Press Releases
Whitehouse Office Available to Assist RI Small Businesses with SBA Loans
Washington, D.C. - As the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) today begins accepting applications for a new "Payroll Protection" loan forgiveness program, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse is reminding small business owners that his constituent services team is available to help Rhode Islanders navigate the application process. "Rhode Island small businesses are in crisis mode right now, and we know there is enormous demand for the SBA's new borrowing and loan forgiveness services," said Whi… Continue Reading
04.02.20
Following Calls from Reed, Whitehouse, and Colleagues, Treasury Reverses Course and Says Social Security Beneficiaries Do Not Need to File Tax Returns to Receive COVID-19 Direct Cash Assistance
Washington, D.C. - Following calls from Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and their colleagues, the U.S. Treasury Department has announced that Social Security recipients will automatically receive direct cash assistance included in the CARES Act without having to file tax returns. Yesterday, the Senators raised alarms over guidance that the IRS issued earlier this week that said Social Security beneficiaries would need to file tax… Continue Reading
04.01.20
Reed & Whitehouse Seek Automatic CARES Act Payments for Social Security Recipients Who Don’t File Tax Returns
WASHINGTON, DC - In an effort to help retirees and seniors living on fixed incomes access the direct payments they are eligible for under the new $2.2 trillion emergency coronavirus relief law, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse are asking the Trump Administration to follow the clear intent of the law and provide direct payments to Social Security beneficiaries who do not file taxes. Thousands of Rhode Island taxpayers over the age of 65 do not file an annual federal income tax retu… Continue Reading
03.31.20
Whitehouse Statement on CAFE Standard Rollback
Newport, RI - Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), a senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, released the following statement today on the Trump administration's rollback of automobile fuel efficiency standards: "Consumers and automakers don't want this reckless rollback, being pulled off for polluters under cover of the COVID pandemic. We need to investigate the role of Marathon Petroleum and fossil fuel lobbyists, and whatever quid pro quos may have been offered so … Continue Reading
03.30.20
Congressional Delegation Offices Available to Help Rhode Islanders Access COVID-19 Relief Funds
Washington, D.C. - Following the signing into law of a $2.2-trillion economic relief package to help Americans through the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse along with Congressmen Jim Langevin and David Cicilline are reminding Rhode Islanders that their respective offices stand ready to help constituents access federal programs. "The massive $2.2-trillion relief package was designed to fortify our health care system for COVID-19, and help middle-class families an… Continue Reading
03.27.20
RI Congressional Delegation Urges Trump to Promptly Deliver Emergency Relief & Address Urgent Needs
WASHINGTON, DC - After Congress sprinted to complete a historic $2.2 trillion Emergency Coronavirus Economic Rescue bill, Rhode Island's Congressional delegation is urging the Trump Administration to effectively implement the law and promptly get the money out the door and into the hands of those who need it. U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse along with Congressmen Jim Langevin and David Cicilline, all supported the landmark bipartisan package, which provides federal funding and di… Continue Reading
03.25.20
Whitehouse Applauds Revised Bipartisan Legislation to Equip Hospitals, Buoy Middle Class Amid Pandemic
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse this morning threw his support behind a bipartisan deal for a third coronavirus legislative package that will inject $2 trillion into the national economy and send badly needed resources to Rhode Island hospitals, and to middle class families and local governments grappling with the financial downturn. Whitehouse issued the following statement on The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act: "COVID-19 has triggered an unprecedented p… Continue Reading
03.24.20
Congressional Delegation Announces $539K to Help RI Health Centers Fight COVID-19
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse along with Congressmen Jim Langevin and David Cicilline today announced $539,250 in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to help eight Rhode Island health centers in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Health centers may immediately use the awards to address screening and testing needs, acquire medical supplies, and boost their telehealth capacity. "Our trusted community health centers a… Continue Reading
03.23.20
Amid Widening Pandemic, Whitehouse, Warren Lead Call for Chamber of Commerce to Cease Lobbying Efforts that are Endangering Public Health and the Economic Needs of Millions of Americans
Text of Letter (PDF) Washington, D.C. -- United States Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawai'i), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) sent a letter to the Chamber of Commerce demanding answers as to why the organization is lobbying against President Trump's use of the Defense Production Act -- an extraordinarily powerful tool that would allow him to quickly harness and use America's technological and man… Continue Reading
03.22.20
Whitehouse Statement on Coronavirus Package Procedural Vote
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) released the following statement after voting against a procedural vote to proceed to a third coronavirus legislative package: "Americans are counting on Congress to act swiftly to protect workers from financial ruin and fortify our health system and other core sectors of our economy. I voted against the Republican proposal because it did too much for corporations and not enough for our workforce and health care system. I am still hope… Continue Reading
03.18.20
Whitehouse Approves Emergency Package to Provide Relief for Rhode Islanders
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse this afternoon voted to approve a deal negotiated by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi that will put supports immediately in place for Rhode Island workers affected by the economic fallout from COVID-19. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act will also make coronavirus testing free. The legislation passed the Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support and awaits the President's signature. "I know Rhode Islanders are hurting right now. Small b… Continue Reading
03.18.20
Whitehouse, Senate Democrats Request Requirements for Airlines and Cruise Lines to Address Pollution in Financial Assistance Package
Washington, D.C. - As Congress considers a massive bailout for industries affected by the coronavirus outbreak, U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Cory Booker (D-NJ) today called on congressional leaders to ensure any financial assistance for major airlines and foreign-flagged cruise lines includes reasonable environmental requirements to address pollutio… Continue Reading
03.16.20
Congressional Delegation Wants Swift SBA Disaster Declaration for RI
WASHINGTON, DC - Rhode Island's Congressional delegation today urged the Trump Administration to quickly grant Rhode Island's request for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to issue an economic disaster declaration covering the state due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Jim Langevin and David Cicilline say the designation will help small business owners successfully apply for low-interest federal loans … Continue Reading
03.14.20
Whitehouse Welcomes Bipartisan Economic Relief Package
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse applauded the bipartisan deal passed by the U.S. House of Representatives last night to put supports in place for American workers and make coronavirus testing free. The measure would mandate paid medical and family leave, expand food security programs, and inject funding into state Medicaid programs. By one estimate, the legislation could direct $150 million to Rhode Island's Medicaid program. "Speaker Pelosi negotiated a good deal to provid… Continue Reading
03.12.20
Special Committee on the Climate Crisis Hears from Leading Experts on the Economic Risks of Climate Change
Washington, DC - On Thursday at the U.S. Capitol, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Chairman Brian Schatz (D-HI) led a Senate Democrats' Special Committee on the Climate Crisis hearing entitled "The Economic Risks of Climate Change." Senate Democrats heard testimony from leading economists and climate experts, who warned them of the systemic economic risk associated with climate inaction. As the costs associated with climate change increase, so do the risks. ***Watch the full video of the… Continue Reading
03.11.20
Following Trump Address, Whitehouse Calls on President to Unlock Emergency Coronavirus Aid, Provide Robust Economic Stimulus for Workers
Washington, D.C. - Following an address to the nation by President Donald Trump, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse tonight called on the President to issue an emergency declaration for the coronavirus pandemic and support an economic stimulus package that would help the workers whose livelihoods are most immediately at risk. "A lot of time was wasted through incompetence, and it matters now that we focus on adequate preparation, testing, and response to protect Americans, not on odd travel bans. … Continue Reading
03.11.20
Reed, Whitehouse to DeVos: Issue Clear Guidance for Schools and Families Dealing with Coronavirus Closures
Washington, D.C. - As schools in Rhode Island and across the country mull closures due to the coronavirus, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) joined Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and 30 Democratic Senators in urging Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos to provide guidance for school districts and institutions of higher education, as well as families and students. In a letter to Secretary DeVos, the senators stressed that it is crucial that the Department of Education provi… Continue Reading
03.11.20
Whitehouse, Utility Workers Union President James Slevin Issue United Call for Carbon Price in New Washington Post Op-Ed
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) has joined forces with James Slevin, president of the Utility Workers Union of America, to call for a price on the carbon emissions driving climate change and to use revenue raised by the fee to help the workers and communities that will be most affected by the resulting transition to renewable energy sources. The joint op-ed, which was published today on the editorial page of the Washington Post, marks the first time a national energy-s… Continue Reading
03.10.20
Whitehouse, Merkley Call Out Trump Administration for Handing Over NEPA Rulemaking Process to Fossil Fuel Polluters
Washington, DC - Today, Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) submitted an official comment on a proposal by the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) that would block federal agencies from considering under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) the effects of federal government actions that contribute to climate change and other major environmental problems. The proposal is such a blatant giveaway to the fossil fuel industry, it constitutes an illegal d… Continue Reading
03.05.20
U.S. Senators Call on Employers to Offer Workers Flexibility in the Event of Widespread Coronavirus Outbreak
WASHINGTON, DC - In the event that workers are directed on medical advice to self-isolate because of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse are strongly urging major U.S. employers to commit that workers will not be penalized for following recommended health procedures to protect the public from further spread of the coronavirus. In a letter to major industry groups signed by Reed, Whitehouse, U.S. Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) and 13 U.S. Senators, the Se… Continue Reading
