Press Releases
Whitehouse: Administration's Decision on Air Pollution is Deeply Disappointing
Providence, RI - U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse released the following statement today regarding the Obama Administration's decision not to act on recommendations from the Environmental Protection Agency to better regulate air pollution: "I'm deeply disappointed in the Obama White House's decision to defer acting on ozone pollution, a decision that will directly harm Rhode Island. Only national enforcement will protect us here in Rhode Island from the 'bad air' days we experience due to ozone… Continue Reading
08.31.11
Whitehouse Travels to Pakistan and Afghanistan to Meet with Troops
Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) has concluded a trip to Pakistan and Afghanistan to hear from top U.S. officials about our progress and challenges, and to urge foreign officials to reduce the risk to our troops posed by improvised explosive devices (IED's). Whitehouse travelled first to Pakistan where he met with Prime Minister Gilani, Defense Minister Mukhtar, Chief of Army Staff General Kayani, President Zardari, and leaders of parliament to discuss a wide range of bil… Continue Reading
08.27.11
Whitehouse Urges Rhode Islanders to Prepare for Storm
Washington, DC - With Hurricane Irene currently making its way up the east coast and threatening to affect New England this weekend, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse today released the following statement urging all Rhode Islanders to take precautions and prepare for the storm: "While I sincerely hope that Hurricane Irene passes by our state and spares any significant damage, Rhode Islanders can help limit the effects of this storm by taking steps now to prepare. This storm could bring intense … Continue Reading
08.26.11
Joint Statement from Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Bob Casey (D-PA), Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) on their visit to Pakistan August 24-27
Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South and Central Asian Affairs, led a congressional delegation comprised of Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) to Pakistan for three days of talks with Pakistani leaders. The delegation met with Prime Minister Gilani, Defense Minister Mukhtar, Chief of Army Staff General Kayani and leaders of parliament to discuss a wide r… Continue Reading
08.26.11
As Irene Heads North, Delegation Wants Obama to Speed Emergency Assistance to RI
For Hurricane Irene Resources for Rhode Island, please visit: whitehouse.senate.gov/HurricaneIrene PROVIDENCE, RI - As Rhode Island prepares for the impact of Hurricane Irene, the state's Congressional delegation wants to help speed up emergency assistance from the federal government. U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and U.S. Representatives Jim Langevin and David Cicilline sent a letter to President Obama urging expedited approval of any forthcoming request for additional federa… Continue Reading
08.25.11
Whitehouse in Pakistan to Press U.S. Security Concerns
Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse is in Pakistan where he is part of a congressional delegation trip to meet with top Pakistani and U.S. officials to address U.S. security concerns, and to urge stronger action against Taliban refuges in Pakistan supporting attacks on our troops in Afghanistan. "I'm always grateful for the opportunity to hear from our military and intelligence leaders on the ground and thank them for their service," said Whitehouse. While in Pakistan, Whitehouse… Continue Reading
08.24.11
Rhode Island to Receive $15 Million to Strengthen Emergency Preparedness and Security
WASHINGTON, DC - With a possible hurricane landing this weekend, Rhode Island's Congressional Delegation today announced the state will receive $15 million in federal funding from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This federal funding will be administered by DHS's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The federal grants will help state and local agencies prepare for and respond to natural and man-made disasters. "At a time when the state and localities face tight budgets, these… Continue Reading
08.24.11
Whitehouse Hears from South County Seafood Businesses about Economy
Narragansett, RI - With the Rhode Island seafood industry facing a number of challenges in this tough economy, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse yesterday toured seafood businesses in Narragansett to hear about what they need to succeed and grow. Whitehouse visited several businesses near the port of Galilee, including the Town Dock, Local Catch, Ocean State Lobster, and Handrigan Seafood. Earlier in the day Whitehouse also visited Seafreeze in North Kingstown. "Our local seafood retailers are … Continue Reading
08.23.11
Whitehouse Hears from Marine Industry Leaders about Economy
Newport, RI - Today, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse held a roundtable discussion in Newport about the issues facing our boat builders, marinas, and marine equipment manufacturers and suppliers in this tough economy. Whitehouse teamed with the Rhode Island Marine Trades Association to hear from marine industry leaders on what they need to succeed and grow. Governor Lincoln Chafee also participated in the discussion. "The marine trades industries are a significant source of jobs in Rhode Islan… Continue Reading
08.17.11
Interior Launches Leasing Process for Commercial Wind Energy Offshore Rhode Island and Massachusetts
WASHINGTON - As part of Interior's "Smart from the Start" offshore wind energy initiative to spur rapid and responsible siting, leasing and construction of new wind projects, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) Director Michael R. Bromwich today announced the initial steps to develop commercial wind energy on the Outer Continental Shelf offshore Rhode Island and Massachusetts. A Call for Information and Nominations (… Continue Reading
08.16.11
Whitehouse Hears from Bristol Business Owners about Job Creation
Bristol, RI - Today U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse continued his fight to advance policies that can create good jobs for Rhode Island and help local businesses expand. Whitehouse met with a group of local business owners in Bristol to hear about how the economy has affected them and to discuss legislation he has introduced to create jobs. "With so many Rhode Islanders still out of work, we must make sure our small businesses have the support they need to grow and create jobs," said Whitehouse. … Continue Reading
08.15.11
Thousands of RI Seniors Benefitting from “Doughnut Hole” Fix
Providence, RI - Last year, as part of the health care reform law, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) helped lead the successful fight to end the Medicare Part D prescription drug "doughnut hole" which leaves thousands of Rhode Island seniors without prescription drug coverage every year. Now, according to new data released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, more than 3,000 Rhode Island seniors had received prescription drug discounts through the end of June this year as a r… Continue Reading
08.12.11
Whitehouse Praises America’s Cup World Series Coming to Rhode Island
Providence, RI - U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse released the following statement regarding today's announcement that Newport will host the final stop of the America's Cup World Series in 2012: "Rhode Island is the true historical home for the America's Cup, and I'm glad that these World Series races will be taking place in our beautiful City by the Sea. The arrival of the America's Cup World Series races next year will be a great boost to our state's economy, with the tourism and revenues it … Continue Reading
08.11.11
Whitehouse Pushes Administration for Action to Protect Air Quality
Washington, D.C. - Today U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) urged the Obama Administration to take action to protect our air quality and public health by expressing concern for the Administration's continued delay in setting a health-protective ozone, or smog, air quality standard. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), John Kerry (D-MA), Frank Lautenberg (D NJ), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Joe Lieberman (I-CT), and Bernie Sanders (I-VT) also signed the l… Continue Reading
08.11.11
RI Delegation Announces Nearly $800,000 in Department of Justice Grants
Washington, DC - Rhode Island's congressional delegation today announced $785,360 in federal funds for various state agencies through the Department of Justice (DOJ). The money will go towards programs designed to keep Rhode Island's children safe by working to reduce Internet crimes, underage drinking, and juvenile delinquency. "This funding will help local law enforcement improve the lives and safety of our children," said U.S. Senators Reed and Whitehouse and Congressmen Langevin and Cicill… Continue Reading
08.11.11
Reed & Whitehouse Want Congress to Put Job Creation First
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and 21 of their Senate colleagues sent a simple message to members of the new Deficit Reduction Committee: Put jobs first. In a letter to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, the 23 senators argued that spurring job growth in the short term is a vital element of reducing the deficit and should therefore be central to the new committee. "For families across the country, the biggest economic problem is high unemployment," w… Continue Reading
08.10.11
Whitehouse Hears from RI Business Owners About Job Creation Efforts
Johnston, RI - Today U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse continued his fight to advance policies that can create good jobs for Rhode Island and help local businesses expand. Whitehouse met with a group of local business owners over coffee to hear about how the economy has affected them and to discuss legislation he has introduced to create jobs. "With so many Rhode Islanders still out of work, we must make sure our small businesses have the support they need to grow and create jobs," said Whitehou… Continue Reading
08.09.11
Reed and Whitehouse Meet with Alliance for American Manufacturing
Washington, DC - Continuing their efforts to boost manufacturing jobs in Rhode Island and across America, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) recently met with representatives from the Alliance for American Manufacturing to hear how a recent study shows that Americans want Congress to work on policies to bring manufacturing jobs back to this country. Senators Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Charles Schumer (D-NY), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Debbie Stabenow (… Continue Reading
08.02.11
Whitehouse Statement on Vote to Reduce Deficit and Avoid Default
Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) released the following statement today after voting in favor of the compromise legislation to raise our nation's debt ceiling, reduce federal deficits, and avoid a default on our financial obligations: "This is a difficult and unpleasant vote, but the House Republicans threat to put the country into default must be avoided. The President's plan is far from perfect, but we must avoid default. "Throughout this debate, I've heard from senio… Continue Reading
07.27.11
CBO Says Democratic Deficit Reduction Plan Saves U.S. $2.2 Trillion, Nearly 3 Times the Republican Bill
WASHINGTON, DC -- The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) today reported that the Senate Democratic bill to prevent default and cut spending will reduce the budget deficit by about $2.2 trillion over the next ten years, nearly three times the $850 billion credited to the House Republican debt ceiling plan announced Monday. House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) planned to hold a vote on the GOP bill today, but after the CBO score was released the vote was called off and Republicans are t… Continue Reading
