Rhode Island

State Senators:

Sheldon Whitehouse (D)

Term Start: January 3, 1997

Full Name: Sheldon Whitehouse
Date of Birth: October 20, 1955
Birthplace: New York City, New York, U.S.

Early Life and Education: Sheldon Whitehouse was born in New York City and raised in a family with a tradition of public service. He attended St. Paul’s School in Concord, New Hampshire, and later earned a Bachelor of Arts from Yale University in 1978. Whitehouse went on to receive his Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1982.

Personal Life: Sheldon Whitehouse is married to Sandra Thornton Whitehouse, a marine biologist and environmental advocate. They have two children. The family resides in Newport, Rhode Island. Known for his dedication to environmental protection and commitment to public service, Whitehouse continues to work towards policies that promote sustainability, justice, and equity for all Americans.

Early Career: After completing his education, Whitehouse clerked for Judge Richard F. Neely of the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia. He then served as a legal counsel in the office of Governor Bruce Sundlun of Rhode Island. Whitehouse also worked as an Assistant Attorney General from 1993 to 1998 and later as the United States Attorney for the District of Rhode Island from 1999 to 2003. In these roles, he focused on issues such as organized crime, public corruption, and environmental protection.

Political Career:

Attorney General of Rhode Island: In 1998, Whitehouse was elected Attorney General of Rhode Island, serving from 1999 to 2003. As Attorney General, he focused on consumer protection, environmental issues, and combating public corruption. He established the state’s first Environmental Prosecution Unit and led efforts to address lead paint poisoning and healthcare fraud.
U.S. Senate: In 2006, Whitehouse was elected to the U.S. Senate, defeating incumbent Senator Lincoln Chafee. He has been re-elected multiple times and continues to serve as a senator. Whitehouse is known for his work on environmental issues, judicial reform, and healthcare. He is a vocal advocate for addressing climate change and promoting clean energy.

Committee Assignments:

Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe
Committee on Environment and Public Works
Committee on Finance
Committee on the Budget (Chairman)
Committee on the Judiciary
United States Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control (Chairman)

Legislative Achievements:

Climate Change and Environment: Whitehouse is a leading advocate for action on climate change. He has introduced and supported numerous bills aimed at reducing carbon emissions, promoting renewable energy, and protecting the environment. He is known for his weekly “Time to Wake Up” speeches on the Senate floor, highlighting the urgency of addressing climate change.
Healthcare: Whitehouse supports expanding healthcare access and affordability. He is a proponent of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and has worked on legislation to lower prescription drug costs and improve mental health services.
Judicial Reform: As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Whitehouse has focused on judicial reform and protecting the integrity of the judicial system. He has been an advocate for campaign finance reform and transparency in the judicial nomination process.
Economic Policies: Whitehouse supports policies that promote economic fairness and protect consumers. He has introduced legislation to close tax loopholes, combat tax evasion, and ensure that wealthy individuals and corporations pay their fair share of taxes.
Social Justice: Whitehouse is committed to advancing social justice and civil rights. He supports legislation to protect voting rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and women’s rights. He has also worked on criminal justice reform and policies to address systemic racism.

Senator Whitehouse is known for his dedication to climate action, healthcare access, judicial reform, economic fairness, and social justice. His background in law and public service and his extensive experience in the U.S. Senate shape his legislative priorities, where he continues to advocate for policies that benefit Rhode Islanders and the nation.

Committees

Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe: Also known as the U.S. Helsinki Commission. This is a U.S. government agency that monitors and promotes the following in Europe and surrounding areas: Human Rights, Democracy, Military Security, Economic Cooperation, and Humanitarian Issues. The commission includes members from the U.S. Senate, House of Representatives, and executive branch, and it conducts various activities to inform U.S. policy and ensure adherence to international agreements.

Environment and Public Works: Committee plays a critical role in shaping federal environmental policy and public works projects, conducting hearings, and reviewing legislation related to these areas. It aims to balance environmental protection with economic development and infrastructure needs.

Finance: Committee plays a crucial role in shaping the economic direction of a country or region by influencing fiscal and monetary policies that impact individuals, businesses, and governments.

Budget: Committee plays a central role in shaping the nation’s fiscal policy, ensuring that government spending and revenue collection are managed responsibly and align with economic priorities.

Judiciary: Committee plays a role in shaping the nation’s legal framework and ensuring the fair administration of justice. Its work impacts a wide range of issues, from the confirmation of judges to the protection of civil liberties and the enforcement of federal laws.

United States Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control: Committee plays a role in shaping U.S. drug policy and enhancing efforts to combat drug trafficking and abuse on both national and international levels.

Voting patterns

Senator Whitehouse has a voting record that reflects his commitment to climate action, healthcare access, judicial reform, economic fairness, and social justice.

Key Voting Patterns:

Climate Change and Environment:

Environmental Protection: Whitehouse is a leading advocate for aggressive action on climate change. He has consistently voted for legislation aimed at reducing carbon emissions, promoting renewable energy, and protecting natural resources. He supports rejoining international agreements like the Paris Agreement to address global climate change.
Clean Energy: Whitehouse has supported measures to transition to renewable energy sources and has introduced the “American Opportunity Carbon Fee Act” to reduce carbon emissions by putting a price on carbon.

Healthcare:

Affordable Care Act: Whitehouse is a strong supporter of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and has consistently voted to protect and expand it. He supports measures to lower prescription drug costs, expand Medicaid, and improve mental health services.
Healthcare Access: Whitehouse advocates for expanding healthcare access and affordability. He supports efforts to reduce the cost of healthcare and increase coverage for all Americans.

Judicial Reform:

Campaign Finance Reform: Whitehouse has focused on judicial reform and protecting the integrity of the judicial system. He is a vocal advocate for campaign finance reform, pushing for greater transparency and accountability in political spending.
Judicial Nominations: As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Whitehouse has been involved in the judicial nomination process, advocating for fair and qualified judicial appointments.

Economic Policies:

Tax Fairness: Whitehouse supports policies that promote economic fairness and protect consumers. He has introduced legislation to close tax loopholes, combat tax evasion, and ensure that wealthy individuals and corporations pay their fair share of taxes.
Consumer Protection: Whitehouse has supported measures to protect consumers from predatory financial practices and enhance consumer rights.

Social Justice and Civil Rights:

Voting Rights: Whitehouse is a strong advocate for protecting and expanding voting rights. He supports the “For the People Act” to enhance voting rights, address campaign finance reform, and reduce corruption in politics.
LGBTQ+ Rights: Whitehouse supports LGBTQ+ rights and has voted for the “Equality Act” to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Criminal Justice Reform: Whitehouse supports criminal justice reform and has voted for measures aimed at reducing mass incarceration and addressing systemic racism in the justice system.

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse’s voting record reflects his commitment to progressive principles, emphasizing economic equality, comprehensive healthcare access, balanced national security, strong environmental protections, and the advancement of social justice and civil rights.

Full Name: John Francis “Jack” Reed
Date of Birth: November 12, 1949
Birthplace: Cranston, Rhode Island, U.S.

Early Life and Education: Jack Reed was born in Cranston, Rhode Island, and raised in a working-class family. He attended La Salle Academy in Providence, Rhode Island. Reed earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1971. He went on to earn a Master of Public Policy from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in 1973 and a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School in 1982.

Personal Life: Jack Reed is married to Julia Hart Reed, and they have one daughter. The family resides in Cranston, Rhode Island. Known for his dedication to public service and his expertise in defense and military issues, Reed continues to work towards policies that promote security, justice, and opportunity for all Americans.

Early Career: After graduating from West Point, Reed served as an active-duty officer in the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division. He left active duty in 1979, with the rank of Captain, and served in the Army Reserve until 1991, when he left the Reserves with the rank of major. After leaving active duty, Reed attended Harvard Law School and later practiced law in Providence, Rhode Island, with the firm Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan.

Military Awards:

Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster
Ranger Tab
Senior Parachutist Badge
Expert Infantry Badge.

Jack Reed (D)

Term Start: January 3, 2007

Political Career:

Rhode Island State Senate: Reed was elected to the Rhode Island State Senate in 1984 and served until 1990. During his tenure, he focused on education, healthcare, and environmental issues.
U.S. House of Representatives: Elected in 1990, Reed represented Rhode Island’s 2nd congressional district from 1991 to 1997. He served on the House Armed Services Committee and focused on defense and veterans’ issues. As a congressman, Reed worked on issues related to national defense, education, and healthcare.
U.S. Senate: In 1996, Reed was elected to the U.S. Senate, succeeding retiring Senator Claiborne Pell. He has been re-elected multiple times and is known for his expertise in defense and military issues, as well as his commitment to economic and social justice.

Committee Assignments:

Committee on Appropriations
Committee on Armed Services (Chairman)
Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
Select Committee on Intelligence

Legislative Achievements:

National Security: Reed is a leading voice on defense issues. As Chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, he has worked on legislation to support military readiness, improve the quality of life for service members, and enhance national security.
Veterans’ Affairs: Reed is dedicated to supporting veterans and their families. He has worked on legislation to improve veterans’ healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.
Economic Policies: Reed advocates for economic policies that promote financial stability and protect consumers. He has supported measures to regulate the financial industry, prevent predatory lending, and expand affordable housing.
Education: Reed supports increasing funding for public education and making higher education more affordable. He has worked on legislation to expand access to early childhood education and reduce student loan debt.
Healthcare: Reed is a strong advocate for expanding healthcare access and affordability. He supports the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and has worked on legislation to lower prescription drug costs and improve mental health services.

Senator Reed is known for his dedication to national security, veterans’ affairs, economic policies that promote financial stability, education, and healthcare. His background in the military, law, and public service, along with his extensive experience in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, shape his legislative priorities, where he continues to advocate for policies that benefit Rhode Islanders and the nation.

Committees

Appropriations: Committee members manage and oversee federal budget to ensure government funds are allocated and spent properly.

Armed Services: Oversees military operations, defense policies, and the Department of Defense, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Banking, Housing, and Urban Development: Committee ensures that the banking system is safe, housing is accessible, urban areas are well-developed, and consumers are protected in financial matters.

Select Committee on Intelligence: Committee plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance between national security needs and the protection of civil liberties by ensuring that intelligence operations are conducted lawfully and effectively.

Voting patterns

Senator Reed has a voting record that reflects his commitment to national security, veterans’ affairs, economic policies that promote financial stability, education, and healthcare.

Key Voting Patterns:

National Security:

Defense Authorization: Reed consistently supports robust national defense measures. As Chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, he has voted for the “National Defense Authorization Act” to ensure military readiness and support defense initiatives.
Military Support: Reed advocates for policies that improve the quality of life for military personnel and their families, including better healthcare, housing, and education benefits.

Veterans’ Affairs:

Veterans’ Benefits: Reed is dedicated to improving services for veterans. He has supported legislation like the “VA MISSION Act” to enhance healthcare, education, and employment opportunities for veterans.
Support for Families: Reed has voted for measures that provide support to the families of veterans and active-duty service members, ensuring they receive the benefits they deserve.

Economic Policies:

Financial Regulation: Reed supports policies that promote financial stability and protect consumers. He has backed measures to regulate the financial industry, prevent predatory lending, and expand affordable housing.
Tax Policy: Reed has voted for tax policies that benefit middle- and lower-income families while advocating for increased taxes on the wealthy and corporations to ensure fiscal responsibility and equity.

Education:

Public Education Funding: Reed is an advocate for increasing funding for public education. He supports measures to expand access to early childhood education and improve the quality of K-12 education.
Higher Education: Reed supports efforts to make college more affordable and accessible. He has introduced and voted for legislation to reduce student loan debt and increase financial aid for students.

Healthcare:

Affordable Care Act: Reed is a strong supporter of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and has consistently voted to protect and expand it. He supports measures to lower prescription drug costs, expand Medicaid, and improve mental health services.
Healthcare Access: Reed advocates for expanding healthcare access and affordability. He has supported legislation aimed at reducing the cost of healthcare and increasing coverage for all Americans.

Social Justice and Civil Rights:

Voting Rights: Reed is a strong advocate for protecting and expanding voting rights. He supports the “For the People Act” to enhance voting rights, address campaign finance reform, and reduce corruption in politics.
LGBTQ+ Rights: Reed supports LGBTQ+ rights and has voted for the “Equality Act” to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Criminal Justice Reform: Reed supports criminal justice reform and has voted for measures aimed at reducing mass incarceration and addressing systemic racism in the justice system.

Senator Reed’s voting record reflects his commitment to progressive principles, emphasizing economic equality, comprehensive healthcare access, strong national defense, robust environmental protections, and the advancement of social justice and civil rights.