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Dear John,
Following last Saturday's celebration of Earth Day, I’m thrilled to share the schools and teachers from Rhode Island’s First Congressional District that have been recognized for their green initiatives.
East Providence High School and the Jamestown School Department have both been recognized by the Department of Education as Green Ribbon Schools. This distinction is given to schools, districts, postsecondary institutions, and early learning centers for their cost-saving, health promoting, and performance-enhancing sustainability practices.
Teachers Margaret Brennan of Portsmouth Middle School and Gwynne Millar of Exeter West Greenwich High School have both been recognized as Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators (PIAEE) Winners. You can read more about these incredible educators here. Thank you for all you do for our students!
Updates from Rhode Island
$750,000 for Bristol’s Revolutionary Heritage Byway
I’m thrilled to announce that the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is awarding $750,000 in federal funding to make street upgrades along Bristol’s Revolutionary Heritage Byway (Route 114). These funds will help protect and preserve coastal features along the byway while also improving safety features and drainage to better serve pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers.
I fought to revive the National Scenic Byways Program with the Reviving America’s Scenic Byways Act so that areas like Bristol could benefit from this designation and the economic benefits that accompany it – including the jobs that this project will create and the increase in tourism that this designation will drive. This funding will help us make the necessary repairs and updates so that this Rhode Island treasure is available and accessible for generations to come.
Screening of The Levys of Monticello with Temple Beth-El
Thank you to the Sisterhood of Temple Beth-El for hosting a viewing and discussion of The Levys of Monticello, which explores how the Levys restored Monticello and the antisemitism they faced in the process. It was a very meaningful and important conversation to have as antisemitism is on the rise at home and around the world.
Updates from Washington, DC
Fighting Against House Republicans’ Default on America Act
House Republicans’ Default on America Act is an absurd, cruel proposal that is not – despite their claims – fiscally responsible.
By refusing to raise America’s debt limit, which would enable us to pay for government spending and programs already in motion, House Republicans are threatening a default on America’s debt. This would lead to an economic disaster that will devastate Rhode Island families, seniors, and students.
Instead of working with Democrats to pay America’s bills, this Republican proposal will raise costs for working families; increase unemployment, car payments, student loans, and credit card bills; and mortgages will skyrocket. I stand ready to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to continue Democrats’ historic deficit reduction and responsibly invest in America to lower costs and create better paying jobs.
I’m calling on my colleagues to quit playing political games and get to work.
Free COVID Tests Via the Postal Service
Every U.S. household is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests. You can order your tests at CovidTests.gov or by calling 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).
Important Passport & Travel Information
Due to unprecedented demand, the State Department has released updated processing times for passports. For passport applications submitted after March 24, 2023, routine processing time is 10 to 13 weeks and expedited processing is 7 to 9 weeks.
Before booking international travel, please remember to check the expiration date on your passport and plan accordingly. Passports last for 5 or 10 years, depending on your age when the passport was issued. Some countries require that your passport be valid at least six months beyond the dates of your trip. Some airlines will not allow you to board if this requirement is not met.
You can learn more from the State Department here.
As always, I am here to serve you. If there is anything I can do, please call my office at 729-5600 or send me an email at [email protected].
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