Press Releases
Senators Introduce Bill to Jumpstart Solar Energy Market
Washington, DC - With families across the country struggling to keep up with rising energy costs, many homeowners are looking toward solar panels and other renewable energy systems for some relief. Unfortunately, the high upfront cost often prevents families from purchasing these systems. U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Lamar Alexander (R-TN), and Mark Udall (D-CO) have introduced bipartisan legislation to address this problem by expanding the availability of renewable energy leasing pr… Continue Reading
05.26.11
Reed, Whitehouse & Chafee Announce $1.2 Million in AmeriCorps Grants for RI
PROVIDENCE, RI - U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Governor Lincoln Chafee today joined with John Gomperts, Director for AmeriCorps, as well as Bernie Beaudreau, Executive Director of Serve Rhode Island in announcing over $1.2 million in new federal AmeriCorps funding that will help local non-profits improve lives and strengthen communities throughout the state. The AmeriCorps grants, which are funded through the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, will help support more than 1… Continue Reading
05.24.11
Whitehouse Chairs Hearing on Prescription Drug Abuse
Washington, DC - With drug related poisonings now the leading cause of death from unintentional injury in 17 states, including Rhode Island, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) today brought together a panel of experts to examine the problem of prescription drug abuse and discuss proposed solutions. Whitehouse chaired a hearing of his Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Terrorism entitled "Responding to the Prescription Drug Epidemic: Strategies for Reducing Abuse, Misuse, Diversion, … Continue Reading
05.24.11
Leahy, Whitehouse, Blumenthal Introduce Bill To Fight Creditor Fraud In Bankruptcy Courts
WASHINGTON - Senators Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I), and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) introduced the Fighting Fraud in Bankruptcy Act Tuesday to strengthen the tools available to U.S. bankruptcy trustees to protect American homeowners from creditor fraud in bankruptcy court. The Executive Office of the U.S. Bankruptcy Trustee (EOUST) was established within the Department of Justice in 1978 to protect the integrity of the federal bankruptcy system. The EOUST has recently re… Continue Reading
05.17.11
RI Arts Organizations Set to Receive Over $827,000 in Federal Funding
WASHINGTON, DC - In an effort to support the arts and promote art education and community art programs throughout Rhode Island, the Congressional delegation today announced that five local arts organizations will receive $827,800 in federal funding through the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). "At a time when budgetary pressures are causing cuts to many community arts programs, this federal funding will help support local non-profits and boost economic activity. Rhode Island's creative ind… Continue Reading
05.17.11
RI Delegation Announces Over $1M in Federal Funds for Providence Job Training Program
Washington, DC - In order to better prepare young Rhode Islanders for the jobs of tomorrow, the RI congressional delegation today announced $1.1 million in federal funds for YouthBuild Providence. The program, which is a part of the Providence Plan, provides vocational training to at risk youth, helping to better prepare them for jobs in the construction industry and emerging clean energy economy. "I am pleased that Providence Plan is receiving this critical federal funding to help ensure the … Continue Reading
05.16.11
RI Delegation Wants $21 Billion in Deficit Reduction by Eliminating Taxpayer Subsidies for Big Oil
PROVIDENCE, RI - With the Senate scheduled for a key vote this week, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Congressman David Cicilline (D-RI) are strongly backing a plan to eliminate special tax breaks for the five largest oil companies and direct those savings to decrease the national deficit. Standing in front of the largest oil terminal in Rhode Island, Reed, Whitehouse, and Cicilline today outlined their fiscally responsible plan to stand up for middle-class famil… Continue Reading
05.13.11
Whitehouse Highlights Oceans Legislation at East Providence Facility Working to Keep Bay Clean
East Providence, RI - With our world's oceans, and the millions of jobs they support, under constant threats from pollution, overuse, and climate change, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) today visited a facility in East Providence working to reduce water pollution into Narragansett Bay and other Rhode Island coastal waters. During the tour of the Narragansett Bay Commission's (NBC) Bucklin Point facility, Whitehouse discussed legislation he introduced yesterday which would support research… Continue Reading
05.12.11
Whitehouse Statement on White House Cyber Security Proposal
Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) issued the following statement today regarding the Administration's announced cyber security proposal: "The cyber security proposal released by the Obama Administration today marks a significant step forward, beginning a legislative process that will strengthen our country's national and economic security. As I learned while chairing the Intelligence Committee's cyber security task force, we need to dramatically improve our cyber security… Continue Reading
05.12.11
Whitehouse, Snowe Introduce Legislation to Support Coastal Jobs and Protect Oceans
Washington, DC - With coastal communities throughout the country struggling in this economy, and coastal ecosystems facing a barrage of environmental challenges, U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Olympia Snowe (R-ME) today introduced legislation to protect our oceans and coasts, and the research, tourism, and fishing jobs they support. The legislation, which is cosponsored by Senators Inouye (D-HI), Rockefeller (D-WV), Stabenow (D-MI), Bill Nelson (D-FL), and Landrieu (D-LA), would cre… Continue Reading
05.10.11
Whitehouse Calls for End to Tax Giveaways for Big Oil
Washington, DC - With Rhode Island drivers continuing to feel the pain of rising costs at the pump, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) today cosponsored legislation introduced in the Senate to end expensive tax breaks for big oil companies. The Close Big Oil Tax Loopholes Act would end these handouts to the five largest oil companies and use the billions in savings to help reduce our federal deficit. "These companies are doing just fine on their own, making over $33 billion in profit last q… Continue Reading
05.09.11
Reed and Whitehouse: RI Wins $28 Million for High-Speed Rail that FL Turned Down
PROVIDENCE, RI - Florida's loss is now officially Rhode Island's $28 million gain. U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is redirecting $28 million in high-speed rail Recovery Act funds from Florida to the Ocean State after Florida's Governor Rick Scott turned down about $2.4 billion in federal high-speed rail funding. Senators Reed and Whitehouse say the money will be put to good use improving Rhode Is… Continue Reading
05.06.11
Whitehouse Applauds Withdrawal of Challenge to RI Foreclosure Program
Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) released the following statement today regarding Deutsche Bank's decision to withdraw its appeal in its case challenging the legal authority of the Rhode Island Bankruptcy Court to run pre-trial foreclosure mediations: "For Rhode Island homeowners who continue to fight against unfair foreclosures, this is good news," said Whitehouse. "The Rhode Island bankruptcy court's foreclosure mediation program helps distressed families cut through t… Continue Reading
05.05.11
Whitehouse Brings Together RI Environmental and Energy Leaders for Conference in Washington
Washington, DC - Leaders from Rhode Island's environmental and energy communities yesterday had the opportunity to hear directly from federal leaders about policies and proposals that could affect their businesses and organizations in the Ocean State. U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse organized the event, which featured discussions with U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, and former White House Chief of Staff John Podesta. "As Rhode Island business owners and adv… Continue Reading
05.04.11
U.S. Senate Votes to Advance Jack McConnell’s Nomination to Federal Judgeship
WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Senate today voted 63-33 to advance the nomination of attorney John J. "Jack" McConnell toward an open seat on the U.S. District Court for Rhode Island. After he is confirmed and sworn in as Rhode Island's newest federal judge, McConnell will provide much needed help in taking on a heavy case load of important matters before the District Court in Rhode Island. United States Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, who recommended Mr. McConnell's nomination to Preside… Continue Reading
05.02.11
Whitehouse Statement on Death of Osama bin Laden
Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) issued the following statement today regarding President Obama's announcement that Osama bin Laden has been killed by U.S. forces in Pakistan: "Nearly ten years after the terrible events of September 11, 2001, justice has been done. Today I join all Rhode Islanders in thanking the covert and military teams who planned and executed this mission, after years of patient stalking. I hope this provides a turning point in the war against terro… Continue Reading
04.20.11
Whitehouse Discusses Green Jobs with RI Clean Energy Businesses at Johnson and Wales
Providence, RI - Working to bring the next generation of jobs to Rhode Island, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) today visited the Small Business Development Center at Johnson and Wales University to discuss his "Green Jobs for RI" initiatives. Whitehouse kicked off his tour yesterday, announcing proposals which would help support Rhode Island jobs in the emerging clean energy economy, while making critical investments in infrastructure and environmental preservation to support growth and prote… Continue Reading
04.19.11
Whitehouse Promotes Plan to Create RI Green Jobs
Providence, RI - With too many Rhode Islanders still struggling to find work, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) today announced a plan to help our state attract the jobs of tomorrow while also bolstering traditional industries. Whitehouse's "Green Jobs for RI" plan would help support Rhode Island jobs in the emerging clean energy economy, while making critical investments in infrastructure and environmental preservation to support growth and preserve jobs in tourism and fishing. "The stren… Continue Reading
04.15.11
Senators Introduce Legislation to Improve Middle School Achievement
Washington, DC - With too many American students falling behind as a result of underfunded and overcrowded schools, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) has introduced legislation to help disadvantaged middle grade students reach their full potential. The Success in the Middle Act, cosponsored by Senators Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Al Franken (D-MN), and Sherrod Brown (D-OH), would support American children by providing federal grants to help underachieving school systems. "Mid… Continue Reading
04.14.11
Whitehouse, Kyl Introduce Legislation to Enhance Cyber Security
Washington, DC - Cyber attacks on American businesses, consumers, government agencies, and critical infrastructure have dramatically increased in recent years. However, the American people have not been provided appropriate information on the scale and sophistication of the cyber threat and the risks it poses to our national and economic security. To address this problem, U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Jon Kyl (R-AZ) today introduced the Cyber Security Public Awareness Act of 2011, … Continue Reading
