Press
SHAHEEN STATEMENT ON SENATE BUDGET VOTE
(WASHINGTON, DC) - U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) released the following statement on Senate passage of a fiscal year 2016 budget: "The Senate Republican budget is out of touch with the values of middle class families in New Hampshire. It fails to address urgent problems facing our economy, like job creation, student loan debt or our declining infrastructure, while making cuts to vital programs for seniors and families working hard to get ahead. In addition, this budget does nothing to repl… Continue Reading
March 26, 2015
SENATE EXPRESSES SUPPORT FOR SHAHEEN PROVISION TO END DISCRIMINATION AGAINST SAME-SEX MILITARY COUPLES
(WASHINGTON, DC) - This evening the United States Senate passed a budget amendment introduced by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Patty Murray (D-WA) that supports ending a discriminatory statute that limits Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits for same-sex couples. Currently, families in states where same-sex marriages are not recognized remain ineligible for certain VA benefits. The amendment also supports extending Social Security benefits to same-sex coupl… Continue Reading
March 26, 2015
SHAHEEN INTRODUCES AMENDMENT TO BAR LGBT DISCRIMINATION IN JURY SELECTION
(WASHINGTON, DC) - U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) has introduced a budget amendment that would prevent discrimination against LGBT citizens during the federal jury selection process. The legislation, which was introduced as standalone legislation with Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) earlier this year, would prohibit striking jurors in federal courts on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. "Every citizen has the right and responsibility to take part in our judicial system and sit… Continue Reading
March 26, 2015
SHAHEEN INTRODUCES BUDGET AMENDMENT TO COMBAT HEROIN ADDICTION
(WASHINGTON, DC) - U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) yesterday introduced an amendment to the Senate fiscal year 2016 federal budget that would create a deficit-neutral reserve fund to address the growing heroin addiction epidemic. The fund would be used to combat heroin addiction by supporting prevention, enforcement, interdiction and recovery efforts across the country. According to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (NHDHHS), the number of people admitted to state trea… Continue Reading
March 25, 2015
SHAHEEN INTRODUCES BUDGET AMENDMENTS TO REFORM WASTEFUL AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS, SAVE TAXPAYERS MONEY
(WASHINGTON, DC) - As the U.S. Senate debates its fiscal year 2016 federal budget, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) has introduced two amendments to reform wasteful and unnecessary subsidy programs that waste millions in taxpayer dollars. Shaheen's first amendment introduced with Senator Mark Kirk (R-IL) reforms the federal sugar price support program, saving consumers billions and reducing the risk of taxpayer-funded bailouts of the sugar industry. Shaheen's second amendment, which mirrors a … Continue Reading
March 25, 2015
RUBIO, SHAHEEN, AYOTTE INTRODUCE RESOLUTION URGING IRS TO PROVIDE TAXPAYERS WITH PRINTED MATERIALS NEEDED TO FILE THEIR TAXES
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) today introduced a resolution urging the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to provide taxpayers in Florida, New Hampshire and around the country with the printed materials needed to file their taxes correctly and on time. The resolution comes in response to constituents who have traditionally relied on printed copies of the IRS' Publication 17, which provides instructions for most people filing taxes… Continue Reading
March 23, 2015
DELEGATION ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FOR NEW HAMPSHIRE’S MAJOR DISASTER DECLARATION
(WASHINGTON, DC) - Today, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) and Representatives Annie Kuster (NH-2) and Frank Guinta (NH-1) wrote to President Barack Obama in support of Governor Maggie Hassan's request for a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of New Hampshire following the damage and costs caused by a snowstorm in January. The costs associated with the January storm exceeded $3.29 million. "The magnitude of the response required by this blizzard is such that an … Continue Reading
March 21, 2015
Shaheen Statement on Passing of Major General John Blatsos
U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) released the following statement on the passing of New Hampshire Guardsman, leader, and former Adjutant General (TAG), Major General John Blatsos: "Major General John Blatsos was a dedicated leader who made invaluable contributions to the New Hampshire National Guard, our state and country. I was saddened to hear of John's passing and my thoughts are with his friends and family."… Continue Reading
March 19, 2015
SHAHEEN INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO REAUTHORIZE EXPORT-IMPORT BANK
(Washington, DC) - Today U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen introduced legislation to expand and improve the Export-Import Bank to help small businesses sell their products overseas. The Promoting U.S. Jobs through Exports Act of 2015 would provide long term certainty for small businesses by extending the Export-Import Bank through 2022, continuing the bank's ability to provide businesses with tools they need to compete in the global marketplace and create American jobs. "Boosting export opportunities… Continue Reading
March 19, 2015
RUBIO, SHAHEEN INTRODUCE THE GIRLS COUNT ACT
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee On Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights, And Global Women's Issues, and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) today re-introduced the Girls Count Act, a bill directing current U.S. foreign assistance programming to provide assistance to support the rights of women and girls in developing countries by working to establish birth registries in their countries. Ru… Continue Reading
March 19, 2015
SHAHEEN TO SECRET SERVICE DIRECTOR CLANCY: AGENCY CULTURE MUST CHANGE TO “REBUILD THE TRUST OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE”
(WASHINGTON, DC) - Today U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on the Department of Homeland Security, questioned Secret Service Director Joseph Clancy at a subcommittee hearing on how the Secret Service can improve its operations following several recent, high profile lapses in security. Shaheen noted that in addition to operational adjustments, there must be a change in the culture at the Secret Service which many view as "broken." Shahee… Continue Reading
March 19, 2015
SHAHEEN RENEWS EFFORT TO HELP STUDENTS REFINANCE LOANS
(WASHINGTON, DC) - Yesterday U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) cosponsored the Bank on Students Emergency Loan Refinancing Act, legislation that was reintroduced to allow those with outstanding student loan debt to refinance at lower interest rates offered to new borrowers in the 2013-2014 school year. New Hampshire ranks first in the country in average debt per graduate, at nearly $33,000, and according to estimates, nearly 130,000 New Hampshire residents could benefit from this bill. "Throug… Continue Reading
March 17, 2015
SHAHEEN STATEMENT ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING VOTE
(WASHINGTON, DC) - U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) released the following statement after human trafficking legislation did not advance in the Senate: "Human trafficking is too important an issue to be stalled because of unrelated measures aimed at restricting women's access to healthcare. I'm disappointed that partisan language was inserted in this bill that could lead to a dramatic and unprecedented restriction on abortion coverage in the future. We ought to remove that controversial langu… Continue Reading
March 16, 2015
SHAHEEN HIGHLIGHTS IMPORTANCE OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT INVESTMENTS AT GRAND OPENING OF HAYSEED RESTAURANT
(HAMPTON, NH) - U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) today highlighted the importance of federal efforts to help New Hampshire small businesses grow and create jobs in rural Granite State communities at the grand opening of the Hayseed Restaurant at Smuttynose Brewing Company in Hampton. At the grand opening, Shaheen and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director Ted Brady announced a new $500,000 loan to the Coastal Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) to h… Continue Reading
March 13, 2015
SHAHEEN HOSTS ROUNDTABLE WITH NEW HAMPSHIRE LAW ENFORCEMENT AND CRISIS PROFESSIONALS ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING
(MANCHESTER, NH) - U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) this afternoon hosted a roundtable at the Manchester Police Department with several law enforcement officials and crisis professionals for a discussion on the prevalence of human trafficking in New Hampshire. The coalition also discussed best ways to combat trafficking in the state and support survivors, including through Shaheen's recently introduced legislation. Shaheen was joined this afternoon by Manchester Police Chief David Mara and Sgt… Continue Reading
March 11, 2015
SHAHEEN AND PORTMAN RENEW EFFORTS TO CREATE NATIONAL ENERGY STRATEGY
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) will today renew their push for a national energy efficiency strategy by introducing an updated version of the Portman-Shaheen Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act (ESIC). The legislation has received widespread support from both Democrats and Republicans as well as industry leaders, energy-efficiency advocates and environmental stakeholders because it reduces pollution, saves consumers money and creat… Continue Reading
March 11, 2015
SHAHEEN QUESTIONS TOP MILITARY OFFICIALS, SECRETARY OF STATE ON AUTHORIZATION OF MILITARY FORCE AGAINST ISIS
(Washington, DC) - This morning at a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) questioned top military and Administration officials on the President's request for an Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS). Shaheen, who supported a December authorization, called on Secretary of State John Kerry, Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey to assu… Continue Reading
March 10, 2015
SHAHEEN HONORS SLAIN NEW HAMPSHIRE CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVIST JONATHAN DANIELS ON SENATE FLOOR
(Washington, DC) - This evening, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) honored the life of Jonathan Daniels, a New Hampshire civil rights activist from Keene, who was killed in Fort Deposit, Alabama defending a fellow civil rights activist 50 years ago. Shaheen's remarks as prepared for delivery are included below: Tuesday, March 10, 2015 Jonathan Daniels Remembrance Mr. President, as we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery Voting Rights March this month, I rise to hon… Continue Reading
March 10, 2015
SHAHEEN STATEMENT ON REINTRODUCTION OF INTERNET SALES TAX LEGISLATION
(Washington, DC) - U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) released the following statement after a coalition of Senators reintroduced legislation that would impose a sales tax on online sales: "This online sales tax proposal would hurt New Hampshire businesses by imposing new and unnecessary regulations and red tape. Forcing New Hampshire retailers to collect taxes for other states with no benefit to our state will result in serious economic consequences, and I will fight this proposal at every opp… Continue Reading
March 10, 2015
SHAHEEN STATEMENT ON SENATE LETTER TO IRAN
(Washington, DC) - U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) released the following statement after a coalition of Senators yesterday sent an open letter to the Islamic Republic of Iran: "For more than half a century our foreign policy has been driven by the idea that partisan politics stops at the water's edge and I was disappointed to see this bedrock principle of our democracy compromised yesterday. This letter represented an unprecedented and dangerous attempt to undermine sensitive negotiations t… Continue Reading
