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.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/op-eds/taxing-carbon-emissions,Taxing Carbon Emissions,2018-12-30,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Sheldon Whitehouse,W000802,www.whitehouse.senate.gov,,,legacy,"To the Editor: I must respectfully disagree with my friendJohn Barrasso's Op-Ed article (Cut Carbon Through Innovation, Not Regulation, nytimes.com, Dec. 18). First, the referendum result in Washington State looked like more relentless campaigning by the fossil fuel industry against climate action; without that industry onslaught, the carbon tax referendum there would probably have passed. Second, a carbon tax is notexpensive,except maybe for fossil fuel interests, as in our proposals all the money goes back to the public. In addition, taxing carbon moves energy markets toward cheaper renewables. On balance, people save money. On top of that, the savings from avoiding climate catastrophes are immense. If you really want to innovate, there has to be a cost to carbon pollution. Without that, where is the incentive to innovate? Today, fossil fuel enjoys a$700 billion-a-year subsidy in the United States, according to the International Monetary Fund. That subsidy warps the economy; it discourages innovation. We need to come together to solve this problem, not let the fossil fuel industry's talking points lead us away from a meaningful solution because leading us astray suits its interests. Sheldon Whitehouse Newport, R.I. The writer, a Democrat, is a United States senator from Rhode Island.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-statement-passing-former-bishop-robert-mulvee,Langevin Statement on the Passing of Former Bishop Robert Mulvee,2018-12-29,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Jim Langevin,L000559,langevin.house.gov,,,legacy,"WARWICK, RI Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) issued the following statement on the passing of former Providence Bishop Robert Mulvee: Bishop Mulvee was a kind and gentle soul who personified what it means to be a good shepherd in the Catholic church. He was a man who devoted his life to God and provided important spiritual guidance to many while always remaining compassionate and understanding. I had the honor to know Bishop Mulvee, and I considered him a true friend. His leadership and presence in the local Catholic church will be greatly missed. May his soul rest in eternal peace.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-statement-on-the-passing-of-bishop-mulvee,Whitehouse Statement on the Passing of Bishop Mulvee,2018-12-29,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Sheldon Whitehouse,W000802,www.whitehouse.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.29.18 Whitehouse Statement on the Passing of Bishop Mulvee Providence, RI U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse today released the following statement on the passing of former Providence Bishop Robert Mulvee: Bishop Mulvee was quite involved in community policing issues during my years in law enforcement, and we came to know and trust each other. He was always a wise, patient and kindly voice, and in all our personal dealings he was warm, honorable and sincere. I am saddened by his passing. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-announces-3-million-to-get-quonset-freight-rail-expansion-on-right-track,Reed Announces $3 Million to Get Quonset Freight Rail Expansion on Right Track,2018-12-27,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Jack Reed,R000122,www.reed.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12/27/2018NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI U.S. Senator Jack Reed, the Ranking Member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD), today announced a new $3 million federal grant to support the Quonset Freight Rail Enhancements and Expansion (Q-FREE) project. Administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation, the federal funds will help the Quonset Development Corporation (QDC), a quasi-state agency responsible for the development and management of the Quonset Business Park, including the Port of Davisville, make freight rail improvements to enhance the movement of freight within Quonset Business Park and provide easier access to the northeast corridor. The Port of Davisville, which is operated by QDC, is the state's largest port and a major gateway to markets throughout Southern New England and beyond. Rail car volume in Quonset Business Park has tripled since 2007, tenants are expanding, and storage tracks are needed. This federal funding will help QDC provide operational flexibility and expansion opportunities for the rail operator to move industrial rail freight to, from, and within the Quonset Business Park while freeing up additional land for development. This is a smart investment in improving Quonset's transportation infrastructure and growing capacity to keep up with demand now and in the future. Quonest Business Park and the Port of Davisville are strong economic drivers for the state and I will continue working with my colleagues in the delegation to deliver federal funds for Rhode Island, said Senator Reed, who over the last decade has secured over $55 million for the Freight Rail Improvement Project (FRIP) at Quonset to provide a meaningful rail connection to the port. Quonset Business Park currently has over 200 companies employing nearly 12,000 workers. Although land resources within the business park are available to support continued growth, the transportation infrastructure, including the rail system, is at or approaching capacity. This federal funding will support continued growth and development in industries that will provide job creation, energy security, sustainability, and increased competitiveness in a global marketplace. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-condemns-trump-government-shutdown,Langevin Condemns Trump Government Shutdown,2018-12-22,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Jim Langevin,L000559,langevin.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) issued the following statement as the government prepares for a partial shutdown as a result of President Trump's intransigence over his border wall proposal: President Trump wanted a government shutdown, and now he has one. This past week, the President had the opportunity to accept a bipartisan proposal that would have kept the federal government up and running. Instead, the President doubled down on his wall funding push. Just four days before Christmas, he is delivering a lump of coal to hundreds of thousands of federal employees, contractors, and their families who may go unpaid. A government shutdown is never acceptable. This shutdown will cost the American taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars per day and will further contribute to the growing climate of economic uncertainty. The President needs to face reality and recognize he must drop his outrageous border wall demands. If he fails to do so, it is the American people who will continue to pay the price.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-statement-defense-secretary%E2%80%99s-resignation,Cicilline Statement on Defense Secretarys Resignation,2018-12-21,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,David Cicilline,C001084,cicilline.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC) Chair David N. Cicilline (RI-01) issued the following statement tonight: We owe Secretary Mattis an enormous debt of gratitude for his service to our country. He is a patriot who has always conducted himself with dignity and honor. His resignation today, which comes as a direct result of the President abruptly withdrawing from Syria, is bad news for the security of our country and the strength of our alliances. Over the past two years, President Trump has made America less safe at home and less respected around the world. It is long past time for Republicans to work with Democrats to conduct real oversight of this administration and the bizarre decisions it is making by the day. I am very grateful for Secretary Mattis's devotion to our country, and I am very disappointed that our country will no longer benefit from his wise and experienced service.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://langevin.house.gov/press-release/republicans-vote-government-shutdown-five-days-christmas,Republicans Vote for Government Shutdown Five Days before Christmas,2018-12-21,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Jim Langevin,L000559,langevin.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) issued the following statement after opposing the Republican border wall funding bill, which passed by a vote of 217-185: Last week, President Trump said he was happy to shut the government down. Tonight, House Republicans are doubling down on this irresponsible course of action. As frustrating as funding the government with stopgap measures can be, Senators at least came together in a bipartisan manner last night to keep the government open for seven more weeks. This wall funding bill is purely partisan, wholly unnecessary, and dead on arrival. It is past time for the Republicans in control of both houses of Congress and the presidency to govern responsibly. Sadly, one of Speaker Ryan's last official acts will be once again caving to the far right wing of his party and pushing government funding to the brink. I can only hope he sees reason and brings the Senate-passed bill up for a vote in the House where it will pass overwhelmingly. If not, President Trump will get the shutdown he wants, and the American people will suffer for it.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-colleagues-call-on-trump-administration-to-protect-students-from-predatory-financial-arrangements,"Reed, Colleagues Call on Trump Administration to Protect Students From Predatory Financial Arrangements",2018-12-21,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Jack Reed,R000122,www.reed.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12/21/2018WASHINGTON, DC Seeking to protect students who use federal financial aid from being charged unfair fees on financial products that institutions of higher education are paid to promote, U.S. Senator Jack Reed and six of his Senate colleagues this week sent a letter to Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos asking what, if anything, the Department is doing to ensure students are being protected from predatory financial arrangements that allow financial harm to come to them while benefiting large financial institutions like Wells Fargo. Reed was joined on the letter by Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR). The letter notes that under the Department's cash management rules, institutions of higher education are required to negotiate agreements with financial service providers that are in the best financial interests of students. It goes on to explain that an unpublished analysis provided to the Department by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) about the use of college-sponsored deposit and prepaid accounts showed that in cases where colleges were paid to promote campus banking products, students paid, on average, three times more in account fees than students at campuses without these agreements. Not only did the Department fail to act on this information, but it joined the CFPB in suppressing the data despite several requests from Congress. This regulatory failure allowed Wells Fargo to charge students an average $46.99 in fees compared with an average of $11.93 at institutions that were not paid to promote student accounts, the Senators wrote. Given the evidence in the CFPB's analysis, which has been available to the Department for at least ten months, the Department should have taken steps to review the agreements that resulted in the highest average fees for studentsas such fees are clearly not in the best financial interest of students. The case of Wells Fargo is especially troubling given the widely known enforcement actions taken against the company for opening unauthorized accounts to meet sales targets. Nonetheless, a Department program review of Wells Fargo issued in June, 2017 largely ignored the bank's noncompliance in numerous areas due to technicalities, and applied only minor fines in other areas. Moreover, a statement from a Department spokesperson called the highly relevant information in the CFPB's analysis broader than the scope of the Department's oversight of school's compliance with federal regulations. The CFPB's findings seem well within the scope of the Department's oversight responsibilities, the letter continues. In November 2016, Senator Reed and the letter's cosigners wrote to then Education Secretary John King asking the Department of Education about its enforcement of the cash management regulations in light of the other enforcement actions against Wells Fargo. The full text of this week's letter can be found below. The Honorable Betsy DeVos Secretary U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20202 Dear Secretary DeVos: We write regarding revelations from a Freedom of Information Act request that the U.S. Department of Education (Department) has failed to protect students who use federal financial aid and are charged unfair fees on financial products that institutions of higher education are paid to promote. This failure has allowed harm to come to students while benefiting large financial institutions like Wells Fargo. We want to know what actions, if any, the Department is taking at this point to ensure students are protected from predatory financial arrangements that are prohibited by federal law. Under the Department's cash management rules, institutions of higher education are required to negotiate agreements with financial service providers that are in the best financial interests of students. Unpublished analysis provided to the Department by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) about the use of college-sponsored deposit and prepaid accounts showed that in cases where colleges were paid to promote campus banking products, students paid, on average, three times more in account fees than students at campuses without these agreements. Not only did the Department fail to act on this information, but it joined the CFPB in suppressing the data despite several requests from Congress. This regulatory failure allowed Wells Fargo to charge students an average $46.99 in fees compared with an average of $11.93 at institutions that were not paid to promote student accounts. Given the evidence in the CFPB's analysis, which has been available to the Department for at least ten months, the Department should have taken steps to review the agreements that resulted in the highest average fees for studentsas such fees are clearly not in the best financial interest of students. The case of Wells Fargo is especially troubling given the widely known enforcement actions taken against the company for opening unauthorized accounts to meet sales targets. Nonetheless, a Department program review of Wells Fargo issued in June, 2017 largely ignored the bank's noncompliance in numerous areas due to technicalities, and applied only minor fines in other areas. Moreover, a statement from a Department spokesperson called the highly relevant information in the CFPB's analysis broader than the scope of the Department's oversight of school's compliance with federal regulations. The CFPB's findings seem well within the scope of the Department's oversight responsibilities. It is difficult to discern whether or how the Department is enforcing the requirements of its own regulations to protect the financial interests of students. Instead, the Department appears to be pushing forward with controversial contracting proposals and ignoring Congressional requests regarding an expansive new payment vehicle program. To better understand the Department's response to the CFPB data and analysis, please respond to the following questions: 1. Has the Department reviewed any of the Tier 1 and Tier 2 financial agreements between institutions of higher education and financial service providers identified in the CFPB's analysis as having higher than average fees, including but not limited to Wells Fargo, for violating the requirement that they be not inconsistent with the best financial interests of students? 2. Has the Department identified any current institution's cash management agreements as deficient in meeting the standard of the best financial interests of students? If so, please provide a list of deficient agreements and rationale for their deficient identification. 3. What actions has the Department taken to ensure that institutions correct any deficiencies? 4. What criteria does the Department use to determine that the agreements meet the requirement of the best financial interests of students? 5. What evidence have institutions of higher education provided to the Department demonstrating that they are meeting the requirement that agreements are in the best financial interests of students? 6. How do the Department's reviews of the financial agreements ensure that there are sufficient safeguards in any revenue sharing or incentive structures to guard against conflicts of interest and excessive fees for student account holders? 7. What resources has the Department made available to institutions of higher education to help them identify financial institutions that have entered into consent orders or settlements with federal regulators related to consumer practices, or have established patterns of behavior that could put students at risk of financial harm? Please provide copies of said resources or guidance. We would like to work with you to protect federal student aid dollars and the financial interests of students, and would appreciate your response by January 5, 2019. Sincerely, Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/milestone-whitehouse-bills-to-overhaul-criminal-justice-and-juvenile-justice-systems-become-law,Milestone Whitehouse Bills to Overhaul Criminal Justice and Juvenile Justice Systems Become Law,2018-12-21,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Sheldon Whitehouse,W000802,www.whitehouse.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.21.18 Milestone Whitehouse Bills to Overhaul Criminal Justice and Juvenile Justice Systems Become Law New laws help inmates successfully transition back to society, encourage states to adopt new protections for youth offenders Washington, DC Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) today attended a ceremony at the White House for the signing of two landmark bills to improve the federal criminal justice and juvenile justice systems. Whitehouse has worked for years on the First Step Act and the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Reauthorization Act, which both passed Congress in recent days with significant bipartisan support. Rhode Island's success improving outcomes for youth offenders and adults in the criminal justice system inspired features of each of these new laws, said Whitehouse, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. I'm proud that our years-long bipartisan effort has produced laws that protect the public safety, reduce the burden on taxpayers, and create opportunities for offenders to break out of the cycle of incarceration by becoming productive members of society. First Step Act Whitehouse first introduced a central component of the First Step Act in 2013 with Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) to reduce the rate of re-offense among federal inmates, along with other important reforms. That legislation was later merged with sentencing reform legislation to form the core of the First Step Act. The bill establishes recidivism reduction programs, based on Whitehouse and Cornyn's bill, to allow qualifying inmates under the provisions to receive reductions to their sentences through time credits upon successful completion of recidivism reduction programming. Rhode Island implemented similar programs in 2008, which have been followed by a 17 percent reduction in the state prison population, a six percent drop in three-year recidivism rates, and a significant drop in crime. The bill also narrows the scope of mandatory minimum prison sentences to focus on the most serious drug offenders and violent criminals, while broadening and establishing new outlets for individuals with minimal non-violent criminal histories that may trigger mandatory minimum sentences under current law. Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Reauthorization Act The reauthorization of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act was sponsored in the Senate by Whitehouse and Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA) to secure new protections for youth in the federal juvenile justice grant program. The legislation takes steps to reduce the unnecessary incarceration of youth, improves safeguards for minors who encounter the justice system, and strengthens services that encourage a smooth transition back into society. The bill improves the existing law by improving treatment for juvenile offenders with mental illness and substance abuse issues, encouraging states to make efforts to reduce racial and ethnic disparities for youth who enter the juvenile justice system, supporting alternatives to incarceration, and holding states accountable for failing to meet core grant requirements to protect the safety of minors in the justice system. The original Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act was enacted in 1974 to ensure the safety of at-risk youth who enter the juvenile justice system, and assist states with delinquency prevention programs and activities. The program had not been updated since 2002 and was long overdue to be reauthorized. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-attends-signing-of-landmark-criminal-justice-reform-bill,Whitehouse Attends Signing of Landmark Criminal Justice Reform Bill,2018-12-21,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Sheldon Whitehouse,W000802,www.whitehouse.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.21.18 Whitehouse Attends Signing of Landmark Criminal Justice Reform Bill Senator's bipartisan legislation to help inmates successfully transition back to society Washington, DC Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Senate Judiciary Committee member and long-time criminal justice reform champion, attended the signing at the White House today of the First Step Act to improve the federal criminal justice system. Whitehouse's landmark criminal justice reform bill is now law. Years of bipartisan work, and the contributions of countless Americans fighting to reform our criminal justice system, brought us to this moment. I am proud to be part of it, said Whitehouse. This bill will use strategies that have worked in states like Rhode Island and Texas to help inmates settle their debt to society, stay out of trouble, and contribute to their community. It will also put in place long-overdue sentencing reforms. I am glad Rhode Islanders' success is reflected in these reforms, and look forward to building on them. Whitehouse first introduced a central component of the First Step Act in 2013 with Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) to reduce the rate of re-offense among federal inmates, along with other important reforms. That legislation was later merged with sentencing reform legislation to form the core of the First Step Act. The bill establishes recidivism reduction programs, based on Whitehouse and Cornyn's bill, to allow qualifying inmates under the provisions to receive reductions to their sentences through time credits upon successful completion of recidivism reduction programming. Rhode Island implemented similar programs in 2008, which have been followed by a 17 percent reduction in the state prison population, a six percent drop in three-year recidivism rates, and a significant drop in crime. The bill also narrows the scope of mandatory minimum prison sentences to focus on the most serious drug offenders and violent criminals, while broadening and establishing new outlets for individuals with minimal non-violent criminal histories that may trigger mandatory minimum sentences under current law. Importantly, the bill preserves cooperation incentives to aid law enforcement in tracking down kingpins and stiffens penalties for individuals convicted of serious violent felonies. Whitehouse met with a range of stakeholders in Rhode Island and nationwide in crafting the legislation. Among those meetings was a dinner with President Trump's daughter and son-in-law, Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, who have been working on the bill. A one-page summary of the First Step Act is available here. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-statement-on-partial-government-shutdown,Whitehouse Statement on Partial Government Shutdown,2018-12-21,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Sheldon Whitehouse,W000802,www.whitehouse.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.21.18 Whitehouse Statement on Partial Government Shutdown Washington, DC Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) issued the following statement on the looming shutdown of parts of the federal government following President Donald Trump's rejection of the stopgap spending bill passed with broad bipartisan support in the Senate: The American people want leaders to do their jobs and govern with a steady hand. But President Trump has upended the agreement he reached with his own party, threatening the paychecks of hundreds of thousands of Americans less than a week before Christmas and sending markets tumbling. Rather than working with Democrats, Republicans are choosing to bring government agencies to a halt, including the agency charged with protecting our border. We have seen plenty of pointless brinksmanship from congressional Republicans in recent years, but this takes the cake. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://langevin.house.gov/press-release/department-homeland-security-establish-vulnerability-disclosure-policy,Department of Homeland Security to Establish Vulnerability Disclosure Policy,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Jim Langevin,L000559,langevin.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON The Senate has passed H.R. 7237, the Strengthening and Enhancing Cyber-capabilities by Utilizing Risk Exposure (SECURE) Technology Act, clearing the bill for approval by President Trump. The House passed the bill, which was introduced by Congressman Will Hurd (R-TX), yesterday evening. The bill will require the Department of Homeland Security to develop a vulnerability disclosure policy for its information systems and authorizes a pilot bug bounty program at the Department. I have been pushing the Department of Homeland Security to establish a vulnerability disclosure policy for years, said Congressman Langevin (D-RI), a senior member of the House Committee on Homeland Security and the co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional Cybersecurity Caucus. Unfortunately and for reasons that remain completely unclear to me DHS has refused to embrace this practice even as it has become widespread in industry. Thanks to the advocacy of Majority Leader McCarthy and Senator Hassan, well-meaning security researchers will finally have a mechanism to report security flaws in systems run by DHS. A vulnerability disclosure policy gives guidelines to security researchers for what types of testing is appropriate and how to inform a system owner of any potential security vulnerabilities. Last year, the Department of Justice put out guidelines on how public and private entities can institute vulnerability disclosure programs. The guidance included recommendations for framing policies and remediation practices once bugs are discovered. Both the Department of Defense and the General Services Administration currently have vulnerability disclosure policies. Last year, I traveled to DEF CON with my friend Will Hurd, continued Langevin. By far my biggest takeaway was that people conducting security research have many motivations for finding and disclosing bugs. While many chose to do so for money or notoriety, many more are just interested in making the Internet a safer place that works as it was intended. And if we are running insecure systems, aren't we better off having a way to learn about those flaws rather than pretending they don't exist? In July, Langevin sent a letter to DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen following up on his questioning at an April 26 hearing where she pledged to work with him to establish a vulnerability disclosure program. Based on a lack of response to that letter, Langevin joined Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), Congressman Hurd, and Congressman John Ratcliffe (R-TX) in introducing H.R. 6735, the Public-Private Cybersecurity Cooperation Act. That bill, which passed the House as a standalone on September 25, was included along with Senator Maggie Hassan's (D-NH) S. 1281, the Hack DHS Act, in H.R. 7237. Langevin and Ratcliffe amended the Hack DHS Act, which would establish a pilot bug bounty program at DHS, during House Committee consideration; those amendments were included in the final bill.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-chinese-economic-espionage-must-end,Langevin: Chinese Economic Espionage Must End,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Jim Langevin,L000559,langevin.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Jim Langevin, a senior member of the House Armed Services and Homeland Security Committees and the co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional Cybersecurity Caucus, issued the following statement regarding the indictment of two Chinese hackers on charges of cyber-enabled economic espionage: Stealing commercial secrets to prop up companies is not the behavior of responsible states, and the United States and her allies must stand up to this reckless behavior. I commend the Deputy Attorney General for leading a whole-of-government response to Chinese cyber-enabled economic espionage. We are joined by our international partners, many of which have also been victimized by China's campaign of relentless state-sponsored theft. Collective international action, rather than going it alone, is the best way to make it clear to China that their actions are unacceptable. The Obama-Xi accord in 2015 remains a seminal moment in the development of international rules of the road in cyberspace. China is clearly willfully in violation of that agreement and of statements it agreed to in multilateral fora including the G20. President Xi and his lackeys at the Ministry of State Security must understand that they will be held to account for undermining the rules-based international order. The President should immediately take steps to sanction not just the parties directly involved in breaking into these managed service providers but the Chinese companies that benefited from this illicitly acquired intellectual property. Chinese business leaders need to understand that if they make a Faustian pact with their government, they will not be welcome in the international community. Finally, I strongly encourage my colleagues in Congress to immediately pass the Cyber Deterrence and Response Act introduced by my colleague Representative Ted Yoho, which would codify important authorities and allow the government to take swift action in response to violations of international norms. I look forward to continuing to push for measures to enhance the stability of cyberspace as the Democratic majority takes office next year.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-commends-secretary-mattis-lifetime-service,Langevin Commends Secretary Mattis for a Lifetime of Service,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Jim Langevin,L000559,langevin.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI), a senior member of the House Committee on Armed Services, issued the following statement regarding the resignation of Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis: There will be a day and a time to address the President's continued attempts to undermine the rule of law, our vital alliances, and the role of the United States in the world, factors that contributed to Secretary Mattis's resignation. Today, however, let us honor the lifetime of service of a man who has served his country nobly across five decades. In all of my interactions with Secretary Mattis, whether as Secretary of Defense or as a general testifying before me, I have been impressed by his patriotism, his integrity, his selflessness, and his commitment to protecting our nation and its partners. In his current role, I always had confidence that Secretary Mattis would be the adult in the room, motivated not by politics or greed, but by a desire to protect our national security and our service members. He always worked to ensure the awesome might of the U.S. military was brought to bear in service of our country's citizens and our allies abroad. I fear his departure may mean those ideals have been purged from the White House. However, I pledge to continue to strive to live up to those ideals each day I serve in Congress. Godspeed, Secretary Mattis. A grateful nation is in your debt.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-statement-trump%E2%80%99s-sudden-decision-pull-us-forces-syria,Langevin Statement on Trumps Sudden Decision to Pull U.S. Forces from Syria,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Jim Langevin,L000559,langevin.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement regarding President Trump's announcement of his plan to remove U.S. troops from Syria: President Trump's announcement paints a picture of a chaotic Administration lacking a foreign policy strategy. This reckless decision shows a disregard for our nation's military and intelligence leaders, many of whom have expressed deep concerns over sudden U.S. disengagement in the region. U.S. foreign policy should not be decided on a whim. The American people are entitled to a well-thought-out Syrian policy that advances our interests, respects our allies, and promotes peace throughout the region. Unfortunately, the course the President seems to be embarking on will only come as welcome news to the Assad regime, ISIS, Russia, and Iran as they will surely seek to capitalize on any premature American departure from the region.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-supports-passage-bipartisan-criminal-justice-reform-bill,Langevin Supports Passage of Bipartisan Criminal Justice Reform Bill,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Jim Langevin,L000559,langevin.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) issued a statement after voting in favor of the First Step Act, a landmark sentencing reform bill that passed the House of Representatives today by a vote of 358-36: For decades, our justice system has locked up non-violent offenders, even when they pose little risk of committing further crimes. After years of negotiations, today's vote represents a significant step in the right direction to try and return fairness to the sentencing process. By establishing new recidivism reduction programs with incentives for participation and by reducing mandatory minimums sentences, this bill will help us move past the days of needless mass incarceration and towards a more compassionate system that maintains safety in our communities. I am thrilled that Congress was able to come together in a bipartisan manner to pass these critical reforms. Special recognition is owed to my delegation colleague Senator Sheldon Whitehouse for his tireless work on criminal justice reform. He recently shepherded a comprehensive juvenile justice bill through Congress, and his stalwart advocacy for improving sentencing and rehabilitation are evident in the First Step Act. While we must acknowledge the need for further improvements at both the state and federal levels, we have made notable progress today for justice in the United States.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-statement-on-resignation-of-secretary-mattis,Reed Statement on Resignation of Secretary Mattis,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Jack Reed,R000122,www.reed.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12/20/2018WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), Ranking Member of the Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement after Defense Secretary James Mattis announced that he is resigning and will leave the Pentagon in February: Secretary Mattis is a true patriot who leads by example and served with great fidelity and dedication to our men and women in uniform. He served as a stabilizing force in a chaotic Administration that seems to be unravelling. His resignation letter made it clear he disagrees with President Trump on major national security issues. Secretary Mattis isn't someone who is willing to stand by while American allies and principles are abandoned. He didn't resign because he grew weary from the fight. I think he saw this as his last best chance to focus the nation's attention on the serious missteps President Trump is making and get him to change course. President Trump is leading the country in the wrong direction and Secretary Mattis isn't willing to go along with it. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/senate-passes-whitehouse-alexander-murray-gardner-bill-that-allows-families-to-answer-22-fafsa-questions-with-just-one-click,"Senate Passes Whitehouse, Alexander, Murray, Gardner Bill That Allows Families to Answer 22 FAFSA Questions With Just One Click",2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Sheldon Whitehouse,W000802,www.whitehouse.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.20.18 Senate Passes Whitehouse, Alexander, Murray, Gardner Bill That Allows Families to Answer 22 FAFSA Questions With Just One Click Bipartisan bill makes it easier for students and families to complete tax information on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid Washington, DC The UnitedStatesSenatelast nightpassed bipartisan legislation introduced by Senate education committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.),Ranking Member Patty Murray (D-Wash.),Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) andSenatorCory Gardner (R-Colo.)that will allowthenearly 20 million students that complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year to answerat least 11 and up to 22questionson the formwithjustone click. The bill will allow students to have the IRS securely send the Department of Education their federal tax information with oneclick.The bill will also help simplify the process for getting through income-driven repayment applications and the student aid verification process.Now that the Senate has passed the legislation, it will head to the U.S. House of Representatives. Theformerpresident of Southwest Community College in Memphis once told me he believes that he loses 1,500 students each semester because of the complexity of theFAFSA,said Alexander.Over and over families have asked me, I've already given most of this information to the federal government when I paid my taxes, why do I have to do it againonce is enough.' This legislation will make completing the complicatedFAFSAmuch easier for studentsand familiesallowing them to answer up to 22 questionson the formwith one simple click, while securing the applicant's data. It is my hope that the U.S. House of Representatives swiftly passes this legislation. Our nation's outdated and overly complicated financial aid system is forcing students and student loan borrowers to jump through too many hoops to access federal financial aid, verify the tax returns they've already filled out, or get help if they're struggling to pay their student loans,said Murray.I'm pleased to work with my colleagues on this needed fix to federal financial aid, and I urge the House to pass this quickly so students and borrowers are able navigate their financial aid through a streamlined and efficient process. Putting prospective college students and their families through endless paperwork is more than an annoyance. Needlessly complicated forms like theFAFSAare a real obstacle to Rhode Island students continuing their education,said Whitehouse. I'm happy to join Sen. Alexander to introduce this legislation. It's a smart way to reduce the burden of theFAFSAwith a simple, secure online process. Ensuring students are able to complete theirFAFSAforms each year is crucial to continuing their education,said SenatorGardner.This bipartisan legislation makes the complex process easier for students and their parents so that no student has to miss out on educational opportunities because completing their forms was made more difficult than it needed to be. Last month, Alexander and U.S. Department of Education Secretary Betsy DeVosvisitedSevier County High School to show students and local guidance counselors how to use the new phone application that makes it easier for student to apply for federal and state financial aid. The Faster Access to Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) ActwillmakeFAFSAcompletion easierand more securefor nearly 20 million studentsby: Improvingand securingthe way individuals' IRS tax information is sent to the Department of Education. Turning a 7-click process into a single click process that answersat least 11 andup to 22 questions to transfer IRS tax filling data to the Department of Education. Allowing8 to 9 million moreFAFSAfilers to use their existing IRS tax filing information. Reducingthe burdensome verification processes for students and parents filing for aid. Automatingthe annual process for 7 million borrowers in income driven repayment to recertify their income and remain in their repayment plan. Background onFAFSA: Currently 54% ofFAFSAs are filed with information received from the IRS by parents or students using the Data Retrieval Tool to request and transfer tax information from the IRS to the Department of Education. The current process for students or parents to transfer tax information to theFAFSArequires the applicant to give direct permission to the IRS to send tax information to ED. This requires the applicant to jump fromFAFSAwebsite to IRS website and back to ED website which takes a total of 7 clicks. For 37% ofFAFSAs, either the student or the parent does not file taxes. The new process will allow the IRS to confirm that those students or parents have not filed. Background on Income Driven Repayment: Almost a third of borrowers in repayment on federal student loans are in an income-driven repayment program. These programs require that borrowers certify their income on an annual basis. If borrowers fail to complete this process, they are automatically reentered into standard 10 year repayment. Each year 19 percent ofborrowers in IDR fail to recertify their income on-time,resulting in payment spikes and interest capitalization for approximately 1.3 million borrowers. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-portman-udall-burr-and-coons-praise-senate-passage-of-delta-act-to-protect-the-okavango-river-delta,"Whitehouse, Portman, Udall, Burr, and Coons Praise Senate Passage of DELTA Act to Protect the Okavango River Delta",2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Sheldon Whitehouse,W000802,www.whitehouse.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.20.18 Whitehouse, Portman, Udall, Burr, and Coons Praise Senate Passage of DELTA Act to Protect the Okavango River Delta Washington, DC U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Rob Portman (R-OH), Tom Udall (D-NM), Richard Burr (R-NC), and Chris Coons (D-DE) today praised the Senate passage, by unanimous consent, of the Defending Economic Livelihoods and Threatened Animals (DELTA) Act, legislation that encourages the U.S. to develop a strategy to protect the Okavango River Delta in southern Africa. The House of Representatives passed the bipartisan bill earlier this year. The legislation will now head to the president's desk to be signed into law. As a co-chair of the International Conservation Caucus, I believe we must confront the threats to wildlife and natural resources around the world, and I'm pleased the Senate has unanimously approved this legislation to encourage the U.S. to develop a strategy to protect the Okavango River Delta in southern Africa, said Senator Portman. The Okavango Delta is a precious water resource that is home to more than one million people and serves as a critical habitat to some of the world's most endangered species that continue to face a variety of threats from wildlife traffickers, poachers, and others. I am proud to protect this important resource and the people, wildlife, and ecosystems that depend on it, and I urge the president to sign this legislation into law as soon as possible. The Okavango River Delta is an unspoiled wilderness a delicate region of deep ecological, cultural, and economic importance to surrounding nations and to the world, said Senator Udall. It is home to some of the world's most iconic species and serves as a vital lifeline and watershed for over one million people throughout the region. But this diverse ecosystem is being threatened by industrial development and wildlife traffickers. I'm proud the Senate passed the DELTA Act today, bipartisan legislation to leverage key partnerships that would help safeguard this precious wetland by promoting long-term conservation efforts, economic growth, and greater stability. Together, we can preserve this priceless intact ecosystem for generations to come. I'm pleased to see the Senate unanimously approve the DELTA Act today, which furthers important conservation efforts in southern Africa's Okavango River watershed and around the globe, said Senator Burr. As a co-chair of the International Conservation Caucus, I appreciate the importance of preserving national treasures for future generations. I look forward to improved cooperation and information sharing with local authorities in the region to protect these lands and habitats for years to come. I am pleased to see the DELTA Act pass the Senate, said Senator Coons. This is a great win for wildlife, water, and habitat in the Okavango Delta region in southern Africa. I look forward to continuing to work with U.S. agencies and our partners in the region to combat wildlife poaching and promote conservation as a key component of economic development. The DELTA Act is an important piece of bipartisan legislation that will help preserve the Okavango River Basin and the communities and unique wildlife that depend on it for survival, said Senator Whitehouse. This region boasts one of the world's most diverse ecosystems and serves as an imperative water resource, yet it currently faces grave threats from wildlife traffickers and unsustainable development. I was proud to cosponsor this bill and work with my colleagues on a bipartisan basis to promote international conservation efforts. By passing the DELTA Act, the Senate has voted its confidence in the countries of Southern Africa and their ability to build a prosperous future through conservation. These countries have demonstrated vision and leadership through the creation of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, or KAZA, home to half of Africa's remaining elephants, incredible natural wonders such as Victoria Falls and the Okavango Delta, and some of the most successful community-based conservation programs in the world. The DELTA Act will direct greater attention to the management and conservation of the Okavango River basin, helping to protect a globally-significant region and building on existing efforts to ensure thriving wildlife populations and prosperous communities. We look forward to the president signing this legislation, which demonstrates yet again that global conservation is an issue that both Republican and Democratic leaders can embrace, said Nik Sekhran, Chief Conservation Officer, World Wildlife Fund. ""The DELTA Act will help to improve the livelihoods of the communities who live in the greater delta region through better resource management, while also protecting the natural biodiversity and wildlife of the delta region for future generations. We applaud the leadership of Senators Portman, Udall, Burr, Coons, and Whitehouse on the DELTA Act and the U.S. Senate for supporting the passage of this important international conservation work,"" said Dawson Hunter, Senior Director U.S. Government Policy, Conservation International. ""The 'Jewel of the Kalahari', the Okavango Delta, is one of the most magnificent ecosystems in the world. Thanks to the leadership of the International Conservation Caucus in the House and Senate, the United States will now have a mandate to work with the governments of Botswana and others in the region to assure that future generations can appreciate this biodiverse gem while its local good stewards optimize the economic benefits of managing it well,"" said David H. Barron Founder, International Conservation Caucus Foundation. We appreciate Senator Portman's leadership and efforts toward protecting critical habitat and encouraging conservation internationally in the DELTA Act. Protecting wildlife species and encouraging cooperation between all stakeholders knows no national boundaries said Bill Stanley, Executive Director for The Nature Conservancy in Ohio. Measures in this important piece of legislation will really make a positive difference in the critically important Okavango River basin which faces many conservation-related challenges. NOTE: Senators Portman and Udall along with Senators Burr, Coons, and Whitehouse as original cosponsors introduced the DELTA Act earlier this year. This legislation would encourage the U.S. to work with the governments of Angola, Botswana, Namibia, and neighboring countries Zambia and Zimbabwe, as well as nongovernmental organizations to facilitate transboundary cooperation, improve water and natural resources management, and protect threatened wildlife species that depend on the Okavango River Basin as a critical habitat. The bill authorizes the Secretary of State and the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to provide technical assistance to governments and local communities for water and natural resource management, and to build the capacity of local law enforcement, park rangers, and community leaders to combat illegal poaching and wildlife trafficking. The bill requires State and USAID to provide Congress a report within one year on the progress of the strategy. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-statement-on-resignation-of-defense-secretary-mattis,Whitehouse Statement on Resignation of Defense Secretary Mattis,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Sheldon Whitehouse,W000802,www.whitehouse.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.20.18 Whitehouse Statement on Resignation of Defense Secretary Mattis Washington, DC Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) issued the following statement on the announcement of the resignation of Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis: As Trump drives away the grownups in the room, there is cause for genuine concern. I thank and honor Secretary Mattis for a lifetime of service. We should mark his closing words about respect for allies, clear-eyed awareness about adversaries and competitors, and the value of an international order that supports our security, prosperity and values. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/time-to-wake-up-we-must-save-the-nfip-from-drowning,Time To Wake Up: We Must Save the NFIP From Drowning,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Sheldon Whitehouse,W000802,www.whitehouse.senate.gov,,,legacy,"About Services Agency Assistance Success Stories Grants Flag Requests Visiting D.C. Student Resources Email Sheldon Events Community Dinners Community Outreach Issues Issue List Legislation News Press Releases In the News Speeches Op-Eds Press Kit Videos x x MENU",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-statement-us-withdrawing-syria-lifting-sanctions-russian-oligarch,"Cicilline Statement on U.S. Withdrawing from Syria, Lifting Sanctions on Russian Oligarch",2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,David Cicilline,C001084,cicilline.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC) Chair David N. Cicilline (RI-01), who serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement today: President Trump just gave Vladimir Putin two big Christmas gifts. Withdrawing American forces from Syria in such a hasty fashion is an enormous boon to Russian and Iranian interests in the Middle East. As I've said all along, Congress should debate an Authorization for the Use of Military Force that defines a clear objective and outlines a strategy for any American involvement in Syria. Rather than seeking an authorization from Congress and setting forth our objectives in this region, the President continues to conduct foreign policy in a critical part of the world with no clear goals in mind or a comprehensive strategy. We've also just learned that the Treasury Department is moving to lift sanctions on three massive corporations run by Oleg Deripaska, a Russian oligarch who previously worked directly with Paul Manafort to advance Russian interests in Ukraine. The timing of these two announcements is suspect. Decisions about American foreign policy should be made with America's best interests in mind, not Russia's.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://langevin.house.gov/press-release/legislation-honoring-us-army-captain-matthew-j-august-signed-law,Legislation Honoring U.S. Army Captain Matthew J. August Signed Into Law,2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Jim Langevin,L000559,langevin.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC The post office in Saunderstown, Rhode Island will be named in honor of U.S. Army Captain Matthew J. August after legislation that was led by U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) and Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) was signed into law by President Trump. U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Congressman David Cicilline (D-RI) co-sponsored the respective Senate and House bills. Captain August, a life-long North Kingstown resident, was killed in action on January 27, 2004, following an ambush on his convoy during a mission outside of Baghdad, Iraq. He was the first Rhode Islander to be killed in action during Operation Iraqi Freedom. I am proud this bill to memorialize the selfless and courageous service of Captain Matthew August has become law, said Congressman Langevin. Captain August is a patriot who was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of the community and the country he loved. This lasting tribute will ensure his legacy is always remembered by future generations. Army Captain Matthew August is an American hero who gave his life for our country more than a decade ago, said Congressman Cicilline. I am pleased that the Post Office in Saunderstown will be renamed in his memory so that we can continue to honor his life for years to come. Captain August graduated from Bishop Hendricken High School in 1993 and from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1997.In 2003, Captain August was deployed to Iraq in command of B Company, 1st Engineer Battalion, 1st Infantry Division attached to the 82nd Airborne. During his career, he received the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaves, the National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service and Overseas Service Ribbons. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign and Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medals and Combat Action Badge. Captain August is survived by his parents, Donna and Richard August; his brother, Brig. Gen. Mark August, USAF; his sister, Melanie Cargilo; and their families. The U.S. Postal Service is expected to hold an official dedication ceremony at a date to be determined.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-trumps-declaration-of-victory-over-isis-and-hasty-withdrawal-of-us-forces-from-syria-is-reckless-and-destabilizing,Reed: Trump’s Declaration of Victory Over ISIS & Hasty Withdrawal of U.S. Forces from Syria is Reckless and Destabilizing,2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Jack Reed,R000122,www.reed.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12/19/2018WASHINGTON, DC Today, after President Trump declared victory over the Islamic State in Syria (ISIS) and ordered a sudden withdrawal of U.S. forces from Syria, catching some of his own advisers and U.S. allies off guard, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement: The hasty, disjointed manner in which this announcement was made demonstrates an Administration in disarray and provides further evidence of President Trump's inability to lead on the world stage. Just because President Trump tweets that he has defeated ISIS doesn't make us safer, especially when the reality is very different on the ground. The President continues to disregard the advice of his military, diplomatic, and intelligence personnel who have consistently warned against the action the President seems poised to take. Just two weeks ago, General McKenzie, nominated by the President to be the next Commander of U.S. Central Command said: ISIS probably still is more capable than al Qaeda in Iraq at its peak, suggesting it is well positioned to re-emerge if pressure on the group is relieved. And even the President's own advisors say this course of action is reckless. His Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS Brett McGurk stated: We are now in a position where, because of the success of the military campaign, we are heavily influencing that part of Syria, want to make sure that we maintain a permissive environment and stability, and basically freeze the lines in place as [Special Representative for Syria Engagement Jim Jeffrey] and others work the longer-term political solution. So obviously, it would be reckless if we were just to say, well, the physical caliphate is defeated, so we can just leave now. I think anyone who's looked at a conflict like this would agree with that. This is why our troops in Syria have been transitioning over the past year to training local security forces necessary to prevent the re-emergence of ISIS. Those forces are not yet able to stand on their own and efforts to establish effective local governance remain in their infancy. This is a recipe for a quick return of ISIS, tribalism and warlordism, or worse. Pulling out of Syria in this manner would be a betrayal of our Kurdish partners who, along with other Arab partners, have sacrificed so much to take on ISIS - not only by evicting ISIS from traditional Kurdish areas, but also continuing to pursue remnants of the group deep into the Euphrates River Valley. Now the President seems content to forsake their trust and abandon them to a potentially bloody conflict with Turkey. This decision also significantly increases the security risks to our key regional partners in Israel, Iraq, and Jordan. Specifically, the removal of U.S. troops from southeast Syria will cede a land route to the Iranians that will likely be used to freely move weapons and personnel across the region, many of which could be used for the purposes of attacking Israel. This significantly raises the risk of escalation and, potentially, triggering a regional conflict. Withdrawal of our U.S. military personnel also risks destabilizing Iraq and Jordan at a time when both countries continue to deal with substantial refugee flows and population displacement and governance challenges. The clear beneficiaries from a precipitous withdrawal of U.S. forces at this point are the Assad regime, ISIS, Russia, and Iran. It takes the heat off of them and will allow their proxies to fill the vacuum that our departure creates. This will inevitably increase the terrorist threat to the United States, destabilize our partners, and reduce our influence in the region. I urge President Trump to further consult with U.S. military leaders and our partners on the ground before making any more impulsive moves that could cause long-term damage to our national security. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-whitehouse-colleagues-call-on-trump-administration-to-stop-pushing-health-insurance-plans-that-weaken-pre-existing-condition-protections,"Reed, Whitehouse, Colleagues Call on Trump Administration to Stop Pushing Health Insurance Plans That Weaken Pre-Existing Condition Protections",2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Jack Reed,R000122,www.reed.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12/19/2018WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) joined Senators Mark Warner (D-VA), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and 36 of their Senate colleagues in calling on the Trump Administration to withdraw recent changes making it easier for states to promote junk health care plans, which typically lack protections for people with pre-existing conditions and which would increase health care costs for millions of Americans. Under the Administration's new guidance, states are able to use federal subsidies to pay for the subpar plans by utilizing a section of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) originally intended to give states the flexibility to implement targeted improvements that expand coverage, reduce costs, and provide more comprehensive benefits. The Senators argue in a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Seema Verma, and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin that the Administration is improperly using Section 1332 to allow states to do the exact opposite. We have serious concerns they will increase health care costs for millions of consumers while weakening protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions. In light of substantive concerns that we have with the impact on patients, and procedural concerns that we have with the manner in which these significant policy changes have been promulgated, we ask that you immediately withdraw this guidance and re-engage with stakeholders, states, and Congress, the Senators wrote. The Senators make it clear in the letter that the Administration's actions do not reflect Congressional intent when the 1332 waiver program was created, stating that the Administration's recent guidance significantly changes enforcement of these four important guardrails, undermining Congressional intent and posing a significant risk to consumers that now have affordable and comprehensive health coverage. The proposed changes, which were outlined in guidance provided by the Administration and in a discussion paper released several months ago, will also allow states to increase out-of-pocket maximums and reduce the value of coverage, weaken essential health benefits, and implement changes that increase health care costs for the majority of beneficiaries if a state can demonstrate costs will be lower for some. We ask that you immediately withdraw this guidance and work with us and other stakeholders on policies that maintain protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions and improve affordability, the Senators conclude. In October, Reed and Whitehouse joined colleagues in forcing a vote on a discharge petition that would have blocked the Trump Administration's rule to expand junk insurance plans. The measure was supported by 50 Senators, including one Republican. Ultimately, the petition did not receive the simple majority needed to pass the Senate. In addition to Senators Reed, Whitehouse, Warner, Cardin, Shaheen, and Baldwin, the letter was signed by Senators Tom Carper (D-DE), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Coons (D-DE), Bob Casey (D-PA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Gary Peters (D-MI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ed Markey (D-MA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Patty Murray (D-WA), Angus King (I-ME), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Doug Jones (D-AL), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Tom Udall (D-NM), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-NV), and Brian Schatz (D-HI). The full text of the letter can be found below. The Honorable Seema Verma Secretary U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 200 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20201 The Honorable Alex Azar Secretary U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 200 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20201 The Honorable Steven Mnuchin Secretary U.S. Department of the Treasury 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20220 Dear Secretary Azar, Administrator Verma and Secretary Mnuchin: We write to express concern with the Administration's October 22 guidance and November 29 discussion paper on new options for states pursuing a Section 1332 waiver under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). The new guidance and discussion paper promote health plans that lack protections for people with pre-existing conditions and low-income families enshrined in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) guidance released in 2015 and adopt new principles that were not envisioned by Congress. We have serious concerns they will increase health care costs for millions of consumers while weakening protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions. In light of substantive concerns that we have with the impact on patients, and procedural concerns that we have with the manner in which these significant policy changes have been promulgated, we ask that you immediately withdraw this guidance and re-engage with stakeholders, states, and Congress. Section 1332 of the ACA gives states additional flexibility to implement state-specific improvements that expand coverage, reduce costs and provide more comprehensive benefits. In fact, Congress enacted so-called guardrails that waiver proposals must meet in order for the Secretary to approve them. Specifically, waivers must ensure 1) health coverage is at least as comprehensive as it would be under the ACA, 2) cost-sharing and premiums are as affordable as they would be under the ACA, 3) the number of individuals with coverage remains comparable to the number of individuals covered under the ACA, and 4) the waiver does not increase the Federal deficit. The Administration's recent guidance significantly changes enforcement of these four important guardrails, undermining Congressional intent and posing a significant risk to consumers that now have affordable and comprehensive health coverage. The waiver concepts, published after the release of the recent guidance, suggests that the Secretary will permit states to use Federal subsidies for the purchase of short-term, limited-duration (STLDI) junk plans that do not meet Federal patient protections. The new guidance will also allow states to count junk plans as health insurance when determining how many individuals are enrolled in coverage. This change will allow states to enroll more individuals in subpar plans that do not offer essential health benefits such as mental health care, maternity care, prescription drug coverage or substance use disorder treatment. Additionally, these subpar plans can discriminate against individuals with pre-existing conditions, older Americans and women by excluding these essential benefits. These plans may also charge certain customers more for their coverage, deny coverage entirely, impose annual and lifetime limits on care, and other anti-consumer practices. This use of federal tax dollars for subpar, often deceptively-marketed insurance that barely provides coverage at all is completely unacceptable. It is important to note that hospitals, insurers, patient groups and independent health experts have all agreed that the increased use of these junk plans will increase the cost of health care coverage for many Americans, undercut protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions and erode stability in the health insurance markets. In addition to the increased use of junk plans, the discussion paper makes clear that the Secretary will also give states more flexibility to increase out-of-pocket maximums and reduce the value of coverage, weaken essential health benefits, and implement changes that increase health care costs for those who need it most if a state can demonstrate costs will be lower in the aggregate. We have serious concerns about how these changes will impact the quality and affordability of coverage, especially for vulnerable sub-populations. Furthermore, we are concerned that this guidance may exceed the Secretary's legal authority by not requiring Congressional approval to change existing law and by subverting the full notice and comment rule-making process. The guidance violates the statute by allowing states to provide access to instead of provision of affordable and comprehensive coverage to at least the same number of residents. It also redefines health insurance to include plans that lack the ACA's consumer protections. In addition, by forgoing Congressional approval and the rule-making process the Administration has excluded an opportunity for public comment from millions of Americans and other stakeholders that will be impacted by these changes. In contrast, the Department finalized the 2015 guidance only after taking into account feedback from stakeholders and experts. The Department finalized this new guidance immediately, without getting any vital input from affected stakeholders. For these reasons, we ask that you immediately withdraw this guidance and work with us and other stakeholders on policies that maintain protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions and improve affordability. Thank you for your consideration of our letter and we look forward to your response. Sincerely, Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/senator-reeds-bipartisan-museum-and-library-services-act-heads-to-presidents-desk,Senator Reed’s Bipartisan Museum and Library Services Act Heads to President’s Desk,2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Jack Reed,R000122,www.reed.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12/19/2018WASHINGTON, DC In an effort to help libraries and museums upgrade their technology, better serve their communities, and boost America's educational infrastructure, the U.S. House of Representatives today approved U.S. Senator Jack Reed's (D-RI) Museum and Library Services Act of 2018 (S.3530), sending the bill to the President's desk to be signed into law. Reed's bill was unanimously approved by the U.S. Senate on December 4. Reed's bipartisan bill authorizes up to $299 million annually through 2025 to advance the roles of libraries and museums in education, lifelong learning, historic preservation, and workforce development. It authorizes federal museum and library programs administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), an independent federal agency that helps support the more than 120,000 libraries and 35,000 museums nationwide. Senator Reed's bill highlights the role of libraries and museums as community hubs, equipped to meet ever evolving community needs. Passing this legislation will help museums and libraries improve their technology, enhance collaboration, and better serve the public. Local libraries and museums enrich our communities, providing educational opportunities and preserving our history and culture. This bill represents our national commitment to these institutions. Through a relatively modest federal investment, this law helps build capacity to support and expand access to library and museum services at the state and local level, said Senator Reed. Passage of the Museum and Library Services Act will help us write a new chapter in the digital age, as IMLS helps libraries and museums modernize, collaborate, and strengthen their capacity to serve their communities well into the future. It will help fully leverage the role of libraries and museums in supporting the learning, educational, and workforce development needs of Americans nationwide. I am so pleased to have worked on a bipartisan basis with several partners in the Senate and House and with the library and museum community to get this bill to the President's desk. Since the last reauthorization in 2010, Rhode Island libraries and museums have received over $10 million in federal grants from these programs. This year, Rhode Island has received formula and competitive grant funding totaling $1,658,149 from IMLS. Reed noted that the updated reauthorization will benefit small states like Rhode Island by boosting its share of funding through an increase in the minimum allotment under the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) state grant program. The $189.3 million provided for LSTA in FY 2019 supports libraries through several grant programs. The Museum and Library Services Act of 2018 will: Strengthen the use of data driven tools to measure the impact and maximize the effectiveness of library and museum services, build capacity, and better tailor local services to address and meet community needs. Enhance IMLS's collaborative efforts with an expanded number of federal agencies to fully leverage the role of libraries and museums in supporting and meeting the needs of Americans. Allow federal grants to be used to help libraries prepare for and provide services after a disaster or emergency. Increase the reservation for Services for Native Americans to more closely match appropriations. Recognize the roles of libraries as community hubs, serving evolving and diverse community needs (including those of rural residents, individuals with disabilities, Native Americans, veterans, military families, and caregivers, among others) in such areas as literacy; education; lifelong learning; health information; workforce development; economic and business development; digital literacy and financial literacy; and new and emerging technology. Enable increases in library formula funding to be shared more broadly across states, while ensuring no state loses funding. Emphasize recruiting and training of our nation's next generation of library and information science professionals necessary for an information economy from a broad range of backgrounds. Authorize activities to improve the recruitment, preparation, and professional development of museum professionals to preserve our heritage for future generations. Highlight the educational role of museums and the ways that museums engage and strengthen their communities. Encourage partnerships with other agencies, professional networks, and community-based organizations to leverage museum services in service to the nation. Reed's Museum and Library Services Act of 2018 is cosponsored by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Angus King (I-ME), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Doug Jones (D-AL), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Bob Casey (D-PA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Gary Peters (D-MI), Chris Coons (D-DE), Jon Tester (D-MT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Roger Wicker (R-MS). Companion legislation (H.R. 6988) was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressmen Raul M. Grijalva (D-AZ), Will Hurd (R-TX), Leonard Lance (R-NJ), and David McKinley (R-WV). The American Alliance of Museums reports that there are nearly 850 million visits per year to American museums, and that U.S. museums inject approximately $21 billion into the economy each year. According to the American Library Association, every year, 1.5 billion in-person visits are made to public libraries. Senator Reed wrote the last Museum and Library Service Act reauthorization law, which President Obama signed in 2010. President Trump is expected to sign the Museum and Library Services Act of 2018 into law. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/speeches/senator-reed-delivers-remarks-in-farewell-to-departing-senators,Senator Reed Delivers Remarks in Farewell to Departing Senators,2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Jack Reed,R000122,www.reed.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12/19/2018Mr. President, I want to take a moment to salute my colleagues who are departing the Senate at the conclusion of the 115th Congress: Bob Corker of Tennessee, Jeff Flake of Arizona, Orrin Hatch of Utah, Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota, Dean Heller of Nevada, Joe Donnelly of Indiana, Claire McCaskill of Missouri, Bill Nelson of Florida, and Jon Kyl of Arizona. All of these Members have dedicated themselves to serving their constituents, their States, and our country. The institution of the Senate and the Nation as a whole are stronger because of their service and commitment. I have been privileged to serve with each and every one of them and want to spend a few moments thanking each of them for the wisdom and experience they brought to their work and for their friendship. Bob Corker and I worked on many foreign policy matters together, given my role as ranking member on the Armed Services Committee and his as chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee. I have appreciated Bob's willingness to reach across the aisle in an attempt to remove barriers to gaining bipartisan cooperation on bills and other policy matters. I also appreciate how much Bob was willing to speak his mind and stand up to administrations of his party and of my party over the last several years, particularly with respect to his very astute analysis of the situation with Russia and other major issues confronting the United States today. He has long focused on international development and human rights, causes I have been glad to support alongside him, including a joint resolution, Supporting a Diplomatic Solution in Yemen and Condemning the Murder of Jamal Khashoggi; for promoting economic growth in developing countries through U.S. business investment in the recently enacted BUILD Act; and consistently fighting to end modern slavery. We also served together on the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee. Here, too, he spent his time reaching across the aisle, trying to find constructive solutions, and informing our work on issues ranging from financial system reforms to housing finance. We will miss his bipartisan spirit, and I wish Bob only the best as he leaves the Senate. I have also had the privilege and pleasure to join with Jeff Flake in many moments; last week, we were at an event together honoring the late Senator John McCain. He reminisced about the times he worked with John on key policies that aimed to put our country over party politics. He worked hard to resolve tough issues like immigration reform and protecting the special counsel investigation, and his preferred route to addressing these challenges was not to increase the heated rhetoric but to turn down the volume of the debate, so all sides could be heard and so the Senate could try to move forward in a rational and bipartisan way. Just as with Bob Corker, Jeff's approach will be missed in this body. I hope others on both sides of the aisle will recognize what they have done and take up their mantle. Orrin Hatch has long served the people of Utah with distinction as chairman of three committees: Finance, Judiciary and what was once called the Labor Committee but is now the HELP Committee. He worked across the aisle to pass landmark laws, often with his friend Senator Ted Kennedy. He was instrumental in passing critical laws, like expanding access to healthcare for children through the CHIP program and providing help to those suffering with HIV/AIDS through the Ryan White CARE Act. I was pleased to have the opportunity to work with him in 2005, 2010, and 2015 to reauthorize the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act, to build upon and improve the National Marrow Donor Program and the National Cord Blood Inventory to better treat diseases and expand access to lifesaving therapies. Most recently, he helped enact the Music Modernization Act, which I know meant a lot to him, given his own musical interests and talents. He ends his service here as the Senate's President pro tempore. I wish him health and happiness in his retirement. I think his retirement will be just as active as his days in the U.S. Senate, given his personality and also given his determination to serve wherever he is. Heidi Heitkamp, as she put it beat the odds'' to get here. A breast cancer survivor, the lesson she learned from that experience is to use the time she has been given for good and noble purposes.'' She chose for good or for bad to come to the United States Senate'' and has served a noble purpose with noble action. We are so grateful that she did. Heidi has been a tireless champion of North Dakota throughout her time in the Senate. She worked hard to advance opportunities for Native Americans and veterans, to boost funding for flood protection, and to secure the northern border, to name just a few. She and I worked together on the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee. Most recently, I was particularly appreciative of her insight on proxy access and her support for my legislation on this matter, S. 3614, the Corporate Governance Fairness Act. Heidi has also been a relentless advocate for a functioning Export-Import Bank, an issue critical to many North Dakotans. Her voice and insight will be missed on this issue and so many others that come before the banking committee. In addition, over the last two years, Heidi has taken on the issue of maternal mortality rates in our country. More women in the United States die from pregnancy-related complications than in most developed nations, and the number is increasing. This has impacted so many families in North Dakota and across the country, and Heidi has worked across the aisle to put forth solutions. In the coming days, we expect President Trump to sign into law her legislation, which I was privileged to cosponsor, to help address this issue. I salute her and wish her the best. Dean Heller and I worked together with a great deal of energy and commitment when both of our States and our Nation were in deep crisis in the aftermath of the Great Recession. Nevada and Rhode Island took turns having the sad distinction of the highestunemployment levels in the country. We worked to ensure extensions of emergency unemployment assistance in order to provide relief to Americans who lost their jobs through no fault of their own. Our work together was of great importance, and I wish him the best in all of his future endeavors. I want to turn my attention to three Members I had the privilege to work with and serve with on the Armed Services Committee. Joe Donnelly has been the ranking member of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee. He chose this position because of the Navy's installation in Indiana called the Naval Surface Warfare CenterCrane. This installation serves as the primary engineering center for the Navy's Strategic Systems Program, which manages our fleet of ballistic missile weapons systems. I had the chance to join Joe on a visit, and I was most impressed with their capabilities but more impressed with his tireless efforts to ensure that this facilityand indeed all of Indianahad the very best. In addition to ensuring our men and women in uniform have the resources and tools they needlike those manufactured in CraneJoe has always been concerned about caring for veterans and is a well-known advocate for suicide prevention programs. Indeed, it was his legislation, more than any others, that helped establish a program to assist veterans and to assist ActiveDuty personnel who are coping with suicidal tendencies. That was something Joe did with great passion and great commitment and great success. Joe assumed the seat that Senator Richard Lugar previously held and carried on the legacy of Senator Lugar's Cooperative Threat Reduction Program into the future, which today continues to secure stocks of nuclear, chemical, and biological agents around the world. His work on reducing stockpiles of these dangerous weapons is a critical component of making the world safer for generations to come. Joe Donnelly has done great work here, and I wish him well. He is a gentleman and someone I admire and respect immensely. I have also been extremely proud to serve alongside Claire McCaskill on the Armed Services Committee. Claire has been a leader of the Senate effort to prevent and respond to sexual assault in our military. She was a principal cosponsor of the Victims Protection Act, a bipartisan package of reforms that represent a substantial leap forward in preventing and responding to sexual assaults in the military. It is a testament to Claire's determination and hard work that these laws are in place, but, also, she was the first to recognize that our work is not done. She was continually involved in ensuring that whatever legislative initiatives we passed were actually implemented. That work is ongoing, and Claire's efforts have given us a strong foundation to continue those efforts. In addition to the Victims Protection Act, Claire led the effort to reform management of Arlington National Cemetery to address significant problems with the burials of servicemembers and helped to establish a single agency responsible for POW-MIA recovery and accounting efforts. Claire has also worked tirelessly to end wasteful wartime contracting practices, following in the footsteps of another Missouri Senator and one of her political heroes, President Harry S. Truman. Claire has been a steadfast advocate for oversight throughout her career, and her work to root out waste and strengthen accountability has made a difference in how effectively the government works for the American people. Again, I wish her well in the future and know it will be a future that is also committed to service to others. Bill Nelson has been a close and valued colleague for many years in the Armed Services Committee. He is the only Senator to have flown in space and, as a result, has been our acknowledged expert, to both Republicans and Democrats, on matters pertaining to space. His knowledge of military and civilian space issues was particularly important during our debate on replacing the Russian RD180 rocket engine, which is used in a number of national security launches, with a U.S. variant. That debate, along with his leadership on NASA reauthorization legislation, has introduced competition for space launch to a wide array of new companies. As a nation, we are much better off for his efforts. Because of Senator Nelson's leadership, we now have a vibrant and entrepreneurial launch and satellite industry that reaches well outside the traditional national security realm and is lowering the cost of access to space. Recently, he took on the cyber mission as the ranking member on the Cybersecurity Subcommittee. His steady hand was integral in guiding this new subcommittee during a time in which we face countless cyber threats. We will miss his knowledge and leadership as we debate pressing issues of our national security in the next Congress and Congresses to come. He has also done able work as the lead Democrat on the Commerce Committee, fighting for consumers. And, as a strong advocate for stricter gun control legislation, we worked together on the 3D Printed Gun Safety Act of 2018 and on the Extreme Risk Protection Order and Violence Prevention Act. I also want to thank him for his leadership in enacting the Military Lending Act in 2006, which caps the annual interest rate for an extension of consumer credit to a servicemember or his or her dependents at 36 percent. Because of his efforts, servicemembers and their families have strong consumer protections that defend them against unscrupulous lenders who unpatriotically prey upon them while they are selflessly and courageously defending our Nation. He has done a remarkable job because this legislation truly does protect our protectors those men and women who serve overseasso they are not taken advantage of here, back at home. I enjoyed our time serving together and wish him the best as he goes forward. He is a great American. Finally, I would like to recognize Senator Jon Kyl. I thank Jon for his willingness to serve again following the passing of Senator John McCain. I had the privilege of serving with him in his prior stint in this body. He served for many years in Republican leadership, including as minority whip. He was also a longstanding member of the Finance Committee. I was not on this committee, but given my advocacy for extending unemployment insurancefor which there was a critical need at the timeI did have a chance to serve with him on the Conference Committee for the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012. It was a pleasure to serve with him. He is a man of principle, a man of great decency and dignity, someone who has honored the Senate with his service, honored Arizona with his service, and makes us all very proud to know him. It was indeed a pleasure to serve, all too briefly, with him as a member of the Armed Services Committee. I would like to thank him for his service and wish him well as he leaves this body once more. To all my colleagues, I give them my greatest respect and admiration for their service to their States, to the Senate, and to the United States of America. I yield the floor. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/videos/2018/12/19/reed-bids-farewell-to-departing-senate-colleagues,Reed Bids Farewell to Departing Senate Colleagues,2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Jack Reed,R000122,www.reed.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Home About Jack's Story Fast Facts Committees Voting Record Issues Services Tour D.C. Internships Service Academies U.S. Flags Grants Appointments News News Releases Photos Videos Speeches Contact Assistance Needed Share Your Thoughts Newsletter Signup Necesito Asistencia Comparta Sus Pensamientos Office Locations",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/op-eds/mergers-should-protect-ri-patients,Mergers should protect R.I. patients,2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Sheldon Whitehouse,W000802,www.whitehouse.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.19.18 Mergers should protect R.I. patients We both remember when Rhode Island's major banks were headquartered here in Rhode Island. They kept management decision-making and high-paying jobs in the state while supporting local law firms, accountants, and other service providers. Bank executives provided a strong core of local civic leadership. When the banks merged out of state, it weakened the economic ecosystem. One of the best-known buildings in downtown Providence is a vacant former bank building. The same thing could happen in health care. Our hospitals could become subsidiaries of out-of-state chains, and we'd again hear that same sucking sound of professional jobs and service contracts moving out of Rhode Island to the new out-of-state headquarters. Once more, we would lose the civic participation that local executive leadership provides. Fragmented, out-of-state health care leadership will make it harder for Rhode Island to accomplish critical health care reforms needed to assure healthy communities and high quality health care for Rhode Islanders. In Washington, Congress and the White House continue to wrangle over the fate of the Affordable Care Act. Meanwhile, over the many years, Rhode Island has laid the building blocks for meaningful health-care reform. Rhode Island's eight first-rate community health centers, beneficiaries of the ACA, provide access to high-quality medical, dental, and behavioral health care services to over 170,000 individuals throughout the state. The Rhode Island Chronic Care Sustainability Initiative was the first to align all health insurers, including the federal Medicare program, to support primary care practices. Thanks to the ACA's commitment to supporting primary care, we have primary care doctors and their teams improving care and lowering average patient cost through new payment and care delivery strategies like accountable care efforts. Rhode Island has consistently led the nation in efforts to expand the utilization of health information technology. Through the State Innovation Model and Medicaid reform waiver, we have federal buy-in to develop in Rhode Island a more caring, responsive, and low-cost system. There wasn't much policy difference among states when it came to banking, but in health care, there's a big opportunity for Rhode Island if we can put all these pieces together into a best-in-class health care delivery system. Better health care, at lower cost, will boost all Rhode Island businesses and provide a more stable and healthier workforce. So whether it's jobs at issue, or community leadership, or command over our health care destiny, the stakes are high. We have seen a number of transactions that have resulted in Rhode Island hospitals being sold to out-of-state entities. The question we must face for any hospital merger proposal is what is a critical tipping point a point of no return for local control of our health care destiny. With our hospitals no longer under local control, will we still be able to chart a course that results in a healthier Rhode Island? Or will it become impossible to reconcile the out-of-state leadership of our hospitals with any common Rhode Island strategy? Will out-of-state CEOs even return a governor's or a health director's calls in a timely manner? As our state looks at hospital mergers, we must ask these questions and demand that proposals address critical Rhode Island needs. We must make sure the answers are consistent with Rhode Island values, and ultimately are right for Rhode Island and our health-care consumers particularly if we are at a point of no return. Sheldon Whitehouse, a Democrat, is a U.S. senator from Rhode Island. Jane Hayward is president and CEO of the Rhode Island Health Center Association. By: Sheldon Whitehouse and Jane Hayward Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/op-eds/stop-losing-a-senators-battle-plan-for-beating-the-right,Stop Losing: A Senator’s Battle Plan for Beating the Right,2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Sheldon Whitehouse,W000802,www.whitehouse.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.19.18 Stop Losing: A Senator's Battle Plan for Beating the Right World War II gave us flamboyant American heroes like George Patton and Douglas MacArthur, but Winston Churchill's favorite American general was the quiet, wise, efficient George C. Marshall, whom he called the organizer of victory. Victory has traits. Victory must be organized. Organization requires strategy, preparation, tactics, training, and teamwork. Brave and able troops have been slaughtered throughout history in failures of organization. Losing has traits, too. As Democrats, we offer better and more popular policy positions, and we have flamboyant heroes. Yet, so often, we lose. Now we have won back a foothold on power, and the question is: what do we do with it? I'm sick of losing. I'm particularly sick of our loser traits. It's time we faced up to them. Walking Away from Fights Our worst trait as Democrats is our willingness to lose once we're in a fight. What do I mean? We're the party that achieved great field position on three key issuesimmigration, climate change, and dark moneyand all three times we walked away and conceded defeat. On immigration, we had bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform passed in the Senate. It was August of 2014, and an election was looming. The House speaker was a Republican, but we had the White House and the Senate, and the Senate had done its job: a bipartisan immigration bill. Immigration was a terrible issue for House Republicans because it divided their caucus bitterly. The speaker's expedient? Refuse to even bring the issue up in the House. No hearings, no amendments, no votes. The Constitution gives the president the authority to convene both Houses, or either of them into special session. The Democratic president could have called the House into session, even repeatedly; disrupting the August recess, pressuring the Republicans, driving the news cycle, and spotlighting the popular bipartisan Senate immigration reform. Would we have won had we fought? We will never know, because we did nothing. Fox News drove the election news cycle to Ebola, ISIS, and the Central American children fleeing to the United States; and Democrats took an epic November beating. That session of Congress ended, and the bipartisan Senate immigration bill expired, never to be resurrected. Earlier, back in June of 2009, Speaker Nancy Pelosi had pushed through the House the Waxman-Markey cap-and-trade bill to address carbon emissions. Some Democratic House members took career-ending votes to make this possible. Democrats then controlled both the Senate and the White House. This time, it was the Senate that never took up the House billor any other bill that would have gotten us into conference with the House to do something on climate change. There were bipartisan Senate climate bills then, but we did nothing. That Congress ended with no action in the Senate, and the House cap-and-trade bill, too, expired. I remember being told at the White House as I lamented their decision to walk away, Sheldon, we're just not going to take on any fights we're not sure we can win. Think about that attitude for a minute. If you only take on the fights you're sure you can win, you're gonna miss a lot of fights, and most of the important ones. In January 2010, the five Republicans on the Supreme Court gave the fossil fuel industry the Citizens United decision; the industry instantly turned its new political weaponry on the Republican Party; and bipartisanship on climate change was stamped out by fossil-fuel threats. Which brings me to the third fight we declined to engage: In the wake of Citizens United, all that newly-unlimited political money swiftly found its way into dark-money channels. The most prevalent dark-money channels were probably illegal under IRS rules, and simple clarifications of those rules could have eliminated any doubt. Because the political use of these IRS-regulated entities was probably illegal, the dark-money outfits filed forms with the IRS that were often false, or at least materially inconsistent with forms they also filed under oath with state and federal election officials. This was all done in plain view. Democrats controlled Treasury and the IRS, and also the DOJ, which ordinarily prosecutes false statements. The public hates dark money, and with good reason: it corrodes democracy. The law was on our side. And we had the power to settle any doubt through these agencies. But we did nothing. No rule, no regulation, no clarification; not even investigation of what the explanation was for the inconsistent statements made under sworn oath. A grand jury could have had a field day investigating that. Not only did we walk away from this fight, we failed at the teaching moment this episode provided. We accepted the false Republican narrative that a wicked IRS was being used to hurt conservative groupsnothing else to see here folks, move along. Dark money has been the bane of our democracy ever since. House Republicans made persistent efforts to press their narrative (later exploded by an Inspector General report), and to harass and intimidate the IRS Commissioner; repeatedly threatening impeachment, so that he would be unlikely to take on their dark money operation. Democrats left him to twist in that harsh gale. For what it's worth, we also never took a serious look at bringing a civil RICO action against the Big Oil climate denial operation, despite DOJ having won a civil RICO action (under Presidents Clinton and Bush) against Big Tobacco for its tobacco health effects denial operation. The similarities abound, and the government won the tobacco case, yet we walked away on climate denial. Those are pretty big fights to walk away from. Messaging Messaging has its role before, during, and after political fights, but it shouldn't guide strategy or policy, and it can't replace being willing to stand and fight. If you're walking away from fights like the ones we walked away from, messaging won't help you. Come home with the prize, or else with a bloody nose and black eye from having given the fight your all, and there won't be much doubt about your message. You earn the right to have a real message, and you earn it by doing your damnedest. Senators are constantly bombarded with pollsters and political operatives telling us how we can improve our messaging. Too often, you can remove the word message and insert the word excuse in its place. Messaging leads to a related loser trait: poll-chasing. The messaging wizards look to polling to tell us what the public wants to hear; they feed that to us to feed back to the public. That's bullshit. Great political parties do not subsist on the receiving end of public opinion, they lead public opinion. When we persist on an issue, and fight on an issue, we will drive up its importance in public polling. Look at what the Republicans have done over the years on the estate tax: Only a tiny sliver of the ultra-wealthiest Americans ever pay any estate tax; but Republicans renamed it the death tax, and made it a thing, and they have steadily succeeded at reducing this tax for a few hyper-rich families. If they can do that with the estate tax, think what we could do with a real issue like climate change, if we tried. Ignoring the Adversary Institutions On most of the issues where Democrats square off against Republicans, the Republicans are supported by a robust apparatus of dark money, science denial, propaganda, and persistent ideological conditioning through fake news. That apparatus is funded by billionaires and big-money interests who profit handsomely from Republican success on things like the reducing the estate tax and deregulation. The big-money interests hide behind front groups with phony names, and they hide for a reason. Their massive conflict of interests are a vulnerability. I worked for a governor who survived weeks behind enemy lines after his bomber went down on a mission to disrupt the German war machine. In most conflicts, you try to identify and disrupt your adversary's organization, supply chain, and chain of command. Not us. We have no institutional strategy for taking on this apparatus. We'll tangle with its various tentacles, for sure, in our fights on other issues, but we don't pursue outing and disabling the corrupt monster as a whole. I know because I've helped organize the few raids we've undertaken against this apparatus. We spent a couple of days on the Senate Floor outing what we called the Web of Denialthe coordinated array of fossil-fuel industry front groups that lie and mislead about climate change. We hit a nerve. They were so rattled that they joined on one common letterhead to berate us for accusing them of being coordinated. When you poke a phony and get a yelp like that, it usually means you should poke them again. We have no infrastructure to maintain this fight, however; none to systematically call out the five Republican appointees on the Court who give reliable political votes for big Republican special interests; none to systematically expose the money flooding our politics through dark money channels and bogus shell corporations; none to tell the American people the story of weaponized fake news, and who's behind it. Most Americans don't know that the predicted ten-year cost of federal health care programs fell over $4 trillion in the seven years after the Affordable Care Act passed; most don't know that the top climate denier at the Cato Institute realized he was wrong, publicly recanted, and quit; and is now working to try to solve the problem. If the reverse were truea $4 trillion dollar increase in health care cost after Obamacare, or a leading legitimate climate scientist recantingyou can bet everyone in America would have heard about it. The apparatus would make sure. Even Democratic Senators have only vague working knowledge of the array of billionaire-funded front groups that operate against ushow they were set up; who staffs them; how the money flows; who's on their boards. We haven't done the basic due diligence prosecutors do putting an org chart together against a criminal enterprise. Without institutional forces on our side to persist against the institutional forces that persist on theirs, we are often a generation behind in the political arms race. Our Senate caucus meets twice weekly, and as we rolled into the 2016 presidential elections a constant topic, naturally, was the presidential race. Not once did we discuss the political technique of launching weaponized fake news through social and other media. Not only did we fail to fight back on that field of political battle, we didn't even notice the field. We didn't even really have a name for this stuff, so for want of a better term I called it the flying monkeys, like in the Wizard of Oz. Whether it was Facebook feeds about Hillary's pizza-shop-basement child-sex ring, or right-wing news stories implicating her in the murder of a DNC staffer, or the election week cover of the National Enquirer screaming HILLARY-Corrupt-Racist-Criminal, we were blind to the systematic apparatus launching the flying monkeys. To this day, we still don't have robust intel or countermeasures to expose and push back on this machinery. Understanding and outing the network behind the flying monkeys is particularly important, because just responding to it with weaponized fake news of our own would be degrading to our democracy. Here particularly, we must expose their apparatus, not replicate it. And when we expose one, we expose all; because it's the same crew behind packing the courts, denying climate change, running the dark money machine, and weaponizing fake news. Being a Ridiculously Cheap Date As we prepared for a recent budget showdown, Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) had important advice that she hammered into us: Hang together and don't be a cheap date. This was excellent advice, which we overlook too often. It's advice that pertains as well to Democratic groups. As an active environmentalist, one place I see it is in our environmental fights. It is very easy for groups constantly starved for money to seek corporate support. And there is nothing wrong with corporate support, unless pursuing it makes us a cheap date. Here's my experience in the Senate: no business interests seriously lobby on environmental issues in Congress. Not one. Many corporations have great climate policies, but they lobby Congress through trade groups and lobbying organizations that oppose environmental measures. The face of corporate America that Congress sees is the trade group, and the message that Congress receives is corporate opposition. Set aside all the polluter companies; just count the big corporations with good climate and environmental policiesand if you weigh their lobbying presence in Congress, it is overall solidly against climate and environmental policies. We tolerate this with nary a squeak. Let me give examples. Coke and Pepsi have excellent climate policies; they lobby through the American Beverage Association, which never lifts a finger on climate; and they run money through that group to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the fiercest foe in Congress of climate action. The net political pressure of Coke and Pepsi in Congress is against climate action. Another one? The industry group that lobbies for the tech giants Apple, Google, Facebook and Microsoftalong with other tech companies including green energy companiesis called TechNet. TechNet didn't mention climate change in its lobbying materials until this year, and then only in passing. These good guys make virtually no political effort in Congress, and their silence is deafening. Environmental groups almost never complain that in Congress, a key arena, the net presence of the corporate sector on climate change is AWOL at best, and against them at worst. Our corporate friends support our most powerful adversaries, or stand idly on the sidelines in the midst of battle, and no one calls this out. Being Disorganized and Incapable of Running Plays It's said that second-grade soccer players all run at the ball, and don't play position or make plays. Welcome to the Democratic Party. Disorganization is a colossal loser trait of ours, going all the way back to Will Rogers' famous epigram: I'm not a member of any organized political party, I'm a Democrat. Granted, this is harder for us. We represent a diverse and sometimes squabbling array of groups and interests; few are well-funded; and many compete for funding. The other side may appear to have many groups, but most are masquerade faces of the same apparatus, so they respond much more efficiently and effectively than our big Democratic cat-herd. The other side has been developing its command infrastructure for years and has learned from its early failures. Their billionaire donors are less propelled by rookie enthusiasms than by a cold-eyed demand for results; they play a long game, they have learned that just because they are billionaires they're not political geniuses, and they coordinate. When ancient tribes gathered for battle, there was at least a command tent where the leaders came together to plan for the next day: You go left, you go right, and I'll go around the hill and hit 'em from the side. The ancient Hittites had better battle planning in the age of cuneiform than most Democratic groups have in the Internet era. Our side has trouble running a play as ancient and simple as good cop/bad cop. When Ford and other car companies backed away from the fuel-efficiency standards they'd promised the American people when Barack Obama was president, one could imagine environmental bad cops picketing dealers and making a big public fuss, sending the carmakers running to other good cop groups to sort out their sudden public relations problem. But you would be imagining that. Organizing for victory matters. Purity of purpose helps, but organizing brings victory. Circular Firing Squads and Purity Tests When we get grumpy about losing so often, we take our eye off the prize of winning. A loser trait that then crops up is to turn on each otherthe circular firing squad. Competing to see who can take the purest or most extreme position; setting up show votes in Congress as tests of purity; using extreme positions as a form of loyalty check; counting up scores on votes that don't matterall are modes of the circular firing squad. I'm a hell of a good environmentalist, but the most effective environmental legislator in my time in the Senate was Senator Mary Landrieu of Louisiana. Her LCV score sucked. When you put up a show vote that made no difference, she'd vote with the fossil fuel polluters every time. But she invented an entirely new environmental program in the Gulf Coast RESTORE Act. RESTORE even included a new national coastal protection program when Mary got it through the Senate, but that national program was dropped in conferenceabandoned by Democratic Senators with near-perfect LCV ratings, to pacify House Republicans. Even with its national piece removed, Mary's RESTORE Act is still the biggest and most consequential environmental law we've passed in a decade. It was done by a Senator who would fail every purity test. The Real Majority It's not just on issues that we lose. We lose in the power structure of American government. In recent years, we have had Republican presidents, Republican Congresses, and Republican Senates that only represented a minority of the popular vote. Twice, in 2000 and 2016, Democrats won the popular presidential vote, saw a Republican president sworn in, and went ahead without fussing much over the legitimacy of a president who lost the popular vote. We tend to care about process and respect rules. Imagine if President Obama had lost the popular vote and been sworn in. There'd never have been an end to it. Republicans invented BirtherGate and simply refused to work with Obama, as if he were illegitimate, when he was a popular president who had really wonby a lot. Five Republican justices on the Supreme Court gave a 5-4 decision unleashing partisan gerrymandering on the country, and the Republican Party instantly implemented its REDMAP project. REDMAP launched a new model of gerrymandering: gerrymander the big swing states to get the biggest Republican delegation you can, not to protect individual Republican members. Ironically, that meant creating some bombproof, highly-Democratic districts. Super-saturating those few Democratic districts left a statewide voter pool that could be gerrymandered into Republican districts everywhere else. Did it work? In 2012, Democrats won more overall votes than Republicans did in Pennsylvania, but Republicans had packed those Democratic voters so heavily into five districts that Republicans won all remaining thirteen districts. Pennsylvania's statewide vote, Democrat by a small margin; Pennsylvania's delegation in Congress, 13-5 Republican. That helped Republicans gain the House of Representatives by 33 votes, even though Republicans lost the country by a million House votes overall. Had Democrats been the overall losers, yet through gerrymandering controlled the House, do you think Republicans would have let the public forget that, or conceded the legitimacy of the majority? Fat chance. Over in the Senate, the advantage to small Republican states is baked in to the Constitution. The result is that in the current Congress, Democrats in the Senate represent about 40 million more Americans than the Republican majority. Were the shoe on the other foot, every American would know about it. Republican strategists are expanding their grip to the Supreme Court, building there a reliable Republican majority. The pay-off is an astounding win/loss ratio in cases where the Court splits 5-4 along party lines, with big Republican interests winning dozens and dozens of decisions. Some of those decisions, like the Citizens United decision, in turn shift the political balance of power to those big Republican interests, in a vicious political circle of accumulating power. We barely discuss the capture of the Court. Lessons of Trump There is much to despise about the Trump administration. But there are also a few things to learn. They take an extreme position and hold it. By doing so, they strengthen their position across all the territory within the battle line they have chosen. Where you choose to stake out your battle line is where the fight is, and everything behind that becomes an easier fight. The Republicans bet that the press will tire, and that even among citizens and activists outrage fatigue will set in, if they simply hang together. The solidarity of Republicans behind the big polluters who fund them is a national disgrace, but when public blowback doesn't cause them to break ranks or retreat, that resets the conversation. This is less a character trait of individual Republicans than it is a function of centralized funding by a few big Republican interests who have made looting the public treasury their business model, and who demand political service for funds rendered; but that foul motive does not diminish the effect. If they can do that for polluters, ought we not do it for the public we represent? The Trump cabal gets so far out there that they are effectively trolling or gaslighting reality. Ultimately, we will all pay a terrible price for their corruption and ignorance. But in the short run, they have figured out that whatever they do, there will be outrage, so seize as much for your backers as you can for whatever price you will pay in outrage. We Democrats shrink from outrage, even from phony faux outrage like the kind cooked up by the right-wing's outrage-manufacturing machine. No Democrat has ever set out with a strategy of persisting through outrage until outrage fatigue sets in. We seek common ground, and try to do things their way. We followed Republicans down the cap-and-trade climate road Republicans had invented, instead of using simpler methods to control carbon emissionsand Republicans savaged us for the complexity of the scheme Republicans had originally invented. We followed Republicans down the RomneyCare managed-market health insurance road to ObamaCare, instead of using a simple public optionand Republicans savaged us for the complexity of the scheme Republicans had originally invented. We ought never to model the Trump administration's ignorance, mendacity, corruption, partisanship, or eagerness to play to hatreds and resentments. But we can certainly learn from them that we don't need to walk away from a fight. We can certainly learn that we don't need to start on the other side's terms, or quail in front of blowback (particularly scripted, artificial blowback). This needn't sacrifice bipartisanship. We can be strong and play hard and be respected. Bipartisanship opportunities will actually be both more likely and more fruitful if we've played a strong hand well. Losing Our Loser Traits It is not asking much to ask, in the midst of epic fights for our country's very soul, that we fight hardreally hard. People have a right to that. It is not asking much, against an organized and disciplined adversary, to ask that we ourselves be organized and disciplined, and that we set up mechanisms through which organization and discipline can be achieved. It's certainly not asking too much to ask that we be able to run a play. It is not asking much to ask that we take on the adversary directly, and not just tangle with its many tentacles. In Star Wars, the Empire was not defeated by fighting on every planet; it was defeated when Luke Skywalker took out its Death Star. It is not asking much to ask that we not sell ourselves as ridiculously cheap dates, and that we not enter into circular firing squads that set friend against friend. The bottom line? We're not losing because we're wrong, and we're not losing because we don't have the support of the American people, we're losing because we have not yet organized ourselves for victory. With the House now in a Democratic hands, it's time to up our game. Sheldon Whitehouse is a Democratic senator from Rhode Island. By: Sheldon Whitehouse Source: Crooked Media",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/senators-whitehouse-and-hatch-introduce-rodchenkov-anti-doping-act,Senators Whitehouse and Hatch Introduce Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act,2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Sheldon Whitehouse,W000802,www.whitehouse.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.19.18 Senators Whitehouse and Hatch Introduce Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act Washington, DC Helsinki Commissioner Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (RI) and Sen. Orrin Hatch (UT) today introduced the Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act. Named for Russian whistleblower Dr. Grigory Rodchenkov, the bipartisan legislation establishes criminal penalties on individuals involved in doping fraud conspiracies affecting major international competitions. Earlier this year, Helsinki Commissioners Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18) and Rep. Michael Burgess (TX-26) introduced the Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act in the House of Representatives. To remain a city on a hill,' America must hold the crooked and corrupt accountable whenever we can. That means forcefully confronting Russia's use of corruption as a tool of foreign policy, said Sen. Whitehouse. In the face of certain retaliation, Dr. Rodchenkov revealed sweeping Russian state-sponsored doping. This bill would create consequences for Russia's cheating, and send a strong signal that Russia and other sponsors of state-directed fraud and corruption no longer enjoy impunity. For too long, internationally agreed upon anti-doping rules have been broken with impunity. Athletes have been defrauded by coordinated, and in some cases state-sponsored, doping fraud schemes that call into question the integrity and fairness central to all competitions, said Senator Hatch. This bill is a long overdue step to deter and punish individuals and state actors who would attempt to defraud international competitions through doping. In 2016, Dr. Rodchenkov exposed the Russian state-sponsored doping scandal that took place during the 2014 Sochi Olympics. By deceiving international anti-doping authorities and swapping athletes' samples, Russian officials cheated U.S. athletes out of Olympic glory and U.S. corporations out of honest sponsorships. These corrupt officials used bribes and illicit payments, sometimes through U.S. financial institutions, to commit this fraud. Unfortunately, the masterminds behind the Russian sports doping operation escaped punishment for their actions because there was no U.S. legal mechanism to bring them to justice. With the recent decision of the World Anti-Doping Agency to reinstate the Russian Anti-Doping Agency, the matter now appears closed at the international level with no meaningful consequences for the Russian regime or the officials who perpetrated the scheme. The Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act will: Establish criminal penalties for participating in a scheme in commerce to influence a major international sport competition through prohibited substances or methods. This section applies to all major international sport competitions in which U.S. athletes participate, and where organizing entities receive sponsorship from companies doing business in the United States or are compensated for the right to broadcast their competition there, so that international fraud against Americans will not go unpunished. Penalties will include fines of up to $1,000,000, or imprisonment of up to ten years, depending on the offense. Provide restitution to victims of such conspiracies. Athletes and other persons who are victims of major international doping fraud conspiracies shall be entitled to mandatory restitution for losses inflicted upon them by fraudsters and conspirators. Protect whistleblowers from retaliation. By criminalizing participation in a major international doping fraud conspiracy, whistleblowers will be included under existing witness and informant protection laws. Establish coordination and sharing of information with the United States Anti-Doping Agency. Federal agencies involved in the fight against doping shall coordinate and share information with USADA, whose mission is to preserve the integrity of competition, inspire true sport, and protect the rights of athletes, to enhance their collective efforts to curb doping fraud. I am humbled and honored to see the introduction of the Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act in the Senate today, said Dr. Rodchenkov. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Sen. Whitehouse, Sen. Hatch, and the Helsinki Commission for their courage and leadership in the protection of whistleblowers who come forward to speak the truth. I believe that this legislation holds the promise to finally protect athletes and international competitions from and corruption and interference that we see continues today. This broad support from Congress is vital to our fight for justice and fairness in the international arena of sport. In February 2018, the Helsinki Commission held abriefingfeaturing Dr. Rodchenkov's attorney, Jim Walden, on combating fraud in sports and the role of whistleblowers in safeguarding the integrity of international competitions. In March, Commissioners Sen. Ben Cardin (MD), Sen. Cory Gardner (CO), and Rep. Jackson Lee met with Dr. Rodchenkovto discuss the threat posed by Russia to the United States, corruption in international sports bodies, and how the United States can contribute to the international effort to counter doping fraud. In July, the Helsinki Commission held a hearing that explored the interplay between doping fraud and globalized corruption and U.S. policy responses, including the Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act. In October, the U.S. Department of Justice indicted seven individuals for involvement in a Russian-operated military intelligence program in which GRU officers are alleged to have conducted sophisticated hacking of U.S. and international anti-doping agencies who investigated and publicly condemned Russia's state-sponsored doping program. The hacking victims also included 230 athletes from approximately 30 countries. The operation was part of a disinformation campaign in which victims' personal email communications and individual medical and drug testing information, sometimes modified from its original form, was used to actively promote media coverage to further a narrative favorable to the Russian government. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-and-inhofe-introduce-bill-to-help-train-next-generation-of-manufacturing-workers,Whitehouse & Inhofe Introduce Bill to Help Train Next Generation of Manufacturing Workers,2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Sheldon Whitehouse,W000802,www.whitehouse.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.19.18 Whitehouse & Inhofe Introduce Bill to Help Train Next Generation of Manufacturing Workers Bipartisan legislation would help companies bridge the skills gap and hand down valuable institutional knowledge Washington, DC Today, Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and James Inhofe (R-OK) introduced the Retain Innovation and Manufacturing Excellence Act, to help businesses train the next generation of manufacturing workers. The senators' bipartisan bill would establish a pilot program to allow businesses to retain retiring employees long enough to train replacement workers tackling a major challenge for manufacturing companies. Manufacturers tell me one of their biggest challenges is handing down skills and knowledge from one generation of workers to the next. This bill would help them do that, said Whitehouse. Rhode Island is the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution, and to this day continues a long tradition of manufacturing excellence. That's why I'm proud to join Senator Inhofe on bipartisan legislation to strengthen American manufacturing. Manufacturing is the backbone of Oklahoma and America, Inhofe said. But as individuals retire from the workforce, small businesses have trouble finding and training the next generation of workers to take their place. By creating this grant pilot program to support the training of new workers, we can make it possible for small business to effectively train new employees alongside outgoing staffmaking it possible to pass on critical institutional knowledge. Additionally, I am especially pleased that this legislation prioritizes veterans transitioning to a new career. The Retain Innovation and Manufacturing Excellence Act would establish the pilot program at the National Institute of Standards and Technology to allow regional Manufacturing Extension Partnerships (MEPs) to apply for targeted workforce training grants provided by the Department of Commerce. The funding awarded to small manufacturers would be used to retain a departing employee for up to 90 days while they train a new or promoted employee on the unique functions of their job. The bill would authorize up to $10 million to be used for the pilot program. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-statement-on-bill-to-avoid-government-shutdown,Whitehouse Statement on Bill to Avoid Government Shutdown,2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Sheldon Whitehouse,W000802,www.whitehouse.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.19.18 Whitehouse Statement on Bill to Avoid Government Shutdown Washington, DC Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) released the following statement on Senate passage tonight of legislation to fund the federal government through February 8 and avert a partial government shutdown: Democrats gave President Trump not one, but multiple options for funding the government through the entire year. All the Republicans could come up with after pointless brinksmanship is a seven-week plan. But the American people want their government open. We just passed a bill to keep it open. Now the president should sign it. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/speeches/time-to-wake-up-we-must-save-the-nfip-from-drowning,Time To Wake Up: We Must Save the NFIP from Drowning,2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Sheldon Whitehouse,W000802,www.whitehouse.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.19.18 Time To Wake Up: We Must Save the NFIP from Drowning As-prepared for delivery I'm grateful to the Senior Senator from New Jersey for joining me again this week to bring attention to the challenges climate change poses to our coastal communities. Our states shared the experience of Superstorm Sandy, which roared ashore on higher and warmer oceans, and we know how vulnerable we are. As sea levels rise and storms intensify, the National Flood Insurance Program should be one of our government's best tools to educate and ready our communities for the changes carbon pollution is driving our way. But the program falls well short of this basic goal. And instead of tackling its shortfalls head-on, ahead of the next big storm, we're getting setyet againto punt. My Ocean State has 400 miles of coastline threatened by sea level rise and storm surge flooding; telling homeowners and coastal businesses we'll get to it eventually isn't good enough. Our risk is growing, not shrinking. A 2017 Zillow report identified over 4,800 homes in Rhode Island, valued at nearly $3 billion, that would be underwater by 2100, using an optimistic estimate of six feet of sea level rise. Rhode Island's Coastal Resources Management Council is now planning for our state to see up to nine to twelve feet of sea level rise by then. New Jersey has even more at risk, with over $93 billion worth of property predicted to fall to rising seas. This problem doesn't arise in 2100. It hits earlier, when 30-year mortgages and insurance are hard to come by, because banks and insurers foresee these risks. Last year, GAO reported that coastal areas face particularly high financial risks, and that annual coastal property losses from sea level rise and increased storms will run into the billions of dollars every year in the short run, and over $50 billion every year by late century. GAO pointed to an EPA estimate of $5.0 trillion in economic costs to coastal property from climate change through 2100. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, sea level rise will double the number of coastal communities facing chronic inundations and possible retreat by 2035. Investors, creditors, and appraisers are taking notice. Last December, credit rating agency Moody's adopted indicators to assess the exposure and overall susceptibility of U.S. states to the physical effects of climate change. Moody's looks particularly at coasts, and at the share of a state's economic activity generated by its coastal communities. It counts the homes built on flood plains, and the risk of extreme-weather damage as a share of a state's economy. The managing director at Moody's told the Chicago Tribune that Moody's would be taking these risks into consideration when evaluating the credit ratings of municipalities and states. Property appraisers are also starting to incorporate these risks into their work. The Appraisal Institute's Valuation magazine quoted Rhode Island appraiser Brad Hevenor's warning that homes that receive a 30-year mortgage today might be completely different types of property [by the end of their mortgage] than they are today. He points out that FEMA flood maps are backward-looking and often insufficient for predicting future risk. My frustrations with FEMA's flood risk maps are no secret. They are notoriously inaccurate, incomplete, and outdated. The agency's modeling is often based on inaccurate data and methodology from the 1970s. It has proven particularly incapable of accurately capturing the different wave and dune dynamics that determine real flood risk along coasts during major storms. The Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council has developed its own models to provide better risk information to coastal residents and communities. The contrast between the state's work and FEMA's maps highlight just how costlyand potentially life threateningreliance on FEMA's maps can be. This map is FEMA's flood estimates relative to mean sea level for a 100-year storm hitting Charlestown, RI. The worst flooding for the homes that surround Ninigret Pond looks to be around 14 feet. (Note this overly simple FEMA map projects flood risk indiscriminately on land and water.) This map shows the CRMC's model for the same area, which more accurately reflects the reality of waves and dune destruction during hurricanes and other storms along our coast. It projects homes in this area may see closer to 20 feet of floodwaters. FEMA's map underestimates flood risk by 6 feet. It's not just Rhode Island. Rice University and Texas A&M found that FEMA flood risk maps only captured about 25 percent of the actual damage from storms that hit Houston between 1999-2009. According to the Houston Chronicle, more than half of homes damaged by Hurricane Harvey were not listed in any flood risk areas, meaning they were not required to have flood insurance or meet any flood-risk mitigation building codes. Yet, Congress continues to fund these maps on the cheap, leaving Americans to bear the risk of antiquated models that don't reflect the changes expected along our coasts. Families are forced to endure the repeated damage and destruction of their homes, and taxpayers are made to pay the cost of over and over rebuilding the same building in the same place that washed away. After Hurricane Harvey in 2017, the flood insurance program hit its $30 billion borrowing limit. We maxed out. So in October 2017, Congress had to forgive $16 billion of that debt, to pay out claims from Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. The program is currently at least $20 billion in debt; claims from the 2018 hurricane season continue to be processed. The Congressional Research Service, as of September 2018, found the program had only $9.9 billion of remaining borrowing authority. It's time to get serious about reforming this broken system for a changing climate, and changing coasts. The current system often leaves homeowners no option but to rebuild the same building on the same site. CRS estimates that only about 2 percent of current NFIP-insured properties are considered repetitive loss or severe repetitive loss properties, but that 2 percent accounts for 16 percent of claims, or $9 billion. Over the life of the NFIP, repetitive loss or severe repetitive loss properties have totaled around 30 percent of all claims, about $17 billion. Insurance should allow homeowners to walk away from flood-torn structures and go find new, safer homes. Currently, only states or municipalities can use FEMA to arrange buyouts of flood-prone properties. FEMA provides up to 75 percent of funding for local governments to acquire these properties at fair market value. The property then remains open space. But the buyout process is cumbersome, is not in the hands of the homeowner, and doesn't get much use, since it's difficult for a mayor or city council to encourage constituentsthe tax baseto leave. The flood program should work with communities to plan for cost-effective resiliency to flooding, whether it be elevating properties, moving homes, or retreating. Homeowners should have those options. It is willful blindness to ignore this problem as seas continue to rise and storms become more unpredictable and ferocious. Property owners and communities deserve proper warning about the flood risks they face, and alternatives to rebuilding the same building in the same place. Mr. President, with so much at risk for so many Americans, it is time to wake up and put in place a smart, reliable system once and for all. I yield the floor.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/whitehouse-floor-remarks-on-als-disability-insurance-access-act,Whitehouse Floor Remarks on ALS Disability Insurance Access Act,2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Sheldon Whitehouse,W000802,www.whitehouse.senate.gov,,,legacy,"About Services Agency Assistance Success Stories Grants Flag Requests Visiting D.C. Student Resources Email Sheldon Events Community Dinners Community Outreach Issues Issue List Legislation News Press Releases In the News Speeches Op-Eds Press Kit Videos x x MENU",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/2-million-coming-newport-mental-health-services,$2 Million Coming to Newport for Mental Health Services,2018-12-18,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,David Cicilline,C001084,cicilline.house.gov,,,legacy,"PAWTUCKET U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (D-RI-01) today announced that the Newport County Community Mental Health Center (NCCMHC) is receiving $2,000,000 in federal funds to meet the needs of 24,500 residents over the next two years. All four members of Rhode Island's Congressional Delegation advocated for this federal funding earlier this year in a letter to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). These funds will allow the Newport County Community Mental Health Center to enhance its tireless work supporting Rhode Islanders in need by providing accessible, affordable mental health services, said Senator Reed. We need to do all we can to ensure the accessibility of mental health care services, and this grant will be a welcome step as the Center continues to serve individuals with serious mental illness in Rhode Island. The Newport County Community Mental Health Center is a lifeline for many residents of Aquidneck Island, said Whitehouse. This federal funding will enable the Center to expand services and provide tens of thousands of Rhode Islanders the care they need to live healthy, productive lives. Each year, the Newport County Community Mental Health Center does incredible work to provide Rhode Islanders with quality, affordable mental health services, said Cicilline. This federal funding will help ensure that even more Rhode Islanders who need care will be able to get it. I'm pleased that we are delivering this funding, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in the Congressional Delegation to deliver results for Rhode Island. The federal funds announced today will help NCCMHC, along with its two direct contract organization partners the Kent Center and Community Care Alliance to provide expanded and enhanced Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) services. The project will expand evidence-based behavioral health practices to individuals with serious mental illness (SMI), children and adolescents with serious emotional disturbances (SED), and young adults with emerging SMI. The State of Rhode Island has the highest rate of mental illness among adults (24%). In addition, 34% of children in the state who need mental health treatment or counseling do not receive it. The federal funding announced today will help meet the needs of Rhode Islanders by providing access to a complete range of CCBHC services to uninsured or underinsured residents. NCCMHC and its contract partners will offer and expand access to programs including Assertive Community Treatment, Consolidated Specialty Care, Multidimensional Family Therapy, and Positive Parenting Program. NCCMHC will also make improvements to its infrastructure, train 500 staff in person-centered care, and create a telemedicine program, all aimed at improving targeted health outcomes.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/2-million-coming-to-newport-for-mental-health-services,$2 Million Coming to Newport for Mental Health Services,2018-12-18,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Sheldon Whitehouse,W000802,www.whitehouse.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.18.18 $2 Million Coming to Newport for Mental Health Services Federal funding will help Newport County Community Mental Health Center to expand behavioral health services to 24,500 Rhode Islanders Pawtucket, RI U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (D-RI-01) today announced that the Newport County Community Mental Health Center (NCCMHC) is receiving $2,000,000 in federal funds to meet the needs of 24,500 residents over the next two years. All four members of Rhode Island's Congressional Delegation advocated for this federal funding earlier this year in a letter to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). These funds will allow the Newport County Community Mental Health Center to enhance its tireless work supporting Rhode Islanders in need by providing accessible, affordable mental health services, said Senator Reed. We need to do all we can to ensure the accessibility of mental health care services, and this grant will be a welcome step as the Center continues to serve individuals with serious mental illness in Rhode Island. The Newport County Community Mental Health Center is a lifeline for many residents of Aquidneck Island, said Whitehouse. This federal funding will enable the Center to expand services and provide tens of thousands of Rhode Islanders the care they need to live healthy, productive lives. Each year, the Newport County Community Mental Health Center does incredible work to provide Rhode Islanders with quality, affordable mental health services, said Cicilline. This federal funding will help ensure that even more Rhode Islanders who need care will be able to get it. I'm pleased that we are delivering this funding, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in the Congressional Delegation to deliver results for Rhode Island. The federal funds announced today will help NCCMHC, along with its two direct contract organization partners the Kent Center and Community Care Alliance to provide expanded and enhanced Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) services. The project will expand evidence-based behavioral health practices to individuals with serious mental illness (SMI), children and adolescents with serious emotional disturbances (SED), and young adults with emerging SMI. The State of Rhode Island has the highest rate of mental illness among adults (24%). In addition, 34% of children in the state who need mental health treatment or counseling do not receive it. The federal funding announced today will help meet the needs of Rhode Islanders by providing access to a complete range of CCBHC services to uninsured or underinsured residents. NCCMHC and its contract partners will offer and expand access to programs including Assertive Community Treatment, Consolidated Specialty Care, Multidimensional Family Therapy, and Positive Parenting Program. NCCMHC will also make improvements to its infrastructure, train 500 staff in person-centered care, and create a telemedicine program, all aimed at improving targeted health outcomes. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/landmark-whitehouse-criminal-justice-reform-bill-clears-senate-,Landmark Whitehouse Criminal Justice Reform Bill Clears Senate,2018-12-18,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Sheldon Whitehouse,W000802,www.whitehouse.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.18.18 Landmark Whitehouse Criminal Justice Reform Bill Clears Senate Bipartisan First Step Act based on Whitehouse legislation to help inmates successfully transition back to society Washington, DC Senate Judiciary Committee member and long-time criminal justice reform champion Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) cheered passage tonight of his bipartisan First Step Act, to improve the federal criminal justice system. Whitehouse first introduced a central component of the First Step Act in 2013 with Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) to reduce the rate of re-offense among federal inmates, along with other important reforms. That legislation was later merged with sentencing reform legislation to become the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act (SCRA), which Whitehouse has championed ever since. The current version, First Step, passed tonight by a vote of 87-12. This bill is the product of years of bipartisan hard work, patience, and strong advocacy by Rhode Islanders and people across the country, including those who have gone through the system themselves, said Whitehouse. Senator Cornyn and I drew on our home states' success in helping low-risk inmates return to society, stay out of trouble, and contribute to their community. The bill will also address serious issues with sentencing practices that land too many people in prison for too long. Thank you to the Rhode Islanders who contributed to this bill, and to my colleagues from both sides of the aisle who joined me in this effort. The First Step Act establishes recidivism reduction programs based on Whitehouse and Cornyn's legislation to help prepare low-risk inmates to re-enter society successfully. Qualifying inmates under the provisions may receive reductions to their sentences through time credits upon successful completion of recidivism reduction programming. Rhode Island implemented similar programs in 2008, which have been followed by a 17 percent reduction in the state prison population, a six percent drop in three-year recidivism rates, and a significant drop in crime. The bill narrows the scope of mandatory minimum prison sentences to focus on the most serious drug offenders and violent criminals, while broadening and establishing new outlets for individuals with minimal non-violent criminal histories that may trigger mandatory minimum sentences under current law. The bill also reduces certain mandatory sentencing minimums and provides judges with greater discretion when determining appropriate sentences. Under the bill, courts must first review eligible inmates' individual cases, including criminal histories and conduct while incarcerated, before determining whether a sentence reduction is appropriate. Importantly, the bill preserves cooperation incentives to aid law enforcement in tracking down kingpins and stiffens penalties for individuals convicted of serious violent felonies. Whitehouse has met with a range of stakeholders in Rhode Island and nationwide in crafting the legislation. Among those meetings was a dinner with President Trump's daughter and son in law, Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, who have been working on the bill. A one-page summary of the First Step Act is available here. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/photos/reed-welcomes-uss-arizona-relic-to-tf-green-and-honor-those-lost-in-pearl-harbor_wwii-,Reed Welcomes USS Arizona Relic to TF Green & Honor Those Lost in Pearl Harbor & WWII,2018-12-17,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Jack Reed,R000122,www.reed.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Reed Welcomes USS Arizona Relic to TF Green & Honor Those Lost in Pearl Harbor & WWII 12/17/2018Senator Reed welcomed a piece of U.S. and international history to T.F. Green Airport: a metal portion of the U.S.S. Arizona, which was sunk 77 years ago in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, inspiring the United States to join World War II. The relic will be accepted by the Rhode Island-based World War II Foundation and will be displayed at the entrance of the Foundation's Global Education Center on Main Street in Wakefield. Award-winning documentary filmmaker and World War II Foundation head Tim Gray served as the MC of the event, which will also be attended by WWII Veterans, URI students, State Police, Fedex representatives, airport representatives, and National Guard members.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/bill-to-name-saunderstown-post-office-for-fallen-army-captain-matthew-j-august-gets-trumps-stamp-of-approval,Bill to Name Saunderstown Post Office for Fallen Army Captain Matthew J. August Gets Trump’s Stamp of Approval,2018-12-17,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Jack Reed,R000122,www.reed.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12/17/2018WASHINGTON, DC A bill to name the U.S. Postal Service facility located at 20 Ferry Road in Saunderstown, Rhode Island, as the Captain Matthew J. August Post Office, after a North Kingstown native killed in action in Iraq, has been signed into law by President Trump. Rhode Island native Matthew J. August, a decorated U.S. Army Captain, was killed on January 27, 2004 while leading the 1st Engineer Battalion, 1st Infantry Division attached to the 82nd Airborne on a mission outside Baghdad, Iraq when his convoy was ambushed and hit by improvised explosive devices and small arms fire from insurgents. Captain August was just 28 years old when he was killed in action. U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) sponsored the bill in the Senate and Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) sponsored it in the House. The respective Senate and House bills were cosponsored by U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Congressman David Cicilline (D-RI). President Trump signed the bill on December 13. Matthew August grew up in North Kingstown, went to Davisville Middle School and graduated from Bishop Hendricken High School in 1993 before attending the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and graduating in 1997. He married fellow West Point graduate, Captain Maureen Innes, on June 6, 1998. During his career, Matthew earned the Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaves; the National Defense Service Medal; and the Army Service and Overseas Service ribbons. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star; Purple Heart; Meritorious Service Medal; Iraqi Campaign and Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary medals; and Combat Action Badge. Matthew August was a patriot and a proud son of Rhode Island. This is a fitting and lasting tribute to Captain August's selfless service to community and country, said Senator Reed, a fellow West Point graduate. We are forever grateful to Captain August for his courage, service, and sacrifice. Matthew August gave his life in courageous service to our community and our nation, said Senator Whitehouse. The Saunderstown post office bearing Captain August's name will remind Rhode Islanders always of his bravery and sacrifice. We also thank Matthew's father for his own service in arms, and his passion for veterans and Gold Star families. Captain August is survived by his parents, Donna and Richard August; his older brother Brigadier General Mark R. August (USAF); and his younger sister, Melanie Cargilo. The United States Postal Service is expected to hold a formal dedication ceremony in Saunderstown at a later date. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/bill-to-name-saunderstown-post-office-for-fallen-army-captain-matthew-j-august-gets-trumps-stamp-of-approval,Bill to Name Saunderstown Post Office for Fallen Army Captain Matthew J. August Gets Trump’s Stamp of Approval,2018-12-17,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Sheldon Whitehouse,W000802,www.whitehouse.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.17.18 Bill to Name Saunderstown Post Office for Fallen Army Captain Matthew J. August Gets Trump's Stamp of Approval Washington, DC A bill to name the U.S. Postal Service facility located at 20 Ferry Road in Saunderstown, Rhode Island, as the Captain Matthew J. August Post Office, after a North Kingstown native killed in action in Iraq, has been signed into law by President Trump. Rhode Island native Matthew J. August, a decorated U.S. Army Captain, was killed on January 27, 2004 while leading the 1st Engineer Battalion, 1st Infantry Division attached to the 82nd Airborne on a mission outside Baghdad, Iraq when his convoy was ambushed and hit by improvised explosive devices and small arms fire from insurgents. Captain August was just 28 years old when he was killed in action. U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) sponsored the bill in the Senate and Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) sponsored it in the House. The respective Senate and House bills were cosponsored by U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Congressman David Cicilline (D-RI). President Trump signed the bill on December 13. Matthew August grew up in North Kingstown, went to Davisville Middle School and graduated from Bishop Hendricken High School in 1993 before attending the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and graduating in 1997. He married fellow West Point graduate, Captain Maureen Innes, on June 6, 1998. During his career, Matthew earned the Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaves; the National Defense Service Medal; and the Army Service and Overseas Service ribbons. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star; Purple Heart; Meritorious Service Medal; Iraqi Campaign and Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary medals; and Combat Action Badge. Matthew August was a patriot and a proud son of Rhode Island. This is a fitting and lasting tribute to Captain August's selfless service to community and country, said Senator Reed, a fellow West Point graduate. We are forever grateful to Captain August for his courage, service, and sacrifice. Matthew August gave his life in courageous service to our community and our nation, said Senator Whitehouse. The Saunderstown post office bearing Captain August's name will remind Rhode Islanders always of his bravery and sacrifice. We also thank Matthew's father for his own service in arms, and his passion for veterans and Gold Star families. Captain August is survived by his parents, Donna and Richard August; his older brother Brigadier General Mark R. August (USAF); and his younger sister, Melanie Cargilo. The United States Postal Service is expected to hold a formal dedication ceremony in Saunderstown at a later date. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/senators-pruitt-conflicts-industry-capture-of-trump-administration-renders-epas-proposed-methane-rule-invalid,"Senators: Pruitt Conflicts, Industry Capture of Trump Administration Renders EPA’s Proposed Methane Rule Invalid",2018-12-17,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Sheldon Whitehouse,W000802,www.whitehouse.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.17.18 Senators: Pruitt Conflicts, Industry Capture of Trump Administration Renders EPA's Proposed Methane Rule Invalid Washington, DC Former Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt lacked a sufficiently open mind to legally preside over changes to vital protections against the powerful greenhouse gas methane; his involvement in the proposal to tear down those protections violated federal ethics rules; and that proposal amounts to an egregious hand-over of an agency's rulemaking authority to an industry the same agency regulates. That is what Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Edward J. Markey (D-MA) write in an official comment submitted to the EPA today on a Trump proposal to water down methane pollution requirements for oil and gas companies. The proposed rule would result in substantially higher emissions of the potent heat-trapping gas from oil and gas facilities. The senators also document efforts by officials at the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), apparently at the behest of their political leadership, to weaken further the proposed standard. OIRA repeatedly overruled the advice of EPA technical experts. OIRA Administrator Neomi Rao has a long history of working at institutions funded by the Koch brothers, whose company would directly benefit from the proposed rule. The senators write, The extreme and well-documented regulatory capture of the Trump EPA is evidence that it has effectively delegated its authority to the industries that have captured it, in particular, the fossil fuel industry. There is no substantive difference between an agency explicitly telling a company or industry to write a rule for it, and an agency telling a company or industry that it will write whatever rule the company or industry wants. Like Scott Pruitt's Devon Energy letter, the substance is all industry, whatever the letterhead, and the public interest is ignored. Full text of the senators' comment is below. A PDF copy is available here. While Pruitt resigned in disgrace in July in the wake of ethical violations and scandals related to his conduct as EPA administrator, the senators' comment notes a lesser-noticed scandal the major conflicts of interest flowing from his years cultivating relationships with the fossil fuel industry. Pruitt accepted an outsized portion of his political funding from the fossil fuel industry. Supplied with industry funding, Pruitt used his post as Oklahoma attorney general and later EPA administrator to aggressively pursue the industry's interests. Attorney General Pruitt sued the EPA 14 times, including a challenge to a 2016 methane rule the proposed rule seeks to weaken. In one instance, Pruitt took a letter criticizing EPA's work on methane emissions composed by one of his biggest donors, Devon Energy, and cut and pasted it onto official Oklahoma attorney general stationary with only a few word changes and submitted it to the EPA over his own signature. The problems with the proposed rule extend far beyond Pruitt or even EPA. Numerous other EPA officials are also closely tied to the fossil fuel industry. Current Acting EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler and Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation William Wehrum, among others, have represented companies and trade groups with business before the EPA, many of which stand to benefit from changes like the methane rule rollback. Improper contacts with industry, disregarding technical expertise, as well as the unexplained and unjustified regulatory U-turn, the proposed rule would represent are warning signs that demonstrate that the proposed rule is arbitrary and capricious and as such, is illegal. Attention: Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2017-0483 Oil and Natural Gas Sector: Emission Standards for New, Reconstructed, and Modified Sources Reconsideration Re: Comments on the Environmental Protection Agency's proposed weakening of rules governing methane emissions from oil and natural gas facilities I. Introduction On April 27, 2018, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), submitted a proposal to weaken methane emission regulations to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) for review.[1] On September 9, 2018, OIRA completed its review of this proposed rule.[2] On September 11, 2018, EPA announced the proposed rule.[3] The proposed rule would water down requirements in 2016 new source performance standards (NSPS)[4] mandating oil and gas companies to monitor their facilities for fugitive methane emissions and to repair any facilities where emissions are detected. In this comment, we lay out four arguments why the proposed rule should be withdrawn: (1) former EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, under whom the proposal was developed, possessed an inalterably closed mind about regulations limiting methane emissions and climate change; (2) Pruitt's involvement in the rulemaking violates federal regulations governing impartiality; (3) it is arbitrary and capricious; and (4) it is an effective delegation of agency rulemaking authority to a regulated industry. First, the proposed rule is impermissibly tainted by Pruitt's involvement because he possessed an inalterably closed mind with respect to limiting methane emissions from oil and gas facilities in particular, and climate change in general. The evidence for Pruitt's inalterably closed mind on these issues is overwhelming. It falls into four categories: (1) his deep and wide financial ties to the fossil fuel industry, which has mounted an aggressive campaign opposing rules limiting methane emissions; (2) his history as Oklahoma Attorney General of suing EPA to block the 2016 NSPS for oil and gas facilities that the proposed rule seeks to weaken; (3) his numerous efforts as EPA Administrator to limit or delay requirements to reduce methane emissions from oil and gas facilities; and (4) his numerous statements casting doubt on methane regulations and climate science. Second, given that the proposed rule seeks to accomplish essentially the same thing as the suit to block the 2016 NSPS for oil and gas facilities in which Pruitt was himself a petitioner, part 2635 of the Code of Federal Regulations, subpart E governing impartiality in performing official duties should apply.[5] Pruitt's involvement as Oklahoma Attorney General in litigation opposing the 2016 NSPS for oil and gas facilities means that he could not have been impartial in rulemaking seeking to weaken these standards and therefore should have recused himself. Pruitt's tawdry tenure leading EPA ended when he resigned on July 6, 2018, more than two months after the proposed rule was received by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) for review. The proposed rule was therefore necessarily developed under Pruitt's tenure, so the fact that he was no longer Administrator when EPA announced it does not in any way lessen the taint that stems from his involvement. Third, the proposed rule is arbitrary and capricious because both EPA and OIRA failed to engage in reasoned decision making. The proposed rule does not provide a sufficiently detailed justification explaining why it decided to reverse course and substantially weaken the 2016 NSPS for oil and gas facilities, nor does it sufficiently account for the cost of the increased methane emissions it acknowledges will result from its implementation. Lastly, it appears that OIRA staff overruled EPA career staff's technical expertise resulting in an even weaker rule that would result in substantially higher methane emissions. Finally, we argue that the proposed rule is effectively an adoption of industry proposals to weaken the 2016 NSPS for oil and gas facilities. As such, the proposed rule qualifies as an effective delegation of EPA rulemaking authority to the fossil fuel industry that has captured it. II. Facts A. Pruitt Has Raised Significant Political Money from the Industry with a Direct Stake in the Outcome of this Rulemaking Pruitt's political career has been underwritten by the energy industry, the industry most affected by the proposed rule. In his four campaigns for elected office in 2002, 2006, 2010, and 2014, Pruitt collected more than $350,000 from corporations and individuals in the energy and natural resources sector, or 13 percent of total campaign contributions he received (and 15 percent of campaign contributions that can be tied to a particular industrial or other sector).[6] By way of comparison, campaign contributions made by the energy and natural resources industry averaged just three percent of total contributions made to state attorney general candidates across the country since 2000.[7] In addition to contributions directly tied to the energy industry, Pruitt also received considerable financial support from industries closely linked to the energy industry: legal services and lobbying that advocate for the energy industry and general business and construction that service the energy sector. Pruitt's campaigns also received donations from political action committees (PACs) and issue advocacy groups that were at least partially funded by the energy industry.[8] Including all of these categories, the energy sector and industries and groups associated with it gave over $1,250,000 to Pruitt's campaigns, 44 percent of the total and 55 percent of total donations that can be tied to a particular industrial or other sector. Tellingly, contributions from the energy industry to Pruitt's 2014 re-election campaign actually increased by 13 percent compared to 2010 contributions, despite the fact that in 2014, Pruitt ran unopposed in both the primary and general elections. Contributions from almost every other sector fell in 2014, as might normally be expected when a candidate is running without opposition. Industry support for Pruitt went beyond direct contributions to his campaigns.[9] In Pruitt's 2010 campaign for attorney general, an outside group by the name of the Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC) spent $150,000 on his behalf.[10] The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, long a deep-pocketed foe of action on climate change[11], was RSLC's largest donor, donating almost $4 million to the group. Devon Energy, an Oklahoma-based oil and gas company, contributed $350,000 and was a top ten donor to the RSLC in 2010.[12] Pruitt wasn't only on the receiving end of spending by outside groups. He and his supporters created PACs to expand his influence and provide other avenues for him to direct fossil fuel and industry money to like-minded politicians. Run by Pruitt, the Oklahoma Strong Leadership PAC raised roughly $400,000 during the 2016 election cycle, almost 20 percent of which came from energy interests.[13] Liberty 2.0, a super PAC created by Pruitt's supporters,[14] raised approximately $450,000 during the 2016 election cycle, over a third of which came from energy interests.[15] Of its nine largest donors, four are in the energy industry including the second largest donor, Murray Energy, which gave $50,000.[16] During this period, Pruitt also served as a chairman of the Republican Attorney Generals Association (RAGA) and was on its executive committee. Under Pruitt's leadership, RAGA raised an enormous amount of money for its 527 outside spending organization from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the energy industry. During the 2014 and 2016 election cycles, the Chamber was by far the largest donor to RAGA's 527, giving the organization over $4 million. Koch Industries (almost $500,000), the American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity (more than $300,000), Murray Energy ($250,000), the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers (almost $200,000), the American Petroleum Institute (API), and Devon Energy ($125,000) were all among the largest donors to RAGA's 527 during this period.[17] Pruitt's deep ties to the energy industry did not simply dissolve once he left Oklahoma to run the EPA. During his nomination process, the America Rising super PAC, which has received large donations from fossil fuel interests,[18] funded a campaign in support of his confirmation.[19] This campaign included ads targeting Democratic senators and a ConfirmPruitt.com website.[20] B. Pruitt's Official Actions as Oklahoma Attorney General Were in Lock-Step with his Political Donors' Interests As Oklahoma Attorney General and EPA Administrator, Pruitt used his official position to execute the agenda of his industry political patrons. This was true with respect to a host of environmental issues, including for the 2016 NSPS for oil and gas facilities. Given this history, there is no doubt that the proposed rule reflects industry's wishes. As Attorney General of Oklahoma, Scott Pruitt sued the EPA 14 times.[21] In each case, he supported an industry attack on an EPA rulemaking. In at least one case, it would appear that Pruitt's decision to sue was directly influenced by the energy industry. Documents uncovered from public records requests to the Oklahoma Attorney General's Office show that the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers, a major donor to Pruitt, gave him template language for a petition and urged him to sue the federal government over the Renewable Fuel Standard. The trade association noted that this argument is more credible coming from a state.[22] Pruitt followed the group's suggestion and sued.[23] With respect the 2016 NSPS for oil and gas facilities, Pruitt joined 13 other states in suing EPA to block the standards.[24] But states were not the only parties to sue over this rule; a total of 23 oil and gas industry trade associations also sued.[25] At least four of these associations gave political campaign contributions to Pruitt and/or to outside spending groups associated with him: API ($200,000),[26] the Ohio Oil and Gas Association ($50,000),[27] the Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association ($6,000),[28] and the West Virginia Oil and Natural Gas Association ($5,000).[29] Pruitt's fealty to the energy industry on the issue of methane emissions was not limited to suing EPA. Pulitzer Prize-winning reporting by the New York Times in 2014 uncovered that Attorney General Pruitt used official letterhead to press the case of Devon Energy, one of his biggest donors, before EPA. Devon claimed EPA was overestimating the amount of methane emissions generated by natural gas drilling. The company's lawyers drafted a letter on this subject, sent it to Pruitt's office, which then cut and pasted it onto official state government stationary with only a few word changes and sent it to Washington over Pruitt's signature.[30] C. Pruitt's Official Actions as EPA Administrator Were in Lock-Step with his Political Donors' Interests Once Pruitt was confirmed as EPA Administrator, his pattern of taking official actions in order to benefit his donors in the oil and gas industry continued. This was particularly true with respect to methane regulations, where the relationships Pruitt established through his political activities as Attorney General continued to pay off for his oil and gas industry donors once he became EPA Administrator.[31] Under Pruitt, EPA repeatedly sought to weaken, repeal, or delay initiatives and rules aimed at monitoring and reducing methane emissions from oil and gas facilities. Within weeks of Pruitt's assuming control of EPA, the agency withdrew its request that oil and gas companies provide it with detailed information regarding methane emissions at facilities they operate.[32] On June 5, 2017, EPA announced a three-month delay of the implementation of the 2016 NSPS for oil and gas facilities as well as its intention to reconsider the standards.[33] One week later, EPA released a proposal to stay emissions requirements in the 2016 NSPS for oil and gas facilities for two years.[34] Environmental groups sued to block EPA's three-month delay of the 2016 NSPS for oil and gas facilities; oil and gas industry trade associations including Pruitt donor API intervened to support EPA's delay. On July 3, 2017, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit vacated EPA's three month stay.[35] On July 7, 2017, EPA filed a motion asking the D.C. Circuit not to require it to immediately begin enforcing the 2016 NSPS for oil and gas facilities.[36] On July 31, 2017, the D.C. Circuit denied EPA's motion and ordered it to begin enforcing the rule.[37] In March of 2018, EPA amended the 2016 NSPS for oil and gas facilities to specify that methane leaks did not have to be repaired during unscheduled or emergency shutdowns.[38] Throughout this period, EPA also refused to develop and issue new rules for methane emissions from existing sources in the oil and gas sector, contrary to its obligation to do so under the Clean Air Act (CAA).[39] In April of 2018, 15 states and the city of Chicago sued EPA for its failure to promulgate new rules for methane emissions from existing oil and gas facilities.[40] Collectively, these decisions are estimated to save oil and gas companies many of them donors to Scott Pruitt and/or outside spending groups affiliated with him hundreds of millions of dollars.[41] Pruitt's repeated efforts to weaken, delay, or repeal methane regulations took place against a backdrop of a seemingly endless series of meetings with the energy industry. Although he was barred from political fundraising during his time as EPA Administrator by the Hatch Act, Pruitt maintained his close contacts with the energy industry. In just his first few months on the job, Pruitt met with more than 40 energy interests; five of these are petitioners in litigation challenging the 2016 NSPS for oil and gas facilities and many others are members of one or more of the trade associations challenging the standards. During this same period of time, Pruitt met with almost no environmental groups.[42] D. Pruitt's Public Statements Have Been in Lock-Step with his Political Donors' Interests Suing to block the 2016 NSPS for oil and gas facilities is not the only way in which Pruitt, in his capacity as Oklahoma Attorney General, expressed his profound opposition to rules limiting methane emissions at oil and gas facilities. In 2012, Pruitt wrote a piece entitled The Methane Myth, in which he described EPA as a wayward federal agency arbitrarily using unsubstantiated, inaccurate, and flawed data to achieve a specific policy objective and its efforts to regulate methane emissions from oil and gas facilities as an attack we can't ignore.[43] He also stated that he strongly support[s] energy producers and characterized methane emissions from leaks at oil and gas facilities as a nonexistent problem.[44] In addition to specifically attacking EPA's authority to regulate methane emissions from oil and gas facilities, Pruitt repeatedly called into question EPA's general authority to regulate carbon emissions under the CAA. For example, at a 2014 conference hosted by the climate denying American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), Pruitt stated, We have anEPAthat is engaged in rulemaking, proposed rulemaking, that seeks to exert itself in a way that the [CAA] doesn't authorize atall.[45] He has also argued that the CAA was never intended to regulate carbon emissions and was instead set up to address local and regional air pollutants.[46] Of course, the Supreme Court ruled otherwise in Massachusetts v. EPA,[47] holding that the EPA may regulate carbon emissions as a pollutant under the CAA. Pruitt is also a well-known climate denier, having repeatedly questioned the accepted science of climate change. For example, in 2016, he wrote in The National Review that [the climate change] debate is far from settled. Scientists continue to disagree about the degree and extent of global warming and its connection to the actions of mankind.[48] But Pruitt's climate denialism wasn't limited to op-eds and quotes to the press. He was also a frequent guest at conferences organized by climate-denying groups like the Heritage Foundation and the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Of course, these climate-denying groups also receive much of their funding from the energy industry and those tied to it.[49] At these conferences, Pruitt often joined guest lineups featuring prominent climate deniers and industry-funded scientists, some of whom gave presentations purporting to make the moral case for fossil fuels.[50] Consistent with this affinity for climate denial, his Oklahoma Attorney General Instagram account shows him participating in a panel entitled the War on Carbon at the Koch-funded George Mason University School of Law (since renamed the Antonin Scalia School of Law). Pruitt's climate denial isn't just a thing of the past, however. It continued after he was confirmed as EPA Administrator. In March 2017, Pruitt denied that carbon dioxide emissions were a primary contributor to global warming, stating I think that measuring with precision human activity on the climate is something very challenging to do and there's tremendous disagreement about the degree of impact, so, no, I would not agree that [carbon dioxide] is a primary contributor to the global warming that we see.[51] And in February 2018, Pruitt asked if climate change necessarily is a bad thing.[52] E. The Fossil Fuel Industry Capture of EPA Extends Beyond Pruitt While Pruitt's ties to the fossil fuel industry were perhaps the most widely reported due to his former position atop EPA, he is far from the only member of the EPA leadership team to have deep professional and/or financial ties to the industry. Under President Trump, EPA has been stocked with officials close to the energy industry. Bill Wehrum, the Assistant Administrator for EPA's Office of Air and Radiation (the office in which the proposed rule was developed), is a longtime lawyer for the fossil fuel industry. He has repeatedly sued EPA to block clean air rules, and has represented API, a petitioner against the 2016 NSPS for oil and gas facilities, as well as American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers, Chevron, ExxonMobil, Koch Companies, Koch Industries, Phillips 66, the Utility Air Regulatory Group (UARG), Duke Energy, and Dominion Resources, among other energy concerns.[53] Like Pruitt, Wehrum apparently doesn't believe that the CAA was intended to regulate GHG emissions, Massachusetts v. EPA notwithstanding.[54] EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler, who replaced Pruitt atop EPA, was a longtime lobbyist for energy interests.[55] Most notably, Wheeler represented Murray Energy, whose CEO, Bob Murray, authored an Action Plan advocating for the withdrawal EPA's endangerment finding providing it with the authority to regulate carbon emissions under the CAA.[56] Murray circulated his Action Plan to Vice President Mike Pence, Pruitt, Secretary of Energy Rick Perry, and others. Wheeler even accompanied Murray to lobby Perry on this action plan.[57] Beyond Wehrum and Wheeler, who will oversee methane-related rulemakings now that Pruitt is gone, EPA leadership is stocked with officials closely tied to the fossil fuel industry. For example, EPA Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA) Deputy Assistant Administrator Patrick Traylor is a former lobbyist and lawyer for energy interests Dominion Energy, Koch Industries, and TransCanada,[58] while the head of EPA's Office of Research and Development, David Dunlap is a former executive at Koch Industries.[59] In fact, Pruitt reached out to the fossil fuel industry to help staff EPA. Weeks after becoming EPA Administrator, he reportedly made a plea to top executives at API to help him identify oil industry leaders he could hire as regional EPA Administrators.[60] Pruitt also sought to fill EPA's Science Advisory Board (SAB) with individuals recommended by fossil fuel interests; among the many industry-connected people he chose for the SAB were Merlin Lindstrom of Phillips 66 and Larry Monroe, a retired executive at Southern Company.[61] The oil and gas industry also repeated lobbied EPA political appointees on methane regulations. For example, on July 18, 2017, representatives from API, Chevron, Anadarko Petroleum, and Hess met with Mandy Gunasekara, Wehrum's senior policy advisor, and others.[62] On March 2, 2018, representatives from Conoco Phillips met with David Harlow, a senior counsel to Wehrum, who previously represented many energy interests as a lawyer at Hunton & Williams.[63] F. OIRA Ignored EPA Career Staff Expertise in Order to Tilt the Proposed Rule Even Further Towards Industry On April 27, 2018, EPA submitted a draft of the proposed rule to OIRA for review. Almost from the start, it appears that OIRA pushed EPA career staffers to make changes to the draft proposal that would make it even more favorable to industry. These changes primarily focused on making the draft proposal's methane leak inspection requirements even less frequent, which would thereby result in increased methane emissions. EPA's original draft proposal would have resulted in 220,000 additional short tons of methane emissions;[64] the proposed rule issued after OIRA review sees this number almost double to 380,000 short tons, reflecting the relaxed monitoring requirements sought by OIRA.[65] OIRA's campaign to even further weaken an already weak proposal and to override agency expertise is well-documented in the docket for this rulemaking. For example, on May 23, 2018, EPA career staff disagreed with OIRA's recommendations to further reduce the frequency of monitoring requirements and to redefine what it means to modify existing well sites so that modifications would not trigger emissions monitoring requirements for new and modified facilities.[66] OIRA also urged EPA to select the monitoring scheme that provided what OIRA characterized as the highest net benefits. EPA career staff responded by noting that this option also resulted in the highest costs in the form of the highest amount of foregone emission reductions.[67], [68] On June 7, 2018, EPA career staff again disagreed with OIRA's recommendations to further reduce the frequency of monitoring requirements. This time, OIRA proposed that EPA add an option for annual inspections at compressor stations, in addition to options envisaging quarterly inspections and semiannual (twice yearly) inspections. OIRA also recommended that the regulatory impact analysis accompanying the proposal consider the costs and benefits of even less frequent monitoring.[69] Career staff at EPA noted that there was no evidence to suggest that less frequent monitoring than it was proposing would qualify as the best system of emission reduction (BSER) as required under the CAA.[70] A July 18, 2018 email exchange between EPA career staff and the OIRA analyst reviewing the draft proposal suggests that OIRA management, presumably OIRA Administrator Neomi Rao and/or other political hires, was behind the push for less frequent monitoring. In these emails, an EPA career staffer wrote, I gave you a rundown on our proposed lead option and the monitoring frequencies. You said you needed to discuss that with your management. Did you get a chance to do that before you left? To which the OIRA analyst replied, We still feel that annual monitoring for compressors and the other option 3 monitoring frequencies are the best option due to the reasons we explained on our call.[71] An August 14, 2018 email from EPA career staff to OIRA shows OIRA still pushing to reduce the monitoring frequency for compressor stations. This email also shows EPA career staff sending over memos, apparently at OIRA's request, dealing with data provided by API and GPA Midstream, another oil and gas industry trade association.[72] An August 17, 2018 memo from OIRA to EPA career staff shows OIRA still pushing EPA career staff to relax monitoring frequency requirements, this time on the basis of a study from the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA) purporting to show that more frequent inspections do not significantly reduce methane emissions. EPA career staff noted their disagreement with the INGAA study and provided a memo to OIRA explaining the technical problems with the INGAA study. OIRA ignored EPA career staff and continued to push for an annual monitoring option in the proposed rule.[73] When the proposed rule was finally announced, it included an option for annual monitoring for compressors as well as less frequent monitoring at other facilities, all as OIRA had repeatedly demanded. Against this backdrop of OIRA pushing to weaken an already weak proposal to regulate the oil and gas industry, it is important to note that fossil fuel industry influence in the Trump Administration also extends to OIRA. Neomi Rao, the OIRA Administrator, spent much of her professional academic career as a professor at the George Mason University School of Law (now the Antonin Scalia School of Law), where she was the founder of the Center for the Study of the Administrative State. Both George Mason and the Center for the Study of the Administrative State have received multi-million dollar grants from entities associated with the Koch brothers.[74] The Koch brothers in turn own Koch Minerals and its subsidiary Koch Exploration, which as oil and gas producers, would financially benefit from weakening the 2016 NSPS for oil and gas facilities. III. Legal Argument The proposed rule is illegal for four reasons. First, it is irreparably tainted due to the fact that it was developed under the tenure of former EPA Administrator Pruitt, who possessed an inalterably closed mind with respect to regulating methane emissions at oil and gas facilities. Second, it is tainted by the fact that Pruitt's involvement in its development violated his duty of impartiality under the Ethics in Government Act. Third, it is arbitrary and capricious as it is not the product of reasoned decision-making. And fourth, it constitutes an illegal delegation of regulatory authority to private interests, in this case the oil and gas industry. The Proposed Rule Is Tainted by Pruitt's Inalterably Closed Mind Pruitt may no longer be running EPA, but the proposed rule was developed under his tenure. Indeed, it was received by OIRA more than two months before Pruitt left EPA.[75] Any analysis of the legality of the proposed rule must therefore consider Pruitt's role in developing it. Those interested in a rulemaking have a right to a fair and open proceeding; that right includes access to an impartial decisionmaker. [76] A regulator should be disqualified from a rulemaking when there has been a clear and convincing showing that the [regulator] has an unalterably closed mind on matters critical to the disposition of the proceeding.[77] Pruitt's years long, industry-funded campaign against regulations limiting methane emissions from the oil and gas sector is clear and convincing evidence of an inalterably closed mind. His deep industry ties and history of doing industry's bidding combined with his own legal combat against the 2016 NSPS for oil and gas facilities and his rich record of making highly critical statements about efforts to study, measure, and regulate methane emissions from oil and gas facilities as well as about the CAA's statutory authority to regulate carbon emissions make a clear and convincing showing of his inalterably closed mind on these subjects. Pruitt's history of engaging in climate denial and consorting with people and groups that promote climate denial also demonstrates his mind was closed during the rulemaking process. The purpose of the proposed rule is to reduce carbon emissions in order to help combat climate change, so if Pruitt didn't accept the overwhelming scientific consensus that human-caused carbon emissions are driving climate change, then he could not approach the instant rulemaking process with anything but an inalterably closed mind, incapable of reasonably interpreting the overwhelming scientific expertise on this subject. The public has a right to a fair and open proceeding; that right includes access to an impartial decisionmaker.[78] Allowing the regulatory process to be guided by those who are incapable of adjusting their positions in the face of evidence and arguments amassed during the rulemaking process would make that statutory process irrelevant. Regulators must be able to look at the evidence and arguments objectively if they are to issue regulations that serve our nation's best interests. It is abundantly clear that as EPA Administrator, Pruitt was incapable of doing this. Rather than adjust his position in the face of overwhelming scientific, technological, and economic evidence, Pruitt clung to his position that the 2016 NSPS for oil and gas facilities needed to be replaced with a de minimis regulatory scheme that would result in substantially increased methane emissions. His involvement in the instant rulemaking process makes a mockery of the regulatory process and any methane-related rulemaking in which he was involved should be withdrawn. B. Pruitt's Participation in the Instant Rulemaking Violated His Duty of Impartiality under the Ethics in Government Act Pruitt's participation in the instant rulemaking also violates part 2635 of the Code of Federal Regulations, subpart E[79] governing impartiality in performing official duties.[80] These rules apply to official duties a government official may undertake regarding a particular matter.[81] According to the Office of Government Ethics, a rulemaking is not generally considered a particular matter and therefore normally falls outside the purview of these rules.[82] However, this is an extreme case that warrants an exception to the general rule. Pruitt has already acknowledged the ethical problems associated with his continued involvement in court cases to which he was a party as Oklahoma Attorney General. Pruitt's ethics memo states that he will not participate in any active cases in which Oklahoma is involved in order to avoid even the appearance of any impropriety under federal ethics or professional responsibility obligations.[83] That included being recused from litigation to block the 2016 NSPS for oil and gas facilities. Pruitt's participation in this rulemaking creates the same appearance of impropriety that necessitated his recusal from that litigation. The rulemaking covers the same subject matter, raises the same legal issues, and involves the same parties as the litigation. No reasonable person could conclude from Pruitt's previous work as Oklahoma Attorney General against the rule that he would approach his rulemaking responsibilities as EPA Administrator with any degree of impartiality. Consider the parties involved. Four of the industry petitioners in the litigation challenging the 2016 NSPS for oil and gas facilities donated more than $250,000 to Pruitt and his affiliated political action committees. Five of the industry petitioners in the litigation challenging the 2016 NSPS for oil and gas facilities met with Pruitt in just his first several weeks as EPA Administrator. Industry petitioners and their member companies met with Pruitt's political hires and submitted documents and data to career staff urging a de minimis rule with watered-down monitoring requirements. The Pruitt-initiated rulemaking to weaken the 2016 NSPS for oil and gas facilities exists to accomplish what Pruitt's litigation challenging the 2016 NSPS for oil and gas facilities had not, and what his industry patrons desire: replacement of the serious methane leak monitoring and repair requirements embodied in the 2016 NSPS for oil and gas facilities replaced with a fig leaf regulatory scheme that would allow all parties to pay lip service to the imperative of reducing methane leaks all while continuing to allow large amounts of leaked methane emissions to enter the atmosphere. C. The Proposed Rule Is Arbitrary and Capricious The Administrative Procedure Act[84] permits courts to set aside agency actions found to be arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with the law.[85] In determining whether an agency action was arbitrary and capricious, the courts look to several factors, whether: (1) the agency relied on factors which Congress has not intended it to consider,' (2) the agency failed to consider an important aspect of the problem,' (3) the agency explained its decision in a way that runs counter to the evidence,' or (4) the action is so implausible that it could not be ascribed to a difference in view or the product of agency expertise.'[86] Courts have also held that a rule is arbitrary and capricious if the promulgating agency did not genuinely engage in reasoned decision making[87] or if it did not articulate a satisfactory explanation for its action including a rational connection between the facts found and the choice made.'[88] While judicial review of agency actions is usually exceedingly deferential,[89] when, given the totality of the circumstances, the agency appears not to have engaged in reasoned decision-making, a rule should be invalidated. The scope of review under the arbitrary and capricious standard is narrow and a court is not to substitute its judgment for that of the agency. Nevertheless, the agency must examine the relevant data and articulate a satisfactory explanation for its action including a rational connection between the facts found and the choice made. In reviewing that explanation, we must consider whether the decision was based on a consideration of the relevant factors and whether there has been a clear error of judgment.[90] This heightened level of scrutiny calls on a court to intervene not merely in case of procedural inadequacies, or bypassing of the mandate in the legislative charter, but more broadly if the court becomes aware, especially from a combination of danger signals, that the agency has not really taken a hard look' at the salient problems, and has not genuinely engaged in reasoned decision-making.[91] These concerns are epidemic for the proposed rule. Additionally, courts have found that it is appropriate to more closely scrutinize regulatory decisions that constitute an abrupt change in course. If an agency makes such a regulatory U-turn, it must provide a more detailed justification than would suffice for a new policy [] when, for example, its new policy rests upon factual findings that contradict those which underlay its prior policy. [] It would be arbitrary and capricious to ignore such matters.[92] An agency cannot simply disregard contrary or inconvenient factual determinations that it made in the past.[93] Recently, the United State District Court for the District of Montana rejected a Trump administration regulatory U-turn for exactly these reasons.[94] That case is instructive here. In 2015, the Obama administration denied a permit for the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. That decision detailed how the pipeline was not consistent with climate change-related foreign policy considerations, and explained why 2015 was a critical time for climate action given rising carbon emissions and international movement towards limiting emissions. The Trump administration reversed that decision in 2017 without addressing either of these issues. The Montana court held this was arbitrary and capricious, writing, [t]he [State] Department's 2017 conclusory analysis that climate-related impacts from Keystone subsequently would prove inconsequential and its corresponding reliance on this conclusion as a centerpiece of its policy change required the Department to provide a reasoned explanation.' The Department instead simply discarded prior factual findings related to climate change to support its course reversal.[95] This rulemaking is similarly based on conclusory statements about climate change. The 2016 NSPS for oil and gas facilities predicated its existence on reducing the methane emissions that are one of the main drivers of climate change. The rule features an extensive discussion of how it is an integral part of the government's strategy to combat climate change, including its connection to EPA's determination that methane emissions endanger public health and welfare, how it builds on existing regulations for oil and gas facilities, how it fits into the government's climate action plan, methane strategy, and methane reduction targets.[96] The rule also includes a detailed discussion of the negative effects of climate change and how methane emissions play a role in climate change.[97] The proposed rule makes no effort to rebut any of these findings. Indeed, it features almost no mention of climate at all.[98] Quite simply, EPA provides no explanation for the regulatory U-turn the proposed rule embodies, nor does it attempt to explain why its prior conclusions about climate change and methane emissions were incorrect. As such, the proposed rule is arbitrary and capricious under both the Fox Television Stations and Indigenous Environmental Network decisions. A full review of the technical deficiencies of the proposed rule is beyond the scope of this comment. But even a basic review shows that in an effort to achieve a result sought by the oil and gas industry, EPA engaged in a sham decision-making process lacking any rational connection between the facts and the choices made. In this process, it was ably aided by OIRA, which demanded an even weaker rule more favorable to the oil and gas industry. EPA concedes that the proposed rule would result in considerably higher methane emissions. It has also intentionally underestimated the costs associated with the additional carbon pollution that would be generated by the proposed rule by using a social cost of methane approximately eight times lower than the one used in the 2016 NSPS for oil and gas facilities. And the social cost of methane used in the 2016 rule was already a low estimate. A recent survey of experts in the field yielded a mean social cost of carbon (SCC) approximately six times greater than the one used in the 2016 rule.[99] And recent peer-reviewed research has yielded SCC estimates even higher still.[100] What's more, the proposed rule does not in any way address the conclusions of the recently released National Climate Assessment, which finds that climate change will have devastating effects on the U.S. economy.[101] Courts have also held that while they must defer to an agency's expertise, [they] must do so only to the extent that the agency utilizes, rather than ignores, the analysis of its experts.[102] In cases where agency expertise is ignored, the rule will be arbitrary and capricious. In the instant case, the docket is ripe with examples of OIRA ignoring and overruling EPA career staff with respect to the appropriate frequency of inspections that should qualify as BSER.[103] This is precisely the situation that led the Defenders of Wildlife court to strike down the rulemaking at issue in that case as arbitrary and capricious. The obvious conclusion to the above record is that EPA and OIRA did not in fact care about the facts or expert analysis. They cared about the results that the oil and gas industry wanted: the replacement of the 2016 NSPS for oil and gas facilities with a rule requiring only infrequent inspections. The factual record laid out in this comment details precisely the sort of danger signals the courts have found to warrant hard look review. Potentially improper contacts between regulators and regulated industries,[104] abrupt shifts in policy,[105] and undue bias towards particular private interests[106] are all present in this tawdry tale of industry capture. Based on this record, no court could plausibly conclude that EPA genuinely engaged in reasoned decision making[107] nor conclude that EPA could articulate a satisfactory explanation for its action including a rational connection between the facts found and the choice made.'[108] The proposed rule is therefore arbitrary and capricious and should be withdrawn. D. The Proposed Rule and Accompanying Regulations are an Illegal Delegation of EPA Rulemaking Authority to a Regulated Industry Just as an agency rulemaking will be set aside if a court determines that it was arbitrary and capricious, an agency rulemaking should be invalidated if a court finds that the agency delegated its rulemaking authority to one or more private interests, because Congress cannot delegate regulatory authority to a private entity.[109] Although objections to delegations are typically presented in the context of a transfer of legislative authority from the Congress to agencies, [] the difficulties sparked by such allocations are even more prevalent in the context of agency delegations to private individuals.[110] While it is clear that an agency may not explicitly delegate its rulemaking authority to private interests, an agency that implicitly delegates its rulemaking authority to private interests raises the same concerns. An agency is effectively captured by the private interests it regulates when its regulation is . . . directed away from the public interest and toward the interest of the regulated industry' by intent and action' of industries and their allies.[111] As described above, the proposed rule was the product of a process that was effectively delegated to industry. EPA and OIRA ultimately acquiesced to industry's repeated demands for infrequent monitoring and repair requirements. In addition to the fact that the proposed rule adopts industry's position while ignoring the public interest and minimizing the benefits of reduced GHG emissions, there is also abundant evidence that EPA political staff essentially took direction from the fossil fuel industry with respect to this rulemaking. The fossil fuel industry had open access to EPA and senior EPA officials overseeing this rulemaking were consulting with them on it. Senior EPA and OIRA officials were closely tied to the fossil fuel industry and had a long history of hostility towards rules designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions including rules designed to limit methane emissions from the oil and gas sector, particularly on behalf of industry donors who bankrolled their political careers or industry clients they represented as lawyers or lobbyists prior to joining the Trump administration. We are not the only ones to conclude that the Trump EPA has been captured by industry. A recently published article in the American Journal of Public Health finds that EPA is exhibiting many signs of regulatory capture.[112] The authors of this article examined EPA actions from December 2016 through June 2017 and they interviewed 45 current and retired EPA employees. Among their findings pointing to regulatory capture: Appointees have deep ties with industries. Significant policy changes at the EPA favor businesses and industry, while probably incurring considerable health and environmental consequences. Pruitt has regularly championed the interests of regulated industries, while rarely affirming environmental and health protections. Pruitt dismissed many members of the EPA's Science Advisory Board and its Board of Scientific Counselors, created a new rule preventing EPA-funded scientists from serving on those boards, andfor the first time in agency historyallowed lobbyists on scientific advisory boards. Pruitt's own meetings and schedule are almost exclusively with company and trade organizations and rarely with environmental, public health, or citizen groups.[113] The extreme and well-documented regulatory capture of the Trump EPA is evidence that it has effectively delegated its authority to the industries that have captured it, in particular, the fossil fuel industry. There is no substantive difference between an agency explicitly telling a company or industry to write a rule for it, and an agency telling a company or industry that it will write whatever rule the company or industry wants. Like Scott Pruitt's Devon Energy letter, the substance is all industry, whatever the letterhead, and the public interest is ignored. That is not lawful under well-established principles of administrative law. For the foregoing reasons, we, the undersigned United States Senators, respectfully urge EPA to withdraw this proposed rule. ### [11] Alyssa Katz, The Influence Machine: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Corporate Capture of American Life, pgs. 111 127, Spiegel & Grau (2015) [25] The trade associations that sued were The Independent Petroleum Association of America, the American Exploration & Production Council, the Domestic Energy Producers Alliance, the Eastern Kansas Oil & Gas Association, the Illinois Oil & Gas Association, the Independent Oil and Gas Association of West Virginia, the Indiana Oil and Gas Association, the International Association of Drilling Contractors, the Kansas Independent Oil & Gas Association, the Kentucky Oil & Gas Association, the Michigan Oil and Gas Association, the National Stripper Well Association, the North Dakota Petroleum Council, the Ohio Oil and Gas Association, the Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association, the Pennsylvania Independent Oil & Gas Association, the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers, the Texas Independent Producers & Royalty Owners Association, the West Virginia Oil and Natural Gas Association, the Western Energy Alliance, GPA Midstream Association, American Petroleum Institute (API), the Texas Oil and Gas Association, and the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America [31] It is important to note that movement through the revolving door is not linear, but circular. While Pruitt was able to be of service to his fossil fuel industry patrons during his stint as EPA Administrator, the fossil fuel industry has apparently now become of service to Pruitt as it has been reported that Pruitt is in talks to work for a major coal mining company, Alliance Resource Partners. See, Lisa Friedman, Hiroko Tabuchi, and Eric Lipton, Scott Pruitt, Former E.P.A. Chief, Is in Talks for His Next Job: Coal Consultant, The New York Times (Sept. 12, 2018), https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/12/climate/pruitt-coal-consulting.html [39] Section 111(b) of the Clean Air Act requires EPA to establish standards of performance for emissions of air pollutants from new and modified stationary sources. These are known as new source performance standards (NSPS). When EPA establishes performance standards for new sources in a particular source category, in this case oil and gas facilities, EPA is also required under section 111(d) to publish guidelines for controlling emissions from existing sources in that same source category. [42] Who is E.P.A. Administrator Scott Pruitt Meeting With? A Detailed Schedule, The New York Times (Oct. 3, 2017), https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/10/03/us/politics/document-Pruitt-Sked-and-McCarthy-Sked.html. These included: the National Association of Manufacturers, Duke Energy, the Edison Electric Institute. the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, BP, Chevron, the American Petroleum Institute, the National Stripper Well Association, the Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association, the Domestic Energy Producers Alliance, the American Gas Association, FirstEnergy, Consol Energy, Associated Electric Cooperative, the National Association of Royalties Owners, the National Mining Association, Big Rivers Electric Corporation, Kansas Electric Power Cooperative, South Texas Electric Cooperative, Central Missouri Electric Cooperative, Hoosier Energy Rural Electric Cooperative, Seminole Electric Cooperative, Deseret Power Electric Cooperative, Arizona G&T Cooperatives, Central Electric Power Cooperative, Georgia Transmission Corporation, Sho-Me Power Electric Cooperative, N.W. Electric Power Cooperative, Kentucky Association of Electric Cooperatives, North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives, Minnkota Power Cooperative, North Central Electric Cooperative, Central Power Electric Cooperative, Basin Electric Cooperative, the Southern Company, Alliance Resource Partners, ExxonMobil, American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers, the Portland Cement Association, Royal Dutch Shell, and Contura Energy. [47] Massachusetts v. EPA, 549 U.S. 497 (2007) [64] Oil and Natural Gas Sector: Emission Standards for New, Reconstructed, and Modified Sources Reconsideration Proposal Introductory Briefing for Interagency Working Groups, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (May 2, 2018), pg. 8, file:///C:/Users/dd86294/Downloads/Oil_and_Gas_Reconsideration_Proposal_2060-AT54_NPRM_20180425%20(3).pdf [68] While EPA career staff correctly observed that OIRA's preferred monitoring scheme resulted in the highest costs in the form of foregone emissions reductions, it is important to note for context that these cost estimates were already dramatically underestimated because Pruitt revised the social cost of methane used by EPA to include only the domestic costs associated with climate change. Under this recalculation, EPA estimated the social cost of methane to be between $53 (using a 7 percent discount rate) and $170 (using a 3 percent discount rate) per metric ton of methane emissions in 2019. See, Regulatory Impact Analysis for the Proposed Reconsideration of the Oil and Natural Gas Sector Emission Standards for New, Reconstructed, and Modified Sources, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, pg. 3-9, https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2018-09/documents/oil_and_natural_gas_nsps_reconsideration_proposal_ria.pdf. The 2016 NSPS for oil and gas facilities calculated a global social cost of methane of $1300 per metric ton in 2020 using a 3 percent discount rate. See, Regulatory Impact Analysis of the Final Oil and Natural Gas Sector: Emission Standards for New, Reconstructed, and Modified Sources, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, pg. 4-16, https://www3.epa.gov/ttn/ecas/docs/ria/oilgas_ria_nsps_final_2016-05.pdf. Pruitt's decision to reduce the social cost of methane results in underestimating the true cost of these foregone emissions reductions by as much as a factor of eight. [72] August 14, 2018 OMB Interagency Review Email from EPA to OMB with responses to comments, https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=EPA-HQ-OAR-2017-0483-0058 [76] Association of National Advertisers v. FTC, 627 F.2d 1151, 1174 (D.C. Cir. 1979); see also Lead Industries Association v. EPA, 647 F.2d 1130 (D.C. Cir. 1980) [77] Ass'n of Nat'l Advertisers, Inc., 627 F.2d at 1170. [83] E. Scott Pruitt, Memorandum: My Ethics Obligations (May 4, 2017), pg. 3, https://www.eenews.net/assets/2017/05/05/document_pm_06.pdf [86] Mendoza v. Secretary, Department of Homeland Security, 851 F.3d 1348, 1353 (11th Cir. 2017) (quoting Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Fla. v. United States, 566 F.3d 1257, 1264 (11th Cir. 2009)) [87] Greater Boston Television Corp. v. FCC, 444 F.2d 841, 851 (D.C. Cir. 1970) [88] Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Association v. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co., 463 US 29, 43 (1983), quoting Burlington Truck Lines, Inc. v. United States,371 U. S. 156,168(1962) [89] See, e.g., Fund for Animals v. Rice, 85 F.3d 535, 541 (11th Cir. 1996) [90] Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Association v. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co., 463 US 29, 43 (1983), quoting Burlington Truck Lines, Inc. v. United States,371 U. S. 156,168(1962) and Bowman Transportation, Inc. v. Arkansas-Best Freight System, Inc., supra,at419 U. S. 285. See also, Massachusetts v. EPA (constraining EPA's discretion and subjecting the agency's deferral of a decision to hard look review) [91] Greater Boston Television Corp. v. FCC, 444 F.2d 841, 844-5 (D.C. Cir. 1970). In Greater Boston Television Corp., the biggest danger signal that caused the court to give an agency's actions a hard look was the fact that the chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) had had potentially improper contacts with an executive at one of companies competing for a broadcast license to be attributed by the agency. Other danger signals that courts have held to trigger heightened scrutiny of agency actions include abrupt shifts in policy and where the agency has demonstrated undue bias towards particular private interests. [92] FCC v. Fox Television Stations, 566 U.S. 502, 515 16 (2009) [93] Id. at 537 (Kennedy, J., concurring). [94] Indigenous Environmental Network v. U.S. Dep't. of State, Case No. 4:17-cv-00031 (D. Mont. 2018) [98] The few mentions of climate change in the proposed rule are limited to brief passages acknowledging that relaxing monitoring and repair requirements will result in foregone climate benefits. [99] Robert Pindyck, The Social Cost of Carbon Revisited, pg. 28, National Bureau of Economic Research (Nov. 2016), http://web.mit.edu/rpindyck/www/Papers/SCCRevisitedNov2016.pdf. Social cost of methane estimates can be derived from social cost of carbon estimate by multiplying the social cost of carbon by the warming potential of methane, which is between 28 and 36 according to EPA. [102] Defenders of Wildlife v. Babbitt, 958 F.Supp. 670, 685 (D.C. Cir. 1997) [103] Notably, BSER is a technical determination to be made by EPA and is not subject to cost-benefit analysis as OIRA claimed, and cost is only one of nine factors to be considered when determining BSER. These nine factors include whether, and by what date, the standards are (1) achievable through a (2) system of emission reduction, whether that system is the (3) best that EPA has determined to be (4) adequately demonstrated, the (5) cost of those standards, any resulting (6) non-air quality health and environmental impacts, (7) energy requirements, the (8) amount of air pollution reduced by the standards, and how the standard may drive (9) technological innovation. See, 80 Fed. Reg. 64,510, 64,538 [104] Greater Boston Television Corp. v. FCC, 444 F.2d 841, 844-5 (D.C. Cir. 1970) [105] United Church of Christ v. FCC, 707 F.2d 1413, 1425 (D.C. Cir. 1983) [106] NRDC v. SEC, 606 F.2d 1031, 1050 (D.C. Cir. 1979) [107] Greater Boston Television Corp. v. FCC, 444 F.2d 841, 851 (D.C. Cir. 1970) [108] Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Association v. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co., 463 US 29, 43 (1983), quoting Burlington Truck Lines, Inc. v. United States,371 U. S. 156,168(1962) [109] Ass'n of American Railroads v. USDOT, 721 F.3d 666, 670 (D.C. Cir. 2013) rev'd on other grounds [110] Id., quotingNat'l Ass'n of Regulatory Util. Comm'rs v. FCC, 737 F.2d 1095, 1143 (DC Cir. 1984). [111] Lindsey Dillon, et al., The Environmental Protection Agency in the Early Trump Administration: Prelude to Regulatory Capture, American Journal of Public Health (April 2018), https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/10.2105/AJPH.2018.304360, quoting, Daniel Carpenter, editor, Preventing Regulatory Capture: Special Interest Influence and How to Limit It, pg. 73, Cambridge University Press (2014) [112] Lindsey Dillon, et al., The Environmental Protection Agency in the Early Trump Administration: Prelude to Regulatory Capture, American Journal of Public Health (April 2018)",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/senators-whitehouse-and-markey-trump-administration-is-the-most-anti-climate-anti-environment-in-american-history-,"Senators Whitehouse and Markey: Trump Administration is the Most Anti-Climate, Anti-Environment in American History",2018-12-17,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Sheldon Whitehouse,W000802,www.whitehouse.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.17.18 Senators Whitehouse and Markey: Trump Administration is the Most Anti-Climate, Anti-Environment in American History Report highlights 114 Trump administration actions - more than one per week - to block climate action, weaken bedrock environment and public health rules Washington, DC Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Chairs of the Senate Climate Change Task Force, today released a report detailing the numerous anti-climate and anti-environment actions the federal government has taken since President Trump took office. The agency-by-agency review reveals how key federal agencies, taking cues from the fossil fuel industry, have rolled back almost 50 critical Obama-era actions and advocated for the expansion of oil, gas, and coal production. Of the 114 actions taken by the Trump administration, more than 80 percent have been specifically climate-related. The Department of the Interior and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) each account for 35 actionsabout one every two and a half weeks. The Trump administration has been captured part and oil parcel by the fossil fuel and chemical industries, and every environmental, public health, and climate protection on the books is a target, said Senator Markey. From opening up our pristine coasts to offshore drilling, to making our cars less fuel efficient, to allowing corporate polluters to dump more hazardous toxins into our air and water, President Trump is leading the most anti-climate administration in our country's history. His weekly handouts to Big Oil and King Coal all come at the expense of the environment and the American people. Recent scientific studies call for bold and ambitious action on climate, so we must continue fighting the Trump administration every step of the way to ensure we take climate action before it's too late. This report shows just how ugly wholesale capture of the federal government can be, said Senator Whitehouse. On day one of his administration, President Trump handed over the keys to the agencies charged with protecting public health and the environment to polluter hacks. The result has been one reckless decision after another aimed at enriching Trump's polluter benefactors at the expense of Americans' health and environment, public lands, and the integrity of our democracy. Americans expect their government to work for them; what they have is a president selling them out to powerful donor industries. A copy of the report, The Most Anti-Climate Administration in History: President Trump's Assault on Climate Action, Public Health, and the Environment can be found HERE. The report focuses on efforts in the White House, the Department of the Interior, the Department of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the State Department, as well as other agencies. Examples include: The Environmental Protection agency rejected a petition to ban chlorpyrifos, which has been linked to neurological damage in children The EPA eliminated the requirement for oil and gas companies to report methane emissions, a powerful global warming pollutant that contribute to smog formation The Interior Department halted a study investigating the potential health impacts for Americans living near surface coal mine sites, which have been associated with cancer and birth defects The Interior Department announced a proposal to open up nearly 90 percent of the Outer Continental Shelf to oil and gas drilling The State Department announced the elimination of the position of U.S. Special Envoy for Climate Change, the American representative at international climate negotiations The Transportation Department repealed a rule that would have required reporting on how much greenhouse gas pollution was emitted by cars driving on federally-funded roadways ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-cicilline-mark-passage-of-landmark-juvenile-justice-legislation,"Whitehouse, Cicilline Mark Passage of Landmark Juvenile Justice Legislation",2018-12-17,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Sheldon Whitehouse,W000802,www.whitehouse.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.17.18 Whitehouse, Cicilline Mark Passage of Landmark Juvenile Justice Legislation Whitehouse-Grassley legislation encourages states to adopt new protections for youth offenders Pawtucket, RI U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Congressman David Cicilline (D-RI) today joined children's advocates and young adults who interacted with the juvenile justice system to mark the passage of the landmark Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Reauthorization Act of 2018. The reauthorization of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act was sponsored in the Senate by Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Charles Grassley (R-IA) to secure new protections for youth in the federal juvenile justice grant program. The legislation takes steps to reduce the unnecessary incarceration of youth, improves safeguards for minors who encounter the justice system, and strengthens services that encourage a smooth transition back into society. I've been working with Senator Grassley for years to overhaul our juvenile justice laws so that kids who have made mistakes can have a better shot at starting over and staying out of the system for good, said Whitehouse, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. I'm grateful to the Rhode Islanders who advised on this effort, and everyone from both sides of the aisle who advocated tirelessly to get this legislation passed. No kid should have their life ruined because they come into contact with the justice system at an early age, said Cicilline, a member of the House Judiciary Committee. I'm proud that my friend, Senator Whitehouse, has been leading the fight to fix this broken system and give more kids the opportunity to escape the deadly cycle of recidivism and reincarceration. Today's event took place at Tides Family Services, a non-profit social services agency supporting children at risk, where Whitehouse held a field hearing on juvenile justice at the start of the bipartisan effort to update the law in 2014. Kids, no matter their background or where they live, deserve the chance to be kids, said Beth Bixby, CEO of Tides Family Services. We are proud to have Senator Whitehouse working for the nation's youth to improve juvenile justice resources. For 35 years, Tides Family Services has been providing the type of programming highlighted in this bill to divert youth from future involvement in the juvenile justice system. Tides' grassroots approach with youth and their families has changed lives because they were given the opportunity to succeed. This legislation will allow Tides and other similar programs to continue to work with youth to pave better pathways for themselves. The Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Reauthorization Act unanimously passed both the Senate and House last week. The legislation awaits the President's signature, which will cap Whitehouse's years-long bipartisan effort to update the law. The bill improves the existing law by: Improving treatment for juvenile offenders with mental illness and substance abuse issues; Encouraging states to make efforts to identify, report and reduce racial and ethnic disparities for youth who enter the juvenile justice system; Supporting alternatives to incarceration, such as problem-solving courts; and Strengthening oversight of the federal grant program and holding states accountable for failing to meet core grant requirements to protect the safety of minors in the justice system. The original Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act was enacted in 1974 to ensure the safety of at-risk youth who enter the juvenile justice system, and assist states with delinquency prevention programs and activities. The program has not been updated since 2002 and is long overdue to be reauthorized. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/speeches/whitehouse-floor-remarks-on-the-als-disability-insurance-access-act,Whitehouse Floor Remarks on the ALS Disability Insurance Access Act,2018-12-17,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Sheldon Whitehouse,W000802,www.whitehouse.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.17.18 Whitehouse Floor Remarks on the ALS Disability Insurance Access Act Mr. President, one of the things that marks service as a U.S. Senator is the chance to meet really remarkable individuals, and among the remarkable individuals I have had the chance to meet in my time in the Senate, there are few, if any, who are more impressive or memorable than those who have been diagnosed with ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Competing with them for being impressive and noteworthy are the friends and family and advocates who become their support system and their caregivers. It is not just those with the diagnosis, but it is also the family, friends, and caregivers who face incredible bravery. I remember someone once saying that a special kind of courage is maintaining good morale in the face of terrible circumstances, and few circumstances are more terrible than a diagnosis of ALS amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. We know how it ends. We know it is always fatal. There is no treatment. There is no cure. There is nothing to halt or reverse the effects of ALS. Those of us who have ALS patients visit us watch the decline as they move from people who can walk to people who need a wheelchair, to people who need an increasingly complex wheel-chair. For all this suffering and for all the certainty of how it ends, we still make ALS patients and their family members wait 5 months before they can begin to receive the Social Security Disability Insurance benefits they earned by contributing into Social Security. The logic, I am told, of this 5-month waiting period is that it allows temporary conditions to abate, but ALS is not a temporary condition. It does not abate. It does not reverse. Sadly, some ALS patients lose their fight with the disease before even receiving benefits. I have been working with Senator Cotton to pursue bipartisan legislation to eliminate this 5-month waiting period for ALS. Chairman Hatch, in one of his final acts as chairman of the Finance Committee, expressed his approval of this and his desire to help me bring it forward, and Ranking Member Wyden on the Finance Committee has helped get it to the floor so we can have this opportunity to pass it by unanimous consent. I hope very much that as a simple act of humanity, we can step aside from bureaucratic considerations and allow this small population of Americans who face the extraordinary blow of this diagnosis to move immediately to the benefits they signed up for by contributing to Social Security. With that, I would yield the floor to Senator Cotton of Arkansas. Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, I thank the Senator from Rhode Island for his work on this important issue. I have had numerous ALS sufferers and family members of those who suffer from ALS approach me about this bill early in my time in the Senate, and I have been grateful for the opportunity to work with the Senator from Rhode Is-land to try to address this very sad problem. ALS is a progressive and disabling disease for which there is no cure. It is fatal in all cases. Unfortunately, like almost every other condition, ALS sufferers are required to wait for 5 months before they receive the Social Security Disability Insurance benefits they have earned; that they earned through a lifetime of paying taxes into Social Security. I understand the purpose of this 5- month waiting period is to weed out temporary conditions, but ALS is not a temporary conditionor to prevent fraudulent claims, but it is hard to imagine anyone making a fraudulent claim on disability based on an ALS diagnosis. The average disability beneficiaries expect to receive benefits for about 20 years, but, unfortunately, those who have been diagnosed with ALS only have a life expectancy of approximately 3 years. Therefore, the disability waiting period of 5 months means that those on ALS will lose, on average, nearly one-seventh of the benefits they have paid a lifetime for. Of course, some will lose a lot more be-cause of ALS's particularly degenerative nature. They will lose their fight to the disease before they ever become eligible for their disability benefits. This legislation will simply ensure that those patients and their families can access the benefits they paid into as soon as possible by waiving that 5- month waiting period for disability benefits in this one exceptional case. I understand there is objection about singling out the particular disease or condition. I would, however, say ALS is itself a singularly exceptional condition, and any sufferer of ALS deserves our sympathy, our prayers but also our action on the Senate floor. I also understand there is objection to the cost of the legislation, which would be $270 million over 10 yearsno doubt a lot of money to all Americansbut frankly a small rounding error in the Federal budget. For that matter, it is less than the amount of money for the piece of legislation that is pending on the floor todaya criminal leniency bill that would cost $352 million over 10 years. If we are prepared to allow legislation to go forward that slashes sentences for serious drug traffickers and let sex offenders out of prison early, even though it costs $350 million, I would suggest it is a misplaced priority to object to legislation because it costs $270 million. So I hope, along with the Senator from Rhode Island, that we can pass this legislation in this week before Christmas and give some small measure of solace to those who are suffering from ALS and their families. I yield back to the Senator from Rhode Island. Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Finance Committee be discharged from further consideration of S. 379, a bill to eliminate the 5-month waiting period for disability insurance benefits under such title for individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; that the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration; that the bill be considered read a third time and passed; and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate, as we come into this Christmas season. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection? The Senator from Utah. Mr. LEE. Mr. President, reserving the right to object, I first became aware of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis when I was in the fifth grade, and I read a story, a book, and later a series of books about my childhood hero Lou Gehrig, whose name is often used synonymously with this terrible ailment. It is a tragedy that his life was ended and helped bring about the end of his 2,138 consecutive game playing streak in Major League Baseball. This is a horrible disease, a progressive neurodegenerative condition that rapidly attacks the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord and eventually it affects the control of the muscles that are needed to move, to speak, and even to eat and to breathe. Sadly, it is always fatal. The bill now under consideration will grant a waiver from the Social Security Disability Insurance waiting period to victims of this terrible disease, no doubt with good, noble intentions, but what we have to remember is that this is not the only tragic disease Americans are dying from. Unfortunately, there are many others out there that are equally debilitating and equally fatal, and the Federal Government should not pick favorites to legislate from among them. Indeed, this kind of policy and approach to policymaking poses several problems. First, it sets the precedent that some diseases or disabilities deserve preferential treatment and not necessarily with a distinction that sets them apart from that disparate treatment. It would undoubtedly open the door for exemption requests for a myriad of other groups who advocate for worthy causes, including any of the 233 compassionate allowance conditions that are already given expedited review for SSDI. I have gone through that list and looked at that list and it contains a lot of other horrible, debilitating deadly diseases, among them non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that claimed the life of my father 22 years ago, along with a whole lot of other diseases that are deadly, that are painful, that are debilitating, that result in the incapacitation of their victims. On top of all that, this approach will set the stage for only those diseases that have the most recognition and the most political backing to find bill sponsors, while others sit at a relative disadvantage with conditions that are more rare and underfunded. Furthermore, while I am happy to consider working on the waiting period issue, we cannot do so without taking a larger look at SSDI as a whole and its sustainability. We cannot ignore the fact that Social Security is facing long-term insolvency with the DI Trust Fund set to run out in 2032, even sooner than the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund is set to expire and from which it has to borrow funds. It is undoubtedly a noble intention to help those with ALS, but we will never have parity if we legislate disease by disease, especially among and between diseases that are comparably debilitating. I said it is incoherent and un- just to pick one favorite group where there are others that are every bit as deserving. On that basis, I object. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard. Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, let me go on the record to say how much I disagree with my colleague's view of this; the notion that we can't help anyone until we can help everyone is simply not the way the world works. The notion that we can't help anyone until we have solved whatever financial problems he sees in Social Security, again, means we will help no one. I do believe Lou Gehrig's disease is a sufficiently distinct illness, with an in- evitable fatality, and the slow loss of function for the individuals involved as the disease takes away, one by one, their various abilities to stand, to speak, and eat. I think it does set it apart. If the Senator has other illnesses he thinks are equally cruel and equally lethal that he would like to add to the list, then I think we should consider that. The notion that we cannot help fellow Americans with this disease because we haven't solved other problems is one I categorically reject. I yield the floor. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Utah. Mr. LEE. Mr. President, I respect- fully, most vehemently disagree with the characterization made by my distinguished colleague, the Senator from Rhode Island. This is not, with all due respect, an instance of we can't help anyone until we help everyone.'' That is a blatant mischaracterization of the facts. We have already 233 conditions that qualify for the compassionate allowance category. If you look through those, they are full of debilitating, life-threatening conditions. Those categories already do receive expedited treatment. They al- ready are in a category where they have to be reviewed and a decision has to be made within a set period of timeI believe, within the range of 5 months. That is a good thing, but it is simply not accurate. In fact, it is blatantly misleading to suggest that my argument here boils down to the notion that we cannot help anyone until we help everyone. That is not true. It is the point here that unless or until we can make a distinction between this condition and the other 233 conditions that are on that list, I see no valid basisother than the fact that this one has more political support and, perhaps, more financial backingto draw that distinction here. I think it is unfair to those who benefit from and will need to invoke the need for Social Security disability insurance to put it in an even less sustainable posture moving forward. Yes, in an ideal world we would like to say no waiting period for anyone. In an ideal world we would like to not have anyone have to wait for these sorts of things, but we do have, in our government, a susceptibility to claims that are not substantiated, and we also have people who have to review them. In the absence of a perfect system, it may not be possible. It certainly isn't going to be possible for us to make this program sustainable if we can't put meaningful limits on it. Again, I am all for finding ways to shorten that waiting period as much as we possibly can. I have yet to hear an argument that sets this condition apart from the others in this category of 233 compassionate allowance conditions. Thank you, Mr. President. I yield the floor. Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, I simply note that the Senator seems to be making precisely the argument that he is denying that he has made. I yield the floor. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Utah. Mr. LEE. In no way, shape, or form am I making the argument that we cannot help anyone until we help everyone. That is a mischaracterization of the argument I am making. I am arguing that if, among and between these 233 categories, we can make no principle distinction between this condition and the others, we are mistreating those other people. Who is going to stand here for them? Today, I am going to. On that basis, I object. Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, at the Senator's desire, he may add any of those whom he wishes, and we will consider that going forward. Unless and until he does that, we are in a position that unless we are helping all of them, we will help none of them. I yield the floor.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-statement-federal-district-court-ruling-against-affordable-care-act,Langevin Statement on Federal District Court Ruling Against Affordable Care Act,2018-12-15,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Jim Langevin,L000559,langevin.house.gov,,,legacy,"WARWICK, RI - Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) issued the following statement regarding yesterday's ruling by a federal district court judge declaring the Affordable Care Act (ACA) unconstitutional: Republican attacks on the Affordable Care Act jeopardize the health coverage of Rhode Islanders and millions of Americans across the country, especially those with preexisting conditions. Although I strongly disagree with the court's ruling, I am thankful that this decision will not take effect immediately and look forward to seeing the case appealed. While Republicans tried to repeal the ACA over 60 times during the eight years they spent in control of Congress, the incoming Democratic majority will fight to protect the law and ensure that quality, affordable healthcare remains accessible for all. In the meantime, Rhode Islanders should remember that they can still sign up for coverage on HealthSource RIthrough December 31.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-statement-death-do%C3%B1a-fefa,Cicilline Statement on Death of Doa Fefa,2018-12-14,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,David Cicilline,C001084,cicilline.house.gov,,,legacy,"PAWTUCKET Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC) Chair David N. Cicilline (RI-01) issued the following statement today: I am deeply saddened by the death of my good friend, Josefina Rosario, who was also known as Doa Fefa to countless friends and admirers. Fefa was the mother of Rhode Island's Dominican American community. She and her husband, Tony, supported many families who came to the United States in search of a better life. I was proud to work with her throughout my time in public service. Her death is an enormous loss for our state. My thoughts and prayers are with Fefa's family and all who loved her today.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/senators-whitehouse-reed-markey-and-warren-urge-consensus-between-the-offshore-wind-and-fishing-industries,"Senators Whitehouse, Reed, Markey, and Warren Urge Consensus Between the Offshore Wind and Fishing Industries",2018-12-14,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Sheldon Whitehouse,W000802,www.whitehouse.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.14.18 Senators Whitehouse, Reed, Markey, and Warren Urge Consensus Between the Offshore Wind and Fishing Industries Senators advocate that fishermen's interest be considered earlier in the siting process Providence, RI Today, Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) sent a letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) urging the agency to continue to adopt policies for the offshore wind leasing and permitting process that bring fishermen and other marine stakeholders into the conversation early in order to minimize spatial conflicts and reduce the risk of economic harm to the fishing industry. As wind developers lease areas in federal waters for the first time, the Senators contend that existing stakeholders must be thoroughly consulted both before and after leases are granted. In their letter, the Senators point to the Rhode Island's success fostering collaborative and meaningful engagement, proving that offshore wind and other marine industries can operate in harmony. The Senators note that while BOEM has tried to improve communication between the fishing industry and wind developers, many of their constituents consider the existing efforts to be ineffective. Our states understand that smart planning and consultation with stakeholders, particularly the fishing industry, will allow offshore wind to flourish in the United States, protect important ocean resources, and maintain access for existing users, write the Senators in their letter to BOEM Acting Director Dr. Walter Cruickshank. A copy of the letter can be found HERE. In their letter, the Senators ask the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to respond to questions that include: Which types of location-specific data has BOEM used before leases are granted to understand where fishermen fish and transit? Has BOEM used fishing location data from the Northeast Regional Data Portal to inform lease areas in the northeast, before and after leases were granted? At what points in the offshore wind siting and leasing process, from call to operation, does BOEM use fishing location information to inform lease locations? For the projects that are beyond the leasing stage, please what are the avenues for the public to provide feedback, including through comment periods, listening sessions tied to environmental reviews, and other approvals? How has BOEM consulted with NOAA Fisheries to identify which ports are most affected by individual leases? ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-statement-on-texas-ruling-striking-down-aca,Whitehouse Statement on Texas Ruling Striking Down ACA,2018-12-14,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Sheldon Whitehouse,W000802,www.whitehouse.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.14.18 Whitehouse Statement on Texas Ruling Striking Down ACA Washington, DC U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, released the following statement on the ruling tonight by a federal judge in Texas striking down the Affordable Care Act: Republicans' legal crusade against the Affordable Care Act is a political stunt, but a dangerous one that puts health coverage and vital health protections for millions of Americans at risk. Tonight's ruling won't take effect immediately, and the Texas judge is far from the last word. But this should serve as a wake-up call to the Republicans pursuing this strategy. The American people want their health care protected, not attacked. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/federal-grant-boosts-east-providence-waterfront-district,Federal Grant Boosts East Providence Waterfront District,2018-12-13,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,David Cicilline,C001084,cicilline.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON The growing business district along East Providence's waterfront today received a significant boost as U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressman David Cicilline announced a $144,410 grant from the U.S. Economic Development Agency to improve traffic flow in the area. The previously industrial Waterfront District is poised to attract additional private investment and grow the local economy. This is excellent news for East Providence and the whole state, said Senator Reed. As the Waterfront District welcomes greater traffic flow, redevelopment, new businesses, and new jobs, our economy will grow with it. Congratulations to the City of East Providence for receiving this competitive federal grant. The prime Waterfront District holds enormous potential for economic growth and job creation, said Senator Whitehouse. Securing this federal grant to improve transportation in the area marks one more step in the transformation of formerly industrial lots into a productive mixed use development. East Providence is one of Rhode Island's great communities. This federal investment will help grow East Providence's economy with a thriving Waterfront District that supports good-paying jobs for working men and women, said Congressman Cicilline. I'm pleased that I was able to work with Senators Reed and Whitehouse to put this money to good use in Rhode Island. The federal grant from the EDA's Local Technical Assistance Program was awarded to the City of East Providence to make access to the waterfront more efficient for motorists and pedestrians. The City will use the funding to develop a transportation improvement plan for the area that will include adding ramps to I-195, relieving traffic congestion on Waterfront Drive and neighboring roads, and making pedestrian and bike safety improvements. With federal support, the City has facilitated the redevelopment of a number of industrial properties within the Waterfront District over the past 15 years, resulting in the addition of more than 500 permanent jobs and $200 million in investment, according to a City estimate.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/congress-overhauls-sexual-harassment-policy,Congress Overhauls Sexual Harassment Policy,2018-12-13,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Jack Reed,R000122,www.reed.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12/13/2018WASHINGTON, DC In an effort to protect victims, strengthen transparency, and hold perpetrators accountable, Congress today passed a bill to overhaul the way the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives handle sexual harassment and sexual misconduct claims. U.S. Senator Jack Reed, who strongly supported reforming the system and strengthening the law to hold members of Congress to higher standards, says the legislation is long overdue. Both chambers voted unanimously to update the 1995 Congressional Accountability Act to streamline sexual harassment and abuse claims. Under the new legislation, lawmakers would be unable to use taxpayer funds to settle sexual harassment claims. It would also improve the process for resolving complaints, eliminating the onerous requirements of waiting periods and mediation between victims and individuals accused of harassment. We need to eliminate sexual harassment in all workplaces and Congress must lead by example and be accountable. This new measure will increase protections for staff, reform the process used to report harassment and discrimination, and make any settlement process transparent so Americans are fully informed, said Reed. Congress must work together to prevent discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace and ensure the system is fair and workers feel empowered to report misconduct. In addition to requiring lawmakers accused of harassment to pay for their own settlements, the bill would streamline the process by getting rid of the former mandatory 30-day counseling period, 30-day mediation period, and 30-day cooling off period for victims of sexual harassment under the Congressional Accountability Act. Now that the legislation has passed in both chambers, it will be sent to the President's desk to be signed into law. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-saudis-and-uae-to-repay-us-331m-for-aerial-refueling-costs,Reed: Saudis & UAE to Repay U.S. $331M for Aerial Refueling Costs,2018-12-13,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Jack Reed,R000122,www.reed.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12/13/2018WASHINGTON, DC After an inquiry led by U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) uncovered that the U.S. Department of Defense had not properly charged Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for fuel and aerial refueling services, the Pentagon will now recoup $331 million for U.S. taxpayers from the Saudi-led coalition (SLC). Senator Reed says he is encouraged DOD is taking corrective action to properly charge the SLC. From March of 2015 until November 11, 2018, the United States provided mid-air refueling services for SLC aircraft that flew missions related to the conflict in Yemen. Due to errors in accounting by the Pentagon, the United States had not properly charged Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates for those services, undercharging the SLC by $331 million. In March of 2018, Reed, the Ranking Member of the Armed Services Committee, asked Secretary of Defense Mattis in a letter with Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and others for a full accounting of reimbursements by both the UAE and Saudi Arabia for inflight refueling assistance provided since March 2015. In November, the Pentagon acknowledged that In response to your letter, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) reviewed its records and found errors in accounting. Today, after a careful review, the Pentagon announced it will seek full reimbursement of $331 million from Saudi Arabia and UAE for fuel, refueling services, and flight hours. This is good news for U.S. taxpayers and underscores the need for strong oversight of the Department of Defense. The American people should not be forced to bear these costs and I am encouraged DOD is taking steps to get full reimbursement, said Senator Reed, who noted that the Department initially failed to secure timely reimbursement from the Saudi-led coalition and uphold its obligation to keep Congress appropriately informed, but is taking corrective action. The Pentagon is taking action to reduce accounting errors of this nature and Congress must continue to be vigilant and fulfill its oversight mission. While the accounting error is being corrected, the larger issue remains that the Trump Administration and international community must capitalize on the progress that has been made during the Yemen peace talks in Sweden, continued Reed. It must be made clear to both the Saudi-led coalition and the Houthis that there is no military solution to this conflict and the time has come to reach a sustainable negotiated settlement. The conflict in Yemen has negatively impacted the strategic security interests of the Saudis, Emiratis, and the United States. It has emboldened Iran and relieved pressure on al Qaeda and ISIS. Most importantly, the conflict has resulted in the largest humanitarian disaster facing the world in recent memory. It is time for this war to stop. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/videos/reed-on-the-situation-room-with-wolf-blitzer_-mueller-cohen-yemen-and-saudi-arabia,"Reed on the Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer - Mueller, Cohen, Yemen, & Saudi Arabia",2018-12-13,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Jack Reed,R000122,www.reed.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Reed joined Wolf Blitzer for a discussion of updates in the Mueller probe, as well as the current situation in Yemen.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/federal-grant-boosts-east-providence-waterfront-district,Federal Grant Boosts East Providence Waterfront District,2018-12-13,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Sheldon Whitehouse,W000802,www.whitehouse.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.13.18 Federal Grant Boosts East Providence Waterfront District EDA funding will improve access to growing mixed use development Washington, DC The growing business district along East Providence's waterfront today received a significant boost as U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressman David Cicilline announced a $144,410 grant from the U.S. Economic Development Agency to improve traffic flow in the area. The previously industrial Waterfront District is poised to attract additional private investment and grow the local economy. This is excellent news for East Providence and the whole state, said Senator Reed. As the Waterfront District welcomes greater traffic flow, redevelopment, new businesses, and new jobs, our economy will grow with it. Congratulations to the City of East Providence for receiving this competitive federal grant. The prime Waterfront District holds enormous potential for economic growth and job creation, said Senator Whitehouse. Securing this federal grant to improve transportation in the area marks one more step in the transformation of formerly industrial lots into a productive mixed use development. East Providence is one of Rhode Island's great communities. This federal investment will help grow East Providence's economy with a thriving Waterfront District that supports good-paying jobs for working men and women, said Congressman Cicilline. I'm pleased that I was able to work with Senators Reed and Whitehouse to put this money to good use in Rhode Island. With federal support, the City has facilitated the redevelopment of a number of industrial properties within the Waterfront District over the past 15 years. The federal grant from the EDA's Local Technical Assistance Program was awarded to the City of East Providence to make access to the waterfront more efficient for motorists and pedestrians. The City will use the funding to develop a transportation improvement plan for the area that will include adding ramps to I-195, relieving traffic congestion on Waterfront Drive and neighboring roads, and making pedestrian and bike safety improvements. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/whitehouse-remarks-in-judiciary-on-oversight-of-us-customs-and-border-protection,Whitehouse Remarks in Judiciary on Oversight of U.S. Customs and Border Protection,2018-12-13,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Sheldon Whitehouse,W000802,www.whitehouse.senate.gov,,,legacy,"About Services Agency Assistance Success Stories Grants Flag Requests Visiting D.C. Student Resources Email Sheldon Events Community Dinners Community Outreach Issues Issue List Legislation News Press Releases In the News Speeches Op-Eds Press Kit Videos x x MENU",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-supports-bipartisan-farm-bill-preserves-vital-nutrition-programs,Langevin Supports Bipartisan Farm Bill that Preserves Vital Nutrition Programs,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Jim Langevin,L000559,langevin.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) released the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 2, the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (also known as the Farm Bill), which passed the House by a vote of 369-47 and now heads to the President's desk for his signature: After months of partisan bickering, I am glad that my Republican colleagues have finally returned to the spirit of compromise that has long been the hallmark of our nation's agricultural policy. This bill addresses all aspects of our food economy, from farm to table, in a way that supports local Rhode Island farmers and encourages land conservation. There are few needs so basic as being able to provide food for one's family, and the bill thankfully does not include draconian cuts to nutrition assistance programs that would have left millions of Americans hungry. I will continue to work with my Food First Advisory Committee in Rhode Island to strengthen our local businesses and support the most vulnerable in our society, and I am proud that this bipartisan farm bill does just that.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/democratic-senators-urge-pentagon-not-to-use-defense-funds-for-border-wall-along-arizona-bombing-range,Democratic Senators Urge Pentagon Not to Use Defense Funds for Border Wall Along Arizona Bombing Range,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Jack Reed,R000122,www.reed.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12/12/2018WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Ranking Member of the Armed Services Committee; Dick Durbin (D-IL), Vice Chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee; Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee; and Brian Schatz (D-HI), Ranking Member of the Military Construction-VA Appropriations Subcommittee today pressed Secretary of Defense James Mattis about planned activities on the Barry M. Goldwater Range near Yuma, Arizona, including building more than 31 miles of barriers along the Range. In a letter to Secretary Mattis, the Senators stressed that assessing further upgrades of the Range's fencing would be a wasteful and unjustified expenditure, which only serves to take away from more important priorities, namely military readiness and lethality. The Navy has recently initiated studies on building more than 31 miles of barriers along the Range, despite its inability to provide congressional oversight committees with a clear justification or a compelling argument for diverting as much as $450 million in future funding to this project. We believe the Department of Defense lacks any authorization or appropriations needed to move this project into any stage of construction during fiscal year 2019, the Senators wrote. Lacking this authorization for such a project, and in light of the Department's understanding that such a project would be controversial, the planned expenditures would be better focused on meeting the readiness and lethality needs that you requested Congress to support in your budget request. This would preserve the Department's promise to be a good steward of taxpayer dollars and our congressional oversight responsibility. Full text of the letter follows: Dear Secretary Mattis: We write to you with concerns about planned activities on the Barry M. Goldwater Range now that the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2019, and the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019 have been signed into law. Assessing further upgrades of that Range's fencing remain a wasteful and unjustified expenditure, which only serves to take away from more important priorities, namely military readiness and lethality. The Navy has recently initiated studies on building more than 31 miles of barriers along the Range, despite its inability to provide our Committees with a clear justification or a compelling argument for diverting as much as $450 million in future funding to this project. Information provided by the Department of Defense to the congressional oversight committees indicates that construction of additional barriers to the portions of the Range that adjoin the border are of low priority: one section rates only tenth in priority out of seventeen projects considered by Customs and Border Protection, and the other section rates substantially lower. This appears to directly contradict guidance you issued to the Department on March 26, in which you acknowledge the Department's significant appropriation increase and required that, every decision we make must focus on lethality and affordability as we rebuild readiness and provide the combat capabilities required to provide for the security of our Nation. Moreover, it is unclear why the Navy should spend $4.4 million on environmental studies, and millions more on surveys and other reports to be furnished by military contractors, when the Department of Defense made no proposals, and made no effort, to have this matter addressed in any of the authorizing or appropriating legislation that was recently signed into law. We believe the Department of Defense lacks any authorization or appropriations needed to move this project into any stage of construction during fiscal year 2019. Nowhere in the Department's 2019 budget plans was there any proposal to spend nearly half a billion taxpayer dollars to increase security at a bombing range that is already protected by a barrier. Therefore, none of the authorizing or appropriating legislation provides for such a construction project to move forward. Lacking this authorization for such a project, and in light of the Department's understanding that such a project would be controversial, the planned expenditures would be better focused on meeting the readiness and lethality needs that you requested Congress to support in your budget request. This would preserve the Department's promise to be a good steward of taxpayer dollars and our congressional oversight responsibility. We note that other controversial construction projects were duly presented in the Department's budget proposals to Congress, where the projects were the subject to scrutiny and debate in particular, your 2019 request included $69 million for a new detention facility at Guantanamo. While this item was not funded by the Congress, we commend you for proposing this project in a manner that embraced regular order, rather than seeking extraordinary waivers, reprogrammings, or other maneuvers intended to short-circuit a thorough review by a co-equal branch of Government. Additionally, we understand that the Department is currently examining other authorities for this roughly $450 million project outside of the budget request process, specifically the potential use of 10 U.S.C. 2808 and 10 U.S.C 284. As you know, outside of a few small locations requiring security measures for weapons of mass destruction shortly after 9/11, 10 U.S.C. 2808 has never been used inside the United States. We urge you in the strongest possible fashion to refrain from considering using this authority or 10 U.S.C. 284 for this potential $450 million border wall project. We appreciate your attention to these matters, and look forward to receiving your fiscal year 2020 budget request in the coming months. Sincerely, cc: The Honorable Mick Mulvaney Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/senate-approves-reed-backed-cra-to-overturn-dark-money-rule-and-prevent-foreign-interference-in-us-elections,Senate Approves Reed-Backed CRA to Overturn Dark Money Rule & Prevent Foreign Interference in U.S. Elections,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Jack Reed,R000122,www.reed.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12/12/2018WASHINGTON, DC Today, after the U.S. Senate voted in favor of a resolution to overturn a Trump Administration rule that made it easier for wealthy foreign nationals and special interests to interfere in U.S. elections and exempted political nonprofits from disclosing large donors to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) called the vote a positive step toward fair elections. In a 50-49 vote, the Senate approved a resolution authored by Senator Jon Tester (D-MT), and cosponsored by Senator Reed, that would block the recent Treasury Department change to IRS forms allowing political nonprofits to avoid listing some donors. Today's vote was a positive step toward greater transparency and fair elections, said Senator Reed. This CRA will help shine a light on dark money, improve transparency, and help prevent foreign interference in our elections. I'm pleased the Senate acted on a bipartisan basis and I urge the House to do the same. Under the Congressional Review Act (CRA), members of Congress must introduce a disapproval resolution within 60 calendar days from when the final rule was issued. Under CRA procedures, the legislation only required a simple majority to pass the full U.S. Senate. The measure must now be approved by the U.S. House of Representatives in order to be sent to the President. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-applauds-protection-of-snap-aquaculture-provision-in-2018-farm-bill,"Whitehouse Applauds Protection of SNAP, Aquaculture Provision in 2018 Farm Bill",2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Sheldon Whitehouse,W000802,www.whitehouse.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.12.18 Whitehouse Applauds Protection of SNAP, Aquaculture Provision in 2018 Farm Bill Senate-passed farm bill includes priorities for RI agriculture Washington, DC U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse applauded passage in the Senate yesterday of the 2018 farm bill conference report, which protects Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and includes a provision Whitehouse advocated for to support the growth of the aquaculture industry. The version of the legislation approved by the Senate does not include provisions from the House version of the bill that would have expanded the program's work requirements to older Americans and families with young children receiving SNAP benefits. About 175,000 Rhode Islanders used SNAP benefits each month in 2015, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This farm bill makes progress in a number of areas important to agriculture in the Ocean State while protecting the vital nutrition assistance program that so many Rhode Island families depend on to put food on the table, said Whitehouse. A proposal Whitehouse advocated for to insure each of the life stages of shellfish as separate crops was included in the farm bill. Current insurance options are inadequate and often hamstring farmers from expanding their operations. Shellfish farmers are at a high risk of losing their crops because of weather events, diseases, and changes in the marine environment. Shellfish face different kinds of risks as they advance through life stages. These risks amplify the need for farmers to have workable, affordable insurance options like those available to land farmers. Some of the best oysters in the world are harvested from the salt ponds of Rhode Island. Insurance options tailored to the unique challenges of aquaculture farming would give a flourishing local industry the certainty to keep growing, said Whitehouse. Rhode Island's aquaculture industry has grown dramatically over the past two decades. The state's 73 shellfish farms sold more than 8.4 million oysters in 2017, according to the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council. While oysters comprise the bulk of Rhode Island's shellfish aquaculture production, farmers in Rhode Island also grow clams, scallops, and mussels. The 2018 farm bill incorporates a number of other provisions advocated for by Whitehouse, including maintaining support for USDA conservation and rural business development programs, providing better margin protections for dairy farmers, and steps to advance carbon capture and utilization (CCUS) and biogas research. The farm bill must now pass the U.S. House of Representatives. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/speeches/whitehouse-floor-remarks-on-the-congressional-review-act-and-dark-money,Whitehouse Floor Remarks on the Congressional Review Act and Dark Money,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Sheldon Whitehouse,W000802,www.whitehouse.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.12.18 Whitehouse Floor Remarks on the Congressional Review Act and Dark Money Mr. President, I am honored to join the senior Senator from Oregon in support of this important resolution. As I think everybody on this floor has observed, there is a rot in our American democracy, and there is a shadow over the Halls of Congress. The rot is dark money, and the shadow is special interest influence empowered by that dark money. A lot of this goes back to the extraordinarily misguided decision of the U.S. Supreme Courtor, I should say, five Republican appointees to the U.S. Supreme Courtin Citizens United, which took the astonishing position that the integrity of our elections should receive a value of zero in their calculus and their solicitude should be exclusively for the wealthiest forces that bring their power to bear on American democracy, because, after all, if what you are doing is unleashing the power of special interests to spend millions of dollars, by definition, you are only powering up the group that has millions of dollars to spend and a reason to spend it. That is, perhaps, the segment of the American population entitled to the least solicitude in our great American debate. Yet it was the exclusive interest of the five Republican appointees on the Court. It was an evil balancing of priorities but, sadly, part of a long traditiongoing back to the Bellotti decisionof Republican appointees to the Supreme Court expanding the role and influence of corporations and special interests. In their foolishness, the five Republican judges who gave us the Citizens United decision claimed that the spending they unleashed was going to be transparentnot so. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to append to my remarks at the end with an article pointing out that secret political spending in elections in the United States of America is on track to hit a $1 billion milestone[1]. Not only is the secret spending a menace, but once you allow unlimited spendingparticularly, if you allow unlimited secret spendingthere is another dark problem, which is that if you are a big special interest that is able to spend unlimited money, and perhaps secret unlimited money against a candidate, what else have you been given the power to do? You have been given the power to go to that candidate and say: We are coming after you unless you do what I tell you. It opens threats and promises that are always going to be secret. So even were there not these evil channels for dark money to pollute and influence our democracy, Citizens United would still be misguided with respect to the darkness of the threats and promises that it empowered. Of course, when you remove accountability for the advertising and the sleazy campaigns that this supports, you get a lot more negative advertising. That is why one of the consequences of all of this has been described as a tsunami of slime. Whether you want to rid dark money channels, whether you want to diminish secret threats, or whether you want to combat the tsunami of slime, there is every reason to take a stand against what has become of our democracy. If you think this is just an academic pursuit, take a look at the climate change dispute. In 2007, 2008, and 2009, when I was a new Senator, we did bipartisan work on climate change every one of those years. We had bipartisan hearings. We had bipartisan bills. I think we had four of them in the Senate. Along comes Citizens United in January of 2010. From that moment forward, bipartisanship was dead because the fossil fuel industry that asked for the Citizens United decision and that got the Citizens United decision from the five Republican appointees was instantly ready to bring that new power to bear. They went to the Republican Party, and they said: Anybody who crosses us on climate is dead. They took representatives like Bob Inglis and put him out of his job to demonstrate their seriousness. From that moment, from the day the Citizens United decision was announced, there has not been a serious piece of climate legislation that any Republican has been willing to sign onto. If you doubt the effects of dark money, take a look at where we are on climate change. In this weird way, the pollution of our democracy is directly connected to the pollution of our atmosphere and oceans. And, of course, once you open a channel for a dark money influencean American dark money influence; ExxonMobil, the Koch brothers, Big Pharma, you name itwhen you open a dark money channel for that influence to wreak its power, you can't control who comes through it. Dark is dark. And there is every reason now to believe that foreigners are taking advantage of our dark money channels to exert influence in our elections. I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the record at the end of my remarks an op-ed in Politico entitled Foreign Dark Money is Threatening American Democracy,'' written by former Vice President Biden[2]. Today's Congressional Review Act measure is a small step. It won't provide much public disclosure; it will only require that companies and entities that are using these dark money channels continue to report to the IRS. So there is not going to be an enormous difference made here, but there is an enormous difference in which side this body will choose to be on in this vote today on Senator TESTER's resolution. It is a very simple and a very stark choice. We can choose, one by one. Each one of us will make this choice today. We can choose to be on the side of dark money. We can choose to decide to be on the side of special interest influence, we can choose to decide to be on the side of whispered threatsI will tell you that dark money and special interest influence and whispered threats have a disgraceful force in this building right now, thanks to Citizens United and the dark money channels that it empoweredor we can choose to be on the side of America as a city on a hill. Why do we call America a city on a hill? Because everyone can see it. And a city on a hill does not do its business through the dark money sewers that run under the city; it does its business in the plain marketplace and open spaces of that city, and that is what we should be for. I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the RECORD a report on this issue by a terrific bipartisan group, called Issue One,'' as a third appendant to my remarks[3].",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/time-to-wake-up-cop24,Time To Wake Up: COP24,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Sheldon Whitehouse,W000802,www.whitehouse.senate.gov,,,legacy,"About Services Agency Assistance Success Stories Grants Flag Requests Visiting D.C. Student Resources Email Sheldon Events Community Dinners Community Outreach Issues Issue List Legislation News Press Releases In the News Speeches Op-Eds Press Kit Videos x x MENU",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/whitehouse-floor-remarks-on-the-congressional-review-act-and-dark-money,Whitehouse Floor Remarks on the Congressional Review Act and Dark Money,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Sheldon Whitehouse,W000802,www.whitehouse.senate.gov,,,legacy,"About Services Agency Assistance Success Stories Grants Flag Requests Visiting D.C. Student Resources Email Sheldon Events Community Dinners Community Outreach Issues Issue List Legislation News Press Releases In the News Speeches Op-Eds Press Kit Videos x x MENU",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-and-mccain-to-be-honored-for-bipartisan-leadership,Reed & McCain to Be Honored for Bipartisan Leadership,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Jack Reed,R000122,www.reed.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12/11/2018WASHINGTON, DC Tomorrow evening, December 12, the late U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) and U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) will receive the prestigious Jacob K. Javits Prize for Bipartisan Leadership during a special award ceremony in Washington, DC. McCain, the former Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Reed, the committee's Ranking Member, are being recognized by the Javits Foundation for their exemplary efforts to facilitate bipartisanship, successfully work across the aisle, and advance the public interest through legislative action. The Jacob K. Javits Prize for Bipartisan Leadership was established in 2016 by the Marian B. and Jacob K. Javits Foundation. The Foundation was created in 1986 by former U.S. Senator Jacob Javits (R-NY) who served for 24 years in the U.S. Senate and became one of most respected and influential political figures of his time. The annual award is bestowed on public servants who take bipartisan action to cut through Congressional gridlock and find bipartisan solutions to pressing national challenges. A West Point graduate and former Army Ranger, Jack Reed has demonstrated an ability throughout his career to bridge partisan divides, bring people together, and get results. His bipartisan Childhood Cancer STAR Act, signed into law this year by President Trump, has been called the most comprehensive childhood cancer legislation ever introduced into Congress, and will help find new treatments and improve outcomes for patients battling pediatric cancer. As Ranking Member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development, Reed has successfully worked alongside Chairman Susan Collins (R-ME) on a bipartisan basis to boost federal investments in housing, transportation, and community development initiatives. And as the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, he worked closely with Chairman McCain to support our troops and enhance the military's ability to respond to new and emerging threats. Under their leadership, the committee continued a bipartisan tradition of working together, and for the 57th consecutive year, advanced a bipartisan defense policy bill. Even though we found ourselves on opposite ends of many debates, I always admired Senator McCain for his courage, candor, and commitment to serving the public, not just narrow interests, Reed said after McCain's passing. He understood the importance of working together and that by moving forward together we can achieve lasting progress. WHAT: The Marian B. and Jacob K. Javits Foundation Bipartisan Leadership Award Ceremony and Panel Discussion WHO: Family of the late U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) Josh, Carla, and Joy Javits, Javits Foundation U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) U.S. Senator Jeff Flake (R-AZ) U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) U.S. Senator Jon Kyl (R-AZ) Mr. Ben Domenech, Senator McCain's son-in-law Ambassador Kurt Volker, Executive Director, The McCain Institute for International Leadership at Arizona State University Kevin Madden, CNN Commentator and former Senior Advisor and Spokesman for Mitt Romney Michele Jolin, Results for America WHEN: Wednesday, December 12, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. WHERE: SD-G50 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-helps-pass-bipartisan-farm-bill,Reed Helps Pass Bipartisan Farm Bill,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Jack Reed,R000122,www.reed.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12/11/2018WASHINGTON, DC As President Trump's trade policies continue to negatively impact American farmers, the U.S. Senate today voted 87-13 to adopt the Agriculture and Nutrition Act (Farm Bill) to help small farms, farmers markets, and local food production, and conservation efforts. The bipartisan Farm Bill was negotiated in a House-Senate conference and now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives, where it is also expected to pass with strong support. After successfully advocating for provisions to keep nutritious food on the table for Rhode Islanders, U.S. Senator Jack Reed supported the five-year Farm Bill reauthorization. The bill will help expand crop insurance access to shellfish growers, and better protect the nation's food supply. It will also help provide healthy food for families in need, boost local food economies, and allow farmers across the U.S. to begin cultivating industrial hemp as an agricultural commodity. A healthy agricultural sector is vital to public health, environmental health, and the health of our economy. This bill isn't perfect, but it supports family farmers and will keep small farms like the ones we have in Rhode Island viable and able to compete with giant, multi-national agribusinesses. It also promotes diverse and quality food production and land management, will help feed hungry families, and grow Rhode Island's local food economy, said Senator Reed. Highlights of the 2018 Farm Bill include: Protects the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for Rhode Island families facing food insecurity by rejecting funding cuts as well as harmful changes from the House Farm Bill that would have created unnecessary obstacles for those in need of food and nutrition assistance. SNAP is a critical lifeline for more than 150,000 Rhode Islanders. The bill includes job training opportunities to help SNAP participants find and keep good-paying jobs. And provisions to strengthen oversight of SNAP will help ensure every dollar goes to families in need. Creates improved dairy coverage options at more affordable rates for Rhode Island dairy farmers by maintaining refunds of previously-paid Margin Protection Program (MPP) premiums as either a 75% credit or 50% refund and making major improvements to affordable risk protection for small and medium dairy operations. Supports farmers markets and food hubs that help family farmers and local businesses sell locally grown food and made-in-Rhode Island products to families, schools, and restaurants, driving the local food economy. Secures permanent mandatory baseline funding for food/nutrition programs important to Rhode Island. These include programs that support farmers markets and local food systems, beginning farmers, organic farming research, and Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) grants. Rhode Island currently has two FINI grants, which enable Farm Fresh RI and the RI Public Health Institute to manage SNAP bonus programs at Farmers Markets and Mobile Markets. Continues Specialty Crop Block Grants, which boost Rhode Island's diverse fruit and vegetable industry, increases productivity, and drives demand for the food they grow. Continues support for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). Promotes Rhode Island aquaculture by directing the USDA to make improvements to Whole Farm Insurance for aquaculture, which would provide the shellfish growers with the certainty needed to expand their businesses. Promotes urban agriculture which will play an increasingly important role in the state's agricultural economy. Contains no environmental riders the House Farm bill was full of harmful environmental riders to gut environmental safeguards from the Clean Water Rule to the Endangered Species Act. These were not included in the conference report. Preserves strong funding for land and water conservation programs. Promotes soil health, cover crops, carbon sequestration, and other climate smart agriculture. Creates a new produce prescription program with mandatory funding to allow health care providers to help their low-income patients build healthier diets and access more fruits and vegetables. Farm Fresh RI has already piloted a similar program with the Thundermist Health Center that provided prescription tokens for children to buy fruits and vegetables at a farmers market on site. The program was found to positively impact the children and also helped local farmers find customers for their products. Reauthorizes the National Oilheat Research Alliance for ten years. Supports clean energy and efficiency upgrades to help small businesses and farmers invest in wind and solar technologies that lower utility bills and support energy installation jobs across the Ocean State. Strengthens support for organic agriculture to protect the integrity of certified organic products and helps farmers transition into a fast-growing sector of agriculture. Creates a new national vaccine bank to better protect livestock and poultry from disease outbreaks. Expands conservation support to help farmers protect water quality and reduce nutrient runoff into the rivers and streams like those that feed into Narragansett Bay, while maintaining productive and profitable farmland. The Farm Bill must now be passed by the U.S. House of Representatives before it can be sent to the President and signed into law. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/videos/reed-speaks-at-department-of-transportation-infrastructure-event,Reed Speaks at Department of Transportation Infrastructure Event,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Jack Reed,R000122,www.reed.senate.gov,,,legacy,Senator Reed speaks at a Department of Transportation event hosted by Secretary Elaine Chao to announce the recipients of the Department's Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program.,1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/senate-passes-bipartisan-juvenile-justice-bill,Senate Passes Bipartisan Juvenile Justice Bill,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Sheldon Whitehouse,W000802,www.whitehouse.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.11.18 Senate Passes Bipartisan Juvenile Justice Bill Whitehouse-Grassley legislation encourages states to adopt new protections for youth Washington, DC The Senate this evening unanimously passed the bipartisan Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Reauthorization Act of 2018, authored by Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Charles Grassley (R-IA), to secure new protections for youth in the federal juvenile justice grant program. Senator Grassley and I have been fighting for years to update our juvenile justice protections to do a better job getting kids back on track and out of the system for good, said Whitehouse. This legislation will limit harsh practices like putting young people in solitary confinement or confining them with adults. It helps kids stay up to date on their studies. It also tackles substance abuse, mental health, and other factors that may be driving bad behavior. These are wins for our kids and society as a whole. Thank you to the Rhode Islanders and everyone who's advocated tirelessly for juvenile justice reform. Kids in our juvenile justice system need safety, fairness and treatment that encourages respect for the law. That's why this bill deserved to be passed. There was one final hold on the Democratic side that finally relented, allowing this bill to pass the Senate unanimously. Thanks to Congressman Bobby Scott for his swift help to make that happen, Grassley said. This will be the first update to the law in over a decade. Our bill includes important new accountability measures that protect taxpayer dollars and prevent states from being rewarded when failing to provide the minimum standard of protections for minors. The legislation takes steps to reduce the unnecessary incarceration of youth, improves safeguards for minors who encounter the justice system, and strengthens services that encourage a smooth transition back into society. This bill is a bicameral compromise that blends the previous Senate and House versions. The original Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act was enacted in 1974 to ensure the safety of at-risk youth who enter the juvenile justice system, and assist states with delinquency prevention programs and activities. The program has not been updated since 2002 and is long overdue to be reauthorized. The bill improves the existing law by: Improving treatment for juvenile offenders with mental illness and substance abuse issues; Encouraging states to make efforts to identify, report and reduce racial and ethnic disparities for youth who enter the juvenile justice system; Supporting alternatives to incarceration, such as problem-solving courts; and Strengthening oversight of the federal grant program and holding states accountable for failing to meet core grant requirements to protect the safety of minors in the justice system. This bill is expected to be taken up in the House of Representatives on suspension and quickly sent to the President for signature to become law. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/speeches/time-to-wake-up-cop24,Time To Wake Up: COP24,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Sheldon Whitehouse,W000802,www.whitehouse.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.11.18 Time To Wake Up: COP24 As-prepared for delivery Mr. President, this week, nations of the world are gathering in Katowice [cat-oh-vee-za], Poland, to review and we hope amplify their commitments to reduce carbon emissions under the 2015 Paris Agreement, and to discuss how they will report and verify reductions in carbon pollution. The U.S. is technically present in the form of a small delegation, but American leadership on climate change is decidedly absent. Why? Because the government of the United States of America has fallen under the political control of the industry most responsible for this mess. American leadership was essential to forging the global consensus on carbon emissions in the original Paris Agreement. I know because I was there in Paris in 2015 as Secretary Kerry and the U.S. negotiating team worked to seal the landmark pact. What a pathetic difference a few years make. In 2017, President Trump announced that the U.S. would become the only country in the world to turn its back on this agreement. The U.S. abdicates its leadership just as the scientific warnings of the dangers of climate change grow clearer, and grimmer. In October came a new report from the world's scientists working through the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Last month, the federal government released its own sobering news about the worsening risks climate change poses to our nation and our economy. Our National Climate Assessment warned of hundreds of billions of dollars in losses due to climate change if we don't act to curtail carbon emissions. Trump's responded first by describing his own very high levels of intelligence, but then simply denied all the science because, he said, I don't see it. Well, guess what? Pope Paul V didn't see it when Galileo demonstrated that the earth revolved around the sun. That didn't change the astrophysics. The climate science, laid out in black and white by Trump's own government, is that our planet is heating up due to our use of fossil fuels. The science is even more incontrovertible than when Donald Trump said it was incontrovertible in 2009. Saying he now doesn't see it, is the very definition of denial. Willful blindness would be another term. The takeover of our government by fossil-fuel forces is having very real consequences in U.S. emissions numbers. After years of decline, U.S. carbon emissions rose in 2018, increasing by 2.5 percent. This of course coincides with the Trump administration's efforts to delay, repeal, and weaken rules limiting carbon emissions from power plants, oil and gas wells, industrial facilities, and vehicles. Of course all of these industries share the blame for not cleaning up their mess on their own, as well as for pushing the Trumpsters to weaken their safety regulations. Chinese carbon emissions increased in 2018, as did Indian emissions. Among major economies, only the European Union saw its emissions decline in 2018. This is why international summits like Poland are so importantthe world urgently needs to correct course, and we can only do so if countries together do their part to reduce emissions. According to the IPCC, to avoid the most catastrophic effects of climate change, we need to cut carbon emissions to 50 percent below 2010 levels by 2030, only 11 years from now, and we need to hit net zero emissions by 2050. The IPCC report calls pricing carbon the central policy that will allow us to hold the global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius or less. If you're sincere about market capitalism, where the costs of a product need to be in the price of the product for markets to work, this is pretty obvious. Where this gets difficult is if you're a fake free-marketeer who's really fronting for the fossil fuel industry. But if you're not faking it to cover for the industry who funds your party, it's pretty straightforward economics: you put the public harm externalities into the price of the product. The good news is that many governmentsfrom cities, states, and provinces to countries and regionsare already pricing carbon. This chart shows the various governments that have set a price on carbon, either through emissions trading (in green) or a carbon fee (in purple). The prices vary. Sweden, for example, charges almost $140 per ton of carbon emitted, covering nearly 50 percent of the nation's emissions. The Canadian province of British Columbia enacted a carbon fee in 2008, rising over time to its current price of $35 per ton. In the four years following the British Columbia carbon fee, fossil fuel use decreased by 17 percent in the province, compared to a 1 percent increase in the rest of Canada. And British Columbia's economy grew faster than that of any other Canadian province. Why would it not? One hundred percent of the revenues raised from British Columbia's carbon fee are returned to taxpayers in the form of other tax cuts. And 70 percent of British Columbians support the policy. So what about the U.S.? California has put a price on carbon via an emissions trading system, as have the nine Northeastern states, including Rhode Island, that are members of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. For the moment, the prices in California and the RGGI states are still relatively low, around five bucks for RGGI. Senator Schatz and I have introduced an American Opportunity Carbon Fee Act to assess a carbon fee starting at $50 per metric ton of emissions in 2019the mid-range of the Office of Management and Budget's 2016 estimates of the social cost of carbon, the long-term damage done by carbon pollution. Our market-based proposal is an appeal to true conservative Republican colleagues. But the fossil fuel industry keeps a stranglehold on the Republican Party, preventing climate action, even using market principles. Things are unlikely to change as long as millions of industry dollars slosh around Washington, protecting this corrupting industry from having to account for the costs of its pollution. America is called the indispensable nation, and American leadership is indispensable if we are to achieve a global response to a global challenge. But American leadership is lacking because the dark money and sleazy operatives of the fossil fuel industry today control the Trump administration and the Republican Party. There used to be a guy in this body who said, Country First. We could use a little of that now, in this tragic Trump sleazefest. It is time to wake up.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/heitkamp-remarks-in-farewell-speech-on-working-with-whitehouse,Heitkamp Remarks in Farewell Speech on Working with Whitehouse,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Sheldon Whitehouse,W000802,www.whitehouse.senate.gov,,,legacy,Thank you Senator Heidi Heitkampthe Senator who got Senator Whitehouse and Mitch McConnell on a bill that involves carbon and the coal industryfor your service here in the Senate and your courageous commitment to doing what's right. You will be missed by all of us who had the pleasure of working alongside you for the past six years.,1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/ccap-head-starts-plan-for-a-new-early-learning-center-on-broad-street_gets-nearly-1-million-boost,CCAP Head Start’s Plan for a New Early Learning Center on Broad Street Gets Nearly $1 Million Boost,2018-12-10,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Jack Reed,R000122,www.reed.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12/10/2018CRANSTON, RI Donning a hard hat and swinging a ceremonial sledge hammer, U.S. Senator Jack Reed today helped mark the start of renovations to a new Head Start early education center facility on Broad Street, and assisted Comprehensive Community Action Program (CCAP) with its mission of empowering low-income families to overcome barriers to economic opportunity and educational development. Senator Reed was joined at the event by CCAP President and CEO Joanne McGunagle; Mayor Allan Fung; Councilman Steven Stycos (Council Ward 1), early childhood educators, and other dignitaries. The walls came tumbling down and the interior will soon have a new look thanks in part to a $938,708 federal grant Senator Reed helped secure for CCAP's Child Development Centers Head Start Program. When it is completed, the Head Start renovation and expansion project will give students much-needed state-of-the-art classroom space, as well as space for future growth. Head Start is a federal program that provides early childhood education, health, nutrition and parent involvement services to low-income children and families. Children cared for at CCAP's Head Start and Early Head Start centers range from infants to three-year-olds and receive nutritious meals and snacks along with quality care focused on educational, social, and emotional development. Renovating this space will help CCAP expand their classroom space while also expanding opportunities for kids, said Senator Reed, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee. We want every child to have a chance to start off strong and achieve their full potential. I am proud to have helped deliver these federal funds. This is a win for the neighborhood, especially young families in need of high-quality, affordable, comprehensive care and education that are the hallmarks of Head Start. I commend Joanne McGunagle for her vision and leadership and everyone at CCAP for making a positive difference. They are preparing children to succeed, putting them on a path to a brighter future, and improving outcomes for children, families, and our community. Joanne McGunagle, MPA, President and Chief Executive Officer, CCAP, stated: We are thrilled to have receive this grant and grateful to Senator Reed for all his support. As the City of Cranston's largest child care provider this new state of the arts child development center will give us a permeant home in the eastern part of Cranston allowing young families' better access to high quality Head Start, Early Head Star and Child Care in their neighborhood. CCAP's Child Development Centers Head Start Program is being awarded the renovation grant by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Office of Head Start. In April, 2018, CCAP purchased 1725 Broad Street in Cranston. This new facility will allow CCAP to expand the number of classrooms serving infants six weeks to three years of age (one infant/toddler classroom with eight children) and children ages three to five (two preschool classrooms with 18 children in each room). This new, state of the art Head Start site will enable the program to be more neighborhood focused in the northeast part of Cranston. CCAP is the largest child care provider in Cranston and currently serves 270 children, including 182 Head Start students and 20 infants/toddlers in Early Head Start. A senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Reed helped secure $10.06 billion nationally for Head Start in the FY 2019 Appropriations spending package, an increase of $200 million over the last fiscal year. Each year, Rhode Island receives over $27 million in federal funding to serve over 2,630 infants, toddlers, and pre-schoolers enrolled in early learning programs like Head Start, and give parents peace of mind that their children are being well-cared for while they are working to support their families. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-statement-cohen-filings,Cicilline Statement on Cohen Filings,2018-12-07,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,David Cicilline,C001084,cicilline.house.gov,,,legacy,"PAWTUCKET Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC) Chair David N. Cicilline (RI-01), who serves on the House Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement tonight: The Department of Justice has concluded that the President of the United States directed his personal attorney to commit two separate felonies. These are incredibly serious allegations. It is Congress's responsibility to hold the President accountable if he has broken the law. For the last two years, Republicans in the House have done everything they can to avoid the corruption surrounding this presidency. They should not wait for Democrats to take control in January. Republicans should work with us to immediately begin conducting real oversight of the President and his administration.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-reacts-repeated-air-force-background-check-failures-run-sutherland-springs,Langevin Reacts to Repeated Air Force Background Check Failures in Run up to Sutherland Springs Shooting,2018-12-07,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Jim Langevin,L000559,langevin.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI), a senior member of the House Committee on Armed Services, issued the following statement regarding the Department of Defense Inspector General Report entitled: Report of Investigation into the United States Air Force's Failure to Submit Devin Kelley's Criminal History Information to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Langevin led a letter to Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson in the days following the shooting requesting a thorough review of failures that led to the shooter, a former airman with a documented history of domestic violence, being able to buy a firearm and kill more than two dozen worshippers at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas. The Inspector General's report is very disturbing. There were six opportunities for the Air Force to ensure this dangerous individual could not purchase a firearm, yet information about his history of violence was never conveyed to the FBI. These systematic failures are unacceptable, and I will continue vigorous oversight in Congress to ensure a lapse like this never happens again. The victims of the Sutherland Springs shooting deserved better from our government, and while nothing will bring their loved ones back, we owe it to them to do everything in our power to keep guns out of the wrong hands and stem the tide of gun violence that has taken so many innocent lives.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/photos/reed-to-announce-project-to-address-marine-debris-on-aquidneck-island,Reed to Announce Project to Address Marine Debris on Aquidneck Island,2018-12-07,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Jack Reed,R000122,www.reed.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Reed to Announce Project to Address Marine Debris on Aquidneck Island 12/07/2018Senator Reed helped announce the start of a new, two-year project led by environmental non-profit Clean Ocean Access and funded through a grant from pollution-reduction organization 11th Hour Racing entitled Healthy Soils Healthy Seas RI, which will address the growing problem of marine debris by advocating for increased composting on Aquidneck Island. Clean Ocean Access hopes the project will promote a behavioral change in Rhode Islanders by encouraging them to think more about environmentally-friendly trash removal. The project will collaborate with local organizations Rhodeside Revival, the Compost Plant, and Aquidneck Community Table.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-statement-on-barr-,Whitehouse Statement on Barr,2018-12-07,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Sheldon Whitehouse,W000802,www.whitehouse.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.07.18 Whitehouse Statement on Barr Providence, RI U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement today on the nomination of William Barr for Attorney General: Barr is an experienced and able lawyer. I will have questions about his record and positions on pressing issues facing the Department of Justice, particularly his willingness to defend the Department's investigationsincluding Bob Mueller'snow looking at the Trumps and Trump cronies. Barr's strange calls for the Department to investigate fringe conspiracy theories involving the Clintons raise questions, both about his partisanship and judgment. His confirmation will require close scrutiny in the Senate, and I look forward to getting answers in the coming weeks. This nomination still doesn't solve the problem of the unconstitutional appointment of Matthew Whitaker, whose political and professional conflicts of interest are disqualifying, and who should be removed. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-langevin-help-deliver-20-million-pell-bridge,"Cicilline, Langevin Help Deliver $20 Million for Pell Bridge",2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,David Cicilline,C001084,cicilline.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC) Chair David N. Cicilline (RI-01) and U.S. Congressman Jim Langevin (RI-02) applauded the allocation of $20 million in federal funds for improvements on ramps and roadways servicing the Pell Bridge in Newport. Cicilline and Langevin advocated for the funding directly with the U.S. Department of Transportation. This critical funding will meet one of Rhode Island's most pressing infrastructure needs, said Cicilline, who represents Aquidneck Island in Congress. It will strengthen our economy, making it easier to move goods and services and enhancing quality of life across our state. I look forward to seeing this money put to work. As one of our state's iconic structures, the Pell Bridge serves as a major transportation artery for thousands of Rhode Islanders who travel across Narragansett Bay every day, said Congressman Langevin. These federal funds will help state and local officials repair and revitalize the bridge and its on-ramps. This important work will improve safety, relieve congestion, and make way for increased economic development opportunities. The funding announced today will support construction to rebuild and improve the layout of the ramps and roadways leading to the Pell Bridge from Aquidneck Island. The money is being provided to the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) through the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) discretionary grant program. In addition to providing a significant infrastructure investment, the project will open 30 acres of land for redevelopment in the City of Newport. Cicilline, who serves in the House Democratic Leadership as Chair of the DPCC, helped craft a $1 trillion infrastructure investment plan that will help create 16 million new, good-paying jobs after it is signed into law.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-cicilline-help-deliver-20-million-pell-bridge,"Langevin, Cicilline Help Deliver $20 Million for Pell Bridge",2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Jim Langevin,L000559,langevin.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Congressman Jim Langevin (RI-02) and Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC) Chair David N. Cicilline (RI-01) applauded the allocation of $20 million in federal funds for improvements on ramps and roadways servicing the Pell Bridge in Newport. Cicilline and Langevin advocated for the funding directly with the U.S. Department of Transportation. As one of our state's iconic structures, the Pell Bridge serves as a major transportation artery for thousands of Rhode Islanders who travel across Narragansett Bay every day, said Congressman Langevin. These federal funds will help state and local officials repair and revitalize the bridge and its on-ramps. This important work will improve safety, relieve congestion, and make way for increased economic development opportunities. This critical funding will meet one of Rhode Island's most pressing infrastructure needs, saidCongressman Cicilline, who represents Aquidneck Island in Congress. It will strengthen our economy, making it easier to move goods and services and enhancing quality of life across our state. I look forward to seeing this money put to work. The funding announced today will support construction to rebuild and improve the layout of the ramps and roadways leading to the Pell Bridge from Aquidneck Island. The money is being provided to the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) through the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) discretionary grant program. In addition to providing a significant infrastructure investment, the project will open 30 acres of land for redevelopment in the City of Newport. Cicilline, who serves in the House Democratic Leadership as Chair of the DPCC, helped craft a $1 trillion infrastructure investment plan that will help create 16 million new, good-paying jobs after it is signed into law.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://langevin.house.gov/press-release/social-enterprise-greenhouse-wins-eda-funding-statewide-expansion,Social Enterprise Greenhouse Wins EDA Funding for Statewide Expansion,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Jim Langevin,L000559,langevin.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Jim Langevin and David Cicilline today announced that Providence-based social impact business incubator Social Enterprise Greenhouse (SEG) has won a $257,321 competitive grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) to grow the organization's footprint in Pawtucket, Central Falls, and Newport. The expansion will provide support to a more diverse population of social entrepreneurs as they create jobs and grow Rhode Island's innovation economy. The Social Enterprise Greenhouse is proving that Rhode Island entrepreneurs can do well while doing good in the community, said Whitehouse. With this federal grant, the Social Enterprise Greenhouse can help scale the success of more small businesses that are creating jobs and making Rhode Island a better place. I've long been a proponent of the work done at the Social Enterprise Greenhouse, said Langevin.SEG has already helped several Rhode Island entrepreneurs launch businesses that have a positive social and economic impact, and this funding will help further expand the reach of its valuable services. Social Enterprise Greenhouse has and continues to be a great partner in helping entrepreneurs develop and succeed in creating market-driven solutions to social problems, said Cicilline. This funding will help continue their tradition of developing a strong work force in Rhode Island and creating an economy that works for everyone. SEG provides social entrepreneurs with the tools and networks they need to thrive. An expanded footprint will allow SEG to serve and connect entrepreneurs operating outside of Providence. The federal grant will support a market assessment, the recruitment of entrepreneurs, and technical assistance and ongoing support for social ventures. The SEG Community is honored and thrilled to receive this award from the EDA, said Kelly Ramirez, CEO of SEG. The support will enable us to more intentionally expand our footprint into communities across Rhode Island, particularly those designated as opportunity zones. The end goal is to ensure that more businesses and entrepreneurs have access to and can leverage the resources of Rhode Island's entrepreneurship ecosystem. The funding was awarded as part of the EDA's i6 Innovation Challenge, which supports the creation of centers for innovation and entrepreneurship across the country.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-new-20-million-federal-grant-to-revamp-pell-bridge-ramps,Reed: New $20 Million Federal Grant to Revamp Pell Bridge Ramps,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Jack Reed,R000122,www.reed.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12/06/2018WASHINGTON, DC Newport's vision for revamping the Pell Bridge ramp system got a significant boost today as U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD), announced a new $20 million federal grant to support state and local efforts to realign the Pell Bridge ramps to enhance safety, relieve traffic congestion, improve efficiency, and free up dozens of acres of land for economic development. Senator Reed has worked for over a decade to provide federal funding to support plans to reconfigure the ramps to improve traffic flow and safety. In the 2005 transportation law (SAFETEA-LU), Reed secured an initial $5 million earmark to help jumpstart the state and local planning process and obtain some of the rights of way needed to move the project forward to this stage. At 11,247 feet in length, the iconic Pell Bridge is the longest suspension bridge in New England and will mark its 50th anniversary next year. The bridge is owned and operated by the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority and serves as key artery for regional commuters, beach traffic, and military personnel travelling to and from the U.S. Naval War College. The existing roads and on-ramps that service the bridge are in need of maintenance and the state has undertaken a comprehensive and ongoing planning assessment with public input to develop a ramp reconfiguration and re-use plan for the area that could become available. The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) will receive the federal funds. Senator Reed created and secured this pool of funding in the fiscal year 2018 appropriations law. The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). In its application, RIDOT estimated the overall project would cost a total of $66.1 million, with state and local contributions. Reed, along with Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), led efforts to allocate $1.5 billion for the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development' (BUILD) grant program, also known as the popular Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant program, in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018. BUILD funding is designed to ensure that competitive federal funding is available for transportation infrastructure projects nationwide. I am pleased to help deliver this federal funding for Newport and the state. I commend Secretary Chao for recognizing the importance and potential of this project to improve safety and efficiency while spurring economic development, said Senator Reed. This is an exciting investment opportunity for Newport that could really transform the gateway to the city while relieving traffic congestion and improving mobility. According to RIDOT: the reconstruction of the Newport Pell Bridge Approaches is in the design phase. The project was started to address the need to make travel into Newport easy and safe and to provide an efficient ramp system with a smaller footprint. The project will reduce congestion and vehicle queuing on the Pell Bridge and improve the connection between Newport's North End and the downtown area by reconfiguring the approach ramps to the Newport Pell Bridge. It will also spur economic development as it frees up parcels of land. For more information regarding Environmental Assessments, please visit: www.pellbridge-ea.com In August, Senator Reed sent a letter supporting the state's application to Secretary Chao, noting: Besides bringing deteriorating transportation infrastructure into a state of good repair, the project will improve the flow of traffic onto several state and local roads, and it will improve safety by reducing queuing on and off the bridge. The improvements will also improve access to Newport's world renowned tourist attractions and events, as well as to other economic centers on Aquidneck Island, including Naval Station Newport, the Naval War College, and the Naval Undersea Warfare Center. Most significantly, the project will open up 30 acres of land within a recently designated opportunity zone for redevelopment by the City of Newport as the anchor for the Newport Innovation Hub. This will be a campus for applied research and commercialization for start-up and existing innovation companies, focused on resilience, ocean, and defense technologies. RIDOT continues to seek public comment on the proposed project and must submit an environmental assessment to the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) for approval before moving forward with preliminary work in the spring or summer of 2019. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/social-enterprise-greenhouse-wins-eda-funding-for-statewide-expansion,Social Enterprise Greenhouse Wins EDA Funding for Statewide Expansion,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Sheldon Whitehouse,W000802,www.whitehouse.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.06.18 Social Enterprise Greenhouse Wins EDA Funding for Statewide Expansion Federal grant will boost social entrepreneurship across RI Washington, DC U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Jim Langevin and David Cicilline today announced that Providence-based social impact business incubator Social Enterprise Greenhouse (SEG) has won a $257,321 competitive grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) to grow the organization's footprint in Pawtucket, Central Falls, and Newport. The expansion will provide support to a more diverse population of social entrepreneurs as they create jobs and grow Rhode Island's innovation economy. The Social Enterprise Greenhouse is proving that Rhode Island entrepreneurs can do well while doing good in the community, said Whitehouse. With this federal grant, the Social Enterprise Greenhouse can help scale the success of more small businesses that are creating jobs and making Rhode Island a better place. I've long been a proponent of the work done at the Social Enterprise Greenhouse, said Langevin. SEG has already helped several Rhode Island entrepreneurs launch businesses that have a positive social and economic impact, and this funding will help further expand the reach of its valuable services. Social Enterprise Greenhouse has and continues to be a great partner in helping entrepreneurs develop and succeed in creating market-driven solutions to social problems, said Cicilline. This funding will help continue their tradition of developing a strong work force in Rhode Island and creating an economy that works for everyone. SEG provides social entrepreneurs with the tools and networks they need to thrive. An expanded footprint will allow SEG to serve and connect entrepreneurs operating outside of Providence. The federal grant will support a market assessment, the recruitment of entrepreneurs, and technical assistance and ongoing support for social ventures. The SEG Community is honored and thrilled to receive this award from the EDA, said Kelly Ramirez, CEO of SEG. The support will enable us to more intentionally expand our footprint into communities across Rhode Island, particularly those designated as opportunity zones. The end goal is to ensure that more businesses and entrepreneurs have access to and can leverage the resources of Rhode Island's entrepreneurship ecosystem. The funding was awarded as part of the EDA's i6 Innovation Challenge, which supports the creation of centers for innovation and entrepreneurship across the country. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-applauds-20-million-grant-to-rebuild-pell-bridge-ramps,Whitehouse Applauds $20 Million Grant to Rebuild Pell Bridge Ramps,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Sheldon Whitehouse,W000802,www.whitehouse.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.06.18 Whitehouse Applauds $20 Million Grant to Rebuild Pell Bridge Ramps Project will improve traffic flow and safety while freeing up land for development Washington, DC U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse today applauded the news that the state of Rhode Island has been awarded $20 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to rebuild the ramps leading to the Pell Bridge from Aquidneck Island. The Pell Bridge, which spans Narragansett Bay to connect Newport and Jamestown, is nearly fifty years old. The Pell Bridge is one of Rhode Island's most iconic structures, said Whitehouse, who advocated for the grant. I'm thrilled to help deliver this federal investment to streamline the gateway to Aquidneck Island and Jamestown for residents and visitors. The funding from the BUILD Transportation grant program, formerly known as the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant program, will support state and local efforts to realign and rebuild the deteriorating ramps on the Newport side of the bridge. The project will improve traffic flow and safety while freeing up acres of land for economic development, including the planned Newport Innovation Hub. As a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, Whitehouse has made investing in Rhode Island's infrastructure one of his top priorities. During the current Congress, Whitehouse has successfully advocated for $20 million to make major improvements to Route 37, in addition to fighting for $26 million in additional federal highway funds for other shovel-ready projects. The National Oceans and Coastal Security Fund created by Whitehouse is distributing approximately $30 million in grants this year to support coastal resiliency and natural infrastructure across the country. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-joins-fellow-doj-alums-in-call-to-replace-whitaker-,Whitehouse Joins Fellow DOJ Alums in Call to Replace Whitaker,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Sheldon Whitehouse,W000802,www.whitehouse.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.06.18 Whitehouse Joins Fellow DOJ Alums in Call to Replace Whitaker Whitehouse: I join my fellow former Department officials in expressing deep concern over Mr. Whitaker's conflicts of interest and the apparent threat he poses to the Department's mission and reputation' Washington, DC Today, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and a former U.S. Attorney, announced he has joined hundreds of fellow Department of Justice alumni in a statement outlining the threat posed by the appointment of Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker. The statement calls on President Donald Trump to appoint a replacement swiftly, and for the Senate to demand the chance to exercise its Constitutional duty of advice and consent. Upon joining the statement, Whitehouse said, Independence from political influence is vital to the Justice Department's work enforcing our nation's laws and protecting Americans' liberties. Elevating a man with deeply troubling political and professional conflicts of interest to Acting Attorney General by skirting the Senate's advice and consent is a serious threat to that independence. I join my fellow former Department officials in expressing deep concern over Mr. Whitaker's conflicts of interest and the apparent threat he poses to the Department's mission and reputation. The former Justice Department officials state: We, the undersigned, are proud alumni of the United States Department of Justice. We have served under Senate-confirmed Attorneys General who come from both political parties. Because of our respect for our oaths of office and our personal experiences carrying out the Department's mission, we are disturbed by the President's appointment of Matthew Whitaker to serve as Acting Attorney General. We know that overseeing the Department of Justice is one of the most important roles in our government. The Attorney General is responsible for ensuring that we are a nation of laws and that every citizen and every government official??including the President himself??is equally subject to those laws. Because of the profound responsibilities the position entails and the independence it requires, it can only be filled by someone who has been subjected to the strictest scrutiny under the process required by the Constitution. Mr. Whitaker has not been confirmed by the Senate, his qualifications to be the nation's chief law enforcement officer have not been publicly reviewed, and he has not been fully vetted for any potential conflicts of interest. While we know that there are thousands of dedicated public servants now at the Department who will do their utmost to protect its mission and reputation, it falls to all of us to ensure that the Department's role in maintaining the rule of law is not undermined or tainted. We therefore call on the President to follow the Constitutional process by nominating an Attorney General, and replacing Mr. Whitaker as Acting Attorney General with the Senate-confirmed official who is next in the line of succession by operation of federal law. We likewise call on the Senate to insist that its Constitutional prerogative to provide advice and consent be respected. Whitehouse has taken a number of actions to challenge the Whitaker appointment. Earlier this week, Whitehouse led 10 Senate colleagues in asking the Department of Justice to detail its handling of Whitaker's serious financial, professional, and political conflicts of interest. Last month, Whitehouse, along with Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Mazie Hirono (D-HI), challenged the appointment of Whitaker in federal court. Whitehouse has also filed a complaint with the Office of Special Counsel over possible violations of the Hatch Act by Whitaker while serving in a prior role for the Department. President Bill Clinton nominated Whitehouse to be Rhode Island's United States Attorney in 1994. Whitehouse has served on the Senate Judiciary Committee since his election in 2006. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-slams-epa-rollback-of-air-pollution-standard-,Whitehouse Slams EPA Rollback of Air Pollution Standard,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Sheldon Whitehouse,W000802,www.whitehouse.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.06.18 Whitehouse Slams EPA Rollback of Air Pollution Standard Washington, DC Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), a senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, released the following statement on the Environmental Protection Agency's proposal released today to ease emissions standards for new fossil fuel-fired power plants: This proposal is another illegal attempt by the Trump administration to prop up an industry already buckling under the powerful force of the free market. Easing the new source performance standard does nothing but deliver a short-term boost for the Trump administration's fossil fuel backers and allow for more reckless carbon pollution. Did the EPA even read the National Climate Assessment, released just last month? If the president cared about coal miners, he would start working on ways to help the industry's workforce adjust to the new economic reality and begin investing in their future. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/speeches/time-to-wake-up-from-coast-to-coast,Time To Wake Up: From Coast to Coast,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Sheldon Whitehouse,W000802,www.whitehouse.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.06.18 Time To Wake Up: From Coast to Coast As-prepared for delivery Mr. President, I'm very pleased that Senator Feinstein is joining me today welcome. We're here to discuss how climate change is affecting the U.S. from the East to the West, from large states like California to the smallest one, Rhode Island small in size, but long on coastline! As coastal states, both Rhode Island and California are on the front lines of climate change. Sea levels are already rising, and as they do, Rhode Island's coastal communities are having to spend more and more money on resiliency projects to protect their roads, bridges, beaches, water treatment plants, harbors, and other infrastructure. A 2017 study by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management found that seven of the state's 19 water treatment facilities are expected to be overwashed by floodwaters driven by climate change. Frankly, just figuring out what this risk looks like is hard for coastal municipalities. Our state's Coastal Resources Management Council has developed a project called STORMTOOLS, which allows Rhode Islanders to see how sea level rise is expected to affect their homes, businesses, beaches, and parks. Here's a STORMTOOLS-generated map of Rhode Island's Upper Narragansett Bay at the end of the century. The bright blue color is now land that gets covered by 10 feet of sea level rise, and the teal is 12 feet of sea level rise. This is STORMTOOLS' business-as-usual scenario, in which the world continues to burn fossil fuels unabated. As you can see, some of Rhode Island's peninsulas will be cut off from land, forming new islands, and some of our islands will disappear underwater. We become an archipelago. A recent New York Times article suggested that we may have to retreat from the coasts, in order to protect ourselves from rising waters and more powerful storms. Why should Rhode Islanders have to do that? Just to protect polluters? No way! Many of us not only live near the sea, but work and sail and fish on it, so climate change threatens our lifestyles, our livelihoods, and our lives. The Union of Concerned Scientists has estimated for the U.S. that by 2100, nearly 2.5 million residential and commercial properties, collectively valued at $1.07 trillion today, will be at risk of chronic flooding.[1] That's just from sea level rise alone; storm surge and rain-driven flooding amplify the risks. In Rhode Island, the real estate firm Zillow has estimated that over 5,300 homes worth almost $3 billion will be lost if the sea level rises six feet.[2] And that's just homes that are already there. People are still building in Rhode Island's coastal zones[3]; there are new homes at risk every day. Why should Rhode Islanders have to face that risk, just to protect polluters? Rising water isn't the only way in which climate change is affecting the oceans. Warming oceans are disrupting traditional fishing grounds, and driving valuable species such as lobster from Rhode Island waters altogether. The just-released National Climate Assessment warns of falling catches. Last week, I met with charter boat captains and recreational fishing enthusiasts from Rhode Island and nearby New England facing changes in the size, geographic range, and number of fish they catch. Commercial fishermen tell similar stories. They are worried that their kids and grandkids won't be able to experience the traditions and lifestyles they cherish, or pursue the same career. Why should Rhode Islanders have to lose this heritage, just to protect polluters? Smoke from massive forest fires in California, Oregon and Canada has affected our air quality in Rhode Island, and in states as far south as North Carolina. These forest fires loft tremendous amounts of fine particulates into the atmosphere. Those particulates exacerbate asthma and other respiratory conditions, and can also increase the risk of diseases like lung cancer. Bad air quality equals bad health. Forest fires aren't the only way in which climate change is degrading Rhode Island's air quality. Hotter temperatures help form ozone. Ozone is dangerous for children, the elderly, and anyone with asthma or other breathing-related difficulties and one in ten Rhode Islanders has asthma. Rhode Island's air quality receives a grade of C from the American Lung Association, largely because of ozone, most of which comes in from upwind states. This isn't just some inconvenience. Across the country, air pollution, much of it made worse by climate change, is responsible for a staggering 200,000 premature deaths each year. Why should Rhode Islanders have to put up with that, just to protect polluters? That's not the only way that climate change affects human health. Temperature extremes worsen health. A study of Rhode Island hospitals, cited in the National Climate Assessment, shows[4] heat-related ER visits skyrocketing when daily temperatures pass 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It predicts that the number of ER visits will increase by 400 per year by 2050, and by up to an additional 1500 per year by 2095. The list of health consequences goes on: disease-carrying insects such as ticks and mosquitoes; noxious algal blooms that produce waterborne toxins and pathogens; longer pollen seasons ramping up allergies. Why should Rhode Islanders have to put up with all that, just to protect polluters? It's not just the doctors who are worried economists paint a grim picture, too. Freddie Mac warns of a coastal property values crash that will rival the 2008 mortgage meltdown: The economic losses and social disruption [] are likely to be greater in total than those experienced in the housing crisis and Great Recession. The Bank of England and numerous academic economists warn of a carbon bubble that poses a systemic risk to the global economy. The National Climate Assessment details grim economic consequences that climate change will have for the U.S. economy. But it doesn't have to be bad economic news. Nobel prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz testified that: [R]etrofitting the global economy for climate change would help to restore aggregate demand and growth. [C]limate policies, if well designed and implemented, are consistent with growth, development, and poverty reduction. The transition to a low-carbon economy is potentially a powerful, attractive, and sustainable growth story, marked by higher resilience, more innovation, more livable cities, robust agriculture, and stronger ecosystems. A 2018 report from the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate estimates that this transition may increase global growth by $26 trillion through 2030 and create 65 million low-carbon jobs. Growth will come from these new jobs; and also from lower energy costs. Stiglitz notes, Many energy efficiency technologies actually have a negative cost to implement. Renewable energy, electric cars, battery storage, carbon capture, energy efficiency, low-carbon and zero-carbon fuels these are technologies of the future, promising millions of great jobs. The question is whether these will be American technologies and American jobs, or whether China, Germany, Japan, and other countries will win the transition to a low-carbon economy. Why should we lose this competition, just to protect polluters? Rhode Island is the home of the Block Island Wind Farm, the nation's first offshore wind facility. The company that developed it was just acquired for half a billion dollars. Rhode Island is also a leader in the composites industry and TPI Composites is manufacturing wind turbine blades and electric bus bodies in Warren, Rhode Island. In ten years, TPI has manufactured more than 10,000 wind blades, and it's gearing up to provide up to 3,350 bus bodies. The University of Rhode Island received $19 million in funding from the National Science Foundation for developing a new research infrastructure to assess, predict and respond to the effects of climate variability on coastal ecosystems. This is the kind of innovation that will help us to respond to the challenge of global climate change if we finally wake up and take it seriously. Or we can just protect the polluters. Thank you for joining me, Senator Feinstein. I yield the floor.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/time-to-wake-up-from-coast-to-coast-with-senator-feinstein,Time To Wake Up: From Coast To Coast with Senator Feinstein,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Sheldon Whitehouse,W000802,www.whitehouse.senate.gov,,,legacy,"About Services Agency Assistance Success Stories Grants Flag Requests Visiting D.C. Student Resources Email Sheldon Events Community Dinners Community Outreach Issues Issue List Legislation News Press Releases In the News Speeches Op-Eds Press Kit Videos x x MENU",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/time-to-wake-up-sciences-latest-warning-with-senators-markey-and-shaheen,Time to Wake Up: Science's Latest Warning with Senators Markey and Shaheen,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Sheldon Whitehouse,W000802,www.whitehouse.senate.gov,,,legacy,"About Services Agency Assistance Success Stories Grants Flag Requests Visiting D.C. Student Resources Email Sheldon Events Community Dinners Community Outreach Issues Issue List Legislation News Press Releases In the News Speeches Op-Eds Press Kit Videos x x MENU",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/whitehouse-floor-remarks-on-the-nomination-of-bernard-mcnamee-to-the-ferc,Whitehouse Floor Remarks on the Nomination of Bernard McNamee to the FERC,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Sheldon Whitehouse,W000802,www.whitehouse.senate.gov,,,legacy,"About Services Agency Assistance Success Stories Grants Flag Requests Visiting D.C. Student Resources Email Sheldon Events Community Dinners Community Outreach Issues Issue List Legislation News Press Releases In the News Speeches Op-Eds Press Kit Videos x x MENU",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/us-senate-approves-reed-collins-murkowski-library-and-museum-bill-,U.S. Senate Approves Reed-Collins-Murkowski Library & Museum Bill,2018-12-05,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Jack Reed,R000122,www.reed.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12/05/2018WASHINGTON, DC In a major victory for libraries, museums, and lifelong learning opportunities, the full U.S. Senate passed the Museum and Library Services Act of 2018 (S.3530) on a unanimous vote. The bipartisan bill, authored by U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) with lead cosponsors Susan Collins (R-ME), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) renews and builds on the $240 million commitment to the federal museum and library programs administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), an independent federal agency that helps museums and libraries across the country advance their educational missions, deliver services, preserve history, and make their collections more accessible. The U.S. Senate sent a strong bipartisan message that robustly supporting the federal agency that helps museums and libraries better serve their communities. IMLS supports programs at more than 120,000 libraries and 35,000 museums nationwide. This is a big, bipartisan win for all who use libraries and museums, and for our communities. Local libraries and museums are cornerstones for their communities. They educate, provide connectivity, and preserve our history and culture. Without this bill, local libraries would have to cutback services. Passage of the Museum and Library Services Act will help us write a new chapter in the digital age, as IMLS helps libraries and museums modernize, collaborate, and strengthen their capacity to serve their communities well into the future. It will help fully leverage the role of libraries and museums in supporting the learning, educational, and workforce development needs of Americans nationwide, and I salute Senators Collins and Murkowski for their leadership and critical support, said Senator Reed, who noted that, since the last reauthorization in 2010, Rhode Island libraries and museums have received over $10 million in federal grants from these programs. This year, Rhode Island has received $1,082,194 from IMLS under the Library and Services and Technology Act Grants to States Program. This bill will help to make certain that small states like Rhode Island are able to receive a fair share of library funding and will help these institutions to adapt to ever-changing community needs. Senator Reed's bill highlights the role of libraries and museums as community hubs, equipped to meet ever evolving community needs. Updating the law to help museums and libraries improve their technology, enhance collaboration, and better serve the public and communities, the reauthorization bill will: Public libraries and museums are central community institutions in Maine and throughout the country. Increasingly, libraries have emerged as hubs not just for literacy and Internet access, but for workforce support and access to important information. The bipartisan Museum and Library Services Act represents a commitment to supporting libraries and museums that do more than accumulate artifacts they tell stories that enrich our communities and inspire the minds of future generations, said Senator Collins. Our bill would bolster that commitment, and I will continue to work with Senator Reed to ensure that libraries and museums across the country receive this vital support. Alaska's libraries and museums do fantastic work, preserving the rich culture and history of communities across the state. I appreciate Senator Reed for his leadership on The Museum and Library Services Act and for his collaboration on incorporating feedback from Alaska's library and museum community, said Senator Murkowski. It's encouraging to know that many of our tribal libraries and museums will be further strengthened through a number of provisions included in this legislation. Strengthen the use of data driven tools to measure the impact and maximize the effectiveness of library and museum services, build capacity, and better tailor local services to address and meet community needs. Enhance IMLS's collaborative efforts with an expanded number of federal agencies to fully leverage the role of libraries and museums in supporting and meeting the needs of Americans. Increase the reservation for Services for Native Americans to more closely match appropriations. Recognize the roles of libraries as community hubs, serving evolving and diverse community needs (including those of rural residents, individuals with disabilities, Native Americans, veterans, military families, and caregivers, among others) in such areas as literacy; education; lifelong learning; health information; workforce development; economic and business development; digital literacy and financial literacy; and new and emerging technology. Enable increases in library formula funding to be shared more broadly across states, while ensuring no state loses funding. Emphasizes recruiting and training of our nation's next generation of library and information science professionals necessary for an information economy from a broad range of backgrounds. Authorize activities to improve the recruitment, preparation, and professional development of museum professionals to preserve our heritage for future generations. Highlight the educational role of museums and the ways that museums engage and strengthen their communities. Encourage partnerships with other agencies, professional networks, and community-based organizations to leverage museum services in service to the nation. In addition to Collins, Murkowski and Gillibrand, Reed's Museum and Library Services Act of 2018 is cosponsored by Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Angus King (I-ME), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Doug Jones (D-AL), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Bob Casey (D-PA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Gary Peters (D-MI), Chris Coons (D-DE), Jon Tester (D-MT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Roger Wicker (R-MS). The American Alliance of Museums reports that there are nearly 850 million visits per year to American museums, and that U.S. museums inject approximately $21 billion into the economy each year. Senator Reed wrote the last Museum and Library Service Act reauthorization law, which President Obama signed in 2010. This year's reauthorization must now be passed by the U.S. House of Representatives before it can be sent to the President to be signed into law. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/speeches/nomination-of-bernard-mcnamees-for-ferc-commissioner,Whitehouse Remarks on the Nomination of Bernard McNamee’s for FERC Commissioner,2018-12-05,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Sheldon Whitehouse,W000802,www.whitehouse.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.05.18 Whitehouse Remarks on the Nomination of Bernard McNamee's for FERC Commissioner Mr. President, I am here today to express my extremely grave concerns about the person we have just begun to move to a vote to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. He would be Commissioner McNamee if we were to confirm him. This is in an administration that has distinguished itself with terrible energy appointmentsconceivably the worst. It is too important to our country to have an independent and reality based Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to allow an industry plant like Mr. McNameewho will never be independent, who will always have his thumb on the scale for the vested interestsget onto the Federal Regulatory Commission. In addition to the bad decisions he will make because he will be trying to throw decisions for the fossil fuel industry, he will also create an enormous amount of litigation because people who come before a Federal administrative agency are entitled to an honest look at their claims, and if the regulatory agency is incapable of giving them that honest look, that is grounds for appeal. McNamee is a walking failure of any honest look at any question in which the fossil fuel industryand specifically the coal industryhas an interest. Sadly, his position isn't just a question of a personal failing; he comes out of a system, and I am going to take some time to describe the system he comes out of. No one less than our late friend Senator John McCain was once asked in an interview: Why has it taken so long for Congress to address climate change? Katie Couric was the interviewer. She asked: Why has it taken so long, Senator? Here was John McCain's answer: Special interests. It is the special interests. It is the utility companies and the petroleum companies and other special interests. They are the ones that have blocked progress in the Congress of the United States and the administration. That is a little straight talk. The way these industries work is kind of interesting. They figured out pretty early on that if they are a big power company or a big coal company or any big fossil fuel polluter and they come forward into a debate and make their argument as ExxonMobil, as Koch Industries, as Murray coal, people will immediately discount what they are saying because people will understand that the companies have a massive conflict of interest, that they have the massive conflict of interest of wishing to continue to pollute for free. So they have set up this whole array of front groups to disguise that it is truly the fossil fuel industry whose hands are pulling our strings. We came to the floor some time ago??a considerable number of the Democratic Senatorsto point out this coordinated, phony, false-front, fossilfuel-funded operation, and we made the phony front group so mad that they actually sent a letter disputing that they were a coordinated group of phony fronts by putting all their phony names together on a single letterhead, arguing that they weren't coordinated together in a letter in which they most obviously were coordinated together. That is how upset they were when the mischief they are up to was pointed out. This was groups like Americans for Tax Reform; ALEC; Cascade Policy Institute; CFACT; Competitive Enterprise Institute; I love this namethe Franklin Center for Government and Public Integrity, which has nothing to do with Ben Franklin and even less to do with public integrity; Georgia Public Policy Foundation; Heritage Foundation; the notorious Heartland Institute, which distinguished itself by putting up billboards equating climate scientists to the Unabomberclassy group, that Heartland; the so-called James Madison Institute, which has nothing to do with James Madison. These groups love to steal the names of historic figures to try to give themselves a little bit of initial credence. There is also a John Locke Foundationhistorians will know how important John Locke was to the founding of this country; the MacIver Institute; Kansas Policy Institute; Montana Policy Institute; NPRI; PRI; Pelican Institute; Rio Grande Foundation; Virginia Institute; and, of course, a Yankee Institute for Public Policy. This whole piece of public relations and propaganda machinery is an ongoing disgrace, and there are some folks who have been looking at it pretty hard recently and saying some pretty rough stuff about it. I would like to start with two recent articles by Paul Krugman. He is no fool. He won a Noble Prize for economics. He begins by noting what everybody who studies this already knows: Climate change poses a major threat to the nation, and some of its adverse effects are already being felt. He goes on to say: There are almost no good-faith climate change deniers. I think he is accurate about that. I think there are almost no good-faith climate change deniers because, to use his phrase, denying science for profit'' has become such a constant activity, as shown by this whole array of phony, fossil-fuel-funded organizations. He goes on to describe some of the history. Climate denial''I am quoting hereactually follows in the footsteps of . . . the long campaign by tobacco companies to confuse the public about the dangers of smoking.'' I have given several speeches about this on the Senate floor. The apparatus that the tobacco companies used to confuse the public about the dangers of tobacco morphed into a bigger, more cleverly hidden, and better funded apparatus but basically started with the same route that the fossil fuel industry took to confuse the public about the dangers of its product in the same way that the tobacco industry tried to confuse the public about the dangers of its product. The tobacco scheme was so fraudulent that they were actually found liable for fraud in Federal courtnot just at the trial court level but upheld at the DC Circuit Court of Appeals. He goes on to say: Every one of the handful of well-known scientists who have expressed climate skepticism has received large sums of money from these companies or from dark money conduits like Donors Trust. And, of course, it also flows through those phony front groups whom I described who wrote back to us to deny that they were coordinated phony front groups. Climate denial is rooted in greed,'' Paul Krugman continues, because it is paid for by the fossil fuel industry. Then he comes back the very next week with a second article, still on the same theme, bewailing the fact that the Republican Party has committed itself to denying the facts on climate change; that it is now completely dominated by climate deniers'' and hostile to science in general.'' He describes the importance of climate denial and the weaponized fake news and the relentless propaganda as being??to use his words, Climate denial, you might say, was the crucible in which the essential elements of Trumpism were formed.'' Denying facts, repeating lies incessantly, manipulating the public debate, delivering weaponized fake news through unreliable sites, and poisoning the public debate with nonsense is how I would generally describe what he was describing. He says: Conspiracy theorizing has long been standard practice among climate deniers. And these are the organizations that propagate those conspiracy theories. He goes on: Most prominent climate deniers are basically paid to take that position, receiving large amounts of money from fossil-fuel companies. He says: If we fail to meet the challenge of climate change, with catastrophic results... it will be a disaster brought on by corruption, willful ignorance, conspiracy theorizing and intimidation. And this question of corruption isn't just coming from the left. There is a free market think tank called Niskanen Center, and Will Wilkinson from that institute just wrote a piece about what he called the spiraling crisis of American corruption,'' which includes the failure to require financial transparency of those who would . . . fix our fates.'' All of these groups hide who their donors are. There is no financial transparency because they are fronts for the fossil fuel industry, and if they reported all the money they got from them, their purpose as front groups evaporates. Creating, Will Wilkinson continues, a class of rich and powerful miscreants who profit by gnawing away at the rule of law.'' God forbid we should have real hearings on climate change, that thereshould be legislative rule of law. God forbid that we should get honest decisions out of EPA based on the science under rule of law. No. None of that. All of that goes under the wind so that rich and powerful miscreants of the fossil fuel industry can get their way. Their pooled wealth, Wilkinson continues, can be deployed to keep them in the money, and that is what is going on, creatingand I think this is a really pointed phrasein our country a doom loop of corruption, distrust and institutional degeneration.'' What our friend Senator McCain said was the mischief of the special interests in stopping climate actionthis is how it is donethrough secret money, dark money, front groups, phony propaganda, all backed up with fossil fuel industry political muscle. It is sickening, and this guy McNamee comes smack out of one of these groupsthe Texas Public Policy Foundation. The Texas Public Policy Foundation has received more than $312 million from Koch-related foundationsthis is Koch Industries, not Coke the drink; I don't want to disparage the wrong CokeKoch Industries and Koch brothers-related foundations between 1998 and 2017$312 million. It also received about $1.5 million from Donors Trust. Donors Trust is an entity that has no business purpose. It is set up to identity-launder donations. So if you don't want somebody to know that ExxonMobil is funding you, ExxonMobil gives the money to Donors Trust, and Donors Trust gives the money to exactly who ExxonMobil told them to because it is donor directed, and now you can report: Guess what. I got my money from Donors Trust, not ExxonMobil. No business purpose. It simply sells transparency out, brings obscurity in, and is a dark money conduit for big special interests. It really is a disgrace. This guy comes out of this world. By the way, there was $100,000 from ExxonMobil also, because they don't hide all their money, which goes into the Texas Public Policy Foundation. The last contribution from the Texas Public Policy Foundation to the Trump's nominee pool was a woman named Kathleen Hartnett White, who did such a horrendous job in the Environment and Public Works Committee, showed such ignorance of environmental matters, and had no clue that carbon dioxide actually reacts chemically with water and is acidifying the oceansthat is science you can do in a high school lab. It is incredibly simple. I have done it here on the Senate floor with one of those bubbler stones for an aquarium and my own breath and our glass of water. To not know that carbon dioxide acidifies the ocean is appallingly ignorant. She also didn't know how much climate change and the warming atmosphere was warming the oceans. Well, it is more than 90 percent of the excess heat trapped by greenhouse gases that have gone into the oceans. The oceans are warming at such a rate that if you took the explosive power of a nuclear weapon??the Hiroshima nuclear bomband converted 100 percent of that energy into heat, you would have to be setting off multiple bombs per second in our oceans to match how fast climate change is warming our oceans. You can measure that with thermometers. This is not complicated. It was too much for her. She couldn't figure it out. When oceans warm, they rise, because oceans expand. Warm water expands as it warms. This is basic physicsno clue. This you can measure essentially with yardsticks. You can measure it at the tide gauges that NOAA and the Navy have run in some cases for a century. This is the world he comes out of. This is the infiltration of the fossil fuel front groups and Koch Industries into what used to be legitimate institutions of government. What really kills me is that McNamee, at one point talking about climate science, said: There's an organized propaganda campaign. . . . The problem is, it's taken hold . . . and there is a lot of money behind this. Well, he is describing something very accurately, but it is not the scientists all across this country, in every one of our home State universities, working on studying and teaching climate science. This is called projection. It is the rhetorical device where you take the sin that you are most obviously guilty of and immediately accuse your adversary of it, so that when you are caught, it looks like it is a tie of mutual criticisms. As Paul Krugman said in one of his pieces, Projection much?'' Indeed. I will close by talking about this guy's effort to prop up coal through these completely bogus power protection plans that have come out of the Department of Energy on his watch and that he has defended here. Even the Trump appointees to FERC threw these dumb things out. They were so bad, totally violating the Federal Power Act. But he was for them. He has said that if you don't preserve coal, you risk resilience and security on the grid. That is a question that FERC is going to be looking at. He ought to recuse himself on this. He has refused to recuse himself on this, but I will tell you there are people who say that it is actually working the other way. Here is an article: Powering into the Future: Renewable Energy & Grid Reliability.'' In addition, renewable energy can strengthen the gridcontributing to capacity and resource adequacy, maintaining local voltage and frequency performance, minimizing grid disturbances, providing grid balancing services, and creating a more flexible and diverse generation fleet. Do you think they are going to get a fair chance in front of this guy when they come to FERC? Here is another headline: Renewable microgrids can enhance grid resilience.'' Here is another one: Against physical risk and cyber-attacks the electric grid have made renewable energy sources more attractive.'' They are more attractive when you measure for protecting against physical risk and cyber attacks. They can add a layer of protection from physical damage to the grid.'' It is not coal. Here is a report out of Texas suggesting that the State's power production can be made more reliable by the addition of solar and wind renewables. Here is an article, headlined: Solar energy is better than coal for national security infrastructuresays Department of Energy.'' I would love to know how McNamee let this get by him. This is his Department of Energy telling the truth because nobody seems to notice. Deloitte: The case for renewables has never been stronger''in part because wind and solar power are now viewed as a solution to grid balancing,'' says Deloitte, while placing downward pressure on electricity prices.'' Solar and wind are placing downward pressure'' on solar and wind prices, and they have also demonstrated an ability to strengthen grid resilience and reliability and provide essential grid services.'' So give me a break about this coal needs to defend the grid'' nonsense. That was cooked up probably by these phony-baloney front groups as an excuse to continue to sell their polluting product. The Deloitte report itself, in the executive summary says: [U]tilities are beginning to demonstrate how distributed, renewable generation in a microgrid setting can be a cost-effective alternative to traditional [transmission and distribution]'' alternatives and protect the grid that way and that [independently owned utilities] are exploring opportunities to enhance resilience through strategic renewable integration.'' Integrating renewables strategically improves grid resilience. Here is the clincher: Various [independently owned utilities]'' will need regulatory license to innovate.'' Whether those reforms will drive innovation fast enough to keep consumers' lights on during future catastrophic weather events'' is yet to be determined. So here they are saying that getting renewables will help to keep people's lights on, but how are they ever going to get a fair hearing from this guy who pretends, based on phony-baloney front group information, that it takes coal grants to keep the grid secure when all these reports show that just plain isn't true? It is nonsense. The worst of all and the closer for him was that he was on the 2009 transition team for Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli when he was elected attorney general of Virginia. I am really honored that our departing Senator from Florida (Bill Nelson) happens to be here on the floor today, because he and I are both graduates of the University of Virginia. There was a scientist at the University of Virginia named Michael Mann. He was a climate scientist. He is the guy who did what became known as the hockey stick graph, which showed carbon emissions and then boom, up it goeslike the blade of a hockey stickat the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. So how did the fossil fuel industry react to that? Did they engage him in scientific debate? No, they tried to get him fired. They sent their front groups out to attack his emails to try to get into his emails so they could mock him and set their trolls to work on him. Our university, the University of Virginia, had to fight Attorney General Cuccinelli and take him all the way to the Virginia Supreme Court where his bogus effort to harass and intimidate a climate scientist was finally, once and for all, thrown out by the Supreme Court of the State of Virginia. It was one of the lowest points in rule of law in the history of this country when an attorney general is using his powers of office to flack for an industry that supported him to try to damage the reputation and career of a climate scientist because the science was not showing what the industry wanted. Their solution was to go after the scientist and try to ruin his reputation. It was a disgrace, and this guy was on his transition team. Give me a break. If we can't do better than this, we should all be ashamed of ourselves. Mr. NELSON: Mr. President, would the Senator yield for a question? The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. LEE): Would the Senator yield for a question? Mr. WHITEHOUSE: Of course. Mr. NELSON: I say to my friend, the Senator from Rhode Island, would it be fair to sum up the Senator's statement of what is happening to the planet by saying that the additional heat is prohibited from radiating out into space and is trapped by the greenhouse gases, 90 percent of which is absorbed by the oceans, and as the ocean water heats up, the volume rises, and thus, sea levels rise, and there is an increased heating up of the entire Earth's temperature; is that a true statement? Mr. WHITEHOUSE: That is a very true statement, and I would add that there are very few transcendent moments that take place here in the temple of mammon, where big special interests throw their weight around, but one of them that I have been privileged to be here for was the Senator from Florida, Mr. NELSON, talking about his time in space in a NASA spaceship and looking down on this Earth, not seeing red States or blue States, not seeing sectarian differences or differences among countries, not seeing national boundaries, but seeing us as the small globe spinning through the void that we are. It is a moment I will never forget. When you look at that and think of that message that he brought and think that we are busily doing everything we can to ruin the balance of the systems upon which we depend because we will not say no to the biggest and most muscling and remorseless industry that probably has ever stalked the halls of this building, it is such a national tragedy that this would happen in the United States of America. The whole world will suffer for our failing. The finger will end up pointing at us because the story will come outand it is coming out alreadyabout fossil fuel money and influence and their threats and hidden money and the front groups and the whole piece of stinking machinery in which they operate. So the contrast between the Senator's transcendent view of the globe from space and the foul politics of this industry that we experience here every day is one of the great discrepancies that is hard for me to take into my heart. Mr. NELSON: Mr. President, would the Senator yield for a further question? Mr. WHITEHOUSE: Yes. Mr. NELSON: I say to the Senator from Rhode Island, since it is documented over time that the average annual temperature of the Earth is rising and we see in statistics the measurements of temperature, is it not true that scientists tell us that there is a temperature some 4 degrees-plus Fahrenheit more beyond which there is no return for the Earth continuing to heat? Is that a true statement? Mr. WHITEHOUSE: That is a true statement. The scientists of the world have more or less reached consensus that that 2 degrees Centigrade increase is one we do not want to go beyond because it could set in force further consequences that would accelerate the problem??for instance, large amounts of frozen Arctic methane or undersea methane letting loose. We already see lakes that bubble in Canada and Russia from methane melting up through them. They are methane bubbles, not air bubbles. If that accelerates, there can be a feedback loop in which the input we have done releases more greenhouse gases, which, in turn, makes more greenhouse gases and more temperature and more greenhouse gases and up you go. Of course, a lot of that goes into the oceans, and nobody knows better than Florida what that is doing along your coasts to people's property. So you don't have to wait to hit 2 degrees Centigrade. Right now the safe opinion is that 1.5 degrees Centigrade is all we can afford. The risk that you are wrong is enough to justify trying to stop at 1.5 degrees Centigrade. Why not be safe when you are dealing with our planet? Even well before then, in your State, we are seeing what is going on and we are seeing the daytime flooding. You and I have been walking around in boots on sunny days as the tide comes washing in where it has never been beforethese king tides. We have groups like Freddie Macwhich is not exactly a leftwing, green organizationwarning that because of this, there is a significant chance of there being a coastal property value crash along our coasts as that danger of sea level rise backs into the insurance and the mortgage that you need to be able to buy a house. If you can't insure your house or can't mortgage your houselet me put it another way; if the next person to buy your house can't get insurance or a mortgage, good luck getting a good price on your house. That is it. They predicted it could be as bad as the 2008 mortgage meltdown. It is happening now, and we think that 1.5 to 2 degrees Centigrade that scientists say is a tipping point, with 2 degrees as a clear point of no return where these knock-on consequences will begin to move us out of control??we can't stop it at that point. Mr. NELSON: Mr. President, if the Senator will further yield just for a concluding statement, the Senator from Rhode Island has outlined exactly what is happening in the State of Florida with the rising sea levels, the intrusion of saltwater into the fresh water, the ferocious and highly intense hurricanes. He has also outlined the threat to property values and the normal financial commerce of building buildings and houses that now, along the coastline, may well be threatened in the near future. I thank the Senator for his recitation this evening. Mr. WHITEHOUSE: I thank the distinguished Senator from Florida. He has been a particularly dear friend in our years here together. We sat next to each other on the Intelligence Committee, and I was able to see in that classified session his extraordinary skill as an examiner and cross-examiner of witnesses. He usually began by saying I am just a country lawyer from Florida,'' and everybody on the Intelligence Committee knew when they heard that, it was time to pay attention because something really good was about to happen. This country lawyer knew how to get to the bottom of things in a hurry. His work to protect his home State has been nothing less than inspiring to me, and I appreciate it. If there is one thing we can say is hopeful in all of this mess??on the other side of this building, there are going to be gavels that go into the hands of a party that is not controlled by the fossil fuel industry, and there are going to be inquiries and subpoenas and questions and witnesses, and a lot of what I am talking about is going to become very apparent to the American people. The coverup of the role of the fossil fuel industry and putting people like McNamee into these positions is going to be exposed. I yield.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://langevin.house.gov/press-release/new-legislation-aims-bolster-cybersecurity-education-among-skilled-trades,New Legislation Aims to Bolster Cybersecurity Education Among Skilled Trades,2018-12-04,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Jim Langevin,L000559,langevin.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON On Monday, Congressmen Jim Langevin (D-RI) and Glenn GT' Thompson (R-PA), co-chairs of the Congressional Career and Technical Education (CTE) Caucus, introduced the Cybersecurity Education Integration Act, legislation that provides resources to develop CTE programs of study that include cybersecurity fundamentals. Whether in our hospitals or our power grid, vital systems are increasingly being connected to the Internet, said Congressman Langevin, co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional Cybersecurity Caucus and a senior member of the House Committee on Homeland Security. These connections enable increased efficiency and better service, but they also provide pathways for cyber intruders to cause havoc. We need to offer better training for the workers who deal with these systems on a day-to-day basis, particularly in safety critical industries where lives can be put in jeopardy by malicious cyber actors. These operators have a strong culture of safety, and we need to make sure emerging cyber threats are included in that culture. They are the first line of defense, and our bill ensures they will have the skills they need to keep us safe. Developing a 21st century workforce to meet the technical demands our country is facing now and in the future is paramount, said Congressman Thompson, a senior Member on the House Education & the Workforce Committee. We must ensure we're protecting sensitive data and critical infrastructure from bad actors, and this bill is one step in the right direction. By enabling our next generation of learners to have the most sophisticated and comprehensive educational programs out there, we will be better prepared to protect our most critical systems and assets. I encourage my colleagues to support this bill. The Cybersecurity Education Integration Act would establish a competitive grant program to add cybersecurity into new or existing CTE curricula. Many CTE programs already have strong program elements focused on safety; however, cybersecurity is rarely included as part of that training. To better include cybersecurity as a cultural touchstone within industry, training would have to be incorporated throughout the course of study rather than just as an additional class. Eligible recipients would be partnerships between educational institutions, including community colleges, and local employers. In developing the grant program, the Secretary of Education would be required to consult with the Department of Homeland Security and the National Institute of Standards and Technology, both of which have key roles in protecting US critical infrastructure. The bill authorizes $10 million in funding for the program. The full text of the legislation is available here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/opening-statement-by-ranking-member-reed-at-12-4-hearing-on-dod-nominations,Opening Statement by Ranking Member Reed at 12-4 Hearing on DOD Nominations,2018-12-04,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Jack Reed,R000122,www.reed.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12/04/2018Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to join you in welcoming our nominees. Thank you both for your willingness to serve in positions of great responsibility in the Department of Defense. I would also like to thank your family members who, like all military families, sacrifice so much for the security of our nation. I also note with a heavy heart the loss of U.S. Fifth Fleet commander Vice Admiral Scott Stearney over the weekend. On behalf of the entire Committee, I extend our condolences to his friends, family, and all who knew him. General McKenzie and General Clarke, if confirmed, you will lead combatant commands at the forefront of protecting our national security. As noted by the National Defense Strategy, or NDS, long-term strategic competitions with China and Russia are the principal priorities for the Department, and require both increased and sustained investment. The NDS goes on to say the Department will sustain its efforts to deter and counter rogue regimes such as North Korea and Iran, defeat terrorist threats to the United States, and consolidate our gains in Iraq and Afghanistan while moving to a more resource-sustainable approach. The guidance contained in the NDS is likely to result in significant changes to the commands you have been asked to lead. With respect to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the NDS forecasts reduced force structure and more efficient utilization of what remains. Managing the implementation of those changes and any impact they may have on our ability to carry out counterterrorism operations, deter Iran, and reassure our allies and partners will be significant considerations for CENTCOM in the coming years. With respect to U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM), the focus of the NDS raises questions about the role of special operations forces in the competition with potential near-peer adversaries. Given that special operations forces have been heavily committed to the fight against violent extremist groups since 9/11, SOCOM will necessarily have to evaluate whether its current capabilities are appropriately matched to the operations its forces will be asked to conduct in the future. Additionally, given the already high operational tempo on special operations forces, SOCOM will need to be careful that any additional responsibilities do not overstress the force. I hope both of our nominees will discuss the expected impact of the NDS on the Commands they have been nominated to lead and how any challenges can be mitigated in implementation. Last week we held a hearing with the National Defense Strategy Commission to discuss their review of the NDS. The Commission's report states that there is a relative imbalance of civilian and military voices on critical issues of strategy development and implementation. It goes on to state that civilian voices were relatively muted on issues at the center of U.S. defense and national security policy, undermining the concept of civilian control. When I read the Commission's report, I was struck by these observations and the consequences that such an imbalance could have on the development of defense policy, the impact it could have on the civilian and military personnel serving in the Department, and how it may shape the advice provided to the President. As senior members of the Joint Staff, I hope both of our nominees will share their thoughts on the Commission's finding and how their experience with civilian policymakers would shape their leadership of CENTCOM and SOCOM, respectively. On this point, the committee focused attention in recent years on strengthening the partnership between the SOCOM Commander and the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict, or ASD SOLIC. In particular, section 922 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 enhanced the role of ASD SOLIC to serve as the service secretary-like official responsible for oversight of, and advocacy for, special operations forces. General Clarke, I look forward to hearing your views on the implementation of these reforms and how the ASD SOLIC SOCOM partnership can be further strengthened. Again, I thank you for your willingness to serve and I look forward to your testimony. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/senators-press-justice-department-on-whitaker-benczkowski-conflicts-of-interest,"Senators Press Justice Department on Whitaker, Benczkowski Conflicts of Interest",2018-12-04,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Sheldon Whitehouse,W000802,www.whitehouse.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.04.18 Senators Press Justice Department on Whitaker, Benczkowski Conflicts of Interest Whitaker's $1.2 million in salary from dark money group and Benczkowski's close ties to Russian Alfa Bank are serious ethical red flags, senators write Washington, DC Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chris Coons (D-DE), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Kamala Harris (D-CA) asked the Department of Justice today to detail its handling of the serious financial, professional, and political conflicts of interest of Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker and Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division, Brian Benczkowski. The two officials' activities before arriving at the Justice Department present ethical concerns that agency ethics officials have not yet fully resolved and memorialized. Despite repeated requests for ethics records by members of Congress, and growing concern with the influence Whitaker and Benczkowski have over highly sensitive Justice Department work like Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation, the Department has not been forthcoming. To maintain the public's trust in an impartial DOJ, we urge you to provide prompt, complete, and public responses to the issues we raise, the senators write to the Justice Department's Assistant Attorney General for Administration and Designated Agency Ethics Official and Professional Responsibility Advisory Office. The impartiality and credibility of DOJ's leadership are of national importance. According to financial disclosures, Whitaker has accepted over $1.2 million in compensation as executive director of the Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT), an organization that filed at least 14 complaints in recent years against Democratic politicians, and has spent thousands of dollars on contracts with conservative political attack groups. FACT has received at least $2.45 million from the secretive DonorsTrust, which has been described as the dark-money ATM for the right. Whitaker also allegedly accepted campaign donations this year while serving as a senior Justice Department official to a campaign committee he used for a 2014 run for U.S. Senate. In response to complaints by Senator Whitehouse and others, the United States Office of Special Counsel has opened an independent investigation into whether this conduct violated the Hatch Act. Benczkowski, while serving in private legal practice, represented Alfa Bank, a Russian bank implicated in possible coordination between the Trump campaign and the Russian government during the 2016 presidential campaign. As head of the Criminal Division, Benczkowski is in position to learn details about numerous highly sensitive Justice Department investigations and prosecutions access that is particularly troubling given his political connections in the Trump administration. The Justice Department has written to senators that Benczkowski is recused from matters involving previous clients, but has not provided details of his recusals. In July, Whitehouse and Dick Durbin (D-IL) led 14 Democratic members of the Senate in asking the Justice Department to detail Benczkowski's ethical agreements. Among the senators' concerns was the potential for Benczkowski to access information on Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation. They also raised Benczkowski's commitment to recuse himself from matters related to Alfa Banka recusal that does not encompass the bank's parent company, Alfa Group Consortium. Full text of the senators' letter is below. A PDF copy is available here. December 4, 2018 Mr. Lee Lofthus Assistant Attorney General for Administration and Designated Agency Ethics Official U.S. Department of Justice 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20530-0001 Ms. Stacy Ludwig Director Professional Responsibility Advisory Office U.S. Department of Justice 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20530-0001 Dear Mr. Lofthus and Ms. Ludwig: We write to request an update on, and additional information about, how the Department of Justice (DOJ) is assessing potential conflicts of interestfinancial, professional, and political of Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker and Assistant Attorney General Brian Benczkowski. For background, some of these are renewed requests because DOJ has either failed to respond or has provided incomplete responses to prior requests from Congress. We appreciate the efforts your offices are making to ensure these individuals have been properly vetted. To maintain the public's trust in an impartial DOJ, we urge you to provide prompt, complete, and public responses to the issues we raise below. Matthew Whitaker Matthew Whitaker was appointed Acting Attorney General on November 7, 2018. Mr. Whitaker had previously been appointed to the position of Chief of Staff and Senior Counselor on October 4, 2017. On November 11, 2018, Democratic leaders from the House and Senate wrote to Mr. Lofthus asking, among other things, whether any ethics officials at the Justice Department have advised Mr. Whitaker to recuse from supervision of the Special Counsel investigation, the basis for that recommendation, [and] all ethics guidance the Department has provided to Mr. Whitaker to date. Compliance with the Ethics in Government Act would have required Mr. Whitaker to file financial disclosures with the Department's designated agency ethics officials on two separate occasions: when he joined the Department in 2017 and again by May 15, 2018. The Department is legally required to have these disclosures certified and made available to public requestors within 30 days of their filing.[1] When the Department finally released Mr. Whitaker's financial disclosures on November 20, 2018, it was revealed that DOJ did not certify these disclosures until after Mr. Whitaker had had the opportunity to revise them on five separate occasions (November 7, 8, 16, 19 and 20 of 2018)nearly six months after the deadline for submission, and only after he had been named as Acting Attorney General.[2] These delays only became apparent after Mr. Whitaker was appointed Acting Attorney General outside the line of succession established under 28 U.S.C. 508. Had that law been followed, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who has been confirmed by the Senate and whose financial disclosures and confidential background information have already been fully vetted by it, would now be serving at the nation's chief law enforcement officer. Instead, that role, which is among the most sensitive and consequential in the federal government, is being filled by someone about whom the Senate, DOJ, and the general public know very little. To date, the Department has not produced prior versions of Mr. Whitaker's financial disclosures, any ethics agreements he entered into with the Department, or any other ethics-related counseling he has receivedall of which have been requested and should be made available. Information we have learned about Mr. Whitaker from DOJ and through media reports demonstrates why your offices must complete a prompt and thorough assessment of Mr. Whitaker's financial, professional, and political conflicts of interest, and make public that assessment, as well as any related recusals, waivers, and authorizations. Former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales has argued this is appropriate for Mr. Whitaker's potential involvement overseeing Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation, making the sensible observation that Mr. Whitaker's is not a normal appointment and that public assurances might ease concerns about the president's motives in choosing Whitaker for this important position at this particular moment.[3] Attorney General Gonzales's point is well taken with respect to any issue in Mr. Whitaker's background that may raise concerns under the Ethics in Government Act (5. U.S.C. app. 4 and 5 C.F.R. 2635.501-503), the Hatch Act (5 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.), DOJ rules requiring disqualification because of a prior personal or political relationship (28 C.F.R. 45.2), and applicable bar rules and standards of professional conduct (including Model Rules of Professional Conduct R. 1.11). For example: Since 2015, Mr. Whitaker has received more than $1.2 million in compensation from the Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT), a 501(c)(3) organization promoting accountability from public officials.[4] Between 2014 and 2016, FACT received virtually all of its fundingapproximately $2.45 millionfrom a donor-advised fund called DonorsTrust.[5] DonorsTrust has been described as the dark-money ATM for the right, which allows wealthy contributors who want to donate millions to the most important causes on the right to do so anonymously, essentially scrubbing the identity of those underwriting conservative and libertarian organizations.[6] Given Mr. Whitaker's activities at FACT, discussed below, a necessary part of any conflict of interest review by your offices will be to determine the real parties that funded Mr. Whitaker's activities. The tax laws that limit transparency about dark money in IRS filings should not be treated as impediments to obtaining necessary ethics disclosures now that Mr. Whitaker is a public official. The information is not privileged. Mr. Whitaker served as FACT's executive director until joining the Justice Department in 2017. During and after his tenure at FACT, the organization has filed at least fourteen complaints and requests for investigations with the Department of Justice, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and the Federal Election Commission (FEC) against Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, various Democratic members of Congress, Democratic Party leaders, and Democratic candidates. (See Appendix A for the complete list.) Many of these actions could be or are related to specific matters before DOJ or FBI, and as such raise serious conflict of interest and professional responsibility concerns. From 2015 to 2017, FACT paid America Rising LLC at least $500,000 for research.[7] America Rising describes itself as an opposition research and communications firm whose mission is to help its clients defeat Democrats.[8] FACT also paid $500,000 to Creative Response Concepts, a conservative public relations consulting firm. Creative Response Concepts is perhaps best known for orchestrating the swift boat ads against Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry in 2004.[9] Mr. Whitaker's relationship with these political attack organizations is damaging enough to DOJ's reputation. It also casts serious doubt in the mind of any reasonable person as to his fitness to be impartial overseeing any Criminal Division or Civil Rights Division investigations or prosecutions into voter fraud or suppression.[10] FACT's record of attacking Democratic politicians, its close ties with American Rising, and its funding relationship with DonorsTrust all suggest FACT may have been involved in partisan political activities that violate tax code rules on 501(c)(3) organizations.[11] This casts doubt on Mr. Whitaker's fitness to impartially oversee certain activities of DOJ's Tax Division. During Mr. Whitaker's tenure at FACT, Neil Corkery served on its board of directors. Until 2014, Mr. Corkery also served as the treasurer of the Judicial Crisis Network, a 501(c)(4) organization, and the Judicial Education Project, a 501(c)(3), which together have spent millions of dollars to prevent Chief Judge Merrick Garland from receiving a hearing on his nomination to the Supreme Court and on political campaigns in support of the nominations of Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh.[12] Mr. Whitaker's relationship with Mr. Corkery is plainly relevant to determining whether Mr. Whitaker has a conflict of interest, or can be viewed as impartial in overseeing any of DOJ's work vetting and preparing President Trump's nominees to the federal bench. Pursuant to Ethics in Government Act regulations (5 C.F.R. 2635.501-503), an employee should seek advice from an ethics official before participating in any matter in which the employee's impartiality could be questioned, and if a conflict exists, a determination must be made as to whether the interest of the government in the employee's participation outweighs the concern a reasonable person may question the Department's integrity. This determination must be made in writing. We hope that Mr. Whitaker raised the above facts with ethics officials at DOJ and that DOJ has made determinations regarding conflicts of interest and impartiality when Mr. Whitaker was appointed to his former position. If it did not, there should be no greater priority in your offices than to conduct a thorough assessment that at a minimum addresses the facts above. Brian Benczkowski On July 24, 2018, fourteen Senators requested information concerning Mr. Benczkowski's ethics agreement with the Department, the scope of his recusals, any waivers he has been granted, and any other information relevant to the Department's review of Mr. Benczkowski's prior work as it relates to his compliance with the Ethics in Government Act, associated regulations, Department policy, and the Trump Ethics Pledge, Executive Order 13770.[13] On October 18, 2018, Assistant Attorney General Stephen Boyd provided a cover letter and three documents: a February 26, 2018, review of Mr. Benczkowski's financial disclosure report (which had already been made available to the Senate Judiciary Committee), a Certification of Ethics Agreement Compliance (which is available publicly through the Office of Government Ethics (OGE) website), and a signed copy of the Trump Ethics Pledge (also available through OGE). In response to that letter, staff from Senator Whitehouse's office requested two additional pieces of information: A post-confirmation recusal statement documenting Mr. Benczkowski's specific recusal obligations pursuant to 5 C.F.R. 2634.804. Such statements typically list and describe the specific matters or subjects to which the recusal applies, a statement of the method by which the agency will enforce the recusal, and a list of the positions of those agency employees involved in the enforcement. 5 C.F.R. 2634.804(b)(1). These statements are regularly disclosed by other federal agencies upon request. Further information about the notation in section 7(c) of the Certification of Ethics Agreement Compliance, which indicates Mr. Benczkowski received a 502(d) authorization for a former client on August 21, 2018. Section 502(d) authorizations are regularly made public by the White House,[14] though none have been made public since July 16, 2018. After repeated requests at a staff level, today DOJ provided heavily redacted information about Mr. Benczkowski's 502(d) authorization, and no further information about his recusals. As was noted in the Senators' July 24 correspondence with DOJ, the information we have requested does not address speculative or hypothetical concerns. In private practice, Mr. Benczkowski represented Alfa Bank, a member of the Alfa Group Consortium. Three individuals with ownership interests in Alfa Group ConsortiumMikhail Fridman, Pyotr Aven, and German Khanhave been identified to Congress by the United States Department of Treasury as among senior foreign officials and oligarchs in the Russian Federation, as determined by their closeness to the Russian regime and their net worth.[15] A son-in-law of Mr. Khan, Alex Van der Zwaan, pleaded guilty to lying to federal investigators.[16] Mr. Benczkowski's recusal from the Special Counsel investigation does not address his involvement in any of these matters. The impartiality and credibility of DOJ's leadership are of national importance. By conducting thorough and transparent reviews of Mr. Whitaker and Mr. Benczkowski, your offices play a critical role in ensuring compliance with the high standards DOJ officials historically have sought to maintain. To that end, we request the following: Prompt disclosure of all prior versions of Mr. Whitaker's financial disclosures, any ethics agreements he entered into with the Department, and any other ethics-related counseling he has received, including waivers and authorizations. Prompt disclosure of all written ethics instruments governing Mr. Whitaker during his tenure as Chief of Staff and Senior Counselor to the Attorney General. Prompt disclosure of the additional information about Mr. Benczkowski's conflicts of interest described above. Assurances that the issues raised in this letter about Mr. Whitaker's background will be fully examined by career ethics officials. A commitment that all determinations about Mr. Whitaker's conflicts of interest, including any waivers or authorizations he receives, will be made public. We respectfully request a response to this letter not later than December 11, 2018. cc: The Honorable Charles E. Grassley The Honorable Jerrold Nadler Assistant Attorney General Stephen E. Boyd Appendix A In February 2015, Mr. Whitaker, on behalf of FACT, filed a complaint with the FEC alleging a Democratic data firm made illegal contributions to the Democratic Party and various democratic committees.[17] In March 2015, Mr. Whitaker, on behalf of FACT, wrote a letter to Attorney General Holder requesting the Attorney General's office initiate an action to recover all of Secretary Clinton's email correspondence from her private account during the time she served as Secretary of State.[18] In April 2015, Mr. Whitaker, on behalf of FACT, wrote to Attorney General Holder requesting that he initiate an investigation into Sidney Blumenthal for failing to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act.[19] In April 2015, Mr. Whitaker, on behalf of FACT, filed a complaint with the FEC against Secretary of State Clinton, alleging that she was conducting campaign activities before officially announcing her candidacy.[20] FACT filed a supplemental complaint in June 2015.[21] In May 2015, Mr. Whitaker, on behalf of FACT, filed complaints with the FEC against the NextGen Climate Action Committee and the Correct the Record PAC, alleging illegal contributions and improper coordination.[22] In October 2015, FACT filed a complaint with the Internal Revenue Service against the Clinton Foundation for payments it made to the 2008 Clinton campaign.[23] In December 2015 and January 2016, Mr. Whitaker, on behalf of FACT, filed a complaint with the Office of Government Ethics alleging that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton gave a private company improper access to the State Department based on her personal relationship with the company.[24] In January 2016, Mr. Whitaker called for a special counsel to investigate Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's emails.[25] In October 2016, Mr. Whitaker, on behalf of FACT, filed an FEC complaint against the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee alleging illegal contributions to the Clinton Campaign and to other Democratic congressional candidates.[26] In April 2017, Mr. Whitaker, on behalf of FACT, wrote a letter to Democratic Congressman Joaquin Castro, calling on him to recuse himself from the U.S. House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Russian Active Measures investigation for comments made during a television interview.[27] In August 2017, Mr. Whitaker, on behalf of FACT, filed a complaint with the FEC alleging the Democratic National Committee solicited and accepted illegal contributions from the government of the Ukraine.[28] In April 2018, FACT filed a complaint with the Office of Government Ethics and the Office of the Inspector General of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) against then-CFPB Deputy Director Leandra English, alleging Ms. English misused government funds to bring a lawsuit against President Trump and purported CFPB acting Director Mick Mulvaney.[29] In September 2018, FACT asked DOJ to investigate three outside political groups for allegedly illegally running a crowdfunding website meant to bribe Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) over her upcoming vote on the confirmation of United States Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.[30] During and after Mr. Whitaker's tenure at FACT, FACT is on record stating it has filed numerous complaints with the FEC and congressional ethics committees regarding various Democratic Senators, members of Congress, federal candidates, and Democratic Party officials alleging campaign finance violations. [31] ### [1] 5 U.S.C. app. 105(b)(1). [2] Public Financial Disclosure Report for Matthew Whitaker, OGE Form 278e (Nov. 20, 2018). This delay echoes concerns with DOJ's ethics review process that have been raised previously, including as recently as in 2017, when the Office of Government Ethics' review of DOJ's ethics program found that, among other deficiencies, only 45 percent of public financial disclosure reports were being certified in a timely manner and specifically recommended that this be corrected. See Office of Government Ethics, Ethics Program Review: Department of Justice (Sept. 2017). [7] Robert O'Harrow Jr., supra note 4. [15] Report to Congress Pursuant to Section 241 of the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act of 2017 Regarding Senior Foreign Political Figures and Oligarchs in the Russian Federation and Russian Parastatal Entities, January 29, 2018. [16] The Special Counsel referenced Mr. Khan in his sentencing memorandum for Mr. Van der Zwaan: Van der Zwaan is a person of ample financial meansboth personally and through his father-in-law, a prominent Russian oligarch, who has paid substantial sums to the defendant and his wife. He can pay any fine imposed. Government's Sentencing Memorandum, Crim. No. 18-31 (D.D.C) filed Mar. 27, 2018. [24] Letter from Matthew Whitaker, Executive Director, FACT, to Walter M. Schaub, Director, U.S. Office of Government Ethics (Dec. 11, 2015), available at https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/65db76_058c199460714689b1679e22d380b6b3.pdf; Letter from Matthew Whitaker, Executive Director, FACT, to Walter M. Schaub, Director, U.S. Office of Government Ethics (Jan. 8, 2016), available at https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/65db76_6bf1f2c904d24632b505bd676cbf0884.pdf. [31]E.g., Letter from Matthew Whitaker, Executive Director, FACT, to Federal Election Commission (May 31, 2016), available at https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/65db76_309348f96edf43aeabac981cfdad2eca.pdf; Press Release, FACT, FACT Files FEC Complaint Against Congressional Candidate Michael Eggman (July 27, 2016), available at https://www.factdc.org/single-post/2016/07/27/FACT-Files-FEC-Complaint-Against-Congressional-Candidate-Michael-Eggman; Press Release, FACT, FACT Files Complaint Against McCaskill After McCaskill Brags About Her Own Election Law Violation (Aug. 14, 2015), available at https://www.factdc.org/single-post/2015/08/14/FACT-Files-Complaint-Against-McCaskill-After-McCaskill-Brags-About-Her-Own-Election-Law-Violation; Press Release, FACT, FACT Calls for FEC Investigation into Katie McGinty's Campaign (Aug. 9, 2016), available at https://www.factdc.org/single-post/2016/08/09/FACT-Files-FEC-Complaint-Against-Senate-Candidate-Katie-McGinty; Letter and Complaint from Kendra Arnold, Executive Director, FACT, to Federal Election Commission (Oct. 16, 2017), available at https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/65db76_997c51a31dcf4ade93a0ce564f696008.pdf; Press Release, FACT, FACT Calls for Probe of Joe Manchin (Feb. 6, 2018), available at https://www.factdc.org/single-post/2018/02/06/FACT-Calls-for-Probe-of-Joe-Manchin.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/menendez-reed-warner-pen-letter-to-pres-trump-urging-against-withdrawing-us-from-inf-treaty,"Menendez, Reed, Warner Pen Letter to Pres. Trump Urging Against Withdrawing U.S. from INF Treaty",2018-12-03,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Jack Reed,R000122,www.reed.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12/03/2018WASHINGTONIn a letter to President Donald Trump,SenatorsBob Menendez (D-N.J.),Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee,Jack Reed(D-R.I.),Ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee,and Mark Warner (D-Va.),Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, expressed their serious concerns regarding the Administration's expressed intention to pull the United States out of the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty. While we understand the challenges of getting Russia to reverse its violation of the INF Treaty, the Administration's sudden decision to withdraw unilaterally is a political and geostrategic gift to Russia,wrote the Senators.It takes the focus away from Russia's transgressions and malign behavior and instead feeds a narrative that the United States is willing to shred our commitments unilaterally without any strategic alternative. Additionally, it allows Russia to expand the production and deployment of its intermediate range missile system, the 9M729, which will further menace Europe. The senators' letter comes on the heels of a scheduled NATO Foreign Ministerial later this week, which presents the Trump administration with an opportunityto consult with European allies on the INF treaty and show the United States will not take unilateral steps to the detriment of European security and stability. Moving forward, before taking steps to withdraw or suspend participation in the INF Treaty, we urge you and your administration to engage with Congress on the implications of this step for strategic stability and our relations with European and Asian allies,concluded the Senators. A copy of the letter can be foundbelow. The Honorable Donald J. Trump President of the United States of America The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20500 Dear Mr. President: We write to you to express our serious concerns regarding your announced intention to pull the United States out of the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. Withdrawal from the INF Treaty, which has been a cornerstone of the European security architecture for over thirty years, was announced without any notice or consultations with the Senate, much less a path toward Senate advice and consent to the withdrawal. This was despite multiple opportunities to explain the rationale for this decision, including a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on arms control and Russia held only a few weeks prior to your announcement. In that hearing, senior officials from the Department of State and the Department of Defense provided no indication that a decision to withdraw was even imminent, nor that U.S. forces envisioned any military operational benefit from near-term withdrawal. We are concerned about Russia's ongoing violation of the INF Treaty, and believe Russia must return to compliance and fulfil its obligations. While we understand the challenges of getting Russia to reverse its violation of the INF Treaty, the Administration's sudden decision to withdraw unilaterally is a political and geostrategic gift to Russia. It takes the focus away from Russia's transgressions and malign behavior and instead feeds a narrative that the United States is willing to shred our commitments unilaterally without any strategic alternative. Additionally, it allows Russia to expand the production and deployment of its intermediate range missile system, the 9M729, which will further menace Europe. The United States withdrawal from the INF Treaty also threatens to exacerbate tension in relationships with our European allies, particularly those in NATO. This decision, taken without coordination with foreign partners, once again shows an eagerness to take unnecessary unilateral actions over the objections of our closest allies to the serious detriment of European security and stability. A spokesperson for EU High Representative Federica Mogherini condemned the U.S. withdrawal from INF noting the world doesn't need a new arms race that would benefit no one and on the contrary would bring even more instability. Other leaders from major European allies echoed these sentiments, expressing deep concern that in withdrawing from the INF Treaty the United States was moving toward an unconstrained nuclear arms race with Russia. Given the lack of strategic forethought and planning apparent in the hasty decision to withdraw from the INF Treaty, we believe it is important for the U.S. government to re-emphasize the integral nature of effective arms control as a part of nuclear deterrence and strategic stability. In fact, our nuclear defense planning and modernization programs are contingent on the arms control architecture the United States has diligently built over many decades. The decision to withdraw from the INF Treaty suggests that you may take a similarly dangerous approach and renege on other key arms control agreements, such as New START, which would only serve to diminish international security further and potentially necessitate vast increases in nuclear spending. We do not believe that the degradation of our arms control agreements that have provided strategic stability for decades serves U.S. security interests or those of our allies and partners. Moving forward, before taking steps to withdraw or suspend participation in the INF Treaty, we urge you and your administration to engage with Congress on the implications of this step for strategic stability and our relations with European and Asian allies. We also ask you to consider once again the importance of arms control within the context of U.S. and international security. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-statement-passing-president-george-hw-bush,Langevin Statement on Passing of President George H.W. Bush,2018-12-02,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Jim Langevin,L000559,langevin.house.gov,,,legacy,"Langevin Statement on Passing of President George H.W. Bush Dec 1, 2018 WARWICK, RI - Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) issued the following statement following the passing of President George H.W. Bush: Today we mourn the passage of President George H.W. Bush, a true statesman and public servant. He signed the ADA into law that ushered in an era of inclusion and equality for millions of people with disabilities. He will be missed, but his legacy will live on. I extend my condolences and my thoughts and prayers to the entire Bush family.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-statement-death-former-president-george-h-w-bush,Cicilline Statement on Death of Former President George H. W. Bush,2018-12-01,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,David Cicilline,C001084,cicilline.house.gov,,,legacy,"PAWTUCKET Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC) Chair David N. Cicilline (RI-01) issued the following statement today: President George H. W. Bush embodied our country's highest ideals of service and devotion to a cause greater than yourself. As a young man, who was born into privilege and who came of age during World War II, George Bush was told over and over again to stay in school and let others fight the war for him. Instead, he answered the call to serve. As the youngest pilot in the Navy, he commanded the largest bomber plane in the Pacific fleet. He survived after being shot down and later earned the Air Medal, two Gold Stars, and the Distinguished Flying Cross for his service. At the end of the war, George Bush left his native New England for Texas where he would start a family with his beloved wife, Barbara. After nearly two decades of success in business, he once again felt called to service. Whether a diplomat, Congressman, CIA Director, Vice President, or President, George H. W. Bush always served the country he loved with honor, dignity, and grace. Few Americans will ever know the joys of public service as well as President Bush did. My thoughts are with his entire family today.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-statement-dojs-bump-stock-rule,Cicilline Statement on DOJ's Bump Stock Rule,2018-12-01,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,David Cicilline,C001084,cicilline.house.gov,,,legacy,"PAWTUCKET - Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC) Chair David N. Cicilline (RI-01), who authored the Automatic Gunfire Prevention Act, which is co-sponsored by 175 members of the House and 41 members of the Senate, issued the following statement today: It should not have taken more than a year since Las Vegas to get to this point, but it's a step in the right direction. In order to permanently end the threat that bump stocks pose to public safety, Congress must act. The Automatic Gunfire Prevention Act will stop, once and for all, the sale of these devices that turn semi-automatic rifles into the functional equivalent of machine guns. Both chambers of Congress should pass this bill as soon as possible.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-statement-on-passing-of_former-president-george-h-w-bush,Reed Statement on Passing of Former President George H. W. Bush,2018-12-01,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Jack Reed,R000122,www.reed.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12/01/2018WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Jack Reed issued the following statement on the passing of George Herbert Walker Bush, the forty-first President of the United States: We mourn the loss of former President George H. W. Bush and thank him for a lifetime of patriotic service. He was just 18 years old when he began his career as a naval aviator during World War II. His commitment to public service continued in Congress, diplomatic and intelligence posts, as Vice President and President, and throughout his post-presidency. We may not have agreed on every issue, but you had to admire his character, integrity, and resolve. He wasn't afraid to work across party lines to improve the lives of Americans and people around the world. He deserves great credit for signing the Americans with Disabilities Act into law. His humanitarian work and disaster relief efforts have helped change lives and uplift communities at home and abroad. He and his beloved, late wife Barbara were devoted to our nation and each other. We are grateful for their service and prayerful they are reunited once more. Our sincere condolences to the Bush family. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/whitehouse-statement-on-death-of-george-hw-bush,Whitehouse Statement on Death of George H.W. Bush,2018-12-01,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,RI,Sheldon Whitehouse,W000802,www.whitehouse.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.01.18 Whitehouse Statement on Death of George H.W. Bush Newport, RI U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) released the following statement on the passing of the 41st President, George H.W. Bush: Today I join all Americans in remembering the life and legacy of President Bush, who served his country in uniform and in office. Sandra and I wish peace and comfort for the Bush family as they bid him farewell. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/langevin-cicilline-laud-house-passage-bill-honoring-army-captain-matthew-j-august,"Langevin, Cicilline Laud House Passage of Bill Honoring Army Captain Matthew J. August",2018-11-30,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,RI,David Cicilline,C001084,cicilline.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) and David Cicilline (D-RI) applauded House passage of legislation designating the post office in Saunderstown, Rhode Island, as the Captain Matthew J. August Post Office. Captain August made the ultimate sacrifice for his country, and I am humbled to be able honor his memory with this post office dedication, said Langevin. He served Rhode Island and our nation with distinction, and this bill will help memorialize his brave legacy in his hometown. Army Captain Matthew J. August was a proud Rhode Islander who laid down his life for our country during Operation Iraqi Freedom, said Cicilline. I am pleased that this bill to create a permanent memorial to his life is now one step closer to becoming law. Army Captain Matthew J. August was born and raised in North Kingstown, where he attended local schools and graduated from Bishop Hendricken High School in 1993. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1997 and deployed to Iraq in 2003 in command of B Company, 1st Engineer Battalion, 1st Infantry Division attached to the 82nd Airborne. On January 27, 2004, Captain August was killed in action leading his company on a mission to find and destroy munitions in Khalidya, Iraq, when his convoy was ambushed. He was the first Rhode Islander to be killed in action in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Captain August was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign and Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medals and Combat Action Badge. During his career, he also received the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaves, National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service and Overseas Service Ribbons. Captain August is survived by his parents, Donna and Richard August; his brother, Brig. Gen. Mark August, USAF; his sister, Melanie Cargilo, and their families. Matthew gave his life to make the world safer for future generations, said Richard and Donna August. We couldn't be more proud of Matthew, and we want to thank our Congressional leaders for ensuring his memory is never forgotten. The bill, S. 3414, was introduced by Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) on September 6, 2018, and cosponsored by Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI). Congressman Langevin introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives the same day, which was cosponsored by Congressman Cicilline. S.3414 passed the Senate on November 15, 2018, and will now go to the President's desk for his signature.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-cicilline-laud-house-passage-bill-honoring-army-captain-matthew-j-august,"Langevin, Cicilline Laud House Passage of Bill Honoring Army Captain Matthew J. August",2018-11-30,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,RI,Jim Langevin,L000559,langevin.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressmen Jim Langevin (D-RI) and David Cicilline (D-RI) applauded House passage of legislation designating the post office in Saunderstown, Rhode Island, as the Captain Matthew J. August Post Office. Captain August made the ultimate sacrifice for his country, and I am humbled to be able honor his memory with this post office dedication, said Langevin. He served Rhode Island and our nation with distinction, and this bill will help memorialize his brave legacy in his hometown. Army Captain Matthew J. August was a proud Rhode Islander who laid down his life for our country during Operation Iraqi Freedom, said Cicilline. I am pleased that this bill to create a permanent memorial to his life is now one step closer to becoming law. Army Captain Matthew J. August was born and raised in North Kingstown, where he attended local schools and graduated from Bishop Hendricken High School in 1993. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1997 and deployed to Iraq in 2003 in command of B Company, 1st Engineer Battalion, 1st Infantry Division attached to the 82nd Airborne. On January 27, 2004, Captain August was killed in action leading his company on a mission to find and destroy munitions in Khalidya, Iraq, when his convoy was ambushed. He was the first Rhode Islander to be killed in action in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Captain August was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign and Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medals and Combat Action Badge. During his career, he also received the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaves, National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service and Overseas Service Ribbons. Captain August is survived by his parents, Donna and Richard August; his brother, Brig. Gen. Mark August, USAF; his sister, Melanie Cargilo, and their families. Matthew gave his life to make the world safer for future generations, said Richard and Donna August. We couldn't be more proud of Matthew, and we want to thank our Congressional leaders for ensuring his memory is never forgotten. The bill, S. 3414, was introduced by Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) on September 6, 2018, and cosponsored by Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI). Congressman Langevin introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives the same day, which was cosponsored by Congressman Cicilline. S.3414 passed the Senate on November 15, 2018, and will now go to the President's desk for his signature.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/check-it-out-reed-collins-library-and-museum-bill-advances-in-senate,Check It Out: Reed-Collins Library & Museum Bill Advances in Senate,2018-11-30,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,RI,Jack Reed,R000122,www.reed.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11/30/2018WASHINGTON, DC The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) unanimously approved U.S. Senators Jack Reed's (D-RI) Museum and Library Services Act of 2018 (S.3530) this week and advanced it to consideration by the full Senate. Introduced by Senators Reed, Susan Collins (R-ME), Kirstin Gillibrand (D-NY), and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), this critical legislation renews and builds on the $240 million commitment to the federal museum and library programs administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Despite President Trump's repeated efforts to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which supports programs at over 120,000 libraries and 35,000 museums nationwide, the unanimous HELP Committee vote to approve Reed's bill signals there is strong bipartisan support in Congress for supporting the federal agency that helps museums and libraries serve their communities. We must do all we can to support libraries and museums, which serve as anchor institutions for their communities and are beacons of education, connectivity, and discussion across our nation. The Museum and Library Services Act is a crucial step toward ensuring that these institutions are funded, staffed, and accessible to all. Through a relatively modest federal investment, this law helps build the capacity to support and expand access to library and museum services at the state and local level, and it will help fully leverage the role of libraries and museums in supporting the learning, educational, and workforce development needs of Americans nationwide, said Senator Reed, who noted that, since the last reauthorization in 2010, Rhode Island libraries and museums have received over $10 million in federal grants from these programs. This year, Rhode Island has received $1,082,194 from IMLS under the Library and Services and Technology Act Grants to States Program. This bill will help to ensure that small states like Rhode Island are able to receive a fair share of library funding and will help these institutions to adapt to ever-changing community needs. Public libraries and museums are central community institutions in Maine and throughout the country. Increasingly, libraries have emerged as hubs not just for literacy and Internet access, but for workforce support and access to important information. The bipartisan Museum and Library Services Act represents a commitment to supporting libraries and museums that do more than accumulate artifacts they tell stories that enrich our communities and inspire the minds of future generations, said Senator Collins. Our bill would bolster that commitment, and I will continue to work with Senator Reed to ensure that libraries and museums across the country receive this vital support. The American Library Association sent a letter this week to HELP Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Ranking Member Patty Murray (D-WA) expressing support for Senator Reed's bill, noting that: The stated mission of IMLS to inspire libraries to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement is crucial to the success of our country's 120,000 libraries, which serve constituents in every state and congressional district, from rural America to our nation's suburbs and cities. Senator Reed's bill highlights the role of libraries and museums as community hubs, equipped to meet ever evolving community needs. Updating the law to help museums and libraries improve their technology, enhance collaboration, and better serve the public and communities, the reauthorization bill will: Strengthen the use of data-driven tools, including research, analysis and modeling, evaluation, and dissemination, to measure the impact and maximize the effectiveness of library and museum services, build capacity, and better tailor local services to address and meet community needs. Provide technical support and assistance to improve data collection; enhance consultation and public engagement in research, data collection, analysis, and dissemination activities; and ensure that disseminated materials are accessible and easy to digest and use. Enhance IMLS's collaborative efforts with an expanded number of federal agencies to fully leverage the role of libraries and museums in supporting and meeting the needs of Americans. Increase the reservation for Services for Native Americans to more closely match appropriations. Provide IMLS with additional tools to meet oversight and programmatic responsibilities. Highlight the roles of libraries as community hubs, equipped to serve evolving and diverse community needs (including those of rural residents, individuals with disabilities, Native Americans, veterans, military families, and caregivers, among others) in such areas as literacy; education; lifelong learning; health information; workforce development; economic and business development; digital literacy, critical thinking, and financial literacy; and new and emerging technology. Provide for the awarding of National Leadership grant funds on activities that serve a range of library types and geographically diverse areas; include evaluation, analysis, and dissemination components; and actively involve, have direct impact on, or provide future application in libraries. Clarifies that grant funds can be used to help libraries prepare for and provide services after a disaster or emergency. Emphasize recruiting and training of our nation's next generation of library and information science professionals necessary for an information economy from a broad range of backgrounds. Authorize activities to improve the recruitment, preparation, and professional development of museum professionals to preserve our heritage for future generations. Highlight the educational role of museums and the many ways that they engage and strengthen their communities. Encourage partnerships with other agencies, professional networks, and community-based organizations to leverage museum services in service to the nation. In addition to Collins, Gillibrand, and Murkowski, Reed's Museum and Library Services Act of 2018 is cosponsored by Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Angus King (I-ME), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Doug Jones (D-AL), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Bob Casey (D-PA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Gary Peters (D-MI), Chris Coons (D-DE), Jon Tester (D-MT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Roger Wicker (R-MS). The American Alliance of Museums reports that there are nearly 850 million visits per year to American museums, and that U.S. museums inject approximately $21 billion into the economy each year. Senator Reed wrote the last Museum and Library Service Act reauthorization law, which President Obama signed in 2010. This year's reauthorization must be passed by both the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives before it can be sent to the President to be signed into law. Print Email Tweet",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/whitehouse-floor-remarks-on-the-national-flood-insurance-program-extension,Whitehouse Floor Remarks on the National Flood Insurance Program Extension,2018-11-30,2018,2018-11,Democrat,House,RI,Sheldon Whitehouse,W000802,www.whitehouse.senate.gov,,,legacy,"About Services Agency Assistance Success Stories Grants Flag Requests Visiting D.C. Student Resources Email Sheldon Events Community Dinners Community Outreach Issues Issue List Legislation News Press Releases In the News Speeches Op-Eds Press Kit Videos x x MENU",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z