Press Releases

05.21.08

Senate Judiciary Committee Hears from Oil Companies About Rising Costs at the Pump

Washington, D.C. - As crude oil prices reached a new all-time high of $132.08 per barrel and Rhode Islanders paid more than $3.85 a gallon at the pump, the Senate Judiciary Committee today heard testimony from top executives of America's biggest oil companies in an effort to get an explanation for record-breaking oil prices. U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse helped to chair the hearing. Executives of BP America Inc., Shell Oil Company, Chevron Corporation, ConocoPhillips Company, and Exxon Mobil… Continue Reading


05.21.08

Reed, Whitehouse, and Kennedy Applaud Coast Guard’s Final Determination that Weaver's Cove LNG Plan is Unsafe

PROVIDENCE, RI - The U.S. Coast Guard today announced that it has denied Weaver's Cove Energy's appeal and affirmed that the waterway is navigationally unsuitable for LNG shipments. This ruling upholds a Coast Guard decision handed down last fall, effectively blocking the proposed Liquified Natural Gas terminal proposed for Weaver's Cove in Fall River. U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and U.S. Representative Patrick Kennedy (D-RI), who have been working t… Continue Reading


05.21.08

Senate Committee Approves Bill to Let Rhode Island Move Forward on Emissions Cuts

Washington, D.C. - Rhode Island's push to set tough new standards restricting greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks took a step forward today as legislation to override the Bush Administration's objections gained the approval of a key Senate committee. The move comes amidst an intensifying Congressional investigation into the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s decision to reject a request by California, Rhode Island, and several other states to implement the stronger restrictions. … Continue Reading


05.21.08

Whitehouse Votes to Reject Bush Appointee for Top Legal Job at EPA

Washington, D.C. - In an expression of strong concern over the infiltration of politics into environmental regulation and policy, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) joined a majority of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee today to reject President Bush's nominee to serve as general counsel for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Committee's vote was 10 - 9 against David Hill, who now serves as general counsel of the Department of Energy. Whitehouse said Hill's… Continue Reading


05.20.08

Senators Join Cantwell in Calling for Justice Department Oil and Gas Market Fraud Task Force

Washington, DC - As Americans continue to struggle under record high oil and gas prices, and the summer driving season is about to start, today U.S. Senators Elizabeth Dole (R-NC) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) joined Maria Cantwell (D-WA) in calling for the creation of an Oil and Gas Market Fraud Task Force to examine possible fraud and manipulation in oil and gas markets. The President's Interagency Corporate Fraud Task Force should aggressively investigate allegations of oil and gas market fra… Continue Reading


05.19.08

Reed, Whitehouse, Kennedy Secure Over $1 Million for Save The Bay's Explore The Bay Program

PROVIDENCE, RI - In an effort to educate Rhode Islanders about Narragansett Bay and preserve it for future generations, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and U.S. Representative Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) today joined Curt Spalding, Executive Director of Save The Bay, and local students to announce $1,081,000 in federal funding they secured for Save The Bay's Explore the Bay Marine Education program. Reed and Whitehouse secured $893,000 and Kennedy secured $188,0… Continue Reading


05.19.08

Whitehouse: Johnson Should Make Full Disclosure on Political Involvement in California Waiver Decision

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, today urged Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Stephen L. Johnson to make a full disclosure of the facts surrounding his decision to reject a request by California, Rhode Island, and several other states to set tough restrictions on vehicle tailpipe emissions, so the American people can determine whether and to what extent White House officials … Continue Reading


05.16.08

Dominican American Leadership Organization Honors Whitehouse

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), a member of the Senate Hispanic Task Force, was honored by the Dominican American National Roundtable this week at its 6th Annual "Dominicans on the Hill Day." Whitehouse was recognized for his efforts to push the Census Bureau to allow Dominicans to register their identity during the 2010 Census. "In Rhode Island we are proud of the great contributions Dominicans have made to our economy and our culture," Whitehouse said. … Continue Reading


05.15.08

Whitehouse Hears From O'Connor, Gingrich at Senate Hearing on Alzheimer's

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), a member of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, participated in a hearing yesterday on Alzheimer's, a disease that now affects more than five million Americans. Whitehouse and other Committee members heard testimony from former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, speaking publicly for the first time about her husband's struggle with Alzheimer's. Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, who, like O'Connor, is a mem… Continue Reading


05.13.08

Boxer, Whitehouse Seek Answers from EPA on Mary Gade Resignation

Washington, D.C. - Senate Environment and Public Works Committee chairman Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) are asking the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for answers about the circumstances surrounding the resignation of Mary Gade, formerly EPA's regional administrator for the Midwest. "As you know, Congress and the American people expect EPA to enforce vigorously our public health protections - and to preserve the integrity of the enforcement program… Continue Reading


05.13.08

Whitehouse Applauds Senate Vote to Suspend Oil Purchases for Strategic Petroleum Reserve

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) applauded action by the U.S. Senate today to stabilize gas prices and give Rhode Islanders some relief at the gas pump. The Senate voted 97 to 1 in favor of suspending oil purchases for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. "Rhode Islanders have told me they are desperate for relief from steadily rising fuel prices, and this is an important first step," said Whitehouse, a cosponsor of the measure. "Putting more oil on the market wi… Continue Reading


05.07.08

Whitehouse Chairs Senate Hearing Investigating Political Influence at EPA

Washington, D.C. - At a hearing this morning chaired by U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), a top Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) official refused to respond to concerns raised by scientists and policymakers that political considerations have dictated decision-making at the agency. "What I see is an EPA that has systemically and deliberately exposed itself to political influence," Whitehouse said. At the hearing, before the Oversight Subcommittee of the Senate Environment… Continue Reading


05.01.08

Senate Intelligence Committee Passes Feinstein-Whitehouse Measures to Ban Torture, End Secret Detentions

Washington, DC - The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence has approved several measures to prohibit treatment of detainees that do not conform with America's values and international law, including torture and secret detentions, Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) announced today. The measures were approved as amendments to the Fiscal 2009 Intelligence Authorization Act. The Committee specifically approved: · An amendment introduced by Senat… Continue Reading


05.01.08

Dismissed GSA Administrator Carried on Bush Administration Tradition of Politics Before Public Service, Whitehouse Says

Washington, D.C. - The former head of the federal General Services Administration (GSA) displayed serious errors in judgment that more than warranted her dismissal, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) said today. Lurita Doan was asked to resign as administrator of GSA, which acts as the landlord and procurement agency for the federal government. "Lurita Doan is the latest in a long line of Bush Administration appointees who put winning elections and helping friends and cronies bef… Continue Reading


05.01.08

New Senate Bill Supports Investments in Safer Rhode Island Communities

Washington, D.C. - A national program that transforms distressed communities in Rhode Island and across the country through more affordable housing and crime prevention would get much-needed support with new Senate legislation introduced today. U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Arlen Specter (R-PA), Ranking Member on the Senate Judiciary Committee, today introduced a bill that would authorize federal funding for the Community Safety Initiative (CSI), a program of the Local … Continue Reading


05.01.08

Reed, Whitehouse Announce Nearly $1,000,000 in Federal Funding for Rhode Island Arts Organizations

WASHINGTON, DC - In an effort to support the arts and promote art education and community art programs throughout Rhode Island, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) today announced that ten arts organizations will receive $946,000 in federal grants through the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). "Rhode Island's art community has enriched our state's cultural heritage and had an immensely positive impact on our communities," said Reed, a member of the Senate… Continue Reading


04.30.08

Senate Passes Whitehouse-Reed Resolution Honoring Dith Pran

Washington, D.C. - The Senate has passed a resolution authored by U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Jack Reed (D-RI) honoring the life of Dith Pran, the Cambodian photojournalist and human rights advocate whose heroism during the genocide perpetrated by the Khmer Rouge regime was documented in the Academy Award-winning 1984 film "The Killing Fields." Dith passed away on March 30th after a battle with pancreatic cancer. The resolution, S.Res.515, passed last evening by unani… Continue Reading


04.30.08

Reed, Whitehouse Cosponsor Bill to Prevent Criminals and Terrorists from Purchasing Guns

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) are teaming up with Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) to close a gap in existing federal law and prevent terrorists and criminals from purchasing guns. The Preserving Records of Terrorist & Criminal Transactions (PROTECT) Act of 2008 (S.2935) will require the FBI to keep records of gun purchases by terror suspects for a minimum of ten years and preserve data generated from background checks for all gun … Continue Reading


04.28.08

Reed and Whitehouse Secure $500,000 to Revitalize Newport's Working Waterfront and Bolster RI's Marine Industry

NEWPORT, RI -- U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today joined leaders of the state's marine industry at the International Yacht Restoration School (IYRS) to announce new federal funding they secured to strengthen Rhode Island's marine heritage and revitalize Newport's working waterfront. Reed and Whitehouse secured $500,000 in the 2008 Appropriations spending bill to expand the school's facilities for marine vocational training and help provide sustainable careers for more Rhode Islander… Continue Reading


04.24.08

Senate Democrats Ask DOJ to Enforce Laws Facilitating Voter Registration

Washington, D.C. - With November's elections drawing closer, several members of the Senate Judiciary Committee expressed concern today that the Department of Justice has failed to enforce a landmark law designed to help Americans register to vote. In a letter to Attorney General Michael B. Mukasey, U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA), Russ Feingold (D-WI), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) noted that DOJ has vigorously… Continue Reading

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64 Page 65 Page 66 Page 67 Page 68 Page 69 Page 70 Page 71 Page 72 Page 73 Page 74 Page 75 Page 76 Page 77 Page 78 Page 79 Page 80 Page 81 Page 82 Page 83 Page 84 Page 85 Page 86 Page 87 Page 88 Page 89 Page 90 Page 91 Page 92 Page 93 Page 94 Page 95 Page 96 Page 97 Page 98 Page 99 Page 100 Page 101 Page 102 Page 103 Page 104 Page 105 Page 106 Page 107 Page 108 Page 109 Page 110 Page 111 Page 112 Page 113 Page 114 Page 115 Page 116 Page 117 Page 118 Page 119 Page 120 Page 121 Page 122 Page 123 Page 124 Page 125 Page 126 Page 127 Page 128 Page 129 Page 130 Page 131 Page 132 Page 133 Page 134 Page 135 Page 136 Page 137 Page 138 Page 139 Page 140 Page 141 Page 142 Page 143 Page 144 Page 145 Page 146 Page 147 Page 148 Page 149 Page 150 Page 151 Page 152 Page 153 Page 154 Page 155 Page 156 Page 157
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64 Page 65 Page 66 Page 67 Page 68 Page 69 Page 70 Page 71 Page 72 Page 73 Page 74 Page 75 Page 76 Page 77 Page 78 Page 79 Page 80 Page 81 Page 82 Page 83 Page 84 Page 85 Page 86 Page 87 Page 88 Page 89 Page 90 Page 91 Page 92 Page 93 Page 94 Page 95 Page 96 Page 97 Page 98 Page 99 Page 100 Page 101 Page 102 Page 103 Page 104 Page 105 Page 106 Page 107 Page 108 Page 109 Page 110 Page 111 Page 112 Page 113 Page 114 Page 115 Page 116 Page 117 Page 118 Page 119 Page 120 Page 121 Page 122 Page 123 Page 124 Page 125 Page 126 Page 127 Page 128 Page 129 Page 130 Page 131 Page 132 Page 133 Page 134 Page 135 Page 136 Page 137 Page 138 Page 139 Page 140 Page 141 Page 142 Page 143 Page 144 Page 145 Page 146 Page 147 Page 148 Page 149 Page 150 Page 151 Page 152 Page 153 Page 154 Page 155 Page 156 Page 157
Showing page   of 157