Sen. Rob Portman’s Rundown: Week of June 17-21, 2019

WASHINGTON, June 21 -- Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, issued the following news release:

This week, Senator Portman introduced new legislation - the Combating Meth & Cocaine Act - to give states more flexibility to use federal funding to address the resurgence of psychostimulants such as methamphetamine and cocaine. On the Senate floor, he highlighted how the bill expands the use of the State Opioid Response Grant funding to address rising use and overdose deaths attributed to the abuse of methamphetamine and cocaine. This bill also authorizes the State Opioid Response Grant program for five years, providing $500 million annually, to ensure there is a stable funding stream to states.

In addition, Portman vowed to continue his work to help Ohioans following President Trump's approval of Governor DeWine's request for federal assistance for 10 Ohio counties impacted by tornadoes, severe storms, straight-line winds, and flooding last month. Portman and Senator Brown wrote to President Trump last week urging him to approve Governor DeWine's request. Both senators are committed to continue working with FEMA and the state of Ohio to make sure the resources get to Ohio communities quickly and effectively.

Lastly, the Senate Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee passed several of Portman's bills this week, including the State and Local Government Cybersecurity Act which will increase information sharing about cybersecurity threats among the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and states and localities who are increasingly targeted by bad actors; the Protecting Faith-Based and Nonprofit Organizations From Terrorism Act that will authorizes $75 million annually for FYs 2020-2024 for DHS's Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), which provides grants to nonprofits and faith-based organizations to help secure their facilities against a potential terrorist attack; and the Secure Federal Leases from Espionage And Suspicious Entanglements Act (Secure Federal LEASEs Act) which will require the identification of all individuals who own or benefit from partial ownership of a property that will be leased by the federal government for high-security use

For a more detailed look at Senator Portman's week, please see the following:

Tuesday, June 18

Following FEMA Disaster Assistance Approval, Portman, Brown Vow to Continue Working to Help Get Resources to Ohio Communities Quickly

Senators Portman and Brown vowed to continue working together to help Ohioans following President Trump's approval of Governor DeWine's request for federal assistance for 10 Ohio counties impacted by tornadoes, severe storms, straight-line winds, and flooding last month. Portman and Brown wrote to President Trump last week urging him to approve Governor DeWine's request. Both Senators are committed to continue working with FEMA and the state of Ohio to make sure the resources get to Ohio communities quickly and effectively.

President Trump approved federal assistance for Auglaize, Darke, Greene, Hocking, Mercer, Miami, Montgomery, Muskingum, Perry, and Pickaway Counties. Today's announcement will help ensure that these counties can access important federal assistance and resources to recover.

"I want to thank FEMA and the Trump administration for swiftly approving this much needed major disaster declaration," said Portman. "After the tornadoes touched down, I toured some of the damage firsthand and met with first responders and families who are impacted by this tragedy. The damage is unbelievable. I will continue to work with Governor DeWine, Senator Brown and the administration to ensure our communities get the assistance they need."

Portman, Peters Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Cybersecurity Coordination with State and Local Governments

Senators Portman and Peters introduced bipartisan legislation to promote stronger cybersecurity coordination between the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and state and local governments to safeguard against cyber threats. The State and Local Government Cybersecurity Act will encourage national cybersecurity watchdogs to share information regarding cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, breaches and resources to prevent and recover from cyberattacks with states and localities who are increasingly targeted by bad actors.

"Hackers with malicious intent can and do attack state and local cyber infrastructure consistently. Sometimes, state and local governments need some additional help or access to expertise to mitigate these threats," said Senator Portman. "This bill will strengthen an existing relationship between the Department of Homeland Security and state and local partners to improve coordination and information sharing to help protect our IT infrastructure at all levels of government."

At Hearing, Portman Questions USTR Lighthizer on Economic Benefits of Passing USMCA vs. Status Quo NAFTA

At a Senate Finance Committee hearing this morning, Portman questioned U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer about the differences between 25-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) versus the modernized US-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA) that includes new and enforceable environmental and labor standards, a new section on digital trade, expanded opportunities for agricultural trade, and new opportunities for auto jobs in America. Senator Portman highlighted the importance of passing the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement in order to update our trade relationship for the 21st century, strengthen our economy, and support Ohio's farmers and manufacturers.

Excerpts of his questioning can be found here (https://bit.ly/2Iq1AbW) and a video can be found here (https://youtu.be/X-fN5if-uD4).

Portman, Warner Introduce Bill to Increase Access to College Credits for Low-Income High School Students

Senators Portman Warner introduced bipartisan legislation, the Go To High School, Go To College Act, which will make college more affordable for low-income students by letting them earn college credits while still in high school, funded through the Pell Grant program. The legislation will create the College in High School Federal Pell Grant Pilot Program, which will build upon the Department of Education's Experimental Site for Dual Enrollment. Representatives Marcia Fudge (D-OH) and Elise Stefanik (R-NY) are leading the legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

"The average cost of college tuition and fees at national universities continues to skyrocket," Portman said. "For high school students from low-income households, that can make college feel out of reach. Our legislation will let these students get a head start on college, make it more affordable for them and their families, and help them live out their God-given potential."

Portman, Baldwin Lead Bipartisan Effort to Improve Family Care Services for America's Most Vulnerable Youth

Senators Portman and Baldwin reintroduced bipartisan legislation to improve home-based health and mental health services for thousands of America's most vulnerable youth. The Treatment Family Care Services Act increases access to quality care by clarifying Medicaid policy that directly affects children, including foster children, with special behavioral health needs and/or medical disabilities, as well as vulnerable children living with kinship and biological caregivers.

"This common-sense bill will give vulnerable children better access to high-quality foster care," said Senator Portman. "By improving health care and mental health services for kids with unique needs, we will provide a sense of stability for these children and better equip foster parents to care for them."

Wednesday, June 19

House Passes Portman-Cantwell Bill to Help People Receive Care in their Homes, Reduce Health Costs

Senators Portman and Cantwell praised the House of Representatives for passing legislation they introduced earlier this year - the Ensuring Medicaid Provides Opportunities for Widespread Equity, Resources, and Care Act (EMPOWER Care Act) - which is designed to help Medicaid beneficiaries receive long-term services and support in their community or home and help save taxpayer dollars in the process. The bill will reauthorize for five years and expand the Money Follows the Person (MFP) Demonstration Program, which provides states with funding and flexibility to help Medicaid beneficiaries, particularly the elderly and people with disabilities, transition from institutional to home and community-based long-term care settings. The House passed the bill on Tuesday as part of the Empowering Beneficiaries, Ensuring Access, and Strengthening Accountability Act (H.R. 3253).

"This measure will help the most vulnerable among us have better access to quality health care services," Portman said. "It ensures the Money Follows the Person Program can build upon the more than 10,000 Ohioans that it has helped receive the care that they need in their homes and communities. I'm pleased that the House has approved this bill in a bipartisan fashion and I am urging my colleagues in the Senate to follow suit and pass it quickly as well."

Homeland Security Committee Passes Bipartisan Portman Bill to Strengthen Cybersecurity Coordination with State and Local Governments

The Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee passed bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senators Portman and Peters to promote stronger cybersecurity coordination between the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and state and local governments to safeguard against cyber threats. The State and Local Government Cybersecurity Act will encourage national cybersecurity watchdogs to share information regarding cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, breaches and resources to prevent and recover from cyberattacks with states and localities who are increasingly targeted by bad actors. The legislation now awaits action on the Senate floor.

"Hackers with malicious intent can and do attack state and local cyber infrastructure consistently. Sometimes, state and local governments need some additional help or access to expertise to mitigate these threats," said Senator Portman. "I applaud the committee for passing this bill that will improve coordination and information sharing between the Department of Homeland Security and state and local partners to help protect our IT infrastructure at all levels of government. I urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation when it comes to the Senate floor."

Homeland Security Committee Passes Bipartisan Portman Bill to Shine Light on Security Risks Posed by Foreign Ownership of Federally-Leased Properties

The Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee passed bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senators Portman and Peters to determine if office space leased by the federal government is owned by federal entities. The Secure Federal Leases from Espionage And Suspicious Entanglements Act (Secure Federal LEASEs Act) will require the identification of all individuals who own or benefit from partial ownership of a property that will be leased by the federal government for high-security use. The bill, which will encourage federal agencies to better evaluate and anticipate the security risks of leasing foreign-owned property, was drafted in response to a 2017 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report which indicated that federal agencies were vulnerable to espionage and other cyber intrusions because foreign actors could gain unauthorized access to spaces used for classified operations or to store sensitive data. The legislation now awaits action on the Senate floor.

"I am glad the committee has passed the Secure Federal LEASEs Act, which will address a serious national security risk," said Senator Portman. "Our federal agencies need to know who owns the properties that house their personnel and sensitive information so they can take appropriate steps to mitigate the risk of espionage and unauthorized cyber and physical access to buildings. Our bill will ensure that the federal government has access to leased properties' ownership information so we can better protect our people and information. I urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation when it comes to the Senate floor."

At Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearing, Portman Highlights Importance of U.S. Aid to Ukraine

During a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, Portman, co-founder and co-chairman of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, highlighted the importance of continuing to provide U.S. security assistance to Ukraine in order for the country to defend its sovereign territory from Russian aggression. He questioned U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine Negotiations Kurt Volker and other Ukraine experts on how to hold Russia accountable for its illegal and unprovoked attack on three Ukrainian Navy vessels last November. During the attack, Russian forces captured 24 Ukrainian sailors and has continued to illegally detain them. Senator Portman traveled to Ukraine last month in order to meet newly-elected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces Ruslan Khomchak, Minister of Finance Oksana Markarova, and other Ukrainian leaders. During his meetings, Portman congratulated the new government on its peaceful, free, and fair elections, pledged continued support from the U.S. Senate, and encouraged the country's leaders to continue the anti-corruption efforts and structural reforms of the economy and the military.

Excerpts of his questioning can be found here and a video can be found here (http://www.portman.senate.gov/sites/default/files/2019-06/BON19589.pdf).

Homeland Security Committee Approves Portman, Peters Legislation to Increase Security Resources for Faith-Based Institutions & Nonprofit Organizations

Senators Portman and Peters announced that the Senate Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee today approved their bipartisan legislation - the Protecting Faith-Based and Nonprofit Organizations From Terrorism Act (S. 1539). The bill authorizes $75 million annually for FYs 2020-2024 for the Department of Homeland Security's Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), which provides grants to nonprofits and faith-based organizations to help secure their facilities against a potential terrorist attack. Of the $75 million total, $50 million will be available for nonprofits located within high-risk urban areas, and the remaining $25 million will be available for organizations that fall outside of those areas. Under the legislation, funding may be used for target-hardening activities, training for personnel, and any other appropriate activity, as defined by the FEMA Administrator. The text of the bill is here.

"Today's committee passage is an important step forward in our efforts to ensure that synagogues, religious and cultural institutions, and nonprofit organizations have the resources and training they need to secure their facilities. It is one way Congress can help address this unnecessary violence that has tragically become more and more common," said Senator Portman. "As I've said many times, there is no place for hatred or bigotry of any kind toward our fellow citizens. The threats and attacks we've seen across our country are attacks on our values and this bipartisan bill will help protect faith and cultural based institutions in Ohio and across our country."

Portman, Shaheen Bipartisan Bill to Boost EPA Response to PFAS Passes Out of Committee

The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW) passed a significant package of legislation aimed at combating per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure, which includes a bipartisan bill authored by Senators Portman and Shaheen. The Safe Drinking Water Assistance Act would improve coordination across the federal government in identifying and responding to emerging contaminants like PFAS. The bill also expedites analysis of these chemicals and provides support and resources to states dealing with the health challenges posed by these potentially harmful materials. PFAS chemicals have emerged in drinking water sources in several communities across the nation, including New Hampshire and Ohio.

"We must ensure that our drinking water remains safe for all Ohioans, and I am pleased the committee approved this legislation today. The Safe Drinking Water Assistance Act will improve federal efforts to identify the health impacts of unregulated contaminants found in our drinking water sources," said Portman. "This legislation will help the federal government more efficiently and effectively analyze the impacts of, and respond to, emerging contaminants through greater coordination among federal agencies, and will provide states with the resources they need to monitor, test, and respond to potential risks posed by emerging contaminants."

Portman Praises Department of Defense Announcement of $250 Million of Security Assistance to Ukraine

Portman, co-founder and co-chairman of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, praised the announcement from the U.S. Department of Defense that it was providing Ukraine with a $250 million package of security assistance. Just three weeks ago, Portman visited Ukraine to meet with newly-elected Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Ruslan Khomchak, Minister of Finance Oksana Markarova, and other Ukrainian leaders. During his visit, Portman congratulated the new government on its peaceful, free, and fair elections, pledged continued support from the U.S. Senate, and encouraged them to continue the anti-corruption efforts and structural reforms of the economy and the military. He issued the following statement on the announcement of additional security assistance:

"I am pleased to see the Trump administration provide another large package of critical security assistance to Ukraine. This package, which totals $250 million and brings total U.S. security assistance to Ukraine since 2014 to $1.5 billion, provides important lethal and non-lethal assistance to the Ukrainian Armed Forces to help them defend Ukraine's sovereignty from Russian aggression on land and at sea. Among many other items, this package includes sniper rifles for Ukraine's land forces, maritime situational awareness equipment for the Ukrainian Navy, and more. Importantly, half of this package was conditioned on the implementation of critical defense sector reforms - it was only released once Ukraine took significant steps to strengthen civilian control over the military.

"As co-founder of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, I have consistently worked to broaden and strengthen U.S. security assistance to Ukraine, including authorizing additional types of security assistance and conditioning aid on Ukraine's implementation of crucial national security and defense sector reforms. I am glad to see this announcement from the administration, and I will continue to push for more U.S. assistance to bolster the Ukrainian Armed Forces and deter Russian aggression."

Thursday, June 12

Portman Introduces Combating Meth & Cocaine Act

Portman introduced new legislation - the Combating Meth & Cocaine Act - to give states more flexibility to use federal funding to address the resurgence of psychostimulants such as methamphetamine and cocaine. Specifically, the bill expands the use of the State Opioid Response Grant funding to address rising use and overdose deaths attributed to the abuse of methamphetamine and cocaine. This bill also authorizes the State Opioid Response Grant program for five years, providing $500 million annually, to ensure there is a stable funding stream to states. The text of the bill is here.

"When I talk to law enforcement, treatment providers and others on the frontlines of the drug crisis, I am increasingly hearing about the resurgence of methamphetamine and cocaine overdoses across Ohio," said Senator Portman. "I'm pleased that Congress has provided significant additional resources to support the efforts of states and local communities. Unfortunately, the State Opioid Response Grants cannot be used to combat the drug crisis beyond opioids. This legislation gives states more flexibility to use this funding to address the resurgence of methamphetamine and cocaine, which will better address the on-the-ground reality of addiction in my state and many others."

Portman, Casey Introduce Legislation to Ease Medicare Enrollment Burdens for Employed American Seniors

Senators Portman and Casey introduced the Enrollment REFORM Act, which will simplify and ease bureaucratic obstacles that seniors age 65 and over who continue to work face when enrolling in Medicare. The Enrollment REFORM Act will require clear coordination between small group health plans and Medicare and simplifies the enrollment process for an individual who chooses to maintain their employer-sponsored coverage after the age of 65. Importantly, the bill limits the burden of paperwork and documentation for individuals who delayed their enrollment because they had employer-sponsored coverage.

"Medicare should not be a test of how many hoops seniors can jump through but rather be a program that supports seniors and addresses their medical costs," said Senator Portman. "The Enrollment REFORM Act limits the bureaucratic obstacles that seniors face while also protecting small business employees from unfair out-of-pocket costs."

On Senate Floor, Portman Highlights New Legislation to Combat Resurgence of Meth & Cocaine

On the Senate floor, Portman highlighted his new legislation - the Combating Meth & Cocaine Act - which will give states more flexibility to use federal funding to address the resurgence of psychostimulants such as methamphetamine and cocaine. Specifically, the bill expands the use of the State Opioid Response Grant funding to address rising use and overdose deaths attributed to the abuse of methamphetamine and cocaine. The bill also authorizes the State Opioid Response Grant program for five years, providing $500 million annually, to ensure there is a stable funding stream to states. Progress is being made in Ohio to combat the opioid crisis due in part to some of his legislative priorities like his Comprehensive Addiction & Recovery Act (CARA), the 21st Century CURES Act, and the STOP Act, but meth is quickly becoming the bigger problem, and Portman is urging his colleagues to take action.

Transcript of his remarks can be found here (https://bit.ly/2x6TuyE) and a video can be found here (https://youtu.be/BSLaPlnLCm0).

On Fox News, Portman Discusses Rising Tensions with Iran, Calls on the International Community to Step Up

In an interview on Fox News' Your World with Neil Cavuto, Senator Portman discussed the ongoing threats from Iran and threats to U.S. security and interests globally. He called on the international community to join the United States in standing up to Iranian aggression and ensuring there are consequences for its rogue actions.

Excerpts of his interview can be found here (http://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/portman-difference/fox-news-portman-discusses-rising-tensions-iran-calls-international) and a video can be found here (https://youtu.be/GXRe6U5L6tQ).

Friday, June 21

Portman, Brown Introduce Resolution Marking 50 Years of Environmental Progress Since Cuyahoga River Fire, Call for Continued Action

Portman and Brown introduced a bipartisan resolution in the Senate marking 50 years of environmental progress since the last time the Cuyahoga River caught on fire on June 22, 1969. The Senate resolution describes how the fire spurred important federal environmental action, including passage of the Clean Water Act and the Clean Air Act.

Portman and Brown's resolution also highlights the economic transformation in Cleveland near the river as a result of environmental reforms, as the Senators call for continued action.

"By working together, we have made significant progress since the fire in improving and protecting our environment. This 50th anniversary, we should recognize how far we've come as well as the challenges that remain. I remain committed to protecting the Cuyahoga River and the Great Lakes while ensuring they can still be used for recreation and economic activity now and for future generations," said Portman.

Portman, Brown Urge Agriculture Secretary to Declare USDA Disaster Declaration to Help Ohio Farmers

Senators Portman and Brown today urged U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue to declare an U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) disaster designation to help Ohio farmers suffering because of extreme rainfall and flooding. With a USDA disaster declaration, Ohio farmers would receive the financial assistance they need as they continue to work through a difficult planting season. According to the Ohio Farm Bureau, due to excessive rainfall, flooding, and oversaturated fields, this has been the worst planting season since it started tracking planting progress in the late 1970s.

"Record amounts of rainfall in Ohio this spring have resulted in significant amounts of unplanted acres and created tremendous uncertainty for farmers in our state. As such, we respectfully request a USDA Secretarial Disaster Designation for Ohio," wrote Portman and Brown in a letter to Secretary Perdue today.

Social Media

Sen. Rob Portman seeks funds to fight rising meth and cocaine deaths in Ohio

Citing a 6,000-fold increase in Ohio deaths from cocaine and methamphetamine overdoses from 2010 through 2017, Ohio Republican Sen. Rob Portman on Thursday introduced legislation that would let states like Ohio use federal grants they get to fight opioids to address the rise in deaths from the other drugs.

Portman told reporters that law enforcement, drug treatment and social service providers around the state have told him of a rise in powerful methamphetamines called crystal meth making it into Ohio from Mexico. He said a report from Ohio University found there were nine deaths from crystal meth in Ohio in 2010, and 526 in 2017. He said more than 1,500 people in Ohio died from cocaine overdoses that year, an almost 140 percent rise from the year before. He said experts have told him that meth usage has been rising as opioid usage decreases.

"Unfortunately, we're just seeing that increase year to year now, as we're making progress on heroin and fentanyl and prescription drugs, other opioids, for the first time in eight years," said Portman. "It's something we need to focus on."

In addition to allowing state opioid response grants to be used to fight the use of other drugs,, Portman's bill would authorize the program for five years, providing $500 million annually.

In a U.S. Senate floor speech, Portman said law enforcement throughout Ohio is reporting finds of meth laced with other drugs like fentanyl, heroin and cocaine, and that many of those consuming the drugs don't realize they've been mixed, causing deaths. He said the number of crystal meth submissions to Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation lab rose from about 2000 in 2015 to over 12,000 in 2018.

"I'm told that crystal meth now costs less than marijuana on the streets of Columbus," Portman said in his speech. He said that at least 49 Ohioans in his Cincinnati hometown have been killed by meth laced with other drugs, and African American communities have been hit particularly hard.

"We've got to provide this flexibility," Portman said. "We've got to be sure that we are focusing on the fight against addiction, not just an individual drug. While I am encouraged again by the welcome progress in preventing opioid overdose deaths, we cannot rest on our laurels."

(Cleveland.com, Sen. Rob Portman seeks funds to fight rising meth and cocaine deaths in Ohio, June 20, 2019)

Federal disaster aid now available for victims of Memorial Day tornadoes

In the wake of an outbreak of 21 tornadoes that caused widespread damage across Ohio over Memorial Day weekend, President Donald Trump issued a disaster declaration making businesses and individuals in 10 counties eligible for federal assistance.

Gov. Mike DeWine, who sought the declaration from Trump last week, announced the the president's action Tuesday morning.

DeWine said the designation "will help those working to rebuild their homes and their lives" in Auglaize, Darke, Greene, Hocking, Mercer, Miami, Montgomery, Muskingum, Perry and Pickaway counties.

The Dayton area and Celina, where a man was killed, suffered the most devastating damage amid the tornado outbreak May 27 and 28.

A preliminary damage assessment by state and federal officials found that 942 houses and other buildings were destroyed or suffered major damage while 837 additional structures suffered minor damage. A dollar estimate on the damage has not yet been calculated.

The designation permits the U.S. Small Business Administration to make low-interest loans to businesses looking to rebuild and allows individuals to seek financial assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The state also apply for money for counseling for storm victims and unemployment assistance for those left without jobs.

Individuals and businesses suffering storm damage can register for FEMA assistance online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362 (TTY 1-800-462-7585).

Ohio's pair of U.S. senators -- Democrat Sherrod Brown and Republican Rob Portman -- supported DeWine's request for aid. They said in a statement they would work to ensure assistance quickly reaches tornado victims.

(Columbus Dispatch, Federal disaster aid now available for victims of Memorial Day tornadoes, June 18, 2019 (https://www.dispatch.com/news/20190618/federal-disaster-aid-now-available-for-victims-of-memorial-day-tornadoes))