Press Releases
Senate Declares National Estuaries Week
Washington, DC - The Senate has unanimously approved a resolution designating the week of September 15 through September 22, 2018 as National Estuaries Week. Sponsored by U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and 26 others, the bipartisan legislation recognizes the importance of coastal and estuarine regions to our national economy, and reaffirms the Senate's continued support for protecting and restoring these vital resources. "Estuaries are a big part of life in Rhode Island. They sustain our eco… Continue Reading
10.04.18
Whitehouse Statement on FBI Report on Kavanaugh Investigation
Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and a former United States Attorney, released the following statement regarding the FBI's summary of its limited background investigation of Supreme Court Nominee Brett Kavanaugh, which senators were permitted to review today: "If I had received a report like this when I was serving as a United States Attorney, I would have sent it back for more work. Clearly there were considerable constraints … Continue Reading
10.03.18
Whitehouse Cheers Passage of FAA Bill Setting Minimum Seat Size for Air Passengers
Washington, DC - Today, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) welcomed passage of the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2018, which contains his provisions to help improve air passengers' comfort and safety, reduce airfare, and cut pollution. One provision would require the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to set minimum seat sizes for passenger aircraft. Another would make it a criminal offense to interfere with the operation of a manned aircraft using a drone, and … Continue Reading
09.29.18
Whitehouse Outlines Proper Elements of FBI Investigation of Kavanaugh Sexual Assault Allegations
Washington, DC - Today, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and a former United States Attorney, outlined the proper elements of an FBI investigation of sexual assault allegations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. The Senate has delayed a vote on the Kavanaugh nomination to allow the FBI to conduct such an investigation. Whitehouse's statement is below. "As a former United States Attorney familiar with investigations, and given the short … Continue Reading
09.28.18
Whitehouse Statement on Committee Vote on Kavanaugh Nomination
Washington, DC - Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement regarding the Judiciary Committee's vote today on the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh for the Supreme Court: "As this nominee advanced in the face of credible sexual assault allegations against him, Democrats' persistent advocacy opened the door to further FBI investigation, which I hope will meet the standards of 'sincere and thorough.' Senator Flake's reasonable requ… Continue Reading
09.27.18
Whitehouse Statement on Blasey Ford, Kavanaugh Testimony
Washington, DC - Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement regarding the testimony of Dr. Christine Blasey Ford and Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh: "Dr. Blasey Ford's stunning testimony today added further credibility to her already credible allegations. She was precise. She was sincere. She was compelling. I am grateful for her bravery in coming forward. I personally believe her. "As a prosecutor, I condemn that… Continue Reading
09.27.18
Whitehouse: ‘Kavanaugh and Senate Republicans Have Worked Together to Deny Christine Blasey Ford a Fair Investigation’
Kavanaugh and Senate Republicans have worked together to deny Christine Blasey Ford a fair investigation: NBC News The Senate is obliged to be fair and respectful to victims. And this is where we have failed. By Senator Sheldon Whitehouse September 27, 2018 One of the hardest things a prosecutor has to do is to tell an assault victim who has come forward that there is not enough evidence to support proceeding to trial. It is not unusual for victims to come forward years, even decades, after … Continue Reading
09.25.18
Delegation, Raimondo Announce $12.6 Million for RI Opioids Fight
Washington, DC - Today, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, Congressmen Jim Langevin and David Cicilline, and Governor Gina Raimondo announced $12.6 million in federal funding for Rhode Island's battle against the opioid epidemic. Rhode Island's share from a grant program at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) rose from $2.1 million last year to $12.6 million as a result of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018, also known as the Omnibus Appr… Continue Reading
09.24.18
Congressional Delegation, RI Officials, Textile Industry Leaders Launch Rhode Island Textiles Innovation Network in Pawtucket
Washington, DC - On Monday, at Slater Mill in Pawtucket, Rhode Island's congressional delegation joined members of Rhode Island's world-class textile industry and state and local officials to announce the launch of the Rhode Island Textiles Innovation Network (RITIN). The group's mission is to make Rhode Island a leader in advanced textile manufacturing, to promote a modern image of the sector, and to develop solutions to recruit and train the sector's future workforce. "There are many stars … Continue Reading
09.22.18
Whitehouse Statement on Blasey Ford Decision
Washington, DC - Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) released the following statement on Christine Blasey Ford's acceptance of the Senate Judiciary Committee's request to testify next week about her sexual assault allegation against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh: "Dr. Blasey Ford made it clear to the Committee she is willing to testify next week with reasonable precautions for her safety and ground rules to ensure a fair hearing. She did so in spite of Republicans' astounding disregard f… Continue Reading
09.21.18
Whitehouse Dismisses GOP ‘Counteroffer’ to Blasey Ford
Washington, DC - Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement on Republicans' "counteroffer" to Dr. Christine Blasey Ford's offer to testify next week regarding Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh: "I have a constitutional duty to advise and consent. That means asking questions of a nominee for the Supreme Court who has been credibly accused of sexual assault. I will not forfeit my ability to question Judge Kavanaugh and any… Continue Reading
09.20.18
Whitehouse, Portman Call on House-Senate Negotiators to Strengthen Opioids Bill With CARA 2.0 Provisions
Washington, DC - Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Rob Portman (R-OH), lead sponsors of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2016 (CARA) and the CARA 2.0 Act of 2018, are urging the inclusion of CARA 2.0 priorities in House-Senate negotiations over major opioid legislation recently passed by both chambers. In a letter to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-T… Continue Reading
09.18.18
Senate Clears Funding Bill with Wins for Rhode Island
Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) cheered passage of legislation to fund federal defense, labor, health, and education agencies that includes several important victories for Rhode Island. On the heels of the Senate's passage of major opioids legislation yesterday, the bill includes funding to fight opioid addiction, help for borrowers working in public service to repay college loans, and support for lifesaving medical research at Rhode Island hospitals and universities. T… Continue Reading
09.17.18
Whitehouse Scores Key Wins for Rhode Island in Senate Opioids Bill
Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), author of a comprehensive law already on the books to battle the opioid crisis, scored several victories for Rhode Island in a broad opioid bill passed by the Senate this evening. The Whitehouse provisions would help to build on the success Rhode Islanders have had in addressing opioid addiction and promoting recovery. "We know Rhode Island can turn the tide against the opioid crisis, and we draw strength from the inspiring people walkin… Continue Reading
09.16.18
Whitehouse Calls for Halt to Kavanaugh Confirmation Process Following Sexual Assault Allegations
Washington, DC - Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement regarding allegations of sexual assault by Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh: "I admire the courage Ms. Ford has shown in coming forward with her story. This requires a pause, at a minimum, in the unseemly, special-interest-funded rush to put Brett Kavanaugh on the Court. Kavanaugh's blanket denial cannot be reconciled with her specific recollections, and the FB… Continue Reading
09.13.18
Crapo, Whitehouse Measure to Improve Nuclear Research, Drive Innovation Heads to President’s Desk
Washington, D.C. - Bipartisan legislation led by Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Island) cleared the House of Representatives today and will now go to President Trump for his signature. The measure, S.97, the Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act (NEICA), would create partnerships between private-sector innovators in nuclear energy and government researchers to create the next generation of clean, advanced nuclear power. The measure led by Crapo and Whitehous… Continue Reading
09.13.18
Federal Energy-Water Spending Bill Clears Senate with Wins for Rhode Island
Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) succeeded in including several important provisions in the energy and water appropriations bill that cleared the Senate last evening. The Whitehouse provisions will free funding for important carbon-free energy programs, and lay the groundwork for key coastal infrastructure projects. "Upgrading our coastal infrastructure and developing technology that can reduce carbon emissions will reap big returns for Rhode Island. That's why I've be… Continue Reading
09.11.18
RI Fire Departments Granted $382K for New Rescue Equipment
SMITHFIELD, RI - In an effort to help local fire departments enhance response capabilities and keep their communities safe, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Jim Langevin and David Cicilline today announced a total of $382,728 federal funding to help the Smithfield and Johnston fire departments upgrade essential equipment. The federal funds are being awarded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. A… Continue Reading
09.10.18
Whitehouse to Vote ‘No’ on Kavanaugh
Washington, DC - Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today announced his opposition to President Donald Trump's selection for the Supreme Court, Brett Kavanaugh: "The Supreme Court gives too many indications of having been captured by the far right. In case after case, the five Republican-appointed justices band together with no Democratic appointee, and over 90 percent of the time deliver huge wins for Republican and corporate interests. That patter… Continue Reading
09.10.18
Federal Delegation, RI Health Director Announce $2 Million for Zero Suicide in Washington County
Washington, DC - Monday, at Harvest Acres Farm in Richmond, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, U.S. Representative Jim Langevin, and Rhode Island Department of Health Director Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, announced $2 million in federal funding for South County Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds' Zero Suicide in Washington County program. The funding will help establish a new, wide-ranging program for health care providers across the region to screen for the warning signs of suicide and … Continue Reading
