Senator Blumenthal Week In Review 07/07/2023—07/14/2023

EXAMINING THE PROPOSED PGA TOUR-LIV GOLF AGREEMENT

— U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI) Chairman Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) delivered opening remarks at a hearing titled, “The PGA-LIV Deal: Implications for the Future of Golf and Saudi Arabia’s Influence in the United States.” The hearing, featuring testimony from the PGA Tour’s Chief Operation Officer Ron Price and Board Member Jimmy Dunne, examines the Tour’s planned agreement with the Saudi Arabian government’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and what it means for the future of professional golf in the United States.

“Today’s hearing is about much more than the game of golf,” said Blumenthal. “It is about how a brutal, repressive regime can buy influence—indeed even take over—a cherished American institution simply to cleanse its public image. It’s a regime that has killed journalists, jailed and tortured dissidents, fostered the war in Yemen, and supported other terrorist activities, including the 9/11 attack on our nation. It’s called sportswashing.”

Citing the surprising nature of the deal’s announcement, Blumenthal said, “For two years, the most vehement opposition to the Saudi government’s taking over this sport of golf in America, and the most vehement criticisms of Saudi sportswashing, came from the PGA Tour’s leaders themselves.”

Blumenthal also expressed concerns that, “the PGA Tour surrendered once for the Saudi investment of money, and there is no assurance in this agreement that it would not do so again.”

Describing documents that PSI has obtained in its inquiry, Blumenthal noted that Saudi Arabia sought a team golf tournament and at least one high-profile PGA event in the country, as well as a global golf investment fund managed by the PIF. The internal documents also showed potential side agreements, including one preparing to fire LIV CEO Greg Norman upon execution of the final deal.  

Blumenthal also added that the documents show that the night before the framework was signed, “the PIF added a non-disparagement clause that appears to prevent the PGA Tour from criticizing Saudi Arabia,” and that Governor al-Rumayyan, manager of the PIF, “will sit on the executive committee of the new company that is to be formed where he will, and this is a direct quote from a document we received, ‘provide PIF with strong influence’ over the new company.”

“Americans very simply deserve to know what this agreement means for the future of golf, as well as for the future of the Saudi Arabian government’s investment in sports and other autocratic regimes that may choose to do the same,” Blumenthal concluded.

— Blumenthal questioned Price on the size of Saudi Arabia’s investment in the Tour. While Price said a final number has not been determined and discussions are ongoing, he told Blumenthal the amount under discussion is, “north of $1 billion.”

“Are there possibilities that additional amounts would be contributed?” Blumenthal asked, to which Price said, “That is in the complete control of the PGA Tour because it is a PGA Tour subsidiary. The board is controlled by the PGA Tour and they have absolute control over how much funding they accept now and in the future.”

When Blumenthal asked if the Tour had explored, “other sources of potential investment,” apart from the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, Price said, “We considered that, Senator. But had we got down that path, we would still be fighting the very expensive and disruptive litigation.”

— Blumenthal asked Price and Dunne about the PIF’s efforts to include a non-disparagement clause, which was added the night before the original framework was signed. Under this clause, players and affiliates of the PGA Tour would potentially be prohibited from criticizing Saudi Arabia or commenting on other human rights issues.

“That's about as broad a non-disparagement clause as I have ever seen,” said Blumenthal. “Will you commit today, Mr. Price, that the PGA Tour will not punish any members who criticize the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, or human rights, anywhere regardless of this new relationship with PIF? Can you commit to the final agreement, that the PGA tour will not punish anyone for criticism of anybody in Saudi Arabia?”

“Our position is that the players are free to speak their mind under that agreement and that is the way we've interpreted it,” said Price. “We always take our player interests very importantly. And we would try to protect their interests.”

When Blumenthal again pressed if they would commit to protect player expression and go to court if necessary to ensure PIF or others don’t attempt to inhibit speech, Price said, “We would not recommend any definitive agreement to the board for approval that had such a clause in it.”

— Blumenthal warned the PGA Tour about the danger of allowing the PIF to have such a major financial stake, saying, “The simple fact is that the Saudi government is the dominant owner here. It has equity interest. It controls the purse strings. It has the money. And the money is the reason you surrendered in this agreement. And the money will be there going forward. A billion dollars is just the beginning. So, I think the American people can see through some of what you may be stating with the best of intentions.”

— Blumenthal thanked Price and Dunne for appearing and discussed the next steps in the Subcommittee’s inquiry.

“We have learned a lot. And we have also learned that we need to learn more. And so we're going to continue this inquiry, we're going to ask that the other potential witnesses that we’ve invited actually come and share their perspectives and information,” said Blumenthal.

“I recognize that you cannot say you're going to walk away from this deal, but I hope you bargained hard. And we will continue this inquiry because I think uncovering more of the facts and shining a spotlight on what is really happening here is in the national interest, and it's part of our obligation.”

— Blumenthal also reacted to reports that the tour and the Saudi wealth fund deleted a clause from their agreement saying they would not poach each other’s players.

“Eliminating one of the few binding provisions in the Framework Agreement raises further questions about the relationship between PGA Tour & the Saudi Arabian PIF. If true, this development could remove what the PGA Tour claimed was a compelling reason to accept the Saudis’ money. Under my Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, we will continue to look into this troubling deal & learn what else may be on the table.”

SUPPORTING VERNON OLIVER’S NOMINATION TO THE CONNECTICUT DISTRICT COURT

— Blumenthal applauded the Senate Judiciary Committee’s approval of Judge Vernon D. Oliver, President Biden’s nominee to fill a vacancy on the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut. Following today’s 13-8 vote, Oliver’s nomination will be considered by the full Senate.

“I’m delighted and grateful for the strong bipartisan vote to move Vernon Oliver’s nomination forward,” said Blumenthal, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. “His extraordinary legal expertise and long commitment to public service will make him a stellar federal judge. Having worked with him personally, and seen his passion for justice, I know well the combination of independence, integrity, and intellect that he’ll bring to the federal bench. I look forward to advocating for his swift confirmation.”

STANDING WITH OUR ALLIES IN UKRAINE & NATO

— Blumenthal, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, joined Ukrainian Americans to call for a swift, clear path to NATO membership for Ukraine and urge robust weapons and aid as Russia continues its brutal summer offensive.

— Blumenthal joined U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) in reintroducing their bipartisan bill to explicitly prohibit any President of the United States from withdrawing from NATO without Senate approval or an Act of Congress. Specifically, the bill requires the U.S. President to seek the advice and consent of the Senate before suspending, terminating, or withdrawing U.S. membership in NATO. If a U.S. President attempts to leave NATO without Senate approval or an Act of Congress, the bill prohibits any funding from being used to do so and also authorizes Congressional Legal Counsel to challenge the Administration in court.

— Blumenthal reacted to news that Turkey has agreed to support Sweden’s NATO bid.

“News of Turkey’s support for Sweden joining NATO is an important step to making the alliance even stronger. Sweden is an uncompromising defender of democratic values & a steadfast security partner. Now it’s also time for Ukraine’s NATO membership to proceed without delay.”

FIGHTING FOR THE XAVIER SANDOR SUPPORT FOR SAILORS ACT

— Blumenthal released the following statement on the inclusion of the Seaman Xavier Sandor Support for Sailors Act, legislation introduced with U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT), in the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act. The legislation would allow junior sailors to live in commercial housing when their assigned ship undergoes an extended maintenance overhaul in a shipyard. This follows the tragic suicide deaths of three sailors in two weeks aboard the USS George Washington, including Seaman Recruit Xavier Sandor from Shelton, Connecticut.

“This legislation will help spare other Sailors from the abhorrent conditions confronting Xavier Sandor— no mental health care, unacceptable housing, and no access to relief. I was proud to see this bill through the Senate Armed Services Committee and am thrilled that our bill is included in the National Defense Authorization Act. There must be swift, bipartisan passage of this provision so that no Sailor has to experience what Xavier did. A Basic Allowance for Housing and enhanced mental health services are common sense measures to improve quality of life, and save lives,” said Blumenthal.

PROTECTING SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS

— Blumenthal and U.S. Representative John B. Larson (D-CT) introduced the Social Security 2100 Act to strengthen and protect Social Security. The bill provides an across-the-board benefit increase, improves the annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) to reflect seniors’ true costs, repeals the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) that currently penalize many public servants, and provides the Social Security Administration with resources to improve customer service.

“Social Security 2100 will uphold our promise—ensuring our bedrock social insurance program continues to provide a quality standard of living to current and future generations. These reforms will guarantee that people who’ve paid into this lifeline insurance program will be sure of its benefits,” said Blumenthal.

MAKING LIFE-SAVING INSULIN AFFORDABLE & ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL

— Blumenthal joined U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) in releasing a new investigative report,: Unaffordable Insulin: Uninsured Americans Still Face High Costs at the Pharmacy Counter for Eli Lilly’s Authorized Generic. The report surveyed more than 300 pharmacies around the country to review the cost and availability at the pharmacy counter of Eli Lilly’s authorized generic Insulin Lispro, which it announced would cost $25 per vial – and found that uninsured Americans still face significant challenges to access affordable, generic insulin. The generic insulin cost almost four times as much as Lilly’s $25 target price - and almost half of pharmacies did not have the lower-priced generic in stock.

“No report should be necessary to persuade Congress that insulin must be made more affordable, but this document provides irrefutable proof,” said Blumenthal. “Congress must heed this call to action—enacting price caps for all patients and other reforms. Low cost insulin can be matter of life and death.”

ADDRESSING AMERICA’S GUN VIOLENCE EPIDEMIC

— Blumenthal and U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) announced the reintroduction of The Ammunition Background Check Act of 2023, known as Jaime’s Law, a commonsense bicameral piece of legislation that would require instant background checks to prevent criminals from illegally purchasing ammunition.

Under current law, dangerous individuals such as violent criminals and domestic abusers are prohibited from purchasing a firearm as well as ammunition. However, unlike firearms, federal law does not require a background check to prevent the illegal purchase of ammunition. Jamie’s Law would close this loophole by requiring buyers to either provide a license for the firearm or undergo an instant background check using the FBI National Instant Background Check System (NICS) before purchasing the ammunition. NCIS is the same quick and easy process that applies to the purchase of firearms.

“If someone is too dangerous to be allowed a gun purchase, they ought to be barred from buying bullets as well. Criminals and domestic abusers ought to be subject to the same background checks whether it’s for the gun or the ammunition,” said Blumenthal. “I hope that bipartisan support will enable us to pass Jaime’s Law, saving lives and helping stop the ongoing gun violence epidemic.”

PROTECTING TAXPAYERS’ PERSONAL DATA

— Blumenthal joined U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), along with Representative Katie Porter (D-CA), in releasing a new report: Attacks on Tax Privacy: How the Tax Prep Industry Enabled Meta to Harvest Millions of Taxpayers’ Sensitive Data. The 54-page report, which comes after a seven-month long investigation, reveals outrageous, extensive, and potentially illegal sharing of taxpayers’ sensitive personal and financial information with Meta by online tax preparation companies.

The lawmakers also sent a letter to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Department of Justice highlighting their key findings and calling on these departments to fully investigate this matter and prosecute any company or individuals who violated the law. The companies shared millions of taxpayers’ tax return data, meaning they could face billions of dollars in potential criminal liability.

“The findings of this report reveal a shocking breach of taxpayer privacy by tax prep companies and by Big Tech firms that appeared to violate taxpayers’ rights and may have violated taxpayer privacy law,” wrote the lawmakers. “Relevant enforcement entities – including the IRS, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and the Department of Justice (DOJ) should fully investigate this matter and prosecute any company or individuals who violated the law.”

PROTECTING REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS

— Blumenthal joined U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Peter Welch (D-VT), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and John Fetterman (D-PA) in a letter to the Department of Justice (DOJ) urging the Department to protect the right to travel and constitutional right to interstate travel following state-level efforts to impede women’s right to travel to other states for abortion care. The lawmakers are also requesting a briefing to better understand DOJ’s assessment of these efforts.

More than one year after the Supreme Court ruled to ignore 50 years of precedent and overturn Roe v. Wade, 19 states have implemented near or total abortion bans, with many others implementing additional conflicting, vague, or restrictive laws that endanger the lives and health of millions of Americans. 

“Health care providers have explained that these laws ‘are condemning patients to delays in abortion care’ because patients must often cross state lines to receive essential health care,” wrote the lawmakers. “Some states are now taking the extraordinary step of criminalizing women’s right to travel to other states for abortion care.”

“Given the work of many of our states to protect access to abortion care no matter whether a patient comes from the state or travels from another, we are alarmed by efforts in other states to curb interstate travel, which may present an unprecedented attack on Americans’ rights,” concluded the lawmakers. “We are writing to better understand DOJ’s assessment of efforts to infringe on Americans’ right to travel and the constitutional right to interstate travel.”

— Blumenthal reacted to the news that federal regulators Thursday approved the first over-the-counter daily birth control pill available in the United States.

“Access to contraception is essential reproductive health care. Glad to see the FDA is following the science & making birth control available over-the-counter. Now we must make sure this medication is fully covered by insurance & available with no out-of-pocket costs.”

INVESTING IN CONNECTICUT

— Blumenthal and U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) announced the inclusion of $9.768 million for Connecticut Congressionally Directed Spending projects in the Fiscal Year 2024 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. The bill also includes funding for gun violence prevention efforts, climate resilience, and crumbling foundations. Committee passage is the first step in the process, and funding will only be made available when the bill is passed by Congress and signed into law. Blumenthal and Murphy are committed to pushing for passage and ensuring Connecticut priorities are reflected in the final spending package.

“Each of these grants marks a major message of support for the missions and management of these projects. These major federal investments will have far-reaching impacts on the safety and well-being of our communities – providing critical support for community violence intervention, youth services, behavioral health care, and resources for victims of domestic violence. This funding will also help preserve Connecticut’s treasured coastal habitats, making them more resilient to climate change. I am proud to support these projects and will urge inclusion of these funds in this year’s budget,” said Blumenthal.

— Blumenthal and Murphy also announced the inclusion of several Connecticut Congressionally Directed Spending projects in the Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Services And General Government Appropriations bill. The bill includes $500,000 for ClimateHaven to build out climate tech prototyping lab, $4 million for ConnCORP to build new incubator space for startups, and $1 million for the Hispanic Federation to support their Crear y Crecer su Negocio program to support Latino-owned businesses.

“This $5.5 million is a major investment in Connecticut’s small businesses, helping to spur economic growth and opening doors for aspiring entrepreneurs. These projects will enhance revitalization efforts in the City of New Haven and support minority-owned small business and climate technology startups across the state. Senator Murphy and I are deeply committed to these projects and will urge that this funding be allocated this year,” said Blumenthal.

FULLY FUNDING SPECIAL EDUCATION

— Blumenthal and U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) joined U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and U.S. Representative Jared Huffman (D-CA) this week to introduce the IDEA Full Funding Act. This legislation would finally ensure Congress fulfills its commitment to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). In 1975, Congress passed IDEA to ensure that every child with a disability has access to educational opportunity. This law was a historic step forward, but since its passage Congress has failed to provide the funding it promised.

Under IDEA, the federal government committed to pay 40 percent of the average per pupil expenditure for special education. However, that pledge has never been met, and current funding is at less than 13 percent. According to the Congressional Research Service, the IDEA shortfall in the 2021-2022 school year nationwide was $23.92 billion. The IDEA Full Funding Act would require regular, mandatory increases in IDEA spending to finally meet our obligation to America’s children and schools. It is cosponsored by more than 20 Senators and over 60 House members.

“The federal government has continually failed teachers, parents, and students who deserve access to a high-quality education with an enriching classroom experience. Congress must fulfill its commitment and provide the necessary funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to help school districts ensure students with disabilities are supported rather than shortchanged, and are given the chance to shine and succeed,” said Blumenthal.

SUPPORTING OUR AFGHAN ALLIES

— Blumenthal joined U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Chris Coons (D-DE), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Thom Tillis (R-NC) along with U.S. Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) and Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) in reintroducing the Afghan Adjustment Act, bipartisan legislation to allow Afghans who sought refuge in the United States to apply for permanent legal residency after undergoing additional vetting. Currently, Afghans who were admitted on temporary humanitarian status can only gain permanent legal status through the asylum system or Special Immigrant Visa process (SIV), which face severe backlogs and long processing times. Allowing Afghan allies to apply for permanent legal residency will help provide certainty as they build their lives in the United States.

“This measure will provide safe haven for Afghans fleeing Taliban persecution. Our bipartisan bill fulfills a moral obligation to the men and women who sacrificed in support of the U.S. mission helping American troops and diplomats. These Afghan allies worked as journalists, translators, non-profit workers, guards, and interpreters – as well as other dangerous professions that put their and their families’ lives on the line. This effort is urgent as their situation is increasingly desperate. These at-risk Afghans deserve a clear path to citizenship. I am especially proud to have authored language in the bill that will expand eligibility for the SIV program to members of the Afghan Special Forces, including the Female Tactical Teams. The idea developed from the work my office has been doing with several U.S. veterans and service members who fought alongside these Afghans and who have spent the last year trying to get them to safety. I am honored to work with them to fulfill our moral obligation to those who fought alongside us,” said Blumenthal. 

PROMOTING WOMEN’S LUNG CANCER RESEARCH

— Blumenthal joined U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) in reintroducing the Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act to promote increased exploration into the prevention and management of lung cancer among women, with a specific focus on non-smokers.

“Lung cancer kills more women than any other cancer. This bipartisan bill puts greater resources towards the prevention, detection, and treatment of lung cancer, focusing specifically on non-smokers – a comprehensive approach to this devastating and deadly disease,” said Blumenthal

ADDRESSING THE CLIMATE CRISIS

— Blumenthal joined U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and a group of their colleagues in a resolution to protect the fundamental rights of the nation’s children to a safe, habitable environment in the face of climate chaos’ increasingly destructive effects. The resolution recognizes that the current climate crisis disproportionately affects the health, economic opportunity, and fundamental rights of children, and demands that the United States develop a national, comprehensive, science-based, and just climate recovery plan to meet necessary emissions reduction targets.

GUARANTEEING ACCESS TO PREVENTATIVE COVID TESTS

— Blumenthal joined U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) in sending a letter to the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) calling on Chair Michael Barry to recommend COVID-19 testing as a preventive screening tool, guaranteeing that insured patients will have access to testing with no charge and no co-pay. After the suspension of the administration’s Public Health Emergency for COVID-19 in May of this year, most private insurers’ requirement to cover COVID-19 testing without cost sharing ended. Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies are required to cover USPSTF-recommended preventive services without beneficiary cost-sharing.

“Although insurers can voluntarily cover COVID-19 testing if they choose, and the Biden-Harris Administration is encouraging them to do so, it is up to individual health insurance plans to make this determination, including whether or not to charge a co-pay,” wrote the lawmakers.

“The USPSTF should follow its own guidelines…and recommend COVID-19 testing as a preventive service,” concluded the lawmakers. “Given the need for these tests and the ample evidence supporting their value, we encourage you to evaluate and adopt COVID-19 testing as a recommended screening tool without delay.”

AROUND CONNECTICUT

— Blumenthal announced $1.2 million for the Town of East Windsor to connect 31 homes and 87 residents to Connecticut Water. The current residents have a deficient well that is contaminated with nitrates and falls below federal and state drinking water standards.

“Thanks to $1.2 million in federal funding, which Senator Murphy & I advocated for, 31 homes & 87 East Windsor residents with contaminated wells will now be connected to CT Water’s clean, safe water system.”

— Blumenthal congratulated the owners of Top Dog for their many years of service.

“After 43 years of wonderful food & welcoming service, the Top Dog’s founders are moving on—leaving this iconic community treasure in good hands. Thanks for all the top dogs & brightening so many days.”

— Blumenthal marched in the East Hampton Old Home Day and Bridgeport Puerto Rican Day Parades.

“East Hampton’s annual spectacular Old Home Day Parade once again put a great community on display. Proud to march with you again & thanks to all the hardworking organizers.”

“Proud to share irresistible, unforgettable spirit, music, food, & friendship of Bridgeport’s Puerto Rican Day Parade. Bigger & better than ever.  Thanks to the organizers—& Viva Puerto Rico!”

— Blumenthal attended a Ukraine Aid International event.

“Supporting Ukraine in Fairfield, thanks to Ukraine Aid International—with inspiring, beautiful children singing Ukraine’s national anthem. Moving faces & voices.”

-30-