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Tag: U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown

  • Senator Sherrod Brown highlighted his work to crack down on fentanyl traffickers in Senate hearing

    Senator Sherrod Brown highlighted his work to crack down on fentanyl traffickers in Senate hearing

    Today, during a Senate Committee on Finance Hearing titled “Front Lines of the Fentanyl Crisis: Supporting Communities and Combating Addiction through Prevention and Treatment,” U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown highlighted his work to crack down on fentanyl traffickers through his Fentanyl Eradication and Narcotics Deterrence (FEND) Off Fentanyl Act, which was signed into law last month.

    The FEND Off Fentanyl Act takes action to expand sanctions to illicit fentanyl traffickers in Mexico and the creators of precursor chemicals in China. Senator Brown worked with law enforcement to craft the legislation, and national and Ohio law enforcement have praised the bills passage.

    Brown also discussed the importance of access to addiction treatment services with witnesses Tony Vezina, Executive Director of 4D Recovery Center; Dr. Jeanmarie Perrone, Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine and the Founding Director of the Center for Addiction Medicine and Policy at the University of Pennsylvania; Dr. Caleb J. Banta-Green, Director of the University of Washington Center for Community-Engaged Drug Education, Epidemiology and Research; and Dr. Abigail J. Herron, Vice President and Chief Behavioral Health Officer at the Institute for Family Health.

    “After fighting for a year Congress passed my bipartisan FEND Off Fentanyl Act, which focuses on targeting and sanctioning the precursor chemical makers in China and the cartels in Mexico that put this stuff together. Cracking down obviously on the supply and at that level going after where the big money is, is really important,” said Brown. “It is an all-of-the-above approach.”

    Brown asked the witnesses about the accessibility of treatment services, including the importance of Medicaid.

    “It’s incredibly important. Just for myself, before the expansion of Medicaid there was a lottery system, and I was trying to get into treatment but didn’t get selected for the lottery. And so I had to wait, and they had to prioritize other populations aside from me. But after Medicaid expansion, I was able to get into treatment immediately,” responded Vezina.

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  • On Tax Day 2024, Brown Introduces Bill to Eliminate Carried Interest Tax Loophole and Make Wealthy Fund Managers Pay What Other American Workers DoU.S. Senator Sherrod Brown

    On Tax Day 2024, Brown Introduces Bill to Eliminate Carried Interest Tax Loophole and Make Wealthy Fund Managers Pay What Other American Workers DoU.S. Senator Sherrod Brown

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – As Americans mark Tax Day 2024, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) introduced the Carried Interest Fairness Act today to eliminate a tax loophole that benefits wealthy money managers on Wall Street. The current carried interest loophole allows investment managers to often pay roughly half the tax rate that most other Ohio workers’ pay. Brown was joined by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) in leading this legislation.

    “This loophole is yet another way wealthy special interests have rigged the system to work for them, at the expense of everyone else. Hedge funds and private equity firms shouldn’t pay less taxes than working people in Ohio. This bill is a commonsense solution to promote fairness and make Wall Street pay its fair share,” said Brown.

    The carried interest loophole allows investment managers to pay the lower 23.8 percent capital gains tax rate on income received as compensation, rather than the ordinary income tax rates of up to 40.8 percent that they would pay for the same amount of wage income.

    The Carried Interest Fairness Act will require carried interest income to be taxed at ordinary wage rates. According to the Treasury proposal, closing this loophole will raise $6.5 billion in revenue over 10 years.

    In addition to Brown, Baldwin, and Manchin, this legislation is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ed Markey (D-MA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Bernie Sanders (I-VT),  Jack Reed (D-RI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Cory Booker (D-NJ).

    Full text of this legislation is available HERE.

  • Browns Bipartisan legislation to support First Responders passes Senate

    Browns Bipartisan legislation to support First Responders passes Senate

    by David Miller

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) joined a bipartisan group of colleagues to applaud the unanimous Senate passage of his bipartisan legislation to help police, fire, emergency medical, and 911 personnel cope with the stresses of responding to crisis situations. The Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act of 2023 would establish mental health programs for America’s first responders who often have long-term consequences from providing life-saving services in moments of crisis. Brown first introduced the Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act in May 2022 and reintroduced it in January 2023.

    “Law enforcement officers and other first responders put their lives on the line each day, facing stressful and often dangerous situations, to protect Ohioans. This legislation will ensure that law enforcement professionals have access to the care they need to deal with the trauma they experience on the job, and keep our communities safer,” Brown said.

    U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown

    “Law enforcement personnel, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and 911 dispatchers routinely encounter high-stress situations, putting them at risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which increases the risk of suicide,” according to Brown’s office. The Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act would require the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to establish evidence-based treatment programs for first responders across the country. These programs would be similar to services already available to military personnel who develop PTSD or acute stress disorders. The bill requires the DOJ to consult with stakeholders, including public safety officer organizations, to develop the program, which would be available to serve first responders from communities of all sizes.

    The bill is cosponsored by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) Chris Coons (D-DE), Todd Young (R-IN), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), John Kennedy (R-LA), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT).

    Text of the Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act is available HERE.

  • BROWN ANNOUNCES HONDA FUEL CELL ELECTRIC VEHICLE TO BE PRODUCED IN MARYSVILLE

    BROWN ANNOUNCES HONDA FUEL CELL ELECTRIC VEHICLE TO BE PRODUCED IN MARYSVILLE

    Underhood of all-new Honda FCEV coming in 2024 – photo by Honda

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced that in 2024, Honda’s Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC) in Marysville will begin producing Honda’s new hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). The Honda FCEV will be the first mass-produced vehicle in North America to combine a plug-in feature and FCEV technology into one. As a result, the driver can charge the onboard battery to drive the vehicle under electric power for short distances and use fast hydrogen refueling for long-distance travel. 

    “Investing in American production and Ohio workers is part of the work we are doing to put in place a new pro-American, pro-worker industrial policy,” said Brown. “Honda and Ohio are taking another step in leading the country and the world in producing sustainable cars and electric technology that Americans will need and drive over the next century.”

    A FCEV has a high-pressure hydrogen tank instead of a gasoline tank, which generates electricity inside fuel cells to operate the electric motor, powering the vehicle without releasing CO2 or other harmful emissions.

    The new FCEV will be based on Honda’s new CR-V. This initiative is part of Honda’s commitment to a zero-emission future and to making battery electric vehicles and FCEVs represent 100 percent of its global auto sales by 2040.

  • SEN. BROWN, REPS. RYAN, KAPTUR, BROWN, BEATTY NOTIFY FEDERAL AGENCIES OF OHIO’S READINESS TO ACCEPT UKRAINIAN REFUGEES

    SEN. BROWN, REPS. RYAN, KAPTUR, BROWN, BEATTY NOTIFY FEDERAL AGENCIES OF OHIO’S READINESS TO ACCEPT UKRAINIAN REFUGEES

    Photo by Mathias P.R. Reding

    “Ukrainian-American Community Has Deep Roots in Ohio“

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and U.S. Representatives Tim Ryan (D-OH-13), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-9), Shontel Brown (D-OH-11), and Joyce Beatty (D-OH-3) sent a letter to the U.S. Departments of State, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, notifying them of Ohio’s readiness to accept Ukrainian refugees fleeing Vladimir Putin’s brutal attack on their country.

    “We write in support of the Administration’s recent announcement to welcome to the United States as many as 100,000 Ukrainian refugees fleeing Russian aggression and provide additional funding towards humanitarian assistance to people affected by Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine. We stand ready to work with you and Governor DeWine to welcome Ukrainian refugees to Ohio, which is already home to a large community of Ukrainian-Americans,” wrote the lawmakers.

    In the recently passed government spending package, the lawmakers helped secure more than $4 billion to address the dire humanitarian needs of the hundreds of thousands of refugees who have fled Ukraine or have been displaced within Ukraine.

    • $2.65 billion through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)’s International Disaster Assistance program to provide emergency food assistance, health care, and other urgent support.
    • $1.4 billion for Migration and Refugee Assistance to support refugees fleeing Ukraine.

    Full copy of the letter:

    Dear Secretary Blinken, Secretary Mayorkas, Secretary Becerra, and Director Jaddou:

    We write in support of the Administration’s recent announcement to welcome to the United States as many as 100,000 Ukrainian refugees fleeing Russian aggression and provide additional funding towards humanitarian assistance to people affected by Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine. We stand ready to work with you and Governor DeWine to welcome Ukrainian refugees to Ohio, which is already home to a large community of Ukrainian-Americans.

    As evidenced by the state’s recent efforts to welcome more than 1,000 refugees who fled from Afghanistan in 2021, Ohio has a long history of welcoming people fleeing war, famine, and genocide. In addition, Ohio’s Ukrainian community has deep roots dating back to the 1880s, when many Ukrainians began settling in the greater Cleveland area seeking better economic opportunities. Subsequent waves of migration caused by World War I, World War II, and Soviet rule saw more Ukrainians come to Northeast Ohio, this time seeking freedom and opportunity. In fact, Northeast Ohio is home to one of the largest Ukrainian populations in the country, home to approximately 50,000 Ohioans with Ukrainian ancestry.

    These roots have remained strong as local Ukrainian-Americans have taken leadership positions in religious, political, and community organizations. From organizing labor unions within their community, to helping to raise funds to open the first Ukrainian Embassy, Ukrainian-Americans in Northeast Ohio take an active role in ensuring the entire region can flourish. Several Cleveland-area Ukrainian community representatives were recognized by Presidents George Bush and Bill Clinton for their efforts in support of the first Ukrainian Embassy. This history makes Ohio well suited to welcome some of the 100,000 refugees fleeing combat zones, and will help increase opportunities for successful family reunification.

    Ohio is already preparing to welcome people affected by the war with housing, jobs, and a convivial community. Since the start of the conflict, Ohio has been a leader uniting Ohio’s refugee and resettlement organizations to better assist Ukrainians and prepare the region to welcome refugees. Ohio has worked together with nonprofits like Global Cleveland and US Together to collect medical supplies to send to Ukraine while connecting Ukrainians with medical help and safe passage out of Ukraine, and connecting families separated by Vladimir Putin’s illegal war. Other local partners have also contributed to the cause, with the Cleveland Clinic organizing and shipping medical supplies to Ukraine so doctors can treat their wounded.

    We thank you for your efforts to help the people of Ukraine, including the more than $1 billion in humanitarian assistance for those affected by Russia’s unprovoked war. This aid will have a direct impact on the people of Ukraine and our European allies that have accepted those seeking refuge. Unfortunately, there is not yet an end in sight to this horrific war and we urge you to be ready to offer more humanitarian assistance – including a willingness to accept additional refugees – as this conflict continues.

    Ohioans are generous people and are willing to aid the people of Ukraine.  We encourage you to think of Ohio as you work on resettling Ukrainians and others displaced by this tragic war of Russia’s choosing, we stand ready to assist in your efforts to reunite families and welcome Ukrainian refugees to Ohio.

    Thank you for your continued dedication to this critical priority.

  • Sen. Brown statement following address from Ukraine President Zelenskyy

    Sen. Brown statement following address from Ukraine President Zelenskyy

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) released the below statement following Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s address to the U.S. Congress.

    “Today President Zelenskyy made it clear that Ukraine needs more resources to defend itself and its freedom, and that’s what the U.S. is providing. President Biden is announcing dramatic new military assistance for Ukraine today, and I will continue working with the president to ensure Ukrainians are armed with effective military tools – including those designed to strengthen their air defenses – and are supported by strong sanctions, without needlessly escalating Putin’s war. I also share President Zelenskyy’s call for corporations to join this fight – no one should be profiting off of this invasion, from Big Oil to corporations that continue to do business in Putin’s backyard. President Zelenskyy and his people are fighting for the values Americans all share – freedom, democracy, the right to determine their own destiny – and we must all continue to stand united with them.”

    Ukrainian President Zelensky Addresses Congress

    In a virtual address to Congress, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky pleaded for the U.S. to support a no-fly zone over his country. President Zelensky also asked the U.S. to provide fighter jets, anti-aircraft weapons, and other military aid to help Ukraine defend itself against the Russian invasion. He played a graphic video of civilians killed and injured by Russian bombs and artillery barrages during his remarks. U.S. lawmakers gave him a standing ovation at the end of his address.

  • U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown recently introduced the End Taxpayer Subsidies for Drug Ads Act

    U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown recently introduced the End Taxpayer Subsidies for Drug Ads Act

    Bill would Eliminate Tax Deductions for Prescription Drug Advertising Subsidized by American Taxpayers

    Washington, DC — U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) recently introduced the End Taxpayer Subsidies for Drug Ads Act, legislation that would prohibit pharmaceutical drug manufacturers from claiming tax deductions for consumer advertising expenses. According to a press release from Brown, advertising expenses by pharmaceutical drug manufacturers have more than quadrupled over the past two decades, rising from $1.3 billion in 1997 to $6 billion in 2016. In that same time period, advertising from drug companies has increased from 79,000 ads to 4.6 million ads, including 663,000 TV commercials. Economists have estimated that nearly one third of the growth in drug companies’ spending can be attributed to the increase in advertising for prescription drugs.

    Brown says that under current law, drug manufacturers are allowed to deduct the cost of advertising expenses from federal taxes and the End Taxpayer Subsidies for Drug Ads Act would eliminate this tax deduction for drug advertising costs, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are not used to subsidize drug advertisements.

    “The purpose of medicine is to help people, not to line the pockets of Big Pharma executives. It’s time to stop using taxpayer dollars to give tax breaks to Big Pharma, especially at a time when too many hardworking Americans are struggling to afford the medicine they need and the culprit is often price gouging by pharmaceutical corporations,” said Brown.

    This legislation was introduced by Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH). The bill original cosponsors include Senators Brown, Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Angus King (I-ME), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Jack Reed (D-RI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Dick Durbin (D-IL).

    Full text of the bill is available here.

  • Brown votes against funding cuts that threatened jobs at NIOSH construction in Cincinnati

    Brown votes against funding cuts that threatened jobs at NIOSH construction in Cincinnati

    by David Miller,

    Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Senate voted on June 20 against an effort to pass the so-called “rescission package,” which would have slashed the fund that is supposed to pay for construction of Cincinnati’s new NIOSH facility by half. The rescission package would have taken back federal dollars intended for a wide range of projects and programs – including Cincinnati’s NIOSH construction – in order to pay for the $1 trillion deficit created by Republican tax cuts. With U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown’s (D-OH) opposition, the package failed on the floor by a vote of 48-50.

    “We made a commitment to Cincinnati, and we shouldn’t be putting southwest Ohio jobs and economic development at risk to pay for tax cuts that benefit companies shipping American jobs overseas,” said Brown.

    In May, Brown called on the Administration to tell Ohio how it will keep its commitment to move forward with the NIOSH project after the fund is cut.

    In 2015, Brown helped secure $110 million in federal funds to advance construction and site consolidation for NIOSH’s new facility in Cincinnati.That money is supposed to come from the nonrecurring expense fund (NEF) at the Department of Health and Human Services, which currently has about $500 million for NIOSH and other projects.

    Brown’s office said he had worked to protect that fund from cuts for years in order to ensure the NIOSH construction continues moving forward. And up until now, the project had been proceeding on schedule. In fact, the CDC recently solicited bids for a design-build contract. The Administration’s rescission package would take $220 million away from the nonrecurring expense fund – cutting he fund by about half and threatening the future of the project, according to a statement issued by Brown.

    Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) voted for the rescission package.

    As part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), NIOSH is responsible for conducting research and making recommendations to prevent work-related injury and illness. The NIOSH facilities in Cincinnati employ more than 500.

    The new construction project is intended to consolidate NIOSH’s Cincinnati facilities into one central location to improve and enhance scientific collaboration, as employees conduct research and make recommendations to prevent work-related injury and illness. The funding will also ensure that there are appropriate and adequate research facilities for NIOSH’s scientific program and will reduce operating costs by consolidating multiple campuses.

  • Brown’s bill will increase access to federal scholarship dollars for children of public safety officers killed in the line of duty

    Brown’s bill will increase access to federal scholarship dollars for children of public safety officers killed in the line of duty

    Bill Signed Into Law As Part Of Spending Package Approved Last Week 

    Senator Sherrod Brown

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced today that his Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship Act passed as a part of the omnibus spending package last week. The legislation will help increase access to Pell Grant scholarships for children of public service officers who are killed in the line of duty, including police, firefighters, and EMS workers. With this bill, if the child of the fallen public service officer qualifies for a Pell Grant, they would be eligible for the maximum award authorized by law.

    “Our law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMS workers put their lives on the line each day to protect us. Increasing access to federal scholarship dollars is the least we can do for the children of our fallen heroes,” said Brown. “We must do all we can to support the families of these selfless men and women that served our communities and made the ultimate sacrifice.”