portman wants to establish the 2020 look-back commission quickly so it would be able to offer best practices to states before the next midterm elections, he said.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://anthonygonzalez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=309,"Gonzalez, Sherman, Van Hollen Applaud Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act’s Signing into Law",2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,OH,Anthony Gonzalez,G000588,anthonygonzalez.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Anthony Gonzalez (RRocky River), U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Congressmen Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) released the following statements regarding the signing of their bipartisan Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act into law. TheHolding ForeignCompaniesAccountable Actis about ending the practice of companies based in China, some fully controlled by the Chinese Communist Party, from taking advantage of a loophole in securities law to fund their enterprises. Simply put, if a company wants access to US capital markets, they should follow US securities laws.I am pleased to see this bill be signed into law, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside my colleagues to hold the CCPaccountable and protect our investors and businesses,said CongressmanGonzalez. It's our job to protect American investors from fraudulent businesses seeking to take advantage of them. Requiring all publicly listed companies on our U.S. exchanges to be held to the same standards is the best way to do that. Taking this action is crucial to hold Chinese companies accountable and to safeguard the millions of American families who rely on modest investments to retire, send their kids to college, and weather financial emergencies. I've been proud to lead this this bipartisan effort, and I'm glad to see the President sign it into law today. I will continue fighting to improve our financial system and ensure it puts the American people first,said Senator Van Hollen. This may be the most significant piece of investor protection legislation passed in several years,said Congressman Sherman, Chair of the Investor Protection and Capital Markets subcommittee. It is designed to assure U.S. investors of financial statement integrity, when they invest in any of 224 U.S. exchange-listed companies with over $1.8 trillion in market capitalization. The purpose is not to de-list any company, but to persuade China to allow the audit oversight that U.S. investors need, and the U.S. investors get when investing in U.S. companies or companies in over 50 foreign jurisdictions. The Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act led by Congressmen Gonzalez and Sherman andSenators Van Hollen and John Kennedy (R-La.) prohibits securities of a company from being listed on any of the U.S. securities exchanges if the company has failed to comply with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board's (PCAOB) audits for three years in a row. The bill would also require public companies to disclose whether they are owned or controlled by a foreign government, including China's communist government.The text of the legislation is available here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wenstrup.house.gov/updates/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404560,Wenstrup Receives COVID-19 Vaccine; Encourages Others to Do the Same,2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,OH,Brad Wenstrup,W000815,wenstrup.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Today, Congressman Brad Wenstrup, D.P.M. (OH-02) received his first of two doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at the U.S. Capitol through the Office of the Attending Physician. After the incredibly challenging year we've had, I feel very blessed to receive this vaccine. I hope that my decision to get it gives my constituents confidence in thesafety and efficacy that havebeen demonstrated in the extensive trails, said Congressman Wenstrup. Taking the vaccine will help protect our community, help end the pandemic, restore our way of life, and rebuild the economy. I urge everyone to learn the facts about this vaccine, consult with their doctor, and make the decision that is best for them. He also added, I'm extremely grateful to the doctors, scientists, researchers, and manufacturers who worked around the clock to develop and produce this vaccine in record time. I commend President Trump, Vice President Pence, Secretary Azar, Dr. Moncef Slaoui, General Gustave Perna, the Operation Warp Speed team, and the thousands of clinical trial participantsfor their leadership on this endeavor, which will go down as one of the greatest medical feats in history. About the Pfizer vaccine: The Pfizer vaccine is administered in two doses roughly 21 days apart. It is stored in temperatures of negative 94 degrees Fahrenheit and has demonstrated 95 percent efficacy in clinical trials. The company received $1.95 billion from Operation Warp Speed to manufacture 100 million doses. Background on the Availability of Pfizer/BioNTech COVID19 Vaccine for US Congress Continuity of Government Purpose from the Office of the Attending Physician: The Food and Drug Administration granted an Emergency Use Authorization to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID19 vaccine on December 12, 2020. I have been notified by the National Security Council that consistent with Presidential Policy Directive 40 (2016), Congress and the Supreme Court, along with Executive Branch agencies, will be provided with a specific number of COVID19 vaccine doses to meet long-standing requirements for continuity of government operations. These requirements are focused on essential operations and personnel. PPD-40 establishes continuity requirements for the Federal Government and states that continuity actions for the Executive Branch should be undertaken in parallel with the Legislative and Judicial branches of government. The small number of COVID19 vaccine doses we will be provided reflects a fraction of the first tranche of vaccines as it is distributed throughout the country. The following are some questions and answer format that may be helpful to inform your individual judgment about participating in this voluntary vaccination. My recommendation to you is absolutely unequivocal: there is no reason why you should defer receiving this vaccine. The benefit far exceeds any small risk.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-bipartisan-bicameral-group-finish-what-we-started,"Portman, Bipartisan, Bicameral Group: Finish What We Started",2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Portman, Bipartisan, Bicameral Group: Finish What We Started December 18, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mark Warner (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Angus King (I-ME), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) and Tom Reed (R-NY-23) called on Congress to deliver immediate COVID-19 relief to the American people. Earlier this week, the Senators and the Problem Solvers Caucus announced two bipartisan packages, one of which, the bipartisan COVID-19 Emergency Relief Act of 2020, is serving as the framework for the final COVID-19 relief package. Today we find ourselves in the middle of a global pandemic that has taken the lives of more than 310,000 Americans, and hours away from a government shutdown that threatens to delay urgent aid to people in need throughout the nation. We must set our differences aside. The American people elected us to govern on their behalf, and at a time when they need us more than ever we must end the partisan games and meet this moment together for the good of the country. On Monday, our bipartisan, bicameral group presented a bill that helps provide for the emergency needs of the millions of families struggling to make ends meet. Once again, we encourage the leaders to finish what we started and deliver immediate assistance to the workers, families and businesses that need it most. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-bipartisan-bicameral-group-urges-leadership-continue-moving-forward,"Portman, Bipartisan, Bicameral Group Urges Leadership to Continue Moving Forward on COVID-19 Emergency Relief Package",2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Portman, Bipartisan, Bicameral Group Urges Leadership to Continue Moving Forward on COVID-19 Emergency Relief Package December 18, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mark Warner (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Angus King (I-ME), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Tom Reed (R-NY) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) urged Senate and House Leadership to continue moving forward to finalize a COVID-19 emergency relief package. Earlier this week, the Senators and the Problem Solvers Caucus announced two bipartisan packages, one of which, the bipartisan COVID-19 Emergency Relief Act of 2020, is serving as the framework for the final COVID-19 relief package. This pandemic has been devastating for millions of Americans and without Congressional action they will lose the lifelines that are keeping them afloat. We appreciate the ongoing efforts of Leader McConnell, Speaker Pelosi, Leader Schumer and Leader McCarthy to craft an emergency COVID-19 relief package that will help the American people weather the next few months of this pandemic. We know first-hand how hard it can be to find common ground on some of these issues. We encourage the leaders and their staff to continue this important work. By working together, we can and we will deliver immediate assistance to the workers, the families, and the businesses that need it most. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-peters-statement-widespread-cyberattacks-plan-hearings-legislation,"Portman, Peters Statement on Widespread Cyberattacks, Plan Hearings & Legislation in Early 2021",2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Portman, Peters Statement on Widespread Cyberattacks, Plan Hearings & Legislation in Early 2021 December 18, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Gary Peters (D-MI) issued the following statement on the ongoing cyberattacks against our federal agencies, U.S. companies, and some state governments.Portman and Peters have been leaders in the Senate on legislative efforts to strengthen the federal government cyber response. They will lead the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee in the new Congress and plan to hold hearings and work on bipartisan comprehensive cybersecurity legislation in the new year. The recently discovered and ongoing cyberattacks cannot be tolerated and demonstrate the weakness of our cyber defenses and capacity to respond.These attacks were highly complex and they must be unraveled to know the full extent of the exposure to federal and state agencies and the private sector. The immediate effort must be to stop the immediate threat and ensure our systems are secure. We will in the future need to understand the full scope and impact to ensure that we know what damage has been done and to better prepare to respond next time.These types of sophisticated attacks are going to continue and we must work across the federal government, as well as with our private sector and state and local partners, to learn from this and strengthen our cyber defenses moving forward. In June 2019, the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations released a bipartisan report that extensively documented the cybersecurity vulnerabilities and weaknesses in many of our federal agencies, including the Departments of State and Homeland Security. Next Congress, through the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, we intend to work together to understand the origin, scope, and severity of this breach, and plan to work on bipartisan comprehensive legislation to improve our cyber defenses to ensure this doesn't happen again. Senator Portman, as Chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, has led multiple investigations into the failure of federal agencies and companies to protect their networks and data. In June 2019, Portman released a bipartisan report finding that the vast majority of federal agencies reviewed by the Subcommittee failed to implement effective and comprehensive cybersecurity frameworks. This included the failure to protect sensitive personal identifiable information and an overreliance on outdated legacy systems. The report highlighted the cybersecurity failures of both the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security, two of the agencies affected in this breach. He also led a year-long investigation into the Equifax data breach, which culminated in a bipartisan report and hearing in March 2019 detailing the company's failure to protect the personal and financial data for more than 145 million Americans. As Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Senator Peters has led a number of bipartisan efforts to bolster our nation's cybersecurity defenses. He and Senator Portman introduced a bill to require the federal government to make better investments in cybersecurity protections to keep Americans' data safe. In addition, earlier this month, the senators introduced a bipartisan bill that would increase transparency and modernize how the government responds to cybersecurity incidents on federal information systems. The Senate also unanimously approved their legislation to promote stronger cybersecurity coordination between the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and state and local governments. Peters has also introduced bipartisan legislation to improve access to cybersecurity resources and training forsmall businesses, supportK-12 schoolswith the resources they need to bolster their cybersecurity andensure that America is preparedto respond to and recover in the event of a major cyber incident. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-warner-blumenthal-grassley-urge-us-trade-rep-not-include-tech,"Portman, Warner, Blumenthal, GrassleyUrge U.S. Trade Rep to Not Include Tech Liability Shield in US-UK Trade Agreement",2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Portman, Warner, Blumenthal, GrassleyUrge U.S. Trade Rep to Not Include Tech Liability Shield in US-UK Trade Agreement December 18, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH), Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Charles E. Grassley (R-IA) sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Robert Lighthizer urging the Trump Administration to refrain from including sweeping liability protection language modeled on Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996 in a trade agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom. We are optimistic that a new trade agreement with the United Kingdom will ensure fair, balanced, and reciprocal trade. But we want to note that we have concerns with the inclusion of safe harbor language modeled on Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996,wrote the Senators. Including a safe harbor clause in any future trade agreements will further allocate more power to companies at the expense of individuals. They continued,Congress can and should debate about Section 230 and how it has enabled platforms to turn a blind eye as their platforms are used to facilitate discrimination, cyber-stalking, terrorism, online frauds, and more. We urge USTR to refrain from including this provision in this and future free trade agreements until that debate has concluded. A copy of the letter isavailable here and text can be foundbelow. Dear Ambassador Lighthizer: We support strengthening trade relations between the United States and the United Kingdom through a potential free trade agreement. That relationship would not be improved, however, by a trade agreement that includes safe harbor language similar to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996. As an initial matter, Congress is not requesting, let alone requiring, the Administration to include this type of liability protection in our trade agreements. Trade promotion authority, which establishes the United States' negotiating objectives for trade agreements, calls for recogniz[ing] the significance of the internet as a trading platform in international commerce not for providing blanket immunity to bad actors because the wrongful conduct took place on the internet. Moreover, there is no reason to believe that such safe harbor language actually facilitates U.S. trade policy interests, particularly with respect to a country like the United Kingdom that has a strong rule of law tradition. Instead, the blanket immunity provided by measures like Section 230 allows platforms to escape liability for directly enabling heinous conduct such as online frauds, cyber-stalking, terrorism, and child abuse. Not surprisingly, neither the U.S. Congress nor the UK Parliament are seeking to export this type of immunity. Instead, they are undertaking vigorous debates regarding the proper oversight, transparency, and effective management of digital communications technologies. Domestically, there is bipartisan consensus around the need to address illegal behavior online. Many Members of Congress, as well as the Department of Justice, have offered bills to reform Section 230. The United Kingdom unveiled its long-awaited Online Harms regulation, which would create a new regulatory framework to address unlawful and harmful online content. In parallel, the United Kingdom also passed a law last year that, once fully implemented, will establish a code of practice to protect children from exposure to harmful online content. Congress passed Section 230 as part of wider legislation in 1996. The internet has changed dramatically since then and, accordingly, Section 230 has not aged well. As legislators proceed to review and examine the issues surrounding internet platform liability, it is unnecessaryand inappropriateto tie their hands by making Section 230-style immunity an international obligation of our respective countries. We remain excited by the opportunities presented by a new trade agreement with the United Kingdom. We want our Special Relationship to be as strong economically as it is politically. But inclusion of a safe harbor clause in either negotiations or a final agreement is frankly unhelpful to achieving that goal. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-floor-portman-condemns-widespread-cyberattacks-calls-bipartisan,"On Senate Floor, Portman Condemns Widespread Cyberattacks, Calls for Bipartisan Efforts to Bolster Cybersecurity",2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"On Senate Floor, Portman Condemns Widespread Cyberattacks, Calls for Bipartisan Efforts to Bolster Cybersecurity December 18, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senator Portman Rob Portman (R-OH) strongly spoke out against the ongoing cyberattacks on our federal agencies, U.S. companies, and some state governments on the Senate floor. Earlier today, Portman, who will serve as the top Republican on Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee in the new Congress, condemned the cyberattacks and announced plans to hold hearings and work on bipartisan comprehensive cybersecurity legislation in the new year. Portman noted that these attacks demonstrate thevulnerabilitiesof our cyber defenses and the needfor bipartisan action in Congress to do more to equip the federal government to defend against and deter future cyberattacks. He highlighted the bipartisan report he issued last year as Chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations warning of vulnerabilities at federal agencies to cyberattacks. Portman also spoke about his leadership in legislative efforts to strengthen the federal government cyber response. A transcript of his remarks can be found below and a video can be found here. So 2020 has been a tough year. Let's face it. And unfortunately it looks like the challenges haven't ended. I came to the floor tonight primarily to talk about some shocking and disturbing news we just heard over the last few days. And that's that there has been a massive, highly sophisticated, and ongoing cyberattack that has compromised the networks of multiple federal agencies and the private sector. According to reports, for months now, months, hackers -- our intelligence experts think they are most likely connected with the Russian government in some way, that's what they tell us -- but these hackers have engaged in an espionage effort to access information at some of our biggest federal agencies that hold some of our most sensitive data, and our most sensitive and important national security secrets. Also again, many U.S. private companies were hacked as well. These hackers are smart. They targeted some of these agencies that do handle things like national security, the State Department, for instance, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Energy and its Nuclear Security Administration. This is scary stuff. Others, like the National Institutes of Health, were hacked. Of course, they are closely involved with our work to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, so also a lot of important, sensitive information could have been hacked. They are a treasure-trove of information. These are agencies that protect our homeland, promote our freedom abroad, and are on the front lines battling this pandemic. But what we know today may be just the tip of the iceberg, we are told. Experts expect that the number of agencies, as well as a number of private companies victimized by this attack, will only continue to grow. The main IT monitoring platform believed to have been hacked was used across the government and by 33,000 private companies. Shockingly, we also know that FireEye, the preeminent cyber incident response firm, was also breached. So think about this. FireEye, which is a company that people call when they are hacked, was hacked. We're still learning the details about this attack, but what we know is chilling. Federal investigators from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agencies -- that's CISA -- under the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, and also the Office of National Intelligence -- the ODNI -- are all working to determine how this happened, what the extent of it is, but it looks like the main vulnerability was through a SolarWinds platform, which is an IT monitoring platform, again, widely used by the government and the private sector to oversee the operation of other computer networks. The hackers disguised their entry into these federal agencies' and companies' systems in a troubling and clever way. They exploited a vulnerability in a security patch sent out by SolarWinds to update its software. I want to emphasize that. The security patches that we all advocate to be installed as soon as possible to protect our networks as basic good cyber-hygiene was actually a security breach. This technique and the breadth of this hack are both unprecedented and it shows that the federal government is still far from where we need to be to handle the cybersecurity challenges of the 21st century. As the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations did in its investigation and report, these alarms that we have been raising over time are ones that we should have paid attention to. In 2019, last summer, Senator Carper and I issued a shocking report that detailed the unacceptable cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the federal government. Vulnerabilities that may very well have played a role in the extent of this breach. Our report looked back at how well federal agencies complied with basic cybersecurity standards over the past decade. Every agency we reviewed failed. And we know that four of those agencies, the Department of Homeland Security, the State Department, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Health and Human Services, are among those that have been breached in this current cyberattack. That report from the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations made clear that federal agencies were a target for cyber criminals and other nation-state adversaries. In 2017 alone, federal agencies reported 35,277 cyber incidents. It's the most recent data we have. In one year, the number of cyber incidents in 2019 was a little bit less, 28,581. But 2020 will bring what is likely the biggest, most comprehensive breach across the federal government in our history. We have also found we're not equipped to handle this threat. Many of the agencies we reviewed didn't even know what applications and platforms were operating on its systems. That begs the question -- how can you protect something if you don't even know what you need to protect? If federal agencies fail at meeting basic cyber standards, there is no way they are equipped to thwart the kind of sophisticated attack that apparently happened over the past several months. Here the attackers were meticulous and had a detailed understanding of how to evade intrusion detection practices and technologies, and because the federal agencies involved were unprepared, the attackers had ample time to cover their tracks, which means evaluating the extent of the damage and kicking them off our networks is going to be incredibly difficult and time consuming. Given how widespread this attack is and how much wider it's expected to become, it certainly seems like the federal government's current cyber resources are going to be spread incredibly thin. Congress and the executive branch have failed to prioritize cybersecurity and now we find ourselves vulnerable and exposed. We have to do better than this. This breach has to be a wake-up call for all of us. Over the years, I've worked across the aisle with Senator Peters, Senator Cornyn, Senator Hassan and others on legislation to beef up our federal government cyber capacities, including the Risk-Informed Spending for Cybersecurity Act, the Federal System Incident Response Act, the DHS Cyber Hunt and Incident Response Team Act, and others. We're proud of this legislation, but let's be honest. It wasn't enough. We need to do more. We need to not only defend our networks but go on the offense to deter nation states like Russia and non-state actors from even considering a future attack like this. That means there needs to be consequences for cyberattacks significant enough to prevent them from happening again, and a willingness to act preemptively when warranted. Congress has to take a hard look at the cybersecurity capabilities of our federal agencies. In the next Congress, I will be the top Republican on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, which means I will either serve as its chairman or its ranking member, depending on the outcome of a couple of races in Georgia. Senator Peters will be the chair if the Democrats take the majority. I will tell you here tonight, whether I'm chairman in January or him, we intend to hold in-depth hearings on cybersecurity. With what's happened, we will also, of course, focus on the origin, scope, and severity of this breach. Actually, three weeks ago, even before this attack was revealed, we met and decided to hold these cybersecurity hearings and we are already working on comprehensive legislation to improve our cyber defenses in the federal government going forward. We must now move with renewed sense of purpose and urgency to learn from this massive attack. We have got to remove these hackers from these systems and put in place protections to prevent it from happening again. As this cyberattack has made clear, we have got to redouble our efforts to shore up our defenses. We are two decades into the 21st century, but most of the federal government legacy computer systems are from the 20th century. Federal agencies are simply behind the times when it comes to defending themselves against these threats posed in cyberspace. The government is trying to respond to sophisticated 21st century attacks with 20th century defenses. This attack has shown us the consequences of that and should be the catalyst for real bipartisan action here in the next Congress to better defend networks that contain sensitive personal information and other information critical to our economy, our health care, and the safety and security of all Americans. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-floor-portman-urges-colleagues-pass-short-term-funding-measure-end,"On Senate Floor, Portman Urges Colleagues to Pass Short-Term Funding Measure & End Government Shutdowns for Good",2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"On Senate Floor, Portman Urges Colleagues to Pass Short-Term Funding Measure & End Government Shutdowns for Good December 18, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC Today, on the Senate floor, hours before the government will shut down if a temporary funding measure isn't passed, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) discussed the unnecessary costs of government shutdowns and highlighted his End Government Shutdowns Act, which would permanently prevent the federal government from shutting down, ensure that essential government services aren't disrupted, and protect taxpayers from resulting deficits. The measure would create an automatic continuing resolution (CR) in the event of a lapse of appropriations, and incentivize Congress to pass full-year appropriations bills through gradually reducing spending after 120 days. Last year, Portman released the findings of a nine-month investigation by the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, which he chairs, detailing the real-world costs of the last three government shutdowns. Alongside Ranking Member Tom Carper (D-DE), Portman found that the combined 54 days of partial or full government closures since FY 2014 resulted in at least $4 billion in costs for taxpayers and 56,938 years of missed work by furloughed federal workers. Transcript of his remarks can be found below and a video can be found here. The other thing that's going on tonight, I will say, I guess it's obvious, is that we're about to hit the government shutdown time period again. I mean, we are only about six and a half hours from another government shutdown. That is totally unacceptable. We should never have these shutdowns. They don't make any sense. By the way, to my Republican friends who think these shutdowns are good because you shut down a lot of government and it seems like you save money. We never save money. The taxpayers always end up paying more. You go back and provide back pay, even for services that are not provided. I think we have to figure out a way when we can't get our work done here -- and this is why this is happening. We have not gotten our spending bills and appropriations bills done, therefore we are facing a government shutdown again. At midnight, we turn into pumpkins. It means the government starts to get shut down. By the way, it creates confusion and uncertainty for federal workers, of course, who are wondering, you know, are they going to have their job and are they going to get paid, but also confusion and uncertainty for a lot of citizens who are depending on the services that otherwise would be provided. And it is so inefficient. If you believe in the efficiency of government and you believe in, you know, not wasting money, you shouldn't want these government shutdowns. So my hope is that we do pass a continuing resolution at least to kick us into the next couple of days so that we don't have a shutdown tonight. That would be just such a disaster for so many people. And it could last a long time, by the way, as these shutdowns did over the last couple of years. It doesn't just mean it's a few days. Let's just not go into shutdown at all. I have introduced legislation called End Government Shutdowns for ten years now. I have introduced it in five different Congresses. We have 33 cosponsors. I think it has more cosponsors than any bill like it. But there are other ideas out there, and I am open to them, just some way for us to get away from these shutdowns. Our bill says we just can't shut it down. When you are going for a shutdown, instead you just do a continuing funding from the previous year. And then, by the way, over time you reduce that by one percent every 90 days and then every 60 days to get the attention of the appropriators to get them back to work. Now, other people have other ideas. Our bill has been bipartisan in the past. I don't believe it is today, but it does have 33 cosponsors. So my hope is that we can figure out a way to end these government shutdowns with simple legislation that says let's just not do it. I don't think it provides healthy leverage. I think it provides, again, uncertainty and confusion. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://chabot.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401083,Co-Chairs of the Congressional Nigerian Caucus Condemn Boko Haram's Kidnapping of Over 300 Schoolboys in Katsina State,2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,OH,Steven Chabot,C000266,chabot.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Representatives Steve Chabot (R-Ohio) and Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Nigerian Caucus, released the following statements on Boko Haram's kidnapping of over 300 schoolboys at the Government Science secondary school in Katsina State in northwestern Nigeria on Friday, December 11, 2020. This attack comes just two weeks after Boko Haram killed 110 people in a village near Maiduguri.""Six years after the Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping, Boko Haram has continued to terrorize the people of Nigeria simply for seeking access to education for their children, said Congressman Chabot. This time, the kidnapping of over 330 schoolboys is not only the largest mass kidnapping of schoolchildren in history, but it is also a heartbreaking crime against innocent children and their families. We must not stand idly by as Boko Haram continues to terrorize the Nigerian people, and I will continue to work with Congresswoman Jackson Lee and all of our colleagues to secure the release of the children."" ""It is time for the Nigerian Government to stand up and seek a resolution to preserve their democracy and hold Boko Haram and other terrorist groups accountable for the kidnapping of children and countless brutal attacks on innocent citizens,"" said Congresswoman Jackson Lee. ""I do not know how much longer the world can look to Nigeria for leadership to resolve this horrendous disregard for human life. The future of Nigerian citizens is in jeopardy and its time for the Nigerian Government to send a strong message to the Boko Haram that they will no longer tolerate their complete disregard for human life and their disregard for the laws of the Republic of Nigeria. The violence has to stop, and the human rights and security of the Nigerian people have to be preserved and honored. As Co-Chairs of the Congressional Nigerian Caucus, we will continue to stand in solidarity with the people of Nigeria and demand that the Government of Nigeria take immediate action and locate all these young men and put an end to the Boko Haram. The Congressional Nigerian Caucus is a bipartisan caucus in Congress. The Caucus spearheads pro-Nigerian initiatives and legislative efforts to foster friendship, understanding and cooperation between the United States and Nigeria.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://davidson.house.gov/media-center/op-eds/do-nothing-congress-kicks-can-down-road-once-again,A do-nothing Congress kicks the can down the road once again,2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,OH,Warren Davidson,D000626,davidson.house.gov,,,legacy,"The last thing the public needed this year was more political brinkmanship. In 2020, governments asked the public to stop working, traveling, gathering, and just stay home. The goal was to stop the spread or flatten the curve. The result is millions oflostjobs, thousands ofdelayedmedical procedures, anddiminished educational attainmentfor America's students. Now, on top of all this, Speaker Nancy Pelosi is steering Congress toward a disruptive government shutdown. To be clear, Congress had all year to hammer out an agreement on appropriating money for congressionally funded government operations. In a perfect world, Congress would vote on the various department appropriations one by one before Sept. 30, and then, work would begin on the next year's spending. This would avoid the now-annual tradition of releasing thousand-page omnibus packages just days before the government runs out of money. Methodically negotiating and voting on each appropriation would allow members of Congress to address narrower issues in certain areas where Congress spends our hard-earned taxpayer dollars. What happens instead is that Congress kicks the can down the road, avoiding tough decisions. Back in September, the House of Representatives passed a continuing resolution to avoid a government shutdown before the general election. A continuing resolution is a piece of legislation that maintains spending at current levels for a short period of time. This may have been prudent, but it was a step that was necessary only because Congress failed to stay on schedule to fund the government before Oct. 1. Last week, Congress passed another continuing resolution, extending the deadline by a week as the possibility of passing further coronavirus relief complicated already thorny negotiations. This is unacceptable. Most people must comply with deadlines or else face consequences. Students in school must turn in their homework on time. Hourly workers must show up for their shifts on time. Business owners must meet delivery deadlines and pay bills on time. Congress relentlessly files extensions to avoid making tough choices and pretends there are no consequences for the excessive spending or missed deadlines. It's high time the public demanded accountability from Congress. Assuming appropriators come to an agreement this week, the deal will have been brokered by only a handful of representatives. Outside of congressional leadership and the House Appropriations Committee, rank-and-file members of Congress will have maybe 24 hours to read thousands of pages. There is no room for debate. Amendments will not be accepted. It's a closed process dictated by a handful of people behind closed doors. With the deadline looming, leadership and the appropriators will send a clear message once they reveal the text of the bill: Take it or leave it. Sadly, this power play to bankrupt America with excessive spending in a last-minute omnibus bill has been standard bipartisan practice. After wasting days and months, Congress will be filled with a sense of urgency. The forced dilemma is a choice to disrupt key government services by voting ""no"" or pass it and maintain the broken status quo. We should be clear, voting no is more of a rejection of the excess spending and this broken process than any one particular component of the deal. But, this year, the manufactured urgency is particularly rich. Congress had one of its least productive years in recent memory.A study by Quorumfound this Congress to be the least productive in at least 40 years. Although the metric is the number of bills passed, perhaps the more relevant metric is spending. No Congress has spent more money, ever, than the 116th. The outlook isn't great for the 117th Congress, either. The 2021 congressional calendar only allots 101 session days next year, the fewest since 1933. So, we can likely expect a rerun of this drama next year. This is not acceptable. Our constituents deserve better and must demand a change to the broken status quo. This opinion piece appeared in the Washington Examiner.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/portman-difference/cnbc-portman-discusses-bipartisan-efforts-pass-covid-19-relief-package,"On CNBC, Portman Discusses Bipartisan Efforts to Pass COVID-19 Relief Package",2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"On CNBC, Portman Discusses Bipartisan Efforts to Pass COVID-19 Relief Package December 17, 2020 | Portman Difference This morning on CNBC's Squawk Box, Senator Portman discussed his bipartisan efforts to pass a COVID-19 relief package. Earlier this week, Portman joined a group of bipartisan senators in introducing two bipartisan packages to provide as much as $908 billion in relief to American students, families, businesses, workers, and health care providers during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Congressional leadership is using most of legislation for the basis of the final product they will unveil to create a bridge of support between now and when the COVID-19 vaccine is widely available. In addition, Senator Portman highlighted the importance of coming together on a bipartisan basis to focus on what's best for the American people in the new Congress. Senator Portman believes it's vital that Congress set the example by coming together to solve important problems facing all Americans, regardless of political affiliation. Excerpts of the interview can be found below and a video can be found here. PORTMAN ON PASSING COVID-19 RELIEF PACKAGE BEFORE DEADLINE: I'm always skeptical at year end because it tends to get pushed back a little bit. But I think we'll finish up on Saturday. It means we'll probably see something short-term on Friday night to deal with the continuing resolution for government shutdown. I think we'll get it done this weekend, and we should. It's been nine months since we passed the CARES package. People are hurting. Unfortunately the coronavirus health care crisis has gotten worse, not better recently, and the economy is not as strong as it should be, so we need a bridge between now and when we have the vaccines available. That's what this is, an emergency package to get us through the next few months, to the March, April time frame when we'll actually, hopefully, have the vaccines be widely disbursed and begin to turn the corner on this crisis. PORTMAN ON PROVIDING UNEMPLOYMENT SUPPORT IN COVID-19 RELIEF PACKAGE: I think Joe is right. You're not going to find a lot of daylight between Joe and me, as you can tell. With regard to unemployment, there are three things that we do in our bill, the bipartisan bill, that is also in the package, at least as we understand it. That is we extend the time period. Otherwise as of the day after Christmas, a bunch of people lose their unemployment. These are people who are self-employed, as an example, gig economy workers, but also people who are taking advantage of the 13-week federal government extension of the state program, and look, we need it in a lot of states. Some states are doing better than others, some sectors of the economy doing better than others, but as you know, as you begin to shut down the economy, a bunch of people lose their jobs through no fault of their own. Sometimes those shutdowns are because of a government edict in some of our states. Sometimes it's just because the coronavirus numbers are so high that people aren't going out to restaurants or to a bowling alley or a movie theater. That's what our bill does is to be sure that's there, and second it provides an additional federal supplement as we had until August, which is the $300. But it does it for a short period of time again, just until we get through the period, this is a bridge to the time when we're going to have vaccines readily available, and we can begin to turn the corner on this crisis. PORTMAN ON COMING TOGETHER ON A BIPARTISAN BASIS IN NEXT CONGRESS: Yes because I think we're going to have a tighter majority. It's either going to be a very slight Democrat majority with 50/50 and a tie breaker by the Vice President or the Republicans are going to have 51 or 52, which is also a very slim majority, and look at the House, same thing, Speaker Pelosi seems to be losing a seat every day these days, so she's down to, I don't know, six or eight seat majority. So, it's very narrow, and this means that we have to figure out a way to work together. We can't allow the country to screech to a halt. We have to be able to work, as we did on this package, as Republicans and Democrats focused on what's best for the country. I don't know that it's so much that we're moderates. I think we're just practical in trying to get things done and there's a lot that we need to get done. I look at our infrastructure needs, I look at what's going on with regard to health care costs. I think those are opportunities for us. I look about retirement security, we have a bill to do that that's bipartisan that we could get through. We've got to figure out a way to work together to solve the real problems we face as a country. Look, we need to stop the polarization. Our country is split it's not just the Congress you know. We have seen that throughout Ohio and throughout the country that there's more division than ever. It's time to figure out how to focus on coming together to solve important problems, and I think that's what's this little process that Joe is such a big part of, and nine other colleagues of ours, you know, we figured that you needed to have a COVID-19 package nothing was going on, and we needed to frankly move leadership off the dime, and I think that was very helpful to have this process, and at the end of the day, we'll get something done here. That's good for the American people. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/portman-difference/former-us-trade-representatives-panel-portman-highlights-importance,"On Former U.S. Trade Representatives Panel, Portman Highlights Importance of Renewing Trade Promotion Authority, Proposes Supercharging American Competitiveness",2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"On Former U.S. Trade Representatives Panel, Portman Highlights Importance of Renewing Trade Promotion Authority, Proposes Supercharging' American Competitiveness December 17, 2020 | Portman Difference This afternoon, Senator Portman participated in a Center for Strategic and International Studies virtual event entitled A Conversation with Former USTRs, and highlighted the importance of renewing the Trade Promotion Authority (TPA). He also proposed using TPA, or a similar opportunity, to invest in American workers with new anti-dumping and countervailing duty laws, as well as in American manufacturing and high technology, like artificial intelligence, all in an effort to keep the United States competitive with respect to China. Portman, who was the U.S. Trade Representative during the George W. Bush administration, has been a leading voice in the Senate on U.S. trade policy and serves on the Senate Finance Committee, which has jurisdiction over trade issues. In addition, Senator Portman discussed his support for President-Elect Biden's nomination of Katherine Tai to be the next U.S. Trade Representative. Excerpts of the event can be found below and a video of Senator Portman's remarks can be found here and here. PORTMAN ON OPPORTUNITY TO ENERGIZE TRADE PROMOTION AUTHORITY TO REINVEST IN AMERICA: I want to tie three things together, and then I have to run and go vote. One, is the WTO stuff we talked about, the Trade Promotion Authority issue, and China. I do think, and this may way too optimistic or pie in the sky, but I think with regard to the expiration of TPA there is an opportunity to attempt to supercharge it as we did in the 1988 Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act, where we both seek TPA to extend our authority to be able to negotiate agreements, but also put the United States in a stronger position. And vis-a-vis China that means investing more in artificial intelligence and other technologies as part of that. So I think it fits. With regard to trade generally, and China in particular, strengthening our countervailing duty and antidumping laws and bringing them more up to speed -- and I've shared some drafts of some ideas we have with you and we'd love to get your input -- but I think it is time, as Bill Brock said earlier, to have a relook at our U.S. trade policy and come up with a policy that works better for us, and so that more of our citizens can say, Ok this is actually working. We think that trade is a good thing.' So anyway, that's the thought -- taking advantage of TPA to both reinvest in America and our technologies. We're doing this in the National Defense Authorization Act right now with regard to artificial intelligence by the way. We're taking some nice steps forward, but I think it needs to be even more. We've got legislative initiatives to do that, to catch up, and perhaps that combination of trade policy, TPA, and investing in technology could be successful where a narrow TPA could not. PORTMAN ON NOMINATION OF KATHERINE TAI TO BE NEXT U.S. TRADE REPRESENTATIVE: I'm glad that Katherine Tai is the likely nominee, I think that will help in terms of moving a trade agenda forward vis-a-vis Congress because she obviously knows how we operation and understands TPA well In the case of Katherine Tai, again, she's going to be knocking on all of your doors, I hope she will. But again, we have somebody who is an experienced trade lawyer who understands how the Hill works, which is, I think, enabling the new administration to hit the ground running. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/portman-difference/portman-op-ed-cincinnati-enquirer-help-way-prevent-evictions,Portman Op-Ed in The Cincinnati Enquirer: Help is on the Way to Prevent Evictions,2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Portman Op-Ed in The Cincinnati Enquirer: Help is on the Way to Prevent Evictions December 17, 2020 | Portman Difference Today, in an op-ed for The Cincinnati Enquirer, Senator Portman discussed his bipartisan efforts to pass a COVID-19 relief package, including additional aid to help those facing evictions. Portman has long focused on ensuring Ohioans have affordable housing and is currently championing the bipartisan Evictions Crisis Act, which will help to address the national housing crisis that has been made worse by the economic impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The bipartisan legislation, which Portman introduced in December 2019, will shed light on the root causes of the eviction crisis, reduce preventable evictions, and limit the devastation to families when eviction is unavoidable. More than 75 national and Ohio based housing, civil rights, and homelessness groups have announced their strong support for the Eviction Crisis Act. Earlier this week, Portman joined a group of bipartisan senators in introducing two bipartisan packages to provide as much as $908 billion in relief to American students, families, businesses, workers, and health care providers during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. The legislation includes a provision to provide an additional $25 billion in rental assistance across the country to help cover the rent for thousands of households. Congressional leadership is using most of the legislation as the basis for the final product they will unveil to create a bridge of support between now and when the COVID-19 vaccine is widely available. Excerpts of the op-ed can be found below and the full op-ed can be found here. Help is on the Way to Prevent Evictions By U.S. Senator Rob Portman The Cincinnati Enquirer December 17, 2020 Evictions were rising even before the coronavirus pandemic, and now we are on the cusp of a real eviction crisis. Through smart policy, a lot of these painful and costly evictions could be avoided to the benefit of families and landlords. Of course, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and the job loss associated with it, millions of Americans have lost economic security and are at risk of eviction, and potentially homelessness. Record levels of unemployment have hit low and middle-income families the hardest the same families who were already at greatest risk for eviction before this pandemic, and thousands are now at risk of losing their home through no fault of their own. Working with a small bipartisan group of senators five Republicans and five Democrats we reached an agreement on another COVID-19 relief package designed to help families and small businesses who need it the most. This includes renters vulnerable to eviction, and our bipartisan plan will do so by providing an additional $25 billion in rental assistance across the country to help cover the rent for thousands of households. This new funding would supplement existing efforts to support tenants, while directing resources to those in the most vulnerable situations. This funding would also be provided to housing providers on behalf of tenants so as to make landlords whole as well. The bipartisan senators I am working alongside all recognize that it is essential that any new COVID-19 relief legislation include this kind of support. A year ago, I introduced, alongside Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO), the Evictions Crisis Act, which will help us better understand the causes of evictions, expand support for preventing evictions, and help mitigate the consequences when an eviction is unavoidable. Our bill has earned the support of affordable housing advocacy groups like the National Low Income Housing Coalition and the National Housing Law Project, civil rights groups like the NAACP, and countless Ohio groups, including the Affordable Housing Trust, the OHIO Capital Corporation for Housing, and the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio. I am hopeful that by building a bipartisan coalition in Congress and in communities across Ohio, we can continue to make headway and keep more families in their homes, even after this current COVID-19 crisis passes. Right now, my top priority in Congress remains passing another bipartisan COVID-19 relief bill that provides targeted help to those who need it most, including our vulnerable renters. And once this pandemic passes, I will continue to work with stakeholders across Ohio to solve this serious, systemic challenge of evictions. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/house-passes-portman-shaheen-bipartisan-legislation-reauthorize-peace-corps,"House Passes Portman, Shaheen Bipartisan Legislation to Reauthorize Peace Corps Commemorative Project",2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"House Passes Portman, Shaheen Bipartisan Legislation to Reauthorize Peace Corps Commemorative Project December 17, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC- Today, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) applauded the U.S. House of Representatives for passing their bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Peace Corps Commemorative project. Representatives Joe Kennedy III (D-MA) and Garret Graves (R-LA) led the legislation in the House. In 2014, Senator Portman's and Rep. Kennedy's bipartisan Peace Corps Commemorative Act was signed into law to create a commemorative in Washington, D.C.'s National Capital Area to celebrate the mission of the Peace Corps and the ideals on which the Peace Corps was founded. This bipartisan legislation designated the Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation as the lead nonfederal sponsor for the project, and prohibits the use of federal funding. The current authorization for the project is set to expire in January 2021. This legislation would extend the authorization for the project for an additional seven years, to January 2028, in order for the project to secure the necessary design approvals and raise the funding for construction.The legislation now awaits action in the Senate. For more than 50 years, the Peace Corps has served as a powerful vehicle for volunteers who wish to use their talents to carry America's humanitarian values to other parts of the world,said Portman.By reauthorizing this project, we can ensure the Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation can finish this important project and honor those Americans who have donated their time and talent to serving others. I am pleased that this legislation was approved by the House today, and I urge my Senate colleagues to support it so that it can head to the President's desk for his signature. Peace Corps volunteers provide an invaluable diplomatic service to America, serving in over 60 countries as envoys of our nation's values and priorities. These volunteers work to improve the lives of countless individuals and communities around the world, said Shaheen. New Hampshire volunteers are among the more than 240,000 Americans who have provided health, education and economic development opportunities wherever they have served since the agency's establishment in 1961. I'm pleased my bipartisan legislation with Senator Portman to provide more time to establish a tribute that honors the efforts of these remarkable people and the lives they've changed has passed the House and urge the Senate to pass it as swiftly as possible. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-77-million-federal-funds-will-help-combat-addiction-ohio,Portman: $77 Million in Federal Funds Will Help Combat Addiction in Ohio,2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Portman: $77 Million in Federal Funds Will Help Combat Addiction in Ohio December 17, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) praised the announcement today from Governor Mike DeWine, Recovery Ohio Director Alisha Nelson, and Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) Director Lori Criss on how the state will distribute $77 million in federal State Opioid Response (SOR) grants to help local communities combat Ohio's drug crisis.As Portman announced in August, Ohio received $96 million in SOR funding and today's grants represent a portion of that funding. The SOR program, funded through the 21st Century CURES Act, has been used by states to increase access to naloxone and support access to long-term addiction treatment and recovery services. Portman championed the passage of the CURES law and consistently works to increase the federal funding for the SOR program. Today's SOR grant announcement comes at a time when many communities are suffering from an increase in addiction, overdoses, and the need for behavioral health services due to the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Portman hasrepeatedlydiscussedthe impact the ongoing COVID-19crisis is havingon theaddictionepidemicand called for aredoubling of effortsto save lives. OhioMHAS will award $58.8 million in grants directly to local county alcohol, drug addiction and mental health services boards and their community partners. OhioMHAS will make the remaining funding available for organizations utilizing innovative approaches for connecting people to care. State Opioid Response funds are vital for Ohio's continued efforts to combat the addiction epidemic, and I'm pleased to have led efforts to create this federal funding stream through the CURES legislation and to help secure this funding for Ohio, said Portman. The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges and we are now seeing a heartbreaking surge in overdose deaths. That's why I'm glad this federal funding will make a difference and continue to help save lives throughout Ohio. I will continue to work with my colleagues and Governor DeWine to ensure that our local communities and addiction providers have the resources they need to continue to combat this epidemic. Many communities are seeing an increase in demand for mental health and substance use disorder services as the pandemic continues. The uncertainties of the pandemic intensify the struggle with substance use disorder that many Ohioans face, said Governor DeWine. Through the leadership of the teams at OMHAS in partnership, with the agencies under the RecoveryOhio initiative, we have been better able to meet the needs of Ohioans that are struggling, and federal funding will increase the flexibility of communities to address their specific, unique needs. While addiction and mental illness are a national and statewide crisis, we know that prevention, treatment, and recovery take place in local communities, said Director Criss. This investment marks a true partnership among federal and state government to support local planning and service delivery and improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities across Ohio. NOTE: Senator Portman has led efforts in the U.S. Senate to provide more resources to combat the nation's opioid epidemic. Portman is the author of the bipartisan Comprehensive Addiction & Recovery Act (CARA) that became law in 2016 and provides resources for evidence-based prevention, treatment, and recovery programs to help people overcome their addiction. The most recent bipartisan funding agreement actually funded these CARA programs at $647 million, much higher than the authorized amount. Last week, Portman introduced CARA 2.0 which would increase these authorization levels further. In addition, Portman worked to secure $1 billion in new funding for state grants to fight opioid abuse in the 21st Century CURES Act. He's also fought for more overall opioid funding, and helped secure more than $4 billion in new opioid funding over the last few years between CARA, CURES and other opioid programs. Last year, Portman's Combating Meth & Cocaine Act was signed into law giving states more flexibility to use federal funding to address the resurgence of psychostimulants such as methamphetamine and cocaine. # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-applauds-hud-awarding-lucas-county-450000-initiative-planning-grant,"Portman Applauds HUD for AwardingLucas County a$450,000 Initiative Planning Grantto Ensure Stable Housing",2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Portman Applauds HUD for AwardingLucas County a$450,000 Initiative Planning Grantto Ensure Stable Housing December 17, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC Today, Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) applauded the announcement thatLucasCountyMetropolitan Housing and the City of Toledo have been selected to receive a$450,0002020 Choice Neighborhoods Initiative Planning Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).The Choice Neighborhoods program leverages significant public and private dollars to support locally driven strategies that address struggling neighborhoods with distressed public and/or HUD-assisted housing through a comprehensive approach to neighborhood transformation. Portman has long focused on ensuring Ohioans have affordable housing and is currently championing the bipartisanEvictions Crisis Actwhich will help to address the national housing crisis that is undermining the efforts of millions of Americans to rise into the middle class. The bipartisan 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. More than 75 national and Ohio based housing, civil rights, and homelessness groups haveannouncedtheir strong support for theEviction Crisis Act.Portman released the following statement: This$450,000 grantis great news forthose struggling to find or stay in stable housing inLucas County and the city of Toledo. I'm pleased to see that they have been selected for this grant that will help them to complete their Transformation Plan that will ultimately improve and create housing opportunities,said Portman.Stable housing is a key factor to keeping people out of poverty, and the COVID-19 pandemic has made this issue more important than ever. I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure Ohioans have the resources they need to address this housing and evictions crisis. NOTE:Senator Portman sent a letter to U.S. HUD Secretary on September 1, 2020 in support ofLucas Metropolitan Housing and the City of Toledo's application for this grant. # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-floor-portman-calls-senate-pass-critical-legislation-respond,"On Senate Floor, Portman Calls on Senate to Pass Critical Legislation to Respond to Challenges of COVID-19",2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"On Senate Floor, Portman Calls on Senate to Pass Critical Legislation to Respond to Challenges of COVID-19 December 17, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC Today on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) gave his 21st speech since March calling on Congress to pass legislation to respond to the health care and economic crises caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier this week, Portman joined a group of bipartisan senators in introducing two bipartisan packages to provide as much as $908 billion in relief to American students, families, businesses, workers, and health care providers during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Congressional leadership is using most of the legislation for the basis of the final product they will unveil to create a bridge of support between now and when the COVID-19 vaccine is widely available. In addition, Portman pushed for the year-end agreement to include the Craft Beverage Modernization & Tax Reform Act, bipartisan legislation he has championed and cosponsored to make tax relief permanent for the craft beverage industry. Portman has consistently discussed the importance of supporting America's craft beverage industry, especially since brew pubs and other craft beverage retail operations have been hit hard by the COVID-19 economic slowdown. He urged his colleagues to support both the COVID-19 relief package and the upcoming end-of-year funding agreement so that Americans get the relief they need in time for the holidays. A transcript of his remarks can be found below and a video can be found here. Mr. President, I'm here on the floor today to talk again about the need for us to pass a legislative package which, I would call an emergency package, to deal with our COVID-19 crisis we have in this country. As we talk today on the floor of the Senate, there are negotiators working busily in a room nearby to try to come up with that package, and that's a good thing. I know they've run into some roadblocks, at least so I've been told. We need to work through those roadblocks. They're relatively small compared to the importance of the overall mission of helping the people we represent, helping those small businesses, helping those hospitals, helping those families who find themselves without a paycheck through no fault of their own, and my hope is that we can get there. The legislation that is being looked at today, which may be part of a larger package that we'll vote on either tomorrow or the next day, is, as I understand it, informed by work that a bipartisan group of us did over the past several weeks, and I appreciate my colleagues so much. I see Senator Murkowski is here on the floor today. She was one of those people. Senator Manchin was one of the people who helped organize it. In fact, I think the first meeting was because Lisa Murkowski invited people to have pizza at her place. And that resulted in a very positive interaction between Democrats and Republicans on a lot of detail, a lot of specific issues to be able to put together a package that will help our country right now to work through this crisis. I wish I could say that things are better, but when I look at my own home state of Ohio, I see just the opposite. In fact, over the past few weeks, we've had weekly cases that have increased, not decreased. Our number of daily cases is averaging around 10,000 a day now, every day. That's double what it was just a month ago. So at least in my state, the coronavirus crisis has increased, not decreased. By the same token, the economic crisis that is a result of the COVID-19 crisis has continued to grow. So we have seen people who have lost their jobs because their restaurant doesn't have any business, not because there is a government edict, although there are in some states. Some states have said you have to shut down. Some states have gone so far as to say you have to shut down outdoor dining, not just indoor dining -- of course those people have lost their jobs. But in many cases it is just because the virus is so prevalent, people aren't going out, they aren't going shopping, they aren't going to the movie theaters, they aren't going to the bowling alley, they aren't going to the restaurant and they aren't going to the hotels. So folks are losing their jobs. Again, not because of something they did or something they could control. It's almost like a natural disaster, and, therefore, they need some help and need it now. We really have kind of a k-shaped recovery here. People talk about a v-shaped recovery where you have a recession and then you come right back out the same way you went in. I wish that were the case here. Instead it's kind of k-shaped. We do have some industries that are doing quite well actually, and some areas of the country that are doing okay. That's the top of the K. But the bottom of the K is those who are not. So, if you are in the hospitality business, the travel business, if you are someone who has a job that is no longer there because of this crisis, then you're in trouble. You're in trouble. I am told that I've now given 20 floor speeches on the need for us to do something. I think it ought to be targeted. I think it ought to be focused. What I have said is that we have got this wonderful new vaccine coming out. Moderna is about to be approved, I believe. Pfizer was just approved. I'm in the trial for the Jannsen-J & J, Johnson & Johnson vaccine, actually. And I think that's coming along well. We'll probably have AstraZeneca coming soon. So this is something that is very positive about this crisis. We actually finally have something that will help us turn the corner. I think it is important that we wear our masks. I think it's important that we social distance. I think it's important that we use the hand sanitizer, all of that, we need to keep doing it. But the difference between that and the vaccine is that the vaccine gives you the immunity we're all seeking. People talk about herd immunity and that that could come early on, people said, by so many people getting infected. We can't have that happen. Why? Because that will lead to a lot of pain, a lot more deaths. 300,000 people have already died in this country from this crisis. We don't want to bring herd immunity in that way. We want to bring herd immunity from the vaccine. And by the way, these vaccines are safe. They're effective. I mean, if you look at the numbers, 95 percent efficacy? Unbelievable. So do your own research and look at it and make your own decision. But this is not a situation where, as with the flu, actually, when you take the flu shot, I'm told only about a third of the time does it work. About two-thirds of the time it doesn't. And that's happened to my family members, probably to you or your family members where you take a flu shot and it doesn't really help. But here, 90-95 percent, 98 percent, the numbers are amazing, take a look at them. Efficacy, meaning that's how effective they are. Again, in the trial that I'm in, the initial numbers are quite positive. Also, it was done in a way that I think makes a lot of sense for the future in terms of public-private partnership. The government basically said to these companies, we'll provide a market for you if you get busy producing this lifesaving vaccine. And by the way, you can go ahead and start producing the vaccine even before it is approved so we don't have to wait four or five months after the approval to then get the production up and going. And if you don't get the approval, we're going to throw away the vaccine.' It was worth doing. It was probably the best expenditure of federal money we had here in the last package, the CARES package, because it ensured that we not only would get these vaccines quickly but we would get them distributed quickly. So as an example, even while the vaccines were being approved recently and these were the Pfizer vaccines, those vaccines were already on their way to my home state of Ohio. They were prepositioned there, and when the approval came, we could move quickly and people are being vaccinated today in my state and in your state -- primarily people who are on the front lines as health care providers. Next we're helping with regard to the nursing homes, people who come in and out of the nursing homes, which is where obviously most of this disease happens. Then the people in the nursing homes. Then our EMS and our other first responders, people who have health problems, preexisting conditions that make them more vulnerable to the virus, seniors. So this is really exciting and this is the answer. This is what's going to help us turn the tide. But that's going to be a ways off until that's widely available. So what I think in terms of this package, again, I think of it as a bridge. It's an emergency package to get us from where we are now to this period, probably in the March, April, May time period when the vaccine will be widely available and we'll be able to have that kind of herd immunity that we talked about earlier. We don't want community spread, we want community immunity. And that's the idea. The package that the bipartisan group put together was $908 billion. Six of the ten of us voted for that. All of us voted for a smaller package, which was $748 billion. It's important to note that of that $908 billion or $748 billion, we also repurposed a lot of money that's already been spent. So roughly $600 billion was pulled back from the PPP program that had not been spent yet and also from a program that the Treasury and the Fed had to provide loans that were not being used. That's the 13-3 program that you might have heard about. That program, fortunately, was not tapped into because the commercial banks stepped in and provided a lot of that lending that was necessary. Rates are at historic lows right now for mortgages, as an example and other loans, so they didn't need to step in. That money is being repurposed. So instead of $748 billion, it's more like $148 billion. Instead of $908 billion, if you went for the whole thing, it is more like $300 billion. So not that that's not a lot of money -- it is. But compare that to what was being talked about only a couple weeks ago and for the previous nine months, by the way, which was a package in the House of Representatives called the HEROES Act which was trillions of dollars -- $3.5 trillion initially. Then they agreed maybe $2.4 trillion. Then the last offer that was on the table that they didn't take was $1.8 trillion. We're not talking about those kind of numbers now. We're talking about a bridge on an emergency basis that's targeted and focused. And I'll give you an example of that. In this package, the bipartisan package which I hope is picked up, and I think it will be, by the package that the final negotiators are working on -- that would be Secretary Mnuchin, who has been very eager to get an agreement that helps the American people working for the president, but also the leadership here, the Democratic Leader, the Republican Leader, in the House, the Democratic Leader and Speaker, and the Republican Leader, that's the group right now -- What they're saying is, we want to get a package done' and I think, as an example, with the PPP program they'll end up picking up what this bipartisan group agreed to, which is to have a more narrow Paycheck Protection Program, PPP to help small businesses but to particularly focus on those businesses that are small businesses -- instead of under 500 people as an example, maybe under 300 --and those that are really hurting. In other words, those who are losing money relative to where they were last year. So when you do a quarter-to-quarter comparison -- fourth quarter this year, fourth quarter back in 2019, if you have a loss, let's say of 25 percent or 30 percent, that's significant. With the funding that we have, isn't it better to target that funding towards those small businesses that are really hurting? That I think will be in the final package. And again, I commend my bipartisan colleagues for coming up with some of these ideas and working out some of this stuff because there's some differences. And by the way, no one of the ten of us involved in this agreed with every part of this package. Trust me. There's a lot of things we would have done differently. I would have written a different package, as would have any of my colleagues. But it was necessary to get to yes', to get to a result. And we've done that. And I think, again, it will inform where we end up in terms of the package coming to the floor and the Paycheck Protection Program is a good example of that. We also provided in that program loan forgiveness for small loans, $150,000 or less, in a very simplified manner so you don't have to go through all the bureaucracy and the cost and the loops and hoops which small businesses just can't afford to do. I am proud of our work there as well. We also provided help for some of the hardest hit industries, including the airline industry. We want to keep a viable airline industry in this country. We don't want them to go bankrupt and planes to stop flying. We actually want over this bridge period between now and I mentioned March, April, May, we want to be sure that the economy can get back on its feet as quickly as possible. That's why we don't want these small businesses to go out of business and their employees to be put on the unemployment lines. That's why we want to be sure that our airlines can continue. They are having a tough time, but 90,000 jobs alone in this industry will be lost, we're told, unless we do something along the lines of what we did in the bipartisan package. 90,000 additional jobs lost. We don't want that. We want to be sure we are positioned for growth. And by the way, my view, for whatever it's worth, I think this economy is incredibly resilient. I know it's not going great right now, we still have 10 million people out of work who were working as of February this year, we have 10 million people who haven't found their way back to work yet. We still have relatively high unemployment compared to where we were. In my state it's probably about double where it was. But we've been resilient given what we've been hit with. And I believe if we can get to this period of time when the vaccine is readily available, we are poised for a takeoff. I think there is pent-up demand. I think among my constituents, they're going to be happy to get out and shop again and go to the restaurants and go to the hotels and travel and go to the movie theaters, go to the stages, the places where there's a performance that has to be canceled now and where people are struggling to keep these venues open. Those will be not just reopen -- people, I think, will flock there, but we have to get through to that period. It's worth in my view helping to be sure in the interim period that we don't have more pain and more loss of jobs and are prepared to move forward. On unemployment insurance, again, if you've lost your job not because of what you did, but because of what I said earlier, almost like a natural disaster of the virus, we should provide additional help and we do that in the legislation. The day after Christmas, the current relief ends in terms of the federal help on unemployment insurance. That is not something that any of us should want to see. If you're self-employed, if you're a so-called gig economy worker, then you are able to get unemployment insurance right now if you don't have a job. If you can't work because of this virus, you can get unemployment insurance. That's not typical in my state and that's not typical in most states, but because of our federal law we passed, the CARES Act, again, nine months ago, that has been permitted, but it ends on the day after Christmas. So I have people who are self-employed coming up to me back home and saying, I've got to know. I don't know if I can pay the rent, I don't know if I can make my car payment, I need to know, I don't know if I can make my mortgage. I need to know.' Well we're going to tell them, I hope in this legislation that passes, that indeed, they're going to get the coverage and the 13 weeks of the federal extension on the state unemployment that will also be extended. So that the day after Christmas, again, people aren't falling off the cliff. And then the federal supplement per week. Originally it was $600 per week, as you know. That $600 per week, I thought was relatively high. Meaning that many people were getting more on unemployment than they were in their jobs. And that was a problem for many employers, particularly small employers who were having a tough time getting people to come back to work as the economy started to improve after the March, April, May, time period when things started to pick up a little bit, it was tough. This compromise, I think will be $300. Maybe it will be $200. I don't know what exactly they are working out, but our proposal was $300, which was a bipartisan compromise, many Democrats would like to go back to the $600, some Republicans think it should be less than $300. But this is a compromise and it's a way for us to ensure that during this time period, and this is for 16 weeks only --so between now and the end of March -- during this period, this bridge, as we talked about, if people are unemployed through no fault of their own, they should be able to get a little help to be able, again, to put food on the table, make their car payment, make their rent. So that's in this package too. There is also funding in here for rental assistance. As you know, some people have been hanging on wondering if they are going to be evicted or not. Evictions make no sense right now for the tenants or the landlords or the economy. We don't want people out on the street -- landlords don't want to go through the pain of having to go through an eviction and then trying to find somebody else if they can get some help just to hold on through this period. So there is funding in here for rental assistance to help keep people in their homes with a roof over their head as we go through this period. The final one I want to talk about, and there are a lot of other provisions in here that I don't have time to go into, but one I want to talk about is one that is kind of a heartbreaker for me. Because for many years now we have been challenged with this drug addiction issue, particularly opioids. This would be prescription drugs and heroin and fentanyl, the deadly synthetic opioid. To the point that only four years ago we had the highest rates of overdose deaths in the history of our country, 72,000 people were dying a year, and a lot of us focused on that here. Over the past four or five years this Congress has spent money and changed policies to try to make it easier for people to get treatment and to get into longer-term recovery and more money in prevention activities to keep people from getting into the funnel of addiction in the first place, because this was at epidemic levels. In 2018 and 2019, we started to see a reversal of that for the first time in really three decades, so every year for something like 30 years, in my home state of Ohio, we would see more overdose deaths every year, every year. In 2018 we had a 20-plus percent reduction in overdose deaths. It was about a 22 percent reduction in Ohio. 22 percent reduction in deaths. That's because we all focused, at the federal level, state level, local level and we made a difference and we began to change this dynamic of young people and middle-aged people and across the spectrum, regardless of your zip code you lived in, you were being affected by this, we changed it so that people were actually getting the help they needed, getting out from under their addiction, getting back to work, back to their families. It was good news. The heartbreaking part of this for me is having made that progress finally, we now see during this coronavirus pandemic an epidemic underneath it and it's the epidemic of drug addiction. So there are new numbers out today I saw that don't surprise me as much as they discourage me, which is that this year instead of 72,000 people dying of overdose deaths in America from drug abuse, and this is not just opioids, but all drugs including psychostimulants like methamphetamine, the crystal meth from Mexico is cheap, powerful, deadly, this year it is expected that our overdose death rate will be the highest ever. Again, we're getting back to where we were, plus. Probably 83,000 is the number I saw today. I remember I mentioned 72,000 people dying only four years ago, now we're back to 83,000? So this is a crisis within a pandemic, and we need to deal with it. There's lots of different opinions out there as to why this is happening. I believe strongly a lot of it is just from the isolation that comes with this pandemic. People haven't been able to go and meet with and talk to their recovery coaches which is one way we were changing this dynamic, people were able to meet with people who were recovering addicts themselves to be able to help them get through it. Longer-term recovery was working for a lot of people. And yet, some of these longer-term recovery places where people can be, a home, say a sober home, they've had issues with the pandemic and not been able to have the group homes that provide that care. Also people have not been able to just go see their doctors or their treatment providers. Telemedicine has helped, and that's one reason in our package we put more funding into telemedicine because that's the way you can get to people both with regard to behavioral health, mental health issues and with regard to addiction. But it hasn't filled the gap. Also, a lot of people are feeling a great deal of stress, and even despair and joblessness. And obviously, if you go to the foodbanks in Ohio, you see people who are in their cars waiting three, four, five, six hours at a time. There's something going on here folks. These are people who are feeling desperation to wait in line for six hours to get a box of food means that you've got a real problem in your family. By the way, some of these people because I've talked to them, I've gone to these foodbanks, some have never been in a foodbank in their lives. They've just found themselves in a tough situation. Again, not everybody. Remember the k-shaped recovery. For some people it's been fine. If you're a white-collar worker and you can telework from home. Maybe you're in the finance industry or maybe you're in the tech industry, you might be doing great. But your neighbor who's got a job at that restaurant or perhaps in another business like the travel business, the motor coach business, they don't have the opportunities to get that job and so they are the ones in the foodbank line. So by the way put more funding into the foodbanks as well and into helping people to be able to afford food is obviously a big issue right now. So the notion here is with this legislation that we're going to provide more help for people who are suffering from addiction with the thought of trying all we can to try to reverse this trend. Ultimately, again, the best way to reverse it is to have this coronavirus pandemic behind us so that people can socialize again, gather again, aren't feeling the despair, aren't isolated, and that is coming. But the bridge to there, it is important that we save as many lives as we can. So there's $5 billion in our legislation, the bipartisan bill, to do just that. My hope is, again, that will be in the final package, and I believe it will be. I believe what the negotiators are working on is very similar to what's in the legislation that we came together with as a bipartisan group. My only disappointment in the group is that we couldn't end up with this combination of state and local funding targeted towards need -- by the way, not the way it was done last time by per capita, but targeted toward need --- and also liability protection for these small businesses, for these private nursing homes, for these EMS personnel, the emergency medical people, who are concerned, they are concerned about it. What we tried to put together was a package that said, okay, if you're a bad actor, if you didn't follow the rules and the rules were pretty clear, you aren't protected, you're accountable. But if you followed the rules and you were trying your best to deal with ever-changing standards,' and let's face it, they've been quite different, in March and April people were saying, don't wear a mask, we know now that was a mistake, but at the time we didn't. The notion is to protect people from frivolous lawsuits who were doing their best. By the way, there was a survey done of people saying, do you think there should be protection for people that are doing their best versus people who are grossly negligent, that was the word used, gross negligence, would not be protected. They would be accountable. 79 percent of the American people agreed with that. There's also been polling out there with regard to the small businesses from the NFIB, saying that 70 percent of small businesses are very concerned and worried about this. So again, think about the business, revenue has crashed, profits have crashed, they are hanging on, the PPPs going to help them, because we're getting more PPP money in, that's the Paycheck Protection Program we talked about earlier. Hopefully it'll get them through this. But if they're facing a lawsuit, whether they win it or not, whether they can prove that they were doing the right thing, just the cost of that lawsuit could well mean the difference of that small business continuing in operation or not. Or a nonprofit. And the nonprofits in Ohio are very interested in the liability reforms, as is the education community, the higher education people, the school teachers. As are the people in the health care industry, across the board, in nursing homes and hospitals. My hope is that we can get back to work on that, perhaps after this legislation is passed. As we look at what we do next, let's be sure that we are providing that protection in combination with providing that help to our state and local governments who need it where they can demonstrate the need. I don't think it will be in this package, but it should be in the next package. I will say, this legislation on COVID-19 is needed and we ought to move it now. We cannot go home for the holidays without passing COVID-19 rescue legislation. Again, to me, it's a rescue package. It's not a stimulus package as much as it is getting us through this period. Providing that bridge between now and when the vaccine is readily available. This legislation is likely to be part of a broader bill that will include a number of things, including spending for the year so we don't have a government shutdown, which is a good thing not to have a government shutdown, but also it's likely that it will include some tax provisions which are so-called tax extenders. I would say one thing that I hope it includes is permanent extension of tax relief for our craft beverage industry, this would be craft breweries, craft vintners, craft distillers. We passed legislation a few years ago that was very important to them that allowed them to have a deduction in the excise tax they pay on certain volumes, relatively low volumes of their product. As a result many of these businesses have been able to expand, hire people and now they have the possibility of this expiring at the end of the year and having a big bill due that they cannot afford. We're proud in Ohio to be home of a craft beer production industry that is now number six in the country. It supports 81,000 jobs. It's a business that has been hurt for two reasons, one you think about it, the restaurants aren't doing the business they used it to do so if you're providing your product to a restaurant, you're hurt, but also a lot of these craft distillers or craft brewers or craft vintners have their own tasting rooms or their own brew pubs and those, in some cases, have been shut down altogether and in other cases their revenues have crashed. So it would not be the time for them to be facing a big tax bill. And that's what the excise tax would be. Income tax you pay later in the year, excise tax you would have to pay right away. So my hope is that that would be extended permanently. More than half of the members of this body joined me and Senator Wyden on a letter to our leadership about this urging that this extender, which has worked so well to increase jobs and opportunity to America, can continue on a permanent basis going forward. So my hope is that that's part of the package as well. That will help in terms of the economic stimulus part of this, which is also important. So I thank you for what you are doing if you are one of those people out there who is promoting the vaccines and talking about the importance of us getting the vaccine. If you're not, I hope you'll look at the research. I hope you'll look at the fact that we should be encouraging everyone to get vaccinated, unless someone has a health problem that makes it difficult for them. The polling data is not encouraging on this. The last Gallup poll shows that only 58 percent of Americans are comfortable being vaccinated. That needs to change. I've heard some people say, Well, when you look at the polling, it shows that Democrats are concerned because this happened during the Trump administration, this vaccine development.' This is not political, take the politics out of it. These are scientists that have been working around the clock over the past nine months, ten months to get us to this point. These are scientists who are now working around the clock to look carefully at these vaccines to determine whether they are approved or not. These are the scientists making the decisions, not the politicians. It's the people in the white coats. We need to trust them, for the sake of our country, because we need to reverse this terrible virus and the pandemic that is causing all of the issues that we talked about earlier today to our communities, to our families, so the way to do that is to ensure that we do in fact not just have this vaccine available but that people take advantage of it and are willing to be vaccinated. So I hope that if you're listening this evening, that you pass that word along. And that you again do your own research, look at it. But my hope is that the conclusion will be to get to the period where we want to get, which is to have people feel like they can reengage in the economy, they feel like they can be back with their loved ones and congregate, they feel like they can go back to church or their other place of worship, they feel like they can send their kids back to school, they feel like they can get back to a more normal life. That will happen through the accessibility and the ability to actually get that vaccine. So my hope is that those listening tonight will do that and do their part in spreading that message instead of spreading the virus. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://latta.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402399,Latta Calls for Permanent Change and Investigation of USPS Michigan Metroplex Facility,2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Robert Latta,L000566,latta.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Today, Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH5) penned two letters, one to Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY12) and Ranking Member James Comer (R-KY1) of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform and another to USPS Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer Louis DeJoy. The letters request a formal Congressional inquiry into the mail processing operations of the USPS Michigan Metroplex facility in Pontiac, Michigan, and a permanent transfer of processing duties for Northwest Ohio's mail from the Metroplex to a mail processing facility within the State of Ohio. The local postal carriers and the people who work to deliver the mail do a great job, but unfortunately, for years, the United States Postal Service (USPS) Michigan Metroplex Facility has failed to reliably deliver mail, including bills and absentee ballots, to residents of Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. For too long, the Michigan Metroplex has failed in its duty to provide adequate mail processing services for my constituents in Northwest Ohio,wrote Latta.Consequentially, the lack of dependable mail delivery services has resulted in late billing payments and penalties for constituents, delays in local judicial proceedings, reputational and monetary harm to small businesses, and the violation of the right to vote, to name a few. I have tried to bring these concerns to the attention of USPS officials, including in Michigan, Northern Ohio, and Washington, D.C., with the hope that they could be addressed and remedied; unfortunately, the responses I have received over the years have been mixed at best,Latta continued. On behalf of my constituents in Ohio's Fifth Congressional District, I respectfully request that the House Committee on Oversight and Reform launch an investigation into this matter and work to ensure that USPS is being proactive in addressing mail delivery issues brought forward by Members of Congress. Read the complete letter to Postmaster General DeJoy here. Read the complete letter to Chairwoman Maloney and Ranking Member Comer here. Since 2011, Congressman Latta has held calls with the Postmaster General, brought in USPS officials for meetings, and visited mail processing centers in Ohio and Michigan. In October 2016, Congressman Latta was made aware ofsignificant delays in the delivery of absentee ballotsbefore the 2016 general election. Over the following weeks and months, he pushed for answers as to why hundreds of ballots were delayed, and in some instances, lost all together. The problems were traced back to the USPS Michigan Metroplex Facility in Pontiac, Michigan. In April 2017, following up on these inquiries, Congressman Latta traveled to the Michigan Metroplex Facility to inspect their operations and receive a briefing. At the time, USPS officials made assurances that the facility's performance would be improved and new absentee ballot procedures would be implemented. Despite these assurances, mail issues persisted in Northwest Ohio, leading Congressman Latta topen a letterto the Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer of the United States Postal Service in June 2020 to request a formal inquiry into the possibility of transferring the mail processing responsibilities for Northwest Ohio from the USPS Michigan Metroplex Facility to either the Cleveland Mail Processing Plant or the Columbus Mail Processing Plant. The Congressman did receive a response to that letter stating no formal inquiry into the possibility of transferring the mail processing responsibilities from Pontiac to either Cleveland or Columbus will be made. At the beginning of August, Congressman Latta sent residents of Ohio's Fifth Congressional District an online survey asking his constituents to share if they experience delays or challenges receiving their mail. 3,015 constituents marked they have experienced such hardships, which represents 85.9% of all people who responded to the survey. Later that month, Congressman Latta led a bicameral letter urging the USPS to protect Ohioans' constitutional right to vote. After discussions betweenCongressman Latta and the USPS, the USPS ordered Northwest Ohio mail to be sent to the Mail Processing Plant in Cleveland instead of the Metroplex facility in Pontiac, Michigan through the 2020 election. According to information provided to Congressman Latta's office, USPS Headquarters has said that they diverted Ohio mail normally bound for the Metroplex Sorting Facility to the Cleveland facility from September 16, 2020 through November 14, 2020. During this period, constituents of Ohio's Fifth Congressional District observed noticeable improvements in the delivery of their mail.However, since November 14, 2020, delays and delivery hardships have persisted, and will continue to do so if permanent changes are not made. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://stivers.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403076,Support Our Small Businesses,2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Steve Stivers,S001187,stivers.house.gov,,,legacy,"Support Our Small Businesses In March, our nation faced an invisible enemy, and Congress came together to pass three relief bills: the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, the CARES Act, and the Health Care and Paycheck Protection Program Enhancement Act. Legislators from both sides of the aisle set aside their differences to deal with the health and economic consequences brought by an unprecedented situation. It is that spirit of bipartisanship that we need to get things done for the American people. Ohioans want to get back to work. Americans want to get back to work. And Congress needs to get to work to make that possible. From ensuring that small businesses are able to weather the storm, to distributing vaccines to build herd immunity, there is plenty to be done to get our nation back to normal. We need to pass a stimulus bill that allows Main Street to take advantage of the Paycheck Protection Program funds and allows small business to operate safety by including liability protections. The Paycheck Protection Program has been a lifeline for nearly 10,000 businesses in the 15th District all with revenues of less than $150,000. PPP allowed these business owners to keep close to 50,000 employees on payroll. That's 50,000 families that did not have to worry about how they would put food on the table. Now, Congress has the opportunity to extend the program and help countless more families. Congress also needs to ensure that the help given by the PPP does not become a burden in the future by making those funds tax deductible. While businesses are struggling to get back on their feet, we can't allow them to be hamstrung by an unexpected tax bill. PPP is working, and Congress needs to make sure it continues to work for those businesses that are in dire need. Congress also needs to ensure that those who are taking every necessary precaution to keep their employees and their customers safe are not held liable if someone gets sick. Certainly, gross negligence cannot be excused or ignored, but businesses that are meeting local, state, and federal guidelines should not be punished. If businesses cannot operate without fear of a lawsuit, our economy will not survive liability protections are essential. Without Main Street, the engine of our economy, we cannot hope to get folks back to work and with over 700,000 still unemployed, there's no time to waste. In every corner of the country, in red districts and blue districts, small businesses and the employees who depend on them are suffering, and we need to work together in a bipartisan manner to get them the relief that they need. If you are a small business owner with questions about the PPP or other relief programs, please call my Hilliard office at (614) 771-4968. -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://chabot.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401082,Statement from Freedom of the Press Caucus Co-Chairs Schiff and Chabot on Reports of 43 Journalists Killed in 2020,2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,OH,Steven Chabot,C000266,chabot.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington D.C. Today, Representatives Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Steve Chabot (R-OH), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Freedom of the Press Caucus released the following statement on International Federation of Journalists' (IFJ) new whitepaper regarding 2658 journalists who have been murdered since 1990, including 42 journalists in 2020. Just this weekend, Iranian journalist Ruhollah Zam was executed for running a website that criticized the Iranian government, bringing the year's total to 43.We are deeply troubled by IFJ's tragic findings that 42 journalists were killed this year and that 235 journalists remain in prison, the Co-Chairs said. With the addition of Ruhollah Zam's execution, 2659 journalists have been murdered over the past 30 years which equates to about two journalists or media workers killed every week. Media freedom is critical to hold governments accountable to their citizens. No matter where they are located, journalists like Mr. Zam should be free to fulfill the critical mission of providing timely, accurate information to the public without the fear of repression, imprisonment, or death. On December 10, IFJ issued a white paper documenting the killing of journalists since 1990. According to IFJ, [t]he IFJ casualty toll included all journalists, freelance as well as support staff such as drivers, fixers and translators who died during newsgathering activitiesgiving a fuller picture of the extent of casualties within the media workforce. Ruhollah Zam was convicted of corruption on earth for his work running Amad News, a news website Iran accused of inciting the 2017-2018 protests. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hearing-portman-questions-witnesses-election-security-cybersecurity-threats,"At Hearing, Portman Questions Witnesses on Election Security & Cybersecurity Threats Facing United States",2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"At Hearing, Portman Questions Witnesses on Election Security & Cybersecurity Threats Facing United States December 16, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC Today, at a Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) questioned witnesses about election security and the cybersecurity threats facing the country. Portman has led efforts to address state and local cybersecurity threats and has worked to combat cyberattacks and ensure elections are free, fair, and secure from foreign interference. Last week, Portman announced that the Senate-passed FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report included his bipartisan provision to require the Department of Homeland Security to establish a Cybersecurity State Coordinator position in every state. In 2018, Senator Portman's bipartisan Hack Department of Homeland Security (DHS) ActandPublic-Private Cybersecurity Cooperation Actwere included in a package of billsthat were signed into law. In addition, earlier this year, Senators Portman and Gary Peters (D-MI) introduced the bipartisan Risk-Informed Spending for Cybersecurity (RISC) Act to require the federal government to make better investments in cybersecurity protections to keep Americans' data safe. The legislation would require federal agencies to efficiently allocate limited cybersecurity resources to acquire capabilities that address the most pressing cyber threats. In addition, earlier this month, the senators introduced a bipartisan bill that would increase transparency and modernize how the government responds to cybersecurity incidents on federal information systems. Federal System Incident Response Act will update and add critical new sections to FISMA, increasing transparency by clarifying how and when agencies must notify impacted individuals and Congress when data breaches occur. The bill would also require agencies to share information about cybersecurity incidents with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to ensure that attacks against one agency can be compared to other agency incidents. In June 2019, Senator Portman, as Chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, released a bipartisan report that found that the vast majority of federal agencies reviewed by the Subcommittee failed to implement effective and comprehensive cybersecurity frameworks. This included the failure to protect sensitive personally identifiable information and an overreliance on outdated legacy systems. Excerpts of the hearing can be found below and a video can be found here. Portman: I have been moving around the Capitol as we have had to vote, but I was at the hearing earlier, and I appreciate the witnesses and all of the information that we have received and you know, as I look at this issue and even watch some of the back and forth today between our colleagues, it seems to me that pulling this out of politics a little bit and having a bipartisan group that is a more independent look at the issue is a good idea. In part because most of us don't believe that this ought to be something that the federal government usurps from the states. In fact, we believe that the Constitution got it right and that, generally speaking, it is better to have these states handle this, but there are obviously many disparities between how the states do it. So there was discussion earlier, I think it was the Carter-Baker Commission, I would ask you, Mr. Starr, is this time for us to establish a commission -- I have been involved in some of these commissions, I have been a commissioner and co-chaired some that have worked, some that haven't worked, but often they can be quite effective at sort of taking the partisan poison out of an issue and addressing it in a very straightforward way. If you had a distinguished Democrat and a distinguished Republican and commissioners who are dedicated to increasing the confidence in our elections, do you think now is the time for us to establish such a commission that could report with plenty of time before the next midterm election and help to give the states a sense of direction and perhaps even a template of best practices? Former Justice Department Independent Counsel Kenneth W. Starr: The short answer is yes. In light of the acrimony and the division with respect to the 2000 election bringing together Jimmy Carter and former Secretary of State Baker was, I think, very efficacious. They made thoughtful recommendations, but they bring attention and shed light on what the issues are, and so yes, I think taking it out of what is clearly continuing to be a highly bitter and acrimonious discussion and to say to the American people, We are going to take a look at this and we are going to try to in fact improve in the great spirit of reform.' We want honest elections. Abraham Lincoln, the subject of the fraudulent mail-in campaign, let's not lose sight -- even though I am thankful that foreign interference and so forth, I very much admire Mr. Krebs and all of that -- but we are really talking about down in the boiler room', so to speak, of American elections, and that is where I think these reforms need to be and safeguards need to be put in place. Portman: Well, thank you for that, and I am looking forward to working with one of my Democratic colleagues to try to promote this idea. We have had some discussions of it already, and I think it again today what we have heard is indicative of the degree of intensity on this issue and the need for free and fair elections. I think everybody agrees with secure elections absolutely, and you mentioned Mr. Krebs; Chris, thank you for your service at CISA. I agree with what was said earlier about the fact that during your time there, you were instrumental in building up our defenses on the cybersecurity side. Particularly thank you for working with Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose so well. Frank LaRose and you, I think, were able to provide some examples for other states, as I understand it. You can speak to that. But we have in every county in Ohio the so-called Albert Intrusion Detection Monitoring Hardware, which is designed to detect suspicious cyber activity. Can you comment briefly on the benefits of using this kind of detection and monitoring hardware and how it worked? Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Former Director Christopher C. Krebs: Yes, sir. First off, I want to thank you for actually just the state of Ohio; for some reason, in my senior staff and my front office, two of my top three advisors happen to be from Ohio, so you are doing something right there. The Albert systems are intrusion detection systems that effectively sit on the network, sit on the wire, that capture traffic that we can work with our intelligence community partners and develop what is known as signatures', looking for known malicious activity or known interaction with suspicious IP addresses, just looking for bad interaction. And it gives us a good insight into what sort of behaviors may be happening on those networks and they were actually pretty key after the 2016 election. Once we were able to get a sense of what was happening in Illinois, we could load up some of those signatures and then go do forensics. It is a passive system. It is a forensics system. Where we need to go, though, is building on the trust we have developed through the Albert sensors and through the ISAC and through the coordinating councils to start deploying more advanced technologies, and I am specifically talking about some of the endpoint detection and response capabilities that will actually sit on a computer in a state and local office and be more of a real-time monitoring and mitigation capability. That is how we continue moving forward. We need the same capability in the federal government. We are not there yet, but we have to continue advancing, and I think Congress will. Portman: Chris, and I again, as you know, you and I have talked about this, I appreciate what you did for elections. I also am very concerned that our federal government is not up to the task generally, and that is another topic for another hearing, perhaps one where you will be back to testify. But look what has happened just recently. In the last week, we found out that a very sophisticated group of hackers got into the computers of some of our most sensitive agencies and so we obviously have a lot of work to do, and I am not suggesting that CISA, you know, was that fault there, but on the other hand, I think we have not yet given even CISA the adequate resources and authority to be able to handle all of these issues, not just the election issues, but obviously we have a huge problem right now with cyberattacks, and we don't know all of the details yet, and I won't ask you to get into stuff you don't know about, but it was a massive cyber-attack on federal agencies that undercut our national security, we know that. By the way, Senator Paul earlier talked about the fact that there has been some lack of understanding between what you testified to and what you stated as to the election being secure from cyber-attacks and this notion that there were not instances of irregularity and fraud in this election, which of course there have been in every election in the history of our country and there were in this election, and we have heard about some of those today. Is Senator Paul correct, and I guess I would slightly amend what he said. He said that your focus was just on foreign adversaries. My sense is your focus is not just on foreign adversaries, although you feel fairly confident that that did not happen this time, and obviously based on what happened in 2016 with the Russians, this is good news but also with regard to domestic cyber-attacks is that what your report was about? Is he accurate in saying that? Mr. Krebs: Yes, sir, so you know when you come in a federal office, you pledge the oath to uphold and defend the Constitution from threats foreign and domestic, and that is what we did. The focus of the statement, the joint statement, was security. It was secure, I think terms have been conflated here, you know, alleging that we were speaking to the fraud aspect. We absolutely were not. We were talking about security, hacking, manipulation of these machines. That was the thrust of the statement. Portman: Yeah, I think that is very important to point out, and I think a number of people were confused about that, including perhaps some folks in the administration. Post-election there's been a lot of talk about signature matching and I will end with this Mr. Chairman, I know we are getting overtime here, but in Ohio what we know is -- and we have been doing this for 15 years quite successfully -- we send out an application for an absentee ballot. It's a no-fault absentee. That's how I vote. But you have to send in an application including a signature. Those signatures are checked. Then the signature on the actual ballot -- once you receive the ballot and you send that in, you have another signature -- that's checked, and then of course the two are compared. They also, in Ohio, have access to other signatures if there is some confusion as to whether it might be the right person or not. Could you, Mr. Krebs or others, perhaps comment on that system? Is that a good way to ensure that you have the protection that we all want to have that the person who requested the ballot is an eligible voter and that the returned ballot was completed by that same person? Mr. Krebs: Not an expert on the system. Seems reasonable to me. Portman: Anybody else want to comment on that? Commonwealth of Pennsylvania State Representative Francis X. Ryan: Sir, this is State Representative Frank Ryan. I would tell you that that is a good system, and that would alleviate significant number of the concerns that I had in the election. And based upon some of the comments that were made by many of the senators and the testifiers, I would indicate that we saw a major problem with the dotcom bubble in 2001, which led to the Sarbanes-Oxley bill, much of which is the basis of my testimony today. And in 2008 and 2009 we had the crisis that happened in the banking industry with the no documentation law, and so we saw how that worked, it led to the Dodd-Frank bill. I would hope that what happened in 2000 elections and in the Abraham Lincoln election, and this most recent one in 2016 and 2020, there would be similar legislation that could help us restore the confidence that people have that there is some degree of uniform perspective about the requirements that each of the states needs to be able to comply with. What Ohio is doing would have alleviated a major amount of the concerns I had when we had a Supreme Court that decided to legislate from the bench. Mr. Starr: And Mr. Chairman, if I may say just a word, and that is I think what, Senator Portman, you have identified, is a best practice, and it certainly qualifies as one of the things that perhaps a commission, if one is founded, can say We have canvassed the entire 50 states, and here are the best practices.' The recommendations could be based on experience as opposed to simply theoretical constructs. Let's just see what has worked in the various states with reputations for honesty and integrity. Portman: I think that would be the objective. Thank you, Mr. Starr, and thank you, Mr. Chairman, for your indulgence. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-applauds-service-justin-herdman-us-attorney-northern-district,"Portman Applauds Service of Justin Herdman, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District",2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Portman Applauds Service of Justin Herdman, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District December 16, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) issued the following statement on the service of Justin Herdman as the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio. The Northern District of Ohio consists of the 40 northern counties in Ohio and has offices in Cleveland, Toledo, Akron and Youngstown. Portman praised the confirmation of Justin Herdman for the position of U.S. Attorney in the Northern District of Ohio in 2017. I want to thank U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman for his outstanding service to northern Ohio and the U.S. Department of Justice. I was proud to recommend him for his role as U.S. Attorney and I enjoyed working with him on issues important to Ohio and the country. Under Justin's leadership, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Ohio has led the charge on nationwide efforts to reduce violent crime and the trafficking of dangerous narcotics like fentanyl and synthetic opioids. I have particularly appreciated working with him on addressing the addiction crisis and stopping the theft of our nation's intellectual property by foreign governments like China. Justin has made a real difference in his office and in his community and I wish him all the best in his future endeavors. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-brown-applaud-house-passage-bipartisan-legislation-rename-nasas,"Portman, Brown Applaud House Passage of Bipartisan Legislation to Rename NASAs Plum Brook Station Test Facility After Neil Armstrong",2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Portman, Brown Applaud House Passage of Bipartisan Legislation to Rename NASA's Plum Brook Station Test Facility After Neil Armstrong December 16, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) applauded the U.S. House of Representatives for passing their bipartisan legislation to rename NASA's Plum Brook Station, the agency's test facility in Sandusky, Ohio, after Neil Armstrong. Portman and Brown introduced the legislation last year and it was passed by the Senate in June. Plum Brook is part of the NASA Glenn Research Center. Ithouses unique world-class facilities that conduct critical and innovative ground tests for the international aerospace community.The legislation now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law. From his service as a Navy fighter pilot, to his courageous experiments as a test pilot, to his space exploration and first step on the surface of the Moon, Neil Armstrong left an indelible mark in mankind's history of flight.In all his accomplishments, he considered himself first and foremost a test pilot who pushed the boundaries of what was possible in the air and in space, Senator Portman said. Neil was a humble and patriotic Ohioan who believed the honor of serving his country was a reward in and of itself. That's why, when I asked him the year before he passed away whether he wanted me to pursue naming Plum Brook after him, he demurred. But he was a strong supporter of Plum Brook Station and the important simulations and testing being done there, and I believe it is precisely because of his humility, coupled with his unparalleled accomplishments, that the renaming is appropriate.In consultation with his family and NASA, Senator Brown and I introduced this legislation last year and I applaud the House for passing it today. I urge the president to sign this legislation into law soon as a fitting tribute to Armstrongs amazing accomplishments in air and in space. Before Neil Armstrong became the first person to step foot on the moon, he was an up-and-coming test pilot in northeast Ohio at what is now known as the NASA John H. Glenn Research Center. I'm pleased to join Sen. Portman in honoring Ohio-native Neil Armstrong by renaming NASA Glenn's Plum Brook Station in Sandusky for a man who inspires future Ohioans to continue our state's tradition of breaking barriers in space,said Senator Brown, who nowoccupiesthe late Ohio Senator and astronaut John Glenn's old office in Washington, DC. NOTE: In July of 2019, in advance of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, Portman and Brown announced their intention to rename the facility. Prior to the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, Portman paid tribute to his friend, Ohio-native Neil Armstrong in a video, as well as on the Senate floor. In August of 2019, Portman accompanied NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine in a visit to NASA's Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field in Cleveland and Plum Brook Station in Sandusky to view progress on the agency's Artemis Program -- its multi-year plan to return American astronauts to the Moon and eventually send manned missions to Mars. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://joyce.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=2882,Joyce Issues Statement on Electoral College Vote,2020-12-15,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Dave Joyce,J000295,joyce.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14) issued the following statement regarding the Electoral College vote on December 14, 2020: Yesterday, as established by our Founding Fathers in the Constitution, the Electoral College cast their votes for the 46th President of the United States. While Ohio's 18 electoral votes went to President Trump, when votes from all 50 states were compiled, Joe Biden was certified as President-elect with 306 votes. I know that the red versus blue tensions have run high since Election Day, but it is important to remember that the Constitution, for which I have sworn an oath to God to uphold, is far greater than any one candidate or political party. It is both our privilege and our responsibility to respect the will of our fellow Americans as we have done for more than 200 years. That is what has made our nation the greatest democracy in the world. I am proud that theelectionin Ohio was conducted in the same way that it has been for many years, where voters were able to cast ballots both by mail and in person without any delay or question of legitimacy.However, the alternative election processes implemented in other states due to the COVID-19 pandemic led to questions regarding the legality of certain ballots.As a former prosecutor, I am glad President Trump was afforded his legal right to address reports of irregularities and thank the courts forexpeditiously applying the law to the cases presented before them. I thank President Trump for his leadership the past four years, during which our nation saw record-low unemployment, brought our trade policies into the modern age and prioritized the American worker, reduced burdensome government regulations, reformed our nation's outdated tax code, and achieved historic success with vaccine development. As we head into the 117th Congress, I look forward to continuing to fight for policies that put America first and revive the American dream for hardworking families in Ohio and across our country. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-and-bipartisan-bicameral-members-share-details-two-bipartisan-covid,"Portman and Bipartisan, Bicameral Members Share Details of Two Bipartisan COVID-19 Emergency Relief Bills",2020-12-15,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Portman and Bipartisan, Bicameral Members Share Details of Two Bipartisan COVID-19 Emergency Relief Bills December 14, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mark Warner (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Angus King (I-ME), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Tom Reed (R-NY) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) shared additional details for the two bipartisan, bicameral COVID-19 emergency relief bills. The Bipartisan COVID-19 Emergency Relief Act of 2020, co-sponsored by Senators Portman, Manchin, Collins, Warner, Cassidy, Shaheen, Murkowski, King, Romney, Hassan, and Durbin, would provide as much as $748 billion in relief to American students, families, businesses, workers, and health care providers during this crisis. The Bipartisan State and Local Support and Small Business Protection Act of 2020, co-sponsored by Senators Portman, Manchin, Collins, Cassidy, Murkowski, and Romney, would provide $160 billion in funding for state and local governments and liability protections for businesses, schools, health care providers, and other organizations. The Problem Solvers Caucus is working on a version in the House. The Senate should not adjourn until we have passed a new COVID-19 package to provide the relief Americans need, and I'm pleased to announce this bipartisan effort with my colleagues. Together, we have crafted two packages, one that will support our health care response to this pandemic and, just as important, provide a bridge of additional aid to bolster our economy until vaccines are widely available and Americans feel safe returning to normal life. The second package is focused on ensuring that state and local governments have the funding they need to provide essential services while protecting businesses, nonprofits, schools, and faith-based organizations from frivolous lawsuits. I hope all of our colleagues will support these bipartisan products, said Senator Portman. The American people are hurting in ways we haven't seen in generations. The next several months are going to the most difficult stretch of the COVID-19 pandemic in this country, and we as Members of Congress have a responsibility to act. Food banks are overwhelmed with requests, small businesses are being forced to shut their doors again, we are on the verge of a devastating housing crisis and millions of Americans still find themselves unemployed. The two bipartisan, bicameral emergency relief bills shared today are a compromise that will carry the American people through April 1st of next year to ensure our healthcare crisis doesn't become an economic catastrophe. For Congress to do nothing in the face of a national crisis of this magnitude is unacceptable and I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support these bipartisan solutions. We're not going home for Christmas until this gets done, Senator Manchin said. We have had a Christmas miracle occur in Washington. We worked night and day for over a month to put together an emergency COVID relief package. My hope is that our hard work will spur our leadership on both sides of the aisle to take our products and use them as the basis for a COVID relief package that is urgently needed by our struggling families, hard-hit small businesses, health care providers, Postal Service, schools, and so many others, said Senator Collins. I'm particularly proud of the $300 billion package that Senator Jeanne Shaheen and I led. It includes an extension of the Paycheck Protection Program, which has saved millions of jobs in this country, including 250,000 jobs in Maine alone. Undoubtedly, depending on the course of this pandemic, we may have to do more, but surely we can come together and provide this relief before we break for the Christmas holiday. The American people deserve no less. I will be the first to admit that this deal is imperfect. But these challenges are simply too urgent to allow politics to interfere, and an imperfect deal is better than no deal. With unemployment and other benefits scheduled to run out just before Christmas, the American people cannot afford for us to wait. After several weeks of work, I hope that this bipartisan bill moves us closer to providing real relief to the American people without further delay, said Senator Warner. COVID infections are rising. Small businesses owners and their employees are afraid of going bankrupt and losing their jobs. Families are wondering how to afford food and rent. This bill reflects weeks of good-faith negotiations from both Republicans and Democrats to find a solution that delivers relief to struggling Americans. This is Congress' last chance to pass a relief bill before Christmas. We must deliver for the good of our country, said Dr. Cassidy. 300,000 Americans have been taken by COVID-19. As hospital beds fill up, small businesses close their doors and Americans struggle to put food on the table, the urgency to get financial relief to our communities cannot be overstated. The bipartisan legislation we've announced today written in good-faith and across party lines are the only relief bills that can clear Congress. Senate and House leaders must act swiftly, said Senator Shaheen. The impact of the COVID-19 crisis has been overwhelming and no person or industry has been spared. This legislation responds to those who have been hardest-hit, including our small businesses and child care providers, and it addresses pre-existing problems in our society that have been worsened by the pandemic, such as food insecurity and the substance use disorder epidemic. This legislation will help Americans get through the darkest months of this crisis, but our work is not over. We will need to build on this bipartisan effort in the weeks and months ahead to ensure New Hampshire families and all Americans have the assistance they need to recover. Across the nation, Americans continue to struggle with significant health and economic impacts due to COVID-19. In Alaska, I continue to hear from small businesses who are struggling to keep their doors open as well as many who are uncertain they will be able to pay rent or even feed their family. Congress must fulfill our obligation to the American people by providing emergency relief to those who have been hit the hardest by the impacts of this pandemic. People are looking to Congress for leadership in a time of serious need and these targeted measures will make an immediate difference,said Senator Murkowski. It is time to put partisan differences aside and provide Americans with the relief they so desperately need. I urge my colleagues to support this much needed legislation for the sake of all those who are struggling. After weeks of negotiations marked by good-faith efforts on both sides of the aisle to strike a compromise, today we have reached an agreement that would provide hundreds of billions of dollars for Americans who are struggling, said Senator King. This agreement extends unemployment benefits for workers who've lost their jobs due to the pandemic's economic impact; provides another crucial lifeline for the nation's small businesses, and strengthens our public health infrastructure as healthcare providers across the country prepare to deliver vaccine doses in the months ahead. Our agreement is far from perfect; I strongly would have preferred additional funding for unemployment, and would rather that the critical funds for state and local infrastructure were included in the overall package rather than broken out. However, we don't have time to let the perfect be the enemy of the good. When you look at our initial framework, this final agreement isn't a glass that's half full -- this glass is eighty percent full. I support this measure because the American people are in desperate need of relief, and they don't have time for months of Congressional haggling; they need action, now. This legislation should be viewed as a starting point, to get us through the worst of the long winter ahead and in the next several months, Congress should continue negotiating in an effort to prepare additional relief legislation this coming spring. After many weeks of good faith efforts, I'm pleased we were able to reach agreement on a two part relief package that includes emergency relief for small businesses, unemployment insurance, funding for vaccines and health care providers, as well as state and local assistance and a national liability shield for COVID-related lawsuits. This compromise represents the best path forward for Congress and the Administration to provide much-needed relief for the American people before the end of the year, said Senator Romney. People in New Hampshire, and across the country, urgently need additional COVID-19 relief, said Senator Hassan. We have come together, compromised, and found bipartisan agreement on a strong emergency relief package that will help protect lives and livelihoods and there is significant bipartisan, bicameral support for it. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this across the finish line. It is clear that we are at a critical moment. I'm hopeful that with the first shipment of a vaccine arriving today at hospitals across the country, we will be able to turn the corner on this pandemic. But we also know that it will take time and resources to vaccinate enough people, and the winter is going to be hard for many families and businesses. With this in mind, this group of Democrats and Republicans came together and worked on compromise, emergency relief legislation in the areas where we could agree totaling $748 billion. This package does not include everything I think we need. However, it is an honest compromise, Senator Durbin said. While the fight continues over state and local funding and corporate liability immunity, we must provide some emergency relief for the American people before we go home for the holidays. I support the $748 billion bipartisan package. I urge my colleagues to support this package, and I call on the Senate Majority Leader to bring it to the floor for a vote this week. This team effort is an example of how Congress should, can, and must work together, and a model for governing in a way that the country needs and deserves. This remarkable, bipartisan, bicameral effort from rank and file members has fulfilled our mission to develop an emergency relief down payment that can help our entire nation, said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). Now, the House and Senate must come together in the spirit of unity, in the spirit of humanity, and in the spirit of America and pass this emergency relief package before Christmas, so that our country can begin the new year in the spirit of hope and optimism and with much needed relief. By staying in the room and refusing to give up, we've crafted a comprehensive proposal that directly addresses the short-term economic needs of the nation and ensures millions of American families will go into the holidays with the federal support they deserve, said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Tom Reed (R-NY). This effort proves working together is not dead, and it is possible to solve problems if by listening in good faith. Let's get emergency relief across the finish line and passed into law without delay. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-announces-127-million-fema-grants-ohio-health-care-systems-help,"Portman Announces $12.7 Million in FEMA Grants to Ohio Health Care Systems to Help Continue to Provide COVID-19 Treatment, Testing & Protective Measures",2020-12-15,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Portman Announces $12.7 Million in FEMA Grants to Ohio Health Care Systems to Help Continue to Provide COVID-19 Treatment, Testing & Protective Measures December 15, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) applauded the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for announcing two grants totaling $12.7 million to help health care systems in Ohio with costs associated with COVID-19. FEMA awarded these grants from replenished funds accessible thanks to the bipartisan CARES Act, which Senator Portman supported and was signed into law by President Trump. The $12.7 million in FEMA funding announced today is great news for the Ohio State University and Premier Health because it will help them continue to provide the treatment and health care that Ohio desperately needs during this ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, said Portman. This pandemic has created significant and unprecedented challenges across Ohio and these grants will provide much-needed additional support for these hard-working health care providers. I will continue to work with my bipartisan colleagues in Congress to ensure that Ohio has the necessary resources during these uncertain times. The following two health care systems received funds: Ohio State University - Columbus Campus: $6,015,314.75 Premier Health: $6,696,593.23 ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-heinrich-secure-groundbreaking-advancements-artificial-intelligence,"Portman, Heinrich Secure Groundbreaking Advancements for Artificial Intelligence in FY 2021 NDAA",2020-12-15,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Portman, Heinrich Secure Groundbreaking Advancements for Artificial Intelligence in FY 2021 NDAA Senators Spearhead Effort to Create a National Strategy for AI and Authorize $1.5 Billion for AI Initiatives Over the Next Five Years December 15, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM), the co-founders of the Senate Artificial Intelligence Caucus, have secured the most significant advancements for Artificial Intelligence (AI) ever included in a defense policy bill. The FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) authorizes versions of four major pieces of legislation championed by Senators Portman and Heinrich that include: Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act (AI-IA) Artificial Intelligence for the Armed Forces Act National AI Research Resource Task Force Act We cannot take America's AI leadership for granted. Right now, China is engaging in a full court press to unseat the United States' dominance in AI,said Portman.I'm pleased the FY 2021 NDAA conference report includes the AI-IA, National AI Research Resource Task Force Act, Artificial Intelligence for the Armed Forces Act, and the Deepfakes Report Act which provide groundbreaking advancements in AI in our nation. By coordinating and synchronizing our country's research and development efforts, these bipartisan bills ensure not just that the United States remains an AI leader, but that it does so by developing AI technology that prioritizes American values. Artificial intelligence and the opportunities and challenges it will bring will have serious national security implications,said Heinrich.""If we defer AI development to other nations, important ethical, safety, and privacy principles will be at risk, which not only harms the United States, but also the international community as a whole. I have been proud to work alongside Senator Portman to create bipartisan solutions and put into place policy, people, and potential for this new market to truly take transportation, health care, manufacturing, and national security to the next level. I will keep fighting for provisions like those that we secured in the FY 2021 NDAA to step up our domestic efforts and prevent the unethical use and proliferation of AI technologies around the globe, and right here in the U.S. Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act (AI-IA) The FY 2021 NDAA includes a modified version of the Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act (AI-IA) which will help establish a comprehensive national Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy. Portman, co-founder of the Senate Artificial Intelligence Caucus, introduced the bipartisan legislation last year with Senator Heinrich. The legislation will organize a coordinated national strategy for developing AI and authorize a $2.2 billion federal investment over five years to build an AI-ready workforce, accelerating the responsible delivery of AI applications from government agencies, academia, and the private sector over the next 10 years. The NDAA increases the legislation's proposed authorization of funds to more than $6 billion. Artificial Intelligence for the Armed Forces Act The conferenced NDAA includes provisions that take important steps in increasing our military's artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities by including provisions from Portman and Heinrich's bipartisanArtificial Intelligence for the Armed Forces Act. Specifically, these provisions will: Require the Director of the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center to report directly to the Secretary of Defense; Ensure that the Director of the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center is three-star equivalent; Modify the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude test to add a computational assessment to identify applicants with skills in AI; and Provide direction on the use of direct hiring authorities to help bring AI experts into the Department of Defense. National AI Research Resource Task Force Act The bill also includes a version of Portman and Heinrich's bipartisan National AI Research Resource Task Force Act, which will establish a task force to develop a detailed roadmap for the development of a national cloud computer for Artificial Intelligence (AI) research. This legislation will convene a group of technical experts across academia, government, and industry to develop a detailed roadmap for how the United States can build, deploy, govern, and sustain a national research cloud. The National AI Research Resource Task Force Act is supported by: The Ohio State University Carnegie Mellon University Pennsylvania State University University of Pennsylvania Deepfakes Report Act The conferenced NDAA includes a version of Portman, Heinrich, and Senator Brian Schatz's (D-HI) Deepfake Report Act. The bipartisan measure directsthe Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct an annual study of deepfakes and other types of similar content. Deepfakes are hyper-realistic, digital manipulations of real content that depict events that did not actually occur. The legislation requires DHS to assess the technology used to generate deepfakes, the uses of deepfakes by foreign and domestic entities, and available countermeasures to deepfakes, to help policymakers and the public better understand the threats deepfakes pose to our national security and election security. TheDeepfake Report Actpassed the Senate in October 2019 as astand-alone bill. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-statement-former-nationwide-childrens-researcher-and-chinese-0,Portman Statement on Former Nationwide Childrens Researcher and Chinese Talents Program Member Pleading Guilty for Alleged Theft of Scientific Trade Secrets and Wire Fraud,2020-12-15,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Portman Statement on Former Nationwide Children's Researcher and Chinese Talents Program Member Pleading Guilty for Alleged Theft of Scientific Trade Secrets and Wire Fraud December 15, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) issued the following statement after John C. Demers, Assistant Attorney General for National Security, David M. DeVillers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Chris Hoffman, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)announcedthata former Nationwide Children's Hospital's Research Institute researcher pleaded guilty to conspiring to steal scientific trade secrets and commit wire fraud while receiving benefits from the Chinese government.The researcher's wife previously pleaded guilty to the same crimes in July 2020. Senator Portman, as Chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), led a year-long investigation into China's talent recruitment programs like the Thousand Talents Program, culminating in abipartisan reportin November 2019 that detailed how China has recruited U.S.-based scientists and researchers since the late 1990s and incentivized them to transfer U.S. taxpayer-funded research and IP to China for their own military and economic gain. This case followsthe string of arrestsof academics affiliatedwithAmerican universities for alleged crimes related to their participation in China's talent recruitment programs while accepting American taxpayer-funded grant funding. Earlier this year, Portman introduced the bipartisanSafeguarding American Innovation Actto protect American research and IP from global competitors. BothFBI Director WrayandAttorney General Barr, havespoken about the threat to American taxpayer-funded research and intellectual property from foreign governments, particularly China, which would be addressed by this legislation. I'm pleased that our committee investigation and resulting report last year continues to spur action by federal law enforcement to hold China accountable.For too long, China has exploited the lack of transparency in our education system to steal our taxpayer-funded research and innovation.I commend U.S. Attorney DeVillers and the DOJ for their work to stop another alleged member of China's talent programs, adding to the string of arrests that have been announced this year. This case further underscores the need for my bipartisan legislation to safeguard American innovation, hold countries like China accountable for their actions, and ensure our world-class research enterprise is protected here in America. I am encouraged by the actions taken by DOJ and the FBI to stop the exploitation of the openness and transparency of our research enterprise.China's ongoing theft of America's research and innovation must stop. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passed-fy-2021-ndaa-conference-report-includes-wins-ohio-increases,"Senate-Passed FY 2021 NDAA Conference Report Includes Wins for Ohio, Increases Troop Pay, Supports Ukraine Security Assistance",2020-12-15,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senate-Passed FY 2021 NDAA Conference Report Includes Wins for Ohio, Increases Troop Pay, Supports Ukraine Security Assistance December 15, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DCToday, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) announced that the Senate-passed FY 2021National Defense Authorization Act(NDAA) conference report includes a number of initiatives to support Ohio's military installations, increase troop pay, and provide additional assistance to Ukraine.The report now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law. He released the following statement: I'm proud that the Senate-passed conference report provides needed resources to continue rebuilding our military, support our troops, and provide upgrades and support to Ohio's defense installations.Our country faces significant security threats around the world, and this bipartisan legislation will help ensure that our soldiers, airmen, sailors, Marines and space professionals have the vital resources they need to accomplish their national security missions. Ohio is home to the best and brightest serving our country and some of our nation's premier defense installations, and this legislation provides for their continued success. This conference report also takes additional steps I've fought for to help Ukraine defend themselves against Russian aggression.This security assistance package sendsa clear message that America continues to stand with the Ukrainian people in their struggle to secure a democratic, prosperous, and independent future and I hope the president signs it into law soon. NOTE: Portman announced that the FY 2021 NDAA conference report includes a number of key wins for Ohio and the country, including: Authorizing$1.4 billion in funding to upgrade 89 Abrams tanks, sustainingthe rate of production of the upgraded Abrams tanks Joint Systems Manufacturing Center (JSMC) in Lima in order to ensure that our forward deployed tanks have the most cutting-edge capabilities; Authorizing$1.1 billion for upgrading Stryker Vehicles at the JSMC; Authorizing $532.8 million to produce 72 Stryker chassis to support the Army's Maneuver Short Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD) program; Authorizing$250 million in security assistance to fund additional training, equipment, and advisory efforts for Ukraine's forces.Portman hasledefforts in the Senate to ensure these Ukraine security assistance funds were authorized and obligated pending critical defense reforms at the Ukrainian parliament; Requiring the Department of State and Department of Defense to develop a new, multi-year strategy to support the development of Ukraine's military forces, increasing its capability and capacity and providing a resource plan for US security assistance; Authorizing $23.5 million in funding for a hydrant fuel system for the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base; Authorizing $35 million for an Energy Resilience and Conservation Investment Program project at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base to help make NASIC more energy efficient; Authorizing $15 million for the construction of a new Guard Readiness Center in Columbus, Ohio; Requiring DoDto assess the surge capacity of defense industrial base manufacturers compared to that of our adversaries. This assessment would highlight the capabilities of large and small Ohio businesses to support the Federal government's urgent production needs. Enabling National Museum of the United States Air Forceat Wright-Patterson Air Force Base to receive name-bearing gifts of real property. Provisions from Portman's bipartisan Artificial Intelligence for the Armed Forces Act to increase our military's artificial intelligence capabilities. Requiring DoD to report on their efforts to work with consortia of academic researchers in the development of cybersecurity capabilities for DoD systems. Directing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct an annual study of deepfakes and other types of similar content. Requiring DoD to study partnering with existing government facilities, like NASA's Plum Brook Station in Sandusky, Ohio, to perform research and testing on hypersonic devices. Requiring DHS to establish a Cybersecurity State Coordinator position in every state. Requiring the Department of Defense to report to Congress on ways to strengthen ties between the Joint AI Center and each of the military services. Requiring the Department of Defense (DoD) to report on the artificial intelligence (AI) standardsrelated to the country's defense industrial base. Establishing a task force to develop a detailed roadmap for the development of a national cloud computer for Artificial Intelligence (AI) research. Establishing a comprehensive national Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy. Enhancing lease protections for our Gold Star Families. Studying the impact of the Chinese government's influence in setting global standards for emerging technologies. In total, the NDAA conference report provides $740.5 billion for national defense. The legislation also gives our service members a three percent pay raise. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://latta.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402396,"Latta, Kelly, Kelly, Fudge Lead Effort to Reduce Maternal Deaths, Improve Health Outcomes for Mothers",2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Robert Latta,L000566,latta.house.gov,,,legacy,"BOWLING GREEN, OHToday, Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH5) joined Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-IL2), Congressman Mike Kelly (R-PA16) and Congresswoman Marcia Fudge (D-OH11) to introduce the Supporting Best Practices for Healthy Moms Act, a bill working to reduce maternal deaths and improve the health outcomes of pregnant women and mothers enrolled in Medicaid. In the United States, about 700 women tragically die each year from complications resulting from pregnancy and childbirth, with Black, American Indian, and Alaska Native (AI/AN) women two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined that two-thirds of these deaths are preventable. While the Medicaid program plays a critical role in addressing the United States' maternal mortality crisis, the nonpartisan Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC) reports that pregnant beneficiaries are more likely to experience higher rates of severe maternal morbidity and mortality than pregnant individuals with private insurance. Revolutionary technologies and innovations are doing incredible work to improve the health and wellbeing of people across the country, but we still have a lot of work to do to ensure women will not lose their lives during pregnancy and childbirth, said Latta. States are doing what they can to address the poor health outcomes for moms, but we can and must do more to assist states and health care providers in order to save lives. I am proud to partner with Representatives Robin Kelly, Mike Kelly, and Marcia Fudge, and Senators Pat Toomey and Sherrod Brown to introduce bipartisan legislation working to help all expecting mothers have the care and resources they need to have a safe pregnancy. This bill is about saving lives. In 2020, starting or growing your family shouldn't cost you your life, said Robin Kelly. We need to identify and establish best practices to prevent maternal mortality, much like what's used today for suspected heart attacks. This bill is a good start, but more needs to be done to address this critical public health issue. I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass additional legislation to ensure the health and safety of our precious new moms. Knowing that 60% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable is heartbreaking, said Mike Kelly. This bill will provide health care resources and establish best practices for soon-to-be mothers so they can take appropriate steps to protect themselves from potential risks, a crucial step to reducing maternal mortality. Thank you to my colleagues for working with me on this legislation to support women as they do what only they can do: bring life into this world. The pandemic continues to expose longstanding disparities in America. However, a glaring example of health inequity that was present long before the pandemic is the maternal health crisis impacting Black mothers and babies, said Fudge. It is unconscionable that hundreds of expectant mothers and infants, disproportionately women and babies of color, die from preventable causes each year. I'm proud to support this critical legislation to address our nation's maternal mortality crisis in an overarching way by identifying and promoting best practices and interventions that support healthy pregnancies. U.S Senators Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) introduced companion legislation in the Senate earlier this month. Nearly 700 women died last year in the United States as a result of complications from pregnancy and childbirth. But we know that as many as two-thirds of these deaths may be preventable, said Toomey. This legislation will help improve health outcomes for pregnant women and mothers enrolled in Medicaid by increasing information and resources to better monitor and treat at-risk pregnancies, as well as inform Congress on policies that may assist states in reducing maternal deaths. A mother's chance of surviving pregnancy shouldn't depend on her zip code or the type of insurance she has,said Brown.Too many mothers are dying. As the death rate continues to skyrocket, the disparities in maternal mortality have increased along with it, further contributing to the Black maternal health crisis - and that has to change. By meeting moms where they are, listening to health experts, and establishing best practices, we can improve health outcomes and keep more of our mothers and children healthy and safe. TheSupporting Best Practices for Healthy Moms Actwould: Create a diverse, representative National Advisory Committee on Reducing Maternal Deaths to: Establish best practices for all Medicaid-covered maternal care providers and clinicians to screen, monitor, and treat at-risk pregnancies; Generate culturally competent materials to help inform pregnant women of potential risks during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum; and Identify best practice for tracking maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity trends. Report to Congress on potential payment disincentives or regulatory barriers to the transfer of pregnant women between facilities before and during birth, as well as during the postpartum period. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wenstrup.house.gov/updates/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404556,Wenstrup Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Raise Public Awareness of COVID-19 Vaccine,2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,OH,Brad Wenstrup,W000815,wenstrup.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Today, Representatives Brad Wenstrup, D.P.M. (R-OH-02), Ron Kind (D-WI-03), Roger Marshall (R-KS-01), Scott Peters (D-CA-52), John Joyce (R-PA-13), Andy Kim (D-NJ-03), Neal Dunn (R-FL-02), and Albio Sires (D-NJ-08) introduced bipartisan legislation, authorizing a public advocacy campaign to promote COVID-19 vaccine participation and provide science-backed information. The bill provides necessary funds for the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to provide grants to entities to launch public awareness campaigns no less than 30 days after a vaccine is authorized. Operation Warp Speed has produced a safe and effective vaccine in record time. A vaccine, however, will only lead us out of this pandemic and allow us to restore our way of life if enough Americans are willing to receive it, said Representative Brad Wenstrup D.P.M. It is more important than ever that we provide science-based, factual information about COVID-19 vaccines to the American people. I believe providing accurate information about vaccines will help alleviate concerns and empower Americansto make sound medical decisions. Today is a turning point in the COVID-19 pandemic as millions of vaccines are shipped across the country and arrive to Wisconsin and we begin to inoculate our health care workers and most vulnerable to the virus. But for these vaccines to ultimately bring an end to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is critical that Americans are willing to receive them, said Representative Ron Kind. I am proud to support this bipartisan bill to provide resources to trusted local leaders across the country to raise awareness and share factual, evidence-based information about COVID-19 vaccines with the communities they serve. A COVID-19 vaccine will only be effective in defeating this virus if people have confidence in its safety and efficacy, said Representative Roger Marshall, M.D. America is home to world-class scientists and a gold-standard regulatory agency that oversees the drug approval process. As a physician, I understand people's concerns over this unprecedented process, but from the start, pharmaceutical scientists have been in constant contact with officials at the Food and Drug Administration, ensuring multiple layers of safety and oversight. I am proud to co-lead legislation that provides funding for science-based information for our families and communities. I remain confident that we will defeat this virus and return to life as normal. Today's distribution of the first COVID-19 vaccines is a national triumph. It speaks to the skill of our public and private scientists, whose efforts to develop, certify and deploy a vaccine will soon help our country get closer to normal and save lives, said Representative Scott Peters. We must do everything we can to optimize and uplift their work. This legislation will educate and boost awareness and trust in communities disproportionately hurt by this deadly virus. As our nation combats the COVID-19 pandemic, America's scientists, researchers, and health care heroes have achieved remarkable progress in developing a safe and effective vaccine the key to restoring our communities, rebuilding our economy, and saving lives, said Representative John Joyce, M.D. Like many Americans, I am planning to take the vaccine as soon as I am eligible. It is imperative that the American people have confidence in the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine. To gain their trust, we must cut through misinformation and ensure that Americans have the facts about this vaccine and its lifesaving potential. Earning the public's trust is key to putting an end to this pandemic, which is why it's so important that we come together in a bipartisan way to make sure every American has the facts about the COVID-19 vaccines, said Representative AndyKim. This bill would make sure that accurate information reaches the American people so that they can take the vaccine with confidence. I hope my colleagues from both sides of the aisle join in passing this critical effort. We've made great strides in combatting COVID-19 thanks to Operation Warp Speed. Now, we must focus on getting the facts to the public about the COVID-19 vaccine,said Representative Neal Dunn, M.D. This legislation will help to promote awareness and encourage participation, and ensure local governments have the resources to do so. Vaccines are most effective when a sufficient amount of Americans are vaccinated. I've said it from day one: if we're going to overcome this pandemic, we have to work together. The swift development of a COVID-19 vaccine is a serious progression on our route to curbing the virus and getting back to our normal routines. Now that the vaccine is being administered, it is crucial that we encourage as many Americans as possible to receive one, said Representative Albio Sires. We must ensure that Americans have science-based, factual information on the safety and efficacy of the vaccine. This bipartisan legislation will go a long way in funding states public awareness campaigns so that Americans have the information they need to receive the vaccine with confidence. The bill is a companion to legislationintroduced in the Senate by Senators Rob Portman (R-OH), Ben Cardin (D-MD), John Thune (R-SD), and Bob Menendez (D-NJ). You can read the bill text here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/portman-difference/widespread-support-across-ohio-portmans-bipartisan-cara-20-increase,"Widespread Support Across Ohio for Portmans Bipartisan CARA 2.0 to Increase Access to Treatment, Prevention & Bolster Fight Against Addiction Epidemic",2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Widespread Support Across Ohio for Portman's Bipartisan CARA 2.0 to Increase Access to Treatment, Prevention & Bolster Fight Against Addiction Epidemic December 14, 2020 | Portman Difference Addiction treatment, recovery, enforcement, and prevention stakeholders across Ohio support Senator Portman's bipartisan Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) 2.0 to increase the funding authorization levels for the Comprehensive Addiction & Recovery Act(CARA) programs enacted in 2016 and put in place additional policy reforms to help combat the opioid epidemic that has worsened during the coronavirus pandemic.Portman introduced the legislation yesterday with Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN). CARA was a bipartisan, national effort designed to ensure thatfederal resources were devoted to evidence-based education, treatment and recovery programs that work. In FY 2020, CARA programs were funded at $658 million. CARA 2.0 builds on thiseffort by increasing the funding authorization levels and laying out new policy reforms to strengthen the federal government's response to this crisis. The following addiction treatment, recovery, enforcement, and prevention stakeholders across Ohio have voiced their support for the legislation: Cuyahoga County knows all too well the terrible toll that drug addiction can take. Every year, we lose hundreds to this epidemic. Senator Portman's Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act 2.0 (CARA 2.0) is the right approach. We know that drug addiction is a disease and that individuals suffering from this disease need treatment and access to good recovery programs. The CARA 2.0 legislation will provide critical funding and support for these individuals who are our neighbors, friends and members of our community. I appreciate Senator Portman's ongoing dedication to finding a solution to this long-standing problem. Armond Budish, Chief Executive of Cuyahoga County. ""Senator Portman has been a strong, long-term partner for those struggling with substance use disorder and the providers of addiction resources. Even during the COVID-19 crisis Senator Portman has kept addiction a priority by not just maintaining the original CARA Act but by improving, expanding, and removing even more hurdles with CARA 2.0 to allow for a more comprehensive approach to addiction response. CARA 2.0 is not only essential funding, education, and removes barriers, but translates into actionable steps that saves and improves the lives of those struggling with substance use disorder. As someone on the front lines that helped build a community coalition working on addiction, CARA 2.0 is vital to bringing even more of the tools needed for a collaborative community response to addiction that will without a doubt help to make a difference in even more of the lives we serve. Chief Thomas W. Synan, Newtown Police Department, Co-Chair Hamilton County Addiction Response Coalition. We applaud Senator Portman for his tireless work to support Ohioans and Americans struggling with substance use disorders. His leadership on drafting CARA 2.0 is to be commended. We look forward to working with Senator Portman and members of the US Congress to ensure that CARA 2.0 provides flexible and sustainable resources to help communities meet the prevention, treatment, and recovery support needs of individuals and families throughout our state and the country. Cheri L. Walter, Chief Executive Officer, Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities. A Renewed Mind applauds Senator Portman for introducing CARA 2.0 to help provide much-needed funding for our MOM's program that helps those in the Hancock County and surrounding area who are fighting opioid addiction. This funding makes a significant, positive impact on both present and future generations in eliminating addiction. We urge other members of Congress to support this life-saving legislation. Matthew D. Rizzo, President and CEO, A Renewed Mind. The Tri-County Board of Recovery and Mental Health Services appreciates the efforts of Senator Portman and others at the federal, state and local levels to combat the ongoing addiction crisis. The CARA 2.0 legislation will provide critical funding to help local organizations heal communities and save lives. Terri Becker, CPA, Executive Director Tri-County Board of Recovery and Mental Health Services Serving Darke, Miami and Shelby Counties. As the executive director of the Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health System (ADAMHS) for Montgomery County, I am pleased to support CARA 2.0. We are both proud and appreciative of Senator Portman's continued leadership on efforts to fight the addiction epidemic we are experiencing at the local level and across our nation. This bipartisan legislation will provide key funding and solid policy support for our ongoing work in Montgomery County to provide life-saving services to citizens; citizens who face daily challenges with addiction and mental health issues. The duration of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a massive increase in opioid and alcohol use and resultant drug overdoses, so it is imperative that Congress pass this vital funding as soon as possible. Again, with sincere gratitude to Senator Portman for his understanding and leadership on this cogent issue, we offer our support. Please call upon us if additional data is helpful. Helen E. Jones-Kelley, J.D. Executive Director, Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health System (ADAMHS) for Montgomery County. I applaud the efforts of Senator Portman and am happy to support the proposed CARA 2.0 bill which continues to provide support for addressing the impact of addiction on individuals and families in local communities all across the country. The comprehensive approach provides a mix of policy changes; practice opportunities; and human resource development that is needed to be successful in our efforts. COVID has challenged us all in many ways. It is imperative that we not let up on our efforts to address addiction, especially during this time of increased isolation and loss of connections. We cannot afford to lose ground on the progress we have made to date. Precia Stubey, Director, Hancock County Board of Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services. Thank you Senator Portman for introducing CARA 2.0 to increase critical funding in communities like Fayette County to help combat the opioid epidemic. We are grateful for Senator Portman's leadership on this bipartisan issue because CARA 2.0 will build upon local efforts that are already working here in Fayette County and provide the much-needed funding and additional policy reforms to help us fight this epidemic on the ground in our community. Fayette County Sheriff Vernon Stanforth. Thank you Senator Portman for your leadership as you continue to advocate for additional funding to assist us as we work daily to combat the opioid addiction in Ashtabula County and across Northeast Ohio. CARA 2.0 will help provide us with the critical funding and policy reforms necessary to continue to work to save lives at the local level. Ashtabula County Commissioner Kathryn Whittington. The coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating impact on our community and country's work to address the ongoing addiction epidemic. Talbert House appreciates Senator Portman's leadership in crafting CARA 2.0 to respond to the increasing despair and substance use. CARA 2.0 will help provide the resources to ensure our staff is equipped with evidence based practices to provide quality prevention and treatment interventions that work and we hope this legislation will become law soon. Neil F. Tilow, President/CEO, Talbert House. CARA 2.0 would help provide the funding needed in our tri-county region as we continue to combat the opioid epidemic. The Tri County ADAMHS Board of Van Wert-Mercer-Paulding Counties appreciates Senator Portman's leadership in light of how the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic is taking a toll on those who are fighting addiction. This bipartisan legislation and the funding it will help provide is needed now more than ever. Sandy Goodwin, CPA, Executive Director, Tri County ADAMHS Board of Van Wert-Mercer-Paulding Counties. The Wood County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board appreciates Senator Portman's leadership in introducing CARA 2.0 which will help us continue to fight the addiction epidemic at the local level. This bipartisan legislation will help provide key funding to ensure we can continue to accomplish our life-saving work here in Wood County. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in overdoses and opioid use, so it is imperative that Congress pass this vital funding as soon as possible. Deanna Stanton, Executive Director, Wood County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Service Board. ""The city of Portsmouth is grateful for Senator Portman's leadership, specifically, as it relates to the opioid epidemic. CARA 2.0 will help arm us with the funding and policy changes needed to continue our fight here in Southern Ohio by promoting and supporting prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts. I would urge others who are combatting this fight at the local level to support this legislation."" Lisa Roberts R.N., Public Health Nurse, Portsmouth City Health Department. New options for diversion from the criminal justice system into treatment is important to Clermont County Mental Health & Recovery Board. CARA 2.0, introduced by Senator Portman, supports the concept of diversion to treatment, along with additional resources for all the services on the continuum of care. These resources will be of significant benefit to the residents of Clermont County, at a time when we are seeing needs increase, along with overdoses and suicides, connected to the pandemic.Karen J. Scherra, Executive Director Clermont County Mental Health and Recovery Board. Recovery housing is key to long-term sustained recovery from addiction. Senator Portman has worked to provide federal guidance on recovery housing and now is calling for allocated resources in CARA 2.0 to fund high quality models. As someone who operates recovery houses for women, I support this provision in CARA 2.0 and will continue to push for funding at the federal level. Erin Helms, Director/Owner, The Woodrow Project. With the alarming rise in overdose fatalities due to the COVID-19 pandemic, now is the time to double down in our fight against the opioid epidemic in Ohio. Sen. Portman's CARA 2.0 bill with its emphasis on evidenced-based prevention, treatment, and recovery- will provide additional resources and important policy support for communities that want to fight back. Joan Papp, MD, FACEP, Medical Director - Office of Opioid Safety, The MetroHealth Medical Center. CARA 2.0 continues to ensure that communities have the resources necessary to continue prevent and treat individuals suffering from the drug epidemic. We are in an epidemic within this pandemic and saving lives will be critical. CARA 2.0 is a comprehensive approach that incorporates resources for medical, criminal justice, treatment, prevention and recovery partners. We appreciate the leadership from Senator Portman to ensure that individuals and families who are impacted by opioid and other drugs are able to receive treatment and supports for their recovery. Elaine Georgas, Interim Executive Director, Mental Health, Addiction and Recovery Services Board of Lorain County. ""As a member of the Ohio Opioid Education Alliance, and as an agency that serves 104 health and human services agencies in the Columbus Region, the Human Service Chamber emphatically supports CARA 2.0 as reintroduced by Senator Portman. The resources it will provide, the research it will require, and the services it will improve will have a direct benefit on our agencies working directly with people that require treatment for addiction; it will also benefit the breadth of the sector, so many elements of which have seen the ramifications of the addiction epidemic over the last twenty years. We thank Senator Portman for continuing to be a champion in giving social workers, case workers, and clinicians the tools they need to help as many people as possible--proactively, and reactively--to overcome addiction."" Michael Corey, Executive Director, The Human Service Chamber of Franklin County. There are no words to express how critical Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act resources are to local communities. Ohio, my home state, was referred to by the Drug Enforcement Agency as Ground Zero of the opiate epidemic and that was pre-pandemic. The combined results of stay at home recommendations, soaring job lay-offs, isolation from support/recovery networks and the general despair and anxiety associated with COVID-19 have been no less than devastating for individuals struggling addiction. Our local overdose and overdose deaths have increased since the pandemic began in March. That being said, I believe in the strength and resilience of our community. Together, we will emerge from this period in history changed, stronger, but this requires continued federal investment in policy and programs addressing local communities', our country's, most vulnerable populations. Without federal resources dedicated to addiction policy, prevention, treatment and recovery supports, we write off the tens of thousands of people who die from overdoses each year and miss the golden opportunity to break the cycle of addiction for millions of American families. Captain Matthew Parrish, Columbus Division of Fire, Rapid Response Emergency Addiction Crisis Team (RREACT) ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-statement-electoral-college-vote,Portman Statement on the Electoral College Vote,2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Portman Statement on the Electoral College Vote December 14, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC - Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) released the following statement on the Electoral College vote: In accordance with the Constitution and federal law, the Electoral College cast their votes for President today. The Electors met in their respective state following certification of the results.I think we need to respect this process the Founding Fathers established, and we must respect the will of the voters. As I've said previously, the Trump campaign had every right to pursue recounts and legal challenges. That has now happened over the past six weeks, and although there were instances of fraud and irregularities, it has not been shown to be widespread enough to change the result of the election. States must take seriously the proven examples of fraud and irregularities, prosecute anyone who engaged in it, and review voting systems to maintain the integrity of our elections. The transition process and briefings for the Biden team began three weeks ago at the direction of President Trump, and I commend him for that. The orderly transfer of power is a hallmark of our democracy, and although I supported President Trump, the Electoral College vote today makes clear that Joe Biden is now President-Elect. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://billjohnson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402893,Successful Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Auction to Expand Broadband in Eastern and Southeastern Ohio,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Bill Johnson,J000292,billjohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Bill Johnson (R-Marietta) released the following statement after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced the results of the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) Phase I auction: The RDOF is the FCC's major initiative to bridge the digital divide by expanding broadband internet access throughout rural America. Funding will be directed to finance high-speed broadband networks in unserved rural areas, connecting millions of American homes and businesses to digital services for the first time. Ohio bidders were awarded over $170 million, and providers within the counties that I serve in the 6th Congressional District received over $80 million (see the full list here). The auction saw robust competition, resulting in more locations being awarded at lower cost to American taxpayers. This is big news for many areas of rural Ohio that are on the wrong side of the rural-urban digital divide, Bill Johnson said. The need for our children to use the internet for distance learning, the demand for businesses to allow their employees to remotely work from home, and the need for internet access to support advances in telehealth have demonstrated how critically important it is that we in rural Ohio get access to high-speed broadband internet. Like the Rural Electrification effort to bring electricity to rural America in the1930's, the federal government must step in when and where the private market fails in order to ensure that high speed internet access is available in all the hills and valleys of Appalachia and throughout rural America. Johnson added: I've met with FCC Chairman Pai and other members of the commission numerous times to stress the importance of this issueI've even brought them here to our rural communities. They understood my concerns and they promised to help, and I'm grateful they've kept their word and followed through. I commend the chairman and his team for their hard work under the leadership and direction of President Trump to accomplish this historic milestoneand, it's a great step. But, make no mistake, there is still more work to be done to close the digital divide. And, the gap must be closed soonbecause access to the digital world we live in today is essential for economic growth and individual opportunities to pursue the American Dream. We are simply losing too much intellectual capital from thousands of rural Americans who can't compete in the digital economy because they don't have access to high-speed internet. The RDOF program is a major step forward in addressing this problem.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-announces-senate-passed-fy-2021-ndaa-conference-report-includes,Portman Announces Senate-Passed FY 2021NDAA Conference Report Includes Energy Resilience Funding for Wright-Patterson Air Force Base NASIC Facility,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Portman Announces Senate-Passed FY 2021NDAA Conference Report Includes Energy Resilience Funding for Wright-Patterson Air Force Base NASIC Facility $35 Million Energy Resilience Project Will Help Improve Energy Efficiency at NASIC December 11, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) announced that the Senate-passed FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report includes $35 million for an Energy Resilience and Conservation Investment Program (ERCIP) project at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The ERCIP funds projects that improve the energy resilience and energy and water efficiency at DOD installations. This intelligence facility central utility plant project at Wright-Patt will help make the National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC) more energy efficient. The legislation now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law. Portman released the following statement: I am pleased that the Senate-passed FY 2021 conference report includes funding for this ERCIP project, which will help make NASIC more energy efficient. This project will help address deficiencies in the existing cooling system, which have led to increasing equipment downtime and data loss in the last few years. I believe it will make a difference to our Airmen and Air Force Civilians at Wright-Patt and I urge President Trump to sign this important legislation into law soon. NOTE: Last month Portman participated in the groundbreaking ceremony of an expansion for the National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The expansion was financed by $120.9 million Portman helped secure in the FY 2020 NDAA conference report. Last year, Portman visited Wright-Patt and met with Air Force leadership at Wright-Patt who oversee the National Air and Space Intelligence Center Wright-Patt and the F-35 Hybrid Product Support Integrator. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-announces-senate-passed-fy-2021-ndaa-conference-report-includes-0,"Portman Announces Senate-Passed FY 2021 NDAA Conference Report Includes Funding for Abrams Tanks, Stryker Vehicles and Maneuver Short Range Air Defense",2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Portman Announces Senate-Passed FY 2021 NDAA Conference Report Includes Funding for Abrams Tanks, Stryker Vehicles and Maneuver Short Range Air Defense $1.4 Billion for Abrams Tanks,$1.1 Billionfor Stryker Vehicles, $532.8 Million for M-SHORAD Included in NDAA Conference Report December 11, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) today announced that the Senate-passed FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report includes $1.02 billion in funding to upgrade 89 Abrams tanks and $392 million for Abrams modifications, which will continue the production of the M1A2 SEPv3 upgraded Abrams tanks at the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center (JSMC) in Lima in order to ensure that our forward deployed soldiers have tanks with the most cutting-edge capabilities. The conference report also includes$1.1 billion for upgrading Stryker Vehicles. In addition, the conference report includes $532.8 million to produce 72 Stryker chassis to support the Army's Maneuver Short Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD) program. Portman has been a strong advocate for both Lima and the Abrams and Stryker programs, ensuring that our men and women of the military have the best and most lethal weapons systems while keeping good, high-paying jobs in Lima. The legislation now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law. The Senate-passed FY 2021 NDAA conference report is a big win for Lima and the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center, which supports our troops both at home and around the globe. The newest version of the Abrams tank, the M1A2 SEPv3 is a vital investment for our soldiers to meet the realities highlighted in the latest National Defense Strategy and they come off the line at JSMC in Lima. This funding will ensure that more tanks are produced at Lima and get to our forward deployed soldiers. This is a significant improvement when not long ago the workforce was only funded for one tank per month. This is important for our armored formations and for Lima and its irreplaceable workforce. I am also pleased the NDAA conference report will increase funding for producing Stryker A1 vehicles. This authorization will help provide long-term stability to the industrial base and ensure our soldiers are rapidly provided with the most capable and survivable vehicle coming off the line. In addition, the NDAA conference report includes funding to support the Army's Maneuver Short Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD) program. The Army has developed the M-SHORAD program to deal with the new, short range air defense threats on the modern battlefield. It is based on the highly capable Stryker platform that is produced in Lima. This is good news for the Army and the world-class workforce in Lima. NOTE: Portman has been a staunch supporter of the JSMC and has visited the JSMC recently, where he met the new Base Commander, received a briefing on how funding he helped secure is leading to increased employment, and saw the latest work on the Abrams Tank and Stryker vehicle line. While the Obama administration proposed shuttering the plant in 2011, Portman has made a commitment to ensuring the long-term viability of the JSMC since taking office and protecting Lima's skilled workforce that provide a unique capability to our national security and defense industrial base. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-announces-senate-passed-fy-2021-ndaa-conference-report-includes-1,Portman Announces Senate-Passed FY 2021 NDAA Conference Report Includes Bipartisan Provision to Bolster Cybersecurity at All Levels of Government,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Portman Announces Senate-Passed FY 2021 NDAA Conference Report Includes Bipartisan Provision to Bolster Cybersecurity at All Levels of Government Cybersecurity Coordinators will Work with Federal, State, and Local Governments to Help Prevent and Respond to Cybersecurity Threats December 11, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) announced that the Senate-passed FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report includes his bipartisan provision to require the Department of Homeland Security to establish a Cybersecurity State Coordinator position in every state. Senator Portman introduced this legislation with Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH), John Cornyn (R-TX), and Gary Peters (D-MI). The legislation now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law. Under the legislation, each state would have its own federally funded Cybersecurity Coordinator, who would be responsible for helping to prevent and respond to cybersecurity threats by working with federal, state, and local governments, as well as schools, hospitals, and other entities. This provision is similar to theCybersecurity State Coordinator Actthat the Senatorsintroducedearlier this year, and in March, the Homeland Security Committeevoted on a bipartisan basis to approve this legislation. Cybersecurity for state and local governments is just as important as efforts at the federal level, and frequently, they lack the resources, technical know-how, and situational awareness to secure their systems, or respond in the event of an attack, said Senator Portman. I'm pleased that this bipartisan proposal is included in the Senate-passed NDAA conference report because it will strengthen the cybersecurity relationship between the federal government and state and local governments. Cyberattacks on our hospitals, schools, and local governments are becoming an increasingly common occurrence, especially amid this pandemic. We must provide these entities with the support that they need to prevent and mitigate cyberattacks, Senator Hassan said. The Senate took an important step to help bolster cybersecurity at all levels of government by passing our bipartisan measure to create a Cybersecurity Coordinator position in every state as part of the national defense bill. These cyber experts will be a bridge between the federal government and state and local entities, and it is imperative that the President swiftly sign this bipartisan bill into law. Cyber-threats to communities across the United States continue to increase and put the safety of Americans at risk, said Senator Peters. Having coordinators to help support state cyber-defense efforts will be critical to helping them better understand relevant threats, access federal cybersecurity resources and respond to potential attacks. I am proud of this bipartisan amendment to help ensure that all levels of government are prepared to protect their networks. Senator Portman has led efforts to address state and local cybersecurity threats as a member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. Bipartisan legislation introduced by Senators Portman and Hassan to bolster cybersecurity in the public and private sector was signed into law as part of the final bipartisan budget agreement last year. Senators Portman and Hassan's bipartisanHack Department of Homeland Security (DHS) ActandPublic-Private Cybersecurity Cooperation Actwere included in apackage of billsthat were signed into law in 2018. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-announces-senate-passed-fy-2021-ndaa-conference-report-requires,Portman Announces Senate-Passed FY 2021 NDAA Conference Report Requires Assessment of Surge Capacity of Defense Industrial Base Manufacturers,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Portman Announces Senate-Passed FY 2021 NDAA Conference Report Requires Assessment of Surge Capacity of Defense Industrial Base Manufacturers Provision Would Require DoD to Determine if Defense Industrial Base Has Surge Capacity to Match Adversaries December 11, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) announced that the Senate-passed FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report includes his provision to require the Department of Defense (DoD) to assess the surge capacity of defense industrial base manufacturers compared to that of our adversaries.As the COVID-19 pandemic has made clear, the United States often lacks the capacity to produce critical supplies during periods of crisis when there are surges in demand for critical items. It is crucial that our domestic industrial base have the capacity to quickly ramp up production in times of crisis, so that we are not overly dependent on foreign products.The legislation now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law. In wartime or times of crisis in our nation, it's important that the Department of Defense has a clear understanding of defense industrial base manufacturers' capacity to produce equipment for our military, said Portman. There are many large and small businesses in my home state of Ohio that possess the capability and capacity to meet DoD equipment requirements during times of national emergenciesit is important for these businesses and DoD to know what the requirements are and which companies can fulfill them. I am pleased this provision was passed with the final NDAA conference report so we can be sure that the DoD has a full understanding of what manufacturers are able to provide, especially during war or a crisis when there is a surge in demand for product. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-bennet-announce-senate-passed-fy-2021-ndaa-conference-report,"Portman, Bennet Announce Senate-Passed FY 2021 NDAA Conference Report Includes Bipartisan Provision to Strengthen Military's AI Capabilities",2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Portman, Bennet Announce Senate-Passed FY 2021 NDAA Conference Report Includes Bipartisan Provision to Strengthen Military's AI Capabilities Provision Will Require Report to Congress on Ways to Strengthen Ties Between Joint AI Center and Military Services December 11, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH), co-founder of the Senate Artificial Intelligence Caucus, and Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) announced that the Senate-passed FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report includes their bipartisan provision to require the Department of Defense (DoD) to report to Congress on ways to strengthen ties between the Joint AI Center and each of the military services.The legislation now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law. I'm pleased the Senate-passed NDAA conference report includes this bipartisan provision since it is essential that we provideour armed forces with the technical skill and proficiency necessary to take full advantage of next-generation capabilities like artificial intelligence.said Portman.This provision to the NDAA conference report will take important steps towards that goal by facilitating stronger civilian cooperation with DoD while also sending a clear message that Congress is serious about leadership in the field of AI and I urge President Trump to sign it into law soon. For the Department of Defense to successfully incorporate artificial intelligence at all levels of our national security strategy, the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center must reflect the full makeup of our Armed Forces, said Bennet. I'm thrilled this provision to direct the Department of Defense to considers expanding its personnel base to strengthen ties to the warfighter and the needs of the services has been included in the NDAA. NOTE:In May, Portman introduced theArtificial Intelligence for the Armed Forces Act,which will strengthen the Department of Defense's artificial intelligence (AI) capacity by increasing the number of AI and cyber professionals in the department. As co-founder and co-chair of the Senate Artificial Intelligence Caucus, Portman has helped lead efforts in the Senate on this issue, and has worked in a bipartisan manner onseveral key measuresto set high-quality standards around emerging technology, including cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-bennet-announce-senate-passed-fy-21-ndaa-conference-report-requires,"Portman, Bennet Announce Senate-Passed FY 21 NDAA Conference Report Requires DoD Report on AI Standards of the Defense Industrial Base",2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Portman, Bennet Announce Senate-Passed FY 21 NDAA Conference Report Requires DoD Report on AI Standards of the Defense Industrial Base Provision Will Help Policymakers Understand National Security Implications of AI Standards Setting December 11, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) announced that the Senate-passed FY 2021National Defense Authorization Act(NDAA) conference report includes components of their AI Standards and National Security Act, a bipartisan proposal requiring the Department of Defense (DoD) to report on the artificial intelligence (AI) standards. This will help policymakers understand the national security aspects of AI standardssetting. The legislation now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law. As the co-chair of the Senate AI Caucus, I'm pleased this bipartisan provision was passed by my Senate colleagues in the FY 2021 NDAA conference report to ensure we are cognizant of the standards the U.S. is setting with regards to AI competition with China,said Portman.This provision will push the Department of Defense to be forward-thinking about their investments in AI and how to strategically work with the public and private sector to develop and mature our own capabilities. As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly critical to national security, the U.S. must lead the effort to set global standards for its development and implementation, said Bennet. I'm thrilled this provision to direct the Department of Defense to report to Congress on its critical role in developing a coherent strategy to set standards for artificial intelligence in national security and the defense industrial base has been included in the NDAA. NOTE:As co-founder and co-chair of the Senate Artificial Intelligence Caucus, Portman has helped lead efforts in the Senate on this issue, and has worked in a bipartisan manner onseveral key measuresto set high-quality standards around emerging technology, including cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-brown-announce-senate-passed-fy-2021-ndaa-conference-report,"Portman, Brown Announce Senate-Passed FY 2021 NDAA Conference Report Includes Bipartisan Provision Requiring DoD Reporting of Cybersecurity Partnerships with Academia",2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Portman, Brown Announce Senate-Passed FY 2021 NDAA Conference Report Includes Bipartisan Provision Requiring DoD Reporting of Cybersecurity Partnerships with Academia Collaboration with Universities will Help Military Accelerate Development of Capacity to Defend U.S. National Security Interests in Cyberspace December 11, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DCToday, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced that the Senate-passed FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act conference report includes their bipartisan provision to support cybersecurity initiatives between the Department of Defense (DoD) and U.S. academic institutions. Specifically, this provision would require DoD to report on their efforts to work with consortia of academic researchers in the development of cybersecurity capabilities for DoD systems. The University of Cincinnati (UC) is a member of one such consortium. The legislation now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law. I'm pleased the Senate-passed NDAA conference report includes this bipartisan provision to require DoD to report on their efforts to work with university consortia to ensure DoD capabilities are secure. Cyberspace is increasingly becoming the battlefield of the Information Age, and it is incumbent upon the Department of Defense to develop its capacity to defend U.S. national security interests in this dynamic frontier, said Portman. By partnering with universities like the University of Cincinnati, which already conducts important work in partnership with the Air Force Research Lab at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, our military will be able to accelerate that process and ensure it is better prepared to defend against cyberattacks on DoD systems. I hope the president signs this important legislation into law soon. Ensuring our military is capable of combating cybersecurity threats is of the utmost importance to our national security. The Defense Department should be partnering with premiere schools like the University of Cincinnati to develop innovative and effective methods to protect against cyber threats and attacks. This provision will encourage and incentivize more of these partnerships, which benefit both DOD and our colleges and universities,said Brown. NOTE: In the FY 2020 NDAA, Congress required DOD to create and publish a roadmap of DOD science and technology (S&T) capabilities that contribute to the development of cyber capabilities. The bill also required DOD to produce annual reports for the next three fiscal years to report on their efforts to develop cyber capabilities. This provision builds upon that annual report requirement to expand it to include efforts with university consortia. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-brown-announce-senate-passed-fy-2021-ndaa-conference-report-0,"Portman, Brown Announce Senate-Passed FY 2021 NDAA Conference Report Includes Provision to Require Report on Department of Defense Partnering With Facilities Like Plum Brook on Hypersonic Research",2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Portman, Brown Announce Senate-Passed FY 2021 NDAA Conference Report Includes Provision to Require Report on Department of Defense Partnering With Facilities Like Plum Brook on Hypersonic Research Provision Would Require DOD to Study Utilizing Facilities like Ohio's NASA Plum Brook Station in Sandusky December 11, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced that the Senate-passed FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act conference report includes their provision to require the Department of Defense (DOD) tostudy partnering with existing government facilities, like NASA's Plum Brook Station in Sandusky, Ohio, to perform research and testing on hypersonic devices. The legislation now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law. Plum Brook houses world-class facilities in Sandusky that have conducted critical and innovative ground tests for the international space community. I'm applaud my Senate colleagues for passing this conference reportthat includes language highlighting the importance of hypersonic technologies to our national security, and that the Department of Defense (DoD) should take actions to improve ground-based test facilities, such as wind tunnels, said Portman. However, this provision takes that a step further and requires DoD to do a report that examines all avenues for testing, including non-DoD facilities. Together, this conference report and provision send a strong signal that Plum Book should be considered a prime candidate for increased ground-based hypersonic test facilities in the future. I will fight to ensure Plum Brook is considered to be the site of increased testing. NASA Glenn's Plum Brook Station in Sandusky is a perfect example of Ohio's innovative strength in aeronautics, space technology and the sciences,said Brown.The DOD partnering with facilities like Plum Brook Station, which has unique capabilities and infrastructure,for important hypersonics research, would not only enhance our national security but also provide our scientists the resources needed to advance aviation, space travel and scientific research. Last year, Portman and Brown fought to secure key priorities for NASA in the NDAA and year-end spending package. The final bill included $1.4 billion for NASA's Orion project, which was tested at Plum Brook, along with $784 million for NASA aeronautics research, a portion of which went to NASA's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-cortez-masto-announce-senate-passed-fy-2021-ndaa-conference-report,"Portman, Cortez Masto Announce Senate-Passed FY 2021 NDAA Conference Report Includes Bipartisan Legislation to Study Chinese Governments Influence on Technology Standards Setting",2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Portman, Cortez Masto Announce Senate-Passed FY 2021 NDAA Conference Report Includes Bipartisan Legislation to Study Chinese Government's Influence on Technology Standards Setting December 11, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) announced that the Senate-passed FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act conference report includes their bipartisan Ensuring American Leadership over International Standards Act to study the impact of the Chinese government's influence in setting global standards for emerging technologies. The legislation now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law. Standards setting is an important frontier in the development of artificial intelligence, said Senator Portman. American competitiveness with respect to China's technonationalist pursuit of dominance in emerging technology requires the United States to prioritize integrity and transparency in international standards setting, and I'm pleased the Senate passed this common-sense bipartisan legislation in the FY 2021 NDAA conference report. It's critical that the U.S. leads the setting of international technology standards for emerging, cutting-edge technologies and that this process remains democratic and transparent. I'm glad to see this bipartisan legislation, which would help us achieve just that, be included in this year's NDAA conference report, said Senator Cortez Masto. The development and deployment of advanced technologies will shape the global economy and national security landscape over the coming decades. It is vital that the United States continues to lead the global standards setting process to ensure the functionality, operability, and safety of emerging technologies. The Ensuring American Leadership over International Standards Act would direct the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology to commission a study on the impact of the Chinese government's influence in setting global standards for emerging technologies and would provide feedback on how the United States and our global allies can continue to ensure that international standards setting continues in a transparent and democratic manner. Similar legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representatives David Schweikert (R-AZ), Ami Bera (D-CA), and Denver Riggleman (R-VA). Senators Portman and Cortez Masto have also introduced the bipartisan Safeguarding American Innovation Act to strengthen the security and integrity of United States scientific and research enterprise. In addition, Portman's bipartisanDeepfake Report Act was also included as a provision in the FY 2021 NDAA conference report. The measure directsthe Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct an annual study of deepfakes and other types of similar content. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-peters-bipartisan-bill-fix-security-vulnerability-posed-foreign,"Portman, Peters Bipartisan Bill to Fix Security Vulnerability Posed by Foreign Ownership of Federally Leased Properties Ready to be Signed into Law",2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Portman, Peters Bipartisan Bill to Fix Security Vulnerability Posed by Foreign Ownership of Federally Leased Properties Ready to be Signed into Law December 11, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Gary Peters (D-MI) announced that their bipartisan bill requiring the federal government to determine if office space it leases is owned by foreign entities is headed to the White House to be signed into law. I applaud my Senate colleagues for passing this important legislation to help ensure our federal agencies are prepared to address the risk of espionage and unauthorized cyber and physical access to federally leased buildings, said Senator Portman. This bill will ensure that the federal government has access to leased properties' ownership information so we can better protect our people and information and I urge the president to sign this into law soon. Our foreign adversaries continue to try and exploit loopholes in our security systems in order to access sensitive information. This legislation will make it harder for them to access office buildings where our government keeps sensitive materials and strengthen national security, said Senator Peters. I am thrilled that the Senate has passed this commonsense bill and urge the President to swiftly sign it into law. TheSecure Federal Leases from Espionage and Suspicious Entanglements Act (Secure Federal LEASEs Act)requires the identification of all individuals who own or benefit from partial ownership of a property that will be leased by the federal government for high-security use. The bill was introduced in response to a 2017 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report which indicated that federal agencies were vulnerable to espionage and other cyber intrusions because foreign actors could gain unauthorized access to spaces used for classified operations or to store sensitive data. This legislation was drafted in response to a 2017 GAO finding that several federal agencies were leasing high-security office space in foreign-owned properties, including six Federal Bureau of Investigation and three Drug Enforcement Administration field offices, which store law enforcement evidence and other sensitive data. Agencies are often unaware of foreign ownership of their office spaces. While many of the foreign owners identified in the GAO report were companies based in allied states such as Canada, Norway, Japan or South Korea, other properties were owned and managed by entities based in more adversarial nations. The report noted that Chinese-owned properties, in particular, presented security challenges because of the country's proclivity for cyberespionage and the close ties between private sector companies and the Chinese government. The GAO report highlighted the dangers posed by these properties, indicating that leasing space in foreign-owned buildings could present security risks such as espionage, unauthorized cyber and physical access to the facilities, and sabotage. The Secure Federal LEASEs Act aims to close the security loopholes identified by the GAO by directing the General Services Administration (GSA) to design a verification system that identifies a property's owners if the space would be used for high-security purposes. While GSA and other federal agencies have made positive changes in response to GAO's 2017 report, this bipartisan legislation would ensure that current best practices are followed uniformly throughout the federal government, and that improved practices will be implemented in the near future. The bill also requires GSA and federal agencies to include provisions in their leasing agreements which will, for high-security spaces, limit property owners' physical access to government-rented space. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-peters-introduce-bill-modernize-and-increase-transparency-us,"Portman, Peters Introduce Bill to Modernize and Increase Transparency in U.S. Response to Cyber-Attacks on Federal Agencies",2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Portman, Peters Introduce Bill to Modernize and Increase Transparency in U.S. Response to Cyber-Attacks on Federal Agencies December 11, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Gary Peters (D-MI) introduced a bipartisan bill that would increase transparency and modernize how the government responds to cybersecurity incidents on federal information systems. In June 2019, Senator Portman, as Chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations,released a bipartisan reportthat found that the vast majority of agencies reviewed by the Subcommittee failed to implement effective and comprehensive cybersecurity frameworks as required by the Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA). The federal government has a responsibility to secure the information of all Americans. As bad actors continue to exploit weaknesses in federal systems, it's critical that the federal government is able to quickly respond to any incident and better protect the information in its care, said Senator Portman. This bipartisan bill takes important steps to better coordinate our government's response to breaches and quickly inform the American people if their information has been compromised. Our federal information systems are subjected to persistent cyber-attacks that pose a significant national security threat, and our government is not currently prepared to effectivity respond to them, said Senator Peters. I am proud to lead this bipartisan bill that will modernize our government's cyber defenses and increase transparency in how they respond in order to better protect the American people. The Federal System Incident Response Act will update and add critical new sections to FISMA, increasing transparency by clarifying how and when agencies must notify impacted individuals and Congress when data breaches occur. The bill would also require agencies to share information about cybersecurity incidents with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to ensure that attacks against one agency can be compared to other agency incidents. With this information, CISA will produce an annual report on federal incidents to help federal and private sector cybersecurity professionals understand the most common and dangerous threats, bolstering their cyber defenses. Finally, to streamline operations, the bill would require the OMB director to develop guidance and templates for agencies, standardizing processes and reducing the cost and time to share this critical information. Portman and Peters have led several bipartisan efforts to bolster our nation's cybersecurity defenses. They introduced a bill to require the federal government to make better investments in cybersecurity protections to keep Americans' data safe. The Senate also unanimously approved their legislation to promote stronger cybersecurity coordination between the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and state and local governments. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-senate-passed-fy-2021-ndaa-conference-report-contains-critical,Portman: Senate-Passed FY 2021 NDAA Conference Report Contains Critical Reforms for Military Artificial Intelligence Readiness,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Portman: Senate-Passed FY 2021 NDAA Conference Report Contains Critical Reforms for Military Artificial Intelligence Readiness Provisions Will Ensure America Can Field 21st-Century Fighting Force December 11, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH), co-founder and co-chair of the Senate Artificial Intelligence Caucus, announced that the Senate-passed FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report takes important steps in increasing our military's artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities by including provisions from his bipartisanArtificial Intelligence for the Armed Forces Act. The legislation now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law. The complexity of 21st century warfare requires that our armed forces be both technically skilled and proficient with their weapons, said Portman. I am glad to see that the Senate-passed FY 2021 NDAA conference report takesimportantsteps towards that goal by implementing parts of my bipartisan Artificial Intelligence for the Armed Forces Act,which includes a number of key recommendations by the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence. These policy changes will help our military attract top AI talent and improve our military's effectiveness with respect to AI decision-making. Specifically, these provisions will: Require the Director of the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center to report directly to the Secretary of Defense; Ensure that the Director of the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center is three-star equivalent; Modify the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude test to add a computational assessment to identify applicants with skills in AI; and Provide direction on the use of direct hiring authorities to help bring AI experts into the Department of Defense. NOTE:In June, Portman introduced theArtificial Intelligence for the Armed Forces Actwhich will strengthen the Department of Defense's artificial intelligence (AI) capacity by increasing the number of AI and cyber professionals in the department.As co-founder and co-chair of the Senate Artificial Intelligence Caucus, Portman has helped lead efforts in the Senate on this issue, and has worked in a bipartisan manner onseveral key measuresto set high-quality standards around emerging technology, including cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. In March 2019, Senator Portman and Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM) announced the formation of the bipartisanSenate Artificial Intelligence (AI) Caucus, in part to prepare the United States militaryfor the opportunities and challenges of AI. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-senate-passed-fy-2021-ndaa-conference-report-includes-15-million,Portman: Senate-Passed FY 2021 NDAA Conference Report Includes $15 Million for National Guard Readiness Center in Columbus,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Portman: Senate-Passed FY 2021 NDAA Conference Report Includes $15 Million for National Guard Readiness Center in Columbus ColumbusNationalGuard Readiness Center is Critical for Ohio National Guard Operations December 11, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) announced that the Senate-passed FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report includes $15 million for the construction of a new Guard Readiness Center in Columbus, Ohio. This new construction will replace aging and inadequate facilities, and serve as the single gathering point for all assigned Ohio National Guard troops, and a mobilization point for State and Federal activation of troops.This project will help the Ohio National Guard meet its readiness objectives to support the people of Ohio and theirfederalactivation missions.The legislation now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law. I am pleased the Senate-passed FY 2021 NDAA conference report sends the clear message that the men and women of theOhioNational Guard work hard to keep us safe and secureand serve our communities, said Portman. I am glad to see that the FY 2021 NDAA conference report includes these funds to construct a new Readiness Center that willsupport the operations of the Ohio National Guard troops in times of crisis. The National Guardnot only supports our security efforts but alsohas played a critical role in responding to the coronavirus pandemic that has affected all of our lives. They continue to do important work around Ohio and this new Readiness Center will help facilitate their mission. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-senate-passed-fy-2021-ndaa-conference-report-includes-235-million,Portman: Senate-Passed FY 2021 NDAA Conference Report Includes $23.5 Million for Hydrant Fuel System at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Portman: Senate-Passed FY 2021 NDAA Conference Report Includes $23.5 Million for Hydrant Fuel System at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base December 11, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) announced that the Senate-passed FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report includes $23.5 million in funding for a hydrant fuel system for the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. This project will replace the aging fuel system and will bring it into compliance with DoD's standards. This funding will help to facilitate the DLA's fuel operations and make them more efficient. The legislation now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law. Portman released the following statement: This funding will support a new hydrant fuel system to refuel our aircraft and support the mission of the Defense Logistics Agency. I believe it will make a difference to our Airmen and Air Force Civilians at Wright-Patt and to our troops around the world who rely on the DLA for their equipment and resources. DLA plays a critical role in helping to ensure our brave men and women on the frontlines have the resources they need. NOTE: Last month Portman participated in the groundbreaking ceremony of an expansion for the National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The expansion was financed by $120.9 million Portman helped secure in the FY 2020 NDAA conference report. Last year, Portman visited Wright-Patt and met with Air Force leadership at Wright-Patt who oversee the National Air and Space Intelligence Center Wright-Patt and the F-35 Hybrid Product Support Integrator. ##",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-senate-passed-fy-2021-ndaa-conference-report-includes-key,Portman: Senate-Passed FY 2021 NDAA Conference Report Includes Key Improvements to Americas Commitment to Ukraine SecurityAssistance,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Portman: Senate-Passed FY 2021 NDAA Conference Report Includes Key Improvements to Americas' Commitment to Ukraine SecurityAssistance In Addition to Ukrainian Security Assistance Package, Report Includes Portman Proposal Requiring DoD and DoS to Develop New, Multi-Year Strategy to Support the Development of Ukraine's Military Forces December 11, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH), co-founder and co-chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, announced that the Senate-passed FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report includes $250 million in security assistance for Ukraine to fund additional training, lethal and non-lethal equipment, and advisory efforts for Ukraine's forces. Additionally, $75 million of that $250 million is designated specifically for lethal assistance, an increase of $25 million from FY 2020. In addition, the conference report includes a Portman proposal to require DoD to develop a new, multi-year strategy to support the development of Ukraine's military forces, increasing its capability and capacity and providing a resource plan for US security assistance. This report will better synchronize and prioritize future US security assistance to Ukraine by identifying gaps and shortfalls that need to be addressed. Finally, this conference report extends Portman's provisions, included in previous NDAAs, which condition large portions of U.S. security assistance on critical defense sector reforms in Ukraine, including strengthening civilian control of the military and improving sustainment capabilities, inventory management, and security of sensitive foreign technologies. The legislation now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law. I applaud my Senate colleagues for passing the FY 2021 NDAA conference report, which sends a clear message that America stands with the Ukrainian people in their struggle to secure a democratic, prosperous, and independent future in the face of Russian aggression, said Portman. The Ukrainian military has fought bravely against Russian aggression in the Donbas and has made tremendous strides. I have long advocated for the development of a comprehensive, multiyear security assistance plan and I am pleased that the Senate-passed FY 2021 NDAA conference report directs DoD and DoS to look for ways to help the Ukrainian military continue their upward trajectory in proficiency. I have encouraged the Ukrainian government to sustain their efforts on eliminating corruption, and have authored past legislation tying assistance to continued anti-corruption reform. Those conditions remain in place and I look forward to seeing President Zelensky's government continue move forward on an anti-corruption agenda. United States Congress will continue to make sure the Ukrainian military has the capabilities it needs to defend its sovereign territoryon the land, sea, and air. As co-founder and co-chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, I will continue to lead efforts in the Senate to ensure the Ukrainians have the equipment, resources and capabilities they need to defend themselves against Russian aggression. NOTE: In May of 2019, after a historic free and open election, Senator Portman met with President Zelensky and other senior Ukrainian officials to further the strategic US/Ukrainian partnership. Senator Portman, who received the Order of Merit from former President Petro Poroshenko during his visit to Ukraine in 2018 and received the Ukrainian-American community's highest honor in 2016, the Shevchenko Freedom Award, has long led the effort in the Senate to provide Ukraine the kind of assistance necessary to ward off Russian aggression and maintain its territorial integrity. The co-founder and co-chairman of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, Portman has visited Ukraine several times, including his meeting with President Zelensky and other senior officials in May 2019. In April 2018 he traveled to the eastern part of Ukraine to see firsthand evidence of Russian aggression on the line of contact. In 2014 he led a congressional election observation mission with Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) during Ukraine's Presidential election in 2014. For the past four years, Portman has successfully championed language in the annual National Defense Authorization Act(NDAA) that expanded U.S. military aid to Ukraine, while strongly encouraging the Ukrainian government to continue their efforts in eliminating corruption and continuing with much needed security sector reforms. These provisions helped build the primary statutory framework for U.S. security assistance to Ukraine, the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. In addition, he has repeatedly written letters, delivered multiple floor speeches, and pressed senior administration officials on the importance of providing meaningful assistance to help Ukraine stand up to Russia's military aggression, and has praised its decisions to provide lethal assistance to the country. For his efforts to support Ukraine, Portman was recognized with the Order Of St. Volodymyr Medal from Ukrainian Patriarch Filaret. Portman also championed the bipartisan resolution marking the 85th anniversary of the Holodomor, passed by the Senate in October 2018. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-senate-passed-fy-2021-ndaa-conference-report-includes-provision,Portman: Senate-Passed FY 2021 NDAA Conference Report Includes Provision to Allow National Museum of the U.S. Air Force to Receive Name-Bearing Gifts of Real Property,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,OH,Rob Portman,P000449,www.portman.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Portman: Senate-Passed FY 2021 NDAA Conference Report Includes Provision to Allow National Museum of the U.S. Air Force to Receive Name-Bearing Gifts of Real Property December 11, 2020 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) announced that the Senate-passed FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report includes language enabling United States Military Museums to accept gifts of real property that have a specific name attached to the donation.The legislation now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law. I am glad to see that the Senate-passed FY 2021 NDAA conference report includes language enabling military museums to accept gifts of real property that bear a specific name. This legislation will enable the National Museum of the United States Air Force, and all other military museums, to accept contributions in a more efficient and effective manner, ensuring that the museum will continue to grow and stand as a source of inspiration for future generations of explorers and aviators. The National Museum of the United States Air Force located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is among the world's premier military aviation museums. Its vast collection of historic aircraft attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year and I'm pleased the conference report will ensure it continues to grow, said Portman. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z