Iran

Since President Obama announced his dangerous nuclear deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran last year, I have been an outspoken critic of it - speaking on the Senate floor, highlighting concerns at committee hearings, and speaking out publicly to raise awareness of how this flawed agreement with the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism poses a major security risk. Many Pennsylvanians and a bipartisan majority of Senators oppose the deal, which ultimately paves the path for the Iranian regime to get a nuclear weapon.

To make matters even worse, it looks like the Obama Administration is now doubling down on its irresponsible policy toward the Iranian regime. The Administration is rewarding Iran with $8.6 million in taxpayer dollars through the purchase of its heavy water, and U.S. officials are actively encouraging European banks to do business with Iran - neither of which is required by the president's nuclear deal. Last week, I challenged the Obama Administration's reckless pursuit to re-integrate Iran into the global economy at a Senate Banking Committee hearing.

Under the flawed nuclear deal, the president relieved economic sanctions on Iran - giving them a cash infusion of more than $100 billion that can now fund terrorism around the globe. As if that wasn't outrageous enough, the Obama Administration has now decided to also help prop up the Iranian economy, including giving the Iranian regime millions in U.S. taxpayer dollars.

I will continue to stand up to the Obama Administration on behalf of the people of Pennsylvania because we cannot let Iran fund terrorism on our watch. You can watch my remarks at last week's Senate Banking Committee hearing here.

Pennsylvania has produced some of the greatest examples of courage, fortitude, and bravery in the history of mankind. Even among heroes, some individuals stand out more than others - like Army Specialist Ross McGinnis of Knox, Clarion County.

On December 4, 2006, Specialist McGinnis was manning the M2 .50-caliber machine gun on his vehicle while his platoon was conducting combat operations in an effort to reduce sectarian violence in Northeast Baghdad, Iraq. A grenade thrown by an insurgent fell through his gunner's hatch into the vehicle. Reacting quickly, he yelled "grenade," allowing his four friends and fellow soldiers in the vehicle to prepare for the blast. Rather than leaping from the vehicle, Specialist McGinnis made the selfless and courageous decision to protect his crew. In an act of bravery that killed him, Specialist McGinnis covered the live grenade, pinning it between his body and the vehicle and absorbed most of the blast.

It's impossible to show our full gratitude to him and his family, or to fully understand that level of sacrifice. However, to honor his heroic actions and selflessness, the Senate recently passed my bipartisan bill with Senator Bob Casey to rename the U.S. Postal Service facility in Knox the "Specialist Ross A. McGinnis Memorial Post Office."

I am glad this effort will serve as a reminder to Specialist McGinnis's community of his bravery and valor. I will continue to look for opportunities to honor his sacrifice - a sacrifice Abraham Lincoln rightly called the "last full measure of devotion."

This past Monday, I visited Macungie, Lehigh County and Fort Washington, Montgomery County to attend Memorial Day ceremonies and show my gratitude for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

Pennsylvania has a pivotal role in the history of Memorial Day. In fact, three women from Boalsburg started the tradition in 1864, when they visited the cemetery to lay flowers on the graves of a father and son who had died in the Civil War. As they left the cemetery that year, they agreed to return the next year to remember not only their loved ones, but also other soldiers who had died as well. The following year, prayers were offered. Graves were tended. No headstone was left unadorned. Their tradition continued. And in 1868, May 30^th was declared Decoration Day across the country. But it wasn't until 1971 that we officially celebrated Memorial Day on the last Monday in May.

You can learn more about Pennsylvania and the first Memorial Day in a column I wrote here, and remember what this holiday is all about - those who fought and died for our freedom. May God bless those brave men and women who gave their life and the troops that protect us today.

This week, I had the pleasure of attending the 26^th Annual Showcase for Commerce in Johnstown. The Showcase is nationally recognized as a critical business and industry trade show and defense contracting exhibition. It provides a wonderful opportunity to highlight how Pennsylvania's vast manufacturing capabilities that can help bolster our national security.

This week, 14 veterans of the Korean War received a special award for their service. I worked with State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro to organize a ceremony at the Millcreek VFW in Erie County where the veterans (pictured above) received the Ambassador of Peace Medal from the Republic of Korea.

This award thanks the veterans for restoring and preserving Korea's freedom and democracy. I am proud of all of Pennsylvania's veterans, and I am glad these men are receiving the recognition they deserve. My state director, Colonel Bob DeSousa, attended the ceremony.

I have a dedicated staff that can help veterans navigate the Department of Veterans Affairs and other federal agencies. If you are a veteran or someone in your family is and needs help, please call my office at 1-855-552-1831. My staff members are trained to cut through a lot of red tape and help you get the services you deserve.