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Hawthorne Introduces Bill to Prevent the Flow of Taxpayer Dollars to Abortion Providers

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Senator Holly Hawthorne (R-Alaska) introduced the Protecting Life and Taxpayer Conscience Act, which would prevent the flow of taxpayer dollars to both domestic and foreign abortion providers, reviving the Kaplan amendments to the 2021 reconciliation bill which were repealed last year. Senator Hawthorne made the following statement upon introducing the bill:

 

Quote

I've always been pro-life, but I think there's a point for many of us who are parents when being pro-life stops being an abstract value we inherit from our faith or our family, and becomes really real for us. For me, it was the first time I felt my babies kick, and I know so many moms who have said the same thing. As a mom, it's deeply troubling to me to think I could be contributing to abortion. It's troubling to a lot of taxpayers, and not just conservative Republicans — there are Democrats and independents who still believe that old standard, that abortion should be safe, legal, and rare, but who also believe as Republicans do that they shouldn't have to pay for it. Even for many Americans who consider themselves pro-choice, there's still a sense this is a matter of personal responsibility they don't have to personally agree with, not taxpayer responsibility they need to financially support. This bill represents that really very mainstream consensus. Under this bill, there won't be any taxpayer dollars spent to help abortion providers offset the costs of abortion. With kids in need right here in America, we won't be diverting taxpayer dollars to abortions overseas. That's just common sense, and it's time for Congress to take up this consensus shared by most Americans and finally, permanently make it law.

 

Name: Holly Hawthorne (R-AK)

Media/Outlet: Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar

Reason: Russo-Ukrainian War and Escalation of Global Conflict

• It's important to keep in mind who broke the ceasefire that has kicked off this conflict again — it was Ukraine. And they did it because of the lend-lease bill, which immediately encouraged Ukraine to launch an ill-advised offensive. This is what happens when the globalist establishment of both parties come together to promote war.
• Say what you will about the Trump administration, I know you have a viewership with diverse views: But under the Trump administration, with the exception of a few skirmishes, the ceasefire held. Prisoners of war were being swapped. There was a real sense that peace could prevail until the lend-lease bill upended everything.
• We've seen this again and again with this administration. Look at the Middle East. Under the previous administration, the Abraham Accords advanced normalization between Israel and its Arab neighbors. This administration has presided over renewed Middle Eastern conflict and tens of billions on weapons of war instead.
• Iraq was relatively quiet, now civil conflict has resumed. Instead of continuing to be a neutral arbiter in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, we supported Azerbaijan and we lost. Then there was the very suspicious business in Chechnya. Where isn't this administration escalating conflicts instead of trying to resolve them?
• I'm still hopeful peace can prevail in Eastern Europe, but the Ukrainians need to accept Kovalev's invitation to go to the table and negotiate. We need to be encouraging them to do that, in part by making clear to them we aren't going to write them a blank check for a limitless conflict that threatens our own national interests.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

 

Mrs. Hawthorne (for herself, Mr. Findley, and Mr. Madison, with thanks to Mrs. Foxx and Mr. Lee) introduced the following bill

 

A BILL

 

To restrict the availability of Federal funds to organizations associated with the abortion industry.

 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

 

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the “Protecting Life and Taxpayer Conscience Act”.

 

SEC. 2. PROHIBITION ON FEDERAL FUNDS FOR FOREIGN ABORTION PROVIDERS.

(a) In General.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, Federal funds may not be made available for purposes outside of the United States (including its territories and possessions) to—

(1) any foreign nonprofit organization, foreign nongovernmental organization, foreign multilateral organization, or foreign quasi-autonomous nongovernmental organization that—

(A) performs or promotes abortions, including providing referrals, counseling, lobbying, and training relating to abortions;

(B) furnishes or develops any item intended to procure abortions; or

(C) provides financial support to—

(i) any entity that conducts any of the activities described in subparagraph (A) or (B); or

(ii) any entity described in paragraph (2); and

(2) any domestic nonprofit organization or domestic nongovernmental organization that—

(A) performs abortions;

(B) furnishes or develops any item intended to procure abortions;

(C) within the scope of any program or activity that receives Federal funds—

(i) performs or promotes abortions, including providing referrals, counseling, lobbying, and training relating to abortions; or

(ii) fails to maintain a complete physical and financial separation from activities described in clause (i) and such failure includes co-locating such a program or activity at any site where activities described in clause (i) are conducted; or

(D) provides financial support to—

(i) any entity that conducts activities described in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C); or

(ii) any entity described in paragraph (1).

 

(b) Inclusions; Exceptions.—The prohibitions described in subsection (a)—

(1) include the transfer of Federal funds and goods financed with such funds; and

(2) do not apply to abortions—

(A) resulting from rape or incest; or

(B) when the life of the mother would be endangered if the fetus were carried to term.

 

SEC. 3. PROHIBITION ON TITLE X FAMILY PLANNING GRANTS FOR ABORTION PROVIDERS.

Title X of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

“SEC. 1009. ADDITIONAL PROHIBITION REGARDING ABORTION.

“(a) Prohibition.—The Secretary shall not provide any assistance under this title to an entity unless the entity certifies that, during the period of such assistance, the entity will not perform, and will not provide any funds to any other entity that performs, an abortion.

 

“(b) Exception.—Subsection (a) does not apply with respect to an abortion where—

“(1) the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest; or

“(2) a physician certifies that the woman suffers from a physical disorder, physical injury, or physical illness that would place the woman in danger of death unless an abortion is performed, including a life-threatening physical condition caused by or arising from the pregnancy itself.

 

“(c) Hospitals.—Subsection (a) does not apply with respect to a hospital, so long as such hospital does not, during the period of assistance described in subsection (a), provide funds to any non-hospital entity that performs an abortion (other than an abortion described in subsection (b)).

 

“(d) Annual Report.—Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of the Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act, and annually thereafter, for the fiscal year involved, the Secretary shall submit a report to the Congress containing—

“(1) a list of each entity receiving a grant under this title;

“(2) for each such entity performing abortions under the exceptions described in subsection (b)—

“(A) the total number of such abortions;

“(B) the number of such abortions where the pregnancy is the result of rape;

“(C) the number of such abortions where the pregnancy is the result of incest; and

“(D) the number of such abortions where a physician provides a certification described in subsection (b)(2);

“(3) a statement of the date of the latest certification under subsection (a) for each entity receiving a grant under this title; and

“(4) a list of each entity to which an entity described in paragraph (1) makes available funds received through a grant under this title.

 

“(e) Definitions.—In this section:

“(1) The term ‘entity’ means the entire legal entity, including any entity that controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with such entity.

“(2) The term ‘hospital’ has the meaning given to such term in section 1861(e) of the Social Security Act.”.

 

SEC. 4. EFFECTIVE DATE AND SEVERABILITY.

(a) Effective Date.—The provisions of this Act shall take effect upon its enactment.

 

(b) Severability.—The provisions of this Act shall be severable. If any provision of this Act, or any application thereof, is found unconstitutional, that finding shall not affect any provision or application of the Act not so adjudicated.

 

 

Plain English Summary

 

This bill prohibits the use of federal funds for purposes outside the United States related to abortion. Specifically, the bill prohibits funding for use outside the United States to certain foreign or domestic organizations that perform or promote abortions, furnish or develop items intended to procure abortions, or provide financial support for an entity that conducts such activities.

 

This bill also prohibits the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) from awarding family planning grants to entities that perform abortions or provide funding to other entities that perform abortions. To receive a grant, an entity must certify it will refrain from those activities during the grant period. HHS must report annually on this prohibition.

 

The bill exempts abortions resulting from rape or incest or when the life of the mother would be endangered if the fetus were carried to term. Hospitals are also exempted from restrictions on Title X family planning funding unless they provide funds to non-hospital entities that provide abortions.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

 

Mrs. Hawthorne (for herself, with thanks to Ms. Foxx and Mr. Lee) introduced the following bill

 

A BILL

 

To restrict the availability of Federal funds to organizations associated with the abortion industry.

 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

 

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the “Protecting Life and Taxpayer Conscience Act”.

 

SEC. 2. PROHIBITION ON FEDERAL FUNDS FOR FOREIGN ABORTION PROVIDERS.

(a) In General.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, Federal funds may not be made available for purposes outside of the United States (including its territories and possessions) to—

(1) any foreign nonprofit organization, foreign nongovernmental organization, foreign multilateral organization, or foreign quasi-autonomous nongovernmental organization that—

(A) performs or promotes abortions, including providing referrals, counseling, lobbying, and training relating to abortions;

(B) furnishes or develops any item intended to procure abortions; or

(C) provides financial support to—

(i) any entity that conducts any of the activities described in subparagraph (A) or (B); or

(ii) any entity described in paragraph (2); and

(2) any domestic nonprofit organization or domestic nongovernmental organization that—

(A) performs abortions;

(B) furnishes or develops any item intended to procure abortions;

(C) within the scope of any program or activity that receives Federal funds—

(i) performs or promotes abortions, including providing referrals, counseling, lobbying, and training relating to abortions; or

(ii) fails to maintain a complete physical and financial separation from activities described in clause (i) and such failure includes co-locating such a program or activity at any site where activities described in clause (i) are conducted; or

(D) provides financial support to—

(i) any entity that conducts activities described in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C); or

(ii) any entity described in paragraph (1).

 

(b) Inclusions; Exceptions.—The prohibitions described in subsection (a)—

(1) include the transfer of Federal funds and goods financed with such funds; and

(2) do not apply to abortions—

(A) resulting from rape or incest; or

(B) when the life of the mother would be endangered if the fetus were carried to term.

 

SEC. 3. PROHIBITION ON TITLE X FAMILY PLANNING GRANTS FOR ABORTION PROVIDERS.

Title X of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

“SEC. 1009. ADDITIONAL PROHIBITION REGARDING ABORTION.

“(a) Prohibition.—The Secretary shall not provide any assistance under this title to an entity unless the entity certifies that, during the period of such assistance, the entity will not perform, and will not provide any funds to any other entity that performs, an abortion.

 

“(b) Exception.—Subsection (a) does not apply with respect to an abortion where—

“(1) the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest; or

“(2) a physician certifies that the woman suffers from a physical disorder, physical injury, or physical illness that would place the woman in danger of death unless an abortion is performed, including a life-threatening physical condition caused by or arising from the pregnancy itself.

 

“(c) Hospitals.—Subsection (a) does not apply with respect to a hospital, so long as such hospital does not, during the period of assistance described in subsection (a), provide funds to any non-hospital entity that performs an abortion (other than an abortion described in subsection (b)).

 

“(d) Annual Report.—Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of the Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act, and annually thereafter, for the fiscal year involved, the Secretary shall submit a report to the Congress containing—

“(1) a list of each entity receiving a grant under this title;

“(2) for each such entity performing abortions under the exceptions described in subsection (b)—

“(A) the total number of such abortions;

“(B) the number of such abortions where the pregnancy is the result of rape;

“(C) the number of such abortions where the pregnancy is the result of incest; and

“(D) the number of such abortions where a physician provides a certification described in subsection (b)(2);

“(3) a statement of the date of the latest certification under subsection (a) for each entity receiving a grant under this title; and

“(4) a list of each entity to which an entity described in paragraph (1) makes available funds received through a grant under this title.

 

“(e) Definitions.—In this section:

“(1) The term ‘entity’ means the entire legal entity, including any entity that controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with such entity.

“(2) The term ‘hospital’ has the meaning given to such term in section 1861(e) of the Social Security Act.”.

 

SEC. 4. EFFECTIVE DATE AND SEVERABILITY.

(a) Effective Date.—The provisions of this Act shall take effect upon its enactment.

 

(b) Severability.—The provisions of this Act shall be severable. If any provision of this Act, or any application thereof, is found unconstitutional, that finding shall not affect any provision or application of the Act not so adjudicated.

 

 

Plain English Summary

 

This bill prohibits the use of federal funds for purposes outside the United States related to abortion. Specifically, the bill prohibits funding for use outside the United States to certain foreign or domestic organizations that perform or promote abortions, furnish or develop items intended to procure abortions, or provide financial support for an entity that conducts such activities.

 

This bill also prohibits the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) from awarding family planning grants to entities that perform abortions or provide funding to other entities that perform abortions. To receive a grant, an entity must certify it will refrain from those activities during the grant period. HHS must report annually on this prohibition.

 

The bill exempts abortions resulting from rape or incest or when the life of the mother would be endangered if the fetus were carried to term. Hospitals are also exempted from restrictions on Title X family planning funding unless they provide funds to non-hospital entities that provide abortions.

Hawthorne Slams "Soft on China" Appointment of Linda Thomas-Greenfield as Secretary of State

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a statement to the press earlier today, Senator Holly Hawthorne (R-Alaska) offered a strong rebuke of President Paul Nassakis' appointment of Linda Thomas-Greenfield to serve as Secretary of State, citing Thomas-Greenfield's positive remarks regarding what Senator Hawthorne called "Chinese imperialism in Africa" during a 2019 address delivered at a Confucius Institute at Savannah State University. Senator Hawthorne's full statement is included below:
 

Quote

The appointments a President makes to his Cabinet send clear signals about his or her priorities, and choosing a soft on China Secretary of State sends exactly the wrong signal to a CCP that is growing bolder every day in challenging the U.S. and our interests everywhere in the world. In 2019, Linda Thomas-Greenfield spoke at Savannah State University's Confucius Institute — already a strike against her judgment, given how China uses Confucius Institutes to advance Beijing's interests on our campuses.

 

But it's what the Secretary said there that is really the problem, putting Chinese imperialism in Africa on par with our own investments in African development and economic growth, as if our motives are the same. They aren't. The U.S. stands on the side of human rights, democracy, and market-based prosperity in Africa, while the Chinese Communist Party stands against those values everywhere. That is a basic truth that should be crystal clear to anyone who would serve as a diplomat for this country, nevermind as our highest diplomat. But it is a truth that eluded Linda Thomas-Greenfield, at least when she was speaking on behalf of an elite consulting firm with ties to the Clintons and their globalist agenda. I'm sure she's saying very different things today, but what she said in 2019 is what she really believes when the mask is off and her globalist priorities are exposed. If I'd been in the Senate when her nomination was being considered, I would have voted against her, and frankly shame on anyone who didn't. We can't afford to be signaling to China that we're backing down as they trample on our allies and our interests.

 

Hawthorne: Passage of Samantha's Law "One of My Highest Priorities"

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Senator Holly Hawthorne (R-Alaska) joined Senator Kyle Fitzgerald (R-Texas) in reintroducing Samantha's Law, a bill to deport violent criminals who have crossed our border illegally, impose stiff penalties and swift deportation for reentry, and implement mandatory E-Verify nationwide to prevent hiring of illegal labor. Senator Hawthorne released the following statement upon the bill's reintroduction:

 

Quote

In the time that's passed since Samantha's Law was introduced in the last Congress, the crisis at our border hasn't improved and the threat to Americans hasn't subsided at all. We need Samantha's Law every bit as much now as we did when Senator Fitzgerald first introduced it. Samantha's Law takes decisive steps to make sure all manner of violent criminals who are here illegally get sent back where they came from, instead of slipping back under the radar to commit more crimes. Just as importantly, this bill cracks down on the insidious practice of employing illegal labor. Let's not make any mistake, the unscrupulous and frankly unpatriotic people who do hire illegal labor aren't doing it to be nice to the illegal immigrants they hire. They do it because hiring illegal immigrants with no labor protections is cheaper than providing fair treatment and a fair wage to American workers. Employing illegal labor is exploitation of vulnerable, desperate folks, often women and young people and sometimes with a blind eye to gravely evil human rights abuses like human trafficking. At their worst, some of these people who hire illegal labor have no qualms about employing violent criminals who pose a serious threat to American families. This is not a practice that can continue, for the sake of our workers, the safety of our neighborhoods and above all, our kids. Samantha's Law will bring the hiring of illegal labor to an end. It's long overdue and it's one of my highest priorities to see this through Congress and onto President Nassakis' desk, where I hope he'll do the right thing and sign it.

 

Hawthorne, Fitzgerald Introduce Bill to Reauthorize Blue Collar Bonus

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, to mark the beginning of the 118th Congress, Senator Holly Hawthorne (R-Alaska) and Senator Kyle Fitzgerald (R-Texas) introduced legislation to permanently reauthorize the Blue Collar Bonus tax credit. Senator Hawthorne issued the following statement upon introduction of the Blue Collar Bonus Reauthorization Act:

 

Quote

The Blue Collar Bonus provided a raise to millions of low wage workers across America, without the risk of layoffs during uncertain and volatile economic times. In Alaska, our minimum wage is up to $10.85 an hour this year, but this tax credit to bring our lower wage workers closer to the median wage is a godsend. Our cost of living always runs higher than in the Lower 48, so the inflation the whole country has been grappling with has been particularly acute for Alaskans. Trimming the fat to cool off the economy can't translate into letting our workers' wages fall when this credit is set to expire at the end of this year. That's just common sense and shouldn't be a left or right issue, which is why it's a mystery to me Congress declined to renew this tax credit last year. But this is a new year, with some new faces in Congress and some departures. I'm hoping that will make the difference so we can make sure workers don't see their wages decline next year. There are plenty of other ways for us to hash out our differences that don't involve holding workers' wages hostage.

 

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

 

Mrs. Hawthorne (for herself and Mr. Fitzgerald*) introduced the following bill

 

A BILL

 

To permanently reauthorize the Blue Collar Bonus tax credit.

 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

 

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the “Blue Collar Bonus Reauthorization Act”.

 

SEC. 2. REAUTHORIZATION OF THE BLUE COLLAR BONUS TAX CREDIT.

The tax credit established by the Blue Collar Bonus Act of 2021 is reauthorized for each taxable year after taxable year 2023.

 

SEC. 3. OFFSET FOR REDUCTIONS IN REVENUE.

(a) Reductions in revenue resulting from the reauthorization of the tax credit provided for in Section 2 shall be recovered from funds appropriated but not yet obligated under the Act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to titles II and V of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2022 until such funds are exhausted.

 

(b) The Secretary of the Treasury shall determine which such funds described in subsection (b)(1) shall be subject to recovery.

 

 

SEC. 4. DEDUCTION FOR QUALIFIED BUSINESS INCOME MADE PERMANENT. (with thanks to Senator Daines)

Section 199A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking subsection (i).

 

PES: 

This section makes permanent the tax deduction for qualified business income. (Under current law, the deduction expires after December 31, 2025.)

Qualified business income is defined as the net amount of qualified items of income, gain, deduction and loss with respect to any trade or business, excluding capital gains or losses, dividends, interest income, or income earned outside the U.S.

 

SEC. 5. RESEARCH AND EXPERIMENTAL EXPENDITURES. (with thanks to Rep. Estes)

(a) In General.—Section 174 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended to read as follows:

“SEC. 174. RESEARCH AND EXPERIMENTAL EXPENDITURES.

“(a) Treatment As Expenses.—

“(1) IN GENERAL.—A taxpayer may treat research or experimental expenditures which are paid or incurred by him during the taxable year in connection with his trade or business as expenses which are not chargeable to capital account. The expenditures so treated shall be allowed as a deduction.

“(2) WHEN METHOD MAY BE ADOPTED.—

“(A) WITHOUT CONSENT.—A taxpayer may, without the consent of the Secretary, adopt the method provided in this subsection for his first taxable year for which expenditures described in paragraph (1) are paid or incurred.

“(B) WITH CONSENT.—A taxpayer may, with the consent of the Secretary, adopt at any time the method provided in this subsection.

“(3) SCOPE.—The method adopted under this subsection shall apply to all expenditures described in paragraph (1). The method adopted shall be adhered to in computing taxable income for the taxable year and for all subsequent taxable years unless, with the approval of the Secretary, a change to a different method is authorized with respect to part or all of such expenditures.

“(b) Amortization Of Certain Research And Experimental Expenditures.—

“(1) IN GENERAL.—At the election of the taxpayer, made in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary, research or experimental expenditures which are—

“(A) paid or incurred by the taxpayer in connection with his trade or business,

“(B) not treated as expenses under subsection (a), and

“(C) chargeable to capital account but not chargeable to property of a character which is subject to the allowance under section 167 (relating to allowance for depreciation, etc.) or section 611 (relating to allowance for depletion),

may be treated as deferred expenses. In computing taxable income, such deferred expenses shall be allowed as a deduction ratably over such period of not less than 60 months as may be selected by the taxpayer (beginning with the month in which the taxpayer first realizes benefits from such expenditures). Such deferred expenses are expenditures properly chargeable to capital account for purposes of section 1016(a)(1) (relating to adjustments to basis of property).

“(2) TIME FOR AND SCOPE OF ELECTION.—The election provided by paragraph (1) may be made for any taxable year, but only if made not later than the time prescribed by law for filing the return for such taxable year (including extensions thereof). The method so elected, and the period selected by the taxpayer, shall be adhered to in computing taxable income for the taxable year for which the election is made and for all subsequent taxable years unless, with the approval of the Secretary, a change to a different method (or to a different period) is authorized with respect to part or all of such expenditures. The election shall not apply to any expenditure paid or incurred during any taxable year before the taxable year for which the taxpayer makes the election.

“(c) Land And Other Property.—This section shall not apply to any expenditure for the acquisition or improvement of land, or for the acquisition or improvement of property to be used in connection with the research or experimentation and of a character which is subject to the allowance under section 167 (relating to allowance for depreciation, etc.) or section 611 (relating to allowance for depletion); but for purposes of this section allowances under section 167, and allowances under section 611, shall be considered as expenditures.

“(d) Exploration Expenditures.—This section shall not apply to any expenditure paid or incurred for the purpose of ascertaining the existence, location, extent, or quality of any deposit of ore or other mineral (including oil and gas).

“(e) Only Reasonable Research Expenditures Eligible.—This section shall apply to a research or experimental expenditure only to the extent that the amount thereof is reasonable under the circumstances.”.

(b) Clerical Amendment.—The table of sections for part VI of subchapter B of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by striking the item relating to section 174 and inserting the following new item:

“Sec. 174. Research and experimental expenditures”.
(c) Conforming Amendments.—

(1) Section 41(d)(1)(A) of such Code is amended by striking “specified research or experimental expenditures under section 174” and inserting “expenses under section 174”.

(2) Section 280C(c) of such Code is amended to read as follows:

“(c) Credit For Increasing Research Activities.—

“(1) IN GENERAL.—No deduction shall be allowed for that portion of the qualified research expenses (as defined in section 41(b)) or basic research expenses (as defined in section 41(e)(2)) otherwise allowable as a deduction for the taxable year which is equal to the amount of the credit determined for such taxable year under section 41(a).

“(2) SIMILAR RULE WHERE TAXPAYER CAPITALIZES RATHER THAN DEDUCTS EXPENSES.—If—

“(A) the amount of the credit determined for the taxable year under section 41(a)(1), exceeds

“(B) the amount allowable as a deduction for such taxable year for qualified research expenses or basic research expenses (determined without regard to paragraph (1)),

the amount chargeable to capital account for the taxable year for such expenses shall be reduced by the amount of such excess.

“(3) ELECTION OF REDUCED CREDIT.—

“(A) IN GENERAL.—In the case of any taxable year for which an election is made under this paragraph—

“(i) paragraphs (1) and (2) shall not apply, and

“(ii) the amount of the credit under section 41(a) shall be the amount determined under subparagraph (B).

“(B) AMOUNT OF REDUCED CREDIT.—The amount of credit determined under this subparagraph for any taxable year shall be the amount equal to the excess of—

“(i) the amount of credit determined under section 41(a) without regard to this paragraph, over

“(ii) the product of—

“(I) the amount described in clause (i), and

“(II) the rate of tax under section 11(b).

“(C) ELECTION.—An election under this paragraph for any taxable year shall be made not later than the time for filing the return of tax for such year (including extensions), shall be made on such return, and shall be made in such manner as the Secretary may prescribe. Such an election, once made, shall be irrevocable.

“(4) CONTROLLED GROUPS.—Paragraph (3) of subsection (b) shall apply for purposes of this subsection.”.

(d) Effective Date.—The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2023.

 

PES:

This section eliminates the five-year amortization requirement for research and experimental expenditures, thus allowing continued expensing of such expenditures in the taxable years in which they are incurred.

 

 

SEC. 6. MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE FOR EMPLOYERS WITH HIGH ANNUAL REVENUES.

Section 6 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 206) is amended by adding at the end the following:

“(h) Employers With High Annual Revenues.—

“(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as described in paragraph (3), for purposes of this Act, in the case of an employer described in paragraph (2), the minimum wage rate provided for in, prescribed in, and in effect under subsection (a)(1) with respect to the employees of such employer shall be—

“(A) $9.50 an hour, beginning on the first day of the third month that begins after the date of enactment of this subsection;

“(B) $11.00 an hour, beginning 1 year after such first day;

“(C) $12.50 an hour, beginning 2 years after such first day;

“(D) $14.00 an hour, beginning 3 years after such first day;

“(E) $15.00 an hour, beginning 4 years after such first day; and

“(F) beginning on the date that is 5 years after such first day, and annually thereafter, the amount determined by the Secretary under paragraph (4).

“(2) EMPLOYER.—An employer described in this paragraph is an employer with an annual revenue that is not less than $1,000,000,000.

“(3) TIPPED EMPLOYEES.—Paragraph (1) shall not apply with respect to determining the wage an employer described in paragraph (2) is required to pay a tipped employee under section 3(m)(2).

“(4) DETERMINATION BASED ON INCREASE IN THE MEDIAN HOURLY WAGE OF ALL EMPLOYEES.—

“(A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than each date that is 90 days before a new minimum wage determined under paragraph (1)(F) is to take effect, the Secretary shall determine the minimum wage to be in effect under this paragraph for each period described in paragraph (1)(F). The wage determined under this paragraph for a year shall be—

“(i) not less than the amount in effect under paragraph (1) on the date of such determination;

“(ii) increased from such amount by the annual percentage increase, if any, in the median hourly wage of all employees as determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics; and

“(iii) rounded up to the nearest multiple of $0.05.

“(B) CALCULATING ANNUAL PERCENTAGE INCREASE.—In calculating the annual percentage increase in the median hourly wage of all employees for purposes of subparagraph (A)(ii), the Secretary, through the Bureau of Labor Statistics, shall compile data on the hourly wages of all employees to determine such a median hourly wage and compare such median hourly wage for the most recent year for which data are available with the median hourly wage determined for the preceding year.”.

 

SEC. 5. EFFECTIVE DATE.

The amendments made by section 4 shall take effect on the first day of the third month that begins after the date of enactment of this Act.

 

PES: (thanks to Mr. Hawley) This section requires employers with annual revenue of at least $1 billion to increase the minimum wage for their employees over a 5-year period. The requirement does not apply to tipped employees.

 

Plain English Summary

 

This bill permanently reauthorizes the Blue Collar Bonus tax credit. Reductions in revenue resulting from reauthorization of the tax credit will be offset by recovering unobligated funds from the 2022 Reconciliation Act. Which such funds are subject to recovery is left to the discretion of the Secretary of the Treasury.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

 

Mrs. Hawthorne (for herself and Mr. Fitzgerald*) introduced the following bill

 

A BILL

 

To permanently reauthorize the Blue Collar Bonus tax credit.

 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

 

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the “Blue Collar Bonus Reauthorization Act”.

 

SEC. 2. REAUTHORIZATION OF THE BLUE COLLAR BONUS TAX CREDIT.

The tax credit established by the Blue Collar Bonus Act of 2021 is reauthorized for each taxable year after taxable year 2023.

 

SEC. 3. OFFSET FOR REDUCTIONS IN REVENUE.

(a) Reductions in revenue resulting from the reauthorization of the tax credit provided for in Section 2 shall be recovered from funds appropriated but not yet obligated under the Act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to titles II and V of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2022 until such funds are exhausted.

 

(b) The Secretary of the Treasury shall determine which such funds described in subsection (b)(1) shall be subject to recovery.

 

Plain English Summary

 

This bill permanently reauthorizes the Blue Collar Bonus tax credit. Reductions in revenue resulting from reauthorization of the tax credit will be offset by recovering unobligated funds from the 2022 Reconciliation Act. Which such funds are subject to recovery is left to the discretion of the Secretary of the Treasury.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

 

Mrs. Hawthorne (for herself, with thanks to) introduced the following bill

 

A BILL

 

To do some things and some other things.

 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

118th Congress

 

VOTING RECORD: MOTIONS AND AMENDMENTS

 

YEA

 

Fitzgerald I to S.1 - Blue Collar Bonus Reauthorization Act

Madison I to S.1 - Blue Collar Bonus Reauthorization Act

Madison II to S.1 - Blue Collar Bonus Reauthorization Act

Cloture on S.3 - Thin Blue Line Act

Cloture on S.14 - Mental Health Improvement Act

Cloture on S.20 - COAL Act

 

NAY

 

Storm I to S.1 - Blue Collar Bonus Reauthorization Act

Terrus I to S.2 - Samantha's Law

Motion to Recommit S.3 - Thin Blue Line Act

 

PRESENT

 

 

 

VOTING RECORD: LEGISLATION

 

YEA

 

S.14 - Mental Health Improvement Act

 

NAY

 

 

 

PRESENT

 

 

 

SPONSORED LEGISLATION

 

Blue Collar Bonus Reauthorization Act

Protecting Life and Taxpayer Conscience Act

 

COSPONSORED LEGISLATION

 

Abigail Sharp National Breast Cancer Project

ACE Act of 2023

A concurrent resolution directing the President, pursuant to Section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution...

American Energy Independence Act

Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act

COAL Act

COVID-19 Origin Act of 2023

CRIME Act of 2023

Federal Reserve Transparency Act of 2023

Insulin for All Act

Mental Health Improvement Act

Mining Schools Technology Enhancement Act

PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act

Pharmacist Conscience Protection Act

Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act

Samantha's Law

Thin Blue Line Act

 

Holly Hawthorne

United States Senator from Alaska

 

Press Releases

 

Q1 2023

Hawthorne, Fitzgerald Introduce Bill to Reauthorize Blue Collar Bonus

Hawthorne: Passage of Samantha's Law "One of My Highest Priorities"

Hawthorne Slams "Soft on China" Appointment of Linda Thomas-Greenfield as Secretary of State

Hawthorne Introduces Bill to Prevent the Flow of Taxpayer Dollars to Abortion Providers

 

Editorials

 

TBA

HmL: Mike Johnson

HmW: Jeff Van Drew

Conference Chair: Mike Cloud

 

Basic Information

 

Character Name: Holly Hawthorne

Avatar: Tulsi Gabbard

Seat: Alaska (Class 3)

Party: Republican

Major Caucus: Republican Freedom Caucus

Gender: Female

Sexuality: Heterosexual

Race/Ethnicity: Samoan, White

Religious Affiliation: Presbyterian

Date of Birth: April 12, 1979

Place of Birth: Utqiaġvik, Alaska

Place of Residence: Utqiaġvik, Alaska

 

Family Information

 

Parents: Joseph Leota; Olivia Leota (née Thomas)

Spouse: Jeremy Hawthorne

Children: Zachary Hawthorne; Zoe Hawthorne

 

Educational Information

 

Barrow High School - Diploma (1997)

University of Alaska Anchorage - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (2001)

 

Occupational History

 

United States Navy Hospital Corps (2001-2004)

Registered Nurse, Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital (2005-2007)

Alaska State Representative from District 40 (2007-2010)

Lieutenant Governor of Alaska (2010-2014)

Republican Party of Alaska's National Committeewoman to the RNC (2015-2017)

U.S. Ambassador to Canada (2017-2019)

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations (2019-2021)

U.S. Senator from Alaska (2023-)

 

Biography

 

Holly Teuila Hawthorne (née Leota) was born on April 12, 1979, in Utqiaġvik, Alaska, the only child of Joseph and Olivia Leota. Her father had served in the United States Navy and was an oil worker on Alaska's North Slope, while her mother was a kindergarten teacher at Ipalook Elementary School. As a student at Barrow High School, Holly was a cheerleader for the Barrow Whalers, as well as being involved with the debate team and student government. Following high school, Holly studied Nursing at the University of Alaska Anchorage and received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2001.

 

Just months after finishing college, the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks occurred, prompting Holly to follow in her father's footsteps and enlist in the Navy. She served in the Navy Hospital Corps, providing medical treatment for Marine Corps infantrymen. She was seriously injured during the Battle of Najaf in 2004, which led to her medical discharge. She was awarded the Purple Heart. It was during her military service that she met Jeremy Hawthorne, a Marine. Initially close friends, their friendship developed into a long-distance relationship as Jeremy continued his deployment while Holly recovered at home from her injuries. After his service, Jeremy, a resident of Dallas, Texas, relocated to Alaska. Holly and Jeremy married in 2006, and Holly gave birth to their twin children Zach and Zoe in 2008.

 

After recovering from her injuries, Holly went to work as a nurse at Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital in her hometown of Utqiaġvik. Still feeling called to public service, in 2006 she ran to represent District 40 in the Alaska House of Representatives. Previously a political independent, she ran for the Alaska House as a Democrat but quickly earned a reputation for working across the aisle following her election. In 2008, she was invited to caucus with Republicans along with other rural Democrats, not an uncommon occurrence in the Alaska House which has historically relied heavily on consensus and seen shifting political allegiances.

 

During this time period she built strong relationships with Republicans in the Alaska legislature, with some detractors calling her a "Democrat in name only." This left her well positioned to change her party affiliation and run for Lieutenant Governor of Alaska in 2010. Arguing that the Democratic Party had left her behind rather than the other way around, Holly's criticism of the federal government under Obama and concerns federal regulations were jeopardizing the future of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline resonated with Republican voters. Ultimately, Holly won the Republican primary and became the running mate of incumbent Governor Sean Parnell, who was seeking election to a full term after succeeding to the office in 2009. The Parnell-Hawthorne ticket went on to win the general election that November by more than twenty percentage points.

 

In 2014, Holly ran to challenge incumbent Senator Mark Begich, a Democrat, to represent Alaska in the United States Senate. She ran a campaign based on typical Tea Party themes of the era, including supporting pro-life and socially conservative causes, repealing and replacing ObamaCare, tax reform, and balancing the budget, along with the traditional Alaskan emphasis on energy policy and an emphasis on her military service. Ultimately she came up short in a three-way race that saw former Alaska Attorney General and Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Dan Sullivan, a fellow veteran, go on to face and defeat Begich that November. The following year, the Republican Party of Alaska elected Holly to serve as National Committeewoman to the Republican National Committee.

 

In 2017, President Donald Trump nominated Holly to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Canada, with rumors she had been recommended by former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. Following her confirmation by the Senate, Holly became the first woman to serve as Ambassador to Canada. As Ambassador, she played a key role in the Trump administration's efforts to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which would go on to be replaced by the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA).

 

It was Holly's work on fulfilling one of Trump's key campaign promises that saw her nominated to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations to replace outgoing Ambassador Nikki Haley, following Trump's initial choice, Heather Nauert, withdrawing herself from consideration amidst criticism. Holly's work at the UN included support for Israel and the process of normalization with its Arab neighbors through the Abraham Accords, criticism of the UN Human Rights Council and the UN's disregard for Venezuelan and Iranian human rights abuses, and outspoken support for Taiwan and closer U.S. engagement with Taiwan. The latter made her, along with 27 other U.S. officials, the target of Chinese sanctions announced on the last day of the Trump administration.

 

Ahead of the 2022 election, the Alaska Republican Party had voted to censure incumbent Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski for her hostility to the Trump administration, a new chapter in Murkowski's longtime battles with the state party and conservative activists. Both the Alaska GOP and President Trump had vowed to recruit a primary challenger for Murkowski and after the Trump administration officially came to an end, rumors quickly began to circulate that Holly would get into the race.

 

In March 2021, Holly announced her candidacy for the U.S. Senate. Moving on from her failed Tea Party campaign in 2014, after her service in the Trump administration Holly rebranded herself as an America First populist — though she continued to support cuts to spending and taxes, along with added focus on jobs, housing, and parental rights in education. She contrasted her consistent conservatism with Murkowski, whom she portrayed as "a donkey in elephant's clothing." Murkowski, in turn, highlighted that Holly had actually been a Democrat in the Alaska House, but this attack was blunted by her service in the Trump administration, Trump's opposition to Murkowski, and the support of the Freedom Caucus in Congress. The two advanced to the general election under Alaska's new ranked choice voting system, and the race remained close to the very end. Holly narrowly defeated Murkowski on Election Day, succeeding where other Republican challengers had fallen short and scoring a major victory for the Freedom Caucus. She is expected to be a reliable and outspoken America First voice in the Senate.

 

Holly and her husband Jeremy continue to reside in Utqiaġvik, where Jeremy works as a detective for the North Shore Borough Police Department. Their children, now teenagers, are students at Barrow High School. Holly leads an active lifestyle, with a particular enjoyment of hiking and snowboarding, as well as being a hockey fan. She is also a gun owner and enjoys hunting. She's known for her fondness for vodka and craft beers, and has been a longtime paleo diet enthusiast. She and her family are active in the Utqiaġvik Presbyterian Church, which has served the community since 1899, and they are also active in local charity and community service projects.

 

Points

 

Gender: Female (5 points)

Age: 40-44 years old (10 points)

Sexuality: Straight, married with < 3 children (-5 points)

Race/Ancestry: Biracial (5 points, average of Asian/Pacific Islander and White)

Religion: Evangelical or Mainline Protestant (0 points)

Education: College Degree at Public University (0 points)

Family History: Middle Class (0 points)

Career Information:

• Enlisted Military (0 points)
• Nurse (5 points)
• State Political Staffer (5 points)
• Foreign Service, well known in field (40 points)

Political Experience:

• State Legislature, Lower House: 2 terms (2 points)
• Lieutenant Governor: 1 term (8 points)
• Cabinet: 1 term (15 points)

Awards and Extras: Major Military Award, Non-Medal of Honor (10 points)

Total: 100 points

Signing out

Richard Baudin @Baudin is elected by acclamation.

Lucille McGillicuddy @John E is elected by acclamation.

Michael Madison @SWMissourian is elected by acclamation.

Robert Kessler @Conrad is elected by acclamation.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

 

Mr. Kaplan (for himself, with thanks to Ms. Foxx) introduced the following bill

 

A BILL

 

To amend title X of the Public Health Service Act to prohibit family planning grants from being awarded to any entity that performs abortions, and for other purposes.

 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

 

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the “Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act”.

 

SEC. 2. PROHIBITION ON ABORTION.

Title X of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

 

“SEC. 1009. ADDITIONAL PROHIBITION REGARDING ABORTION.

“(a) Prohibition.—The Secretary shall not provide any assistance under this title to an entity unless the entity certifies that, during the period of such assistance, the entity will not perform, and will not provide any funds to any other entity that performs, an abortion.

 

“(b) Exception.—Subsection (a) does not apply with respect to an abortion where—

“(1) the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest; or

“(2) a physician certifies that the woman suffers from a physical disorder, physical injury, or physical illness that would place the woman in danger of death unless an abortion is performed, including a life-threatening physical condition caused by or arising from the pregnancy itself.

 

“(c) Hospitals.—Subsection (a) does not apply with respect to a hospital, so long as such hospital does not, during the period of assistance described in subsection (a), provide funds to any non-hospital entity that performs an abortion (other than an abortion described in subsection (b)).

 

“(d) Annual Report.—Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of the Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act, and annually thereafter, for the fiscal year involved, the Secretary shall submit a report to the Congress containing—

“(1) a list of each entity receiving a grant under this title;

“(2) for each such entity performing abortions under the exceptions described in subsection (b)—

“(A) the total number of such abortions;

“(B) the number of such abortions where the pregnancy is the result of rape;

“(C) the number of such abortions where the pregnancy is the result of incest; and

“(D) the number of such abortions where a physician provides a certification described in subsection (b)(2);

“(3) a statement of the date of the latest certification under subsection (a) for each entity receiving a grant under this title; and

“(4) a list of each entity to which an entity described in paragraph (1) makes available funds received through a grant under this title.

 

“(e) Definitions.—In this section:

“(1) The term ‘entity’ means the entire legal entity, including any entity that controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with such entity.

“(2) The term ‘hospital’ has the meaning given to such term in section 1861(e) of the Social Security Act.”.

 

Plain English Summary

 

This bill prohibits the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) from awarding family planning grants to entities that perform abortions or provide funding to other entities that perform abortions. To receive a grant, an entity must certify it will refrain from those activities during the grant period.

 

The bill provides exceptions for abortions (1) in cases of rape or incest; or (2) when the life of the woman is in danger due to a physical disorder, injury, or illness. It also exempts hospitals unless they provide funds to non-hospital entities that provide abortions.

 

HHS must report annually on this prohibition.