Medical Research News

 WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) introduced the Enteric Methane Innovation Tools for Lower Emissions and Sustainable Stock (EMIT LESS) Act to voluntarily reduce dairy and beef cattle methane emissions from farms and ranches across America.

“New research and ranching practices are showing promising results to reduce methane emissions and keep our farms and ranches thriving,” said Sen. Moran. “This legislation will invest in further research and provide our producers with tools to improve their farms and ranches.”
“Wisconsin’s farmers and ranchers work hard day in and day out to feed our families and we need to give them all the tools they need to succeed, including supporting the innovative practices for farmers that want to reduce their emissions,” said Sen. Baldwin. “I’m proud to work with Republicans and Democrats to unlock new tools for farmers to cut down their methane emissions and create sustainable farming operations for the next generation.”

“Colorado has led the nation by taking important steps to limit greenhouse gas emissions, including methane – and our state’s family farmers and ranchers play a crucial role in that effort,” said Sen. Bennet. “This bill will help Colorado’s cattlemen and livestock producers access every available tool to voluntarily reduce methane emissions, expand research into this field, and improve the sustainability of their farms and ranches.”
 
“Farmers and ranchers are the backbone of Idaho’s economy,” said Sen. Crapo. “I proudly support this legislation that advances agricultural technology, invests in local ecology and provides hands-on training for the most up-to-date practices in the field,”
The EMIT LESS Act aims to address enteric methane, which is naturally emitted during the digestive process of most livestock species. Through expanding research at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), introducing new products, such as feed additives, installing practices that reduce these emissions and creating voluntary incentives through conservation programs will get helpful products into the hands of farmers and ranchers.
 
“Innovative feed ingredients are poised to help U.S. dairy farmers augment their ongoing voluntary, producer-led stewardship efforts,” said Gregg Doud, President and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation. “Once enteric methane-reducing feed additives are approved, dairy producers will need resources and support as they begin uptake. To that end, we commend Senators Michael Bennet, Mike Crapo, Tammy Baldwin, and Jerry Moran for their bipartisan legislation to better target USDA conservation programs to assist farmers as they begin to use these important feed ingredients on a voluntary basis.”
 
“We applaud Senators Michael Bennet and Mike Crapo for introducing the EMIT LESS Act,” said Jackie Klippenstein, Senior Vice President and Chief Government and Industry Relations Officer of Dairy Farmers of America. “This bill recognizes and supports the environmental efforts of dairy farmers and will ensure that the necessary research and assistance is available to farmers committed to reducing emissions. It will also align existing conservation programs with the important work already taking place in the dairy sector.”
 
“This bill will allow our nation’s livestock producers to be better positioned to compete in the global climate economy,” said Chuck Conner, President & CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives. “This bill empowers USDA to direct resources to voluntary livestock practices that have incredible potential to reduce GHG emissions and increase profitability for our nation’s livestock producers. I commend Senator Bennet and Crapo for their bipartisan leadership on this bill.”
 
“Danone is taking action to reduce methane emissions in our fresh milk supply by 30% by 2030,” said Chris Adamo, Vice President of Public Affairs and Regenerative Agriculture of Danone North America. “We are investing in farming partners to support and increase implementation of regenerative agriculture practices and innovative technologies that address methane from enteric fermentation. Reducing livestock methane emissions is vital for mitigating climate change, alongside efforts in decreasing carbon dioxide emissions. We thank Senator Bennet and the co-sponsors of this important bi-partisan legislation for prioritizing funding and training necessary to help U.S. agricultural producers accelerate the deployment of new tools necessary to mitigating methane,”
 
“We thank Senators Bennet and Crapo for introducing a bill that strengthens our country’s research and conservation programs while recognizing the unique role that animal nutrition and feed ingredients play in reducing on-farm enteric methane emissions,” said Constance Cullman, President and Chief Executive of the American Feed Industry Association. ”The EMIT LESS Act shows that right alongside animal food innovators, our country is willing to invest in a more sustainable future,”
 
“The Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance (FACA) commends Senators Bennet and Crapo for supporting farmers and ranchers’ voluntary efforts to reduce methane emissions from ruminant livestock,” said the Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance (FACA). “The bipartisan EMIT LESS Act will bolster ongoing, farmer-led efforts to address enteric methane emissions and support research on the efficiency and environmental benefits associated with novel feed additives,”
 
“New enteric methane-mitigating products and practices hold promise for U.S. beef and dairy producers to both reduce emissions and increase the productivity of their operations,” said David Hong, Federal Policy Director for Food & Agriculture at the Breakthrough Institute. “We applaud Senators Bennet and Crapo’s vision for scaling up the testing capacity, training opportunities, and on-farm trials needed to ensure solutions prove their effectiveness at reducing enteric methane, without compromising animal health or safety. The EMIT LESS Act will provide much-needed support for enteric methane research and cost-sharing to enable on-farm emissions reductions, bolstering the long-term sustainability and profitability of animal agriculture.”
 
 
The text of the bill is available HERE.
 
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WASHINGTON – Yesterday, on World Down Syndrome Day, U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to increase funding for Down syndrome research. The DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act coordinates research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and investigations into critical health, quality-of-life needs and conditions that affect individuals with Down syndrome.

The legislation is named after DeOndra Dixon, the Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s Ambassador and Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Awardee, who died at the age of 36 in 2020.

“Research, supported by the NIH, has helped improve and extend the lives of individuals with Down syndrome, but there is still more to learn,” said Sen. Moran. “This legislation will invest in scientific studies on Down syndrome to help members of the Down syndrome community and their families find answers and solutions for the health challenges they face.”

“Down syndrome affects millions of Americans and yet its research has been underfunded for decades,” said Sen. Hickenlooper. “This bipartisan legislation will help advance critical research and improve the lives of people with Down syndrome.” 

“On behalf of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation and our self-advocates across the country, we are so grateful to Senators Hickenlooper and Moran for introducing the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act of 2024 in the United State Senate today. This legislation will authorize the INCLUDE Project for five years and accelerate science being advanced by this groundbreaking trans-NIH initiative,” says Michelle Sie Whitten, GLOBAL President & CEO. “The bill is named in memory of our beloved Ambassador, DeOndra Dixon, who was among the many self-advocates who have been tireless advocates for the past decade for more federal funding for Down syndrome research at the NIH. Prior to GLOBAL and DeOndra’s advocacy, Down syndrome had been one of the least funded genetic conditions at NIH for nearly two decades. This legislation will ensure significant new federal research investments to help scientists better understand why, for example people with Down syndrome are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease yet less likely to develop solid tumor cancers. We are forever grateful to Senators Hickenlooper and Moran and our House champions for empowering our dedicated scientists to continue their research aimed at elongating life and improving health outcomes for people with Down syndrome, which in turn can help to improve health outcomes and quality of life for all people.”

“We are forever grateful to GLOBAL for creating such purpose for our little sister DeOndra,” said Academy Award-winning actor and DeOndra Dixon’s brother, Jamie Foxx. “My sister Deidra and I are so proud of the big difference she made through her advocacy in DC, and now with this bill she will continue to make a difference. There isn’t a day that goes by that we don’t miss her, but today I know she’s dancing up in heaven because this legislation is named after her and will help millions of people with Down syndrome.”

“DeOndra loved to help people and to advocate for people less fortunate,” said George Dixon, DeOndra’s father. “I remember DeOndra walking the halls of Congress, and cracking everybody up with her jokes. Anyone who has met DeOndra knows she was a pistol – articulate, funny, smart and the most loving person I have ever known. We are so happy that this important bill is named after our little angel. People with Down syndrome deserve better, and this bill is a big step in the right direction.”

Recently, companion legislation in the House of Representatives, introduced by Representatives Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.), Diana DeGette (D-Colo.), Tom Cole (R-Okla.) and Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), advanced out of the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee and awaits a mark up from the full House Energy and Commerce Committee. 

Full text of the legislation available HERE.

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) introduced the Countering Threats and Attacks on Our Judges Act to provide technical assistance, training and threat monitoring for state and local judges and court personnel through establishing a State Judicial Threat Intelligence and Resource Center.

“Judges perform a critical community service at every level of our justice system,” said Sen. Moran. “Regardless of how a judge rules on a case, any form of harassment or intimidation is unacceptable. In response to growing threats and attacks against members of the judiciary, this legislation would provide needed resources and support to local law enforcement tasked with protecting judges and courthouses.”

“Any threat or attack against judges, their families, or court personnel is unacceptable, and more must be done to ensure they can do their jobs safely and live their lives without fear,” said Sen. Cornyn. “By establishing a resource center to identify and respond to bad actors, this legislation would ensure our nation’s courts and their employees are protected and judicial independence remains intact.”

“Every public servant, including the members of our state and local judiciary, should be able to do their jobs free from threats to themselves, their families, or their livelihoods,” said Sen. Coons. “Unfortunately, heightened polarization and partisanship has coincided with a spike in threats and attacks on members of the bench that endangers the independence of our justice system. This bipartisan bill helps keep state and local judges safe so they can do their jobs without fear or prejudice.” 

“As courts across the nation experience an uptick in violence directed towards judges and their staff, we must do more to help ensure they have the protections they need to keep our public servants out of harm's way,” said Sen. Shaheen. “This legislation will establish a State Judicial Threat Intelligence and Resource Center to help implement the enhanced security measures necessary to keep people safe around the country and in New Hampshire.”

“It’s a sad reality that threats meant to intimidate judges and court personnel have increased significantly in recent years,” said Sen. Whitehouse. “Our bipartisan bill to improve security at courthouses and judges’ homes will protect court officials from violence and harassment and help safeguard the integrity of the judicial system.”

The Countering Threats and Attacks on Our Judges Act would create a State Judicial Threat Intelligence and Resource Center to:

  • Provide technical assistance to state and local judges and court personnel around judicial security;
  • Provide physical security assessments for courts, homes, and other facilities where judicial officers and staff conduct court-related business;
  • Conduct research to identify, examine, and advance best practices around judicial security;
  • And be housed within the existing State Justice Institute, a private nonprofit and nonpartisan corporation established by Congress in 1984.

The legislation is supported by the Conference of Chief Justices (CCJ), Conference of State Court Administrators (COSCA), Council of Chief Judges of the State Courts of Appeal (CCJSCA), All Rise, National Association for Presiding Judges and Court Executive Officers (NAPCO), National Association for Court Management (NACM), American Judges Association (AJA), National Center for State Courts (NCSC) and the National District Attorneys Association (NDAA).

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) spoke on the Senate Floor calling on his colleagues and leadership of the Senate Committee on Agriculture to resume negotiations on a new Farm Bill.

“American agriculture is at a pressure point; there’s record volatility in the farm economy, and farm income is falling by the most significant amount of all time,” said Sen. Moran. “We ought to be providing certainty to those who provide our food, fuel and fiber. I've been through numerous Farm Bills, and they are always hard and usually late. But this Farm Bill is different because for the first time that I can remember, the leader on the Ag Committee is willing to give up on the Farm Bill and tell farmers: what you have is what you get.”

“The time is now to show leadership for America's farmers and ranchers,” continued Sen. Moran. “Tough decisions are ahead of us, but we should not walk away from the process. It's a dereliction of duty to the farmers and ranchers of America. I hope that we as leaders can get back to the table and produce a Farm Bill that provides meaningful and real relief for Kansas producers.”

Click HERE to Watch Sen. Moran’s Full Remarks

 

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) joined Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.) and Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) today in introducing the Laken Riley Act to ensure states have standing to bring civil actions against federal officials who refuse to enforce immigration law or violate the law. This legislation was also introduced by Representative Mike Collins (R-Ga.) and passed the U.S. House of Representatives last week.

“The Biden administration’s open border policies impact every state, community and family in America,” said. Sen. Moran. “Laken Riley should still be alive today. Deporting illegal migrants with criminal records is common sense. States should be able to protect their citizens by holding the federal government accountable when it fails to uphold the law.”

“Make no mistake – Laken Riley’s heartbreaking murder was a direct, preventable consequence of willful open border policies by President Biden and his administration. This commonsense legislation would ensure ICE detains and deports criminal illegal aliens, so more innocent American families do not have to face this kind of unimaginable tragedy,” said Sen. Britt. “I am grateful for Representative Collins’ strong leadership and for Senator Budd’s partnership in introducing this Senate companion bill. Senator Schumer should bring this bill to the Senate floor immediately.”

“States should be able to protect their citizens from the Biden administration’s lawless, open border policies by seeking relief in federal court,” said Sen. Budd. “That’s why I am joining Senator Britt to introduce the Senate version of the Laken Riley Act. We simply cannot tolerate any more senseless tragedies like this one. What happened to Laken Riley should never happen to any American citizen.”

"The Laken Riley Act passed the House of Representatives overwhelmingly and on a bipartisan basis," said Rep. Collins. "I am grateful to Senator Britt for taking the lead on getting this vital legislation through the Senate so we can put Laken Riley's name on Joe Biden's desk and take a step toward preventing this from happening to another American."

This legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), John Kennedy (R-La.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).

The full text of the bill can be found here.

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Related Agencies (CJS) – released the following statement on the CJS division of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 which passed the Senate and now goes to the President to be signed into law:

“This fiscally responsible bill includes essential resources to further our nation’s priorities in scientific innovation, law enforcement and economic development while building on congressional efforts to cut federal spending,” said Sen. Moran. “I am pleased my committee produced a bill that reduces spending by $2.5 billion and protects important priorities for Kansas and our nation. This legislation will benefit Kansans with federal programs aimed at keeping communities safe and providing new infrastructure. It also invests in science and technological research to stay ahead of China and accelerates the goal of returning American astronauts to the Moon — cementing our country’s leadership in space exploration.”

Items to Note:

  • Department of Justice: Provides resources to fight violent crime, disrupt and dismantle Mexican drug trafficking networks, apprehend violent fugitives, combat the profusion of cybercrime and counter foreign intelligence threats. This includes grants that strengthen state and local enforcement, improve the administration of justice and support victims of crime:
  • Justice Assistance Grants and COPS Office Programs: Provides funding to support local police and sheriffs’ departments and efforts to promote public safety.
  • School Boards: Creates new protections for parents who peacefully protest at school board meetings.
  • Space Exploration: Supports the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Exploration program, to ensure the Artemis mission remains on schedule and that United States maintains its strategic superiority in space.
  • Department of Commerce: Continues support for the department’s wide variety of programs, including weather forecasting, oceanic and atmospheric monitoring, economic development programs, trade promotion, scientific and technical research, broadband deployment and the protection of intellectual property.
  • National Science Foundation: Supports research in fields vital to U.S. national and economic security, including quantum computing and artificial intelligence.

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