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Dear Friend,

Remembering Orlando

Jaime and I continue to mourn the lives lost in Orlando and are praying for the wounded. Our hearts ache for the families of the victims. Americans will stand united against this deadly act of terror. 

This week, I signed a condolences book that was presented at the Orlando vigil to offer my support to the victims, families, and all Floridians and Americans impacted by the horrific terror attack in Orlando.

Senate Passes the National Defense Authorization Act

This week, the U.S. Senate passed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (NDAA). The bill provides funding for the Department of Defense (DoD). This legislation included a provision I authored that allows for the DoD to purchase rockets from any certified launch provider between now and December 31, 2022 so long as the provider offers the best value to the DoD. 

I’m proud that the Senate came together to ensure DoD has access to launch vehicles that it can afford. My amendment protects our national security by ensuring the DoD has the resources it needs to continue space exploration, which includes the ability to conduct a fair and open contracting process among certified launch providers.

At a time when the United States is facing evolving threats and security challenges in the homeland and around the globe, it is more critical now than ever that we take every step necessary to bolster our defense. I urge the President to sign the NDAA, not only because it supports our troops and their families, but also because it provides our military with the resources and tools it needs to remain competitive and protect the United States.

Senate Cybersecurity Caucus

Earlier this week, Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and I announced the creation of the Senate Cybersecurity Caucus to provide a platform for Senators and their staffs to stay informed on major policy issues and developments in cybersecurity.

As the cyber threat continues to evolve, so must our strategy. Rifle shots targeting a massive, growing problem have fallen well-short of sufficient. We need a grand strategy to combat positively identified bad actors, and that requires a broad policy response that is adaptable to technological developments and the ever-changing cyber field. The goal of the Senate Cybersecurity Caucus is to jumpstart discussions about how to best address the cybersecurity challenges we face, and I’m hopeful my colleagues will recognize this caucus’ role in strengthening our national security and join us. We need a whole of government approach to cyber, and this effort will start focusing cyber policy on the full spectrum of threats and opportunities.

Learn more about the Cybersecurity Caucus here.

Net Neutrality Appeals Court Ruling

I’m disappointed the D.C. Circuit Court upheld the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) reclassification of the Internet, which threatens innovation and progress in the expansion of broadband Internet access. The FCC’s rule not only circumvents the lawmaking process, but also the very people who are responsible for the Internet’s evolution and success: entrepreneurs and its users. I’m hopeful the Supreme Court will recognize the Administration’s brazen abuse of power and overreach, and overturn the FCC’s misguided rule.

Meeting with Coloradans

Earlier this week, I had a chance to meet Belle, a Colorado Girl Scout. Belle attends Douglas County High School and recently received the Girl Scouts’ highest honor, the Gold Award, for her leadership and service in her community. Belle and I discussed how she took action and how best to encourage other students her age to do the same.

Additionally, I met with representatives of the Colorado National Guard this week to discuss their important work, including their partnerships with the Slovenian and Jordanian Armed Forces.

Need Help with a Federal Agency? 

My staff is available to assist you with finding out the status of a case and requesting additional information from a federal agency. I have offices in Denver, Pueblo, Grand Junction, Greeley, Yuma, and Colorado Springs. Learn more about how we can help here

Thank you for taking the time to read my weekly update. If I can be of any assistance to you, please contact my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 224-5941.

 

Sincerely,

 

Cory Gardner

United States Senator

 

 

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