Congressional Record—Senate S7579

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Congressional Record—Senate S7579 December 17, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7579 As I have been saying, families across EXECUTIVE SESSION move to bring to a close debate on the nomi- the Nation have waited far too long al- nation of Eric J. Soskin, of Virginia, to be ready for another significant dose of Inspector General, Department of Transpor- assistance. We must not slide into EXECUTIVE CALENDAR tation. Mitch McConnell, Lamar Alexander, treating these talks like routine nego- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Rick Scott, Tom Cotton, Mike Crapo, tiations to be conducted at Congress’s move to proceed to executive session to Cory Gardner, Ron Johnson, James routine pace. consider Calendar No. 712. Lankford, Roger F. Wicker, Marco So we need to complete this work, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Rubio, Cindy Hyde-Smith, Thom Tillis, and we need to complete it right away. question is on agreeing to the motion. Shelley Moore Capito, John Boozman, That is what I have said. The Senate is The motion was agreed to. Joni Ernst, Mike Braun, Pat Roberts. not going anywhere until we have The PRESIDING OFFICER. The f COVID relief out the door. We are stay- clerk will report the nomination. LEGISLATIVE SESSION ing right here until COVID relief is out The senior assistant legislative clerk the door. read the nomination of John Chase Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I In the meantime, we are going to Johnson, of Oklahoma, to be Inspector move to proceed to legislative session. stay productive while these negotia- General, Federal Communications The PRESIDING OFFICER. The tions are going on. So for the informa- Commission. (New Position) question is on agreeing to the motion. tion of all of my colleagues, we should CLOTURE MOTION The motion was agreed to. expect continued votes on nominations Mr. MCCONNELL. I send a cloture f throughout the weekend. We will con- motion to the desk. EXECUTIVE SESSION tinue accomplishing other aspects of The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clo- the people’s business—confirming well- ture motion having been presented qualified nominees to important under rule XXII, the Chair directs the EXECUTIVE CALENDAR posts—until we can act on the major clerk to read the motion. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I rescue package the American people The legislative clerk read as follows: deserve. move to proceed to executive session to CLOTURE MOTION consider Calendar No. 757. f We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The EXECUTIVE SESSION ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the question is on agreeing to the motion. Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby The motion was agreed to. move to bring to a close debate on the nomi- nation of John Chase Johnson, of Oklahoma, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The EXECUTIVE CALENDAR to be Inspector General, Federal Commu- clerk will report the nomination. The senior assistant legislative clerk Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I nications Commission. (New Position) read the nomination of Beth Harwell, move to proceed to executive session to Mitch McConnell, Lamar Alexander, Rick Scott, Tom Cotton, Mike Crapo, of Tennessee, to be a Member of the consider Calendar No. 895. Cory Gardner, Ron Johnson, James Board of Directors of the Tennessee The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Lankford, Roger F. Wicker, Marco Valley Authority for a term expiring question is on agreeing to the motion. Rubio, Cindy Hyde-Smith, Thom Tillis, May 18, 2024. The motion was agreed to. Shelley Moore Capito, John Boozman, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Joni Ernst, Mike Braun, Pat Roberts. CLOTURE MOTION Mr. MCCONNELL. I send a cloture clerk will report the nomination. f The senior assistant legislative clerk motion to the desk. read the nomination of Thompson Mi- LEGISLATIVE SESSION The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clo- chael Dietz, of New Jersey, to be a Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I ture motion having been presented Judge of the United States Court of move to proceed to legislative session. under rule XXII, the Chair directs the Federal Claims for a term of fifteen The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk to read the motion. years. question is on agreeing to the motion. The legislative clerk read as follows: CLOTURE MOTION The motion was agreed to. CLOTURE MOTION Mr. MCCONNELL. I send a cloture f We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- motion to the desk. ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the EXECUTIVE SESSION Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clo- move to bring to a close debate on the nomi- ture motion having been presented nation of Beth Harwell, of Tennessee, to be a under rule XXII, the Chair directs the EXECUTIVE CALENDAR Member of the Board of Directors of the Ten- clerk to read the motion. nessee Valley Authority for a term expiring The legislative clerk read as follows: Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I May 18, 2024. CLOTURE MOTION move to proceed to executive session to Mitch McConnell, Lamar Alexander, consider Calendar No. 904. Rick Scott, Tom Cotton, Mike Crapo, We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Cory Gardner, Ron Johnson, James ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the Lankford, Roger F. Wicker, Marco Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby question is on agreeing to the motion. The motion was agreed to. Rubio, Cindy Hyde-Smith, Thom Tillis, move to bring to a close debate on the nomi- Shelley Moore Capito, John Boozman, nation of Thompson Michael Dietz, of New The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Joni Ernst, Mike Braun, Pat Roberts. Jersey, to be a Judge of the United States clerk will report the nomination. Court of Federal Claims for a term of fifteen The assistant legislative clerk read f years. the nomination of Eric J. Soskin, of LEGISLATIVE SESSION Mitch McConnell, Chuck Grassley, Mike Virginia, to be Inspector General, De- Crapo, Shelley Moore Capito, John Cor- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I nyn, Cindy Hyde-Smith, Steve Daines, partment of Transportation. move to proceed to legislative session. Mike Lee, Ron Johnson, Thom Tillis, CLOTURE MOTION The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Richard Burr, Pat Roberts, Cory Gard- Mr. MCCONNELL. I send a cloture question is on agreeing to the motion. ner, Tom Cotton, John Boozman, John motion to the desk. The motion was agreed to. Hoeven, Lindsey Graham. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clo- f f ture motion having been presented under rule XXII, the Chair directs the EXECUTIVE SESSION LEGISLATIVE SESSION clerk to read the motion. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I The legislative clerk read as follows: EXECUTIVE CALENDAR move to proceed to legislative session. CLOTURE MOTION The PRESIDING OFFICER. The We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I question is on agreeing to the motion. ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the move to proceed to executive session to The motion was agreed to. Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby consider Calendar No. 758. VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:04 Dec 18, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17DE6.032 S17DEPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE.
Recommended publications
  • Key Committees 2021
    Key Committees 2021 Senate Committee on Appropriations Visit: appropriations.senate.gov Majority Members Minority Members Patrick J. Leahy, VT, Chairman Richard C. Shelby, AL, Ranking Member* Patty Murray, WA* Mitch McConnell, KY Dianne Feinstein, CA Susan M. Collins, ME Richard J. Durbin, IL* Lisa Murkowski, AK Jack Reed, RI* Lindsey Graham, SC* Jon Tester, MT Roy Blunt, MO* Jeanne Shaheen, NH* Jerry Moran, KS* Jeff Merkley, OR* John Hoeven, ND Christopher Coons, DE John Boozman, AR Brian Schatz, HI* Shelley Moore Capito, WV* Tammy Baldwin, WI* John Kennedy, LA* Christopher Murphy, CT* Cindy Hyde-Smith, MS* Joe Manchin, WV* Mike Braun, IN Chris Van Hollen, MD Bill Hagerty, TN Martin Heinrich, NM Marco Rubio, FL* * Indicates member of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, which funds IMLS - Final committee membership rosters may still be being set “Key Committees 2021” - continued: Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Visit: help.senate.gov Majority Members Minority Members Patty Murray, WA, Chairman Richard Burr, NC, Ranking Member Bernie Sanders, VT Rand Paul, KY Robert P. Casey, Jr PA Susan Collins, ME Tammy Baldwin, WI Bill Cassidy, M.D. LA Christopher Murphy, CT Lisa Murkowski, AK Tim Kaine, VA Mike Braun, IN Margaret Wood Hassan, NH Roger Marshall, KS Tina Smith, MN Tim Scott, SC Jacky Rosen, NV Mitt Romney, UT Ben Ray Lujan, NM Tommy Tuberville, AL John Hickenlooper, CO Jerry Moran, KS “Key Committees 2021” - continued: Senate Committee on Finance Visit: finance.senate.gov Majority Members Minority Members Ron Wyden, OR, Chairman Mike Crapo, ID, Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow, MI Chuck Grassley, IA Maria Cantwell, WA John Cornyn, TX Robert Menendez, NJ John Thune, SD Thomas R.
    [Show full text]
  • April 2021 Commission Update
    ABCUSA Call to Prayer for Myanmar 2021 April 2021 Update The ABCUSA Burma Refugee Commission is the grateful for the many ways that American Baptists have participated in the Call to Prayer for Myanmar. Funding Support: Approximately $5500 was raised thus far for relief efforts through International Ministries/One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS). For more information, visit this page. The Regional Executive Ministers Council has also made a gift of $5000 to OGHS, targeted specifically for the support of the Myanmar Baptist Convention, our sister and partnering denomination in Myanmar who supports and serves over 5,3000 churches throughout the country. Recent activities of the Burma Refugee Commission: Letters of Advocacy have been sent to: o President Biden o Vice-president Harris o Jake Sullivan, National Security Advisor o Anthony Blinken, Secretary of State o General Secretary of the UN o U.S. Ambassador to UN o And the following Senators: . Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee . Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee . Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), top Democrat on the East Asia Subcommittee, . Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) . Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) . Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), . Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) . Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) . Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) . Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) . Senator Jack Reed (D-R.I.) . Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) . Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) . Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) . Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) o Items of advocacy have included: .
    [Show full text]
  • CALENDAR of BUSINESS Wednesday, January 6, 2021
    SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES ONE HUNDRED SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS CONVENED JANUARY 3, 2021 FIRST SESSION ! " DAYS OF SESSION 2 SECOND SESSION ! " CALENDAR OF BUSINESS Wednesday, January 6, 2021 SENATE CONVENES AT 12:30 P.M. PREPARED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF JULIE E. ADAMS, SECRETARY OF THE SENATE By JOHN J. MERLINO, LEGISLATIVE CLERK www.SenateCalendar.gov 19–015 2 UNANIMOUS CONSENT AGREEMENTS 3 SSS2021 SSS JANUARY JULY Sun M Tu W Th F Sat Sun M Tu W Th F Sat 1 2 1 2 3 3 4 5 —–6 7 8 9 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 31 FEBRUARY AUGUST 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 28 29 30 31 MARCH SEPTEMBER 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 28 29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30 APRIL OCTOBER 1 2 3 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 25 26 27 28 29 30 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 MAY NOVEMBER 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 28 29 30 30 31 JUNE DECEMBER 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 27 28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 31 JANUARY Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Days Senate met during First Session, One Hundred Seventeenth Congress, are marked (—–).
    [Show full text]
  • Brooks Pierce Election Update, March 4, 2020
    Brooks Pierce Election Update, March 4, 2020 03.04.2020 North Carolina Voters Cast Primary Ballots Over 2.1 million North Carolina voters cast primary election ballots on March 3 and during the early voting period. Most races have been decided, but a few may require runoffs. In races where no candidate receives 30% of the vote, the second place finisher may call for a runoff. Given that many political observers see North Carolina as a “purple” state, the November elections are expected to be hotly contested. While the official results have not yet been certified and the possibility for recounts or runoffs in some races remains… Here’s what we know: President President Donald Trump (R) won the Republican contest with 94% and Democrat Joe Biden won his party’s primary with 43 % to 24 % for Bernie Sanders, 13% for Michael Bloomberg and 10% for Elizabeth Warren. Governor Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper and Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Forest both won their party’s primary by large margins and will face off in November. Lt. Governor Republican Mark Robinson appears to have won with 33% and there may be a runoff on the Democratic side between Wake County Rep. Yvonne Holley (27%) and Buncombe County Sen. Terry Van Duyn (20%). Attorney General Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein will face Republican winner Jim O’Neill, the Forsyth County District Attorney, who received 47%. Agriculture Republican Commissioner Steve Troxler will face Democratic winner Jenna Wadsworth, a Wake County Soil and Water Supervisor, who received 54%. Auditor BROOKSPIERCE.COM Brooks Pierce Election Update, March 4, 2020 Democratic Auditor Beth Wood will face Republican Tony Street, a Brunswick County businessman, who received 56%.
    [Show full text]
  • Congressional Record—Senate S7023
    November 17, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7023 Sinema Tillis Young The result was announced—yeas 52, Member of the Board of Governors of Sullivan Toomey Thune Wicker nays 44, as follows: the Federal Reserve System for the un- [Rollcall Vote No. 232 Ex.] expired term of fourteen years from NAYS—44 YEAS—52 February 1, 2010, shall be brought to a Baldwin Hassan Rosen close? Bennet Heinrich Sanders Barrasso Gardner Portman The yeas and nays are mandatory Blumenthal Hirono Schatz Blackburn Graham Risch Blunt Hawley under the rule. Booker Jones Schumer Roberts Boozman Hoeven Brown Kaine Shaheen Romney The clerk will call the roll. Braun Hyde-Smith Cantwell King Smith Rounds The bill clerk called the roll. Cardin Klobuchar Burr Inhofe Rubio Mr. THUNE. The following Senators Stabenow Capito Johnson Carper Leahy Tester Sasse are necessarily absent: the Senator Casey Markey Cassidy Kennedy Scott (SC) Udall Collins Lankford from Tennessee (Mr. ALEXANDER), the Coons Menendez Shelby Van Hollen Cornyn Lee Cortez Masto Merkley Sinema Senator from Iowa (Mr. GRASSLEY), and Warner Cotton Loeffler Duckworth Murphy Sullivan the Senator from Florida (Mr. SCOTT). Warren Cramer Manchin Durbin Murray Thune Further, if present and voting, the Feinstein Whitehouse Crapo McConnell Peters Tillis Gillibrand Reed Wyden Cruz McSally Senator from Tennessee (Mr. ALEX- Daines Moran Toomey ANDER) would have voted ‘‘nay,’’ the Wicker NOT VOTING—4 Enzi Murkowski Senator from Florida (Mr. SCOTT) Young Alexander Harris Ernst Paul would have voted ‘‘yea,’’ and the Sen- Grassley Scott (FL) Fischer Perdue ator from Iowa (Mr. GRASSLEY) would The PRESIDING OFFICER. The yeas NAYS—44 have voted ‘‘yea.’’ are 52, the nays are 44.
    [Show full text]
  • Mcconnell Announces Senate Republican Committee Assignments for the 117Th Congress
    For Immediate Release, Wednesday, February 3, 2021 Contacts: David Popp, Doug Andres Robert Steurer, Stephanie Penn McConnell Announces Senate Republican Committee Assignments for the 117th Congress Praises Senators Crapo and Tim Scott for their work on the Committee on Committees WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following the 50-50 power-sharing agreement finalized earlier today, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced the Senate Republican Conference Committee Assignments for the 117th Congress. Leader McConnell once again selected Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) to chair the Senate Republicans’ Committee on Committees, the panel responsible for committee assignments for the 117th Congress. This is the ninth consecutive Congress in which Senate leadership has asked Crapo to lead this important task among Senate Republicans. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) assisted in the committee selection process as he did in the previous three Congresses. “I want to thank Mike and Tim for their work. They have both earned the trust of our colleagues in the Republican Conference by effectively leading these important negotiations in years past and this year was no different. Their trust and experience was especially important as we enter a power-sharing agreement with Democrats and prepare for equal representation on committees,” McConnell said. “I am very grateful for their work.” “I appreciate Leader McConnell’s continued trust in having me lead the important work of the Committee on Committees,” said Senator Crapo. “Americans elected an evenly-split Senate, and working together to achieve policy solutions will be critical in continuing to advance meaningful legislation impacting all Americans. Before the COVID-19 pandemic hit our nation, our economy was the strongest it has ever been.
    [Show full text]
  • June 1, 2021 the Honorable Shelley Moore Capito 172 Russell Senate
    June 1, 2021 The Honorable Shelley Moore Capito The Honorable Mike Crapo 172 Russell Senate Office Building 239 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Washington, D.C. 20510 The Honorable John Barrasso The Honorable Cory Booker 307 Dirksen Senate Office Building 717 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Washington, D.C. 20510 The Honorable Sheldon Whitehouse 530 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senators Capito, Barrasso, Whitehouse, Crapo, and Booker: We write to express our support for the American Nuclear Infrastructure Act (ANIA) and to encourage you to reintroduce and advance the legislation. The innovative programs established in this bill support currently operating nuclear reactors and the next generation of reactor technologies. ANIA would direct the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to continue to modernize its regulatory review processes. Efficiencies in the environmental review process and reviewing new license applications will help enable nuclear energy to deploy at a rapid enough scale to support decarbonization. In addition, preemptively reviewing U.S. Department of Energy sites for demonstration reactors can help companies partner with the National Labs to test out innovative concepts, including advanced methods of manufacturing and construction. Awarding prizes to first mover companies supports competition, but also recognizes the challenges of being first through the licensing process when using innovative technologies. The targeted credit program to preserve the existing nuclear fleet, the foundation of our nation’s low carbon electricity, allows plants to continue decreasing operating costs without prematurely shutting down. Advanced nuclear, due to its dispatchable and high temperature attributes, can also be used to decarbonize other energy sectors.
    [Show full text]
  • Ranking Member John Barrasso
    Senate Committee Musical Chairs August 15, 2018 Key Retiring Committee Seniority over Sitting Chair/Ranking Member Viewed as Seat Republicans Will Most Likely Retain Viewed as Potentially At Risk Republican Seat Viewed as Republican Seat at Risk Viewed as Seat Democrats Will Most Likely Retain Viewed as Potentially At Risk Democratic Seat Viewed as Democratic Seat at Risk Notes • The Senate Republican leader is not term-limited; Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) will likely remain majority leader. The only member of Senate GOP leadership who is currently term-limited is Republican Whip John Cornyn (R-TX). • Republicans have term limits of six years as chairman and six years as ranking member. Republican members can only use seniority to bump sitting chairs/ranking members when the control of the Senate switches parties. • Committee leadership for the Senate Aging; Agriculture; Appropriations; Banking; Environment and Public Works (EPW); Health Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP); Indian Affairs; Intelligence; Rules; and Veterans Affairs Committees are unlikely to change. Notes • Current Armed Services Committee (SASC) Chairman John McCain (R-AZ) continues to receive treatment for brain cancer in Arizona. Senator James Inhofe (R-OK) has served as acting chairman and is likely to continue to do so in Senator McCain’s absence. If Republicans lose control of the Senate, Senator McCain would lose his top spot on the committee because he already has six years as ranking member. • In the unlikely scenario that Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) does not take over the Finance Committee, Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID), who currently serves as Chairman of the Banking Committee, could take over the Finance Committee.
    [Show full text]
  • Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto Host
    PBS’ “To the Contrary” Women Thought Leader: Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto Host: Bonnie Erbe 01/19/2018 Panelists: Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, Erin Matson, Carrie Lukas, Rina Shah PLEASE CREDIT ANY QUOTES OR EXCERPTS FROM THIS PBS PROGRAM TO “PBS’ TO THE CONTRARY.” Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto: First of all, I would like to see more. I can tell you from experience being here ​ and his just in general, more women would help us work towards better policy. And what I mean by that is, I think women bring a different perspective. Bonnie Erbe: Hello, I'm Bonnie Erbe. Welcome to “To The Contrary”. This week we continue our series of ​ interviews with women thought leaders. Our guest is Nevada senator Catherine Cortez Masto, the first woman elected from Nevada to serve in the US Senate and the first Latina to serve in the US Senate. Cortez Masto is one of a record 22 women now serving in the US Senate. 17 of the women, including Cortez Masto, are Democrats, five are Republicans. in 2017. She replaced outgoing Senator Harry Reid, who had endorsed her. He also served as Senate Majority Leader. Joe Biden: So help you God. Congratulations, Senator. ​ Bonnie Erbe: Senator Cortez Masto’s background includes being elected the 32nd Attorney General of ​ Nevada, where she served eight years. She was also a civil attorney, a criminal prosecutor, and chief of staff or former Nevada Governor Bob Miller. Cortez Masto’s first speech before the full US Senate was not what she had originally planned. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto: That speech was meant to demand that our country's leaders respect every ​ American, American regardless of the color of their skin, or how they choose to worship.
    [Show full text]
  • First, a Coronavirus Update Super Tuesday Makes
    In classic Greek mythology, a golden apple of discord inscribed "For the fairest" was awarded to Aphrodite, beginning a chain of events that led to the Trojan War. GrayRobinson's newsletter reports on the most recent issues, individuals, and discourse deemed fairest in Washington. March 6, 2020 First, a coronavirus update Congress can move fast when it wants to. The House and Senate approved $8.3 billion in funding this week to support the federal government’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak, and the President signed that bill today. The package includes $826 million to support development and review of vaccines and treatments; $300 million to purchase vaccines and treatments once they’re approved; $950 million for states and localities to respond; and $3.1 billion for medical supplies, including expanding the Strategic National Stockpile. Testing is a priority, as the CDC expanded its criteria for testing and Vice President Pence, who’s heading the government’s response, promised that more than a million test kits will be distributed around the country. The SEC announced Wednesday that publicly traded companies affected by the outbreak will have an additional 45 days to file certain disclosure forms that would otherwise be due between March 1 and April 30. The federal banking agencies have postponed the National Interagency Community Reinvestment Conference scheduled for next week in Denver. In our area, three cases have been identified in suburban Maryland, ten are being tested in southwest Virginia, and no cases have yet been reported in the District of Columbia. Four cases have been confirmed in Florida, and another 69 are waiting for test results.
    [Show full text]
  • 1 March 20, 2020 the Honorable Shelley Moore Capito The
    March 20, 2020 The Honorable Shelley Moore Capito The Honorable Jon Tester Chairwoman Ranking Member Subcommittee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Homeland Security Senate Committee on Appropriations Senate Committee on Appropriations Dear Chairwoman Capito and Ranking Member Tester: As the Subcommittee begins deliberations on the Fiscal Year 2021 Homeland Security Appropriations Act, we write to respectfully request that the U.S.-Israel Homeland Security Program receive an appropriation of $2 million. Israel has emerged as a global leader in developing technologies for homeland security. Recognizing Israel’s expertise, the United States is partnering with Israel through the U.S.-Israel Homeland Security Program to advance first responder technologies; secure critical infrastructure and public facilities; provide maritime, aviation, and border security; and prevent and respond to cyber-attacks. The Program is administered by the U.S.-Israel Binational Industrial Research and Development Foundation, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate and the Israel Ministry of Public Security. Congress has supported the Program for years, having provided its initial authorization through the United States- Israel Advanced Research Partnership Act of 2016, P.L. 114-304. The U.S.-Israel Homeland Security Program received $2 million in Fiscal Year 2020, and is leveraged by Israeli funding. Examples of recent bilateral projects that support the U.S. homeland security mission include development of an unmanned search and rescue system to find victims under ruins and in disaster areas by locating their cellular phones, a wearable indoor positioning system that first responders can use when GPS and other satellite-based technologies fail, and an artificial intelligence-based analytics video security solution used to protect public facilities.
    [Show full text]
  • SENATE COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS Leadership Is Highlighted in Yellow, While New Members to the Committee Are in Bold
    SENATE COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS Leadership is highlighted in yellow, while new members to the committee are in bold. Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Majority Minority Pat Roberts, CHAIRMAN, Kansas Patrick Leahy, Vermont Thad Cochran, Mississippi Debbie Stabenow, RANKING, Michigan Mitch McConnell, Kentucky Sherrod Brown, Ohio John Boozman, Arkansas Amy Klobuchar, Minnesota John Hoeven, North Dakota Michael Bennet, Colorado Chuck Grassley, Iowa Kirsten Gillibrand, New York John Thune, South Dakota Joe Donnelly, Indiana David Perdue, Georgia Heidi Heitkamp, North Dakota Joni Ernst, Iowa Bob Casey, Pennsylvania Thom Tillis, North Carolina Ben Sasse, Nebraska Appropriations Majority Minority Thad Cochran, CHAIRMAN, Mississippi Patrick Leahy, Vermont Mitch McConnell, Kentucky Barbara Mikulski, RANKING, Maryland Richard Shelby, Alabama Patty Murray, Washington Lamar Alexander, Tennessee Dianne Feinstein, California (cont'd) (cont'd) 1 Susan Collins, Maine Dick Durbin, Illinois Lisa Murkowski, Alaska Jack Reed, Rhode Island Lindsey Graham, South Carolina Jon Tester, Montana Mark Kirk, Illinois Tom Udall, New Mexico Roy Blunt, Missouri Jeanne Shaheen, New Hampshire Jerry Moran, Kansas Jeff Merkley, Oregon John Hoeven, North Dakota Chris Coons, Delaware John Boozman, Arkansas Brian Schatz, Hawaii Shelley Moore Capito, West Virginia Tammy Baldwin, Wisconsin Bill Cassidy, Louisiana Chris Murphy, Connecticut James Lankford, Oklahoma Steve Daines, Montana Armed Services Majority Minority John McCain, CHAIRMAN, Arizona Jack Reed, RANKING, Rhode Island
    [Show full text]