releases: https://www.portman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/rob-s-rundown?ID=0E6CFDAB-634B-4D2F-B4D9-B53C69D58CFF
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| https://www.portman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/rob-s-rundown?ID=0E6CFDAB-634B-4D2F-B4D9-B53C69D58CFF | Rob's Rundown: Week of December 5 - 10, 2016 | 2016-12-12 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | OH | Rob Portman | P000449 | www.portman.senate.gov | legacy | Monday, December 5 Portman Secures Bipartisan Reforms in Water Resources Development Act U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) announced on Monday that bipartisan language he co-authored was included in The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) report released today. These Portman-led reforms aim to end Flint-like water crises, prevent inappropriate disposal of dredged materials from the Cleveland Harbor, and renew the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. “We must protect Lake Erie and ensure access to clean drinking water around the country, and this bill makes important progress on both goals,” said Portman. ”I’m glad my bipartisan initiatives were included in the final package that was announced today. I look forward to the Senate passing this important legislation and the President signing it into law as quickly as possible so we can protect our Great Lakes and ensure that every American has access to clean water.” For more on the Portman-led initiatives included in the Water Resources Development Act, go here. Portman Votes No on Cloture to Protest Lack of Action on Bipartisan Miners Bill Portman issued the following after he opposed the cloture motion on the CURES legislation to protest the lack of amendments and a full Senate vote on the Miner’s Protection Act: “I appreciate all of the work that has gone into the bipartisan CURES legislation. It’s a good bill that advances positive reforms to help speed the delivery of life-saving medical cures. It includes a significant boost in opioid funding that I strongly support. And I plan to support the bill on final passage. But the Senate should be allowed the opportunity to improve the bill, and that’s why I voted no on cloture today. “The pension and health benefits of thousands of retired coal miners in Ohio remain in jeopardy, and the Senate must act. The Senate Finance Committee approved the Miner’s Protection Act on a bipartisan basis in September. With time running out this Congress, I believe we should have an opportunity to add the bipartisan Miner’s Protection Act to one of those bills. We should keep our promises to our coal miners and that’s why I joined Senators Manchin, Capito, Brown and others in voting no on cloture today.” Wednesday, December 7 Portman Testifies Before ITC, Fights to Protect Ohio Jobs from Unfair Foreign Trade Portman testified before the International Trade Commission (ITC) to fight on behalf of Ohio workers and against unfair trade practices. Specifically, Portman, who has a lengthy record of delivering results for Ohio workers, is fighting to protect Whirlpool and its 10,000 Ohio workers, including the more than 3,000 workers at Whirlpool’s largest American factory in Clyde, Ohio, from unlawful dumping of clothes washers into the United States. In 2012, the ITC heeded Portman’s concerns that South Korean companies were engaging in unlawful dumping of clothes washers into the U.S. Following the ruling, however, South Korean manufacturers moved their washer production facilities to China, skirting the order and continuing to dump its products unfairly into the United States. The Commerce Department recently issued a preliminary ruling confirming that South Korean manufacturers continue to engage in unlawful dumping of clothes washers into the U.S., an issue that Senator Portman argues violates our trade laws: “I want to thank you for making the right decision in that case regarding Korea and finding material injury. But before your final determination was even reached in that case, Samsung and LG were already moving their production to China. Free of duties that the Commission had imposed on the washers coming from Korea, they continued to target the U.S. market and have continued to undermine Whirlpool’s investments in American plants and American jobs. That’s what makes the case before you today so clear –– you have the very same producers and the very same model numbers from the prior case and the only change is their label of ‘Made in Korea’ to ‘Made in China.’ The outcome of this case should be the same as the outcome in the first.” Senator Portman’s prepared testimony can be found here. As Senate Passes 21st Century CURES, Portman Welcomes New Opioid Funding Wednesday afternoon, Portman praised Senate passage of the “21st Century Cures” initiative, a $6.3 billion medical innovation package that is designed to accelerate the discovery, development, and delivery of new cures and treatments. Portman urged that opioid funding be included in the package, and it includes $1 billion in new funding for state grants to fight opioid abuse. The measure also includes a number of Portman initiatives to strengthen Medicare and Medicaid. Following the passage of the bill, Senator Portman released the following statement: “With the Senate passing the 21st Century Cures initiative, we are one step closer to adding critical funding to combat the opioid epidemic that is gripping Ohio and the rest of our country. The additional $1 billion over two years to fight the heroin and prescription epidemic will complement the new CARA law and the additional funding I’ve helped secure through the appropriations process. I’m also pleased that we were able to include measures to help all Ohioans, and especially seniors and those with low incomes, by strengthening Medicare and Medicaid. I’m working to deliver results for the people of Ohio, and I believe this bill will make a difference for them. I urge the president to sign it.” For more information on the notable provisions in the 21st Century Cures package, including those included at Portman’s request, go here. Portman, Brown, Stabenow Introduce Bill to Support U.S. Manufacturers, Promote More American Jobs Senators Portman, Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) introduced legislation – the Promoting More American Manufacturing Jobs Act – to clarify the domestic manufacturing tax deduction for U.S. manufacturers. The legislation clarifies the intent of Congress in enacting the domestic manufacturing deduction, section 199 of the tax code, to provide that in contract manufacturing situations, any party to the arrangement that makes a substantial contribution through the activities of its U.S. employees to the manufacture of qualifying goods shall be entitled to claim the deduction. “This legislation will help ensure our tax code encourages good-paying manufacturing jobs right here in the United States,” said Portman. “The IRS’s interpretation of the section 199 regulations has resulted in disputes and litigation between the IRS and contract manufacturers, and, as a result, the law’s incentive to promote domestic manufacturing has been diminished. This legislation will end those disputes so that businesses can focus on creating jobs.” For more information about the Promoting More American Manufacturing Jobs Act, go here. Portman Statement on Air Force’s F-35 Announcement Portman issued the following statement on the Air Force’s decision not to include the 180th Fighter Wing in Toledo as one of the five installations as candidates for the next two Air Force F-35A locations: “I am disappointed in the Air Force’s decision and I intend to follow up with the Air Force to learn more about the justification for this decision. I remain convinced of the professionalism and excellence of the 180th FW in Toledo and the value that this unit provides to an array of national and homeland security missions.” Thursday, December 8 Portman and Brown Announce $1.2 Billion Authorization for Military Systems that Support Jobs at Lima Joint Systems Manufacturing Senators Portman and Brown announced that the Senate has passed the Fiscal Year 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which authorizes funding for the Abrams Tank and the Stryker Vehicle – critical work is done on both systems at Lima’s Joint Systems Manufacturing Center (JSMC). The NDAA includes more than $652 million to support modifications to the Abrams Tank and more than $579 million for the Stryker Vehicle. “Today the Senate recognized the critical work done for our national security at the JSMC in Lima by authorizing more than $1 billion for modernization, upgrades, and procurement of Stryker armored vehicles and Abrams tanks,” said Senator Portman. “This new funding is good news for the JSMC, Lima, and the Ohio workers who have made this plant a world leader in manufacturing the best tanks and armored vehicles around. I am proud to have worked hard to secure and protect the funding that supports these vital programs and the jobs in Lima. In today’s dangerous global security environment, the work being done in Lima at the JSMC is more important than ever to accomplishing our national security objectives overseas, and I remain committed to ensuring that it receives the resources it needs to achieve those goals.” NOTE: In October, Portman, Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) hosted Under Secretary of the Army Patrick J. Murphy in Lima at the JSMC, where they toured the facility and saw a demonstration of the Abrams Tank. For a recap of Lima area publications and TV reporting on the announcement of the inclusion of funding for Lima in the NDAA, go here. For more information on Portman’s work to protect Lima’s workers and keep national security strong, see this fact sheet. Portman, Brown Secure Key Victory for Youngstown Air Reserve Station Portman and Brown also announced that the NDAA includes their amendment to prioritize C-130 upgrades needed at the Youngstown Air Reserve Station (YARS). The amendment will encourage the Air Force to act on these upgrades by requiring it to report on how it will prioritize upgrades from C-130H aircrafts to new C-130J units, which YARS needs for its special mission. Portman and Brown have been working to urge the Air Force to replace the 910th Airlift Wing’s current fleet with the new C-130J to ensure the Wing can complete its missions safely. “Today’s vote marks real progress in our efforts to upgrade the C-130 aircraft at the Youngstown Air Reserve Station, which has become a model for other Air Reserve Stations throughout the country,” Portman stated. “C-130 modernization will enhance the 910th’s ability to carry out a range of important national and homeland security missions, including its unique aerial spray mission. Our amendment puts YARS in a better position to receive upgraded aircraft.” Portman and Brown Announce More Than $1.1 Billion Authorization for Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Defense Bill Heading to President’s Desk The NDAA also authorizes $12.6 million to consolidate the operations of two active Entry Control Points (ECPs) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB). This consolidation would improve security and traffic flow at the base. The NDAA also authorizes $14.4 million for facilities upgrades, equipment installation, and other projects that increase energy efficiency and approximately $1.1 billion for Air Force Research and Development projects and programs run out of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at WPAFB. “I am pleased to support this year’s National Defense Authorization Act, which will ensure our military has the tools and resources it needs to keep America safe,” said Portman. “In particular, this bill will provide additional resources to help protect and improve Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, ensuring that it remains a national leader in delivering world-class national security capabilities to our men and women in uniform.” NOTE: Senator Portman has long been an advocate for strengthening the research and development capabilities at WPAFB and solidifying its reputation as a national leader in aerospace and defense research, development, and education. In the FY 2016 NDAA, Portman secured a provision along with Congressman Mike Turner (R-OH-10) to expand the Air Force Institute of Technology’s (AFIT) authority to enroll defense industry civilians in AFIT. The provision is working to strengthen AFIT by bringing in the best and brightest in the defense industry. In the FY 2015 NDAA, Senator Portman and Rep. Turner secured language increasing AFRL hiring authority was included in the NDAA. The provision gave AFRL increased authority to hire science, technology, engineering, and math bachelor’s and master’s degree students directly into the lab. Senate Passes Portman Ukraine Security Assistance Reforms Portman, founder and co-chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, announced that the Senate passed key elements of his Ukraine security assistance package dealing with Ukrainian defense sector reform as part of the NDAA. As amended by Portman’s provisions, the FY 2017 NDAA authorizes $350 million in security assistance, including lethal and non-lethal equipment, training, and technical assistance. Half, or $175 million, of this money is linked to Ukraine’s implementation of critical defense reforms such as instituting civilian control of the military, cooperation and coordination with Ukrainian parliamentary efforts to exercise oversight of the Ministry of Defense and military forces, increased transparency and accountability in defense procurement, and improvement in transparency, accountability, and potential opportunities for privatization. This year’s Ukraine security assistance package builds on provisions that Portman passed last year. After the Senate passed the bill today, Portman issued the following statement: “Throughout their history, the Ukrainian people have continually fought back against tyranny. Today, as the Ukrainian people continue to pursue the path of democracy, liberty, and peace, they need the moral and material support of the United States to defend themselves. The U.S. and NATO must provide the sustained economic, political, and military support necessary for Ukraine to secure a democratic future. We have a duty to keep our promises to defend Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity. Helping free people defend themselves has been the policy of Democratic and Republican Administrations alike for nearly a century, and this Ukraine security assistance package will help continue this longstanding American tradition.” NOTE: Portman, who recently received the Ukrainian-American community’s highest honor – the Shevchenko Freedom Award—has long led the effort to provide Ukraine the kind of assistance necessary to ward off Russian aggression and maintain its territorial integrity. In addition to getting key provisions of his Ukraine security assistance legislation included in the NDAA, Senator Portman has also won a major victory in the fight against propaganda that will help the U.S. and its allies such as Ukraine better counter and combat the extensive propaganda and disinformation operations directed against us from countries like Russia. Senate Passes Major Portman-Murphy Counter-Propaganda Bill as Part of NDAA Also included in the NDAA was Senators Portman and Chris Murphy’s (D-CT) Countering Disinformation and Propaganda Act – legislation designed to help American allies counter foreign government propaganda from Russia, China, and other nations. The bipartisan bill, which was introduced by Senators Portman and Murphy in March, will improve the ability of the United States to counter foreign propaganda and disinformation by establishing an interagency center housed at the State Department to coordinate and synchronize counter-propaganda efforts throughout the U.S. government. To support these efforts, the bill also creates a grant program for NGOs, think tanks, civil society and other experts outside government who are engaged in counter-propaganda related work. This will better leverage existing expertise and empower local communities to defend themselves from foreign manipulation. “The passage of this bill in the Senate today takes us one critical step closer to effectively confronting the extensive, and destabilizing, foreign propaganda and disinformation operations being waged against us. While the propaganda and disinformation threat has grown, the U.S. government has been asleep at the wheel. Today we are finally signaling that enough is enough; the United States will no longer sit on the sidelines. We are going to confront this threat head-on,” said Senator Portman. “With the help of this bipartisan bill, the disinformation and propaganda used against our allies and our interests will fail.” For more information about the Countering Disinformation and Propaganda Act, go here. Bipartisan Senators Call on Pres.-Elect Trump to Stand Against Russian Aggression, Support NATO, Ukrainian Sovereignty U.S. Senators Portman and Dick Durbin (D-IL), co-chairs of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, today led a bipartisan group of 27 senators to call on President-elect Donald Trump to continue America’s tradition of support for the people of Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. “In light of Russia’s continued aggression and repeated refusal to respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereign right to choose its own destiny, we also renew our call for the United States to increase political, economic, and military support for Ukraine,” the senators wrote. “This includes defensive lethal assistance as part of a broader effort to help Ukrainians better defend themselves, deter future aggression, and implement key structural reforms. Similarly, we believe that Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea should never be accepted, nor should we lift sanctions imposed on Russia for its behavior in eastern Ukraine until key provisions of the Minsk Agreement are met. Accordingly, U.S. leadership on maintaining such transatlantic sanctions should remain a priority.” Full text of the senators’ letter can be found here. Portman Statement on the Passing of American Hero John Glenn Portman issued the following statement on the passing of John Glenn: “John Glenn was an American hero. He flew 149 combat missions in two wars; he was the first American to orbit the Earth, and the longest-serving United States Senator in Ohio history. I’m grateful to have known him, to have partnered with him on projects and legislation in Congress, and to have worked with him and served on his advisory board at the John Glenn College of Public Affairs at the Ohio State University. Most recently, I called him to ask him to join me at my swearing in in January for the seat he once held. When I saw Senator Glenn in October at the Glenn School board meeting he was in good humor, gracious, and determined to contribute to Ohio, as always. John and Annie’s marriage and their seven decades of partnership have been a model for Jane and me, and we send our condolences to our friend Annie and all the Glenn family at this difficult time.” Portman Honors John Glenn, “An American Icon,” on Senate Floor Portman delivered remarks on the Senate Floor to honor his predecessor as United States Senator from Ohio, John Glenn, who passed away Thursday at the age of 95. Transcript from his remarks can be found here and a video can be found here. Portman also spoke with Fox’s Neil Cavuto about the life of Senator Glenn. Friday, December 9 On Senate Floor, Portman Raises Awareness of Heroin Epidemic for 29th Time This Year Friday afternoon, Portman delivered remarks on the Senate floor to raise awareness about the epidemic of heroin and prescription drug addiction, and to urge his colleagues to adequately fund efforts to fight it – his 29th floor speech on the issue this year. Transcript from his remarks can be found here and a video can be found here. Portman Backs New Opioid Funding, Expresses Disappointment CR Doesn’t Include Full Miners Bill Portman issued the following statement after the Senate passed the Continuing Resolution to fund the government through April 28: “Today’s vote is an important step forward in the fight against addiction. Not only does this measure put us on track to fully fund the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, but it adds another $500 million in funding to help combat the heroin and prescription drug epidemic, consistent with the CURES legislation. In just one year, we’ve passed important new policy reforms and provided a significant boost in funding, and I believe it will make a real difference in our efforts to turn the tide of addiction in our country. “I’m pleased that this legislation includes funding to continue the cleanup work at the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant, which is critical for jobs, economic development, and the future of southern Ohio. This funding will help ensure that we avoid layoffs at this important project. “Lastly, I’m very disappointed that the full Miner’s Protection Act wasn’t included in the measure, and that’s why I voted no on cloture today. More than 22,000 retired miners and their families are counting on Congress to do the right thing, and it is disgraceful that this bill extends health coverage for only four months. Moreover, the bill takes $47 million from the private health trust of one set of mine workers to pay for $45 million in benefits to a different, broader, set of mine workers, and then Washington pockets the remaining $2 million in seized health funds. We should keep our promises to retired coal miners, and I intend to keep fighting for them and for the full Miner’s Protection Act until it is signed into law.” Portman, Brown Secure Piketon Funding in CR Portman and Brown announced that the CR provides the U.S. Department of Energy with the necessary funding to avoid disruption of the clean-up activities at the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Piketon, Ohio. “Cleanup at the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant is critical for jobs, economic development, and the future of southern Ohio,” Portman stated. “I’m pleased that the Senate passed this bill to secure funding to continue the cleanup work at Piketon with a strong bipartisan vote that will avoid layoffs at this important project.” Saturday, December 12 Portman Secures Bipartisan Wins in Water Resources Development Act Portman announced that bipartisan language he co-authored was included in The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) and passed by the Senate. These Portman-led reforms aim to end Flint-like water crises, prevent inappropriate disposal of dredged materials from the Cleveland Harbor, and renew the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. “We must ensure that every Ohioan has access to safe drinking water and protect our Great Lakes, and this bipartisan legislation makes important progress on both goals,” said Portman. “This bill provides the resources necessary to upgrade our water infrastructure around the country, and I’m glad my bipartisan initiatives were included in the legislation that passed the Senate today. I look forward to the President signing it into law as quickly as possible.” For more about Portman’s WRDA victories, go here. NOTE: Portman has championed numerous pieces of legislation to protect and preserve clean drinking water and the health of Lake Erie. Portman, received a Clean Water Award from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) for his efforts, and has worked diligently to make drinking water safe for all Ohioans, protect Lake Erie from dredged materials, harmful algal blooms, harmful plastic microbeads and invasive species, and more. Senate Passes Portman’s National Park Service Bill Portman announced on Saturday that his National Park Service Centennial Act had passed the United States Senate. Portman’s bill celebrates the National Park Service’s 100th year of existence and ensures that it has the resources necessary to protect America’s national parks into its second century. After the bill passed, Portman issued the following statement: “In Ohio, we’re blessed to have 12 National Park sites, including my favorite, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, which attracts more than 2.2 million visitors every year. We should take care of these Ohio treasures and preserve them for the next generation to enjoy. With this legislation, the National Park Service will be in a better position to reduce the growing backlog of maintenance projects, and help keep Ohio just as beautiful as it is today. I look forward to working in the future to continue improving the visitor experience and increasing visits to our National Parks for their second century.” For more information about Portman’s National Park Service Bill and his extensive work to protect our national parks, go here. Portman, Brown Announce Final Passage of Bill to Help Protect Cleveland from Toxic Sediment Portman and Brown announced that WRDA includes language that will help keep toxic material dredged from the Cuyahoga River out of Lake Erie. A provision of the bill makes clear that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) cannot determine that dumping dredged material into Lake Erie is environmentally acceptable unless it meets the state of Ohio’s water quality standards. This will help protect Lake Erie from the Corps’ repeated attempts to dispose of contaminated sediment into the Lake. WRDA now heads to President Obama’s desk to be signed into law. “The Cleveland Harbor is vital to our efforts to create more Ohio jobs and protect the environment,” said Senator Portman. “Annual dredging of the channel is critical for the region and this legislation ensures that not only will commercial navigation continue safely, but dredged material will not harm either the City of Cleveland’s water supply or Lake Erie’s ecosystem. I urge the President to sign this immediately.” For more information about Portman’s efforts to help protect Cleveland from toxic sediment, go here. Portman Helps Secure $30 Million Authorization to Help Finish Smale Riverfront Park in Cincinnati Portman announced on Saturday that he had helped secure language in the FY 2016 Water Resources Development Act designed to help finish the Smale Riverfront Park in Cincinnati. Portman’s provision authorizes the Army Corps to conduct a study on the final components of the project and if it determines they are feasible, the bill authorizes $30 million to help complete the final phases of the park. Portman issued the following statement: “This is good news for Cincinnati and all those who love Smale Riverfront Park, which has helped transform downtown, bring new visitors to the city, and boost the local economy. I’m particularly pleased that this effort has broad support from the state, county, city, as well as dozens of philanthropic organizations and businesses. I remain committed to working with the Army Corps of Engineers on this important project to ensure we finish the park and that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely.” For more information on Portman’s work to help Cincinnati finish Smale Riverfront Park, go here. Portman, Brown Announce Passage of Resolution Celebrating the Life of John Glenn Portman and Brown announced on Saturday the passage of a resolution they introduced to honor the life and service of former U.S. Sen. John Glenn, who passed away this week. Full text of the resolution is here. Portman/Brown/Tiberi Bill Honoring Fallen Ohio Soldier Sent to President’s Desk Portman and Brown, along with Rep. Pat Tiberi (R-OH), announced that the Senate passed legislation to honor fallen Ohio soldier and Bronze Star recipient Daniel Kinnard by designating the Department of Veterans Affairs Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in Newark, Ohio as the Daniel L. Kinnard Department of Veterans Affairs Community Based Outpatient Clinic. A native of Newark, Kinnard served as a medic in Vietnam and was awarded a Bronze Star for selflessly tending to wounded men in his unit while under fire. The measure already passed the House, and is now ready for President Obama’s signature. “Daniel Kinnard was an American hero who gave his life so that others could live,” Portman stated. “He was serving in the legendary 101st Airborne when, at 19 years old, he was killed in action while tending to the wounded. We can never repay nor fully thank him for his service, but passing this legislation honors his memory and holds him up as an example of extraordinary service to his fellow soldiers and to our country.” For more information about Daniel Kinnard, go here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |