Closely Following Debt Ceiling Negotiations
Dear Friend, This week, I closely monitored the negotiations on the debt ceiling and spoke to national television audiences to condemn Republicans’ extortion tactics that could result in a devastating economic collapse. I am hopeful that a solution will be found in the days ahead and that I can vote on a bipartisan compromise. I also met with A.P. students from Rise Academy and with University Middle School students, spoke of my efforts to reach a bipartisan reform of the National Emergencies Act, voted against a cruel Republican proposal to repeal student debt relief, introduced a life- and money-saving aviation bill regarding access to flight data after crashes, observed the first anniversary of the massacre of school children in Uvalde, Texas, wished everyone a pleasant Memorial Day weekend, and offered a health tip. Keep reading and follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to see what I am doing as it happens. Closely Following Debt Ceiling Negotiations Meeting with Rise Academy Students Celebrating My Birthday with University Middle School Students Seeking Bipartisan Support for Reforming the National Emergencies Act Voting Against Republican Effort to Prevent Student Debt Relief Commemorating the First Anniversary of the Massacre at Uvalde, Texas Wishing All a Safe and Pleasant Memorial Day Weekend Closely Following Debt Ceiling Negotiations The U.S. Treasury Department headquarters This week I have been closely monitoring the debt ceiling talks and was interviewed on MSNBC, CNN and NBC News’ “Meet the Press Now” for my views. It’s obvious to serious economists and to Treasury Department and other officials that a first-ever default on the national debt would be devastating. Republican extortion efforts should not prevail. With the June 1 deadline looming, I expect to be back in Washington after Memorial Day to vote on a bipartisan compromise. It is my hope that we will avoid a default. Meeting with Rise Academy Students On Monday, I met with the Advanced Placement (A.P.) Government and A.P. History students from Rise Academy and answered their questions about the war in Ukraine, the debt ceiling, climate change, and other issues on their minds. I then walked them over to Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol where they watched me be interviewed for television. These are smart students with bright futures and it was a pleasure to meet with them. Celebrating My Birthday with University Middle School Students On Wednesday, I went to the east front of the U.S. Capitol to talk with students from University Middle School. They learned it was my 74th birthday and spontaneously burst into “Happy Birthday.” I always enjoy my interactions with students. This was a particularly memorable one. Seeking Bipartisan Support for Reforming the National Emergencies Act Also Wednesday, I questioned expert witnesses at a hearing before the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management titled “Never Ending Emergencies – An Examination of the National Emergencies Act.” When I was Chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties, I held hearings on the National Emergencies Act and achieved bipartisan support for its reform. I continue to work to limit the scope of Presidential powers, including the pardon power that President Trump abused to give clemency to his cronies. No President, regardless of party, should have the power to pardon close associates or family members. See my exchange with the witnesses here. Voting Against Republican Effort to Prevent Student Debt Relief Last year, I held a webinar with a specialist on student debt from the U.S. Department of Education. I learned recently that 58,000 students in Tennessee’s 9th Congressional District have availed themselves of the program. It was with that in mind that I voted against the Republican effort to repeal student debt forgiveness on Wednesday. Sadly, the measure passed. See my release here. Millions of dollars and many long hours are spent trying to find cockpit voice recorders and flight data recorders when airplanes crash. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has recommended that aircraft be equipped with recorders that can be obtained without underwater search and recovery. A bill I introduced with my friend Congressman Tim Burchett of Tennessee’s 3rd Congressional District would codify those recommendations. See our release here. Commemorating the First Anniversary of the Massacre at Uvalde, Texas Firearms are the leading cause of death for children and teens in the United States. More than 352,000 students have experienced gun violence at a school since Columbine in 1999. This week, the country remembered the horror a year ago when a gunman killed 19 students and two teachers at a school in Uvalde, Texas. Those murders placed gun violence at the center of the national stage and, as a result, we passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which President Biden signed into law. The legislation was the most significant gun violence prevention measure to became law in more than 30 years. But we know it was just a step in the right direction. House Republican leaders need to work with Democrats on gun violence and help stop our children from becoming targets. Thoughts and prayers do not save lives. Action does, and it is long overdue. Wishing All a Safe and Pleasant Memorial Day Weekend The traditional start of Summer is here, and I wish everyone a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend. See the statement I sent to the press here. With the days getting longer and sun stronger in summer, it’s important to protect your eyes. Visit the National Eye Institute for tips on eye care and get regular eye exams. Insurance should cover one exam per year with little or no co-pay. “People think my life has been tough, but I think it has been a wonderful journey. The older you get, the more you realize it’s not what happens, but how you deal with it.” -- Tina Turner who passed on Wednesday As always, I remain. Steve Cohen |