Press Releases
Obama Joins Kerry Resolution on Humanitarian Aid for Burma
May 8, 2008
WASHINGTON, DC - The Senate has passed a resolution introduced by Senator John Kerry and a bipartisan group of 19 Senators urging humanitarian aid to the Burmese people following the devastation of the cyclone and accompanying tidal wave. There are currently 100,000 people dead and tens of thousands missing, with disease spreading rampantly throughout the flooded country. The resolution was cosponsored by Foreign Relations Chairman Joe Biden (D-DE), Ranking Member Richard Lugar (R-IN), Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), along with Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chris Dodd (D-CT), Barack Obama (D-IL), Jim Webb (D-VA), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Ted Kennedy (D-MA), Bob Menendez (D-NJ.), Russ Feingold (D-WI), Joe Lieberman (D-CT) Chuck Hagel (R-NE), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.), Mary Landrieu (D-LA) and Elizabeth Dole (R-N.C.)
Obama Joins Bond and Boxer to Introduce Bill to Improve Care for Wounded Service Members
May 2, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Barack Obama today joined Senators Kit Bond and Barbara Boxer, and a bipartisan coalition of senators, to introduce the Honoring Our Nation's Obligations to Returning Warriors Act (HONOR Act). This legislation will improve treatment for our service members and veterans suffering with mental injuries, better prepare service members for the stress associated with combat, and increase care for military families. Senators Ted Stevens, Pete Domenici, Lisa Murkowski, and Elizabeth Dole are also cosponsoring this legislation.
Obama Calls on the SBA to Fairly Consider Government Contracts to Women Owned Businesses
May 1, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama today sent the following letter to the head of the Small Business Administration (SBA), Steven Preston, objecting to the SBA's proposed rule, entitled Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contract Assistance procedures, which would do little or nothing to rectify the underrepresentation of and discrimination against women owned businesses in government contracting awards. For decades, evidence has shown that women and minority business owners have been subject to discrimination through lending, access to capital, and basic access to federal contracting opportunities. In 2000, Congress passed legislation to move towards rectifying this problem by aiming to award 5% of federal contracts to women owned businesses. However, this goal has never been met as a result of the SBA's refusal for seven years to take the necessary steps to implement the legislation, and it is unlikely to be met with these unnecessarily stringent proposed regulations.
Obama Joins Levin and Coleman to Introduce Bill to Stop Misuse of U.S. Companies
May 1, 2008
WASHINGTON - Today Senator Carl Levin (D-Mich.), Senator Norm Coleman (R-Minn.), and Senator Barack Obama (D-Ill.), Chairman, Ranking Minority Member, and Member of the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, introduced the Incorporation Transparency and Law Enforcement Assistance Act to help law enforcement stop the misuse of U.S. corporations.
Statement of Senator Barack Obama on the Fair Currency Act
May 1, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama today released the following statement in support of the Fair Currency Act, S.796. Obama is a cosponsor of the measure. "It is long past time for the United States to confront the issue of unfair trade with China. The Chinese Government must play by the rules and act as a positive force for balanced global progress.
Obama Presses Federal Agencies for Nuclear Worker Compensation Spending Data
April 30, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama today sent the following letters to the Department of Labor (DOL), the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and the Presidential Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker Health (ABRWH), calling on them to release the costs of administering the Energy Employees Occupational Illness and Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA). The EEOICPA, which was approved by Congress in 2000, provides $150,000 in compensation and medical benefits to former workers of America's nuclear weapons programs who are now suffering from radiation induced cancer as a result of harmful radiation exposure. While nearly 4,000 claims for the program have been filed by workers in Illinois, only 849 have been paid. As a result, hundreds of claimants have been waiting more than 7 years to receive a decision on their claims.
Obama Joins Biden and Lugar to Applaud Senate's Unanimous Passage of Resolution Supporting Ukraine and Georgia Admission to NATO
April 29, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Joseph R. Biden, Jr. (D-DE) and Ranking Member Richard G. Lugar (R-IN) applauded the Senate's unanimous passage of their resolution expressing strong support for NATO's statement at the recent Bucharest Summit that the Alliance welcomes the eventual membership of Ukraine and Georgia. The resolution (S. Res 523), which passed last night, is co-sponsored by Senators Hillary Clinton (D-NY), John McCain (R-AZ), Barack Obama (D-IL), Jim DeMint (R-SC), Gordon Smith (R-OR), George V. Voinovich (R-OH) and Saxby Chambliss (R-GA).
Statement from Senator Barack Obama in Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide
April 28, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama today released the following statement in remembrance of the Armenian Genocide: "Last week we paused in remembrance of the Armenian Genocide, which was carried out by the Ottoman Empire from 1915 to 1923. Nearly 2 million Armenians were deported, and approximately 1.5 million of those deported were killed.
Statement of Senator Barack Obama on Closing Contractor Tax Loophole
April 28, 2008
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Barack Obama today released the following statement on the Senate Democratic Policy Committee hearing entitled Contracting Abuses in Iraq: Is the Bush Administration Safeguarding American Taxpayer Dollars?
Durbin & Obama Ask for Meeting With DOJ Officials to Discuss the Inclusion of Chicago in Comprehensive Anti-Gang Initiative
April 28, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Barack Obama (D-IL) today asked for a meeting with Justice Department officials and Illinois Congressional Delegation members to discuss including the Chicago metropolitan area in the Department of Justice (DOJ)'s Comprehensive Anti-Gang Initiative - a program created in 2006 to enhance gang prevention, enforcement, and anti-recidivism efforts. The Comprehensive Anti-Gang Initiative has so far provided ten metropolitan regions with $2.5 million each for anti-gang efforts.
Durbin, Obama, Carson Ask for National Emergency Grant Funds for Former Airline Employees
April 25, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) and Representative Andre Carson (D-IN) today sent a letter to the Secretary of the Department of Labor, Elaine Chao, asking for the release of National Emergency Grant funds to assist over 1,200 flight attendants and former employees of Aloha Airlines and ATA Airlines who recently lost their jobs of as a result of the abrupt termination in service. The members noted that it will be difficult for these working Americans to find new jobs as the airline industry continues to shrink.
Statement from Senator Barack Obama on World Malaria Day
April 25, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama today released the following statement in recognition of World Malaria Day:
Statement of Senator Barack Obama on the Senate's Passage of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act
April 24, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama today released the following statement after the Senate's passage of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (H.R. 493):
Statement of Senator Barack Obama on the Veterans' Benefits Enhancement Act
April 24, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama today released the following statement on the Senate's passage of the Veterans' Benefits Enhancement Act (S.1315):
Statement of Senator Barack Obama on the Commerce Committee's Vote to Reverse the FCC's Media Consolidation Rules
April 24, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama today released the following statement after the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation approved a measure introduced by Senator Byron Dorgan to reverse the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC) ruling to expand media consolidation. Senator Obama is a co-sponsor of this legislation.
Obama Joins Kerry to Push for Senate Investigation of Tax Shelter Abuses
April 24, 2008
WASHINGTON, DC - Senators John Kerry and Barack Obama sent a letter to the Chairman and Ranking member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Sen. Carl Levin and Norm Coleman respectively. Kerry and Obama asked that their colleagues consider investigating government contractors that circumvent paying payroll taxes by hiring employees through offshore shell companies. Last month, Kerry and Obama introduced the Fair Share Act of 2008 to close this tax loophole and save the American taxpayer an estimated $846 million over ten years. In the House, the bill is being sponsored by Reps. Brad Ellsworth and Rahm Emanuel, and was recently included in the Taxpayer Assistance and Simplification Act of 2008.
Durbin, Obama Work for New Air Mission at Springfield 183RD in Meeting with National Guard Chiefs
April 24, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In a meeting with Lieutenant General Steven Blum, Chief of the National Guard Bureau and Lieutenant General Craig McKinley, Chief of the Air National Guard, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) asked for support in his efforts to secure a new flying mission for the 183rd Air Wing and maintain National Guard firefighters at Springfield's Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport. A representative from Senator Barack Obama's (D-IL) office also attended today's meeting.
Obama Calls on Forest Service Chief to Examine Big Muddy Levee
April 23, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama today sent the following letter to U.S. Forest Service Chief Gail Kimball after learning that land owned by the Forest Service may be contributing to slides at the Big Muddy Levee in Grand Tower, Illinois. Recently, Obama's Senate staff toured the site to assess the damage attributed to high water levels in March, and witnessed more than 70 slide sites. Obama's staff is scheduled to meet with the Forest Service this week to better understand the situation.
Statement of Senator Barack Obama on the Continuing Crisis in Darfur
April 23, 2008
WASHINGTON D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama today released the following statement on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on the continuing crisis in Darfur:
Statement from Senator Barack Obama on the Situation in Tibet
April 23, 2008
WASHINGTON D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today released the following statement on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on the crisis in Tibet: "A negotiated settlement between China and the Dalai Lama remains the best hope for a resolution of the crisis in Tibet. Right now, the most important thing is to seize this moment when the world's attention is focused on Tibet to reach an agreement that will guarantee religious freedom for the Tibetan people, protect Tibetan culture and language, and provide meaningful autonomy for Tibetans in the areas of economic development and environmental protection.
Senator Obama Votes to Support the Ledbetter Fair Pay Act
April 23, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama voted in favor of the Ledbetter Fair Pay Act (H.R. 2831). This bill is aimed at reversing a Supreme Court ruling that made it harder for working women, like Lilly Ledbetter, to hold their employers accountable for pay discrimination. After Senator Obama met with Ledbetter in the U.S. Capitol, he released the following statement:
"Today, too many women are still earning less than men for doing the same work, making it harder for working families to make ends meet, harder for single mothers to climb out of poverty, and harder for elderly women to afford their retirement. That kind of pay discrimination is wrong and has no place in the United States of America.
Durbin, Obama Statement on Impact Assessment in Wake of Southern Illinois Earthquake
April 18, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Barack Obama today released the following statement in regards to the ongoing effort to assess damage after a 5.2 earthquake that struck near West Salem, Illinois earlier this morning with effects felt across the state. Shortly after the earthquake, Governor Rod Blagojevich directed the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) to activate the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) in Springfield to assess the impact.
Obama Calls on the TSA to Address Recent Security Vulnerabilities at O'Hare
April 17, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama sent the following letter to Assistant Secretary Kip Hawley at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), calling on him to address recent reports of possible security vulnerabilities at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago. Earlier this week, reports surfaced suggesting that TSA uniforms and security information were not properly secured within the airport facilities. Because terrorists have attempted to impersonate law enforcement and other security officials in order to gather intelligence, conduct counter-surveillance, and even carry out attacks, it is critical these uniforms and this information are secured.
Obama Calls on OPM Director to Examine Skyrocketing Copayment Costs for Prescription Drugs
April 16, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama today called on Linda Springer, the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), to respond to reports that certain health care plans are charging unnecessarily high copayments for prescription drugs. A recent report in the New York Times indicated that many health care plan participants, including federal government employees, are facing copayments as high as 20-33 percent of the cost of drugs. Such high copayments can translate into thousands of dollars out of pocket for patients affected by diseases such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, or hepatitis, rendering such drugs unaffordable. Some health care plans, including the Kaiser health plan mentioned in the Times article, are offered through the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program (FEHBP), which covers over 8 million federal employees nationally and is regulated by OPM.
House Passes Ellsworth, Obama Bill to Require Federal Contractors to Pay Taxes
April 14, 2008
WASHINGTON - On the day before millions of everyday Americans are required to file their tax returns, the House today approved a bill requiring federal contractors to pay their taxes. According to studies by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), thousands of federal contractors owe billions of dollars in unpaid taxes. Rep. Brad Ellsworth and U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) introduced the Contracting and Tax Accountability Act, H.R. 4881, to address this problem by withholding large federal contracts from businesses and organizations that fail to file tax returns and are delinquent on their taxes.
Statement from Senator Barack Obama on the Dodd-Shelby Housing Package
April 10, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama released the following statement today on the Senate's passage of the Dodd-Shelby housing package. The measure passed by a vote of 84 to 12.
Durbin, Obama: IL Delegation Members Urge President Bush to Provide Federal Assistance to Fifteen Southern Illinois Counties
April 9, 2008
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Barack Obama (D-IL) today asked President Bush to declare fifteen southern Illinois counties federal disaster areas after severe flooding hit the area late last month. The Illinois Senators were joined by Congressmen Jerry Costello (D-IL) and John Shimkus (R-IL) in their request for federal assistance for the following counties: Alexander, Franklin, Gallatin, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Marion, Massac, Perry, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, Union, White and Williamson.
Statement of Senator Barack Obama on the President Signing the Second Chance Act into Law
April 9, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama released the following statement today on President Bush signing the Second Chance Act (H.R. 1593) into law. Obama is a cosponsor of this legislation.
Obama Statement on Efforts to Assist Former Blockson Chemical Plant Workers
April 8, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama today released the following update on his efforts to ensure that the workers from the former Blockson Chemical plant in Braidwood, Illinois are informed about claims they have filed with the U.S. Department of Labor under the federal Energy Employees Occupational Illness and Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA).
Statement of Senator Barack Obama on Ambassadorial Nominees before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee
April 8, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama today made the following statement on the ambassadorial nominees before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Earlier today, Senator Obama chaired the nominations hearing of:
Obama Joins Senators Feinstein and Smith, Bipartisan Group of Senators to Introduce a Resolution to Condemn Violence in Tibet; Call for Talks between China and His Holiness, the Dalai Lama
April 7, 2008
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Gordon Smith (R-Ore.) today led a bipartisan group of Senators that introduced a resolution condemning the violence in Tibet. The resolution also calls on China to open substantive dialogue with His Holiness, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama of Tibet.
Obama Joins Wyden to Cosponsor Legislation to Repeal Federal Control Over LNG Terminal Siting
April 7, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today cosponsored legislation introduced by U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) to repeal sections of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which gave greater authority to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to approve new locations for liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities. The Wyden bill would restore local control over this important issue
Obama Calls on Rice to Condemn Ruling Against Saudi Journalists, Support Human Rights
April 7, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) sent the following letter to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, calling on her to condemn a recent ruling by a prominent Saudi cleric against two Saudi journalists for reporting what he considered heretical articles. According to recent reports, Sheikh Abdul-Rahman al-Barrak issued a fatwa last month stating that two journalists should be put to death if they did not retract their articles. Last week, over 100 Arab rights groups also condemned the fatwa.
Obama Statement on Zimbabwe's Election
April 4, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama today released the following statement on Zimbabwe's presidential and parliamentary elections:
After ATA Firings, Durbin and Obama Seek Assistance for Employees
April 4, 2008
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Barack Obama today sent a letter to the Secretary of Labor, Elaine Chao, requesting assistance for workers who lost their jobs after yesterday's decision by ATA to shut down its operation. After the Chicago Tribune reported last minute notification calls to employees, Durbin and Obama raised questions as to the manner in which these calls were made and the responsibility that ATA has to its workers going forward.
Obama Statement on Drastic Funding Cuts for Criminal Justice Program in Illinois
April 3, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) joined a bipartisan coalition of senators in calling on the Senate Appropriations Committee to fully fund the Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (Byrne/JAG) Program in this year's Supplemental Appropriations bill. For more than two decades, the Byrne/JAG program has provided funding each year for nearly 4,000 state and local law enforcement officials to help make communities safer and improve criminal justice programs.
Obama Statement on House Passage of Bill to Assist United Negro College Fund
April 2, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today applauded the House of Representatives' passage of legislation to create a commemorative coin to recognize the landmark strides of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This legislation will also help support the scholarship program of the United Negro College Fund through coin proceeds. Obama originally introduced this legislation (S.1437) with Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) in May 2007. Representative John Lewis (D-GA) is the original sponsor of this legislation (H.R. 2040).
Obama Statement on FEMA Trailer Hearing
April 1, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today released the following statement on the House Science and Technology Committee, Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight hearing on the failure of the Center for Disease Control to protect Gulf Coast residents from contaminated FEMA trailers in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita:
EPA Accepts Obama Proposal to Eliminate Lead Paint from Schools, Childcare Facilities
March 31, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today issued the following statement on the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) decision to require lead-safe practices during the renovation and repair of housing, child-care facilities, and schools:
Obama Statement on the U.S. Visit of Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd
March 31, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today released the following statement on the visit of Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to the United States:
Obama Encourages President to Urge Tibet Resolution
March 28, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today sent the following letter to President Bush, calling on him to employ every diplomatic tool to persuade Chinese President Hu Jintao to make significant progress in resolving the Tibet issue. Given the recent events in Tibet and the upcoming Beijing Olympics, Obama asks President Bush to encourage the Chinese government to negotiate with the Dalai Lama, guarantee religious freedoms for the Tibetan people, protect Tibetan culture and language, and support the exercise of genuine autonomy for Tibet. Obama also supports Bush's insistence that foreign press and diplomatic personnel have free access to Lhasa and other Tibetan cities and villages to ensure that repression and human rights violations cannot escape the world's notice.
Statement on Obama Passport File Breaches
March 21, 2008
"This afternoon, State Department officials briefed staffers from the offices of Senators Obama, Biden, Clinton, and McCain for approximately 90 minutes. There are still many unanswered questions, including why these passport files were accessed and for what purpose. Senator Obama believes a thorough investigation of these privacy breaches is necessary and expects one that is prompt and thorough."
Obama Statement on Downstate Illinois Flooding
March 20, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today released the following statement on the flooding in downstate Illinois:
Durbin, Obama Statement Regarding CME Acquisition of NYMEX
March 17, 2008
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Barack Obama (D-IL) today made the following statement in regard to the announcement of a signed agreement under which CME Group will acquire NYMEX Holdings (NYMEX), the parent company of New York Mercantile Exchange, Inc., which combines two of the futures industry's leading exchanges.
Obama, Bond Applaud Senate Passage of Amendment to Expedite the Review of Personality Disorder Discharge Cases
March 14, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Barack Obama (D-IL) and Kit Bond (R-MO) today praised the Senate's passage of their amendment to the FY 2009 Budget Resolution to expedite the military's review of cases in which service members may have been improperly diagnosed with a personality disorder and subsequently discharged. According to reports last year, the Department of Defense (DOD) inappropriately and inconsistently discharged service members who suffered combat-related psychological injuries such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or closed head injuries such as Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs). Over the last six years, Defense Department records indicate that over 22,500 personality disorder discharges have been processed; or on average 10 service members have been discharged per day, every day in that time. Such discharges can result in the loss of some benefits and care for wounded veterans.
Obama Statement on the Senate's Passage of the FY 2009 Budget
March 14, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today released the following statement on the Senate's passage of the FY 2009 Budget:
Obama Provision to Expand HIV/AIDS Research Passes Foreign Relations Committee
March 14, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) applauded the Senate Foreign Relations Committee's passage of the global AIDS reauthorization bill (S. 2731) that includes provisions from his Microbicide Development Act. The Obama legislation would bolster microbicide research and development programs to help focus, streamline, and speed efforts to develop urgently needed HIV prevention products. Microbicides are a class of products under development that could be applied to prevent the spread of HIV infection. This critical legislation would formally authorize microbicide programs and strengthen and coordinate microbicide research activities at the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Agency for International Development, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Durbin, Obama Applaud President for Federal Snow Assistance
March 13, 2008
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Barack Obama (D-IL) today applauded the decision by President Bush to declare seven Illinois counties - Boone, Carroll, Jo Daviess, Lake, McHenry, Stephenson and Winnebago - federal snow emergency areas. Last month, Representatives Melissa Bean (D-IL), Mark Kirk (R-IL) and Don Manzullo (R-IL) joined Durbin and Obama in sending a letter to President Bush in support of Governor Blagojevich's request for assistance.
Kerry, Obama, Ellsworth, Emanuel Introduce "Fair Share Act of 2008"
March 13, 2008
WASHINGTON, DC - Sens. John Kerry (D-Mass.) and Barack Obama (D-Ill.) are introducing the "Fair Share Act of 2008," today with Reps. Brad Ellsworth (IN) and Rahm Emanuel (D-Ill.) The reform will close the loophole that recently has allowed the defense contractor KBR Inc. to fleece the American taxpayer by almost $100 million a year. It was discovered that KBR has avoided paying its fair share of Social Security and Medicare taxes by creating shell companies in the Cayman Islands. The Fair Share Act of 2008 will end the practice of U.S. government contractors setting up sham companies in foreign jurisdictions to avoid payroll taxes.
Ellsworth, Towns, Obama Bill to Require Federal Contractors to Pay Taxes Clears First Hurdle
March 13, 2008
WASHINGTON - A bill written by Reps. Brad Ellsworth (D-IN), Edolphus Towns (D-NY) and U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) to withhold federal contracts from companies and grantees that have not paid their federal taxes cleared its first hurdle today. According to studies by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), thousands of federal contractors owe billions of dollars in unpaid taxes. The bill, which would withhold large federal contracts from businesses and organizations that fail to file tax returns and are delinquent on their taxes, passed the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Obama Hails Passage of the Second Chance Act
March 12, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama released the following statement on the Senate's passage of the Second Chance Act of 2007 (S.1060). Obama is a cosponsor of this legislation.
Obama Cosponsors One-Year Moratorium on All Congressional Earmarks
March 10, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today released the following statement on his decision to cosponsor an amendment offered by Senator Jim DeMint to implement a one-year moratorium on all congressional earmarks during the FY 2009 appropriations cycle:
Obama, Durbin Applaud President's Approval of Federal Assistance for Iroquois and Livingston Counties
March 7, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Barack Obama (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) today praised the decision by President Bush to declare Iroquois and Livingston Counties federal disaster areas after devastating flooding in January. The President's disaster declaration triggers the release of federal funds to help people and municipalities recover from severe storms and flooding which occurred in that area. More than 1000 homes were impacted, and almost 237 homes were classified as sustaining major damage.
Obama Secures Provision to Increase Accountability and Safety of Imported Products
March 6, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) applauded the Senate's passage of his amendment to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Reform Act (S. 2663), which would help improve government regulation of imported products. With millions of products imported every day into the United States, this provision would require the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to examine the CPSC's current monitoring and enforcement systems of imports and make recommendations to improve safety, including the feasibility of having CPSC inspect foreign factories.
Obama and Cardin Applaud Passage of Amendment to Standardize Information about Recalled Products
March 6, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Barack Obama (D-IL) and Benjamin Cardin (D-MD) today applauded the Senate's passage of their amendment to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Reform Act (S. 2663), which would provide consumers with comprehensive information about recalled products. In the wake of last year's toy recalls, this amendment would require the CPSC to develop standardized recall notices with critical product information - including where the products were sold, where they were produced, and how consumers can obtain a refund or replacement. This measure ensures parents have the information they need to immediately protect their children from dangerous products. The Senate passed the CPSC Reform Act today by a vote of 79 to 13.
Obama Applauds Passage of Klobuchar Amendment to Ban Corporate-Paid Travel for Federal Regulators
March 5, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today released the following statement after the passage of the Klobuchar Amendment to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) bill (S.2663), which would ban CPSC regulators from receiving free trips from companies that they regulate. Obama is a cosponsor of this amendment.
Obama Statement on NATO Summit in Romania
March 3, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today released the following statement on the NATO Summit in Bucharest, Romania next month: "From April 2 to 4, 2008, leaders of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, NATO, will meet at a summit in Bucharest, Romania, to address issues critical to American national security and the future of the Euro-Atlantic community. NATO leaders must seize this opportunity to strengthen transatlantic ties, augment alliance members' contributions to common missions and continue to build the integrated, stable and prosperous Europe that is a vital interest of the United States.
Obama Statement on the Mississippi River Bridge Agreement
February 28, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today released the following statement on the agreement between Illinois and Missouri on the Mississippi River Bridge:
Obama Statement on the Passage of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act
February 26, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C.- U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today hailed the Senate's passage of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) Amendments of 2007 (S.1200). Obama is an original cosponsor of the legislation.
Durbin, Obama Call on President to Provide Federal Relief for Eight Illinois Counties
February 26, 2008
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Barack Obama (D-IL) were joined by members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation today in requesting that President Bush declare eight Illinois counties - Boone, Carroll, Jo Daviess, Lake, McHenry, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago - federal snow emergency areas. Members signing on to today's letter include Representatives Melissa Bean (D-IL), Mark Kirk (R-IL) and Don Manzullo (R-IL).
Obama Calls on FEMA to Swiftly Rebuild New Orleans' Emergency Response Facilities, Protect City's Residents
February 26, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today sent the following letter to FEMA Administrator David Paulison, raising concerns about ongoing reconstruction delays, funding disparities, and bureaucratic red tape for first responder resources and projects in New Orleans. Since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated the Gulf Coast, and levee failures left the City of New Orleans under water, most of the City's municipal infrastructure was destroyed, especially its emergency response infrastructure.
Durbin, Obama and Senate Express Condolences For Those Affected by NIU Shooting
February 25, 2008
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Barack Obama (D-IL) today announced the passage of a resolution expressing the condolences of the Senate to all those affected by the devastating shooting at Northern Illinois University (NIU). On February 14, a former student entered a geology class and fatally shot five students and himself and wounded 17 others on the NIU campus.
Obama, Durbin, Johnson Call on the President to Provide Federal Relief for Flooded Illinois Counties
February 21, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Barack Obama (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Representative Tim V. Johnson (R-IL) today sent the following letter, requesting that President Bush declare Iroquois and Livingston Counties federal disaster areas so they would be eligible for federal relief after experiencing devastating flooding in January. In the past week the Illinois Emergency Management Agency has reported more than 1000 homes have been impacted, with 237 homes classified as sustaining major damage. With such significant damage, state and local governments do not have the resources required for recovery. Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich has already declared a state disaster for these counties.
Statement of Senator Barack Obama on NIU Shooting
February 15, 2008
"Yesterday, twenty-two men and women were shot, and six were killed, when a madman walked into a lecture hall at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb and opened fire. "We hear about heartbreaking, mindless acts of violence like this day after day, week after week. They come in and out of the headlines, and after awhile, most of the world goes on. But for all the loved ones who are left behind, the pain and the sorrow remain for a very, very long time. Today we offer them our prayers, but we must also offer them our determination to do whatever it takes to eradicate this violence from our streets and our schools; from our neighborhoods and our cities. That is our duty as Americans, and that is our solemn obligation as mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, sons and daughters, neighbors and friends. "Michelle and I offer our deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of the victims. They will be in our prayers."
Obama Statement on Toxic Gulf Coast Trailers
February 14, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C - U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today released the following statement after the Center for Disease Control (CDC) confirmed that housing trailers contaminated with formaldehyde were provided to Hurricane Katrina victims. In December, the Senate passed legislation introduced by Senators Obama, McCaskill and Landrieu to launch an investigation into reports of contamination and negligence by the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA). This law was originally offered in July 2007 as an amendment to the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill, with cosponsorship from Senators Mark Pryor (D-AK), Joseph Lieberman (ID-CT), John Kerry (D-MA), and Tim Johnson (D-SD).
Obama, Hagel, Cantwell, Smith Hail Committee Passage of the Global Poverty Act
February 13, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Barack Obama (D-IL), Chuck Hagel (R-NE), and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) today hailed the Senate Foreign Relations Committee's passage of the Global Poverty Act (S.2433), which requires the President to develop and implement a comprehensive policy to cut extreme global poverty in half by 2015 through aid, trade, debt relief, and coordination with the international community, businesses and NGOs. This legislation was introduced in December. Smith and Congressman Spencer Bachus (R-AL) sponsored the House version of the bill (H.R. 1302), which passed the House last September.
Obama Statement on FISA
February 12, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today released the following statement on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). Earlier today, Senator Obama voted in favor of the Dodd-Feingold amendment to repeal retroactive immunity for telecommunications companies (S. Amdt. 3907). He also supported other amendments to improve the bill, including the Feingold-Webb-Tester amendment to protect Americans from unwarranted surveillance (S. Amdt. 3979), and the Feingold amendment to protect Americans from the bulk collection of communications (S. Amdt. 3912).
Durbin, Obama, Emanuel Ask EPA to Perform Comprehensive Review of BP Permits
February 12, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. --U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Barack Obama (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Rahm Emanuel (D-IL) today sent a letter to the Regional Administrator of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - Region V, Mary A. Gade, asking for a comprehensive analysis of the draft air and construction permits that were recently issued by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) for the proposed expansion of BP's oil refinery in Whiting, Indiana.
Obama Statement on the Attempted Assassination of Jose Ramos-Horta
February 11, 2008
Jose Ramos-Horta, East Timor's President and Nobel Laureate, was shot and severely wounded today in Dili, East Timor in an attempted assassination and coup. I send my thoughts and prayers to Ramos-Horta, his family, and the people of East Timor, and I commend the Australian soldiers and medical personnel who cared for the wounded president in Dili and then rushed him to Darwin, where he is receiving critical care. I am grateful, too, to Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, who has announced he will dispatch additional police and soldiers to East Timor in order to round up the militiamen responsible for the savage attack.
Obama Demands Pentagon Release Unclassified Study of Postwar Iraq Plan to Congress
February 11, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today sent the following letter to Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, calling on him to immediately release an unclassified study of the postwar planning for Iraq prepared by the RAND Corporation in 2005. According to press accounts, the Army suppressed the RAND study after it concluded that the Bush Administration failed to address the enormity of Iraq's reconstruction challenges. In the letter, Obama also called on Gates to justify his decision if the report is not released.
Obama Statement on the Senate's Passage of the Economic Stimulus Package
February 7, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today released the following statement after the Senate's passage of the Recovery Rebates and Economic Stimulus for the American People Act of 2008, H.R. 5140, which passed by a vote of 81 to 16. Yesterday, Senator Obama voted in favor of the economic stimulus package, which was initially blocked by Senate Republicans.
Harkin, Hagel, Obama Take Action to Prevent Suicide Among Active Duty Soldiers
January 31, 2008
Washington, D.C. - As news reports reveal growing numbers of suicide among soldiers serving in Afghanistan and Iraq, U.S. Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA), Chuck Hagel (R-NE), and Barack Obama (D-IL) today introduced major legislation aimed at preventing suicide among active duty members of the military. The Senators' bill, the Armed Forces Suicide Prevention Act, would direct the Department of Defense (DoD) to create a comprehensive suicide prevention program including annual training for soldiers, improved instruction for field medics and post deployment assistance. The legislation authorizes six million dollars for implementation of the programs. A companion measure will be introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressman Leonard Boswell (D-IA).
Obama, Congressmen Call on Agriculture Committee Leaders to include Pigford Provisions in the Farm Bill Conference Report
January 30, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) and U.S. Representatives Artur Davis (D-AL), Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), G. K. Butterfield (D-NC), Jim Clyburn (D-SC), and Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (D-VA) today sent the following letter to the Senate and House Agriculture Committees' Chairmen and Ranking Members, requesting that they include the Pigford settlement provisions in Farm Bill Conference Report.
Obama Statement on the Marion VA Medical Center Reports
January 28, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today released the following statement after the publication of two reports by the Department of Veterans Affairs' inspector general and the Veterans Health Administration's medical examiner on unexpected deaths at the Marion VA Medical Center:
Obama Statement on Ukraine's Commitment to Join NATO
January 28, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today released the following statement on Ukraine's readiness to advance a Membership Action Plan (MAP) with NATO:
Obama Joins Boxer, Senators to Introduce Bill to Reverse EPA Global Warming Waiver Decision
January 25, 2008
Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, introduced legislation today that would direct the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to grant California a waiver under the Clean Air Act to cut global warming pollution from motor vehicles.
Obama Joins Kennedy, Lewis to Introduce Civil Rights Act of 2008
January 24, 2008
WASHINGTON, DC-- Today, Senator Edward M. Kennedy and Congressman John Lewis, along with more than a dozen Senate colleagues, introduced the Civil Rights Act of 2008, which will strengthen accountability when civil rights and workers' rights are violated.
Obama Calls on Senate to Swiftly Pass Indian Health Care Bill
January 22, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today released the following statement on the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) Amendments of 2007 (S.1200), which is currently before the Senate. Obama is an original cosponsor of the legislation.
Obama Statement on the Bush Administration's Plan to Cut Counterterrorism, First Responder Budget
January 21, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today released the following statement on reports that the Bush Administration intends to drastically reduce funding for state and local counterterrorism and first responder efforts in the President's Fiscal Year 2009 budget despite repeated requests by the Department of Homeland Security and Congress for increased funding.
Obama Statement on the Passing of Former Chicago Mayor Eugene Sawyer
January 20, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today released the following statement on the passing of former Chicago Mayor Eugene Sawyer:
Statement of Senator Barack Obama on the Community Choice Act:
January 15, 2008
Washington, DC -- Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) released the following statement in advance of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Health Subcommittee hearing on “Medicaid's Critical Role for Americans with Disabilities.� The hearing will be held on Wednesday, January 16, 2008.
Obama Demands Gates Address Contractor’s Use of Riot Control Gas on U.S. Military Personnel in Iraq
January 11, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today sent the following letter to Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, calling on him to respond to reports that Blackwater Worldwide allegedly dispersed CS gas, a riot control substance, in an intersection populated by U.S. military personnel and Iraqi civilians in 2005. This gas temporarily blinded drivers, pedestrians, and at least 10 American soldiers operating the checkpoint. It is reported that U.S. military personnel saw no signs of gunfire or other forms of violence at the checkpoint at the time the riot control agent was dispersed.
Obama Statement on the Flooding in East-Central Illinois
January 10, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today released the following statement on the flooding in East-Central Illinois:
Statement of Senator Barack Obama on the Expected Veto of the Department of Defense Authorization Act
December 28, 2007
"The President is once again choosing to play politics instead of dealing with the problems of the American people. For far too long, our wounded warriors and their families have been forced to fight another battle for the care they need to rebuild their lives. This bill would have made important investments in our national defense, including providing an across-the-board pay raise for all uniformed service personnel. The very least we owe our brave troops is decent pay when they serve their country and quality care when they return home. It's time the President signs this bill and finally listens to those of us fighting to provide our service members and veterans with the support they need."
Senate Democratic Committee Members Urge President to Honor Appropriation and Fully Fund Veterans Department
December 21, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Daniel K. Akaka, (D-Hawaii) along with Committee members John D. Rockefeller (D-WV), Patty Murray (D-WA), Barack Obama (D-IL), Bernard Sanders (I-VT), Sharrod Brown (D-OH), Jim Webb (D-VA), and Jon Tester (D-MT) sent a letter to President George W. Bush urging him to fund the Department of Veterans Affairs in accordance with the terms of the Combined Appropriations Act, which provides $3.7 billion over the President’s initial budget request. The Senators said this level of funding is essential to providing adequate services to America’s veterans.
Obama, Senators Urge Special Review Board for Discharged Military Personnel, Moratorium on Personality Disorder Discharges
December 21, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Kit Bond (R-MO), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Barack Obama (D-IL), and Claire McCaskill (D-MO) are urging President Bush to create a Special Review Board for discharged troops who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and to place a moratorium on the military’s use of Personality Disorder Discharges.
Obama, Durbin, Biggert Call on Bush Administration to Increase Funding at Fermilab
December 21, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Barack Obama (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Representative Judy Biggert (R-IL) today sent the following letter to Jim Nussle, Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), calling on him to increase next year’s funding for the High Energy Physics (HEP) program, which supports research at Fermilab in Illinois, and at several other laboratories and universities across the nation that are doing vital, cutting edge research.
Landrieu, McCaskill, Obama Applaud Long Overdue Investigation of Contaminated FEMA Trailers
December 21, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mary Landrieu (D-LA), Claire McCaskill (D-MO) and Barack Obama (D-IL) lauded Congress’ passage of their proposal to launch an investigation into reports that housing trailers contaminated with formaldehyde were provided to Hurricane Katrina victims. This provision, which is contained in the Omnibus Appropriations package soon to be signed into law, will initiate a long overdue investigation into why the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) failed to prevent the contamination or investigate the allegations. This provision was originally offered in July 2007 as an amendment to the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill, with cosponsorship from Senators Mark Pryor (D-AK), Joseph Lieberman (ID-CT), John Kerry (D-MA), and Tim Johnson (D-SD).
Obama, Schiff Provision to Create Nuclear Threat Reduction Plan Approved
December 20, 2007
Washington, DC - Today, Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) and Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA) announced that a provision authored by Obama and Senator Hagel (R-NE) in the Senate and advanced by Schiff in the House requiring a comprehensive nuclear threat reduction plan passed as part of the omnibus appropriations bill. This provision requires the President to submit to Congress a comprehensive plan for ensuring that all nuclear weapons and weapons-usable material at vulnerable sites around the world are secure by 2012 from the threats that terrorists have shown they can pose. The Senate passed the omnibus appropriations bill last night and the House approved the same bill today. It will now be sent to the President to be signed into law.
Obama, Ellsworth Hail Passage of Bill to Require Federal Contractors to Pay Taxes
December 19, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) and Representative Brad Ellsworth (D-IN) today praised Congress’ passage of their proposal to withhold federal contracts from companies and grantees that have not paid their federal taxes. This provision was included in the Omnibus Appropriations package (H.R. 2764), which the President is expected to sign into law. According to studies by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), thousands of federal agency contractors owe billions of dollars in unpaid taxes. This provision will withhold large federal contracts from businesses and organizations that failed to file tax returns and were delinquent on payroll taxes for a significant period of time.
Obama Statement on President Signing Energy Bill into Law
December 19, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today released the following statement after President Bush signed the Energy Bill (H.R.6) into law:
Obama Statement on the Passage of the Omnibus Spending Package
December 18, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today released the following statement after the passage of the Omnibus Appropriations bill (H.R. 2764), which includes funding for the Iraq war without a timetable for bringing our troops home:
Obama Statement on FCC Ruling to Expand Media Consolidation
December 18, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today released the following statement on the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) ruling to allow greater media consolidation across the country. This ruling will allow large media outlets to become larger, potentially cutting out small business, women and minority-owned firms.
Obama Calls on President to Protect Affordable Housing in New Orleans, Keep Promise to Gulf Coast
December 18, 2007
WASHINGON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today sent the following letter to President Bush, calling on him to abandon his Administration’s intentions to demolish federally-assisted housing in New Orleans, Louisiana until there is a comprehensive plan to meet the Gulf Coast region’s extensive affordable housing needs. Despite an estimated 12,000 people already homeless in New Orleans, and thousands more struggling with costly and slow rebuilding efforts since Hurricane Katrina, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is now planning to reduce the limited supply of affordable housing even further by demolishing 4,500 units of public housing. Over the past two years, the Bush Administration has consistently failed Gulf Coast residents, and should not further exacerbate this tragic housing crisis by destroying affordable housing.
Senators Urge Attorney General to Review E-Prescribing for Controlled Substances
December 17, 2007
Washington, D.C. – After a Senate hearing made clear that new federal regulations allowing electronic prescribing for controlled substances are badly-needed and long-overdue, 18 senators joined U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) in calling on Attorney General Michael Mukasey to review the issue and urged the Drug Enforcement Administration to issue new rules promptly.
Statement from Senator Obama’s Office on the FISA Bill
December 17, 2007
“Senator Obama unequivocally opposes giving retroactive immunity to telecommunications companies and has cosponsored Senator Dodd's efforts to remove that provision from the FISA bill. Granting such immunity undermines the constitutional protections Americans trust the Congress to protect. Senator Obama supports a filibuster of this bill, and strongly urges others to do the same. It's not clear whether he can return for the vote, but under the Senate rules, the side trying to end a filibuster must produce 60 votes to cut off debate. Whether he is present for the vote for not, Senator Obama will not be among those voting to end the filibuster.�
Obama Hails Passage of Key Veterans, Contractor Provisions in Defense Authorization Bill
December 17, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) lauded the Senate's passage of the Conference Report to the Defense Authorization bill (H.R.1585), which makes important investments in the nation's defense and improves support for our uniformed service personnel, veterans and their families.
Obama Statement on the Passing of Rep. Julia Carson
December 15, 2007
WASHINGTON , DC – Today, U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) made the following statement on the passing of Rep. Julia Carson:
Senators Concerned Service Members Suffering from Mental Illness are Not Receiving Impartial Reviews
December 14, 2007
Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Kit Bond (R-MO), Barack Obama (D-IL) and John Kerry (D-MA) today sent the following letter to Defense Secretary Robert Gates:
Obama, Akaka, Tester Seek Information on Apparent Failure to Investigate Rape Allegations Against Halliburton/KBR Employees in Iraq
December 14, 2007
Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), Barack Obama (D-IL), and Jon Tester (D-MT) today sent letters to the Attorney General, and the Inspector Generals of the Defense and State Departments, seeking information about their apparent failure to investigate allegations made by former Halliburton/KBR administrative assistant Jamie Leigh Jones that she was drugged and raped by several co-workers while employed at Camp Hope in Baghdad, Iraq.
Kerry, Obama to FCC Chairman Martin: Delay Consolidation Vote, Investigate Minority and Women Media Ownership - or Place FCC Funding in Jeopardy
December 14, 2007
WASHINGTON D.C. - Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.), and Barack Obama (D-Ill.) asked Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin to delay a vote on media ownership until the FCC has followed the will of Congress and established a commission to look into minority and women media ownership. Kerry and Obama made clear that if Martin once again bucked the Congress, they would ask the Appropriations Committee to deny funding for implementation of the rule produced by the forced vote.
Obama Statement on the Farm Bill
December 14, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today released the following statement on the Senate’s passage of the Farm Bill (H.R.2419), which passed by a vote of 79 to 14:
Obama Statement on the Energy Bill
December 13, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today released the following statement on the passage of the Energy Bill (H.R.6), which passed by a vote of 86-8:
Coburn and Obama Announce Launch of Website to Track Federal Spending
December 13, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. Senators Tom Coburn, M.D. (R-OK) and Barack Obama (D-IL) today applauded the Office of Management and Budget for launching ahead of schedule the web site www.USAspending.gov that will feature the most comprehensive searchable database of federal spending ever made available to the American public. The site is the product of legislation, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (S. 2590), sponsored by Senators Coburn and Obama, that was signed into law last year.
Obama Statement on Payment Limitations Vote
December 13, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today released the following statement on the Senate’s failure to pass the Dorgan-Grassley amendment (#3695) to the Farm Bill (H.R. 2419). This amendment would have ensured that federal payments went directly to family farmers instead of large agri-businesses, and capped these payments at $250,000 per farmer. The Senate failed to break a Republican filibuster on the amendment; the vote was 56-43, with Senator Obama voting against the filibuster:
Obama, Collins Bill Creates Financial Aid and Scholarship Database
December 13, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) was joined by Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) to introduce the National STEM Scholarship Database Act (S. 2428), which would launch an innovative online database to coordinate information on financial aid opportunities available in science and technology through the federal government and public or private resources. More and more American students are pursing advanced degrees, and this database would make it easier for them to find and access the thousands of publicly and privately-supported scholarships and fellowships that may be available to them.
Durbin and Obama Hail House Introduction of the Veterans' Health Quality Improvement Act
December 12, 2007
WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Barack Obama (D-IL) made the following statement on the introduction of the Veterans' Health Quality Improvement Act in the House of Representatives. The legislation, introduced by Durbin and Obama in November and today introduced by Reps. Jerry Costello (D-IL) and John Shimkus (R-IL) in the House, aims to strengthen hiring practices and improve quality control measures at VA Medical facilities. The Illinois Senators developed the bill in response to the troubling circumstances at the Marion VA Medical Center (VAMC) in southern Illinois which suspended all inpatient surgeries at the hospital on August 31 due to an increase in unexpected deaths over a six-month period.
Obama, Harkin, Kennedy, Durbin Call on HHS Secretary to Protect America’s Seniors, Identify Failing Nursing Homes
December 12, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Barack Obama (D-IL), Tom Harkin (D-IA), Edward Kennedy (D-MA), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) today sent the following letter to Secretary of Health and Human Services Michael Leavitt, calling on him to immediately release a list of 128 nursing homes that are being scrutinized for providing poor care. According to press accounts, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) identified these facilities because of their history of consistent violations of health and safety regulations, such as improper medical care, preventable falls and accidents, serious neglect, and physical abuse. To date, the Department has identified only 54 of these facilities, refusing to disclose the names of the other 74 facilities, thereby potentially endangering the health and safety of thousands of our most vulnerable citizens. Senators Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), Joseph Lieberman (ID-CT), Evan Bayh (D-IN), Bernard Sanders (I-VT), Ron Wyden (D-OR) also signed the letter.
Obama, Hagel, Cantwell Introduce Bill to Fight Global Poverty
December 11, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Barack Obama (D-IL), Chuck Hagel (R-NE) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) have introduced the Global Poverty Act (S.2433), which requires the President to develop and implement a comprehensive policy to cut extreme global poverty in half by 2015 through aid, trade, debt relief, and coordination with the international community, businesses and NGOs. Representatives Adam Smith (D-WA) and Spencer Bachus (R-AL) sponsored the House version of the bill (H.R. 1302), which passed the House in September.
Statement of Senator Barack Obama on International Human Rights Day
December 10, 2007
WASHINGTON, DC -- The following statement was submitted by U. S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) in the Congressional Record today on International Human Rights Day: “Mr. President, today is Human Rights Day. Fifty-nine years ago today, thanks in large measure to the tireless leadership of Eleanor Roosevelt, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Statement of Senator Barack Obama on Destruction of CIA Interrogation Tapes
December 7, 2007
Mr. President, I wish to express my serious concern over the Central Intelligence Agency’s confirmation that videotapes depicting brutal interrogation techniques were destroyed.
Obama Statement on the Energy Bill
December 7, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today released the following statement on the Energy Bill. Today, the Senate failed to stop a Republican filibuster of the bill; the cloture vote failed to meet the 60 vote requirement by 53-42:
Obama Statement on House-Senate Failure to Strengthen Hate Crimes Laws, Guarantee Equality
December 6, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today released the following statement after House and Senate Conferees failed to include the Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act. Obama is an original cosponsor of the legislation, which would strengthen the federal government's ability to assist local authorities in the investigation and prosecution of crimes motivated by hate and which would provide additional funds to states to develop hate crime prevention programs. The Act would have also expanded the definition of a hate crime to include those crimes perpetrated because of sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and disability. The amendment originally passed the Senate in September.
Kennedy, Maloney Fight for Workplace Flexibility for Families
December 6, 2007
WASHINGTON, DC— Today, Senator Edward M. Kennedy and Representative Carolyn Maloney introduced the Working Family Flexibility Act, which will give working Americans the right to request flexible work options in order to balance the demands of their jobs and home life. Senators Dodd, Clinton, Obama, and Congressman George Miller are co-sponsoring this bill.
Obama Calls on HHS to Provide List of Failing Nursing Homes
December 6, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today called on Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Michael Leavitt to release the list of the 128 “special focus" facilities, the list of worst performing nursing homes in the country.
Obama and Harkin Praise Compromise Energy Bill as Critical to Future of the Domestic Biofuels Industry and the Rural Economy
December 6, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Barack Obama (D-IL) and Tom Harkin (D-IA) praised the agreement on energy legislation reached by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi as an important step toward diversifying the country’s energy supply and strengthening the economy of rural America. The legislation includes an immediate expansion of the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) to 36 billion gallons by 2022 and lays important groundwork for the future adoption of a national low-carbon fuels standard, proposals that Obama and Harkin had jointly proposed previously as a means of reducing the country’s dependence on fossil fuels, combating climate change and promoting economic growth in rural communities.
Wyden, Obama Introduce Credit Card Safety Star Act of 2007
December 5, 2007
Washington, D.C. – Working to give consumers the tools to make informed choices about complex credit card agreements, U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Barack Obama (D-IL) today introduced the “Credit Card Safety Star Act of 2007.��? The legislation creates a five-star safety rating system for credit cards in order to increase the transparency of credit card agreements and encourage issuers to abandon abusive practices by offering consumers fair terms they can understand.
Obama Statement on the Nomination Hearing of Dr. James Peake to be VA Secretary
December 5, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today released the following statement on the Senate Veterans Affairs' Committee's nomination hearing of Dr. James Peake, M.D., to be Secretary of Veterans Affairs:
Obama Statement on Committee Passage of the Media Ownership Act of 2007
December 4, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today released the following statement praising the Senate Commerce Committee’s passage of the Media Ownership Act of 2007 (S.2332), which Obama has cosponsored. The legislation, sponsored by Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND), would ensure openness and accountability in FCC media ownership rules and launch an independent review panel to recommend strategies to increase the representation of women and minorities in media ownership.
Obama, Bipartisan Senators Introduce Bill to Increase Emergency LIHEAP Funding
December 4, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today joined a bipartisan group of senators to introduce the Keep Americans Warm Act of 2007, sponsored by Senator Bernard Sanders (I-VT). This legislation would provide an additional $1 billion in emergency funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to ensure that millions of low-income families, senior citizens, and disabled Americans are able to heat their homes, keep their lights on, and cook their food during the coldest months of the year. Despite skyrocketing energy costs, President Bush not only proposed reducing LIHEAP funding in his Fiscal Year 2008 budget proposal, but also vetoed LIHEAP funding included in the Senate-passed version of the Labor HHS bill, putting millions of Americans at risk of not being able to heat their homes this winter. This legislation is cosponsored by Senators Norm Coleman (R-MN), Olympia Snowe (R-ME), John Kerry (D-MA), and Sherrod Brown (D-RI).
Obama Statement on the Passing of Former Congressman Henry Hyde
November 29, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today released the following statement on the passing of former Congressman Henry Hyde of Illinois.
Obama: Indiana Voter ID Law Unconstitutional
November 26, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today released the following statement on the Supreme Court amicus brief to challenge the constitutionality of the Indiana Voter ID Law currently before the Supreme Court, which he has signed. The brief, originally filed by Congressman Keith Ellison and supported by the entire Congressional Black Caucus, argues that the Indiana law is unconstitutional because it is effectively a poll tax and therefore violates the 24th Amendment. The brief further contends that photo identification requirements in general violate the Constitution and have a disparate impact on African Americans, senior citizens, disabled Americans, and the poor.
Obama Calls for Increased Cafe Standards, Updated RFS in Energy Bill
November 19, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today sent the following letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, calling on them to increase Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards and expand Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) in the comprehensive energy bill currently being negotiated in the House and Senate. The leaders have said they will send an energy bill to President Bush by the end of this year.
Obama Calls on Rice to Address Human Rights Violations in Saudi Arabia
November 19, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today sent the following letter to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, asking her to address human rights developments in Saudi Arabia and condemn the recent sentencing of a Saudi rape victim to six months in jail and 200 lashes. Obama also asked Rice to include this case in this year's report on human rights that is currently being prepared by the State Department.
Obama Statement on Iraq Spending Bill
November 16, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today released the following statement after Republicans filibustered consideration of the Orderly and Responsible Iraq Redeployment Appropriations Act of 2007 (H.R. 4156). The Senate failed to invoke cloture on the bill by a vote of 53 to 45.
Obama Statement on the Farm Bill
November 16, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today released the following statement on the Farm Bill. Today, the Senate failed to stop a Republican filibuster of the bill; the cloture vote failed 55 to 42:
Durbin, Obama Introduce Legislation to Address Quality of Care for Nation's Veterans
November 16, 2007
WASHINGTON, DC- U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Barack Obama (D-IL) today introduced legislation to strengthen hiring practices and improve quality control measures at VA Medical facilities. The Illinois Senators wrote the bill in response to the troubling circumstances at the Marion Veterans Medical Center (VAMC) in southern Illinois which suspended all inpatient surgeries at the hospital on August 31 due to an unusual increase in deaths over a six-month period.
Obama, Ohio Leaders Honor First African American Mayor of Cleveland Carl Stokes
November 14, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) joined Senators George Voinovich (R-OH) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) to introduce a resolution honoring the late Carl Stokes, who served as the first African American mayor of a major city. This month honors the 40th anniversary since he was elected Mayor of Cleveland in 1967.
Obama Asks Pentagon to Provide Answers On New Contract Awards to Blackwater
November 14, 2007
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, United States Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) sent the following letter to Secretary of Defense Robert Gates asking him to answer whether Blackwater’s past performance and an ongoing FBI investigation will be considered before awarding any new contracts to the company. This morning, the New York Times reported that the FBI agents conducting the investigation found that at least 14 of the shootings on the September 16 incident that killed at least 17 Iraqis were unjustified. Yesterday’s Wall Street Journal reported that Blackwater is being considered by the Department of Defense for new contracts involving counter-narcotics operations.
Obama Statement on Bush Veto of Labor – HHS Bill
November 13, 2007
“Today’s veto is yet another example that this President is more interested in playing partisan politics than fighting for the interests of the American people. This bill makes long overdue investments in America’s future – including cancer research, nurse training, rural health, low-income heating assistance, special education, and job training programs. It’s time Washington starts to honor the priorities of our children, families and workers, and we must oppose this misguided and dangerous veto.�
Obama, McCaskill, Planned Parenthood Fight to Increase Access to Affordable Contraception for Low-Income Women, College Students
November 13, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today was joined by Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO) to introduce the Prevention Through Affordable Access Act, which would allow drug manufacturers to offer deeply discounted contraceptives to clinics serving low-income women and college students. The legislation is supported by Planned Parenthood Federation of America.
Durbin, Obama: Senate Approves Robert M. Dow For Federal Judgeship in Northern Illinois
November 13, 2007
WASHINGTON, DC- The U.S. Senate today approved the nomination of Robert M. Dow to be a U.S. District Court Judge in the Northern District of Illinois by a vote of 86-0. Dow’s name was sent to the President for his consideration by former Speaker Dennis Hastert in consultation with U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL). The State of Illinois has a long tradition of bipartisan cooperation in the recommendation of federal district court nominees for Presidential consideration.
Obama Introduces Bill To Prevent Veterans Homelessness
November 9, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) yesterday introduced the Veterans Homelessness Prevention Act, which would launch an innovate pilot program to pair housing for at-risk veterans and veteran families with supportive services in an effort to prevent veterans from falling into homelessness.
Obama on Confirmation of Mukasey as Attorney General
November 8, 2007
Washington, DC – Below is a statement of Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) on the Senate’s vote to confirm Judge Michael Mukasey as United States Attorney General:
Obama Urges Rigorous Review of U.S. Assistance to Pakistan
November 8, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today wrote to Senator Robert Byrd, Chairman and Senator Thad Cochran, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, urging Congress to set conditions on U.S. assistance to Pakistan in light of President Musharraf's declaration of a state of emergency this weekend.
Obama Joins Senators to Introduce Legislation to Prohibit Industry-Funded Travel for Federal Regulators
November 7, 2007
WASHINGTON - In the wake of revelations about 30 trips taken by the current and previous Chairs of the Consumer Product Safety Commission that were funded by industries they regulate, Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) today introduced legislation that would prohibit such travel for federal regulators. The Restoring Truth in Regulator Travel Act is co-sponsored by Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Thomas Carper (D-DE) and Barack Obama (D-IL).
Obama Statement on Veterans’ Affairs Committee Hearing on Marion VA Hospital
November 6, 2007
WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) submitted the following statement for the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee hearing on "Hiring Practices and Quality Control in VA Medical Facilities." He specifically addressed the issue at the Marion, Illinois VA Medical Center, which saw an increased number of patient deaths over the last months and was found to have employed a surgeon who had been barred from practicing in another state.
Obama, Kerry, Domenici, Hagel Call on Pentagon to Ensure Quality Care for Returning Service Members with Eye Injuries
November 5, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Barack Obama (D-IL), John Kerry (D-MA), Pete Domenici (R-NM) and Chuck Hagel (R-NE) sent the following letter to the Assistant Defense Secretary for Health Affairs, Dr. S. Ward Casscells, calling on him to provide comprehensive information on eye injuries sustained by service members in Iraq and Afghanistan. According to the President’s Commission on Care for America’s Returning Wounded Warriors, 48 cases of blinded service members have been reported, while other estimates show that the total number of vision-related complications exceeds 1,000 – especially when vision impairment resulting from Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) is considered. However, based on current available information, there is a lack of comprehensive eye injury data as well as questions about the accuracy of these numbers. In continuing efforts to provide the best available care for our wounded warriors, it is imperative that we have an accurate system of accounting for these eye injuries so there can be sufficient planning and treatment.
Senate Bill Would Outlaw “Caging� as Voter Suppression Tactic
November 5, 2007
Washington, D.C. – Challenging a person’s right to vote because a letter sent to him or her was returned as undeliverable would be illegal under a Senate bill introduced today. U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) joined 12 other senators to unveil legislation aimed at preventing the practice of “voter caging,� a long-recognized voter suppression tactic which has often been used to target minority voters.
Obama Introduces Resolution to Halt Rush to War with Iran
November 2, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday evening, U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) introduced Senate Joint Resolution 23, a legislative proposal specifying that the use of force against Iran is not authorized by any previous action of Congress. This would include the authorization of the use of force against Iraq; the recently passed Kyl-Lieberman amendment, which states that our military presence in Iraq should be used to counter Iran; and any resolution previously adopted by Congress.
Obama, Durbin Ask Department of Labor to Help Laid Off Chrysler Workers
November 1, 2007
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Senators Barack Obama (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) called on Department of Labor (DOL) Secretary Elaine Chao to immediately allow the 1,000 Chrysler workers who today lost their jobs in the Belvidere, IL plant to access the full range of DOL programs and services that are available to them. Obama and Durbin urged Chao to rapidly respond to the needs of these laid off workers and their families, and make it easy for them to understand the assistance they can call on to find new jobs during this difficult time.
Murray, Kennedy, Obama and Dorgan Demand Answers on Improper Payments to Lenders
November 1, 2007
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Edward Kennedy (D-MA), Barack Obama (D-IL), and Byron Dorgan (D-ND), sent a letter to the Department of Education's Inspector General's Office asking for a complete accounting of the overpayments received by lenders as part of the 9.5 percent Special Allowance Rate program. According to information contained in an Inspector General's report in 2006, and in the Washington Post on October 20th the federal government may have overpaid lenders by hundreds of millions of dollars from 2003 to 2006. Senators Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) and Hillary Clinton (D-NY) also signed the letter.
Obama: Time To End Debate On Yucca, Find Alternatives
October 31, 2007
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) yesterday sent the following letter to Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW) Chairman Barbara Boxer, calling on them to use today's EPW Committee hearing on Yucca Mountain to explore new alternatives for safe, long-term solutions for storing spent nuclear fuel.
Obama Opposes Mukasey Nomination
October 30, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today issued the following statement on his opposition to Judge Michael Mukasey’s nomination as attorney general:
Statement of Senator Barack Obama on Nomination of Dr. James Peake as VA Secretary
October 30, 2007
“It is my hope that the nomination of Dr. James Peake brings a new era of leadership to the VA, one that honors its sacred trust with our nation's veterans. The men and women who have chosen to serve this country deserve leadership that honors their incredible sacrifice. But under this administration, we have seen the VA tolerate billion-dollar budget shortfalls, exclude a million veterans from VA care, provide inadequate care for those suffering from PTSD, allow long waiting lists for benefits, and fail to catch breakdowns in VA hospital quality. I look forward to hearing from Dr. Peake about just how he plans to improve care and services for our veterans.�
Obama Demands Answers on Blackwater Immunity Deal
October 30, 2007
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, United States Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) sent the following letter to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice demanding answers on reports that State Department officials offered Blackwater guards immunity from prosecution, which may hinder a criminal investigation into the September shooting that killed at least 17 Iraqis.
Obama, Durbin Ask Blackwater for Answers on Classification of Workers
October 26, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Barack Obama (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) today sent a letter to U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson asking for a full investigation and audit of how Blackwater USA classifies its workers. Initial investigations into this issue by House Oversight Committee Chairman Henry Waxman suggest that Blackwater has classified workers as independent contractors so as to avoid paying payroll taxes, which could deprive taxpayers of millions of dollars and shortchange employees by denying them overtime pay and workers' compensation.
Obama Statement on Bush Meeting With President of the Congo
October 26, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) made the following statement on the meeting of President Bush and President Joseph Kabila of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Obama Introduces Comprehensive Bill to Strengthen Nation’s Middle Schools
October 26, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today was joined by Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) in introducing the Success in the Middle Act, which would authorize grants to states and school districts to improve low-performing middle schools, help raise student achievement, and support our teachers. Representative Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) has introduced a companion bill in the House. This bill would provide additional federal support to help students successfully complete the middle grades and turn under-performing middle schools around.
Obama Statement on Committee Passage of the Farm Bill
October 25, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today released the following statement on the passage of the farm bill out of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee:
Obama Bill to Help Black Farmers Passed Agriculture Committee
October 25, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today released the following statement after the Senate Agriculture Committee accepted his legislation to expand discrimination compensation to thousands of black farmers under the Pigford settlement into the Farm Bill. The Obama bill – the Pigford Claims Remedy Act of 2007 – would allow certain previously denied farmers an opportunity to re-file their settlement claims and have them reviewed on their merits. In 1999, the USDA settled a class action lawsuit with African American farmers, and the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia approved the settlement, which allowed black farmers to file claims against the USDA for failing to respond to racial discrimination complaints between 1983 and 1997. However, the USDA has denied thousands of claims for various reasons.
Obama Calls on Chao to Support Sick Nuclear Weapons Employees
October 25, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today sent the following letter to Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao, calling on her to support former nuclear weapons workers in Illinois who have failed to receive compensation through the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA) for illnesses related to their employment at nuclear waste facilities during the Cold War. For years, Cold War veterans from 29 current and former facilities in Illinois have waited to have their claims processed, and in turn have struggled with soaring health care costs. Ensuring these former employees are properly compensated has been a priority for Senator Obama. He has met with many of these workers and their families, his staff has helped victims with their claims, and he has also requested answers from agency heads. Obama also threatened to block the nominations of Administration officials until he received answers from government agencies on the lack of compensation.
Obama Statement on Cuba
October 24, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Obama today made the following statement following President Bush's speech on U.S. policy toward Cuba:
Obama Statement on Dream Act
October 24, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today released the following statement on the Senate’s failure to move forward to consider the DREAM Act (S.2205), which would provide undocumented children the opportunity to pursue higher education or serve in our military, and eventually become legalized citizens:
Obama Statement on the Confirmation of Leslie Southwick
October 24, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today released the following statement on the Senate’s vote to confirm Judge Leslie Southwick, of Mississippi, to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Obama opposed Southwick’s nomination.
Obama, Bond Demand Pentagon Report on PTSD Cases
October 23, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Barack Obama (D-IL) and Christopher Bond (R-MO) sent the following letter to Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, requesting a full accounting of service members’ psychological injuries, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), since October 2001. The senators also requested a detailed report on how the military monitors other psychological injuries. Recent media accounts indicate that the number of service members seeking care for PTSD from the Veterans Administration (VA) increased 70% over a 12-month period, or an increase of some 20,000 cases. In addition, reports of the total number of cases of PTSD treatment at the VA since 2001 – 50,000 cases – far exceed the number of wounded documented by the Pentagon.
Obama: FCC Policies Must Encourage Media Ownership Diversity
October 22, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today sent the following letter to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Kevin J. Martin, calling on him to launch an independent review panel to develop proposals to further promote media ownership diversity. According to press accounts, following an insufficient 30-day review, the FCC intends to modify existing ownership rules by allowing greater media market consolidation. This would allow large media outlets to become larger, potentially cutting out small business, women and minority-owned firms. Minority owned and operated newspapers and radio stations play an important role in the African American and Latino communities and help bring minority issues to the forefront of our national dialogue. However, the Commission has failed to recognize the vital role these outlets play in our democracy and has not done enough to further the goals of diversity in the media.
Obama Statement on the Appointment of Dr. Susan Orr as Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Population Affairs at HHS
October 22, 2007
"I have serious concerns about the Bush Administration's appointment of Dr. Susan Orr to oversee family planning programs and Title X funding at the Department of Health and Human Services. Her troubling history of opposing federal funding for these programs threatens the right of women and families to access these important resources.
Obama: Justice Department Must Fire Voting Rights Official
October 19, 2007
WASHINGTON , D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today sent the following letter to Acting Attorney General Peter D. Keisler calling on him to immediately replace John Tanner, the chief of the voting rights section of the Civil Rights Division at the Department of Justice, for offensive and erroneous comments he made about minorities.
Obama, Harkin: Raising Renewable Fuel Standard Boosts Our Rural Economy
October 19, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senators Barack Obama (D-IL) and Tom Harkin (D-IA) yesterday introduced a bill to immediately update the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) to require the production of 18 billion gallons of renewable fuels by 2016 including 3 billion gallons of advanced biofuels, such as cellulosic ethanol. The legislation will implement the RFS requirements that were included in the energy bill passed by the Senate in June. However, negotiations between Senate and House on competing energy bills have stalled, and the new RFS has yet to take effect. Obama and Harkin's bill recognizes the need for prompt action to update these renewable fuel requirements to provide market certainty to small, local, and farmer-owned ethanol producers.
Durbin and Obama Unsatisfied with VA Response
October 19, 2007
WASHINGTON, DC – Unsatisfied with the answers that the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) provided in response to two letters, U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Barack Obama (D-IL) today called on the Acting Secretary of the VA, Gordon Mansfield, to respond to new information that has come to light regarding patient safety and the quality of care at the Marion VA Medical Center. While asking follow-up questions to the response that they received from the VA, the Illinois members expressed their view that any concerns over health care quality at the facility must be immediately addressed.
Obama, Durbin Demand Security Improvement At Our Nation’s Airports
October 19, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Barack Obama (D-IL) and Richard Durbin (D-IL) today called on TSA Administrator Kip Hawley to immediately improve the bomb detection capabilities at Chicago O’Hare International Airport and our nation’s other airports. According to yesterday’s USA Today, a recent report by the TSA revealed that undercover agents posing as passengers carrying materials for fake bombs were able to walk through airport security undetected at alarming rates during tests last year. Two other airports—Los Angeles International Airport and the San Francisco International Airport—joined O’Hare as the testing grounds for detection of bomb materials at passenger security checkpoints. Of the 75 passengers who carried fake explosives through screening stations at O’Hare, nearly 60% passed undetected. These test results are a frightening reality check for travelers about the screening capability of our nation’s airports.
Obama Demands Investigation into Subprime Loan Discrimination
October 18, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today sent the following letter to FTC Commissioner Deborah Platt Majoras, calling on her to investigate the marketing practices of subprime lenders and the brokers of subprime loans to determine whether minority borrowers have been victims of discrimination. According to recent studies, and an editorial in the New York Times, there is increasing evidence that black and Hispanic borrowers were more likely to be steered to high-cost subprime loans than other borrowers. Hundreds of thousands of African American families – many of whom probably should have been eligible for lower cost prime loans instead of riskier subprime loans – could potentially lose their homes in the coming years.
Obama Calls on Gates to Ensure All Service Members Receive Full Educational Benefits
October 17, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today sent the following letter to Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, expressing concerns that some members of the National Guard and Reserves are being denied educational benefits they deserve after serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Members of the National Guard and Reserves are required to serve for 730 days in order to receive the education benefits earned by those who serve in active duty. However, according to news reports, many returning National Guard and Reservists have discovered that they will not receive these benefits either because their service fell a few days short of 730 days, or because their service orders were issued for a few days less than 730 days.
Obama Calls on Mukasey to Address Racial Discrimination, Protecting Civil Rights
October 17, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today sent the following letter to Attorney General-Designate, Judge Michael Mukasey, asking him how he intends to protect the civil rights of all Americans if he is confirmed Attorney General. In recent years, there has been a systematic failure by the Department of Justice to exhibit any significant commitment to upholding civil rights – particularly in the cases of the photo identification requirement for voting in Georgia, the Jena 6 in Louisiana, the death of a young man at a boot camp in Florida, and concerns that minorities have been steered into high-cost subprime loans.
Durbin, Obama Emanuel Call for Public hearing on IDEM Permit for US Steel
October 17, 2007
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) and Congressman Rahm Emanuel (D-IL) today sent a letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 5 Administrator, Mary Gade calling for a public hearing on the Indiana Department of Environmental Management wastewater permit for U.S. Steel Gary Works that was recently rejected by the EPA.
Obama Statement Honoring the Awarding of the Congressional Gold Medal to the Dalai Lama
October 17, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today made the following statement on the awarding of the Congressional Gold Medal to His Holiness the Dalai Lama:
Obama Calls on Blackwater to Testify Before Senate
October 15, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) called on Chairman Joseph Lieberman and Ranking Member Susan Collins of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee to ask Erik Prince, the head of Blackwater, to testify before the Committee and provide details of the company’s contract in Iraq.
Obama Statement on Sudan
October 12, 2007
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) made the following statement on the announcement that the Sudan People's Liberation Movement withdrew from Sudan's government of national unity because of the ruling party's breaches of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement:
Durbin, Obama, Emanuel: Illinois Members Ask For Meeting With US Steel Regarding Wastewater Permit That Violates Conditions of Clean Water Act
October 12, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Continuing their effort to fight for the environmental health and protection of Lake Michigan, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Congressman Rahm Emanuel (D-IL) today, along with Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) and members of the Chicago delegation, sent a letter to U.S. Steel Corporation, calling for a meeting with the Chairman and CEO to discuss Indiana Department of Environmental Management’s (IDEM) proposal to give U.S. Steel Corporation’s Gary Works facility in Gary, Indiana a wastewater permit that would allow them to operate for five more years without complying with current clean water standards.
Durbin, Obama Question VA Oversight
October 11, 2007
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Barack Obama (D-IL) today sent a letter to the Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Gordon Mansfield asking questions regarding the background check that was performed on Dr. Jose Veizaga-Mendez who has been linked to some extent to the recent spike in deaths at the Marion VA Medical Center. A cursory check of publicly available information by staff members from both Senate offices uncovered questionable information that should have raised red flags and prompted additional investigation by the VA.
Obama Asks Rice to Address Violence Against Women in the Congo
October 11, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today wrote to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice expressing his concerns about the growing number of systematic sexual assaults against women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) since armed conflicts erupted again there six weeks ago. Obama asked Secretary Rice to answer a series of questions about the situation in the DRC and what the United States government is doing to help curb this violence against women.
Obama Calls for Investigation into Violations by Private Medicare Insurers
October 10, 2007
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Barack Obama called on the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to open an investigation into Medicare Advantage programs. Recent reports have exposed cases of private insurers exploiting America's seniors by denying access to needed health care services and medications, improperly denying claims, engaging in deceptive sales practices, and providing poor customer service.
Obama: Rice Must Provide Answers About New Guidelines For Contractor Accountability
October 5, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today sent the following letter to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, asking her to further clarify the new guidelines she proposed for contractors operating in Iraq and Afghanistan. Obama called on Rice to clarify the legal framework the State Department intends to use to hold contractors accountable for their actions in Iraq and Afghanistan, and to provide more information on the rules of engagement contractors will employ.
Obama, Harkin, Others Ask Bush to Help Black Farmers Who Were Victims of Discrimination
October 5, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Barack Obama (D-IL), Tom Harkin (D-IA), Joe Biden (D-DE), and Representatives John Conyers (D-MI), Bennie Thompson (D-MS), Artur Davis (D-AL), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Bobby Scott (D-VA) and Steve Chabot (R-OH) yesterday to President Bush asking him to investigate allegations of the USDA lobbying against legislation that would bring compensation for black farmers who were victims of discrimination. The Pigford settlement, approved in 1999, allowed black farmers to file claims against the USDA for failing to respond to racial discrimination complaints between 1983 and 1997. Recently passed legislation in the House of Representatives would allow certain previously denied farmers an opportunity to re-file their settlement claims and have them reviewed on their merits. Obama has introduced companion legislation (S. 1989) in the Senate.
Obama: Contractors in Iraq Must Comply with U.S. Law
October 4, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today introduced legislation to increase accountability of American security contractors operating in Iraq and Afghanistan by subjecting the contractors to U.S. criminal law. The bill would clarify the language of the Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act (MEJA) to ensure that it applies to all contractors working in war zones. It would also establish Theater Investigative Units of the FBI to investigate allegations of criminal misconduct by contract personnel. The legislation is cosponsored by Senators Durbin, Kerry, Byrd, and Whitehouse. Congressman David Price (D-NC) introduced companion legislation in the House (H.R. 2740), which passed overwhelmingly by a vote of 342-75.
Legislation Introduced to Ban Lead in Toys for Young Children
October 3, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Citing recent recalls and the longtime failure of the Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect children from hazardous levels of lead in consumer products, Rep. Henry A. Waxman, together with Reps. Bobby L. Rush, Christopher P. Carney, and Keith Ellison, today introduced the Lead Free Toys Act to ban lead from toys, toy jewelry, and other products used by children under age six. Sen. Barack Obama introduced the companion bill in the Senate today.
Obama Statement on North Korea Announcement
October 3, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today made the following statement on the announcement that North Korea has agreed to declare and disable its nuclear program by the end of the year.
Obama, Durbin, Hare Introduce Bill to Improve Student Behavior in Schools
October 2, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Barack Obama (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Representative Phil Hare (D-IL) today introduced the Positive Behavior for Effective Schools Act (H.R. 3407, S. 2111), which directs resources to innovative programs designed to teach positive behavior as a way to improve school climate and make it easier for students to learn. Positive Behavior Support (PBS) programs define and support appropriate behaviors by explicitly teaching students about good behavior and including it as part of the curriculum.
Obama Statement on the Situation in Burma
October 1, 2007
For the last several days the world has watched the images of monks as they courageously and peacefully demand democracy in Burma – and the military junta's violent response. A regime that claims to be impervious to international criticism has moved to close off media and communications access to stem the flow of those images out of the country. The generals apparently believe that, without pictures, the world will eventually lose interest and move on. We must not allow this to happen.
Obama, Bond Hail New Safeguards on Military Personality Disorder Discharges, Urge Further Action
October 1, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Barack Obama (D-IL), Kit Bond (R-MO) and Joseph Lieberman (ID-CT) lauded the Senate’s inclusion of an amendment to limit the Pentagon’s use of personality disorder discharges in the FY 2008 Defense Authorization bill. This provision would add additional safeguards to discharge procedures and require a thorough review by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). According to recent reports, there have been some cases in which the Department of Defense (DOD) has inappropriately used these procedures to discharge service members with service-connected psychological injuries. Over the last six years, Defense Department records indicate that over 22,500 personality disorder discharges have been processed; or on average 10 service members have been discharged per day, every day in that time. This amendment is cosponsored by Senators Boxer (D-CA), Lieberman (ID-CT), McCaskill (D-MO), Murray (D-WA), Sanders (I-VT) and Lincoln (D-AR).
Obama Iraq Security Contractors Amendment Wins Approval in Senate
September 28, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last night, the United States Senate accepted an amendment to the Defense Department Authorization bill introduced by U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) that will require federal departments to compile and report information to Congress on the role of private security contractors in Iraq.
Obama: White House Climate Change Summit a “Missed Opportunity�
September 28, 2007
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) made the following statement on President Bush’s remarks to the White House "Major Economies Meeting On Energy Security And Climate Change," where President Bush again failed to commit to mandatory reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
Obama Statement on Signing of College Cost Reduction Bill
September 27, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today released the following statement after President Bush signed the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007 into law. This legislation passed the Senate this month and included a provision to increase the maximum Pell Grant for eligible students from $4,310 in 2007, to $5,400 by 2012. The bill also mandates that interest rates on subsidized student loans are cut in half over four years. Senator Obama sat on the Conference Committee that won these improvements in the bill.
Obama Statement on Passage of the Hate Crimes Prevention Act
September 27, 2007
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) made the following statement on the passage of the Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which was offered as an amendment to National Defense Authorization Act. Obama is an original cosponsor of the legislation, which expands federal law to investigate and prosecute hate crimes to include crimes perpetrated because of sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and disability.
Senator Obama Statement on Burma
September 26, 2007
"In Burma, thousands of ordinary citizens, inspired by their religious leaders, are calling for change in their long-suffering nation. We are witnessing the power of the human spirit -- and the power of non-violent protest consistent with Buddhist tradition. Yet tragically, today, in spite of the peaceful nature of this protest, the Burmese government began another brutal crackdown -- beating demonstrators, firing tear-gas and arresting hundreds. The military junta should halt this violence immediately, heed the will of the Burmese people, release Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest, and begin the process of national reconciliation.
Obama: President Must Ensure Contractors Are Not Jeopardizing Military’s Efforts To End War
September 26, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today released the following statement after Secretary of Defense Robert Gates’ decision to investigate the role of security contractors in Iraq:
Durbin, Obama: Disaster Declaration for Six Illinois Counties Will Help Severe Storm Recovery
September 26, 2007
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Barack Obama (D-IL) today praised the decision by President Bush to declare six Illinois counties – DeKalb, Grundy, Kane, LaSalle, Lake and Will – federal disaster areas. The President’s disaster declaration triggers the release of federal funds to help people and municipalities recover from severe storms and flooding which occurred in that area August 20 – August 31, 2007. The President’s declaration includes the possibility that additional designations may be made at a later date after further evaluation.