Whitehouse Votes for First Minimum Wage Increase in a Decade

Washington, D.C. - In the new Democratic-led Senate, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) voted with an overwhelming majority of Senators yesterday to pass the first minimum wage increase in ten years. The bill raises the federal minimum wage by $2.10 an hour over two years, to $7.25. "The American people sent a powerful message that it's time for Washington to focus on the needs of working families, not big corporations," Whitehouse said. "Democrats listened - and we kept our promise. Raisin… Continue Reading

Whitehouse: National Intelligence Estimate Confirms Urgent Need for a New Direction in Iraq

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement on today's National Intelligence Estimate, "Prospects for Iraq's Stability: A Challenging Road Ahead." "The National Intelligence Estimate released today makes clear what most Americans already understand: the situation in Iraq is bad and getting worse, and the President's escalation plan offers no lasting solution for the underlying political and … Continue Reading

Whitehouse Highlights Global Warming's Threat to the Ocean State

Washington, D.C. - At the first hearing of the Senate Committee on the Environment and Public Works (EPW), U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) offered a uniquely Rhode Island look at the potentially catastrophic effects of global warming. In a presentation drawing on the expertise and insights of Rhode Island's environmental community, Whitehouse demonstrated evidence that climate change is already at work in Rhode Island - from the cherry trees on his own street to devastating t… Continue Reading

Rhode Island to Receive Over $700,000 to Update Medicaid Computer Technology

Washington, D.C. - In an effort to help the Rhode Island state government improve service delivery to Medicaid patients and reduce bureaucracy, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) today announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will award the state of Rhode Island $725,253 to update and upgrade its information technology systems. The Medicaid "IT Infrastructure Transformation grant" will be used to help the state improve their record… Continue Reading

Whitehouse on the State of the Union: It's Time for a Real Change in Course

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse released the following statement in response to President George W. Bush's State of the Union address: "Last November, the American people voted for a new direction in Washington. I met thousands of Rhode Islanders who told me we needed change, and tonight, the President had a real opportunity to show he was listening. But I'm concerned that this State of the Union will be like so many others from this President: promises that sound… Continue Reading

Statement of Sheldon Whitehouse on Senate Passage of Ethics Reform Legislation

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse tonight released the following statement on the Senate's passage of legislation to reform lobbying and ethics rules: "Last November, Rhode Islanders sent a clear message: it's time to clean up Washington. Today, as its first order of business, the new Democratic Senate delivered on its promise, passing tough ethics reform that will go a long way toward ensuring our government reflects the true will of the American people. Corrupt sp… Continue Reading

Reed & Whitehouse Call for 80% Cut to Global Warming Pollutants by 2050

WASHINGTON, DC - In an effort to slow and reverse the devastating effects of global climate change, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) joined with Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), and several of their colleagues in introducing The Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act. The bill calls for an 80% reduction -- compared to 1990 levels -- in global warming pollutants by 2050 and offers the most progressive and comprehensive solution to reduce greenhouse… Continue Reading

Reed, Whitehouse Urge Portugal to Reconsider Potential Closing of Rhode Island Consulate

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) have asked Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates to reconsider the potential closing of Portugal's consulate in Providence. The full text of the letter is below. January 10, 2007 Eng. Jose Socrates Sousa Primeiro Ministro Rue de Imprensa a Estrela 4 1200-888 Lisboa PORTUGAL Dear Mr. Prime Minister: We write regarding the potential closing of the Portuguese consulate … Continue Reading