Stefanik brings Putin legislation

PLATTSBURGH — North Country Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, along with Rep. Val Demings (D-Florida), just introduced the Vladimir Putin Transparency Act.

The bipartisan legislation would instruct U.S. intelligence to collect and submit a report to Congress on Putin and his allies’ financial assets and secretive networks.

"Putin and his political allies seek to weaken democracies worldwide by consolidating their political control through unethical means," Stefanik (R-Schuylerville) said in a statement.

"I am proud to co-sponsor this bill, which aims to identify Putin and his allies for who they are: nefarious political actors undermining democracies."

Stefanik and Demings previously introduced the bipartisan Defend Against Russian Disinformation Act, designed to strengthen America’s response to Russian interference in U.S. elections.

NATURE RESOURCES

Stefanik recently voted to pass the Natural Resources Management Act.

This bipartisan legislation permanently authorizes the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which the congresswoman said she has been a consistent advocate for since her first term.

"The permanent authorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund is a critical win for my district, and one that I've been working toward since my first term," she said.

"The management, protection and continued funding of our public lands and water are important not only for the safekeeping of our region’s landmarks and natural resources but also for our tourism industry, which directly affects our economy.

"This bipartisan legislation will positively and significantly impact my district for many years to come, and I’m proud to have played a role in its passage.”

Land and Water Conservation Fund money has been used for decades throughout New York’s 21st Congressional District, most recently in Sackett’s Harbor and Fort Ann.

Additionally, the legislation allocates dozens of land exchanges to state and local governments to further economic development and allows for greater local control over water management that aims to save water, protect public safety and enhance fish protections and wildlife habitats.

VA HIRING

Stefanik also recently co-sponsored the VA Hiring Enhancement Act.

The legislation is aimed at reducing VA physician vacancies by leveling the playing field in the hiring process and making hiring guidelines more consistent with already established requirements.

It is designed to make the Veterans Health Administration a more attractive employer and increase competition.

"Our veterans sacrifice so much for our safety and freedom; the least we can do is ensure they receive quality health care in a timely manner," Stefanik said.

"Unfortunately, one of the reasons wait times at the VA tend to be longer than civilian health-care facilities is due to the amount of physician vacancies."

Stefanik hopes the bipartisan legislation will address that lack in the system and give veterans the care they so deserve.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Stefanik also introduced the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Harassment Act, along with Rep. Cheri Bustos, Rep. Pramila Jayapal and Rep. Morgan Griffith.

The legislation would void forced arbitration agreements that prevent survivors of sexual harassment from receiving the justice they deserve, according to her release.

It would allow victims to discuss their cases publicly and eliminate institutional protection for harassers.

"Sexual harassment in the workplace is an epidemic, and I'm proud to stand with the brave men and women who come forward and share their stories,” Stefanik said.

"Too often, victims are pushed aside while their harassers are protected, leaving many to wonder why they decided to come forward in the first place. This is both backwards and unacceptable.

"I am hopeful that this bipartisan legislation will allow all victims of sexual harassment to come forward without fear of retribution and dismissal, and (I) will work with my colleagues to pass this important bill in the House."

Email Joe LoTemplio:

jlotemplio@pressrepublican.com

Twitter: @jlotemplio