ABC6: Study: RI could lose 12,000 jobs if Obamacare repealed

ABC6: Study: RI could lose 12,000 jobs if Obamacare repealed

By Samantha Fenlon

Rhode Island’s Congressional Delegation is fighting hard against Republican efforts to repeal Obamacare.

“I’m going to fight with everything I have to make sure that I speak specifically against that repeal and ultimately I’m going to vote no,” said Congressman Jim Langevin.

Congressman Langevin cites a new report that finds the state stands to lose some 12,000 jobs in 2019 if the repeal happens.

“It will come potentially from the construction sector, the real estate sector, the retail sales sector,” said Congressman Langevin. “And, most especially a third of it will come from the health care direct related jobs in Rhode Island.”

With President Elect Trump pushing Congress to act quickly Speaker Paul Ryan told reporters Tuesday he will aim to repeal and replace Obamacare at the same time.

“This is about people’s lives we need to act before things get worse. Remember this is a rescue mission. We are in the midst of a rescue mission to save the families who are getting caught up in the death spiral that has become Obamacare,” said Speaker Ryan.

Senator Jack Reed spoke out about the repeal of the Affordable Care Act on the Senate floor earlier this week.

“Rhode Island in another aspect of this stands to lose over 7 billion dollars in federal funding over the next 10 years with repeal. Again, that is a staggering number for my state,” said Senator Reed.

The Senator says that loss of money would have a catastrophic effect for the state.

“That would be devastating for the state because they would have to step up as best they could and frankly they don’t have the kind of resources to replace that loss,” said Senator Reed.

Massachusetts lawmakers also taking a stand, Senators Warren and Markey are planning a rally in boston this weekend to fight to preserve the Affordable Care Act.

PROJO: R.I. lawmakers call for congressional investigation into cyber campaign

PROJO: R.I. lawmakers call for congressional investigation into cyber campaign

By Donita Naylor

Updated at 8 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 7, to include Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse’s statement

Three of Rhode Island’s four congressmen have called for a congressional investigation into Russia’s interference with the U.S. election of 2016.

“Our elections should be decided by American citizens, not foreign hackers, heads of state, or their propagandists,” U.S. Sen. Jack Reed said Friday in reaction to a U.S. intelligence report saying Russia had “actively manipulated” the election.

Reed, the highest-ranking Democrat on the Armed Services Committee, said he agreed with Republican U.S. Sen. John McCain, who called the cyber campaign “an attack on all Americans because it undermines our democracy.”

Reed said from Washington that the hard evidence and “broad consensus from U.S. intelligence officials” should compel the United States “to take corrective action” against Russia.

“I realize this may be an uncomfortable situation for President-elect Trump, but the American people and the strength of our democracy should come first,” Reed said.

U.S. Rep. James Langevin, the R.I. Democrat who serves on the Armed Services and Homeland Security committees in the House and is cofounder and cochairman of the Congressional Cybersecurity Caucus, noted that the Russians did not hack into systems for casting or counting votes but said he agrees that election systems should be declared critical infrastructure. “We must also act as a nation to build our resilience against future information warfare attacks,” Langevin said from Warwick.

Because Putin’s goals favored Trump, Langevin said, “it is essential that Mr. Trump act immediately to denounce this act of Russian interference and pledge to continue and enhance sanctions on Russia in response.”

From Pawtucket, U.S. Rep. David N. Cicilline called Russia’s actions “truly disturbing, and they cannot go unanswered.”
Saying Trump and some Republicans “have attempted to excuse Russia’s egregious behavior when it advances their own political goals,” Cicilline called the Russian leader “a brutal dictator” and said Republicans should “stop playing politics and work to hold Russia accountable.”

U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse issued a statement on Saturday.

“Our intelligence community has spoken in no uncertain terms: Vladimir Putin led Russia in a far-reaching influence campaign designed to undermine the American people’s faith
in the democratic process and to elect Donald Trump. Now it is up to President-elect Trump to acknowledge the truth and resolve that such attacks never again succeed,” Whitehouse said

IOT Journal: OTA Calls IoT Cyberattacks ‘Shot Across the Bow’

IOT Journal: OTA Calls IoT Cyberattacks ‘Shot Across the Bow’

By IOT Journal

Press Release:

The Online Trust Alliance (OTA) released its updated IoT Trust Framework at the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Serving as a product development and risk assessment guide for developers, purchasers and retailers of Internet of things (IoT) devices, the Framework is the foundation for future IoT certification programs. OTA’s goal is to highlight devices and companies that demonstrate a commitment to device lifecycle security and embrace responsible privacy practices. Such notifications and disclosures will aid consumers to make informed IoT device purchasing decisions.

Echoing written testimony he recently provided to the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee, OTA Executive Director and President Craig Spiezle said; “Recent IoT attacks like those which compromised hundreds of thousands of connected devices to take websites like Amazon, Twitter and Netflix offline were just a ‘shot across the bow.’ The next incident could create significant safety issues. While most IoT devices are safe and secure, many still lack security safeguards and privacy controls placing users and the Internet at large are at risk.”

OTA recognizes that while there is no perfect security, companies that apply the Framework principles should be shielded from regulatory oversight and class action suits, and potentially realize lower insurance premiums. The updated Framework reflects input from hundreds of leading security and privacy industry leaders including ADT, Microsoft, SiteLock, Symantec, TRUSTe, Verisign and others. This newest Framework builds on the first version released in March 2016, and incorporates a broad range of public and private efforts to secure IoT devices.

“I have long supported multi-stakeholder processes to address the significant cybersecurity challenges facing our nation,” said Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI), co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional Cybersecurity Caucus. “Recent attacks leveraging IoT devices have only highlighted the need for the work of organizations like OTA. It is essential that companies manage the cybersecurity risk of their IoT devices, applications, and services, and the IoT Framework provides clear principles that developers can use to mitigate risk and protect their customers.”

OTA researchers integrated IoT security and privacy recommendations from U.S. government agencies including the Department of Commerce, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC). In addition OTA incorporated several key recommendations advocated by organizations including the Broadband Internet Technical Advisory Group (BITAG), Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT), Consumer Federation of America (CFA), Consumer Technology Association (CTA), I am The Cavalry, International Telecommunications Union (ITU), Internet Society and National Association of Realtors® (NAR).

The IoT Trust Framework includes 37 principles, segmented into four key categories:

• Security (1-9)—Applicable to any device and their applications and backend cloud services. These include embracing a rigorous software development security process, adhering to security principles for data stored and transmitted by the device, supply chain management, penetration testing and vulnerability reporting programs. Further principles outline the requirement for lifecycle security patching.

• User Access & Credentials (10-14)—Requiring encryption of all passwords and usernames, shipping devices with unique passwords, implementing generally accepted password reset processes and integrating mechanisms to help prevent “brute” force login attempts.

• Privacy, Disclosures & Transparency (15-30)—Requirements consistent with generally accepted privacy principles including prominent disclosures on packaging, point of sale and/or posted online. Provide the capability to reset devices to factory settings and be in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, including but not limited to the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). Require disclosures about the impact to product features or functionality if connectivity is disabled.

• Notifications & Related Best Practices (31-37)—Key to maintaining device security is having mechanisms and processes to promptly notify a user of threats and action(s) required. Principles include requiring email authentication for security notifications and that messages must be written clearly for users of all ages and reading levels. In addition, tamper proof packaging and accessibility requirements are highlighted.

ABC6: OTA Calls IoT Cyberattacks Shot Across the Bow Coalition Releases Connected Device Developer Requirements

ABC6: OTA Calls IoT Cyberattacks Shot Across the Bow Coalition Releases Connected Device Developer Requirements

Posted: Jan 05, 2017 6:45 AM EST
Global support for Online Trust Alliance’s security and privacy framework, integrates efforts of DHS, FCC, FTC, the Department of Commerce, trade organizations and others

Las Vegas, Nevada (PRWEB) January 05, 2017

Today the Online Trust Alliance (OTA) released its updated IoT Trust Framework® at the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Serving as a product development and risk assessment guide for developers, purchasers and retailers of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, the Framework is the foundation for future IoT certification programs. OTA’s goal is to highlight devices and companies that demonstrate a commitment to device lifecycle security and embrace responsible privacy practices. Such notifications and disclosures will aid consumers to make informed IoT device purchasing decisions.

Echoing written testimony he recently provided to the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee, OTA Executive Director and President Craig Spiezle said; “Recent IoT attacks like those which compromised hundreds of thousands of connected devices to take websites like Amazon, Twitter and Netflix offline were just a ‘shot across the bow.’ The next incident could create significant safety issues. While most IoT devices are safe and secure, many still lack security safeguards and privacy controls placing users and the Internet at large are at risk.”

OTA recognizes that while there is no perfect security, companies that apply the Framework principles should be shielded from regulatory oversight and class action suits, and potentially realize lower insurance premiums. The updated Framework reflects input from hundreds of leading security and privacy industry leaders including ADT, Microsoft, SiteLock, Symantec, TRUSTe, Verisign and others. This newest Framework builds on the first version released in March 2016, and incorporates a broad range of public and private efforts to help secure IoT devices.

“I have long supported multi-stakeholder processes to address the significant cybersecurity challenges facing our nation,” said Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI), co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional Cybersecurity Caucus. “Recent attacks leveraging IoT devices have only highlighted the need for the work of organizations like OTA. It is essential that companies manage the cybersecurity risk of their IoT devices, applications, and services, and the IoT Framework provides clear principles that developers can use to mitigate risk and protect their customers.”

OTA researchers integrated IoT security and privacy recommendations from U.S. government agencies including the Department of Commerce, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC). In addition, OTA incorporated several key recommendations advocated by organizations including the Broadband Internet Technical Advisory Group (BITAG), Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT), Consumer Federation of America (CFA), Consumer Technology Association (CTA), I am The Cavalry, International Telecommunications Union (ITU), Internet Society and National Association of Realtors® (NAR).

The IoT Trust Framework includes 37 principles, segmented into four key categories:
Security (1-9) – Applicable to any device, and their applications and backend cloud services. These include embracing a rigorous software development security process, adhering to security principles for data stored and transmitted by the device, supply chain management, penetration testing and vulnerability reporting programs. Further principles outline the requirement for lifecycle security patching.
User Access & Credentials (10-14) – Requiring encryption of all passwords and usernames, shipping devices with unique passwords, implementing generally accepted password reset processes and integrating mechanisms to help prevent brute force login attempts.
Privacy, Disclosures & Transparency (15-30) – Requirements consistent with generally accepted privacy principles including prominent disclosures on packaging, point of sale and/or posted online. Provide the capability to reset devices to factory settings and be in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, including but not limited to the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). Require disclosures about the impact to product features or functionality if connectivity is disabled.
Notifications & Related Best Practices (31-37) – Key to maintaining device security is having mechanisms and processes to promptly notify a user of threats and action(s) required. Principles include requiring email authentication for security notifications and that messages must be written clearly for users of all ages and reading levels. In addition, tamper proof packaging and accessibility requirements are highlighted.
Multi-Stakeholder Support
“OTA’s IoT Trust Framework provides actionable and prescriptive advice to help every IoT developer secure their apps and embrace responsible privacy practices. In order to continue to drive innovation and keep regulation at bay, these principles are an essential roadmap,” Jonathan Zuck, President of ACT – The App Association.

“The OTA IoT Trust Framework is really quite remarkable, covering technical and procedural aspects of trust throughout the entire IoT lifecycle; if tech companies, hardware manufacturers, and software producers were to abide by these principles, the IoT wouldn’t be the wild, wild west it is now,” Joseph Lorenzo Hall, Chief Technologist, Center for Democracy & Technology.

“Sometimes in the rush to get new technology to market not enough thought is placed on privacy and security” said Susan Grant, Director of Consumer Protection and Privacy at Consumer Federation of America. “With the OTA IoT Trust Framework as a guide, companies can develop products and services that not only deliver great value but that consumers can be confident in using.”

“The OTA IoT Trust Framework provides a broad array of best practices that taken together will significantly increase the security and privacy of IoT devices,” said Philip Reitinger, the President and CEO of the Global Cyber Alliance. “These devices are of significantly increasing importance to our daily lives and the functioning of the Internet, and our individual and collective security and privacy will depend on our ability to secure them. As an excellent and continually improving set of security and privacy principles, OTA’s recommendations should be implemented by IoT vendors and developers.”

“The IoT Trust Framework is a good example of the security culture that is needed in the connected devices space,” said Olaf Kolkman, Chief Internet Technology Officer for the Internet Society. “If companies are in the business of selling smart devices, they need to implement the requirements outlined in this framework before calling them ‘smart.’”

“Time has come to establish a clear understanding of what can be expected from IoT suppliers and users. The OTA IoT Trust Framework is excellent input in the global dialogue on Internet of Things good practice and deserves the full attention of all those that care about a sustainable way forward in developing and deploying Internet of Things products, services and ecosystems,” said Maarten Botterman, Chairman of the IGF Dynamic Coalition on the Internet of Things.

“The Online Trust Alliance’s IoT Trust Framework includes valuable practices that companies should embrace to make sure consumer smart home technology is secure, private and sustainable for the future,” said National Association of REALTORS® President William E. Brown, a Realtor® from Alamo, Calif. “The collaboration between NAR’s Center for REALTOR® Technology and OTA has allowed us to understand and address best practices and technologies necessary to protect anyone using smart and connected device technology in their home.”

“The Internet of Things is at the forefront of driving the digital economy. However, recent cyberattacks make it clear that there’s more to be done to cement trust into IoT devices. OTA’s IoT Trust Framework is precisely the type of industry-led, consensus-based approach that can help industry thrive and innovate, without being weighed down by potentially onerous and preemptive regulations,” said Ryan Hagemann, Technology and Civil Liberties Policy Analyst, Niskanen Center.

“Symantec has helped protect over a billion Internet of Things (IoT) devices so far, but unfortunately, the vast majority of new IoT devices lack proper security fundamentals when they come to market,” said Brian Witten, co-chair of the IoT working group and senior director of Symantec Research Labs. “The OTA IoT Trust Framework provides device manufacturers with the appropriate guidelines to build in security and ensure that consumers are protected from day one. We are happy to see the Online Trust Alliance’s commitment to aligning the industry on IoT security requirements.”

Interactive Marketing, Technology & Privacy Leaders
“OTA’s IoT Trust Framework is impressive and much needed to achieve our vision of trust, and we support the OTA’s work in bringing the myriad of stakeholders together to help solve these security and privacy issues,” said Ben Williams, head of operations and communications with Adblock Plus. “At the end of the day, companies need to take responsibility for engineering into their IoT products and protocols some appropriate protections from exploits and vulnerabilities.”

“The IoT is expanding rapidly and is expected to grow further over the coming years. Unfortunately, security is typically an afterthought, simply because it is deemed too difficult to do and to facilitate effectively at the scale required for IoT devices,” said Device Authority CEO Darron Antill. “The OTA’s IoT Trust Framework addresses critical challenges and provides important guidelines for device manufacturers to implement – essentially a best practice guide for IoT security, privacy and safety.”

“With the rapid growth of connected devices, it’s critical that developers incorporate key security protections such as identity, authentication and encryption into their product designs,” said DigiCert CTO Dan Timpson. “The OTA Trust Framework outlines essential security practices that manufacturers need to follow to advance market confidence and protect their IoT investments.”

“IoT and connected devices become more and more common in our everyday life. Healthcare, law enforcement, space and telecommunication companies rely on smart devices in many aspects of their everyday work. This is why it’s extremely important to adopt a clear and comprehensive framework addressing IoT security and privacy. We applaud OTA in creating the IoT Trust Framework in this emerging sector of the global economy,” said Ilia Kolochenko, CEO, High-Tech Bridge.

“Our identities can be exploited due to vulnerabilities in IoT connected devices,” said Neil Daswani Chief Information Security Officer at LifeLock, Inc. “We applaud efforts, such as the 2017 IoT Trust Framework, to boost security standards across the industry and protect entry points associated with identities in a way that is accessible by business and consumers alike.”

“IoT devices have tremendous promise, but also carry great risks. As 20 billion new IOT devices come online over the next five years, adherence to security and privacy principles are essential for users and the resiliency of the Internet. It is clear the status quo is not acceptable. But even with the recent events involving Mirai and its derivatives, we likely won’t see a serious effort in securing these emerging technologies. The IoT Trust Framework from the OTA is a crucial step in the right direction. It includes baseline requirements for every new IoT product coming to market and should be used by businesses, consumers and retailers alike to assess risk prior to selling or buying any connected device,” Jean-Philippe Taggart, Senior Researcher, Malwarebytes.

“As a leading consumer online brand, Publishers Clearing House has learned security and privacy practices are the foundation of trust and long-term consumer relationships. With the rise of IoT solutions in the home, office and classroom, the risks to consumers and the internet at large is being amplified exponentially,” said Sal Tripi, AVP at Publishers Clearing House. “The IoT Trust Framework serves as a self-regulatory framework providing balanced criteria for every IoT company to adhere to.”

“Every individual and organization has much greater security exposure than most realize,” said Dr. Aleksandr Yampolskiy, CEO of SecurityScorecard, the leader in security ratings. “Our vulnerability research shows the proliferation of IoT devices in an interconnected society has created an alarming risk for every organization. The OTA framework is key for IoT manufacturers to standardize on and for enterprises to measure and help protect their customers’ data and privacy.”

“It’s always best to build in comprehensive security practices from the very beginning. Unfortunately, this is not always the case which ultimately leads to a reactive versus proactive approach impacting both customer and company. We hope that the OTA’s IoT Trust Framework becomes widely utilized from concept to launch in the development cycle to help prevent security and privacy compromise,” Neill Feather, President of SiteLock.

“Responsible privacy practices are a global requirement for all IoT solutions, when they are sold and through their entire life. The OTA IoT Framework provides clear guidelines for all device manufactures to implement from providing disclosures prior to purchase through the ability for users to delete or transfer data when devices are sold or use terminated,” Chris Babel, CEO of TRUSTe.

“With malicious actors exploiting security vulnerabilities on IoT devices in an effort to compromise the resiliency and availability of websites and services, companies must consider the impact their devices can have on the broader Internet ecosystem. OTA’s IoT Trust Framework is a set of essential security principles for vendors to use in development as well as for enterprises to use to assess every connected device on their network from the boardroom to the breakroom,” said Danny McPherson, Senior Vice President and Chief Security Officer, Verisign.

“As innovation in the digital age keeps growing, so do the risks associated with every exciting new product or concept. The OTA as an organization has made exceptional strides to limit those risks while still promoting the benefits of an interconnected world and its recent IoT Trust Framework is a great example of this. It provides detailed best practices for tackling security challenges and privacy concerns while protecting developers, companies and consumers from the potential pitfalls of IoT technology that’s still in its infancy.” – Michael Fisher, President, Yes Lifecycle Marketing

“As more IoT solutions become data and ad driven, it is incumbent on the industry to adopt security standards and responsible privacy practices. The IoT Trust Framework is an excellent roadmap to maximize data protection, privacy and regulatory compliance,” Roy de Souza, CEO, ZEDO.

“The IoT Framework represents outstanding collaboration of some of the world’s most respected cybersecurity and privacy advocates. This comprehensive collection of best practices serves as an excellent and much needed guide for data security and privacy for all types of organizations, regardless of size or mission,” said Rich LaMagna, President of LaMagna and Associates. “As a baseline for certification programs it is an excellent assessment tool for developers, retailers and consumers.”

“The OTA IoT Trust Framework is a benchmark set of security standards for the Internet-connected home and wearables device market. Developed as the first comprehensive set of criteria, it puts a minimum set of controls on manufacturers and device service providers to help protect consumers not only from privacy and device risks, but exposing intruders to other Internet-connected computers in the home and workplace,” said Scott Perry, Principal at Scott S. Perry CPA, PLLC.

OTA is meeting with leading manufacturers and retailers at CES to accelerate the adoption of the Framework, and discuss the importance of device security and responsible privacy practices. In addition, Spiezle will be speaking about IoT threats and solutions during a panel at the CES Cybersecurity Forum at the Venetian today at 1pm PST alongside leaders from DHS, Intel Security and RSA. Also at CES, OTA is a Platinum sponsor of the Consumer Technology Association “Alliance Community Reception” being held on Friday, Jan. 6 at 4pm PST in the Venetian, Level 2, Bellini 2005, where OTA will be providing onsite briefings. The updated Framework and supporting resources are posted at https://otalliance.org/IoT.

About OTA
The Online Trust Alliance (OTA) is a non-profit think tank with the mission to enhance online trust and user empowerment while promoting innovation and the vitality of the Internet. Its goal is to help educate businesses, policy makers and stakeholders while developing and advancing best practices and tools to enhance the protection of users’ security, privacy and identity. OTA supports collaborative public-private partnerships, benchmark reporting, and meaningful self-regulation and data stewardship. Its members and supporters include leaders spanning the public policy, technology, ecommerce, social networking, mobile, email and interactive marketing, financial, service provider, government agency and industry organization sectors. https://otalliance.org

For More information Contact:
Andrew Goss /Voxus PR (for OTA)
253.444.5446
agoss(at)voxuspr(dot)com

 

For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2017/01/prweb13959683.htm

LPR: Langevin Honored with Distinguished Public Service Award Recognition Comes from Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus

LPR: Langevin Honored with Distinguished Public Service Award Recognition Comes from Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus

By Reynaldo Almonte

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI), a senior member of the House
Armed Services Committee, was honored today with the Distinguished Public Service
Award, the U.S. Navy’s highest honor bestowed upon a civilian not employed by the
Department. The award was presented by Admiral Craig Faller on behalf of Secretary
of the Navy Ray Mabus.

“I am humbled by this incredible honor, and grateful to have had the opportunity to
support, in some small way, the important work of Secretary Mabus and all the brave
men and women who serve our country in the United States Navy and across all
branches of the military,” said Langevin. “I continuously strive to be a strong and
supportive partner to our veterans and to those who serve with distinction, and I
will continue to be a fierce advocate for policies that empower and protect these
dedicated service members. Thank you, Secretary Mabus and Admiral Faller, for this
exciting recognition, and for everything you do for our great nation.”

In the citation, Mabus recognizes Langevin, “for exceptional service to the
Department of the Navy as a member of Congress and the House Armed Services
Committee. Representative Langevin’s dedicated service to our Sailors and Marines
ensured they were provided the resources necessary to support and defend the
Nation’s interests around the globe. His strong leadership as ranking member of the
Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and a member of the Subcommittee on Seapower
ensured that the Navy-Marine Corps team was the most capable force in history.
Through his tireless efforts, he directly impacted the quality of life for the men
and women of the Department of the Navy and guaranteed the highest levels of
sustainability for our combat forces.”

We’re in this Together


Yesterday afternoon, I was officially sworn in as a United States Representative in the 115th Congress. It marked the ninth time I participated in this ceremony in the hallowed chamber of the U.S. House, but despite the familiarity of the occasion, it felt quite different. There have been many ups and downs over the past several years, but I cannot remember a time marked by more uncertainty. On our very first day back, House Republicans concocted a plan to undermine accountability and oversight by effectively eliminating the Office of Congressional Ethics. Only after swift and vociferous criticism from constituents and their fellow elected leaders – myself included – did they drop this misguided effort. And this is just on day one. People are scared of what the future holds, and I don’t blame them.

So as Congress resumes its business and as you begin your new year, I want to remind you of one important fact that brings me comfort: we’re in this together.

I’m not sure what the next two years will bring. None of us are. But I do know that your support has lifted me up, and it is what fuels me going forward. Regardless of what obstacles may come our way, you can trust that I will continue to be accessible and transparent, and I will do everything in my power to fight for what is right for Rhode Island, for our country and, most importantly, for you. Sound policy and true leadership starts with the individual, and I pledge to you that I will carry the torch for you in Washington.

The battle continues, and so does the conversation. In the days and weeks and months to come, I hope you will reach out to me whenever you have a question or concern. The 2016 election is behind us, but the real work lies ahead, and we’re going to need each other’s support, compassion, and counsel more than ever.

Happy New Year. Let’s get to work!

Sincerely,

Jim

ABC6: House GOP withdraws move to gut ethics watchdog, amid RI ethics reform

ABC6: House GOP withdraws move to gut ethics watchdog, amid RI ethics reform

By: Rebecca Turco

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The U.S. House GOP quickly backpedaled on a controversial decision to gut an ethics watchdog that oversees Congress.

The representatives changed course Tuesday afternoon, after voting Monday night to restructure the Office of Congressional Ethics by putting the independent office under the control of a congressional committee.

The decision set off a firestorm of bipartisan backlash. Even the president-elect himself weighed in on Twitter.

“It would be a new low for Congress and for the Republican majority if this is the first action of the new Congress,” said U.S. Rep. Jim Langevin (D-RI).

“It speaks volumes that the first thing Republicans attempted to do in the new Congress was weaken ethical standards, and they only backed down once their efforts were exposed to public scrutiny,” U.S. Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI) said in a statement.

John Marion, executive director of Common Cause Rhode Island, was in agreement, saying: “Folding it under the House committee would have turned it to the era when peer pressure ruled the day.”

State Rep. Antonio Giarrusso (R-East Greenwich, West Greenwich) called to light the ethical parallels in Rhode Island: “On the day we’re changing the guard on our own ethics reform, they want to make it completely opposite on a national level.”

With Tuesday’s swearing in of the general assembly, Rhode Island’s Ethics Commission will once again have oversight over legislators. “It’s not about partisan,” added Giarrusso. “It’s about doing the right thing for the people.”

Giarrusso is among several state Republican lawmakers who were against the House GOP’s initial move to gut the ethical oversight.

PROJO: “Langevin slams House Republican vote to weaken congressional ethics office”

PROJO: “Langevin slams House Republican vote to weaken congressional ethics office”

By Katherine Gregg

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — An attempt by U.S. House Republicans to gut ethics oversight of members of Congress unraveled on Tuesday, but not before a tsunami of denunciations from the president-elect, the House GOP leadership and many others, including Rhode Island’s own Democratic Congressmen.

Before the House GOP reversed course, U.S. Rep. James Langevin, D-R.I., said: “It’s a new year and a new low for House Republicans, opening the 115th Congress by stripping critical oversight and accountability procedures from the Office of Congressional Ethics.”
House Republicans had voted behind closed doors Monday night to curtail the power of an independent ethics office created in the wake of scandal.

“I cannot understand how anyone could justify voting for this measure. The Office of Congressional Ethics is currently an independent, non-partisan entity. The office has, historically, been able to investigate wrongdoing by members of Congress, including anonymous reports by whistle blowers. By stripping this office of its power and instead transferring oversight to the House Ethics Committee – into the very hands of those who could be subject to such investigations – House Republicans have betrayed the trust of their constituents.

“This is a disheartening start to the new Congress, to say the very least,” Langevin said. “This is a time of uncertainty for so many in this country, and reducing accountability and transparency, effectively giving Members of Congress a free pass, does nothing to alleviate the very real concerns of those questioning who and what their elected leaders truly represent.”

Added U.S. Rep. David Cicilline, D-R.I., after House Republicans moved to temporarily table their effort to gut the independent Office of Congressional Ethics:

“Just hours after attempting to kill the Office of Congressional Ethics and strip it for parts, Republicans have apparently decided to listen to their constituents. It’s critical that, in the weeks ahead, we don’t allow them to return to the days of thinly-veiled bribes, kickbacks, and much worse; a time when an open culture of corruption ruled Washington, D.C.”

“The fact is we need more ethics reforms, not less,” Cicilline said. “That’s why I have been fighting for all members to undergo annual ethics training…Since the creation of the Office of Congressional Ethics, disciplinary actions by the House Ethics Committee have quadrupled.”

“It speaks volumes that the first thing Republicans attempted to do in the new Congress was weaken ethical standards, and they only backed down once their efforts were exposed to public scrutiny.”

“This is not what the American people sent us here to do. After the last few hours, it’s clear that Republicans don’t want to drain the swamp – they want to fill it up,” he said. “This is wrong, and it’s critical that Democrats, Republicans, and Independents continue to hold their Members of Congress accountable and demand they adhere to the highest ethical standards.”

Both were reacting to the stunning late-night announcement, by U.S. Robert Goodlatte, R-Va., the chairman of the U.S. House Judiciary Committee, that the House Republican Conference had voted 119-to-74 to place the independent Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) under the control of a House Ethics Committee.

As explained by the Washington Post: Under the proposed new rules, the office could not employ a spokesperson, investigate anonymous tips or refer criminal wrongdoing to prosecutors without the express consent of the Ethics Committee, which would gain the power to summarily end any OCE probe.

House Speaker Paul D. Ryan and Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California, the majority leader, voiced opposition to the move.

President-elect Donald J. Trump slammed the weakening of ethics scrutiny in back to back Tweets that said: “With all that Congress has to work on, do they really have to make the weakening of the Independent Ethics Watchdog, as unfair as it…may be, their number one act and priority. Focus on tax reform, healthcare and so many other things of far greater importance! #DTS.” The hashtag presumably refers to his election catch phrase: “drain the swamp.”

Goodlatte defended the action on Monday night, saying it would strengthen ethics oversight in the House while also giving lawmakers better protections against what some of them have called overzealous efforts by the Office of Congressional Ethics.

But Representative Nancy Pelosi of California, the House minority leader, joined others who had worked to create the office in expressing outrage at the move and the secretive way it was orchestrated.
“Republicans claim they want to ‘drain the swamp,’ but the night before the new Congress gets sworn in, the House G.O.P. has eliminated the only independent ethics oversight of their actions,” Ms. Pelosi said in a statement on Monday night. “Evidently, ethics are the first casualty of the new Republican Congress.”

The body was created after a string of serious ethical issues starting a decade ago, including bribery allegations against Representatives Duke Cunningham, Republican of California; William J. Jefferson, Democrat of Louisiana; and Bob Ney, Republican of Ohio. All three were ultimately convicted and served time in jail.