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Dear John,
This week, I addressed the House of Representatives for the final time as a Member of Congress. As a lifelong Rhode Islander, it is only fitting that my final message is one of HOPE – hope for our democracy and our Congress.
Watch and read Congressman Cicilline's final floor speech here.
For centuries, the United States has been the hope of the world.
We are the nation where freedom, equality, opportunity for all, and unity have made us a beacon of hope in some of the darkest times in human history.
For generations, men and women have fought to preserve our way of life, and many have given their blood, sweat, and even their lives for it.
Yet today, there are forces working to undermine our democratic institutions and our shared values.
Congress has the sacred responsibility to honor the sacrifices made by so many in the work it does every day, in the way we treat one another as colleagues, and in our commitment to let truth not fear, reason not extremism, and respect for all not division, lead our every effort.
Our unity as a nation, and the ability of our democracy to withstand the test of time, depends on the resolve of this institution, those who serve in its halls, and the people whose votes are their voice in this government, to keep that hope alive.
You can read and watch my full address here.
Updates from Rhode Island
$1.1 Million in Federal Grants for the Arts
I’m proud to share that Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) and several local arts organizations will share $1,134,100 in federal grants from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). Rhode Island’s arts community is second to none and I’m thrilled to see RISCA and so many of our community arts programs be awarded these grants and the recognition they deserve. These federal investments will help continue to grow our state’s vibrant arts community and creative economy by supporting both new and established art projects, including workshops, free performances, exhibitions, and arts education programs.
RISCA will receive $934,100 in federal funds to support the arts and partnership agreement activities.
The following Rhode Island-based organizations will also receive NEA funding:
- Community Musicworks (aka CMW): $70,000 to support free music education and performance programs for children and youth from historically marginalized communities.
- FirstWorks: $60,000 to support a series of multidisciplinary arts commissions, presentations, residencies, and related engagement activities.
- AS220: $40,000 to support multidisciplinary arts education programming and creative workforce development for youth.
- Rhode Island Arts Foundation at Newport, Incorporated (aka Newport Classical): $20,000 to support artist fees and venue costs for Newport Classical’ s annual summer festival.
- What Cheer Writers Club: $10,000 to support free podcast training and recording for Rhode Island-based artists
The Affordable Connectivity Program
In this day and age, affordable, high-speed internet isn't a luxury, but a necessity for everything from our kids' schoolwork, to applying for jobs, or accessing government services and resources. Congressional Democrats created the Affordable Connectivity Program, the largest high-speed internet affordability program in our nation's history, to make sure that no one is left behind – no matter where they live or their paycheck.
This week, Governor McKee announced a statewide initiative to increase awareness of the Affordable Connectivity Program and I encourage every Rhode Islander who qualifies to apply for this program.
The Affordable Connectivity Program is a $14.2 billion federal broadband benefit funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) that provides eligible households with a monthly discount of up to $30 per month – up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands – and a one-time $100 discount toward a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet. 173,369 Rhode Island households are eligible for the ACP, yet only 60,534 – 35 percent of those eligible – have enrolled.
You learn more about this program at GetACP.org/Rhode_Island.
Updates from Washington, DC
Debt Ceiling Negotiations
Every House Democrat has made clear that we are ready to vote on a clean bill – one that raises the debt ceiling without harmful spending cuts – just as Republicans did when Donald Trump was President. Congress must protect the full faith and credit of the United States.
I am hopeful that President Biden and House Republicans will be able to come to an agreement, but it should never have gotten to this point. By holding the debt ceiling hostage, House Republicans have been recklessly gambling with people’s livelihoods and the global economy, driving us to the brink of economic catastrophe in a manufactured crisis.
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 through Wednesday, May 31 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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