Statements and posts
21 press releases and posts, newest first.
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Introduced bill to notify domestic violence survivors of illegal firearm purchase attempts by abusers.
“I spent years prosecuting domestic violence cases in Rhode Island, and I know the toll it can take on survivors as they rebuild their lives. Our legislation will help ensure survivors are made aware when the government has information about an abuser’s attempt to buy a firearm, so survivors and their loved ones can…”
Domestic Violence SAFE Notice ActCrime and Law EnforcementAI-read
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Released GAO report showing federal contractor fraud vulnerability from opaque corporate structures.
“Senator Grassley and I worked for years to pass the Corporate Transparency Act to crack down on fraudsters, cartels, and criminals who steal and stash dirty money in shady shell companies.”
Fraud EnforcementAI-read
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Secured $1 million USDA grant for Tiverton water system improvements addressing PFAS contamination.
“Dangerous levels of PFAS have contaminated Tiverton’s water and put families on edge about their health.”
Water InfrastructureAI-read
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RI Delegation Delivers Nearly $4.5 Million for Local Firefighters
Announced $4.5 million in federal grants for Rhode Island firefighters and fire departments.
“Rhode Island’s bravest risk their lives on the front lines to protect our communities.”
Emergency ManagementAI-read
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Introduced bill to enforce environmental commitments for African countries in U.S. trade.
“Without environmental accountability criteria, the fossil fuel industry and other big polluters rake in more profits while harming the health of local communities and putting U.S. manufacturers that use clean production methods at a disadvantage.”
Environmental Commitment Objectives for African Growth and Opportunity ActInternational AffairsAI-read
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Whitehouse, Cortez Masto Reintroduce Congressional Check on Rogue Supreme Court Decisions
Reintroduced bill allowing Congress to respond to Supreme Court decisions.
“The captured right-wing majority of the Supreme Court is openly delivering goods to deep-pocketed special interests. When the Court abuses its power in this way—especially by paving over factual records—it’s up to Congress to protect the interests of the American people.”
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U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Courts Subcommittee, sent a letter last week to the Federal Judicial Center (FJC), the…
“The Reference Guide on Climate Science would have given judges trustworthy information from an impartial source on a complex body of science. As with the Reference Manual’s chapters on neuroscience, toxicology, and epidemiology, nothing in the Reference Guide on Climate Science compels a particular legal outcome. But…”
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Pay PCPs Act gives providers greater flexibility to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) reintroduced their legislation to better support and…
“Primary care providers know their patients and what they need to stay healthy. The Pay PCPs Act would allow providers to finally step off the fee-for-service treadmill and get paid fairly for their work.”
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Despite the fact that a historic February 2026 blizzard met and surpassed the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) threshold for federal assistance, the Trump Administration on Wednesday rejected appeals from Rhode Island and other…
“When a storm strikes, our emergency personnel always step up and prioritize public safety. It is shameful that President Trump wants to politicize disaster assistance and deny well-documented reimbursement to states that deserve it. This may have been the final FEMA appeal, but it is far from the end of this matter. We…”
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Trump Administration Refuses to Close Tax Loophole Exploited by Private Jet Owners
Billionaires Bill extended a major tax break for ultrarich private jet owners New letter denies Senators’ request to close loophole because doing so would be “burdensome” Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Elizabeth…
“President Trump’s 2017 tax law and Big, Beautiful-for-Billionaires bill handed billionaires and big corporations massive tax breaks on private jets. The Trump administration now says it would be ‘burdensome’ to close the private jet tax loophole because this is an administration hell-bent on using the powers of…”
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As demand grows for skilled engineers and technicians to power Rhode Island’s advanced manufacturing, marine, and clean energy sectors, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Representatives Seth Magaziner (RI-02) and Gabe Amo…
“Rhode Island’s institutions of higher education are on the leading edge of STEM innovation and help power the Ocean State’s economic competitiveness.”
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Today, Senators Sheldon Whitehouse and Jack Reed and and Congressmen Gabe Amo and Seth Magaziner announced $1,710,000 in federal Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) funding to protect Rhode Island nonprofits and religious institutions…
“No Rhode Islander should have to fear for their safety because of who they are or how they worship.”
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Whitehouse & Reed Deliver $3 Million to Upgrade Pawtucket Housing Authority High-Rise Elevators
When high-rise elevators go down or are chronically inoperable in public housing, it makes life difficult for upper floor apartment residents with mobility issues, as well as those carrying small children or heavy groceries up multiple…
“We come with good news for the residents of Kennedy Manor and Fogarty Manor, who have dealt with elevator breakdowns for too long.”
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RI Delegation Steers $13.5 Million to Upgrade Providence Ferry Terminal
Ferries offer a fast, fun, convenient, environmentally friendly and scenic way to hop between local waterfront ports across the Ocean State, with seasonal service between Providence, Bristol, and Newport being among the most popular routes.
“The Providence ferry is a great option for residents and tourists to explore the East Bay.”
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In a world of evolving cyber threats and escalating digital challenges – including the increased adoption of AI technologies – there is a growing need to strengthen America’s cybersecurity workforce.
“This NSF funding will help provide opportunities for URI students who are interested in tackling the pressing cybersecurity challenges of our time.”
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With college students heading back to campus in the coming weeks for the start of a new academic year, U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Jack Reed (D-RI) are pressing the Trump Administration to process international student and…
“The decrease at URI follows a broader national trend that has hit many schools harder. The U.S. government issued 36% fewer visas of the kind most commonly used by international students just before the fall 2025 semester, according to a New York Times analysis of State Department data.”
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Whitehouse & Reed Seek Watchdog Audit of Trump’s Glitzy Ballroom Boondoggle
As price tag for gaudy project skyrockets, Democratic Senators who lead key committees with jurisdiction over Trump’s ballroom project call for GAO audit Washington, D.C. – With cost estimates for a glitzy new White House ballroom surging…
“serious concerns about transparency, accountability, and stewardship of this national landmark.”
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Whitehouse & Grassley helped pass groundbreaking law to prevent abuse of U.S. incorporation laws Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) today released the following statement on the U.S. Financial…
“The Treasury Department’s final rule exempting U.S. based companies from the Corporate Transparency Act’s reporting requirements undermines the clear intent of the law. The Act gave the federal government needed tools to address criminal activity like human trafficking, terrorist financing, drug distribution, sanctions…”
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Whitehouse and RI Law Enforcement Leaders Push for New Commander-Level Police Training Bill
Promoting Police Leadership Act will provide better training for the police leaders running day-to-day operations Barrington, RI – U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse today joined RI Police Chiefs Association President Michael Correia, David…
“Rhode Island’s captains, majors, and precinct commanders know that proper training for their officers is key to making decisions that keep our communities safe. They, too, deserve training programs that keep pace with the new demands constantly placed on them.”
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U.S. Senators Call for Cancelled Energy Funds to be Restored
The letter follows an admission from the Trump Admin that the decision to cancel energy project grants in states that did not vote for Trump was “based solely” on politics Washington, D.C. – Instead of effectively governing and making…
“For the good of our country, the rule of law, and the American people, we demand that you change course and restore the previously awarded funding.”
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Senate Judiciary Courts Subcommittee Democrats Blast Cruz’s Hearing Targeting the Muslim Community
U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Peter Welch (D-VT), Democratic members of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Federal Courts, today issued the following…
“Hidden in Plain Sight: Confronting the Muslim Brotherhood Network in America.”