CHATTANOOGA, TN – Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03) issued the following statement after the United States Senate voted to confirm Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the United States Supreme Court:

"I applaud my colleagues in the Senate for their vote to confirm Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court,” said Congressman Fleischmann. “Judge Kavanaugh’s judicial record speaks for itself with over 300 published opinions, 12 years as a federal court judge, and a total of 26 years of public service. However, even before the ink dried on Judge Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court nomination, his proven track record as a constitutionally-minded jurist quickly became overshadowed by divisive rhetoric and uncorroborated allegations. This vitriol highlighted a broken confirmation process, at the expense of an exceptionally qualified and highly respected individual. I have full confidence that as a Supreme Court Justice, Judge Brett Kavanaugh will preserve the fabric of our nation – the Constitution – by interpreting the law as written. I look forward to having Judge Brett Kavanaugh as the ninth Justice on the United States Supreme Court."

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CHATTANOOGA, TN — Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03) released the following statement after the Senate passed S.1405, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2019. Included in FAA Reauthorization are two amendments offered by Congressman Fleischmann:

“The aim of my first amendment is to addresses concerns regarding the ballooning costs associated with building and maintaining our general aviation airport runways, especially in rural America. This amendment will mitigate the hefty price tag these airports face by encouraging the use of state based products and supporting local businesses that offer alternative pavement solutions.”

"We commend Congressman Fleischmann for his leadership on addressing the pavement construction needs of state aviation agencies and transportation departments in the FAA Reauthorization bill that has passed in both chambers,” said John Shea NASAO Interim President and CEO. 

"The provision championed by Rep. Fleischmann reduces outdated and unnecessary regulatory red tape and streamlines a process for states to reduce pavement construction costs while still maintaining the highest level of safety at our nation’s general aviation airports. Facing serious budget restraints and increased construction costs, states are constantly forced to do more with less. Thanks to Rep. Fleischmann’s work on this provision, states now have the ability to save millions of dollars over the course of the five-year bill."

“Additionally, I was proud to offer another amendment to ensure the sustainability and longevity of our airports through the use of geosynthetic materials,” said Congressman Fleischmann. Geosynthetic materials allow for faster airfield construction and repairs compared to the use of conventional materials. This allows for airports to reopen sooner which prevents costly congestion. Additionally, because geosynthetics allow for reduced maintenance costs, they also take into account the budgetary limitations of our nation’s airports.

I am confident that both of my amendments will allow for those to travel our skies to do so more safely and seamlessly with common-sense answers to the problems plaguing today’s airport infrastructure.”

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CHATTANOOGA, TN — Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03) issued the following statement after receiving the “Guardian of Small Business” award from The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB):

“Thank you to the NFIB for advocating for the small business principles that have created unprecedented success across our nation. I was honored to receive the ‘Guardian of Small Business’ award and I am proud to say that last week I voted for nine bills to promote small business growth on top of my vote to make pro-business tax cuts permanent. I understand how important these businesses are to our economy, and I will continue to slash burdensome regulations and support policies for their long-term success.”

Last week Congressman Fleischmann voted for nine bills from the House Committee on Small Business. Further detailed information can be found here. Congressman Fleischmann also voted for the passage of Tax Reform 2.0. Read more about that legislation here.

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CHATTANOOGA, TN — Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03) issued the following statement in response to USMCA, the U.S. – Mexico – Canada Trade Agreement. This agreement will update and modernize NAFTA, the North American Free Trade Agreement:

“I have long been an outspoken advocate for free trade and I believe that a multilateral trade deal will bring the most prosperity to our farmers, workers, and business owners. In my representation of a district that relies heavily on goods and services contingent on our trade relations with Canada and Mexico, I am pleased President Trump was able to bring all parties to the table. I look forward to carefully analyzing this agreement and speaking with East Tennesseans to discuss how the proposed changes will further incentivize the foreign investment that is so lucrative to our local economy.”

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03) issued the following statement in response to the passage of the second FY 2019 “Mini-Bus” which includes funding for the Department of Defense (DoD), the Labor, Health and Human Services (LHHS) and Education Appropriations bills:

“There is no way to truly repay the debt of gratitude we owe to the men and women who honorably put on our country’s uniform and fight tirelessly for the freedoms we enjoy every day,” said Congressman Fleischmann. “However, the least we can do is provide our armed forces with the equipment and resources they need when risking their lives for us. This package provides a total of $674.4 billion to alleviate readiness shortfalls by updating Army equipment, ensuring our Navy’s aircraft are mission capable, and addressing the extensive backlog of maintenance at our military facilities.

Congressman Fleischmann led an effort for increased funding to the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Capital Financing Program. The FY19 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Appropriation bill included $20 million dollars specifically for this program.

“Tennessee is home to Meharry Medical College, LeMoyne-Owen College, and Lane College, three HBCUs that educate and empower our young people to reach their highest potential. In my ongoing support of HBCUs, I was pleased to champion an effort for increased funding of the HBCU Capital Financing Program. This program gives qualifying colleges and universities the flexibility to defer payments for three to six years. Most importantly, this increased funding and financial flexibility will allow our communities to continue to prosper by investing in our institutions of higher learning.

Finally, this spending bill will enable the National Institute of Health (NIH) to continue groundbreaking research into Alzheimer’s disease, the fight against cancer, and stopping the opioid epidemic. The NIH is known for their medical advancements and it is critical that we provide them the funds to save lives.”

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CHATTANOOGA, TN — Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03) issued the following statement in response to President Trump signing H.R. 5895, the FY 2019 “Mini-Bus” Energy and Water, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Legislative Branch Appropriations Conference Committee spending bill into law: 

“Today, President Trump signed the first Mini-Bus spending bill into law taking the final step in keeping our promise to the American people to fund the government before the end of the fiscal year,” said Congressman Fleischmann. “From supplying the resources necessary for continued progress on the Chickamauga Lock to supporting the missions at Oak Ridge National Lab and the Y-12 National Security Complex, this package is a win for Tennessee’s Third District. In my work on the Energy and Water Subcommittee and as a conferee, I fought to ensure that a total of $117.7 million in funding be included for the Chickamauga Lock. Furthermore, this legislation includes the highest dollar amount to date for Oak Ridge National Lab and the Y-12 National Security Complex. I am proud to have the priorities and facilities important to East Tennesseans recognized in this legislation. Moreover, with the signing of this spending package, we are taking the steps necessary to responsibly fund our government by returning to regular order. I thank all members of the committee for their work, and I look forward to building on this momentum with the passage of future funding bills.”

Highlights included in H.R. 5895 courtesy House Committee on Appropriations:

Army Corps of Engineers

• A total of $7 billion for the Army Corps of Engineers; including $3.2 billion for navigation projects and studies;
• and $2 billion to support public health and safety by funding flood and storm damage reduction activities.

Nuclear Security

• A total of $15.23 billion for the Department of Energy’s nuclear weapons security programs, including $11.1 billion for Weapons Activities;
•  $1.95 billion Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation;
• and 1.79 billion for Naval Reactors.

Environmental Cleanup

• A total of $7.2 billion for environmental management activities; including
• and $6 billion for Defense Environmental Cleanup to safely cleanup sites contaminated by previous nuclear weapons production at Oak Ridge National Lab and other DOE sites.

Science Research

• A total of $6.6 billion for science research to support the basic energy research, the development of high performance computing systems, and research into the next generation of energy sources.

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CHATTANOOGA, TN — Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03) issued the following statement in honor of former Third District Representative Marilyn Lloyd who served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1975 – 1995:

“My prayers are with Lloyd family after hearing of Marilyn Lloyd’s passing. I thank Marilyn for her service to our great state in representing the wonderful people of Tennessee’s Third District in the U.S. House of Representatives for 20 years. While I am saddened by her passing, the legacy of Marilyn Lloyd will forever be a part of East Tennessee history.”

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03) issued the following statement upon the passage of the FY 2019 “Mini-Bus” Energy and Water, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Legislative Branch Appropriations Conference Committee Report:  

“The passage of today’s spending package is a tremendous victory for the Chickamauga Lock. Since entering Congress, the completion of the Lock has been one of my top priorities and I am proud to say that we provided a record $117.7 million in continued funding for this project,” said Congressman Chuck Fleischmann. “The Lock is critical for the boats and barges that rely on the Tennessee River as a means for transporting goods across our nation as well as the communities and businesses served by these vessels. The Army Corps of Engineers is doing an excellent job working on the Chickamauga Lock, and thanks to the action of the House this afternoon the Lock remains on track for completion.

In addition, I was pleased to vote to support $35.68 billion to fund the Department of Energy, including $15.23 billion for the National Nuclear Security Administration. This funding supports the scientific innovation and development at Oak Ridge National Lab in areas from neutron science to supercomputing. This package will also provide funding for Y-12 National Security Complex to continue its important missions supporting the nuclear weapons stockpile, our Nuclear Navy, and nuclear nonproliferation initiatives. Finally, the bill provides robust funding for the Oak Ridge environmental cleanup mission.

This is the first time in about 10 years Congress worked as it should with both chambers passing our respective spending bills, coming together in conference to resolve the differences, and producing a product that meets our nation’s funding needs. As we approach the end of the fiscal year, I am optimistic that the work of this conference committee can be mirrored by the other conference committees and Congress can return to regular order in our funding process.”

The FY 2019 Energy and Water, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Legislative Branch Appropriations Conference Committee Report will now head to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03) issued the following statement in remembrance of the September 11, 2001 terror attack:

“On this day seventeen years ago, tragedy struck our nation. Today, let us come together with steadfast patriotism as we remember the lives forever lost and honor the heroes who rushed to action in protection of our great country. We will never forget September 11, 2001.”

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 WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03) issued the following statement in honor of the life and legacy of Senator John McCain (R-AZ):

"I am deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Senator McCain. Senator McCain was a maverick embodying remarkable strength and courage during his 81 years. I thank Senator McCain for his service to our country in combat and in Congress. My thoughts are with the McCain family, their friends, and loved ones."

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