Rob Portman

Portman: Paducah Agreement Underscores Need for Advancement of American Centrifuge Project

Tue, 15 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) today issued the following statement on the Department of Energy’s agreement to extend operations at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant for one year:

"Today's announcement by the Department of Energy will prevent the impending closure of the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant, the only means our nation has for providing the fuel for the production of tritium, which is required for our nuclear determent. This agreement, however, will only maintain operations at Paducah for one additional year. The American Centrifuge Project is the only long-term option available to us that will fulfill national security requirements. With this agreement out of the way, I call on Secretary Chu to renew his efforts on ACP, before funding runs out after May 31st."

Toledo Blade Supports Portman's Efforts To Stop Asian Carp

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Toledo Blade has issued its second editorial this month in support of Senator Rob Portman’s bipartisan legislation to prevent Asian carp and other invasive species from entering the Great Lakes.

Portman’s Stop Invasive Species Act requires the speedy creation of an action plan to block Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes through a number of rivers and tributaries across the Great Lakes region.

Article is included below. Actual article can be found here.

The Toledo Blade

Urgency Needed on Carp

By Editorial Board

May 13, 2012

Cajolery by Congress finally has persuaded the sluggish U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that the growing threat Asian carp pose to the Great Lakes' $7 billion fishery deserves more urgency. But it's still not enough.

The Corps said last week it will lay out its long-awaited plan of attack in late 2013, two years earlier than its original deadline. Congress then would choose which options to pay for.

Great Lakes scientists say that preventing a carp invasion will require separating the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins. A study for the Great Lakes Commission estimates the cost at $9.5 billion, on a par with some of the nation's most expensive highway construction projects.

The Corps has spent $150 million on temporary measures, notably an electrical barrier near Chicago. It may promote a more-modest permanent fix, such as the introduction of targeted poisons before carp close in on Lake Michigan.

Residents near Lake Erie's western basin have a huge stake in the debate. The basin is leader for fishing and spawning, a hub of the Great Lakes' $16 billion recreational boating industry, and a prime source of other tourism spending.

The Corps' new timetable still isn't aggressive enough. Even then, the Corps acted only after it was barraged with complaints by lawmakers and those who make their livelihood from the lakes.

Congress should have gotten a status update from the Corps long before now. Asian carp are wreaking havoc on North America's ecosystem. The invasive fish have been migrating north along the Mississippi River since at least 1993.

The Obama Administration must provide stronger leadership to prevent the Corps from returning to its slow-walking pace and to persuade Congress to commit itself to a prompt remedy. The politics are intense, reflected in a standoff between Illinois and the rest of the Great Lakes region that led to intervention by the Supreme Court.

The issue could become a crisis if the temporary barrier near Chicago fails to turn carp away. Plans for a permanent barrier at Fort Wayne, Ind., in Eagle Marsh -- which links the carp-infested Wabash River with the Maumee River -- are to be announced this summer.

Great Lakes lawmakers, including Ohio Sen. Rob Portman, properly continue to seek a more-expedient review by the Corps. President Obama needs to run the risk of alienating high-powered Chicago politicians who don't want the watersheds separated. It's time to act.

E&E: Bipartisan Bill Picks Up Support From Manufacturers

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

E&E

Bipartisan Bill Picks Up Support From Manufacturers

By Nick Juliano, E&E reporter

Monday, May 14, 2012

A bipartisan energy-efficiency bill that is seen as one of the few genuine prospects for congressional action this year has picked up influential support from a prominent trade association, according to a letter released today.

The National Association of Manufacturers is the latest industry group backing the efficiency bill, S. 1000, sponsored by Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio), joining the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and nearly 150 other businesses, trade associations and pro-efficiency groups.

The bill has been stalled since being voted out of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee last summer, although its bipartisan pedigree and industry support lead observers to mark it as perhaps the only significant energy legislation that could pass the sharply divided Congress.

"S. 1000 is incentive-based, mandate-free legislation that enjoys broad support in the Senate and in the business community," wrote Ross Eisenberg, NAM's vice president for energy and resources policy, in the letter dated Thursday to Shaheen and Portman that the senators released today.

"This bipartisan legislation would positively impact manufacturing and construction jobs and increase the energy security of the United States by reducing overall energy consumption and I am hopeful it will soon be considered by the full Senate," Eisenberg added.

A Shaheen spokesman said the NAM letter demonstrates continued interest from industry in efforts to boost energy efficiency but does not fundamentally change the landscape around the bill. Energy and Natural Resources voted 18-3 in July to send the bill to the floor, but it remains unclear when it would be taken up by the full chamber, the spokesman said.

Among other measures, the bill would strengthen voluntary business codes and establish a revolving loan fund to boost efficiency at manufacturing facilities.

"Technologies produced by U.S. companies that reduce energy consumption are readily available today, and S. 1000 reduces barriers to their implementation," Eisenberg wrote. "This legislation advances important public policy priorities through utilization of private sector energy solutions in the public and private sector."

A similar House bill sponsored by Reps. Charles Bass (R-N.H.) and Jim Matheson (D-Utah) has seen no action since its introduction in February.

Chip Yost, an assistant vice president at NAM, said in an interview that the association's members are keen to see the bills pass because they have been manufacturing energy-efficient products and trying to reduce their own energy use to save money. He said NAM would continue to press members in visits to Capitol Hill throughout the year to urge support for the legislation.

While efficiency upgrades often save a company money, it is a struggle to pay the up-front costs of performing retrofits, and that is an area where the efficiency legislation would be particularly helpful, Yost said.

"I think the barriers for these are always how do you pay for it," he added.

National Association of Manufacturers Support Shaheen-Portman Energy Efficiency Legislation

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), the largest industrial trade association in the U.S., representing over 13,000 small, medium and large manufacturers, is supporting the Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act (S. 1000), authored by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Rob Portman (R-OH). The Shaheen-Portman bill would establish a national energy efficiency strategy to increase the use of existing energy efficiency technologies in the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors of our economy.

“S. 1000 is incentive-based, mandate-free legislation that enjoys broad support in the Senate and in the business community,” said Ross Eisenberg, NAM’s Vice President, Energy and Resources Policy in a letter to Shaheen and Portman. “This bipartisan legislation would positively impact manufacturing and construction jobs and increase the energy security of the United States by reducing overall energy consumption and I am hopeful it will soon be considered by the full Senate.”

“Technologies produced by U.S. companies that reduce energy consumption are readily available today, and S. 1000 reduces barriers to their implementation,” he added.

Introduced last May, the legislation has garnered national support from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and nearly 150 businesses, trade associations, and efficiency advocates.

Last July, S. 1000 passed the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee with strong bipartisan support by a vote of 18 to 3. Representatives Charles Bass (R-New Hampshire) and Jim Matheson (D-Utah) recently introduced similar legislation, the Smart Energy Act, in the House of Representatives.

Rob's Rundown: Week of May 7 - May 11

Fri, 11 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

Following on the heels of legislation introduced by Sens. Portman and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) last month requiring the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to finalize a full plan to prevent Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes, the Corps has announced their decision to release an interim assessment on what they consider to be their best options. Improved direction from the Corps is certainly needed, but so is the commitment to an accelerated timeline for the release of a final action plan for stopping invasive species. The fishing industry pumps $7 billion into the economies of the Great Lakes states and supports 100,000 jobs in Ohio.

Portman’s bill, the Stop Invasive Species Act, is supported by the Great Lakes Commission, The Great Lakes Fishery Commission, Alliance for the Great Lakes, Healing our Waters Coalition, National Wildlife Federation and Trout Unlimited.

On Thursday, Portman introduced legislation to install a plaque or inscription at the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. with the words that President Franklin D. Roosevelt prayed with the nation on June 6, 1944, the morning of D-Day. The World War II Memorial Prayer Act of 2012 ensures that FDR’s prayer will become a permanent reminder of the sacrifice of those who fought in World War II, and of the power of prayer through difficult times. A companion bill, led by Ohio Rep. Bill Johnson, was passed by the House of Representatives earlier this year.

Also on Thursday, Sens. Portman and Joe Manchin (D-WV) introduced bipartisan legislation authorizing the U.S. Mint to create a commemorative coin in recognition of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. The proceeds from the commemorative coin will be used to support the Hall of Fame’s efforts to preserve and acquire memorabilia from one of America’s most popular sports. Canton, Ohio is the proud birthplace of pro football as the American Professional Football League, which later became the NFL. The Buckeye State is home to 23 Hall of Famers. The bill does not come at a cost to taxpayers.

On Tuesday, Portman met with Lieutenant General Janet Wolfenbarger to discuss the importance of ensuring that the Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) headquartered at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton continues its vital role in developing and procuring our Air Force weapon systems. Portman was proud to vote in the Senate to confirm Lt. Gen. Wolfenbarger, a native of Beavercreek, Ohio, as the first female four-star General of the U.S. Air Force. She will take over as Commander of AFMC in June.

Portman honored Richard and Tim Smucker, recipients of the Harvard Business School Club of Northeastern Ohio’s 2012 Leadership Award, with a statement into the Congressional Record recognizing their success at making their northeast Ohio company a globally known brand.

Farm-labor Decision Has Many Supporters

The Dispatch’s Wednesday editorial “Farm folly” highlighted what citizens can accomplish when confronted with an unresponsive government. The U.S. Department of Labor was poised to enact rules that would have prohibited youths from working on family farms.

Farmers responded with a grassroots campaign of letters, social media and phone calls. The outrage in farm country was amplified by concerned lawmakers and like-minded newspaper editorial boards. Labor Department officials soon recognized that preventing young people from learning skills and developing responsibility was not a popular policy choice; they dropped the proposal and promised not to bring it back.

Ohio Farm Bureau would like to thank members of the Ohio congressional delegation who supported our members’ efforts, especially Rep. Bob Latta, R-Bowling Green, and Sen. Rob Portman.

(“Farm-labor decision has many supporters” by Jack Fisher. The Columbus Dispatch. May 9, 2012.)

Obama website adds ‘clean coal’ after GOP complaints

The Obama campaign changed its website Thursday night to include a reference to “clean coal” in the president’s “all-of-the-above” energy plan after Republicans lawmakers criticized the omission.

Under the heading “President’ Obama’s approach to energy independence,” an entire section on the campaign website was altered from “fuel efficiency” to “clean coal.” The sections now appear as: oil, natural gas, clean coal, biofuels, wind, solar and nuclear.

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Sen. Rob Portman, Ohio Republican, on Wednesday tweeted his disappointment about the exclusion of coal, saying Mr. Obama was “out of touch [with Ohio’s] needs.”

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“We’re glad the Obama campaign finally included clean coal in its ‘all of the above’ energy strategy, but the president’s commitment to coal needs to be more than just a talking point,” said Evan Tracey, vice president of the American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity.

(“Obama website adds ‘clean coal’ after GOP complaints” by Susan Crabtree. The Washington Times. May 11, 2012.)

Portman Discusses Miami Valley’s Fight For Unmanned Drone Test Site

WASHINGTON — Sen. Rob Portman said Tuesday it would be “a boon’’ for the Dayton and Springfield area if the federal government selects Southwest Ohio for one of six sites across the country to test unmanned aircraft systems more popularly known as drones.

In a short speech on Capitol Hill to officials from the Dayton region, Portman, R-Ohio, acknowledged that “this will not be easy because we believe that at least 20 different states are going to compete’’ for the six test sites.

“This is afterall one of the bright spots in the future of aerospace in our country,’’ Portman said. “And of those 20, I’m sure there will be some good proposals. But none will better than ours.’’

(“Portman says landing unmanned drone test site ‘won’t be easy’” by Jack Torry. The Dayton Daily News. May 8, 2012.)

15 Genuinely Interesting Things About Rob Portman

1. He learned Spanish from Mexican cowboys while working on a border ranch. He worked on three cattle ranches in high school and college.

2. He wrote a chapter in the book "First Descents. In Search of Wild Rivers" about his experience smuggling a kayak into China in the 1980s to kayak the Yangtze River.

3. He has a titanium collarbone from a mountain biking accident in 2010. He dislocated his shoulder this year whitewater kayaking.

…

6. He once kayaked the entire 1,900 mile length of the Rio Grande River.

(“15 Genuinely Interesting Things About Rob Portman” by Andrew Kaczynski. Buzzfeed. May 8, 2012.)

New Coin Could Aid Canton’s Pro Football Hall of Fame

WASHINGTON — Sen. Rob Portman and Rep. Jim Renacci introduced a bill yesterday that would create a commemorative coin to benefit the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton.

At a news conference outside the House of Representatives, Portman, R-Ohio, Renacci, R-Wadsworth, and Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., emphasized that the commemorative coin would pay for itself. In fact, a portion of the proceeds from the coin would go toward the hall.

The U.S. Mint has raised more than $418 million in surcharges to build museums and maintain monuments, benefitting the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Mount Vernon and Olympic programs.

“This is a great opportunity for us to do something for Ohio and the Hall of Fame,” Portman said. Also attending the news conference were Hall of Famers Warren Moon, Bobby Mitchell, Kellen Winslow, Bruce Smith and Floyd Little.

(“New coin could aid Canton’s Pro Football Hall of Fame” by Jessica Wehrman. The Columbus Dispatch. May 11, 2012.)

D-Day Landing Prayer Act Introduced in U.S. Senate

Today, the D-Day Landing Prayer Act took another step closer to becoming a reality. Senator Rob Portman of Ohio, responding to the wishes of veterans and their families, introduced this legislation which will add FDR's D-Day Landing Prayer in its entirety to the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C., and urged his colleagues to pass it quickly.

Senator Portman made the following statement, "On D-Day, courageous Americans risked and sacrificed their lives to preserve our freedoms and end tyranny abroad," said Portman. "That morning, President Roosevelt asked our nation to come together to pray for the men overseas. His words brought strength and comfort to many during one of the most challenging times for our nation and will forever be etched in our history.

"This bill ensures that FDR's prayer will become a permanent reminder of the sacrifice of those who fought in World War II, and of the power of prayer through difficult times," he added. "I encourage the Senate to take it up and pass it quickly."

(Christian Newswire “D-Day Landing Prayer Act Introduced in U.S. Senate” by Staff Reporter. May 10, 2012).

Portman Introduces Bill to Commemorate FDR's D-Day Prayer with the Nation at the WWII Memorial

Thu, 10 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) today introduced legislation that would direct the Interior Secretary to install a plaque or inscription at the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. with the words that President Franklin D. Roosevelt prayed with the nation on June 6, 1944, the morning of D-Day.

“On D-Day, courageous Americans risked and sacrificed their lives to preserve our freedoms and end tyranny abroad,” said Portman. “That morning, President Roosevelt asked our nation to come together to pray for the men overseas. His words brought strength and comfort to many during one of the most challenging times for our nation and will forever be etched in our history.

“This bill ensures that FDR’s prayer will become a permanent reminder of the sacrifice of those who fought in World War II, and of the power of prayer through difficult times,” he added. “I encourage the Senate to take it up and pass it quickly.”

Portman’s bill, the World War II Memorial Prayer Act of 2012, would require placement of the prayer to be subject to a commemorative works approval and review process. A companion bill, led by Ohio Congressman Bill Johnson, was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this year.

President Roosevelt’s prayer was read to the nation by radio address during the evening of D-Day, June 6, 1944, when some 156,000 American, British and Canadian forces landed on five beaches along a 50-mile stretch of the heavily fortified coast of France’s Normandy region.

The following is the text:

My Fellow Americans:

Last night, when I spoke with you about the fall of Rome, I knew at that moment that troops of the United States and our Allies were crossing the Channel in another and greater operation. It has come to pass with success thus far.

And so, in this poignant hour, I ask you to join with me in prayer:

Almighty God: Our sons, pride of our nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavor, a struggle to preserve our Republic, our religion, and our civilization, and to set free a suffering humanity.

Lead them straight and true; give strength to their arms, stoutness to their hearts, steadfastness in their faith.

They will need Thy blessings. Their road will be long and hard. For the enemy is strong. He may hurl back our forces. Success may not come with rushing speed, but we shall return again and again; and we know that by Thy grace, and by the righteousness of our cause, our sons will triumph.

They will be sore tried, by night and by day, without rest -- until the victory is won. The darkness will be rent by noise and flame. Men's souls will be shaken with the violences of war.

For these men are lately drawn from the ways of peace. They fight not for the lust of conquest. They fight to end conquest. They fight to liberate. They fight to let justice arise, and tolerance and goodwill among all Thy people. They yearn but for the end of battle, for their return to the haven of home.

Some will never return. Embrace these, Father, and receive them, Thy heroic servants, into Thy kingdom.

And for us at home -- fathers, mothers, children, wives, sisters, and brothers of brave men overseas, whose thoughts and prayers are ever with them -- help us, Almighty God, to rededicate ourselves in renewed faith in Thee in this hour of great sacrifice.

Many people have urged that I call the nation into a single day of special prayer. But because the road is long and the desire is great, I ask that our people devote themselves in a continuance of prayer. As we rise to each new day, and again when each day is spent, let words of prayer be on our lips, invoking Thy help to our efforts.

Give us strength, too -- strength in our daily tasks, to redouble the contributions we make in the physical and the material support of our armed forces.

And let our hearts be stout, to wait out the long travail, to bear sorrows that may come, to impart our courage unto our sons wheresoever they may be.

And, O Lord, give us faith. Give us faith in Thee; faith in our sons; faith in each other; faith in our united crusade. Let not the keeness of our spirit ever be dulled. Let not the impacts of temporary events, of temporal matters of but fleeting moment -- let not these deter us in our unconquerable purpose.

With Thy blessing, we shall prevail over the unholy forces of our enemy. Help us to conquer the apostles of greed and racial arrogances. Lead us to the saving of our country, and with our sister nations into a world unity that will spell a sure peace -- a peace invulnerable to the schemings of unworthy men. And a peace that will let all of men live in freedom, reaping the just rewards of their honest toil.

Thy will be done, Almighty God.

Amen.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt - June 6, 1944

Portman Introduces Legislation to Honor Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio

Thu, 10 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) today introduced bipartisan legislation authorizing the U.S. Mint to create a commemorative coin in recognition of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. The Pro Football Hall of Fame represents the best in professional football by honoring the individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the sport, preserving the history of the game, and promoting the positive values of the sport. Canton, Ohio is the proud birthplace of pro football, as the American Professional Football League, which later became the NFL, was founded there in 1920. The Buckeye State is home to 23 Hall of Famers.

“The commemorative coin is a great way to recognize the legends who have contributed to America’s rich football heritage,” said Portman. “Ohio is well-represented in the Hall of Fame due to the talent of many former Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals players, including the great Ozzie Newsome, Bobby Mitchell and my good friend Anthony Muñoz. The Pro Football Hall of Fame commemorative coin will ensure that important aspects of America’s sports history are preserved, at no cost to the taxpayer.”

The bill does not come at a cost to taxpayers. Since the modern commemorative coin program began in 1982, the United States Mint has raised over $418 million in surcharges to help build new museums, maintain national monuments like the Vietnam War Memorial, preserve historical sites like George Washington’s home, support various Olympic programs, and much more. The proceeds from the Pro Football Hall of Fame commemorative coin will be used to support the Hall of Fame’s efforts to preserve and acquire memorabilia from one of America’s most popular sports.

Portman Meets With Lt. Gen. Janet Wolfenbarger To Discuss Future Of The AFMC At Wright-Patterson Air Force Base

Wed, 09 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

First Female Air Force 4-Star General Will Play Key Role In Future Of AFMC Success At Wright-Patt...

Portman Welcomes New Army Corps Commitment to Provide Options to Stop Carp, but Legislation Still Necessary to Accelerate a Comprehensive Final Action Plan

Tue, 08 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

Announcement Follows on the Heels of Portman's Legislation to Prevent Asian Carp and other Invasive Species from Entering the Great Lakes...

Portman Honors Smucker's Brothers For Continued Business Success, Garnering Global Recognition And Praise For Ohio Product

Tue, 08 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

Submits Statement Into Congressional Record Honoring Richard And Tim Smucker, Recipients of The Harvard Business School Club of Northeastern Ohio’s 2012 Leadership Award...

Portman Statement on April Jobs Report

Fri, 04 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) today released the following statement on the nation’s April unemployment report, which showed that the economy gained only 115,000 net jobs in April while more than 340,000 Americans gave up looking for employment:

“While it’s good to see at least some job creation, it’s disappointing that only 115,000 net jobs were created in April – the worst job growth in six months. Sadly, nearly three times as many people gave up looking, a sign that we are far from out of the woods, and that families across the country continue to struggle due to the lack of jobs.

“The longer Washington waits to act on meaningful pro-growth policies, the longer dreams and goals of families throughout the country are delayed.

“Unfortunately, time and time again, the Obama administration chooses politics over policy and style over substance. The economy still has 5.0 million fewer jobs than when the recession began. By comparison, at this point after the similar 1981-1982 recession, the economy had recovered all lost jobs and gained 6.8 million more jobs.

“Washington needs real leadership to control its staggering debt and deficits, reform the tax code to make America more competitive, stop the job-killing overregulation, enact an energy policy that limits our dependence on foreign oil, and reduce health care costs.”

Great Lakes Newspapers Agree: Portman's Plan Is Needed To Stop Asian Carp

Fri, 04 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Over the past week, a number of newspapers from Great Lakes states have come out in support of Senator Rob Portman’s (R-OH) bipartisan legislation to prevent Asian carp and other invasive species from entering the Great Lakes. The Stop Invasive Species Act requires the speedy creation of an action plan to block Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes through a number of rivers and tributaries across the Great Lakes region.

The Columbus Dispatch, The Toledo Blade and The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette have all cited the need for immediate action on this issue to protect the environmental and economic benefits of the Great Lakes and support Portman’s plan for doing just that. Some of the highlights include:

“Because the threat posed to the Great Lakes by invasive Asian carp has been beyond urgent for several years, the message of a newly-introduced bipartisan bill in the U.S. Senate is welcome: Hurry up.,” Columbus Dispatch.

“The Corps now plans to offer options for keeping the big fish…out of the Great Lakes by the end of 2013, and to present a final proposal by 2015. That isn't soon enough, given the inroads carp already have made. (Portman’s) legislation would mandate a progress report from the Corps within three months of its enactment, and a final proposal for action within 18 months…,” Toledo Blade.

“…Asian carp continue their migration toward the Great Lakes. Fortunately, Sens. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, and Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich, have a proposal that could help block a carp invasion,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Portman Statement on National Day of Prayer

Thu, 03 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) issued the following statement in observance of the National Day of Prayer:

“As we observe the 61st Annual National Day of Prayer, we are reminded of the importance of prayer and the blessing of living in a country founded on the principles of faith and freedom. Today we join together across all creeds, as one nation united in prayer, recognizing the many challenges we face cannot divide a nation bound in unyielding faith.

“We pray for our country, particularly for the brave men and women who wear the uniform of the United States military. As we do so, we are reminded of our state's motto that with God, all things are possible.”

Portman Joins Scott Sloan, 700 WLW Cincinnati

Wed, 02 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

Portman Joins Joel Riley, WTVN Columbus

Wed, 02 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

Columbus Dispatch Backs Portman's Legislation To Stop Asian Carp From Harming Great Lakes

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST

Dispatch: "Portman bill would speed efforts to keep invasive carp out of Great Lakes"...

Portman: Senate Democrats Failure to Offer Budget in Three Years is a Disservice to Americans

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:00:01 EST

"Working without a budget is no way to run a business and it's certainly no way to run the world's biggest government."...

U.S. Chamber Calls for Passage of Portman's Bipartisan Energy Efficiency Bill

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:00:01 EST

ENERGY EFFICIENCY:

U.S. Chamber calls for passage of bipartisan bill

Nick Juliano, E&E reporter

Published: Friday, April 27, 2012

The nation's top business lobby is throwing its support behind a stalled bipartisan efficiency bill that may be one of the only pieces of energy legislation capable of passing Congress this year.

In a letter yesterday, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce called on Senate leaders to quickly take up and pass the bill, S. 1000 from Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio), which would update building codes and create a variety of efficiency incentives such as a new revolving loan fund.

"High energy prices are once again a priority issue for American voters. The Senate has spent much of the year pointing fingers and assigning blame. All the while, it has had in its lap a bill that enjoys strong bipartisan support and that would make a material difference in consumers' energy costs," wrote R. Bruce Josten, the chamber's executive vice president for government affairs. "Yet that bill, S. 1000, continues to sit on the sidelines."

The chamber's letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) follows a similar call for action from the two sponsors last week (E&ENews PM, April 19).

The bill passed the Energy and Natural Resources Committee on an 18-3 vote in September but has not been considered on the floor. A similar bipartisan efficiency measure is awaiting action in the House,H.R. 4017, sponsored by Reps. Charles Bass (R-N.H.) and Jim Matheson (D-Utah).

"S. 1000 may be one of the few energy bills that can garner enough support for passage in the 112th Senate," Joston wrote. "The business community strongly supports this bill. The Chamber urges you to find a way to bring S. 1000 to the Senate floor for a vote."

Rob's Rundown: Week of April 23 - April 27

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:00:01 EST

On Monday, Senator Portman delivered remarks on the role of energy in giving Ohio and American manufacturers opportunities to grow and be more competitive at the groundbreaking of Timken Company’s $225 million expansion at its Faircrest Steel Plant in Canton.

Portman cosponsored the United States-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act of 2012, a measure that would reaffirm the United States’ “unwavering commitment” to Israel’s security and support for its right to self-defense. Portman also released a statement on Israel’s Independence Day, a day that should serve as a reminder of the unique kinship between our nations and a call to rise to the challenges that lie ahead. Portman met with students from the Jewish Federation of Cleveland to discuss the security issues facing Israel and the importance of standing beside our ally that has stood with us through decades of challenges.

Portman was glad to see that support for the American Centrifuge Project in Piketon, a project critical to our national security interests, is gaining momentum in both the House and Senate. Signaling support for the development of domestic enrichment technologies is what the Administration asked of Congress. Portman is now encouraging the Department of Energy to move forward with providing support in Fiscal Year 2012 for the effort.

Portman released a statement on the postal reform vote, noting that “although Post Office closures have been tough for a lot of hardworking Ohio postal employees and the communities they serve, USPS as currently structured is losing billions of dollars every year, and it must be reformed to preserve this important public service while restoring long-term fiscal sustainability.”

While Portman believes reforms must be made, he could not support this version of the bill because it violated the Budget Control Act Congress passed last August. At a time of trillion-dollar deficits and a record $15 trillion debt, members of Congress at the very least must live by the spending restraint rules they put in place.

Portman also issued a statement on the three-year anniversary of the failure of Senate Democrats to offer a budget, saying that during this time, the federal government has spent more than $10 trillion and pushed us more than $4 trillion further into the red. Working without a budget is no way to run a business and certainly no way to run the world's biggest government.

Portman joined a group of freshman Republican Senators in calling on President Obama to fulfill his commitment to modernize the U.S. nuclear complex and strategic delivery systems. In a letter led by Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) and sent to the President, the senators noted that the Administration’s failure to commit to nuclear modernization, combined with the reductions mandated by New START, poses additional risk to U.S. and global security.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is urging Senate leadership to take up the Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act (S. 1000), authored by Portman and Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH). The Portman-Shaheen bill would establish an energy efficiency strategy to increase the use of existing energy efficiency technologies in the residential, commercial and industrial sectors of our economy.

Portman is urging his constituents to participate in National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, an initiative to encourage people to safely dispose of unwanted or unused prescription drugs. With prescription drug abuse reaching epidemic proportions in Ohio and the U.S, we need to work together to fight this problem, which is why Portman is encouraging people to take advantage of this convenient opportunity to get rid of old or unnecessary prescription drugs before they fall into the wrong hands.

The National Take-Back Initiative will take place tomorrow from 10:00am - 2:00pm. You can find a collection site near you by visiting Portman’s website here. You can also listen to Senator Portman's public service announcement on National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day here.

Sen. Rob Portman Talks To Right Turn

You can’t say the junior senator from Ohio isn’t in the center of the storm.

…

His immediate focus is on the budget, or rather the lack of one, in the Democratic-controlled Senate. “We’re in a time of trillion-dollar deficits and unsustainable debt. At a minimum, the American people deserve a budget.” He notes that at least President Obama sent up a budget, “although it was totally rejected [in the House] 414-0.” But the Senate Democrats, he points out, have no excuse.

…

The economic news today was grim, and Portman sees a connection between the government’s failure to get its fiscal house in order and the lousy economy. “We have a structural problem in our economy,” he asserts. He concedes that the president inherited a bad economy and that events in Iran and the European Union are factors, but he thinks the state of the economy “is in part due to self-inflicted wounds.”

He ticks off Obama’s policy failures in the past three years. “We are not doing tax reform.” He notes, “We have the highest [corporate tax] rate [in the world] and a complicated code. It is the same with individual rates.” On the spending side, he says, “Until we have some proof the president and Congress have a serious plan on spending, [the debt] will be a wet blanket on the economy.” He points to recent economic studies showing that excessive debt translates into a 1 to 2 percent drag on growth. And he points to the regulatory overreach and uncertainty in health care, energy and other sectors of the economy.

(“Sen. Rob Portman talks to Right Turn” by Jennifer Rubin. The Washington Post. April 20, 2012.)

Senators Moving To Stop Asian Carp

WASHINGTON, D.C. -

Scientists are worried the invasive Asian carp could starve out native fish in the Great Lakes, and lawmakers are sponsoring legislation to stop the carp from taking over.

When it comes to Asian carp legislation, the number 18 is important. There are 18 points of entry that lawmakers want protected, and they want it done in just 18 months.

"If the carp do get into the lake, as we have seen with zebra mussels, it is really difficult to get them out," says Ohio Senator Rob Portman.

That's why lawmakers are pushing the Army Corps of Engineers to speed up plans to permanently block Asian carp at all of the invasive species' potential entry points.

…

Lawmakers say shipping will continue while blocks to prevent Asian carp are put in place.

"It's a $7 billion industry, recreational and commercial. 450,000 go fishing in Lake Erie alone," Sen. Portman says.

(“Senators moving to stop Asian carp” by Jacqueline Policastro. ABC Toledo. April 24, 2012.)

Portman Bags Wild Turkey On First Day Of Season

Who says Rob Portman is too boring?

Hey, turkey season had barely started yesterday when he plugged a bird…

The Ohio Republican bagged his turkey at 6:45 a.m. in Guernsey County.

“Beautiful morning, great hunt,” Portman tweeted, then headed to Timken in Canton to meet with local business leaders. A spokesman confirmed that Portman, in fact, “got a beautiful bird.”

Portman said he cleaned the bird and plans to cook it when he can find time to gather some family or friends.

“They taste great,” he said.

(“Portman bags wild turkey on first day of season” by Jessica Wehrman. The Columbus Dispatch. April 24, 2012.)

Portman In Canton For Timken Expansion Announcement

CANTON, Ohio - …U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) joined Timken Company executives Monday morning to break ground on a $225 million expansion project at the Faircrest steel plant.

Timken announced last year a plan to increase specialty alloy steel production.

…

The expansion…will keep current jobs secure for the long term, according to Tim Timken, the chairman of the board.

"The more productive and profitable our steel business is, the more we'll invest in it going forward which could potentially increase employment, " Timken said.

During Monday's event, Kasich and Portman praised Timken for looking to the future.

…

"It also means a lot to suppliers. There are other companies, 1,800 I'm told, that are going to benefit from this expansion," Portman said.

(“Ohio Governor John Kasich in Canton for Timken expansion announcement” by Bob Jones. WEWS. April 23, 2012.)

You Can Help Save The 179^th

An effort to save jobs at the 179th Airlift Wing is gaining momentum, but we need to keep up the pressure to let our legislators know we will not tolerate the flawed plan that has been proposed.

…

The U.S. Air Force is proposing the elimination of more than 800 positions at the 179th Airlift Wing and mothballing the C-27J program in Mansfield and other bases across the United States.

The planes already in service, as well as those still rolling of the assembly line, would be retired.

We are encouraged by the bipartisan support we've seen from our legislators. U.S. Sen. Rob Portman has been particularly vocal in questioning the logic of the plan to scrap a taxpayer support military initiative that already has cost millions of dollars in favor of another even costlier and less effective program.

…

Our efforts to save jobs, ensure responsible government spending and protect our country is working. We must continue to push this effort forward.

(“You can help save the 179^th” by Editorial Board. The Mansfield News Journal. April 23, 2012.)

$150M For Nuclear Plant Added To Bill

WASHINGTON — A proposed uranium enrichment plant received a boost Tuesday when a Senate subcommittee agreed to include $150 million in a federal spending bill for research and development at the plant, located about 90 miles southeast of Middletown.

…

Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, said he wants the Department of Energy to move forward with providing funding in fiscal 2012 for the plant despite the fact that Congress has yet to formally approve it.

“The agency can provide funding immediately through existing authorities, and I would urge them to do so before existing funding runs out and layoffs at the site begin,” he said.

(““$150M for nuclear plant added to bill” by Jessica Wehrman. The Dayton Daily News. April 26, 2012.)

Portman Public Service Announcement for Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:00:01 EST