This week, Senator Portman delivered remarks on the Senate floor highlighting his bipartisan Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act (SESTA), which is already making a significant difference in combatting the trafficking of women and children online. Portman visited with CHANGE Court participants and graduates in Cincinnati, which is designed to give those caught up in prostitution and victims of sex trafficking a chance to get clean, walk away with a clean record, and rebuild their lives. Portman also delivered remarks on the Senate floor discussing the opioid epidemic gripping Ohio—and our country—and how his bipartisan Synthetics Trafficking & Overdose Prevention (STOP) Act  will help give law enforcement the tools to identify and stop dangerous synthetic drugs such as fentanyl and carfentanil from being shipped through the Postal Service to drug traffickers here in the United States. In addition, Portman delivered remarks praising U.S. Supreme Court Justice nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh and urging the Senate to confirm him for the Supreme Court. Portman recently released a video highlighting his meeting with Justice Kavanaugh ahead of that speech. Later in the week, Portman praised the House for passing his Defending Economic Livelihoods and Threatened Animals (DELTA) Act, legislation that encourages the U.S. to develop a strategy to protect the Okavango River Delta in South Africa. Portman introduced the bipartisan Gold Star Spouses Leasing Relief Act. Lastly, Portman announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration awarded a grant through the 2018 Small Shipyard Grant Program totaling $768,500 to Ironhead Marine, Inc. 

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

Monday, July 16 

Portman Op-Ed in The Lima News Highlights Work on Behalf of Our Troops, Lima’s Joint Systems Manufacturing Center 

Senator Portman has consistently fought on behalf of Ohio’s defense installations, including Lima’s Joint Systems Manufacturing Center (JSMC) that supports our troops all around the world.  The FY 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed the Senate last month and includes $1.53 billion in funding to upgrade 135, or 1.5 brigades worth, of Abrams tanks — increasing the rate of production of the newest upgraded Abrams tanks in Lima in order to ensure that our forward deployed tanks have the most cutting-edge capabilities. The bill also includes $171 million for upgrading Stryker Vehicles, a $150 million increase over the president’s budget request for these upgrades. Portman led a letter to Senate Armed Services Chairman John McCain (R-AZ) and Ranking Member Jack Reed (D-RI) urging them to increase funding for modernizing Stryker Vehicles in the NDAA. 

In a Lima News op-ed Portman wrote: “America remains a shining city on a hill and a beacon of democracy and freedom because of the bravery of the men and women of our armed forces. We owe them the best equipment and technology to conduct their critical mission in a dangerous world. With the passage of this new defense funding, the highly skilled and patriotic workers in Lima will be able to do more to help our troops keep the peace and protect all of us.”

Excerpts of the op-ed can be found here and the full op-ed can be found at this link.   

In Cincinnati, Portman Visits with CHANGE Court Participants, Graduates, and Judge Heather Russell 

Portman visited with CHANGE Court participants and graduates along with Hamilton County Municipal Court Judge Heather Russell. CHANGE Court, which stands for Changing Habits And Setting New Goals is Empowering, is designed to give those caught up in prostitution and victims of sex trafficking a chance to get clean, walk away with a clean record, and rebuild their lives. 

“I appreciated the opportunity to visit with CHANGE Court participants and graduates. CHANGE Court is an outstanding program dedicated to providing both support and opportunities for victims of sex trafficking and those recovering from prostitution,” said Portman. “In this country, in this century, our women and children should not be exposed to the trauma of being sold online. While I’m pleased that some of the sites hosting sex trafficking have shut down thanks to the positive impact of my bipartisan SESTA legislation, I will continue to work with my colleagues to combat this horrific crime in a bipartisan manner so that every man, woman, and child can reach their God-given potential.”   

Portman Statement on President Trump’s Remarks at Helsinki Summit 

Portman issued the following statement regarding the joint news conference by President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Helsinki summit: 

“The president’s comments in today’s press conference were troubling.  He failed to stand up to Vladimir Putin on some of the most critical security issues facing our country and our allies.  There is a consensus in the intelligence community that Russia meddled in our elections and continues to try to destabilize democracies around the world.  Both the House and Senate Intelligence Committees have concluded that Russia interfered in the 2016 elections.  When given the opportunity, President Trump did not hold President Putin to task for election meddling, for the illegal annexation of Crimea, or for the continued aggression in Eastern Ukraine.  

“I believe the United States must be matter of fact and transparent.  We all want to see a better relationship between our two countries, but we must make clear directly to President Putin and to the world that Russia’s actions on the world stage are unacceptable and a change in their behavior is necessary in order to improve relations.  I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress and with this administration to do so.”  

Tuesday, July 17 

VIDEO: Senator Portman & Judge Kavanaugh, Longtime Friends 

President Trump nominated Judge Brett Kavanaugh to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) met with Judge Kavanaugh and later delivered remarks on the Senate floor praising him, his impressive background and exceptional qualifications, as well as his character, compassion, and humility. Portman has known Judge Kavanaugh for more than 15 years, since they worked together in the George W. Bush administration. 

Portman states in the video: “I have known him for over 15 years. I worked with him in the George W. Bush White House. Brett Kavanaugh is a person I have gotten to know, not so much as a legal scholar and judge but as a friend and watched him as a father and as a husband. He’s a guy with great compassion, great humility, and a big heart. I can’t think of anybody better qualified to be on the United States Supreme Court.” 

To watch the video, click here. 

Portman’s Bipartisan Bill Will Help Fund Long-Delayed Maintenance at Ohio’s National Parks

Senator Portman introduced the Restore Our Parks Act, bipartisan legislation that would help address the nearly $12 billion backlog of long-delayed maintenance projects at the National Park Service (NPS). The bill, which has been praised by key stakeholders, would establish the “National Park Service Legacy Restoration Fund” to reduce the maintenance backlog by allocating existing unobligated revenues the government receives from on and offshore energy development.  Notably, the measure would help tackle the more than $100 million maintenance backlog at Ohio’s eight national park sites.

Portman, a lifelong outdoorsman and a frequent visitor to Ohio’s national parks, has long been a leader in the U.S. Senate in efforts to protect our national parks. He is the author of the National Park Service Centennial Act, legislation signed into law in 2016 that authorizes the National Park Centennial Challenge Fund and the Second Century Endowment Fund, two public-private partnerships that are already making a difference to provide more resources to maintain our parks.  Last year, Portman received the National Park Foundation’s Centennial Champion Award for his work on the National Park Service Centennial Act. He has previously received the 2012 NPCA Centennial Award, the 2015 Bruce F. Vento Public Service Award, and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park Centennial Leader Award.

Senator Portman Joins Ohio Colleagues in Supporting Ohio’s Preeminent Vehicle Testing Facility, Urging Transportation Secretary to Change Automated Vehicle Policy

Portman joined his Ohio colleagues of both parties in the House and Senate to send a letter urging the U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao to change the previous administration’s automated vehicle policy, which excludes Ohio’s Transportation Research Center (TRC) – the largest and most sophisticated independent vehicle proving ground in North America – from certain partnership and funding opportunities that are important to the development of safe and effective regulations for this emerging technology.   

In January 2017, on the final day of the Obama administration, then-Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx designated 10 automated vehicle (AV) proving grounds to serve as the department’s preferred partners for developing future AV-related policy.  The previous administration purportedly set out to designate these proving grounds in order to advance shared, national goals concerning the safe deployment of automated vehicles.  However, Senator Portman and his Ohio colleagues were and remain critical of this last-minute policy announcement because Ohio’s Transportation Research Center, the largest and most sophisticated independent vehicle proving ground on the continent, was notably omitted from this group.   

Upon joining his colleagues on this bipartisan letter urging Secretary Chao to reconsider the previous administration’s policy, Senator Portman released the following statement: 

“In the interest of creating the safest, most effective AV policies, the Department of Transportation should be able to determine its partners for testing this new technology based on merit, not favoritism.  As events in the past year have made tragically clear, our policies for the development, testing, and deployment of automated vehicle technology can have a direct impact on the health and security of our fellow Americans, both behind the wheel and on the street.  That is why my colleagues and I believe that the Department of Transportation ought not to have its capacity to partner with organizations like TRC – whose decades of vehicle testing and wealth of relevant expertise are second-to-none – restricted for arbitrary or political reasons.  We should work together toward policies for automated vehicle technology that, in equal measure, promote American industry and protect human life.  I am confident that there is no better place to find a partner in this mission than the Transportation Research Center in East Liberty.” 

The Ohio delegation letter to Secretary Chao can be found here. 

On Senate Floor, Portman Again Urges Senate to Confirm Brett Kavanaugh to Supreme Court 

Portman delivered remarks on the Senate floor praising U.S. Supreme Court Justice nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh and urging the Senate to approve him as the next Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. Portman spoke on the Senate floor in support of Judge Kavanaugh’s nomination last week and recently released a video highlighting his meeting with Justice Kavanaugh ahead of that speech. 

Portman said: “I think Judge Kavanaugh is the kind of judge the American people want: someone who will fairly and impartially apply the law, not legislate from the bench. He’s got an outstanding judicial record from his 12 years on the bench. He’s a thought-leader among his peers on the appellate courts and has the respect of the judges on the Supreme Court as well because they have picked up his decisions and used them in later cases. Just as importantly to me, again, he is a good person.”

 A transcript of his remarks can be found below and a video can be found here: 

On Fox News, Portman Discusses Congressional Efforts to Hold Russia Accountable 

In an interview with Fox News’ Your World with Neil Cavuto, Senator Portman discussed President Trump’s remarks at the U.S.-Russia summit and highlighted what Congress has done to hold Russia accountable for its efforts to intervene in our election and destabilize other democracies.  He also highlighted the fact that the Intelligence Community and both House and Senate Intelligence Committees concluded that Russia intervened in the U.S. elections, contrary to the president’s initial remarks.                                                                           

Excerpts of his interview can be found here and a video can be found here. 

Wednesday, July 18 

Portman, Brown, Murkowski Provision to Give States More Time, Flexibility to Comply with Federal Law Sent to President’s Desk 

U.S. Senators Portman, Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) announced that legislation based on their proposal to give states more flexibility and time to implement electronic verification systems to better serve patients was passed by the House of Representatives. Their proposal now heads to the president’s desk to become law. 

Earlier this year Portman, Brown, and Murkowski introduced a bipartisan bill to delay the implementation of a provision contained in the 21st Century Cures Act law that requires states implement Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) systems for personal care services and ensure individuals who receive these services have a voice in the implementation process. The Senate took up and unanimously passed a House version of the bill that was based heavily on the Portman, Brown, and Murkowski legislation. The bill now awaits President Trump’s signature.   

The EVV system requires healthcare providers to use an electronic system to confirm that personal care services are delivered and billed accurately. The Senators’ proposal sought to delay this new Medicaid requirement for one year in order to give states the proper time to set up effective EVV systems, and emphasize the need for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to solicit stakeholder comments prior to finalizing regulations related to implementation to ensure the concerns of the patient and provider communities are taken into account. 

“Electronic Visit Verification systems are key to ensuring that the most vulnerable Ohioans receive the care that they need.  However, these systems can be complex, and it’s important that Ohioans can engage in the development of these systems and that states have the flexibility to effectively implement these requirements,” said Senator Portman. 

Portman, Brown, and Murkowski’s proposal sought to delay the required implementation of EVV systems from January 1, 2019 to January 1, 2020 and urge CMS to hold at least one stakeholder meeting as a part of implementation. The 21^st Century Cures Act was passed in 2016. In addition to requiring EVV for personal care services, the 21^st Century Cures Act included several other provisions, particularly aimed at fighting the opioid epidemic. 

Portman, Udall, Burr, Coons, and Whitehouse Praise House Passage of DELTA Act to Protect the Okavango River Delta 

U.S. Senators Portman, Tom Udall (D-NM), Richard Burr (R-NC), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) praised the House passage of the Defending Economic Livelihoods and Threatened Animals (DELTA) Act, legislation that encourages the U.S. to develop a strategy to protect the Okavango River Delta in South Africa. The House legislation was introduced by Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE), House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA) and Ranking Member Eliot Engel (D-NY). The legislation awaits action in the Senate. 

“As a co-chair of the International Conservation Caucus, I believe we must confront the threats to wildlife and natural resources around the world, and I’m pleased the House has passed this legislation to encourage the U.S. to develop a strategy to protect the Okavango River Delta in South Africa,” said Portman.  “The Okavango Delta is a precious water resource and serves as a critical habitat to some of the world’s most endangered species that continue to face a variety of threats from wildlife traffickers, poachers, and others. I am proud to protect this important resource and the people, wildlife, and ecosystems that depend on it, and I urge the Senate to pass this legislation as soon as possible.” 

At Hearing, Portman Urges U.S. Customs and Border Protection to Use ENFORCE Act Tools to Crack Down on Illegal Trade 

At a Senate Finance Committee hearing, Portman urged the Commissioner of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Kevin McAleenan, to use the tools available through the ENFORCE Act to help crack down on countries that illegally import goods by transshipping them through other countries. Portman expressed concern about how Section 232 has been used and stressed that its misuse could result in a trade war with our allies. Instead, he urged the administration to vigorously use the tools at their disposal, such as the ENFORCE Act, which is working to crack down on foreign competitors that launder products through other countries to evade our trade laws. 

The ENFORCE Act helps stop efforts by foreign countries to illegally import goods by setting up a process that gives domestic producers an opportunity to formally petition Customs and Border Protection to investigate possible antidumping and countervailing duty evasions.  

A transcript of his remarks can be seen here and a video can be found here. 

Thursday, July 19 

Senators Unveil Bipartisan Bill to Protect Surviving Military Spouses

U.S. Senators Portman, Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Doug Jones (D-AL) introduced the bipartisan Gold Star Spouses Leasing Relief Act. The legislation, which was originally introduced in the House of Representatives by Reps. Brad Wenstrup (R-OH) and Cheri Bustos (D-IL), would modify the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) to allow a widow or widower of a servicemember who died while in military service (i.e., a Gold Star spouse) to terminate a jointly held residential lease, without penalty, within one year of the servicemember’s death.

“A grieving military spouse dealing with the death of their loved one on active duty should be able to end their lease without paying high termination fees,” said Senator Portman.  “This bill, with the support of numerous veterans groups and the Department of Defense, is a commonsense fix for Gold Star spouses. I encourage my colleagues in the Senate to join me in supporting this legislation to provide relief for our Gold Star spouses.”

When a servicemember receives military orders, his or her spouse is often required to relocate and then sign a lease for a house, apartment, or other dwelling. But when the servicemember dies during military service, the surviving spouse may be forced to pay off the remainder of that residential lease even though the couple only entered into that contract to accommodate the servicemember’s assignment. Under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), active duty servicemembers may cancel agreements such as home or apartment rental contracts when they are deployed or relocated. However, these protections do not explicitly apply to Gold Star spouses who are in these agreements jointly with a servicemember who died while in military service. 

The Gold Star Spouses Leasing Relief Act is also supported by The American Legion, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and the National Military Family Association (NMFA). 

Portman Announces Federal Grant to Boost Toledo Shipyard, Lucas County Economy 

Portman announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration awarded a grant through the 2018 Small Shipyard Grant Program totaling $768,500 to Ironhead Marine, Inc., operator of the Toledo Shipyard: 

“I’m pleased to see this grant awarded to Ironhead, and I’m happy that I could help support Toledo in this competitive grant process. By increasing the capacity of the Toledo Shipyard, this grant will boost the local economy of Toledo and Lucas County,” said Portman.  

Portman on the Senate Floor: SESTA Already Making A Significant Difference in Combating Online Sex Trafficking 

Portman delivered remarks on the Senate floor highlighting his bipartisan Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act (SESTA) law which is already making a significant difference in combatting online sex trafficking of women and children, resulting in the shutdown of several websites that knowingly facilitated sex trafficking. 

The enactment of Senator Portman’s bipartisan SESTA law was a big victory for trafficking victims and survivors who, for too long, have been denied the opportunity to get the justice they deserve. The measure was the culmination of a three-year effort – which included a victory at the Supreme Court – to hold accountable Backpage.com and other websites that knowingly facilitate online sex trafficking of women and children.  The nearly two-year investigation by Portman’s Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI) culminated in a shocking report which detailed how Backpage facilitated criminal sex trafficking and then covered up evidence of these crimes in order to increase its own profits.

 A full transcript of his remarks can be found here and a video can be found here. 

Portman on the Senate Floor: Bipartisan STOP Act Will Help Combat Opioid Epidemic, Save Lives

Portman delivered remarks on the Senate floor discussing the opioid epidemic gripping Ohio—and our country—and his bipartisan bill that will give law enforcement the tools they need to help identify and stop synthetic opioids from being shipped into the U.S. The Synthetics Trafficking & Overdose Prevention (STOP) Act is Portman-authored legislation designed to help combat addiction on the front end by giving law enforcement the tools to identify and stop dangerous synthetic drugs such as fentanyl and carfentanil from being shipped through the Postal Service to drug traffickers here in the United States.

A full transcript of his remarks can be found here and a video can be found here.

Friday, July 20 

Portman: Land Transfer Will Encourage Economic Development in Piketon 

Portman issued the following statement on the transfer of an 80-acre parcel of land from the Department of Energy to the Southern Ohio Diversification Initiative (SODI): 

“This 80-acre land transfer from the Department of Energy to SODI is a major milestone and hopefully the first of many. I’m appreciative to all who have worked hard to make this transfer possible. I look forward to the development that will take place on this location and to the positive economic impact it will have on the region. As we move forward, I will continue to fight for funding to fully clean up the Piketon site so it can be redeveloped.” 

Portman has worked every year to secure the funding necessary to continue the cleanup efforts at the Portsmouth site. Portman worked to secure an additional $30 million in the FY 2018 bipartisan funding agreement to fully fund cleanup at the Portsmouth plant, which was needed after Energy Secretary Rick Perry announced last spring that he would suspend the Department of Energy’s uranium barter program. Portman repeatedly called on the Obama Administration to uphold their promises to the Piketon community to provide adequate funding to avoid layoffs. 

In addition, after securing a commitment from Secretary Perry during his confirmation hearing to visit the Piketon site, Portman joined Secretary Perry in a visit to the site and the former American Centrifuge Project facility last September. Perry has committed to getting the site cleaned up and agreed to a request by Portman to re-evaluate the Obama Administration’s decision to end the domestic uranium enrichment demonstration program, acknowledging that having a domestic capability to enrich uranium is a national security issue. 

After Secretary Perry’s visit to the Portsmouth site last year and Senator Portman’s discussions with the Secretary about the importance of cleaning up the landfills and plumes at the site, the Department of Energy sent a letter (attached here) to Ohio EPA Director Butler guaranteeing that it would clean up the landfills and plumes at the site.  

Portman Welcomes DoD Release of $200 Million in Security Assistance for Ukraine 

Portman, co-founder and co-chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, praised the Department of Defense’s release of $200 million in security assistance to fund additional training, equipment, and advisory efforts for Ukraine’s forces. Portman has led efforts in the Senate to ensure these Ukraine security assistance funds were authorized and obligated pending critical defense reforms at the Ukrainian parliament. This aid was contingent upon reforms including instituting civilian control of the military, cooperation and coordination with Ukrainian parliamentary efforts to exercise oversight of the Ministry of Defense and military forces, and improvements in sustainment capabilities, inventory management, and security of sensitive foreign technologies.  Portman visited Ukraine in April to see firsthand evidence of Russian aggression on the Eastern border, and pressed the Ukrainian parliament to pass these reforms.  In June of this year he met with Andriy Parubiy, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, the Ukrainian parliament, to congratulate him on passing these important reforms. 

“This is good news, and it sends a 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.  “When I was in Ukraine in April, I pressed the Ukrainian parliament to pass these defense reforms, and the release of these funds marks another important milestone toward fulfilling America’s promise to stand with Ukraine. As co-founder and co-chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, I have worked to author several provisions authorizing expanded U.S. military assistance — including lethal aid — and establishing the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.  I look forward to the full implementation of this bipartisan legislation to help the Ukrainians defend themselves against Russian aggression.”

On Social Media

Ohio’s national parks could get more than $100M in additional funding

Ohio’s national parks could get more than $100 million in additional funding for much needed renovations if a proposal introduced in the U.S. Senate in June is eventually signed into law by President Donald Trump.

Republican Sen. Rob Portman’s Restore Our Parks Act would alleviate a $12-billion backlog of deferred maintenance at areas overseen by the National Park Service. The billions in repair jobs that have been put off because of a lack of funding includes parks in every state, according to a listing of deferred maintenance.

It makes sense to try to address park maintenance now before it worsens and in turn costs taxpayers even more to repair, Portman told this news organization.

“I have had a long time concern about this,” Portman said. “I just never thought it was fair to let the infrastructure around these parks deteriorate like they are.”

The Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park at 16 S. Williams St., would get more than $1.8 million if the proposal becomes law, according to Portman’s office. Repairs to the building that houses The Wright Cycle Co. is one of the “highest priorities” on the National Park Service’s list of deferred maintenance, meaning it would almost certainly get funding if some form of the bill becomes law, Portman.

…

The William Howard Taft National Historic site in Cincinnati would get more than $2 million from Portman’s bill and the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park in Chillicothe, 75 minutes from Dayton, would receive more than $2.1 million from Portman’s bill.

…

Ohio Cuyahoga Valley National Park would receive more than $45.8 million, the Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument could get $1.9 million, the First Ladies National Historic Site may get $1.1 million and the James A. Garfield National Historic Site may be given nearly $719,000, according to Portman’s office.

Though there are still several legislative hoops for Portman’s parks bill to jump through, but the senator said he’s “hopeful” it’ll become law as it currently has the support of Democrats, Republicans and the White House.

“I’m really interested in getting funding for those kind of purposes,” Portman said. “With the exception to the Department of Defense, the parks have the most assets and a lot of them are falling apart.”

(Ohio’s national parks could get more than $100M in additional funding. Max Filby. Dayton Daily News. July, 15, 2018.)

Toledo Shipyard receives grant

Ironhead Marine, the operator of Toledo’s Shipyard, received a nearly $800,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration, Sen. Rob Portman announced Thursday.

With the grant money, Ironhead intends to purchase a 150-ton off-road crane that will increase efficiency at the shipyard.

Senator Portman wrote a letter of support for Ironhead that helped it secure the grant.

“I’m pleased to see this grant awarded to Ironhead, and I’m happy that I could help support Toledo in this competitive grant process. By increasing the capacity of the Toledo Shipyard, this grant will boost the local economy of Toledo and Lucas County,” Senator Portman said.

(Toledo Shipyard receives grant. Blade Staff. Toledo Blade. July 19, 2018.)

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