Update from Senator Bob Corker
April 19, 2013
Tragedy in Boston
Senator Corker made the following statement on the tragedy at the Boston Marathon.
"To see and read the accounts of the tragedy in Boston is heartbreaking, and my thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families," said Corker. "I’m thankful for the first responders and courageous citizens who ran toward the scene of the attack to help those in need and for the law enforcement officials who are pursuing the investigation and working to keep citizens safe. While we’ve been very fortunate since 2001 to have, for the most part, protected our homeland, Monday’s attack is a reminder that we live in a dangerous world. There are people at home and abroad that wish us harm, and we must remain vigilant to ensure the safety of our citizens.”
Toomey-Manchin Amendment Overly Burdensome, Creates Uncertainty
This week the Senate considered gun legislation. Senator Corker voted in favor of an amendment sponsored by Senator Grassley (R-Iowa). He voted against the amendment sponsored by Senators Toomey (R-Pa.) and Manchin (D-W.Va.), saying:
“Like most Americans, I want to keep firearms out of the hands of criminals and dangerous mentally ill people. I supported the Grassley amendment to enhance mental health reporting requirements, which I believe is the central issue, and to improve the background check system in a way that is not an impediment to Second Amendment rights. Unfortunately, the Toomey-Manchin amendment overly burdens a law abiding citizen’s ability to exercise his or her Second Amendment rights and creates uncertainty about what is and is not a criminal offense when it comes to gun ownership.”
Does China Really Want a Nuclear Japan and South Korea?
In a Wall Street Journal op-ed on Tuesday, Senator Corker, ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, discussed North Korea and the need for the U.S. to convince China that their continued support of North Korea is not in their interests.
“China must understand that so long as North Korea remains a threat, the U.S. will pursue a deeper and more visible military presence in the region, and Washington will continue to showcase its military muscle in China’s backyard. Moreover, Tokyo and Seoul will explore measures to strengthen their own defensive and offensive capabilities… The time is past due for Washington and Beijing to engage in an honest and frank dialogue on the future of the Korean peninsula. The status quo is no longer an option,” wrote Corker. Read more: http://on.wsj.com/15cCSlS.
FHFA Acting Director Praises Jumpstart GSE Reform Act
Federal Housing Finance Agency Acting Director Ed DeMarco today praised the “Jumpstart GSE Reform Act” at a Senate Banking Committee hearing. Senator Corker introduced the “Jumpstart GSE Reform Act” in March. He was joined in the effort by Banking Committee colleagues Mark Warner, David Vitter and Elizabeth Warren. Read more: http://1.usa.gov/ZAl1ys.
Initial Reaction to President Obama’s FY 2014 Budget
Senator Corker offered an initial reaction to the budget proposal released by President Obama:
“The House, the Senate, and now the President have failed to produce budgets that responsibly address the number one driver of our country’s insolvency—unsustainable spending on entitlement programs. While I appreciate the President including some minor reforms in his budget, any serious fiscal reform package must do far more to ensure Medicare, Social Security and Medicaid are solvent for the next 75 years or more. Over the next several months, through presidential leadership and responsible steps taken by Congress, I hope we will enact meaningful reforms that put our country’s fiscal problems behind us.”
Tennesseans Visit Washington
On Tuesday, Senator Corker met with over 80 Tennesseans, including members of the Tennessee Association of Nurse Anesthetists (TANA), at a constituent breakfast on Capitol Hill. Senators Corker and Alexander host the breakfast, Tennessee Tuesday, each week the Senate is in session. For more information, please visit: http://1.usa.gov/14qbW20.
April 16, 2013 – Senators Corker and Alexander meet with members of the Tennessee Association of Nurse Anesthetists at Tennessee Tuesday.
On Wednesday, Senator Corker met with students from Friendship Christian School and Chattanooga Christian School on the Senate Steps of the Capitol Building.
April 17, 2013 – Senator Corker speaks to a group of eighth grade students and educators from Friendship Christian School in Lebanon, Tennessee.
April 17, 2013 – Senator Corker meets with students and educators from Chattanooga Christian School.
