Urge FCC to consider transparency, consumer consent, data security in upcoming rulemaking   Washington (July 22, 2015) – In light of the recent Open Internet order, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently announced it will initiate a rulemaking to protect the privacy of consumers who use broadband. In a letter sent today,... Read More

Nationally, methadone accounts for 2% of opioid pain prescriptions but 30% of opioid-related prescription drug overdose deaths   Washington (July 21, 2015) – In an effort to stem the tide of overdose deaths related to opiate abuse, Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today was joined by seven Senate colleagues in calling on the Centers... Read More

Washington (July 21, 2015) – As both Congress and the federal government struggle to develop a strategy for the Internet of Things and responding to the increasing use of connected devices, including automobiles, Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), members of the Commerce, Science and Transportation... Read More

Washington (July 17, 2015) – Sergeant Thomas Sullivan of Springfield, Massachusetts and three other Marines were shot and killed yesterday in Chattanooga, Tennessee by a violent gunman. Three other individuals were wounded in the heinous attack.   “I am deeply saddened by the tragic death of Sergeant Thomas Sullivan who was killed... Read More

"Mountaintop removal coal mining is one of the most destructive practices on earth. It threatens our environment and public health for coal that is increasingly being exported abroad where it will be burned to worsen global warming. The Interior Department’s proposed stream protection rule is an important step forward... Read More

Washington (July 14, 2015) – A new economic study released today by the Analysis Group on the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) reports how the regional cap and trade program that includes nine states has generated $1.3 billion in economic value for the region and $460 million in savings for consumers... Read More

  Washington (July 14, 2015) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement about the Iran nuclear agreement.   “I commend Secretary Kerry, Secretary Moniz and the entire U.S. diplomatic team for their tireless and committed work at these historic... Read More

A group of eight United States senators today sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) requesting information about the agencies' efforts to facilitate and coordinate scientific research on medical marijuana. The letter... Read More

Senator Edward Markey, Senator Elizabeth Warren, Congressman Stephen F. Lynch and State Representative James Murphy are pleased to announce today that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded the Town of Weymouth a new grant in the amount of $265,237. With this money, the Weymouth Fire Department will upgrade... Read More

Measure includes jail time, unlimited civil fines for concealing safety defects   WASHINGTON, DC -- Automotive industry executives who cover up or conceal the death and injury risks of defective vehicles or parts could face up five years in prison, under sweeping auto safety legislation filed in the Senate late today.   The measure,... Read More

WASHINGTON, DC – July 9, 2015 – Along with Massachusetts Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, Congresswoman Niki Tsongas announced today that the Fitchburg Fire Department has been awarded federal funding through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program.   Fitchburg Fire Department will receive $409,091.00 to be... Read More

Democratic Caucus Joins Senator Ron Wyden in Introducing New Legislation to Modernize the Tax Code Reflecting the Supreme Court’s Favorable Marriage Equality Ruling   WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden, Senator Edward J. Markey, along with the full Senate Democratic Caucus today unveiled... Read More

Senators press Consumer Product Safety Commission, retailers after new report finds toxic chemical in crayons, toys   Washington (July 7, 2015) – A new report released today by the Environmental Working Group details the presence of asbestos in children’s products, including crayon sets and toy fingerprint kits that children and... Read More

Senator has introduced legislation to prevent prescription drug and heroin addiction, expand access to addiction treatment and recovery services   Washington (July 7, 2015) – New data out today from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that heroin use is increasing in almost every demographic of the country, including the... Read More

Washington (July 7, 2015) – With solar installation expected to double in the next two years, the White House today announced a series of new initiatives and investments to expand solar power to low and middle-income areas. There are now more than 20,000 megawatts of installed solar capacity in the United States, with more than 60 percent of... Read More

WASHINGTON, DC – United States Senators Elizabeth Warren and Edward J. Markey and Congressman William Keating today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded more than $12.5 million in infrastructure improvement grants to municipal airports in New Bedford, Plymouth, and Hyannis, Massachusetts. The grants... Read More

Senator was leading Congressional investigator into the BP oil spill, first to post the Spillcam online of the underwater spill  Washington (July 2, 2015) – BP was responsible for the worst environmental disaster in America’s history when the Deepwater Horizon exploded in April 2010 killing eleven people and spilling millions of... Read More

Washington (July 1, 2015) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement today after the United States and Cuban governments announced the opening of embassies in each country. “The resumption of diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba is an... Read More

(July 1, 2015) Peabody, MA --­ The Department of Transportation (DOT) announced that it will award the City of Beverly with a $714,600 grant for critical infrastructure improvements at the Beverly Municipal Airport. Massachusetts Senators Elizabeth Warren and Edward J. Markey, along with Congressman Seth Moulton (D-MA) and Beverly Mayor Michael... Read More

Washington (June 30, 2015) - Today, China announced its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) for the international climate summit that will occur in Paris at the end of this year. China currently generates the most greenhouse gasses of any nation and is pledging to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 60-65 percent by 2030 compared to... Read More