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Columbia County Observer

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Florida News

US Senator Bill NelsonU.S. Senator Bill Nelson - Update
July 28, 2013

Senator Nelson Opposes Seismic Air Gun Testing Off Florida’s Atlantic Coast

On Friday, July 18, Senator Nelson and members of the Florida congressional delegation sent a letter to President Obama expressing their opposition to the Administration's desire to conduct seismic air gun testing for oil and gas in the Atlantic Ocean. Senator Nelson believes, “drilling off Florida’s Atlantic coast is unwise and impractical…It could interfere with the military operations off of Florida’s northeast coast, not to mention the environmental hazard that drilling would pose.”

For more information
Lynn Bannister: Director of Outreach
111 North Adams St
Tallahassee, FL  32301
850-942-8415 / 850-942-8450 (fax)
billnelson.senate.gov

Alleviating Military Spouses’ Financial Burden When Rejoining Workforce in New States 

Senator Nelson co-sponsored S.759, the Military Spouse Job Continuity Act, which will help alleviate costs to spouses who must pay to get relicensed or recertified in their profession as a result of moving to another state with their military husband or wife.

 The Act would offer a tax credit up to $500 to compensate for administrative fees paid to licensing boards or certificate-granting institutions. Senator Nelson is confident this bill will help military spouses return to the workforce following a military move, alleviating the financial burden many military families incur when a move is required.

Senator Nelson Asks for Update on Jordan’s Arms Request for Defense Against ISIL

On Wednesday, July 16, Senator Nelson signed a letter to Secretaries Kerry and Hagel asking for an update on a June request from the Jordanian military for US aid in the form of military weapons and equipment. Jordan is seeking US help to ensure their defense against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

Senator Nelson believes it’s important to the United States and to our friend and ally, the Kingdom of Jordan that we provide assistance as soon as possible to ensure Jordan is able to help stop ISIL’s advance in the Middle East.

Senator Nelson Chairs Grandparent Scam Hearing 

On Wednesday, July 16, Senator Nelson chaired an Aging Committee hearing to examine phone scams, in particular the “grandparent” scam, wherein a scammer calls a senior claiming to be a grandchild or relative who is in jail, in the hospital, or stuck in a foreign country, and needs money to get out of the predicament. Senator Nelson called this “an incredibly despicable type of fraud” that preys on the senior’s willingness to help a family member in trouble.

The hearing focused on the role the FTC and FBI play in combating these scams.

In addition to hearing from a grandparent scam victim, a representative from the U.S. Telecom Association discussed efforts to authenticate calls to ensure the accuracy of caller ID. At the hearing, Senator Nelson announced that Green Dot would be discontinuing from store shelves their MoneyPak product – the prepaid card of choice for scammers.

 Senator Nelson also called on private industry retailers that offer services to send money and the companies who market and sell money-order cards to come together on this issue. Retail employees are typically the last line of defense before money is sent to scammers and lost forever.

Senator Nelson Supports Restoring Funds to Victims of Investment Fraud

On Thursday, July 17, Senator Nelson cosponsored S. 1725, the Restoring Main Street Investor Protection and Confidence Act. The bill would streamline restitution procedures for victims of investment fraud and improve regulatory oversight to protect investors from unscrupulous investment firms. The bill would also help victims of Allen Stanford’s Ponzi scheme get restitution through the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC).

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