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Sen. Moran Introduces Legislation to Update FCC Reporting Requirements to Congress

Requires the FCC to provide more robust reports to Congress on robocalls, spoofing

Mar 14 2019

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Manufacturing, Trade, and Consumer Protection – today introduced the FCC Reporting Modernization Act, legislation that would update current Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reporting requirements to include all Telephone Consumer Protection Act complaints and enforcement actions regarding robocalls and spoofed phone calls. These updated reports to Congress would provide a clearer analysis of the robocall and spoofing problem and identify patterns of these harmful practices impacting consumers.
“Not only are robocalls annoying and disruptive, but they can be dangerous – too often coercing unsuspecting Americans to provide sensitive personal and financial information with highly-sophisticated deceit tactics,” said Sen. Moran. “Being able to identify the patterns scammers use will help guide Congress’ lawmaking efforts to combat this pervasive issue. Therefore, this legislation requires the FCC to provide Congress with robust reports on robocalls and spoofed phone calls so we can continue to fight this problem.”
The FCC Reporting Modernization Act requires the FCC to report the following information to Congress every year:
  • Number of complaints received by the FCC alleging that a consumer received a robocall or spoofed call;
  • Number of citations issued by the FCC in enforcing against such complaints;
  • Number of notices of apparent liability issued by the FCC to enforce policies against robocalls or spoofed calls, along with the amount of penalties involved, the recipient of the notice and the status of the proceeding.

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – member of the Senate Appropriations Committee – today announced he will support H. J. Res. 46, the Emergency Declaration Resolution of Disapproval.

“President Trump is correct, there is a need for better border security,” wrote Sen. Moran. “…I have introduced legislation and voted many times for greater funding for border security, including President Trump’s border wall.”

“Upon my election to public office, I take one oath – to uphold the Constitution of the United States,” continued Sen. Moran. “I believe the use of emergency powers in this circumstance violates the Constitution. Allowing the use of such power establishes a precedent for future presidents to further act against laws and appropriations approved by Congress. This continues our country down the path of all powerful executive – something those who wrote the Constitution were fearful of.”

Sen. Moran’s full written thoughts can be found here and below.

 
1.    President Trump is correct, there is a need for better border security.
 
2.    Our borders are a matter of national sovereignty and control over who enters our country is vital in our fight against terrorism and battle against drugs and human trafficking.
 
3.    Many Americans and most Kansans agree with the President that this is an important issue and must be dealt with.
 
4.    The President has not been fairly treated by Democrats in Congress – a wall is not immoral and democrats have previously supported funding border barriers.
 
5.    I have introduced legislation and voted many times for greater funding for border security, including President Trump’s border wall.
 
6.    The President can advance the building of a wall with the funding just approved by Congress and can increase the funds available by reprogramming other accounts.
 
7.    Therefore, the declaration of an emergency is not necessary.
 
8.    The declaration of an emergency under these circumstances is a violation of the U.S. Constitution. The laws passed by Congress years ago allowing the president emergency powers is flawed and needs to be repealed or amended.
 
9.    In high school government class we all learned about our Founding Fathers and the three separate, but equal branches of government. This concept is one of the most significant in protecting America as a republic and maintaining citizen freedoms & liberties. Both government structure and the Bill of Rights matter.
 
10.  Upon my election to public office, I take one oath – to uphold the Constitution of the United States. I believe the use of emergency powers in this circumstance violates the Constitution.
 
11.  Allowing the use of such power establishes a precedent for future presidents to further act against laws and appropriations approved by Congress. This continues our country down the path of all powerful executive – something those who wrote the Constitution were fearful of.
 
12.  Kansans have criticized President Obama for abuse of executive orders, ignoring the laws and avoiding the requirements of negotiating a treaty when dealing with foreign powers. I agree and fought it.
 
13.  I aggressively opposed the overreach of past presidents and believe that I can not pick and choose to now look the other way.
 
14.  If the Constitution means one thing in the Obama administration and another in the Trump administration, the enduring value of the Constitution disappears and another generation of Americans will be less free.
 
15.  The number one responsibility we have as American citizens is to pass to the next generation of Americans our constitutionally guaranteed liberties. There are days where it seems clear we are failing greatly.
 
16.  How we do things – even good things – matters. We were raised that the ends don’t justify the means.
 
17.  To find a loop hole on this issue and to vote another way might be an easier course. But my gut, my intellect, my understanding of history, tells me use of emergency powers is wrong. It can’t be an option to support something I believe wrong.
 
18.  This country is filled with people who care, who are patriots, who served in our military. I try never to let anyone down. On my watch I always want to do right as I see it.

-Jerry

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations and Subcommittee on Defense – today released the following statement after voting in favor of the Yemen War Powers Resolution, S.J. Res 7:

“The war in Yemen began four years ago this month, furthering tensions in the region and creating the worst humanitarian crisis in the world. More than 14 million Yemenis are on the brink of famine, and Yemen is home to one of the world’s worst cholera outbreaks in history. The United States’ involvement in providing support to Saudi Arabia – which was never properly debated or approved by Congress in 2015 – has prolonged needless suffering, and our engagement in this war must come to an end.

“I voted today to reassert Congress’s constitutional responsibility to authorize involvement in overseas conflicts and to bring an end to America’s participation in the war in Yemen. With this vote, the Senate took an important step to promote peace and security on the Arabian Peninsula.”

Items to Note:  

  • Last December, Sen. Moran voted in favor of the Yemen War Powers Resolution, S.J. Res 54, which passed the Senate 56-41.
  • Sen. Moran has joined letters to the Administration expressing concern regarding the humanitarian impact of the siege of Hudaydah, Yemen, as well as questioning the certification of Saudi compliance with American law.

 

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) introduced the Aviation Funding Stability Act of 2019. This legislation would protect Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) programs and personnel and would provide stability for the U.S. aviation industry in the event of a government shutdown. The Aviation Funding Stability Act of 2019 has also been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“Aviation is fundamental to the success of the Kansas economy, employing tens of thousands in our state while strengthening the ability of local businesses to compete in a global marketplace,” said Sen. Moran. “Critical functions at the FAA can be suspended during a shutdown, causing significant issues for aircraft manufacturers and regional airports, and – importantly – passengers needing to get to their next destination quickly and safely. Previous shutdowns have affected every function of aviation and air travel and have specifically harmed regional airports and put a strain on air traffic controllers nationwide. While I’ve long said that we must avoid government shutdowns, it is necessary to pass this legislation that would provide much-needed certainty to those who rely on the FAA.”

The Aviation Funding Stability Act of 2019 would authorize the FAA to continue to draw from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund (AATF) during a lapse in government funding, with no general fund contributions. The AATF generates enough revenue independently to sustain all of the agency’s programs without a general fund contribution. In the event of a government shutdown, this legislation would allow the entire agency to operate at current funding levels, with no Congressional action necessary.

The Aviation Funding Stability Act of 2019 is supported by a number of organizations including Air Line Pilots Association, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Airlines for America, Airports, Council International-North America, American Association of Airport Executives, Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, Delta Air Lines, General Aviation Manufacturers Association, Helicopter Association International, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, National Air Traffic Controllers Association, National Business Aviation Association, Professional Aviation Safety Specialists, Regional Airline Association, Transport Workers Union of America, Travelers United, the U.S. Travel Association and numerous other organizations.

Full text of the legislation can be found here.

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U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation – discussed Kansas’ contributions to NASA, ongoing space exploration and STEM education with NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine during a Commerce Committee hearing on Wednesday, March 13, 2019. In December of 2018, Sen. Moran hosted Administrator Bridenstine in Kansas to see these contributions first-hand.

Sen. Moran Cosponsors ARTICLE ONE Act

Legislation would restore Congressional authority over emergency declarations

Mar 13 2019

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – member of the Senate Appropriations Committee – released the following statement after cosponsoring the Assuring that Robust, Thorough, and Informed Congressional Leadership is Exercised Over National Emergencies (ARTICLE ONE) Act:

“The National Emergencies Act of 1976 cedes too much of Congress’s legislative and appropriations authority to the president. The ARTICLE ONE Act appropriately rebalances the law to restore Congressional authority over taxpayer funds, while still giving the president the ability to act quickly when facing a national emergency.”

The ARTICLE ONE Act was introduced by U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) and is also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).

This legislation would restore to Congress significant legislative powers that were improperly given to the executive branch by the National Emergencies Act (NEA) of 1976. Specifically, the ARTICLE ONE Act would automatically end all future emergency declarations made pursuant to the NEA after 30 days unless Congress votes affirmatively to extend the emergency. Currently, Congress can cancel an emergency declaration only by passing a resolution that can withstand a presidential veto.

Full text of the legislation can be found here.
 

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U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation – questioned industry representatives on the extension of rural telecommunications rate floor freezes during a Senate Commerce hearing on Tuesday, March 12, 2019.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today applauded the president’s signing of the Fort Scott National Historic Site Boundary Modification Act, which was included in S. 47, the Natural Resources Management Act, a package of over 100 bills relating to public lands, natural resources and water projects.

“I am pleased that the Fort Scott National Historic Site Boundary Modification Act is law of the land, making certain that our state’s history will be kept alive for future generations,” said Sen. Moran. “I have enjoyed working with Fort Scott community leaders over the past several years to secure this boundary modification – it is because of their continued dedication and enthusiasm that this bill has finally crossed the finish line. I know that the Fort Scott National Historic Site will remain a point of pride for Kansans, and safe and enjoyable for visitors.”

“The Fort Scott National Historic Site is the heart of our community,” said City Manager Dave Martin. “We appreciate the support of President Trump, Senator Moran, Congressman Watkins, former Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins, and the many other people that have worked on this expansion over the years. It’s a proud moment for the City of Fort Scott to see this accomplished and we look forward to the growth of the Fort created by this legislation.”

“The Fort Scott community acknowledges the diligence executed by U.S. Senator Jerry Moran to author legislation as the Fort Scott National Historic Site Boundary Modification Act, included in S. 47, and see it through to passing and the signature of President Trump,” said Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lindsay Madison. “This is a great milestone for our site to protect and preserve the adjacent Lunette Blair Civil War Block House, and to acquire additional property to shelter staff and visitors in emergency weather conditions. The National Historic Site hosts over 25,000 visitors annually of all ages that will benefit from these improvements. Our community values the Fort as the cornerstone of our city, and it is impressive for the site to gain recognition on a national level.”

“We greatly appreciate the fulfillment of this milestone, as our Friends group continues to support the mission and programs at the National Historic Site,” said Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site’s Reed Hartford.

The Fort Scott National Historic Site Boundary Modification Act will improve the Fort Scott National Historic Site in Fort Scott, Kan. by allowing the care of the Lunette Blair Civil War Block House to be transferred to the National Park Service (NPS). Additionally, it will modify the site’s boundaries so future improvements can be made to enrich the quality of visitors’ experiences. Site managers indicated the location lacks an adequate public emergency shelter. Specifically, a shelter is needed in the event of severe weather to protect volunteers and regular visitors, such as local school children. The potential buildings in the site’s new boundaries could be used for other functions, such as an on-site storage area for artifacts currently stored outside the community due to space limitations, or as an educational center for visitors and local schools.

Items to note:

  • On September 29, 2015, Sen. Moran introduced legislation to improve the Fort Scott National Historic Site.
  • On January 23, 2017, Sen. Moran reintroduced legislation to improve the Fort Scott National Historic Site.
  • Last month, the Senate passed the Fort Scott National Historic Site Boundary Modification Act as part of the Natural Resources Management Act on a 92-8 vote.
     

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