Portman wants coin to honor George, Barbara Bush
Our Washington Bureau keeps you updated on the news you need out of D.C. Join the discussion on our Ohio Politics Facebook page. WASHINGTON — Sen. Rob
Portman is pushing a bill that would create a commemorative coin honoring the lives of President George
H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush.
Portman, an Ohio Republican who was close to the elder Bush, introduced the bill last week with Sen. John The Senate last week Cornyn, R-Texas. The elder passed a bill introduced by Bush was a mentor to Port- Portman to reauthorize the man. In a statement, Port- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Serman called the elder Bush vice’s program to promote “one of the most decent and the long-term conservation, honorable men I’ve ever education, research, moniknown.” toring and habitat protection
Bill would protect migratory birds
for more than 380 species of migratory birds.
The bill, which Portman introduced with Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., was passed as part of a larger bill that includes more than 100 pub- lic lands, natural resources and water bills. Portman said he’s interested in the bill because Lake Erie is one of the nation’s most popular destinations for birdwatching, with birding adding more than $20 million to Ohio’s tourism industry each year.
The bill invests $6.5 million annually through 2024 for conservation programs.
Brown joins group to introduce bill
are able to collectively bargain, “care improves for vetSen. Sherrod Brown joined erans.” a group of Democratic sena“At a time when Ameritors last week to introduce cans are working harder and a bill aimed at restoring col- earning less for the time they lective bargaining rights to put in, we should be makmedical professionals at ing it easier for all workers the Department of Veterto advocate for better workans Affairs. The bill was ing conditions, which leads also introduced by Sens. Jeff to better veteran services Merkley of Oregon, Elizaand care,” he said. beth Warren of MassachuWhile VA employees have setts, Richard Durbin of Illi- had collective bargaining nois and independent Sen. rights since 1991, health care Bernie Sanders of Vermont. providers are exempted from
In a statement, Brown, an collective bargaining on matOhio Democrat, said when ters of professional conduct medical professionals such or competence, peer-review, as nurses, health care work- or changes to employee comers and physicians at the VA pensation.
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