Joe Holleman

1 week ago | stltoday.com | Joe Holleman

This week’s news that the Environmental Protection Agency has chopped about two years off the projected start of a radioactive waste cleanup in north St. Louis County has delivered hope to area residents. It also dropped a political victory on U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, who has been both vocal and visible in fighting for the cause.

1 week ago | stltoday.com | Joe Holleman

The bipartisan buddy system is alive and well in the bistate area. U.S. Sens. Josh Hawley, R-Missouri, and Richard Durbin, D-Illinois, are taking another crack at protecting workers whose employers have filed for bankruptcy. Introduced last week, the bill is the pair’s second attempt at advancing the measure, which failed to pass out of Congress last year. The proposal would allow workers and retirees from such companies to retain more of their wages, benefits and retirement savings.

1 week ago | stltoday.com | Joe Holleman

U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell has joined a bipartisan quartet to introduce a bill to crack down on the use of anonymous shell companies to conceal illegal foreign contributions. Bell’s legislation would make it unlawful to establish or use a corporate entity to conceal a campaign contribution by a foreign national. Violators would face fines and prison terms up to five years.

1 week ago | stltoday.com | Joe Holleman

When not fighting for victims of radiation exposure, U.S. Sens. Josh Hawley and Ben Ray Lujan are assisting motorists. Hawley, a Missouri Republican, and Lujan, a New Mexico Democrat, have introduced a bill that would increase car owners’ options for automobile repairs. The senators contend the legislation would help after-market repair shops provide safe and affordable repairs for consumers.

1 week ago | stltoday.com | Joe Holleman

Two members of U.S. House representing portions of the Metro East managed to gain unanimous approval for a bipartisan bill aimed at helping military veterans. One of the main sponsors is U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski, D-Springfield, whose district includes portions of St. Clair and Madison counties. Southern Illinois’ other House member, U.S. Rep. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro, also signed on as a sponsor. Bost, the Veterans Affairs Committee chair, represents Monroe County and part of St. Clair County.