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WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) introduced the Peace and Tolerance in Palestinian Education Act to address whether Palestinian students are being taught inaccurate or racist content about Israel and the Jewish people.

“The Middle East will never experience peace until Palestinians stop teaching their kids to hate Israel, and American dollars should not fund this anti-Jewish propaganda. The Peace and Tolerance in Palestinian Education Act would give us a closer look at what Palestinian schools are teaching and whether or not American money is supporting antisemitism,” said Kennedy.

The Peace and Tolerance in Palestinian Education Act would require the Secretary of State to submit annual reports examining the curriculum Palestinian schools are using to teach students. The reports will review whether Palestinian curricula encourage racist violence against the Jewish people and whether U.S. foreign aid is supporting such material. 

Currently, America provides significant funding to the Palestinians, and this funding may be supporting antisemitic propaganda in school curricula.

Text of the Peace and Tolerance in Palestinian Education Act is available here.

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today introduced an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that would require an act of Congress before the Taliban could receive any current or future allocation of special drawing rights through the International Monetary Fund (IMF). These special drawing rights (SDR) burden U.S. taxpayers because the Taliban could exchange the drawing rights for U.S. dollars at any time.

“If the IMF recognizes the Taliban as Afghanistan’s government, those terrorists will automatically have access to hundreds of millions of American tax dollars through the most recent allocation of special drawing rights. It’s Congress’s job to make sure America doesn’t end up bankrolling the Taliban’s violence against women, children and ethnic minorities. I can’t imagine any person who understands the Taliban’s human rights abuses and wouldn’t support this amendment,” said Kennedy.

The IMF created the SDR as an international reserve asset to supplement IMF member countries’ official reserves. The IMF distributes these assets to member countries, including Afghanistan, based on each country’s IMF quota, which depends on its size relative to the global economy.

Member countries receive SDRs and can exchange them for U.S. dollars. The IMF approved $650 billion in SDRs in August, $450 million of which was allocated for Afghanistan.

That distribution to Afghanistan has been blocked since the Taliban took control. That move, however, can be reversed should the majority of the IMF voting shares move to recognize the Taliban as a legitimate government. The U.S. cannot veto that recognition.

Background

This summer, President Biden agreed to a general allocation of IMF SDRs totaling $650 billion without consent from Congress. Large portions of that allocation flowed to dictators and countries that actively oppose American interests and violate human rights.

China, Russia, Venezuela and state sponsors of terrorism like Syria and Iran received a huge portion of this allocation.

While some have claimed that SDRs offer the U.S. a no-cost way to assist poor countries, this is demonstrably false. Large IMF allocations require the U.S. to issue debt in order to cover the loans issued through SDRs. The U.S. has to pay interest on that debt, and that interest would exceed any interest that the U.S. might receive on the loans it issues.

There is no requirement that countries that receive loans from the U.S. through SDRs ever repay the principal. As a result, the financial burden of these loans falls on the U.S. taxpayer.

Kennedy previously introduced the No Dollars for Dictators Act to prohibit allocations of SDRs at the IMF from going to perpetrators of genocide and state sponsors of terrorism unless Congress authorizes the allocation.

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today joined Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.) and colleagues in writing to the postmaster general to condemn a U.S. Postal Service (USPS) pilot program that would introduce banking services into the USPS and undercut the agency’s ability to deliver mail quickly and effectively.

“The Postal Service lost tens of billions of taxpayer dollars when it was focused solely on delivering mail. If you think the USPS is inefficient now, wait until it tries its hand at banking and delivering mail at the same time,” said Kennedy.

Sens. Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), John Thune (R-S.D.) and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) also signed the letter.

“We are concerned that the pilot program exceeds the Postal Service’s legal authority and fails to comply with relevant regulations and procedural requirements. The Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act generally prohibits the Postal Service from providing ‘nonpostal services,’ and requires the Postal Regulatory Commission to review any nonpostal service offered by the Postal Service,” the senators wrote. 

“We are also concerned that entering into products and services unrelated to the Postal Service’s mission will divert necessary attention, time, and money away from the core function of mail delivery. Historically, the Postal Service has failed to effectively provide financial services and compete with private sector innovation. From 2007-2019 the Postal Service lost over $75 billion,” they explained.

“Given that these losses occurred during a period of time in which the Postal Service was exclusively focused on mail delivery, it would be imprudent to shift attention and resources toward an area in which the agency lacks expertise. It is essential that the Postal Service address this revenue shortfall by focusing on fixing inefficiencies with its mail delivery system, not pivoting to financial products and offerings with which the agency has no expertise,” the senators continued.

“Given substantial financial shortfalls, a mission-specific focus on mail delivery, and a history of unsuccessfully competing with private sector alternatives, we are highly skeptical that the Postal Service can safely and effectively provide financial services,” the senators concluded.

The letter is available here.

MADISONVILLE, La. – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) penned this letter to the editor, originally published in the Lafayette Daily Advertiser. The piece, which is below, outlines Kennedy’s work on the State, Local, Tribal and Territorial Fiscal Recovery, Infrastructure and Disaster Relief Flexibility Act. The bill would allow state and local officials to redirect unused COVID relief funds to disaster aid and infrastructure needs in Louisiana.

“Louisianians have been wincing and rebuilding from nature’s onslaught long enough, and the Senate recently passed a bill that would mean our state could stop waiting on Washington for billions in disaster aid.

“Local lawmakers can now help Louisiana themselves. Louisiana’s state government got about $4.8 billion in COVID relief through the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund. With the worst of the pandemic in the past, I think state officials should be able to use that state and local funding for what Louisianians need most: disaster relief.

“I amended the State, Local, Tribal and Territorial Fiscal Recovery, Infrastructure and Disaster Relief Flexibility Act to give local lawmakers that flexibility. Since the Senate passed that bill a few weeks ago, the only thing standing between it and the president’s desk is a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“This bill would give state leaders the freedom to use unspent pandemic relief funds from the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund on both natural disaster victims and actual infrastructure needs. If the state hasn’t spent the entire $4.8 billion in that funding yet, officials can use up to 100% of the remaining money for traditional disaster relief efforts. They could also invest up to 30 percent of the $4.8 billion on infrastructure—the roads, bridges and flood protection we need down here. In other words, Louisiana would be able to tap up to $1.44 billion, if the funds are still available, to spend on infrastructure.

“The fake federal infrastructure bill just bankrolled Sen. Chuck Schumer’s $12 billion Gateway Tunnel project, and I think Louisiana should be able to improve our highways and waterways as well, if that’s where state officials want to direct these federal dollars. The Infrastructure and Disaster Relief Flexibility Act would meet real infrastructure goals and help hardworking Louisianians rebuild their homes and businesses.

“The bottom line is that this bill takes the handcuffs off Louisiana’s COVID money so that our state can focus on our people’s biggest needs, like disaster relief.”

The letter is available here.

MADISONVILLE, La. – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $5,355,592 from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for unmet community and housing development needs in Lake Charles as a result of Hurricanes Laura and Delta. 

“Hurricanes Laura and Delta left a trail of destruction in Lake Charles, and one of their biggest needs continues to be affordable housing. I’m thankful to see this $5.4 million heading to help disaster victims in southwest Louisiana,” said Kennedy. 

These funds should enable Lake Charles to aid moderate- and low-income individuals and families as they restore housing and repair damage from last year’s hurricanes. The grant is made available through the Declared Disaster Recovery Fund.

MADISONVILLE, La. – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) joined Sen. John Hoeven (R-N.D.) and colleagues in introducing an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that would prevent the Biden administration from making unilateral cuts to U.S. nuclear forces.

“America can’t afford to be passive when China is being extremely aggressive in growing its nuclear arsenal, including missiles that could penetrate our defenses. Effective nuclear deterrence depends on maintaining and modernizing America’s nuclear capabilities. Our enemies must understand that threatening the United States is never a risk worth taking,” said Kennedy.

“Just this week, the Pentagon reported that China is expanding its nuclear capabilities more quickly than expected. Reports of a rapid Chinese nuclear build up underscore the importance of continuing to modernize our nuclear triad and strengthen our deterrent. Clearly the administration should not consider any unilateral cuts as part of its ongoing NPR, and my legislation would ensure no such cuts could occur,” said Hoeven.

The senators introduced this amendment following reports that China is expanding its nuclear arsenal more rapidly than anticipated. The Biden administration expects to complete its Nuclear Posture Review early next year, which includes recommendations on America’s nuclear force levels.

This summer, China tested a new nuclear-capable hypersonic missile that can evade U.S. defenses, and China could potentially possess 1,000 nuclear warheads by the end of this decade.

Unilateral cuts to nuclear forces would weaken America’s ability to deter rivals from increasing the size and capabilities of their arsenals. Cuts would also undermine the U.S.’s negotiating position in any future effort to reach an arms control agreement with China.

Louisiana’s Barksdale Air Force Base provides a significant part of the U.S. nuclear deterrent force. It is home to the Air Force Global Strike Command, which is responsible for hundreds of ballistic missiles and planes.

The amendment would stop unilateral reductions to America’s nuclear forces between fiscal year 2022 and fiscal year 2027, with the following exceptions:

  • Reductions necessary to ensure the safety, security and reliability of strategic warheads and their delivery systems,
  • Temporary reductions necessary to field modernized replacement warheads and delivery systems,
  • Reductions of warheads that are retired or slated for dismantlement as of Jan. 1, 2021, and
  • Reductions made pursuant to a treaty ratified by the U.S. Senate.

 The amendment would also preserve at current numbers America’s B-52 and B-2 aircraft.

Sens. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) also cosponsored the legislation.

Text of the amendment is available here.

MADISONVILLE, La. – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) joined Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and colleagues in urging President Biden to take steps to ease energy prices and reduce energy shortages.  

“Even before colder temperatures set in, natural gas inventories around the nation are 5.5% below the five-year average, and demand has ramped up as the economy continues to recover. Due to lower supply and higher demand, natural gas prices are more than 250% higher than they were this time last year and the Energy Information Agency (EIA) expects natural gas prices to climb even higher this winter based on supply projections,” the senators wrote.

“These increased prices are projected to raise the heating bills of the 47 percent of American homes that rely on natural gas for heating and the 40 percent of American homes heated with electricity, the price of which is increasingly reflective of natural gas prices. Similarly, the average price of heating oil and propane is already double what it was one year ago, with prices expected to continue to rise this winter,” the senators continued.

The senators urged Biden to take several steps to ease the energy crisis, including lifting the administration’s ban on oil and gas lease sales on Federal lands and waters, accelerating Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and Army Corps permitting and interagency coordination to approve pipeline projects and ending the regulatory uncertainty that is stifling investments in energy.

“In summary, as President of the United States, you have the authority to unleash our nation’s clean, abundant, and affordable natural gas resources for the benefit of all Americans and the world. This is particularly critical for the millions of Americans heading into winter who are worried about how they will keep warm. We are committed to assisting your Administration if you wish to work together in a bipartisan fashion to chart a new course that establishes the kind of regulatory framework and legislative priorities that will increase domestic energy production,” the senators concluded.

Video of Kennedy discussing the danger of the Biden administration’s energy policies is available here.

Sens. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), James Risch (R-Idaho), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), James Lankford (R-Okla.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.) also signed the letter.

The letter is available here.

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today introduced the Claiming Losses After Disasters Act to help disaster victims receive tax deductions following damage caused by natural disasters. 

“In 2021, historic flooding, Hurricane Ida and a devastating winter storm all hit Louisiana families—and the year isn’t even over. Unfortunately for every Louisianian trying to rebuild, current law limits tax deductions for natural disaster victims. I introduced the Claiming Losses After Disasters Act to help more Louisianians defray the costs of rebuilding,” said Kennedy. 

This year’s historic winter storm caused $20.8 billion in damage to Louisiana. Rainfall and flooding caused $1.4 billion in damage. Hurricane Ida caused an estimated $64.5 billion in damage. The combined damage from all of these disasters totals roughly $86.7 billion.

Under current law, tax deductions for casualty losses are limited to disaster victims until the end of 2025. For someone to qualify for tax deductions, however, the casualty losses suffered must be more than the sum of 10 percent of an individual’s adjusted gross income and $100.

The Claiming Losses After Disasters Act would allow disaster victims from a major federally-declared disaster to claim a larger tax deduction for damages not covered by insurance. Specifically, Kennedy’s bill would permanently waive the requirement that disaster-related casualty losses must exceed 10 percent of a victim’s adjusted gross income for tax deductions to apply. Instead, a new minimum threshold of $500 in losses per disaster would apply before a person could receive a tax deduction.

Text of the Claiming Losses After Disasters Act is available here.

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today introduced the Teacher, Principal, and Leader Residency Access Act to help college students who aspire to become teachers and leaders in America’s schools access residency programs.

“Every time I substitute teach, I’m more convinced that Louisiana’s future rests on education. Louisiana students deserve that their teachers have the best preparation possible, but many young educators aren’t able to gain practical experience before they enter their own classrooms. I’ve introduced the Teacher, Principal, and Leader Residency Access Act to help provide future educators with more teaching experience while they finish their degrees,” said Kennedy. 

Rep. Jason Crow (D-Colo.) introduced the bipartisan bill in the House of Representatives. Reps. Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.), Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) and Peter Meijer (R-Mich.) cosponsored the legislation.

Many college students report that their college courses do not prepare them for a career after graduation. Residencies for teachers and school leaders would better prepare college students for careers in education by providing them with practical classroom experience. These residencies, however, can prove costly for colleges to offer. As a result, the opportunities are often out of reach for low-income students.

The Federal Work Study (FWS) Program funds part-time employment for undergraduate, graduate and professional students who require financial aid. The Teacher, Principal, and Leader Residency Access Act would expand the FWS Program to cover residencies for students who want to become teachers or school leaders. It would also prioritize helping low-income students access the FWS Program.

Text of the Teacher, Principal, and Leader Residency Access Act is available here.

Watch Kennedy’s comments here.

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) joined colleagues to explain the danger the Biden administration’s energy plan poses to Louisiana’s economy, America’s national security and the world’s climate. The senators also outlined conservatives’ approach to energy policy, which focuses on economic growth and energy diversity.

Below are key excerpts from Kennedy’s remarks.

I’m pretty much an all-of-the-above energy type of guy. I support wind. I support solar. I support thermal. I support hydrogen. Unlike many of my Democratic colleagues, I support nuclear—particularly the new, small modular reactors—but I also support oil and gas.”

“As best I can tell, [President Biden] wants us at some undetermined time in the future to be able to produce our energy without nuclear, without oil and without natural gas—and certainly without coal. He doesn’t really explain how we’re going to get from where we are today to that future that he envisions, which is why you're seeing the disruptions in the energy supply throughout the world.”

Short-term, as best I can tell, President Biden and Secretary Kerry’s plan is, ‘Let’s don't produce our own fossil fields.’ Even though the American economy, the greatest economy in all of human history, gets 80% of its energy from fossil fuels, [President Biden] wants to end that abruptly. He doesn’t want us to produce our own fossil fuels. He wants us to buy natural gas and oil from other countries, and basically give countries that hate us more money, so they’ll have weapons—they can buy weapons—to try to kill us. And that didn’t make any sense to me. And it doesn’t make any sense to the American people.”

“I see, and I think these colleagues of mine see, the changes in our climate as a discrete scientific problem, unlike President Biden and Secretary Kerry and the other Trotsky-like Wokers. They see climate change as a religion, and you can’t talk about it unless you follow their dogma. . . . And it’s not popular with the American people. And it’s not going to solve the problems that we face in terms of the changes that are taking place in our climate.”

Video of the speech is available here.