Mike Johanns

Senators say returning soldiers' unemployment rate too high and say benefits should include apprenticeship and job training, not just college

November 12, 2009 -- (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, along with Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Mike Johanns (R-NE), today introduced the Post-9/11 Veterans’ Job Training Act to include job training and apprenticeship opportunities for veterans who have served our country since the attacks of September 11, 2001.    » read more »

June 3, 2009 -- Washington, DC -- Senator Mike Johanns introduced an amendment today to require Congressional approval for any use of TARP funds that result in the government acquiring any ownership stake in private entities through common or preferred equity stock shares.

"I am extremely troubled that federal funds originally proposed to buy toxic assets in an effort to stabilize the financial markets are now being used as a blank check in ways no one ever dreamed," said Johanns. "Congress has a responsibility and an obligation to the American people to provide appropriate oversight of these funds especially when the result is essentially nationalizing companies. My amendment will restore a system of checks and balances the American people demand of their government."

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May 26, 2009 -- Washington, DC -- Senator Mike Johanns issued the following statement today after learning President Barack Obama has nominated Sonia Sotomayor to serve as the next U.S. Supreme Court Justice:

"The confirmation of a U.S. Supreme Court Justice is one of the most important votes a U.S. Senator makes," said Johanns.

"It is critical that any nominee to the Supreme Court have a strong record of objectively interpreting the law and applying the Constitution, not advancing an activist agenda.

"Therefore, I will be thoroughly reviewing Judge Sotomayor's record and will follow the upcoming committee hearings for a detailed look at her record and opinions before making a final decision."

Source: Senator Mike Johanns

May 25, 2009 -- Washington, DC -- Senator Mike Johanns issued the following statement today in honor of Memorial Day:

"I hope all Nebraskans and all Americans will take a moment over the long weekend to consider how fundamental our freedom is to our way of life," said Johanns. "There are many who have sacrificed to win and protect this freedom. We should remember their commitment to our country and thank them for their brave service."    » read more »

May 22, 2009 -- Washington, DC -- Senator Mike Johanns is co-sponsoring legislation to help combat the rise in mental health challenges, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), in U.S. troops and veterans. The Post-Deployment Health Assessment Act would require the Department of Defense to increase mental health screenings for military personnel deployed to combat.

"The military is seeing a sharp increase in the number of servicemen and women struggling to cope with their experiences," Johanns said. "Our troops face the rigors of battle and war every day, and we must do a better job of caring for their mental health. Identifying the warning signs when a service member is facing these challenges is an important first step."    » read more »

May 19, 2009 -- Washington, DC -- Senator Mike Johanns today voted to increase consumer protections for credit card users by tightening the rules for interest rate hikes and making credit card terms and conditions easier to understand.

The Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 will provide consumers with more transparency, fairer terms, and more certainty regarding their interest rates when dealing with credit card companies. The bill passed by a vote of 90-5.    » read more »