Terror attack victims to receive Purple Hearts
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) recently applauded the announcement by Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus that the Department of the Navy will award the Purple Heart to the four Marines and one Sailor killed and the Marine injured during the July 16 terrorist attack in Chattanooga.
The decision followed an announcement by the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) that the killer was inspired by a foreign terror organization.
“Our commander-in-chief has classified the heartbreaking events that took place that day as an act of terror, and I have been pressing the FBI to provide answers to both the families of the fallen and our community,” Corker said. “I appreciate the efforts of all involved as they work tirelessly to piece together this puzzle so we can better protect ourselves in the future. The threat of terrorism is not just something we see across our shores anymore; it’s here in our homeland; it hit my hometown; and we must continue to show resolve in the fight against this evil.”
Bill to strengthen checks of federal prison volunteers
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Stephen Fincher (TN-08) has explained why he introduced the Prevent Terrorism from Entering our Prisons Act (H.R. 4285).
This legislation would strengthen the background check process for volunteers entering federal prisons and require the Bureau of Prisons to conduct a comprehensive study on the spread of radicalization in prisons.
“Over the years, our federal prisons have become a breeding ground for radicalization,” Fincher said. “By allowing volunteers to enter the system without first having to undergo a comprehensive background check, some of the most vulnerable members of society have become susceptible to radicalization. There have been a number of cases involving inmates who became radicalized and, once released, attempted to harm innocent citizens.”
He continued, “Since 95 percent of inmates will eventually be released back into society, it is essential that we ensure radical ideologies do not infiltrate our prisons.
“My bill will require all volunteers applying to work with prisoners at federal correctional facilities to undergo thorough FBI screening in order to uncover potential ties to domestic and international terrorists. We cannot let our own federal facilities to become recruitment centers for terrorism. By strengthening the background check process for federal prison volunteers, we have a better shot at apprehending these individuals before their evil intentions see the light of day.”
Funding to aid housing reform and fight slavery
On Friday, a provision of U.S. Sen. Bob Corker’s Jumpstart GSE Reform Act became law when the president signed the fiscal year 2016 “omnibus” appropriations bill. In advance of a vote on the legislation, Senator Corker applauded inclusion of the provision in a speech on the Senate floor and encouraged his colleagues to prioritize housing finance reform in the new year.
He said the vote ensures that Congress will determine the fate of the mortgage giants it created, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. He also said it will “make crystal clear that this body does not support efforts to return to the failed model of private gains and public losses.”
Funding for Corker’s bipartisan initiative to end modern slavery was alsoincluded in the fiscal year 2016 omnibus appropriations bill.
“With this important funding for The End Modern Slavery Initiative, we can begin a vigorous effort to end slavery worldwide, which currently affects more than 27 million people, especially women and children,” Corker said.
Permanent tax relief law draws light praise
In his Dec. 21 newsletter, U.S. Sen. Bob Corker released the following statement on passage of legislation to provide permanent tax relief to American families and businesses and also to fund the government through fiscal year 2016.
“Left to my own accord this bill would look much different, but it does put to bed a number of issues that have been left unaddressed for a number of years and provides permanent tax relief to American families and businesses,” Corker said.
Norris honored for leadership in serving states
NASHVILLE — State Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris received the Distinguished Service to the States medal from The Council of State Govern-ments at the close of its 2015 National Conference in Nashville on Dec. 13.
The medal is the highest honor awarded by CSG for outstanding and sustained leadership on behalf of the states. He was honored for “transformative leadership” during his tenure as CSG national chair.
