Press Releases
Whitehouse Delivers First Speech in Series on Health Reform Legislation
Washington, D.C. - In the first of a planned week-long series of addresses on the floor of the U.S. Senate, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) today outlined critical challenges facing America's health care system and solutions he has proposed in the first legislation he has authored since taking office. "I have heard from countless Rhode Islanders who have struggled to pay for their health care, and who live in fear of losing coverage on which they and their families depend," Wh… Continue Reading
05.21.07
Whitehouse's First Senate Bills Focus on Health Reform
Cranston, R.I. - U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) today unveiled his first legislation since taking office in January: a trio of bills grounded in his experience working with health care in Rhode Island and aimed at expanding the use of health information technology and improving the quality of care. "Over many years, Rhode Islanders have told me they're frustrated at a health care system that costs too much but leaves most people without the care they need," Whitehouse said. … Continue Reading
05.17.07
Congress Passes Whitehouse Health IT Measure in 2008 Budget Blueprint
Washington, D.C. - As the nation recognizes National Health IT Week 2007, Congress today approved a fiscal 2008 budget resolution that included a measure proposed by U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) to support health information technology and accepted best practices in clinical settings. "Health information technology is a crucial piece of the health care puzzle," said Whitehouse. "I am encouraged - and proud - that this budget will provide th… Continue Reading
05.03.07
Leahy, Whitehouse Seek Data on Potential Partisan Bias in Corruption Cases
WASHINGTON (Thursday, May 3) - Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Senator and former U.S. Attorney Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), a member of the panel, have asked Department of Justice Inspector General Glenn A. Fine to provide information on the public corruption investigations launched during the Bush Administration that have involved Republican and Democratic targets. The letter comes in response to Attorney General Alberto Gonzales's invitation at his… Continue Reading
05.03.07
DOJ Agrees to Release Results of US Attorneys Investigation
Washington, D.C. - In response to a request from Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), the Department of Justice has agreed that the results of an internal investigation into the firing of several federal prosecutors will be made public, Whitehouse announced today. "I'm glad the Department recognizes the American people's interest in learning the truth behind the Bush administration's unprecedented purge of United States A… Continue Reading
05.01.07
Whitehouse Meets Rhode Island Teacher of the Year
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) met with Catherine Davis Hayes, Rhode Island's 2007 Teacher of the Year, last week in Washington. "Cathy's passion and commitment to education is enriching her students' lives every day," said Whitehouse. "Rhode Island is proud to have her, and I was delighted to talk with her about education reform." Ms. Hayes has been a visual-arts teacher at the Oakland Beach Elementary School in Warwick for 11 years. She is credited … Continue Reading
04.30.07
Leahy, Whitehouse Seek Transparency in U.S. Attorneys Probe
WASHINGTON (Monday, April 30) - Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Senator and former U.S. Attorney Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), a member of the panel, today urged Solicitor General Paul D. Clement to make the results of a Department of Justice investigation into the unprecedented firing of several United States Attorneys available to Congress and the public. "The results of the investigation will only be useful if they are accessible to Congress and to the public," t… Continue Reading
04.27.07
Whitehouse Meets Cumberland Student Recognized at National Science Competition
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) met this week with Providence College student Joshua Malouin of Cumberland, R.I., whose project on cellular biology could have implications for cancer research. Malouin, a sophomore biology student, was one of 80 students selected by the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) to participate in a poster session on Capitol Hill. "I want to applaud Joshua for his outstanding achievement," Whitehouse said. "I believe investm… Continue Reading
04.26.07
Whitehouse Praises Senate Passage of Iraq Bill Setting Goal for Redeployment
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) today released the following statement: "Today, once again, the Senate has demonstrated our commitment to a new direction in Iraq - and once again, America is waiting to see whether this President will heed the calls of the people he serves to change course and bring our troops home. "I was proud to vote today for a measure that not only ensures our troops have the resources they need, but also requires President Bush to… Continue Reading
04.26.07
Whitehouse Statement Commemorating Anniversary of Vermont Civil Unions Law
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement commemorating the 7th anniversary of the legal recognition of civil unions in Vermont. "Seven years ago Vermont took a courageous step forward for civil rights in this country through the civil unions law," said Whitehouse. "I'm proud of the efforts of Rhode Island's gay community in their fight for equal marriage in our state, and I'll do all I can i… Continue Reading
04.24.07
Whitehouse: Armenian Genocide Must Never Be Repeated
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Whitehouse (D-R.I.) today released the following statement commemorating Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day: "The only way to prevent crimes against humanity in the future is to shine light on the past. I'm proud to support the Senate's efforts to recognize the tragedy that befell the Armenians for what it was - a genocide that must never, ever be repeated." Whitehouse is a cosponsor of Senate Resolution 106, which calls on the President to ensure that … Continue Reading
04.22.07
On Earth Day, Whitehouse Calls for Action on Climate Change
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, today released the following statement: "For the first time in many years, on this Earth Day our leaders in the United States Senate understand the dangers we face from unchecked climate change. The long-term effects of global warming, including the prospect of a dramatic increase in sea levels, could be devastating to our state. "I support legislation that would pu… Continue Reading
04.19.07
Whitehouse Illustrates Change in Policy on Contacts Between Justice Department, White House
Washington, D.C. - At a hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) illustrated the dramatic change, under the Bush administration, in the policy governing initial contact between the Department of Justice and the White House on pending criminal investigations or cases (excluding matters of national security). See below for reproductions of the charts Whitehouse displayed. The policy that preceded the Bush administration is illustrated on t… Continue Reading
04.12.07
Whitehouse Backs Senate Effort to Strengthen Hate Crime Statute
Washington, D.C. - Citing the need to give local law enforcement stronger tools to prosecute hate crimes, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today added his support to new legislation that will include sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and disability status as part of the federal hate crimes statute. "Crimes of hate are unacceptable and should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," said Whitehouse. "I'm proud to … Continue Reading
04.11.07
In Meeting with Bush, Whitehouse Urges New Direction in Iraq
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) met with President Bush today to share firsthand the concerns of thousands of Rhode Islanders who believe we need a change of course in Iraq. Whitehouse recently traveled to Iraq as a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. "Rhode Islanders, and people throughout the country, have sent a clear message to this administration: it's time for a new direction in Iraq," Whitehouse said. "Today, I had the chance t… Continue Reading
04.10.07
Whitehouse Shares Westerly Girl's Story in Push for Stem Cell Research
Washington, D.C. - Sharing the story of Lila Barber, a 12 year old girl from Westerly, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) today illustrated the hope stem cell research can offer in a speech on the Senate floor in favor of legislation to expand federal funding for stem cell research. Whitehouse met Lila two weeks ago. She was diagnosed two years ago with osteosarcoma, a cancerous bone condition, and last year underwent cadaver bone transplant surgery. The procedure saved her leg and… Continue Reading
04.06.07
Whitehouse, in Charlestown, Speaks Out for Conservation
Providence, R.I. - Emphasizing the importance of preserving Rhode Island's wilderness spaces, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) visited the Kettle Pond Visitor Center and YMCA Camp Watchaug this week to learn more about the sites and discuss ways to help them grow. "Our open spaces and our wilderness spaces are under more pressure than almost anywhere," said Whitehouse, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee. "It merits, and will take, a significa… Continue Reading
04.05.07
Whitehouse Tours Hispanic Small Businesses
Providence, R.I. - Tuesday, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), a member of the Senate Democratic Hispanic Task Force, toured Hispanic small businesses on Providence's Broad Street. The tour gave Whitehouse an opportunity to meet directly with constituents and hear from them about the issues on their minds, from the war in Iraq to securing a better education for young people in the community. "I look forward to continuing to work with the vibrant and growing Latino community i… Continue Reading
04.03.07
Whitehouse Raises Awareness of Tax Relief for Working Families
Providence, R.I.- With the income tax filing deadline just two weeks away, today U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) joined the John Hope Settlement House and representatives from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to offer free tax preparation assistance and advice to working families. The event was driven by an effort to raise awareness of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which last year went unclaimed by more than 13,000 eligible Rhode Islanders. "Working families have earned these … Continue Reading
03.29.07
Senate Passes Bill Requiring Redeployment from Iraq
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) voted with a majority of the Senate today to pass legislation that would compel President Bush to begin redeploying American troops from Iraq within four months, with a goal of having all combat troops out of the country by March 31, 2008. "The Senate has heard the concerns and deep dissatisfaction of the American people at our course in Iraq, and we have committed to a new direction," Whitehouse said. "When I was in Iraq a few weeks a… Continue Reading
