Jeff Merkley

FP4A supported H.R. 4346, the CHIPS and Science Act, which provides for bold investments in securing critical supply chains and strengthening U.S. capacity in strategically important sectors and fields, including semiconductors, STEM innovation and manufacturing, clean energy, quantum computing, and wireless technologies. The bill takes a pragmatic and responsible approach to managing U.S.-China competition, positioning the U.S. to con- tend with China economically and technologically, while guarding against threat inflation. The measure was the product of months of bipartisan, bicameral negotiations and enacted into law via a legislative vehicle originally introduced by Rep. Tim Ryan (D-OH). It passed the Senate by a bipartisan 64-33 vote. Foreign Policy for America scored positively those who supported this legislation.

FP4A supported the resolution ratifying the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, also known as the Kigali Amendment. This update to one of the most successful environmental treaties of all time, provides for a gradual phasedown in the production, consumption, and trade of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), a potent greenhouse gas. The reductions called for in the Kigali Amendment will deliver significant climate benefits, contributing as much as a half a degree in avoided temperature rise this century, while also creating tens of thousands of American jobs and billions of dollars in export value due to U.S. leadership in HFC alternatives. The Senate passed the resolution of ratification by a bipartisan 69-27 vote. Foreign Policy for America scored positively those who supported this resolution.

FP4A supports intersectional approaches to addressing gender inequality and empowering women across every aspect of society. Backed by that vision, Foreign Policy for America chose to score a collection of bills that address the many ways and areas in which women are either marginalized or disproportionately impacted across the world. Foreign Policy for America scored positively those who cosponsored at least three of the following six bills:

1. The Global Health, Empowerment, and Rights Act (S.142), which would repeal the “Global Gag Rule” barring recipients of U.S. global health assistance from providing information, referrals, or services for legal abortion or advocating for access to abortion services in their country. This legislation, introduced by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), concluded in the 117th Congress with 51 cosponsors in the Senate.
2. The Keeping Girls in School Act (S.2276), which would allow USAID to make agreements that address social, cultural, health, and other barriers that young women face in accessing quality education. The legislation, introduced by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), concluded the 117th Congress with 4 cosponsors in the Senate.
3. The Greater Leadership Overseas for the Benefit of Equality Act of 2021 (S.1996), which would enhance protection for LGBTQI+ individuals around the world through directed support. This legislation introduced by Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA), concluded the 117th Congress with 26 cosponsors in the Senate.
4. Keeping Women and Girls Safe from the Start (S.765), which would establish and authorize funding for a new foreign assistance program aimed at preventing and addressing gender-based violence around the world. This legislation, introduced by Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ), concluded in the 117th Congress with 24 cosponsors in the Senate.
5. Girls LEAD Act (S.634), which would require a U.S. strategy to strengthen adolescent participation, particularly among girls, in democracy and governance. This legislation, introduced by Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), concluded the 117th Congress with 22 cosponsors in the Senate.
6. The Women and Climate Change Act (S. 3774), which would require a U.S. strategy and inter- agency coordination to address the disparate impact on climate change on women and girls. The legislation, introduced by Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI), concluded the 117th Congress with 7 cosponsors In the Senate.