Rob’s Rundown: Week of November 30 – December 4, 2020
Senator Portman was back in Washington this week working with his colleagues on both sides of the aisle on a bipartisan COVID-19 relief bill. On Tuesday, Portman delivered his 19th speech on the Senate floor and joined Bill Hemmer on Fox News’ Bill Hemmer Reports to discuss his calls for the Senate to pass a COVID-19 package before leaving for the holiday break. Portman discussed the bipartisan framework unveiled on Tuesday morning, which he believes is a good starting point for negotiations. He is working with this bipartisan group and has made it clear that the Senate must act now to avoid further economic suffering by providing another relief package to serve as a bridge to when vaccines will be readily available in the spring enabling a return to normal life.
On Friday, Portman announced that the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report includes key wins for Ohio. The legislation includes billions of dollars in funding for Abrams Tanks, Stryker Vehicles and the Maneuver Short Range Air Defense system, all of which are produced at the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center (JSMC) in Lima. It includes tens of millions of dollars to support Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, as well as $15 million for the construction of a new Guard Readiness Center in Columbus, Ohio. And it reaffirms America’s commitment to Ukraine by authorizing $250 million in security assistance to fund additional training, equipment, and advisory efforts for Ukraine’s forces.
On Thursday, Portman introduced bipartisan legislation to fund a science-driven public advocacy campaign to ensure that when an effective COVID-19 vaccine has been authorized by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), Americans are ready to get it.
Finally, Portman applauded the Senate confirmation of Judge J. Philip Calabrese to the position of U.S. District Court Judge for the Northern District of Ohio. The Northern District has court locations in Akron, Cleveland, Toledo, and Youngstown and serves approximately 5.9 million citizens of the 40 most northern counties in Ohio.
For a more detailed look at Senator Portman’s week, please see the following:
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
Portman, Wyden Lead Bipartisan Letter Urging Passage of Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act
Senators Rob Portman and Ron Wyden (D-OR) led a bipartisan letter with 55 of their Senate colleagues urging Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) to include the bipartisan Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act, which is supported by 77 senators and 351 members of the House of Representatives, in the next appropriate legislative package and acted upon before the end of the year. The bipartisan Craft Beverage Modernization & Tax Reform Act, legislation cosponsored and championed by Portman, and included in the 2017 tax reform law as an amendment offered by Portman, provides excise tax relief to the growing craft beverage industry, helping these entrepreneurs reinvest more in their businesses and our communities.
“It is imperative that the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act be included in the next appropriate legislative package and acted upon before the end of the year,” wrote the senators. “As businesses struggle to retain workers and stay open, allowing the current rates to lapse would force many businesses across the country to lay off workers or close their doors permanently. With the support of 77 Senators and 351 Representatives, this bill is a bipartisan priority and an important economic lifeline to thousands of businesses across the country.”
In addition to Senators Portman and Wyden, the letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Chris Coons (D-DE), Tom Tillis (R-NC), Jon Tester (D-MT), Mike Braun (R-IN), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), John Barrasso (R-WY), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Tom Carper (D-DE), Susan Collins (R-ME), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kelly Loeffler (R-GA), Mazi Hirono (D-HI), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Gary Peters (D-MI), John Boozman (R-AR), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Tina Smith (D-MN), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Angus King (I-ME), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), John Hoeven (R-ND), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Todd Young (R-IN), Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), Steve Daines (R-MT), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-NV), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Bob Casey (D-PA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Patty Murray (D-WA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI).
Full text of the letter can be found here.
Portman, Menendez Call for Funding to Address Humanitarian Disaster in South Caucasus
Senators Rob Portman and Bob Menendez (D-NJ) sent a bipartisan letter to Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate's State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Subcommittee on Appropriations, urging them to explicitly allocate robust funding in the final FY21 appropriations bill to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the South Caucasus. The humanitarian situation in the South Caucasus is dire as a result of fighting between Azerbaijan and Armenia in the ethnic Armenian enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh.
“The humanitarian situation in the south Caucasus is dire, and it will only grow worse as winter approaches,” the senators wrote, describing how, against the backdrop of COVID-19, the recent conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia has wreaked long-term infrastructural damage on the region and has displaced more than half of Nagorno-Karabakh’s ethnic Armenian population, including 90 percent of the region’s women and children. “The fighting may have stopped, but the damage it caused will continue to cost lives without robust action by the international community.”
In addition to requesting robust funding for rehabilitation services in Nagorno-Karabakh, Senators Portman and Menendez also requested the Senate appropriate specific funds for clearing mines and unexploded ordnance, a need that has grown significantly in the wake of the recent violence.
“The United States must continue our longstanding tradition of funding humanitarian aid for those who need it most, like the thousands of ethnic Armenians displaced from their homes or otherwise affected by the violence. We urge you to appropriate a robust amount of funding specifically to help these populations, which would highlight your commitment to that longstanding tradition,” added the senators. “We urge you to include a specific appropriation for clearing mines and unexploded ordnance in the final FY21 appropriations bill as well as robust funding for rehabilitation services in Nagorno-Karabakh. The use of cluster munitions, rockets, and other such weapons in the recent conflict has only increased the need for this funding, and we urge you to include an appropriation of at least $1.5 million for demining, in the final State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs appropriations bill.”
In October, Portman joined other members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in condemning the violence and urging both sides to end the fighting and negotiate a peaceful ending to the conflict.
The text of the letter can be found here.
Portman, Brown Applaud Senate Confirmation of Judge J. Philip Calabrese to Serve on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio
Senators Portman and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) applauded the Senate confirmation of Judge J. Philip Calabrese to the position of U.S. District Court Judge for the Northern District of Ohio. The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced the nomination on September 17, 2020. The Northern District has court locations in Akron, Cleveland, Toledo, and Youngstown and serves approximately 5.9 million citizens of the 40 most northern counties in Ohio.
“I am pleased the Senate has confirmed Judge Philip Calabrese to be the next federal judge in the Northern District,” said Portman. “Judge Calabrese has been a dedicated public servant on the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas. I know he will serve in this role admirably.”
Portman: Senate Should Not Adjourn Without Another COVID-19 Relief Package
On the Senate floor, gave his 19th floor speech calling on the Senate to act on another COVID-19 relief bill before the end of the year. Earlier today, a bipartisan group of senators unveiled a bipartisan proposal which Portman believes is a good starting point for negotiations. Portman made it clear that the Senate must act now to avoid further economic suffering by providing another relief package to serve as a bridge to when vaccines will be readily available in the spring enabling a return to normal life. A number of important programs designed to help Americans navigate the health care and economic crises caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic are set to expire at the end of 2020, including the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefit, the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), a moratorium on evictions for renters, and deferrals on student loan payments. The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has already expired, hurting many small businesses in Ohio and around the country.
Failure to extend these programs into 2021 could cause significant economic hardship for thousands of people at a time when COVID-19 cases are surging and putting the country in jeopardy of further economic suffering. That is why Portman believes the Senate should not adjourn until such legislation is passed.
A transcript of his remarks can be found here and a video can be found here.
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
Portman Statement on the Passing of Scioto County Commissioner Mike Crabtree
Portman issued the following statement on the passing of his friend, Scioto County Commissioner, Mike Crabtree:
“Jane and I are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our good friend Mike Crabtree. As Scioto County Commissioner, Mike was a dedicated public servant who I worked with closely on a lot of important issues impacting Southern Ohio, including the opioid epidemic and the Piketon uranium enrichment plant. He will be remembered as a hard worker who always fought for the people of Scioto County. Our thoughts are with his wife Dianna and his entire family during this difficult time.”
Portman, Menendez Call for Funding to Address Humanitarian Disaster in South Caucasus
On Fox News’ Bill Hemmer Reports, Portman discussed the need for the Senate to act on another COVID-19 relief bill before the end of the year. Yesterday, a bipartisan group of senators unveiled a bipartisan proposal which Portman believes is a good starting point for negotiations. Portman made it clear that the Senate must act now to avoid further economic suffering by providing another relief package to serve as a bridge to when vaccines will be readily available in the spring enabling a return to normal life.
Portman expressed his optimism that Congress could pass the legislation and help bridge the valley between now and the March-April time frame.
Excerpts of the interview can be found here and a video can be found here.
Thursday, December 3, 2020
Portman Statement on DOJ Announcement That More Than 1,000 Researchers Linked to China’s Military Have Left U.S.
Portman issued the following statement after John Demers, the Assistant Attorney General for National Security and the head of the Justice Department’s China Initiative, announced yesterday that more than 1,000 researchers affiliated with China’s military left the United States following a crackdown on recipients of taxpayer-funded federal grants concealing their affiliation with China’s Thousand Talents Program.
Senator Portman, as Chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), led a year-long investigation into China’s talent recruitment programs like the Thousand Talents Program, culminating in a bipartisan report in November 2019 that detailed how China has recruited U.S.-based scientists and researchers since the late 1990s and incentivized them to transfer U.S. taxpayer-funded research and intellectual property (IP) to China for their own military and economic gain. The news that more than 1,000 researchers have left the U.S. due to their links to the Chinese military follows multiple guilty pleas and the string of arrests of academics affiliated with American universities for alleged crimes related to concealing their participation in China’s talent recruitment programs while accepting American taxpayer funds. Portman introduced the bipartisan Safeguarding American Innovation Act to address this problem and protect American research and IP from global competitors.
“I’m pleased that our bipartisan Subcommittee investigation last year has spurred additional action by federal law enforcement to hold China and their Thousand Talent Program members accountable. I am encouraged by the actions taken by DOJ to stop the exploitation of the openness and transparency of our research enterprise. China’s ongoing theft of America’s research and innovation must stop. America’s intellectual property and taxpayer-funded research enterprise are high-value targets for China’s talent recruitment efforts and it’s time to pass my bipartisan legislation the Safeguarding American Innovation Act to ensure we are doing everything possible to stop this theft. We cannot let the American taxpayer continue to fund China’s military and economic rise.”
Portman, Cardin Applaud U.S. Senate Approval of a National Memorial to Fallen Journalists
Senators Portman and Ben Cardin (D-MD) applaud the U.S. Senate for unanimously approving the House version of the Fallen Journalists Memorial Act, their bipartisan legislation that authorizes the development and construction of a national monument to fallen journalists. The privately funded memorial would be constructed on federal lands within the District of Columbia and would honor journalists, photographers, and broadcasters killed in the line of duty. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) is an original cosponsor of the Senate bill (S. 1969). The House legislation (H.R. 3465), authored by Congressman Tom Cole (R-OK) and Congresswoman Grace Napolitano (D-CA), passed the House of Representatives by voice vote on September 21, 2020. The bill is now headed to the president’s desk to be signed into law.
“A free and open press is essential to our democracy, and I applaud the Senate for passing our bipartisan legislation to establish the National Memorial to Fallen Journalists, which is now headed to the president’s desk for signature,” said Senator Portman. “This memorial will serve as a fitting tribute to the men and women in journalism, including those from the Capital Gazette, who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of the First Amendment.”
On Senate Floor, Portman Pays Tribute to Departing U.S. Senators
On the Senate floor, Portman recognized the seven senators who will not be returning to the Senate for the 117th Congress. Portman recognized the contributions of Senators Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Mike Enzi (R-WY), Pat Roberts (R-KS), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Martha McSally (R-AZ), Tom Udall (D-NM), and Doug Jones (D-AL) and highlighted legislative issues on which he worked with each of them. He thanked them for their dedication to their constituents and the country and wished them all the best moving forward.
A transcript of his remarks can be found here and a video can be found here.
Portman, Cardin, Thune, Menendez Introduce Legislation to Fund COVID-19 Vaccine Public Advocacy Campaign
Senators Portman, Ben Cardin (D-MD), John Thune (R-SD), and Bob Menendez (D-NJ) introduced bipartisan legislation to fund a science-driven public advocacy campaign to ensure that when an effective COVID-19 vaccine has been authorized by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), Americans are ready to get it. According to recent polling, just over half of Americans are willing to take a COVID-19 vaccine when it is authorized and made available to the public. This legislation would authorize necessary funding to fund a public awareness campaign on COVID-19 vaccine information through the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Grants would go to entities to start developing campaigns that target all Americans, and that would begin no later than 30 days after a vaccine is authorized.
“A science-driven public advocacy campaign can play an important role in increasing public confidence in safe and effective vaccines. I’m pleased to introduce this legislation with my colleagues Senators Cardin, Thune, and Menendez because I am concerned by that latest polling data showing that just over 50 percent of Americans are comfortable getting the vaccine once it’s authorized. Once vaccines are approved by the FDA and are made widely available, wide-scale vaccinations will make Ohioans and all Americans safer. When this happens, people will feel more comfortable returning to the workplace, retail establishments, restaurants, places of worship, and schools, as well as gathering with family and friends. The work on vaccines is the single most important part of the ongoing COVID-19 response effort and I believe a science-driven public advocacy campaign will help reassure Americans about the clinical trials being conducted across the country,” said Portman.
President Trump Signs Portman’s Bipartisan Legislation to Modernize Federal Government’s Use of Latest Technology into Law
Portman, Co-Chair of the Senate AI Caucus, attended the White House signing ceremony for his bipartisan Information Technology Modernization Centers of Excellence Program Act that will accelerate the adoption of the latest technologies by government agencies. This legislation expands upon Senator Portman’s bipartisan Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Government Act, which codifies the AI Center of Excellence (CoE) within the General Services Administration (GSA) to provide technical expertise to relevant government agencies; advise agencies on the procurement of AI technology; and promote U.S. competitiveness through agency and industry cooperation. Inspired by Senator Portman’s legislation, GSA created the AI CoE last year. The Information Technology Modernization Centers of Excellence Program Act lays out the responsibilities that all of GSA’s CoEs should have and harmonizes their roles to strengthen the government’s technology expertise beyond just AI. The legislation is now law. Portman released the following statement:
“I was pleased to attend the White House ceremony where President Trump signed the bipartisan Information Technology Modernization Centers of Excellence Program Act into law. As technology continues to change and advance, it’s important that the federal government understands the significant impacts it will have on our country, economy, and society, and this measure will help ensure that our government has the capabilities and expertise to help navigate the impacts of the latest technology in the coming years and decades. I applaud President Trump for signing this legislation into law to ensure our government agencies have the insight and resources they need to better understand this technology.”
Portman Applauds President Trump’s Executive Order to Improve Federal Government’s Use of Artificial Intelligence
Portman applauded President Trump’s executive order, which mimics portions of Portman’s bipartisan Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Government Act, to improve the use of AI across the federal government. The executive order directs the Office of Management and Budget to develop governance plans to promote government uses of AI that benefit the public while establishing best practices. Portman attended a White House ceremony today where the president signed the executive order, as well as Portman’s bipartisan Information Technology Modernization Centers of Excellence Program Act that will accelerate the adoption of the latest technologies by government agencies. He released the following statement:
“I applaud President Trump for ensuring that our government has the capabilities and expertise to help navigate the impact that artificial intelligence will have on our country, economy, and society. This executive order, which mimics portions of my bipartisan Artificial Intelligence in Government Act, will ensure our government understands the benefits and pitfalls of this technology as it engages in a responsible, accountable rollout of AI.”
Friday, December 4, 2020
60 Portman Bills Have Been Signed Into Law By President Trump
Yesterday, President Trump signed into law Portman’s bipartisan Information Technology Modernization Centers of Excellence Program Act , bringing the total number of laws authored or co-authored by Senator Portman in this administration to 60. After getting 68 bills signed into law during his tenure with the Obama administration, yesterday’s bill signing is just the latest in a long line of accomplishments Portman had delivered for Ohio and the country over the last four years in working with the Trump administration.
Here are some highlights of the 60 Portman bills that have been signed into law by President Trump.
Portman Announces FY 2021 NDAA Conference Report Includes Funding for Abrams Tanks, Stryker Vehicles and Maneuver Short Range Air Defense
Portman today announced that the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report includes $1.02 billion in funding to upgrade 89 Abrams tanks and $392 million for Abrams modifications, which will continue the production of the M1A2 SEPv3 upgraded Abrams tanks at the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center (JSMC) in Lima in order to ensure that our forward deployed soldiers have tanks with the most cutting-edge capabilities. The conference report also includes $1.1 billion for upgrading Stryker Vehicles. In addition, the conference report includes $532.8 million to produce 72 Stryker chassis to support the Army’s Maneuver Short Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD) program. Portman has been a strong advocate for both Lima and the Abrams and Stryker programs, ensuring that our men and women of the military have the best and most lethal weapons systems while keeping good, high-paying jobs in Lima.
“The FY 2021 NDAA conference report is a big win for Lima and the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center, which supports our troops both at home and around the globe. The newest version of the Abrams tank, the M1A2 SEPv3 is a vital investment for our soldiers to meet the realities highlighted in the latest National Defense Strategy and they come off the line at JSMC in Lima. This funding will ensure that more tanks are produced at Lima and get to our forward deployed soldiers. This is a significant improvement when not long ago the workforce was only funded for one tank per month. This is important for our armored formations and for Lima and its irreplaceable workforce.”
“I am also pleased the NDAA conference report will increase funding for producing Stryker A1 vehicles. This authorization will help provide long-term stability to the industrial base and ensure our soldiers are rapidly provided with the most capable and survivable vehicle coming off the line.”
“In addition, the NDAA conference report includes funding to support the Army’s Maneuver Short Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD) program. The Army has developed the M-SHORAD program to deal with the new, short range air defense threats on the modern battlefield. It is based on the highly capable Stryker platform that is produced in Lima. This is good news for the Army and the world-class workforce in Lima.”
Portman: FY 2021 NDAA Conference Report Includes $23.5 Million for Hydrant Fuel System at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
Portman announced that the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report includes $23.5 million in funding for a hydrant fuel system for the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. This project will replace the aging fuel system and will bring it into compliance with DoD’s standards. This funding will help to facilitate the DLA’s fuel operations and make them more efficient. Portman released the following statement:
“This funding will support a new hydrant fuel system to refuel our aircraft and support the mission of the Defense Logistics Agency. I believe it will make a difference to our Airmen and Air Force Civilians at Wright-Patt and to our troops around the world who rely on the DLA for their equipment and resources. DLA plays a critical role in helping to ensure our brave men and women on the frontlines have the resources they need.”
Portman Announces FY 2021 NDAA Conference Report Requires Assessment of Surge Capacity of Defense Industrial Base Manufacturers
Portman announced that the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report includes his provision to require the Department of Defense (DoD) to assess the surge capacity of defense industrial base manufacturers compared to that of our adversaries. As the COVID-19 pandemic has made clear, the United States often lacks the capacity to produce critical supplies during periods of crisis when there are surges in demand for critical items. It is crucial that our domestic industrial base have the capacity to quickly ramp up production in times of crisis, so that we are not overly dependent on foreign products.
“In wartime or times of crisis in our nation, it’s important that the Department of Defense has a clear understanding of defense industrial base manufacturers’ capacity to produce equipment for our military,” said Portman. “There are many large and small businesses in my home state of Ohio that possess the capability and capacity to meet DoD equipment requirements during times of national emergencies—it is important for these businesses and DoD to know what the requirements are and which companies can fulfill them. I am pleased this provision is included in the final NDAA conference report so we can be sure that the DoD has a full understanding of what manufacturers are able to provide, especially during war or a crisis when there is a surge in demand for product.”
Portman: FY 2021 NDAA Conference Report Includes Key Improvements to Americas’ Commitment to Ukraine Security Assistance
Portman, co-founder and co-chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, announced that the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report includes $250 million in security assistance for Ukraine to fund additional training, lethal and non-lethal equipment, and advisory efforts for Ukraine’s forces. Additionally, $75 million of that $250 million is designated specifically for lethal assistance, an increase of $25 million from FY 2020. In addition, the conference report includes a Portman proposal to require DoD to develop a new, multi-year strategy to support the development of Ukraine’s military forces, increasing its capability and capacity and providing a resource plan for US security assistance. This report will better synchronize and prioritize future US security assistance to Ukraine by identifying gaps and shortfalls that need to be addressed. Finally, this conference report extends Portman’s provisions, included in previous NDAAs, which condition large portions of U.S. security assistance on critical defense sector reforms in Ukraine, including strengthening civilian control of the military and improving sustainment capabilities, inventory management, and security of sensitive foreign technologies.
“I am pleased the FY 2021 NDAA conference report sends the clear message that America stands with the Ukrainian people in their struggle to secure a democratic, prosperous, and independent future in the face of Russian aggression,” said Portman. “The Ukrainian military has fought bravely against Russian aggression in the Donbas and has made tremendous strides. I have long advocated for the development of a comprehensive, multiyear security assistance plan and I am glad to see that the FY 2021 NDAA conference report directs DoD and DoS to look for ways to help the Ukrainian military continue their upward trajectory in proficiency. I have encouraged the Ukrainian government to sustain their efforts on eliminating corruption, and have authored past legislation tying assistance to continued anti-corruption reform. Those conditions remain in place and I look forward to seeing President Zelensky’s government continue move forward on an anti-corruption agenda. United States Congress will continue to make sure the Ukrainian military has the capabilities it needs to defend its sovereign territory—on the land, sea, and air. As co-founder and co-chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, I will continue to lead efforts in the Senate to ensure the Ukrainians have the equipment, resources and capabilities they need to defend themselves against Russian aggression.”
Portman Announces FY 2021 NDAA Conference Report Includes Energy Resilience Funding for Wright-Patterson Air Force Base NASIC Facility
Portman announced that the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report includes $35 million for an Energy Resilience and Conservation Investment Program (ERCIP) project at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The ERCIP funds projects that improve the energy resilience and energy and water efficiency at DOD installations. This intelligence facility central utility plant project at Wright-Patt will help make the National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC) more energy efficient. Portman released the following statement:
“I am pleased that the FY 2021 conference report includes funding for this ERCIP project, which will help make NASIC more energy efficient. This project will help address deficiencies in the existing cooling system, which have led to increasing equipment downtime and data loss in the last few years. I believe it will make a difference to our Airmen and Air Force Civilians at Wright-Patt.”
Portman: FY 2021 NDAA Conference Report Includes $15 Million for National Guard Readiness Center in Columbus
Portman announced that the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report includes $15 million for the construction of a new Guard Readiness Center in Columbus, Ohio. This new construction will replace aging and inadequate facilities, and serve as the single gathering point for all assigned Ohio National Guard troops, and a mobilization point for State and Federal activation of troops. This project will help the Ohio National Guard meet its readiness objectives to support the people of Ohio and their federal activation missions.
“I am pleased the FY 2021 NDAA conference report sends the clear message that the men and women of the Ohio National Guard work hard to keep us safe and secure and serve our communities,” said Portman. “I am glad to see that the FY 2021 NDAA conference report includes these funds to construct a new Readiness Center that will support the operations of the Ohio National Guard troops in times of crisis. The National Guard not only supports our security efforts but also has played a critical role in responding to the coronavirus pandemic that has affected all of our lives. They continue to do important work around Ohio and this new Readiness Center will help facilitate their mission.”
Portman: FY 2021 NDAA Conference Report to Allow National Museum of the U.S. Air Force to Receive Name-Bearing Gifts of Real Property
Portman announced that the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report includes language enabling United States Military Museums to accept gifts of real property that have a specific name attached to the donation.
“I am glad to see that the FY 2021 NDAA conference report includes language enabling military museums to accept gifts of real property that bear a specific name. This legislation will enable the National Museum of the United States Air Force, and all other military museums, to accept contributions in a more efficient and effective manner, ensuring that the museum will continue to grow and stand as a source of inspiration for future generations of explorers and aviators. The National Museum of the United States Air Force located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is among the world’s premier military aviation museums. Its vast collection of historic aircraft attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year and I’m pleased the conference report will ensure it continues to grow,” said Portman.
Portman: FY 2021 NDAA Conference Report Contains Critical Reforms for Military Artificial Intelligence Readiness
Portman , co-founder and co-chair of the Senate Artificial Intelligence Caucus, announced that the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report takes important steps in increasing our military’s artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities by including provisions from his bipartisan Artificial Intelligence for the Armed Forces Act.
“The complexity of 21st century warfare requires that our armed forces be both technically skilled and proficient with their weapons,” said Portman. “I am glad to see that the FY 2021 NDAA conference report takes important steps towards that goal by implementing parts of my bipartisan Artificial Intelligence for the Armed Forces Act, which includes a number of key recommendations by the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence. These policy changes will help our military attract top AI talent and improve our military’s effectiveness with respect to AI decision-making.”
Portman Announces FY 2021 NDAA Conference Report Includes Bipartisan Provision to Bolster Cybersecurity at All Levels of Government
Portman announced that the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report includes his bipartisan provision to require the Department of Homeland Security to establish a Cybersecurity State Coordinator position in every state. Senator Portman introduced this legislation with Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH), John Cornyn (R-TX), and Gary Peters (D-MI).
Under the legislation, each state would have its own federally funded Cybersecurity Coordinator, who would be responsible for helping to prevent and respond to cybersecurity threats by working with federal, state, and local governments, as well as schools, hospitals, and other entities. This provision is similar to the Cybersecurity State Coordinator Act that the Senators introduced earlier this year, and in March, the Homeland Security Committee voted on a bipartisan basis to approve this legislation.
“Cybersecurity for state and local governments is just as important as efforts at the federal level, and frequently, they lack the resources, technical know-how, and situational awareness to secure their systems, or respond in the event of an attack,” said Senator Portman. “I’m pleased that this bipartisan proposal is included in the NDAA conference report because it will strengthen the cybersecurity relationship between the federal government and state and local governments.”
Portman: FY 2021 NDAA Conference Requires State Department & DOD to Develop a Strategy to Enhance the Capabilities of the Ukrainian Military
Portman, co-founder and co-chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, announced that the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) includes a Portman initiative requiring the Department of State and Department of Defense to report on the capability and capacity requirements of military forces of Ukraine. After analyzing the capability gaps in Ukraine’s military, State and DoD would then be required to develop a multi-year strategy to help Ukraine address them and enhance their military capabilities.
“As co-founder and co-chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, I’m pleased that the FY 2021 NDAA includes this bipartisan legislation to support Ukraine and help them improve their military and defend themselves against Russian aggression,” said Portman. “This reporting requirement is another way for the United States to send a clear and unequivocal message that America stands with the Ukrainian people in their goal to secure a democratic, prosperous, and independent future in the face of Russian aggression.”
FY 2021 NDAA Conference Report Includes Portman, Schatz Provision to Assess & Address Rising Threat of Deepfakes
Senators Rob Portman and Brian Schatz (D-HI) announced that the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report includes their bipartisan Deepfake Report Act. The bipartisan measure directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct an annual study of deepfakes and other types of similar content. Deepfakes are hyper-realistic, digital manipulations of real content that depict events that did not actually occur. The legislation requires DHS to assess the technology used to generate deepfakes, the uses of deepfakes by foreign and domestic entities, and available countermeasures to deepfakes, to help policymakers and the public better understand the threats deepfakes pose to our national security and election security. The Deepfake Report Act passed the Senate in October 2019 as a stand-alone bill.
“As AI rapidly becomes an intrinsic part of our economy and society, AI-based threats, such as deepfakes, have become an increasing threat to our democracy which is why I am pleased that the FY 2021 NDAA conference report includes the Deepfakes Report Act. This provision will help prepare our country to address deepfake concerns by ensuring we have a sound understanding of the issue,” said Senator Portman. “As deepfakes concerns grow by the day, we must address the challenge and grapple with important questions related to civil liberties and privacy.”
Portman, Bennet Announce FY 21 NDAA Conference Report Requires DoD Report on AI Standards of the Defense Industrial Base
Senators Rob Portman and Michael Bennet (D-CO) announced that the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report includes components of their AI Standards and National Security Act, a bipartisan proposal requiring the Department of Defense (DoD) to report on the artificial intelligence (AI) standards. This will help policymakers understand the national security aspects of AI standards setting.
“As the co-chair of the Senate AI Caucus, I’m pleased this bipartisan provision is included in the final NDAA conference report to ensure we are cognizant of the standards the U.S. is setting with regards to AI competition with China,” said Portman. “This provision will push the Department of Defense to be forward-thinking about their investments in AI and how to strategically work with the public and private sector to develop and mature our own capabilities.”
Portman, Bennet Announce FY 2021 NDAA Conference Report Includes Bipartisan Provision to Strengthen Military's AI Capabilities
Senator Rob Portman (R-OH), co-founder of the Senate Artificial Intelligence Caucus, and Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) announced that the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report includes their bipartisan provision to require the Department of Defense (DoD) to report to Congress on ways to strengthen ties between the Joint AI Center and each of the military services.
“I’m pleased the NDAA conference report includes this bipartisan provision since it is essential that we provide our armed forces with the technical skill and proficiency necessary to take full advantage of next-generation capabilities like artificial intelligence.” said Portman. “This provision to the NDAA conference report will take important steps towards that goal by facilitating stronger civilian cooperation with DoD while also sending a clear message that Congress is serious about leadership in the field of AI.”
Portman, Brown Announce Provision to Require Report on Department of Defense Partnering With Facilities Like Plum Brook on Hypersonic Research Included in FY21 NDAA Conference Report
Senators Rob Portman and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced that the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act conference report includes their provision to require the Department of Defense (DOD) to study partnering with existing government facilities, like NASA’s Plum Brook Station in Sandusky, Ohio, to perform research and testing on hypersonic devices.
“Plum Brook houses world-class facilities in Sandusky that have conducted critical and innovative ground tests for the international space community. I’m pleased that the conference report includes language highlighting the importance of hypersonic technologies to our national security, and that the Department of Defense (DoD) should take actions to improve ground-based test facilities, such as wind tunnels,” said Portman. “However, this provision takes that a step further and requires DoD to do a report that examines all avenues for testing, including non-DoD facilities. Together, this conference report and provision send a strong signal that Plum Book should be considered a prime candidate for increased ground-based hypersonic test facilities in the future. I will fight to ensure Plum Brook is considered to be the site of increased testing.”
Portman, Brown Announce FY 21 NDAA Conference Report Includes Provision Requiring DoD Reporting of Cybersecurity Partnerships with Academia
Senators Rob Portman and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced that the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act conference report includes their bipartisan provision to support cybersecurity initiatives between the Department of Defense (DoD) and U.S. academic institutions. Specifically, this amendment would require DoD to report on their efforts to work with consortia of academic researchers in the development of cybersecurity capabilities for DoD systems. The University of Cincinnati (UC) is a member of one such consortium.
“I’m pleased the NDAA conference report includes this bipartisan provision to require DoD to report on their efforts to work with university consortia to ensure DoD capabilities are secure. Cyberspace is increasingly becoming the battlefield of the Information Age, and it is incumbent upon the Department of Defense to develop its capacity to defend U.S. national security interests in this dynamic frontier,” said Portman. “By partnering with universities like the University of Cincinnati, which already conducts important work in partnership with the Air Force Research Lab at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, our military will be able to accelerate that process and ensure it is better prepared to defend against cyberattacks on DoD systems.”
SOCIAL MEDIA
U.S. Senate approves federal judgeship for Cuyahoga County’s Judge J. Philip Calabrese
The U.S. Senate on Tuesday approved Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge J. Philip Calabrese’s nomination to serve as a U.S. Federal District Court Judge for the Northern District of Ohio in a 58 to 35 vote.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine appointed Calabrese to Cuyahoga County’s bench in June 2019. Before that, he was a partner at Porter, Wright, Morris & Arthur in Cleveland. He also serves as an adjunct professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Law, and clerked for the Honorable Alice Batchelder on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.
Both of Ohio’s U.S. Senators - Republican Rob Portman and Democrat Sherrod Brown - supported Calabrese’s February nomination to fill the seat vacated by federal Judge Christopher Boyko, who took senior status in January. A statement from Brown said Calabrese would bring “a wealth of experience and commitment to the federal bench.”
In a statement introducing Calabrese at his Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, Portman said the nearly two decades Calabrese spent in private practice gave him “extensive civil litigation and trial experience, including oral arguments before the Ohio Supreme Court and state and federal Courts of Appeals.”
“Judge Calabrese has been a dedicated public servant in the Cleveland community for many years now, and I know, if confirmed as a District Judge, he will serve in this new role just as admirably as he has in the past,” said Portman.
Some of the work Calabrese handled during his days in private practice made several Senate Democrats say they couldn’t support his nomination. The Judiciary Committee’s top Democrat, California Sen. Dianne Feinstein, expressed concern about his past work on behalf of Robert Murray, the former CEO of the Ohio coal company Murray Energy, as well as another company that operated and owned the only U.S. facility that slaughtered horses for human consumption.
Feinstein criticized Calabrese for representing Murray in a lawsuit against the Chagrin Valley Times newspaper, which he sued for defamation after it criticized Murray for firing 156 employees. The legal system sided with the newspaper, ruling its reporting and commentary were “substantially true” or protected opinion.
“A state appellate court found that Murray’s lawsuit against the newspaper was undertaken with the purpose to harass and deter his critics,” Feinstein said at the hearing.
The Perry Memorial, featuring a column 352 feet high, was constructed from 1912 to 1915 and honors the people who fought in the Battle of Lake Erie, the decisive naval victory the U.S. won in 1813 over British forces during the War of 1812. The monument also honors the long peace that’s prevailed among the U.S., Canada and Great Britain since the War of 1812 ended in 1815.
That's the short answer to why is it there and what does it stand for — honorable and thoughtful reasons for reaching to the sky.
But the more pressing questions, for years now, has been will it stay standing and will it remain open to the public.
Maintenance of the monument itself has been ongoing as any memorial anywhere is protected from the ravages of time and weather. A few years ago, the monument was closed to the public while it underwent renovations.
But officials have known, for years, that the concrete seawalls around the memorial needed to be repaired. The north seawall also protects a road that provides the only access to the east point of South Bass Island.
An environmental assessment found that the two concrete seawalls to the north and south of the Park have deteriorated or been severely undermined as a result of the harsh marine environment. The existing seawalls allow waves to overtop and water to inundate the site. Existing stormwater drainage outlets allow Lake Erie to flow backward into the stormwater system and inundate the Park.
The go-ahead for a $29 million project that will secure the seawalls to the north and south of the monument in the village of Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island means there is a long-term commitment to preserve and secure the monument, keeping it as a destination place for understanding American history and its wars and allegiances.
Barbara Rowles, superintendent of the Perry Memorial, has worked with local, state and federal officials for years to secure the funding, and U.S. Sen. Rob Portman was key to securing this funding. The project will get started next year and is scheduled for completion in 2022.
This is a worthwhile and important investment in preserving our history, and we're glad to know it will happen.
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