Press Releases
Bipartisan Group of Senators Announce Formation of Oceans Caucus
Washington, DC - With our oceans and coastal resources, and the economies and jobs they support, facing constant and increasingly direct pressure from a variety of sources, a bipartisan group of U.S. Senators today met to form a new Senate Oceans Caucus. The Caucus will work to increase awareness and find common ground in responding to issues facing the oceans and coasts, which support millions of jobs in America and contribute more to the country's GDP than the entire farm sector, grossing more… Continue Reading
09.11.11
Whitehouse Statement on 10th Anniversary of 9/11
Providence, RI - U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse released the below statement today regarding the ten year anniversary of September 11, 2001: "Ten years after the tragic events of September 11th my thoughts and prayers are with the families of those lost on that day, and with our servicemembers who continue to serve so honorably abroad. All of us will forever remember that day as a time when our nation changed, but also as a time of common purpose and renewed patriotism. Today, as we honor th… Continue Reading
09.09.11
Senators Whitehouse, Lautenberg Call for Action on Chemicals of Concern
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Frank R. Lautenberg (D-N.J.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) called on the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) to conclude its nearly 500-day review of a proposed Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule listing chemicals that may pose hazards to the public's health. The Senators want to ensure that the EPA exercises the limited authority provided by the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) while the Senators continue working to reform and… Continue Reading
09.08.11
Whitehouse Statement on President’s Jobs Speech
Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) released the statement below following President Obama's speech to a joint session of Congress, during which he proposed the American Jobs Act - a new plan to boost job creation: "Tonight, President Obama outlined a much-needed plan to spur job growth in America. I was especially pleased to hear the President call for tax incentives for businesses that hire, which is something I've been fighting for. I've heard from Rhode Island business … Continue Reading
09.07.11
Head of Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce to Join Whitehouse at President’s Jobs Speech
Washington, DC - As President Obama prepares to address a joint session of Congress tomorrow evening to lay out a plan for job creation, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse has been urging the President to include in his plan tax incentives for businesses to hire. He has also been listening to Rhode Island business leaders about their struggles during the economic recovery. Today, Whitehouse announced that one of those Rhode Island business leaders, Laurie White, President of the Greater Providenc… Continue Reading
09.07.11
RI Delegation Announces Over $3.4 Million in Crime Prevention Funding
WASHINGTON, DC - Rhode Island's congressional delegation today announced over $3.44 million in federal crime prevention funding for Rhode Island. The federal funding will help cities, towns, state agencies, and community coalitions reduce youth drug abuse and juvenile delinquency, improve the quality of forensic science and criminal evidence, and stop domestic violence. "We must ensure our local police have access to the latest crime-solving technology and equipment they need," said U.S. Senat… Continue Reading
09.06.11
Before President's Jobs Speech, Whitehouse and Taveras Push for Focus on Helping RI Businesses Hire
Providence, RI - With President Obama set to unveil a plan this week to help create jobs in America, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and Providence Mayor Angel Taveras today visited a local business to discuss the economy and urge the President to include in his plan tax incentives for businesses that hire. In June, Whitehouse introduced the Job Creation Tax Credit Act, which would provide refundable tax credits to businesses that hire. "I've heard from Rhode Island businesses that are looking… Continue Reading
09.02.11
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
