Rob's Rundown: Week of October 15-20, 2017

Senator Portman - Photo from Washington Times

After touring five auto manufacturing plants and meeting with Ohio’s auto workers last week about the need for comprehensive tax reform, Senator Portman hosted a tax reform roundtable in Springfield on Monday and then returned to Washington to continue his leadership role on this issue. Portman has been a leader in the efforts to simplify and reform our broken tax code to help create more jobs, boost wages, and give our economy a shot in the arm, and on Thursday the Senate passed a budget the paves a clear path towards once-in-a-generation tax reform. In addition to focusing on tax reform this week, Senator Portman also saw his legislation to improve public health programs for early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of hearing loss in newborns, infants, and young children signed into law, continued to gain support for his bipartisan Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act, and more. For a more in depth look at Senator Portman’s week, please see the following:
Sunday, October 15

On Fox News, Portman Discusses How Tax Reform Will Create Jobs, Increase Wages, Boost Middle Class

During an interview on Fox News, Portman discussed how tax reform will help create more jobs and better jobs, increase wages, and boost the middle class. Portman has been vocal about the need to simplify and reform our broken tax code. This year, Portman has hosted tax reform roundtables in Columbus with local business leaders, in Dayton with the Dayton Chamber of Commerce, in Cleveland with the Greater Cleveland Partnership, and in Cincinnati with the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber. He is hosting another tax reform roundtable with the Springfield Chamber of Commerce and local business leaders today.
Excerpts of the interview can be found here and a video can be found here.

Monday, October 16

In Springfield, Portman Hosts Tax Reform Roundtable

U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) hosted a roundtable discussion with the Springfield Chamber of Commerce and local business leaders to receive input on Congress’ effort to simplify and reform our tax system in a way that creates more jobs, increases wages, and encourages more investment in America.

“From the auto workers I met with across Ohio last week, to business leaders here in Springfield, and workers and families throughout our state, I have heard about how our tax code is getting in the way of hiring more workers, boosting wages, and investing here in Ohio. That is because our tax code is too burdensome, too complicated, and decades out of date. Congress must act quickly to reform the tax code to help create jobs and raise wages for Ohio workers,” Senator Portman said. “Instead of encouraging our companies to take jobs and investments overseas and making it easier for foreign corporations to buy up our companies, we should be working to keep jobs here and give American workers a competitive advantage. I’ll continue to work with my colleagues in the United States Senate to deliver for workers here in Springfield and across Ohio who deserve a better tax system.”

Last Congress, three Portman-authored bills designed to help in this effort to stop IRS abuses were signed into law by then-President Barack Obama. Portman has been named a “Hero of Main Street” and “Fiscal Hero” for his work on these issues.
Photos of the event can be found here.
Wednesday, October 18

Portman Statement on the White House Tax Reform Meeting With Senate Finance Committee Members

Portman released the following statement after joining his bipartisan colleagues on the Senate Finance Committee for a meeting at the White House regarding tax reform:

“We had a productive meeting today at the White House discussing tax reform.  I’m pleased that President Trump and the White House continue to engage both Republicans and Democrats on the need for comprehensive tax reform.  We all agreed tax reform should focus on helping middle-class families, and that’s what our plan does.  Our tax reform framework will help create more jobs, increase wages, and encourage more investment and opportunities in America.  I remain optimistic that, by working together, we can simplify and reform our outdated tax code on behalf of middle-class families and small businesses.” 

Portman Discusses Opioid Crisis at Washington Post Forum, Urges Action on STOP Act

Portman discussed America’s opioid epidemic and the actions Congress is taking to address this crisis at a forum hosted by The Washington Post with Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) on Wednesday.  Portman has been a national leader in the fight against the opioid epidemic. Last year, his bipartisan Comprehensive Addiction & Recovery Act (CARA) was signed-into-law. Now, he is pressing for action on his bipartisan Synthetics Trafficking & Overdose Prevention (STOP) Act, legislation designed to help stop dangerous synthetic drugs like fentanyl and carfentanil from being shipped through our borders to drug traffickers here in the United States.
Excerpts of his remarks can be found here and a video can be found here.

Portman, Brown Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Help Seniors Address Rising Healthcare Costs

Senators Portman, Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and Bill Nelson (D-FL), reintroduced bipartisan legislation to help seniors with rising healthcare costs by maintaining the threshold to claim the medical expense tax deduction for seniors at the current rate of 7.5 percent of income for an additional two years. The Seniors Tax Hike Prevention Act would prevent the implementation of a higher tax threshold for seniors claiming medical cost deductions on their taxes. The higher threshold is set to take effect next tax filing season and could result in a higher tax bill for seniors. 

“The rising cost of health care is a critical issue for every American, but especially for seniors who live on fixed incomes,” Portman stated. “This bill provides important tax relief to help offset many of costly medical expenses that seniors are faced with.”

AARP has endorsed the legislation, saying the bill would help older Americans facing high healthcare costs.

“AARP supports this bipartisan bill that would help older Americans who face high health care costs,” said AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins. “We hope to see Congress follow the lead of Senators Brown and Portman by enacting legislation to prevent a tax hike on seniors with high medical costs.”

Thursday, October 19

Portman on Senate Floor: Budget Provides Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity to Reform our Broken Tax Code

In a speech on the Senate floor Thursday night, Portman discussed the opportunity to reform our outdated tax code to ease the burden on the middle class, increase jobs and wages for workers, and encourages jobs and investment in America, not overseas. Senator Portman said, in part: “Nothing is more important than fixing this broken tax code if we’re going to see the kind of economic growth and improvement in wages that we all hope for.”
Transcript of his remarks can be found here and a video can be found here.

Portman Meets with DHS Secretary Nominee Kirstjen Nielsen, Discusses STOP Act, National Security

Portman, a member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, met Wednesday afternoon with President Donald Trump’s nominee to be Department of Homeland Security Secretary, Kirstjen Nielsen. Portman and Nielsen discussed the need to stop the flow of drugs across our borders via the United States Postal Service and how the bipartisan Synthetics Trafficking & Overdose Prevention (STOP) Act, legislation designed to help stop dangerous synthetic drugs like fentanyl and carfentanil from being shipped through our borders to drug traffickers here in the United States, will help. Portman and Nielsen also discussed other challenges facing the department, such as counterterrorism efforts, cybersecurity, hurricane relief efforts, and more.

“I enjoyed meeting with Kirstjen Nielsen and discussing the importance of the Department of Homeland Security’s role in keeping drugs out of communities in Ohio and around the country. We also discussed the importance of the STOP Act to help turn the tide of addiction, as well as other issues critical to the security of our homeland. I look forward to supporting her nomination. The Senate should confirm her as soon as possible and get her on the job.”

Portman Statement on Congressman Pat Tiberi’s Announcement

Portman released the following statement after Congressman Pat Tiberi (R-OH) announced he will step down from his role in the House of Representatives:

“Pat Tiberi is a dedicated public servant and a good man. I had the privilege of working with Pat in the House of Representatives, and I am proud to call him a close friend. He has dedicated his life to bettering the lives of Ohioans and the issues that impact them most, and he has delivered results on behalf his constituents. I look forward to working with Pat over the next several months to pass pro-growth tax reform that will create more jobs and increase wages for middle-class families. I wish Pat, his wife Denice, and their entire family all the best as he embarks on his new journey leading the Ohio Business Roundtable.” 

Portman, Brown Seek Trade Relief for Ohio Whirlpool Workers

Senators Portman and Brown successfully urged the International Trade Commission (ITC) to rule that workers at Whirlpool’s Clyde, OH plant had been hurt by unfair washing machine imports by Samsung and LG. Now, as the ITC meets to consider potential relief, the Senators are asking ITC to make a strong recommendation to President Trump that will provide broad relief for the U.S. washing machine industry in response to the pattern of violations by companies like LG and Samsung.

“We urge you to fully enforce U.S. trade law and recommend strong trade remedies. Doing so will ensure that workers and manufacturers in our state have an opportunity to compete within a fair domestic marketplace,” said the Senators in a letter sent this week ahead of today’s ITC meeting. “More than 3,000 of Whirlpool’s employees work in Clyde, Ohio, where they make washing machines. These workers’ livelihoods are directly threatened by the nefarious practices of Samsung and LG, and we must continue to fight back against these foreign competitors who are attempting to cheat our trade system.”

The case sought broad relief for the U.S. washing machine industry in response to the pattern of violations by companies like LG and Samsung who’ve repeatedly exported their washers to the U.S. at unfair prices. Today, ITC is holding a hearing to determine whether remedies should be put in place to give the domestic industry the relief they need from washer imports. They will make a final decision on the remedies next month and make a recommendation on those remedies to the President in December.
Portman and Brown both testified at ITC on behalf of Whirlpool, and urged ITC to take make this positive ruling.
Since 2012, Ohio’s Senators have fought against these unfair trade practices that have harmed Whirlpool, and most recently helped secure relief in a case against washing machine imports from China.
Portman and Brown’s Leveling the Playing Field Act pass was signed into law in June 2015, restoring strength to antidumping and countervailing duty statutes that allow businesses and workers in the United States to petition the Commerce Department and the ITC when foreign producers sell goods in the U.S. below market price or receive illegal subsidies. The law led to key wins for Ohio steel companies in major trade cases last year on cold-rolled, hot-rolled, and corrosion-resistant steel, including U.S. Steel, Nucor, ArcelorMittal, and AK Steel, which together employ more than 8,200 Ohio workers.
Read the full letter below here.

President Signs Portman-Kaine Bill to Promote Early Hearing Detection in Newborns, Infants & Young Children

Senators Portman and Time Kaine (D-VA) announced that President Trump signed their bipartisan Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act, into law. The law reauthorizes current research and improve public health programs for early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of hearing loss in newborns, infants, and young children.

“Early hearing detection is critical because children with hearing loss often fall behind their peers in speech development, cognitive skills, and social skills,” said Portman. “This measure represents an important step towards improving early hearing detection and intervention for newborns, infants, and young children, and I’m pleased that President Trump has signed this legislation into law.”

NOTE: The Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act reauthorizes current research and public health activities related to early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of hearing loss in newborns and infants. In addition, to ensure the continued success of existing early hearing detection and intervention programs, the bill makes a number of key improvements. Specifically, this bill expands early hearing detection and intervention programs to include young children, improves access to appropriate follow-up and intervention services when hearing loss is identified, and clarifies the roles of the Centers for Disease Control and the Health Resources and Services Administration.  Specifically, this legislation:
For more information about the bill go here.

New Video Highlights Portman’s Ohio Auto Manufacturing Jobs Tour

Portman released a video highlighting his Ohio Auto Manufacturing Jobs Tour, during which he covered more than 700 miles crossing Ohio over three days. During the tour, which was highlighted across Ohio, he learned more about recent auto investments into Ohio, raised awareness for the economic impact of the automotive industry in our state, and discussed how tax reform will benefit auto manufacturers. Portman, who is Co-Chair of the Senate Auto Caucus, visited Ford’s Sharonville Transmission Plant, the General Motors Parma Metal Center, the General Motors Toledo Transmission Plant, the Fiat Chrysler US Toledo Assembly Complex, and the Honda of America Manufacturing Plant in Marysville. Portman released the following statement:.

“Ohio has the best auto workers in the world, and we’re one of the top states in the country in terms of auto manufacturing. After crisscrossing the state and seeing our auto manufacturers at work, it’s easy to see why auto companies are investing in Ohio. Unfortunately, our auto workers are fighting with one arm tied behind their back because we have an outdated and burdensome tax code. Congress must act with urgency to fix our broken tax code and give our economy a shot in the arm. When given a level playing field, American businesses and workers like the auto workers I met with across Ohio can compete and win with anyone. Our plan to simplify and reform our broken tax code will help them succeed.”

Portman, Blumenthal Welcome National Urban League Endorsement of Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act

Senators Portman and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) welcomed the support of the National Urban League for the Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act (S. 1693), bipartisan legislation to help trafficking survivors get the justice they deserve and hold accountable websites that knowingly facilitate online sex trafficking.  They issued the following joint statement:
“The National Urban League is dedicated to promoting civil rights, economic empowerment and justice on behalf of African Americans, and we are pleased to receive its support for this common-sense, bipartisan bill.  We know that the horrific crime of sex trafficking disproportionately impacts African Americans.  We have a responsibility to hold online sex traffickers accountable and ensure that trafficking survivors can get the justice they deserve.  This narrowly-crafted bill would accomplish that goal.  We believe the Senate must act on this bill.” 
Their letter can be found here.
On Social Media









Portman pushes tax reform with Springfield business leaders
Federal tax reform being pushed by Republicans would create jobs and boost wages, U.S. Sen. Rob Portman told a group of Springfield business owners during a private roundtable discussion Monday.
The meeting was one of several similar discussions Portman has also hosted in Columbus, Dayton and Cleveland. The discussion wasn’t open to the public. But Portman argued afterward the framework being discussed now would encourage investment and provide an incentive for large companies to bring profits now being held overseas back to the U.S.
“A lot of the input I got was from small businesses, saying, ‘Let’s make sure we have tax reform and tax cuts but let’s make sure it works for small businesses,’” Portman said. “That’s really the heart and soul of the economy here in Springfield and I talked about how we’re going to help small businesses get lower rates but also simplify the tax code.”…
Portman also said he would likely vote for the legislation, even if it initially adds to the deficit. The proposed reforms would boost the economy, he said, overshadowing any initial deficits.
“If you actually do bring back some of the $2.5 trillion to $3 trillion that’s locked up overseas and bring it back to America to invest in jobs, people and planned equipment, what would that do to economic growth,” Portman said. “We need to have good numbers on that and show that if you do this kind of tax reform, it will actually bring more revenue coming in because there will be more economic growth.”
(“Portman pushes tax reform with Springfield business leaders,” Matt Sanctis. Springfield News-Sun. October 16, 2017)

President Trump signs Senator Rob Portman's bipartisan legislation for young children
U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Tim Kaine (D-VA), the former Vice Presidential candidate who ran with Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election and a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions (HELP) Committee, announced that President Donald Trump signed their bipartisan Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act into law.
The law reauthorizes current research and improve public health programs for early detection, diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss in newborns, infants and young children…
"Early hearing detection is critical because children with hearing loss often fall behind their peers in speech development, cognitive skills, and social skills. This measure represents an important step towards improving early hearing detection and intervention for newborns, infants, and young children, and I'm pleased that President Trump has signed this legislation into law," said Portman.
(“President Trump signs Senator Rob Portman's bipartisan legislation for young children,” Lauren Stebelton. Youngstown WFMJ. October 20, 2017)
Brown, Portman see some bright spots in tax meeting with Trump
Ohio’s two U.S. senators said they are cautiously optimistic about Congress’ chances of passing comprehensive tax reform after a meeting at the White House on Wednesday.
Republicans and Democrats from the Senate Finance Committee — including Sens. Sherrod Brown and Rob Portman of Ohio — huddled with President Donald Trump to push their respective priorities for tax reform.
Speaking briefly at the beginning of the meeting, Trump said the current proposal would increase the child tax credit, end the estate tax and cut the corporate tax rate to no more than 20 percent…
Portman, meanwhile, called the meeting “productive.”
Both parties, the Republican said, “agreed tax reform should focus on helping middle-class families, and that’s what our plan does.
“Our tax-reform framework will help create more jobs, increase wages, and encourage more investment and opportunities in America,” Portman said after the meeting. “I remain optimistic that, by working together, we can simplify and reform our outdated tax code on behalf of middle-class families and small businesses.”
(“Brown, Portman see some bright spots in tax meeting with Trump,” Jessica Wehrman. Columbus Dispatch. October 18, 2017)