Press Office of Cliff Fleming (R-AL)

[Starnes]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New Healthcare Legislation Introduced in Senate: The COMPASSION Act

Washington, D.C. - 

Senator Fleming has introduced groundbreaking legislation aimed at reforming the American healthcare system. Titled the "Changing Obamacare and Medicare to Make Premiums Affordable and Save States by Investing in Our Nation" or the COMPASSION Act, this comprehensive bill seeks to address the pressing need for true, conservative, free-market reforms to ensure access to affordable healthcare for all Americans.

 

The COMPASSION Act reflects a commitment to empowering individuals and states while promoting choice, affordability, and innovation in healthcare. The bill comprises five key titles, each addressing critical aspects of the current healthcare landscape:

• Title I: Repeal of the Affordable Care Act This title focuses on repealing provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) related to federal mandates and requirements, redirecting associated funding to a general fund while preserving states' ability to implement their own healthcare solutions.
• Title II: Health Insurance Portability The COMPASSION Act rescinds burdensome mandates on employers and restores pre-ACA protections for individuals switching healthcare plans, promoting greater flexibility and choice in the healthcare marketplace.
• Title III: Guaranteed Coverage Pools (GCP) This title aims to reorganize ACA subsidies into bloc grants for states, enabling them to establish Guaranteed Coverage Pools with greater flexibility and tailored solutions to address the needs of their populations.
• Title IV: Expanded Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) The COMPASSION Act expands access to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), making contributions and interest non-taxable, removing restrictions, and raising contribution limits to empower individuals to take control of their healthcare expenses.
• Title V: Medicaid for the 21st Century In response to evolving healthcare needs, this title institutes reforms to Medicaid, including a phase-out of Medicaid expansion, implementation of per-capita grants, and provision of "Compassionate Grants" to states to supplement low-income healthcare needs.

Senator Fleming expressed optimism about the COMPASSION Act, stating, "This legislation represents a bold step towards a more patient-centered, affordable healthcare system that prioritizes individual choice and state flexibility. By harnessing the power of free-market principles and innovation, we can ensure that all Americans have access to quality healthcare that meets their needs."

 

The introduction of the COMPASSION Act marks a significant milestone in the evolving debate over healthcare reform, signaling the first attempt at providing market-driven solutions to address the challenges facing the American healthcare system.

[Starnes]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New Legislation Introduced to Revolutionize Infrastructure Funding: The Infrastructure Bank for America Act

Washington, D.C. - Senator Fleming has introduced landmark legislation aimed at transforming infrastructure funding and driving economic growth across the nation. Titled the Infrastructure Bank for America Act, this comprehensive bill establishes the Infrastructure Bank Holding Company (IBHC) and the Infrastructure Bank for America to provide crucial financing for infrastructure projects.

The Infrastructure Bank for America Act addresses the pressing need for innovative solutions to fund infrastructure development, which is vital for maintaining and enhancing the nation's economic competitiveness and quality of life. Key provisions of the bill include:

• Establishment of the Infrastructure Bank Holding Company (IBHC) and the Infrastructure Bank for America: These entities will provide direct loans and loan guarantees for revenue-producing infrastructure projects, with a specific allocation of at least 7% for projects in rural areas.

• Oversight and Supervisory Authority: The Federal Reserve System will provide oversight and supervisory authority over the IBHC and the bank, ensuring accountability and sound financial management. The Department of the Treasury will oversee the issuance of bonds by the IBHC and the bank.

• Infrastructure Guarantee Fund: The bill mandates the establishment of an Infrastructure Guarantee Fund to cover loans and loan guarantees in the event of nonpayment, providing added security for investors and lenders.

• Tax Incentives and Credits: Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code will incentivize investment in holding company bonds and provide a new infrastructure bank holding company credit, encouraging private sector participation in infrastructure financing.

• Sale of Distressed Notes by the Department of Agriculture: The bill directs the Department of Agriculture to sell certain distressed notes, with proceeds allocated for infrastructure projects in low-income communities and deficit reduction.

• Expedited Federal Permitting for Appalachian Regional Energy Hub Projects: The Department of Energy and the Department of Commerce are authorized to designate Appalachian regional energy hub projects as critical infrastructure, eligible for expedited federal permitting.

• Outcome-Based Performance Standards: The Department of Transportation will identify and replace prescriptive requirements with outcome-based performance standards, streamlining regulations and promoting efficiency.

Senator Fleming emphasized the importance of public-private cooperation in addressing the nation's infrastructure needs, stating, "The Infrastructure Bank for America Act represents a bold step towards revitalizing our infrastructure and fueling economic growth. By leveraging public and private sector resources, we can modernize our infrastructure networks and create jobs while ensuring a brighter future for all Americans."

[Starnes]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Republican Senate Minority Leader Cliff Fleming Condemns Democrats' Attempt to Invoke Nuclear Option on Supreme Court Nominations

Washington D.C. - Today, as Senate Minority Leader representing the the tens of millions of Americans who are Conservatives, I stand before you to express my profound dismay at the reckless actions of Senate Democrats in their attempt to invoke the nuclear option on Supreme Court nominations.

 

In the wake of the failure of cloture for Judge Paul Watford's nomination not once, but twice, Senate Democrats have chosen to abandon the longstanding tradition of bipartisanship and cooperation in favor of a partisan power grab. Their proposal to change the Senate rules to eliminate the filibuster for Supreme Court nominations is a blatant disregard for the principles of our democracy and the checks and balances that are essential to its functioning.

 

The filibuster has long served as a crucial safeguard against the tyranny of the majority, ensuring that nominees to our nation's highest court receive thorough and deliberate consideration. By attempting to dismantle this longstanding tradition, Senate Democrats are setting a dangerous precedent that threatens the integrity of our judicial system and undermines the will of the American people.

 

Even Democratic President Xiomara de la Cruz herself pledged to be a leader for all Americans, to listen to their concerns, and to work tirelessly on their behalf. Yet, her party's push for the nuclear option on Supreme Court nominations flies in the face of these promises. Instead of fostering unity and cooperation, Senate Democrats are choosing to pursue a path of division and partisanship that will only further erode trust in our institutions.

 

I urge moderate Democrats to stand firm to their principles and reject this reckless attempt being spearheaded by the radical progressives in the Democrat Party. Now is the time for Democrats and Republicans alike to come together in defense of our democratic institutions and the rule of law. Let us work together in good faith to find a solution that respects the traditions of the Senate and ensures that qualified nominees to the Supreme Court receive the fair consideration they deserve.

Edited April 16 by Starnes

[Starnes]

My Agenda Moving Forward: Advancing American Priorities

1. National Security and Foreign Policy:

• Combatting Terrorism: Strengthen our resolve to eliminate ISIS and other extremist threats by investing in our military capabilities and working closely with our allies in the Middle East.
• Support for Allies: Continue to stand firmly with our closest allies, particularly Israel, in their fight against terrorism and regional threats.
• Iran Deal: Oppose and withdraw from flawed agreements like the Iran deal, while taking decisive actions to prevent Iran's nuclear ambitions and sponsorship of terrorism.

2. Immigration and Border Security:

• Border Security: Implement comprehensive measures to secure our borders, including the construction of physical barriers, enhanced technological surveillance, and increased funding for border enforcement agencies like ICE.
• Merit-Based Immigration: Reform our immigration system to prioritize skilled workers and streamline deportation procedures for illegal immigrants, while also investing in efficient immigration courts to address backlog issues.
• E-Verify: Mandate the use of E-Verify by all American companies to ensure a legal workforce and prevent exploitation of undocumented labor.

 

3. Economic Prosperity:

• Tax Reform: Pursue tax cuts for individuals and businesses, simplify the tax code, and incentivize domestic investment to stimulate economic growth and job creation.
• Regulatory Reform: Roll back burdensome regulations on businesses and entrepreneurs, promoting innovation and entrepreneurship while ensuring environmental protections.
• Infrastructure Investment: Allocate significant funds to revitalize and modernize our infrastructure, creating jobs and improving transportation networks across the country.

 

4. Healthcare Reform:

• Obamacare Repeal: Repeal and replace Obamacare with market-driven solutions that empower individuals, reduce costs, and protect access for those with pre-existing conditions.
• FDA Reform: Streamline the FDA approval process for drugs and medical devices, promoting innovation and reducing healthcare costs.
• Medicare and Social Security Protection: Defend Medicare and Social Security from cuts or trust fund raiding to pay for pricey Democrat social experiments, ensuring the security of these vital programs for current and future generations.

 

5. Energy Independence:

• Energy Exploration: Expand domestic energy production through responsible exploration of oil, natural gas, and other resources, reducing dependence on foreign sources.
• Investment in Innovation: Promote research and development in clean energy technologies, while also supporting traditional energy sectors like coal and nuclear power.
• Export Opportunities: Open new markets for American energy exports, bolstering our economy and strengthening our geopolitical influence.

 

6. Government Accountability:

• Corruption Reform: Crack down on government corruption and special interest influence, implementing strict ethics reforms and ending the influence of Deep State electeds.
• Transparency: Increase transparency in campaign finance and lobbying activities, ensuring accountability and integrity in our political system from the predations of the Left through agencies such as the IRS.
• Judicial Oversight: Nominate and confirm judges who uphold the Constitution and respect the rule of law, safeguarding our fundamental freedoms and liberties.

 

7. Education and Family Values:

• School Choice: Support initiatives that empower parents with educational options, including charter schools, vouchers, and homeschooling.
• Family Support: Invest in childcare programs and after-school activities to support working families and strengthen communities, preventing the need for the use of medical alternatives for pregnancies to bring unborn lives to an end.
• Pro-Life Policies: Protect the sanctity of life by opposing taxpayer funding for abortion and promoting alternatives like adoption and foster care.

 

This agenda reflects a commitment to conservative principles such as limited government, free-market economics, national security, and traditional values, while also addressing pressing issues facing the nation.

[Starnes]

Senator Cliff Fleming Introduces Comprehensive Legislation to Enhance National Security and Protect American Jobs

Washington, D.C. — Today, Senator Cliff Fleming (R-AL) introduced the "Immigration Security and American Job Protection Act of 2017," a critical legislative package aimed at strengthening national security through enhanced scrutiny of immigrants from high-terror risk areas and protecting American jobs with mandatory E-Verify measures. This bill marks a significant step forward in securing the United States' borders and ensuring the economic well-being of American workers.

 

The legislation was prompted by growing concerns and continued inaction by the White House and Senate Democrats over national security and the need for more effective immigration controls. "As we face evolving threats from abroad, it is imperative that our immigration policies keep pace with the challenges," stated Senator Fleming. "This bill will fortify our borders, enhance our vetting processes, and protect American jobs, ensuring that our nation remains safe and prosperous."

 

Acknowledgments:

Senator Fleming extends his gratitude to his colleagues who have supported this vital legislation: Senators Roy, Lee, Van Horn, Rollins, and Atkins. Their commitment to national security and job protection underscores the critical need and public demand for pragmatic and effective solutions to the challenges facing our immigration system.

 

Key Features of the Legislation:

• Enhanced Vetting Procedures: The bill mandates rigorous screening protocols for individuals from regions with significant terrorist activities. These measures include comprehensive background checks, biometric data analysis, and in-person interviews.

• Temporary Travel Ban: To facilitate the implementation of these new vetting procedures, the legislation imposes a 180-day travel ban on all entries to the United States from high-terror risk areas as defined in the Act.

• Securing American Borders: The bill outlines the creation of new border security infrastructure and the hiring of additional immigration judges and support staff to expedite asylum processing.

• Mandatory E-Verify: To protect American workers, the bill requires all employers to use the E-Verify system to confirm the employment eligibility of their employees.

• Asylum Processing Reforms: The establishment of regional processing centers will streamline the management of asylum requests, ensuring faster and more efficient processing while maintaining stringent security checks.

Addressing Inaction by the Administration:

Senator Fleming criticized the current administration under President Murphy for its lack of action and continuous push for policies that jeopardize national security and economic stability. "While the President insists on complete and total amnesty, which undermines our legal system and compromises our security, this legislation offers a balanced approach that upholds the rule of law and respects the dignity of those seeking to come to America legally," Fleming added.

[Starnes]

Senator Fleming Introduces the "Protection from Unfair Mismanagement at the Pump Act" to Reform American Energy Policies
 

Washington, D.C. — Today, Senator Fleming introduced a pivotal piece of legislation aimed at overhauling the United States' petrochemical industry regulations. The proposed "Protection from Unfair Mismanagement at the Pump Act" (PUMP Act) seeks to implement free-market reforms that promise to enhance competition, reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens, and strengthen the nation's energy independence.

 

The PUMP Act addresses several critical areas in the petrochemical sector:

• Streamlining of Permitting Processes: The Act proposes significant modifications to current permitting processes under the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), reducing the federal footprint in oil and gas drilling operations where less than 50% of the minerals are federally owned, thereby expediting energy production.
• Combating Oil Cartels: In an unprecedented move, the Act amends the Sherman Act to outlaw any foreign state or entity's involvement in oil-producing cartels that manipulate market conditions in the United States. This amendment aims to protect American consumers from artificially inflated prices due to restrictive foreign trade practices.
• Ending Sovereign Immunity in Oil Cartel Cases: The legislation removes barriers that have historically protected foreign oil cartels from U.S. legal action, ensuring that these entities can be held accountable for actions that harm U.S. consumers and the economy.
• Promoting Domestic Energy Production: By incorporating the American Energy First Act and the ONSHORE Act, the PUMP Act facilitates a surge in domestic energy production, reducing America's reliance on unstable foreign oil sources.
• Upholding Democratic Energy Practices: The Act reinforces the principle that any significant federal actions, such as moratoriums on hydraulic fracturing or leasing in sensitive areas like the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, should receive direct congressional approval.

"Today, we take a stand against the unfair practices and regulations that have not only stifled our economic growth but have also placed an undue burden on the American people," said Senator Fleming. "The PUMP Act is about ensuring fair play in the energy market, protecting consumer interests, and securing America's energy future."

 

The introduction of the PUMP Act marks a significant, actionable step towards reasserting American leadership in global energy markets while prioritizing the economic well-being of American consumers and businesses.

Edited Monday at 07:06 PM by Starnes