Senate Passes First State Department Authorization Bill in 14 Years

Senator Corker, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, last Thursday applauded Senate passage of the first State Department authorization bill in 14 years. The 2016 U.S. Department of State authorization bill, which was approved unanimously by the committee in June of 2015, initiates various reforms to diplomacy programs and core operations of the State Department. The bill also includes embassy security provisions to improve protection of U.S. diplomatic facilities and foreign service personnel.

“For the first time in 14 years, the Senate approved a bipartisan State Department authorization bill that meets critical oversight responsibilities on behalf of taxpayers,” said Corker. “This legislation prioritizes security upgrades for U.S. personnel at high threat posts and lays the groundwork to streamline State Department operations and make them more effective.”

Earlier last Thursday, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee unanimously approved State Department authorization legislation for 2017.

“Assuring the American people that their taxpayer dollars are used efficiently in advancing U.S. interests has been one of my top priorities as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee,” said Corker. “We made a commitment to conduct a review of State Department programs and practices on an annual basis, and for the second consecutive year, I am pleased the committee approved a bipartisan authorization bill to fulfill our oversight responsibilities. This legislation requires the U.S. to use its leverage at the United Nations to end impunity over the horrific cases of abuse by peacekeepers. It also supports a stronger, more dynamic workforce and makes the issuance of passports and visas operate more like a business. I look forward to working with Senator Cardin and our committee colleagues to pass the bill through the full Senate this year.”

General Motors Jobs Announcement Great News for Maury County

Senator Corker last Wednesday applauded General Motors following an announcement that the company will make a $788.7 million investment at the Spring Hill, Tenn. plant, which will bring nearly 800 new jobs to Maury County.

“The announcement of a $788.7 million investment and 792 new jobs is great news for Maury County and surrounding communities,” said Corker. “These high-quality jobs will benefit Middle Tennesseans and further solidify the Volunteer State as the premier location for auto manufacturing. Governor Haslam and his economic development team continue to build upon Tennessee’s business-friendly environment, and I am proud to join them in thanking General Motors for deepening their commitment to our state.”

Pressing the CFPB for Clarity for Consumers

Senator Corker, a member of the Senate Banking Committee, last Thursday applauded a decision by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to reopen its new Truth in Lending Act-Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (TILA-RESPA) Integrated Disclosure (TRID) rule for public comment.

In March, Corker sent a letter to CFPB Director Richard Cordray requesting increased clarity regarding the TRID rule. Corker also questioned Cordray about the regulation during a Senate Banking Committee hearing earlier this month, asking if the CFPB would consider steps to alleviate confusion.

“These new mortgage disclosure requirements have created some challenges for consumers and institutions,” said Corker. “I commend Director Cordray for taking this important step to provide more clarity. The TRID rule is impacting millions of Americans, and we must ensure it is implemented in the most transparent and effective manner possible.”

Welcoming Tennesseans to Washington

Last week, Senators Corker and Alexander hosted more than 50 Tennesseans at “Tennessee Tuesday,” a regular breakfast held on Capitol Hill every week the Senate is in session for visitors from the Volunteer State. For more information, click here.

Last Tuesday, Senator Corker met with the Tennessee Public Transportation Association to discuss the importance of investment in public transportation as our state experiences continued economic growth.

Senator Corker met with students from St. Louis Catholic School in Memphis during their trip to Washington last Wednesday.

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