Category: Floor Action

Senators pledge vote on 9/11 terror bill


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The legislation, which the senators introduced earlier this year, would block foreign governments and sponsors of terrorism from claiming “sovereign immunity” for attacks that killed Americans on U.S. soil. It would also allow them to be sued in U.S. courts.

The senators argue that the legislation is needed after courts blocked terrorism-related claims from 9/11 victims, limiting their ability to sue. In 2013, a court threw out a lawsuit from 9/11 victims against countries that helped fund the attacks.

“It is our hope that Republicans and Democrats will come together next year and finally pass legislation that allows the victims’ families to seek justice against those who perpetrated and facilitated the horrific acts of September 11, 2001,” the senators added in a statement.

http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/263924-senators-pledge-vote-on-9-11-terror-bill

Senators battle over Russian rocket engines


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“It is simply immoral to help subsidize Russia’s intervention in Ukraine and line the pockets of Putin’s gang of thugs who profit from the sale of Russian rocket engines,” he said. “It borders on corruption.”

The Arizona Republican, who chairs the Armed Services Committee, said the provision is a direct contradiction to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed earlier this year that limited defense contractor United Launch Alliance’s (ULA) ability to buy Russian-made engines.

He added that that neither Durbin nor Shelby told him they were adding the provision into the omnibus.

http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/263525-senators-battle-over-russian-rocket-engines

Senators want visa screening to include social media


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“This bill makes practical security enhancements that modernize our visa system, ensure it’s rigorous and comprehensive, and are critical to protecting our homeland,” he added.
Meanwhile, Flake said that it “should be crystal clear to those inside and outside of DHS that the agency has the authority to review publicly available social media posts when vetting visa applications.”
The legislation would specifically let the DHS search any “open source information” — including social media and other Internet sites.
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) has also introduced legislation that would require the department to search social media and the Internet as part of the visa process. Meanwhile, Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.) said on Thursday that he’ll be introducing a bill that is similar to McCain’s legislation in the House.