{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"House\", party = \"Democrat\" and year = 2016 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["http://maloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-maloney-joins-gov-cuomo-and-community-activists-for-inaugural-second", "Rep. Maloney Joins Gov. Cuomo and Community Activists for Inaugural Second Ave Subway Ride", "2016-12-31", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Carolyn Maloney", "M000087", "maloney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "NEW YORK, NY \u2013 Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12), longtime champion of the new Second Avenue Subway who led the charge to secure $1.3 billion in federal funding for the project, joined Governor Andrew Cuomo, elected officials, and other community activists for the inaugural ride of the new subway line today. Following the ride, the Congresswoman released the following statement:\n\u201cI can think of no better way to ring in the New Year than taking the inaugural ride on the new Second Avenue Subway. Politics at its best is about making the impossible happen, and for too long I was told this project was impossible. But now, we are here at last. I am so thrilled that Phase 1 of the Second Avenue Subway is finally complete \u2013 nearly 100 years in the making! This monumental accomplishment, which would not have been possible without the $1.3 billion in federal funds I was able to secure, marks a new beginning for Second Avenue, New Yorkers, businesses, and visitors to our great city. This new subway line will bring with it vastly improved transportation for the Upper East Side by alleviating the severe overcrowding of the Lexington Avenue line \u2013 one of the most congested subway lines in the nation. It will also be economic boon to Manhattan, particularly for businesses along Second Avenue that have had to cope with years of construction-related disruptions.\n\u201cI am thankful to Governor Cuomo for his strong support for the Second Avenue Subway and for being an ally of the people of New York City in Albany, the MTA for its tireless hard work, and most importantly to the community \u2013 residents and business owners \u2013 who dealt with the noise, dirt and congestion during construction, realizing that the final result was worth the wait.\n\u201cAs we celebrate the opening of phase one we should also renew our commitment to making sure this new line is eventually extended all the way from Wall Street to 125th Street. We got a fantastic Christmas present on December 23rd when the Federal Transit Administration gave its approval for second phase of this new subway line to enter Project Development under the New Starts Program \u2013 this is a two year process of environmental review and engineering at the end of which, the project will be eligible for significant federal funding, estimated to be roughly 1/3 of the initial cost.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://seanmaloney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/maloney-statement-on-judith-clark-sentence-commutation", "Maloney Statement on Judith Clark Sentence Commutation", "2016-12-31", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Sean Maloney", "M001185", "seanmaloney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newburgh, NY \u2013 Representative Sean Patrick Maloney released the following statement in response to reports that New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has commuted the sentence of Judith Clark, allowing her to seek parole in 2017:\n \n\t\u201cI want to commend Governor Cuomo for commuting the sentence of Judith Clark, a living example of the rehabilitative potential of our criminal justice system. Clark has served over 30 years in prison, repeatedly demonstrated remorse for her participation in the Brink\u2019s robbery, and endeavored to better herself by earning college degrees and leading educational and health initiatives to benefit her fellow inmates, prison staff and prison administration.\n \n \n\t\u201cOur prisons should focus on effective methods for rehabilitation and reentry, which includes permitting parole for low-risk, elderly offenders who have materially demonstrated their reformation. Judith Clark deserved to spend many years in prison for her role as an accessory to the terrible crime that resulted in the death of two police officers and a security guard, but after nearly 35 years she has been punished and no longer poses a threat to our communities.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/murphy-blumenthal-call-for-further-probe-of-russia-after-sanctions", "Murphy, Blumenthal Call For Further Probe Of Russia After Sanctions", "2016-12-31", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Murphy, Blumenthal Call For Further Probe Of Russia After Sanctions\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n                \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n\r\n                \r\n                \r\n\r\n                    \r\n                    Stamford Daily Voice\r\n                    \r\n                    \r\n                \r\n            Saturday, December 31, 2016\r\n            \n\t\n\r\n            \r\n            FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. \u2014\u00a0U.S. Sens. Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal (both D-Conn.) are praising the sanctions authorized by President Barack Obama in response to Russia's attempts to interfere with the U.S. presidential election.\r\n\"All Americans should be alarmed by Russia\u2019s actions,\"\u00a0Obama said in a statement. The\u00a0Russian government\u2019s aggressive harassment of U.S. officials and cyber operations aimed at the U.S. election followed\u00a0\"repeated private and public warnings that we have issued to the Russian government, and are a necessary and appropriate response to efforts to harm U.S. interests in violation of established international norms of behavior,\" he said.\r\nMurphy applauded the sanctions and also called for a bipartisan investigation into Russian interference.\r\nRussian President Vladimir \u201cPutin's aggression is a direct attack on our democracy and our institutions of government, and the sanctions and expulsions announced today send a strong, clear message that these actions have consequences,\u201d Murphy said.\r\nMurphy said his Republican colleagues in the Senate have long called out Obama\u00a0for being too weak on Russia.\r\n\u201cI encourage them to now work with Democrats to conduct a thorough, bipartisan public investigation into Russia\u2019s interference, and make it clear that the United States will not hesitate to impose additional consequences if their illegal, destabilizing actions continue,\u201d said Murphy.\r\nBlumenthal echoed Murphy's stance. \"These sanctions are a well-deserved and well-delivered step, long overdue and only the beginning of necessary action in response to Russian cyber attacks on our nation,\" Blumenthal said.\r\n\u201cA strong, immediate bipartisan Select Committee investigation is vital to buttress additional steps and reveal the full scope and scale of Russian aggression,\u201d he said.\r\nBlumenthal said the American people deserve a thorough, comprehensive inquiry to determine the full extent of hostile action by the Russian government \u2014 and to develop appropriate, ongoing enforcement actions and countermeasures.\r\nHe added that it will also be the responsibility of the Trump administration \u201cto rigorously enforce these sanctions \u2014 a responsibility I hope the President-elect takes with the seriousness it deserves.\"\u200e\r\nAs part of the sanctions,\u00a0Obama expelled 35 Russian intelligence operatives and sanctioned five Russian entities and four people: two Russian intelligence agencies, four officers of the intelligence agency GRU, and three companies that support GRU's operations.\r\nThis was in response to the alleged Russian cyberattacks\u00a0on Democratic political organizations during the 2016 presidential campaign.\r\nThe U.S. is also shutting down two Russian compounds, in Maryland and New York, used by Russia for intelligence-gathering purposes.\r\n\"Russia\u2019s cyber activities were intended to influence the election, erode faith in U.S. democratic institutions, sow doubt about the integrity of our electoral process, and undermine confidence in the institutions of the U.S. government,\" said a statement from the White House.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://beatty.house.gov/media-center/news-articles/us-slaps-sanctions-on-russia-for-hackings-expels-35-diplomats", "US slaps sanctions on Russia for hackings, expels 35 diplomats", "2016-12-30", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Joyce Beatty", "B001281", "beatty.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2014 The Obama administration struck back at Russia on Thursday for its efforts to influence the 2016 election, ejecting 35 Russian intelligence operatives from the United States and imposing sanctions on Russia\u2019s two leading intelligence services.\nThe administration also sanctioned four top officers of one of those services, the military intelligence unit known as the GRU, which the White House believes ordered the attacks on the Democratic National Committee and other political organizations.\nThe expulsion of the 35 diplomats was in response to the harassment of U.S. diplomats in Russia, officials said. None of those officials are believed to be connected to the hacking, they said. In addition, the State Department announced the closing of two \u201crecreational facilities\u201d \u2014 one in New York, another in Maryland \u2014 that it said were used for Russian intelligence activities, although officials would not say whether they were used in the election-related hacks.\nIn a sweeping set of announcements, the United States also released samples of malware and other indicators of Russian cyberactivity, including network addresses of computers commonly used by the Russians to launch attacks. Taken together, the actions amount to the strongest U.S. response ever taken against a state-sponsored cyberattack aimed at the United States.\nThe sanctions were in part intended to box in President-elect Donald Trump. Trump has consistently cast doubt that the Russian government had anything to do with the hacking of the DNC or other political institutions, saying U.S. intelligence agencies could not be trusted and suggesting that the hacking could have been the work of a \u201c400-pound guy\u201d sitting in his bed.\nTrump will now have to decide whether to lift the sanctions on the Russian intelligence agencies when he takes office next month, with Republicans in Congress among those calling for a public investigation into Russia\u2019s actions. Should Trump do so, it would require him to effectively reject the findings of his intelligence agencies.\nTrump said Thursday night that he\u2019ll meet next week with U.S. intelligence officials to discuss their findings that Russia hacked Democratic Party emails to meddle in the 2016 election, signaling a possible shift from his previous dismissals of Russian involvement.\nIn his first statement following Obama\u2019s action, Trump said \u201cIt\u2019s time for our country to move on to bigger and better things. Nevertheless, in the interest of our country and its great people, I will meet with leaders of the intelligence community next week in order to be updated on the facts of this situation.\u201d\nPresident Barack Obama, in a statement, put in a subtle dig at Trump\u2019s unwillingness to talk about Russia\u2019s role. \u201cAll Americans should be alarmed by Russia\u2019s actions,\u201d he said. He said he acted after \u201crepeated private and public warnings that we have issued to the Russian government\u201d and called the moves \u201ca necessary and appropriate response to efforts to harm U.S. interests in violation of established international norms of behavior.\u201d\nIn Moscow, there was a sense that the Obama administration was trying to take unseemly last-minute revenge against Russia and President Vladimir Putin.\n\u201cWe regret that this decision was made by the U.S. administration and President Obama personally,\u201d Dmitri Peskov, spokesman for Putin, told reporters. \u201cAs we have said before, we believe such decisions and such sanctions are ungrounded and illegal from the point of view of international law.\u201d\nRussia is studying the details of what Washington did, he said, and some manner of reciprocal answer can be expected.\nKonstantin Kosachyov, the head of the foreign affairs committee in the upper house of the Russian parliament, told Interfax that \u201cthis is the agony not even of \u2018lame ducks,\u2019 but of \u2018political corpses.\u201d\u2019\nU.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, said \u201cthere must be consequences for Russia\u2019s interference with our election. Today\u2019s action sends a clear message that the United States will not tolerate threats to our democracy and we will protect the American people and our institutions from being undermined by the Russian government.\u201d\nCongressional Republicans also backed Obama\u2019s decision, even though they said the president should have acted sooner.\n\u201cOver and over again, Russia has made clear of its intention to wreak havoc around the world,\u201d said Rep. Pat Tiberi, R-Genoa Township. \u201cNow the Obama administration is finally responding forcefully to this aggression.\u201d\n\u201cBut what took so long?\u201d Tiberi asked. \u201cGoing forward, we must continue to send the signal that we will not tolerate foreign hacking on our nation. I continue to support the appropriate bipartisan committee investigations into Russia\u2019s cyberattacks.\u201d\nRep. Bill Johnson, R-Marietta, said the \u201caction is positive but long overdue. In 2014, President Obama warned Russian President Vladimir Putin that \u2018there would be costs\u2019 if Russia invaded Ukraine. Shortly after that statement, Vladimir Putin thumbed his nose at President Obama and the world watched as the Russians invaded Ukraine.\u201d\nOther Democrats were quick to praise Obama. \u201cActions have consequences, and today\u2019s announcement by the Obama administration makes that abundantly clear to the Russian government,\u201d said Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-Jefferson Township.\nDespite the fanfare and political repercussions surrounding the announcement, it is not clear how much real effect the sanctions may have, although they go well beyond the modest sanctions imposed against North Korea for its attack on Sony Pictures Entertainment two years ago.\nStarting in March 2014, the United States and its Western allies levied sanctions against broad sectors of the Russian economy and blacklisted dozens of people, some of them close friends of Putin, after the Russian annexation of Crimea and its activities to destabilize Ukraine. Trump suggested in an interview this year that he believed those sanctions were useless, and left open the possibility he might lift them.This article first appeared on The Columbus Dispatch's website on December 30, 2016.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-statement-russia-sanctions", "Cicilline Statement on Russia Sanctions", "2016-12-30", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "David Cicilline", "C001084", "cicilline.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PAWTUCKET \u2013 U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (D-RI), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement after President Obama announced a series of new sanctions and other punitive actions against Russia today:\n\u201cEvery American should be gravely concerned about Russia\u2019s interference in our elections and attempts to undermine American interests across the world. The actions taken by President Obama today are both necessary and appropriate in order to compel Vladimir Putin and the Russian government to reassess the aggressive posture they have taken in recent years.\u201d\n\u201cIn light of the FBI and Department of Homeland Security releasing a new Joint Analysis Report today that places the blame for this interference squarely on the doorstep of the Kremlin, it is critical that members of both parties in Congress accept the validity of these findings and begin working together to confront Russia\u2019s unprecedented aggression here in the United States.\u201d\n\u201cThat means starting with a thorough, independent review of Russia\u2019s efforts to hack our democratic institutions over the past year. It means setting aside our political differences and taking a united, bipartisan approach to any further attempts to interfere in our elections. And although President-elect Trump has so far failed to acknowledge Russian culpability for these hacks, it is critical that he start to play a constructive role in holding Russia accountable for their egregious conduct.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cohen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/conyers-slaughter-nadler-cohen-new-republican-rule-modern-day-gag-rule", "CONYERS, SLAUGHTER, NADLER & COHEN: NEW REPUBLICAN RULE IS A MODERN DAY GAG RULE", "2016-12-30", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "TN", "Steve Cohen", "C001068", "cohen.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI), House Committee on Rules Ranking Member Louise Slaughter (D-NY), House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution Ranking Member Steve Cohen (D-TN), and Subcommittee on Intellectual Property Ranking Member, and former chair of the Subcommittee on the Constitution Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) today released a joint statement on the proposed Republican Rules package,\u00a0 which, among other things, would delegate to the Sergeant-at-Arms the\u00a0 authority to impose fines of up to $2,500 per offense against any Member who uses an electronic device to photograph or record House floor proceedings.\u00a0 This is an apparent reaction to the Democratic sit-in on the House floor last June over the Republicans\u2019 failure to bring up common sense gun safety legislation in the wake of the Orlando night club shootings.\n\u201cHouse Republican Leadership, as one of its first priorities for the incoming Congress, seeks to impose a modern day and unconstitutional gag rule to restrict the First Amendment rights of Members to protest and engage in other forms of expression on the House floor as well as deny them due process.\u00a0 This unprecedented rule change, which appears to violate several fundamental constitutional protections, clearly is intended to undermine the rights of Members in the Minority to freely express their views on the House floor, which is a critical means by\u00a0which Members communicate to the American public.\u00a0 It is particularly egregious that such a controversial and potentially unlawful change is being implemented in the complete absence of hearings or input from legal experts, let alone the Minority.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\n\u201cIn effect, this proposed rule change would empower a protocol official to unilaterally impose a fine against a Member who uses an electronic device to photograph or record House floor proceedings without affording the Member any due process.\u00a0 Even the threat of this fine would have a chilling effect on the right of Members to express their views on the House floor, which is one of the most fundamental protections under the Constitution\u2019s Speech or Debate Clause as well as the First Amendment.\u00a0 As the U.S. Supreme Court recognized more than 50 years ago in Mills v. Alabama, \u2018Whatever differences may exist about interpretations of the First Amendment, there is practically universal agreement that a major purpose of that Amendment was to protect the free discussion of governmental affairs.\u2019\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\n\u201cIn addition, the proposed rule change fails to provide a Member any due process to contest the imposition of the fine before it is automatically deducted from the Member\u2019s salary, the diminution of which is protected by the 27th Amendment.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\n\u201cRather than ensuring greater transparency and promoting full and fair debate, the House Republican Leadership has chosen to do the very opposite by authorizing \u2018speech police\u2019 to restrict the First Amendment right of the Minority to express their dissent on the House floor. Surely this could not happen on the floor of the U.S. House, given that we\u2019re sworn to uphold the Constitution.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gabbard.house.gov/news/in-the-news/star-advertiser-new-federal-law-protect-keiki-service-ohana", "Star Advertiser: New federal law to protect keiki in service ohana", "2016-12-30", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Originally published in the Honolulu Star Advertiser:\u00a0http://www.staradvertiser.com/2016/12/30/hawaii-news/new-federal-law-to-protect-keiki-in-service-ohana/\n New federal law to protect keiki in service ohana \nSuspected cases of child abuse on military bases must now be reported to state child welfare officials under a new federal law that was championed by U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono.\nThe measure, known as Talia\u2019s Law, named for a young girl who was beaten to death by her father at Wheeler Army Airfield in Wahiawa, was signed into law by President Barack Obama last week as part of the National Defense Authorization Act.\nTalia Williams was just 5 years old when her father punched her in the chest so hard that she fell backward, hitting her head on the concrete floor of the family\u2019s military quarters and dying. She had suffered months of abuse by her father and stepmother, who are imprisoned for her murder. Williams\u2019 father is serving a life sentence after escaping the death penalty.\nUntil now the military has dealt with cases of child abuse internally. Under Talia\u2019s Law physicians, social workers, teachers and other professionals who serve military personnel and their families are required to also report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect directly to state Child Protective Services or its equivalent agency within a state.\nSupporters of the measure hope that it will give an added layer of protection to children who are being abused on military bases.\n\u201cWe are absolutely thrilled that this horrible tragedy that befell this little girl is ultimately going to result in a fix that may save hundreds and hundreds of kids who are at risk of abuse within the military,\u201d said Honolulu attorney Mark Davis, who represented Talia Williams\u2019 biological mother, Tarshia Hampton, in a civil case against the U.S. government, winning a $2 million settlement.\n\u201cWhen the obligation is to report to the chain of command, the whole outlook is to treat the abuser as if it is a disciplinary problem that can be reported, whereas in the state system the whole emphasis is on protecting the child,\u201d he said.\nIn the Army alone, beatings, torture and starvation caused the death of 118 children between 2003 and 2012, according to an investigation by Military Times published in 2013. Overall, nearly 30,000 children had suffered from some type of abuse or neglect.\nThe rate of child abuse in the Army was 4.5 cases per 1,000 children for 2011, compared with a civilian rate of 27.4 cases per 1,000 children. However, the investigation found that Army cases had spiked 28 percent between 2008 and 2011.\nThe final punch that Naeem Williams delivered to his daughter left knuckle imprints in her chest, according to Davis. At trial the girl\u2019s stepmother testified that Talia Williams had been denied food for days at a time, duct-taped to a bed and whipped. Her father admitted that she had been abused daily, much of it over her problems with potty training.\nGabbard introduced Talia\u2019s Law, which was unanimously by passed the House of Representatives in February. In the Senate, Hirono included it as part of the National Defense Authorization Act.\n\u201cUntil now, the same gaps in the military\u2019s reporting requirements that failed to protect Talia and so many other military children remained,\u201d Gabbard said in a news release. \u201cEnactment of Talia\u2019s Law closes these gaps by requiring the same protections that exist for any other child to also protect children in military families.\u201d\nWhile Gabbard was a champion of Talia\u2019s Law, she voted against the National Defense Authorization Act, which easily made it through both the Senate and House. Gabbard opposed the act, in part, because she said it would worsen the war in Syria, which she opposes.\nHirono also said that the law would help close gaps in protections for children of military personnel.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mccollum.house.gov/taxonomy/statements-for-the-record/mccollum-statement-honoring-career-doug-peterson", "McCollum Statement Honoring Career of Doug Peterson", "2016-12-30", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Betty McCollum", "M001143", "mccollum.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and honor the career of Doug Peterson, who will retire from his position as President of the Minnesota Farmers Union on December 31, 2016.\nDoug has worked dutifully on behalf of the people of Minnesota for more than two decades, serving in the Minnesota State Legislature from 1990 to 2002 before leading the Minnesota Farmers Union from 2002 through 2016.\u00a0 It was my profound honor to serve with Doug in the Minnesota State Legislature for eight years.\nHaving had the opportunity to work closely with him on the Environment and Natural Resources Committee and later on the Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture Finance Committee, I was able to see first-hand the level of expertise and commitment Doug brought to his work.\u00a0 From our time serving together in the Minnesota State Legislature, Doug became, and still remains a dear friend of mine.\nFew people have had more of a positive and lasting impact on Minnesota agriculture policy than Doug. A fierce advocate for Minnesota\u2019s family farmers, Doug has worked tirelessly to shape and promote policies that protect their financial interests. His ability to speak both for and to the farming community was most recently acknowledged when he was awarded with the 2016 Distinguished Friend of Extension by the University of Minnesota. His leadership as the head of the Minnesota Farmers Union and work with Extension has advanced family farming and helped ensure that farmers are provided with the tools they need on and off the farm to succeed.\nMr. Speaker, please join me in honoring the distinguished career of Doug Peterson and his tremendous work on behalf of the people of Minnesota.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://norcross.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-norcross-renews-demands-preserve-historic-south-jersey", "Congressman Norcross Renews Demands to Preserve Historic South Jersey Landmark", "2016-12-30", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Donald Norcross", "N000188", "norcross.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bellmawr, NJ-Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) today demanded the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) and U.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) immediately re-examine efforts to preserve an historically significant home in Bellmawr Borough.\n\u201cThe State of New Jersey has determined beyond doubt the historical significance of the Hugg-Harrison-Glover House. These new findings affirm the need to take urgent and meaningful action to save and preserve this great landmark,\u201d said Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01).\nIn a letter to the Camden County Historical Society dated December 27, 2016, the New Jersey Historic Preservation Office confirms the Hugg-Harrison-Glover House meets criteria for listing in the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places. The New Jersey Historic Preservation Office cites convincing evidence confirming the House\u2019s connection to William Harrison, Jr., a militia captain who played an historically significant role during critical years of the Revolutionary War. The letter also reaffirms previous findings about the House\u2019s historic architectural significance.\n\u201cQuite frankly, this confirms what we\u2019ve believed all along. These findings illustrate the critical historic value of this property and validates our efforts to save this significant piece of South Jersey & American history,\u201d added Congressman Norcross.\nThe House, located along West Browning Road adjacent to New Saint Mary Cemetery in Bellmawr, is threatened by a critical highway infrastructure project known as Direct Connection, designed to reconfigure the Route 42-Interstate 76-Interstate 295 interchange. Congressman Norcross stands in strong support for the ongoing infrastructure project, while calling for a solution to save the historic home.\n\u201cWe literally have thousands of people, near and far to South Jersey, who have invested time and effort to save this historic house. We are demanding that measurable action is taken now to ensure it stands as a symbol of our past for future generations,\u201d said Chris Perks, president of the Camden County Historical Society.\nBased on these new findings, the Camden County Historical Society is requesting NJDOT amend its application on the Direct Connection project to the FHWA, which would create funding opportunities to preserve the House.\n\u201cThe Captain William Harrison House is a very important structure to the residents of Camden County.\u00a0 It is the oldest structure in Bellmawr, the Borough\u2019s only visible connection to the American Revolution, and the only home of a Revolutionary War officer known to survive in Camden County,\u201d said historian Garry Wheeler Stone, who has studied the Hugg-Harrison-Glover House extensively.\nCongressman Norcross previously advocated on behalf the Hugg-Harrison-Glover House by appealing to the New Jersey Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration to explore all options to save and preserve the House.\n###\nCongressman Donald Norcross is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Budget Committee, and serves as Assistant Whip in the 114th Congress.\n\u00a0http://norcross.house.gov", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1346", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Obama Administration's Actions against Russia", "2016-12-30", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Obama Administration\u2019s Actions against Russia\r\n\r\n\tWashington, DC \u2013 U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement today after the Obama Administration announced its response to Russian interference in the 2016 election:\r\n\r\n\t\u201cRussia\u2019s unprecedented assault on our democratic process demanded a strong response, and the sanctions announced by the Obama Administration have sent a much-needed message to Moscow that we will punish anyone who meddles in our elections.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cThat response was backed by a joint F.B.I. and Department of Homeland Security report that concluded Russian intelligence services were involved in 'an ongoing campaign of cyber-enabled operations directed at the U.S. government and its citizens.'\r\n\r\n\t\u201cNow Congress must take up its responsibility, and immediately launch a bipartisan, public investigation into these cyberattacks. Not only will it more fully uncover how the Kremlin hacked their way into our democratic process, but just as importantly it will show us how to stop this from ever happening again.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cAmericans deserve to feel confident that a foreign power isn\u2019t interfering with how we elect our most powerful leaders. Only a bipartisan, public Congressional investigation into this historic cyberattack on our democracy can help restore that faith.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t###\r\n\r\n\tContact:\r\n\r\n\tDavid Damron, David.Damron@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931\r\n\r\n\tGeoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wassermanschultz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=999", "Wasserman Schultz Statement on Obama Administration's Actions against Russia", "2016-12-30", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Debbie Wasserman Schultz", "W000797", "wassermanschultz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Americans deserve to feel confident that a foreign power isn't interfering with how we elect our most powerful leaders. Only a bipartisan, public Congressional investigation into this historic cyberattack on our democracy can help restore that faith.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Wasserman Schultz Statement on Obama Administration's Actions against Russia U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement today after the Obama Administration announced its response to Russian interference in the 2016 election: Russia's unprecedented assault on our democratic process demanded a strong response, and the sanctions announced by the Obama Administration have sent a much-needed message to Moscow that we will punish anyone who meddles in our elections. That response was backed by a joint F.B.I. and Department of Homeland Security report that concluded Russian intelligence services were involved in 'an ongoing campaign of cyber-enabled operations directed at the U.S. government and its citizens.' Now Congress must take up its responsibility, and immediately launch a bipartisan, public investigation into these cyberattacks. Not only will it more fully uncover how the Kremlin hacked their way into our democratic process, but just as importantly it will show us how to stop this from ever happening again. Americans deserve to feel confident that a foreign power isn't interfering with how we elect our most powerful leaders. Only a bipartisan, public Congressional investigation into this historic cyberattack on our democracy can help restore that faith. ### Contact: David Damron, David.Damron@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931 Geoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=7CCA8323-82E9-8B25-DEA4-65FDB9F22913", "Bennet Statement on National Monument Proclamation for Bears Ears", "2016-12-30", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Michael Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Denver, CO - Today Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet released the following statement after the administration proclaims Bears Ears a national monument:  \"This monument designation reflects the wishes of the Ute Mountain Ute tribe, the Southern Ute tribe, and other Coloradans that we protect and preserve the beauty and culture of Bears Ears for future generations. This action is an important step forward in restoring our nation's commitment to our tribes by protecting land they regard as sacred and giving them more of a voice in its future management.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=AA284152-64A5-40C7-4161-9496854CAB89", "Bennet calls on Future Presidential Nominees, President-Elect Trump to Release Tax Returns", "2016-12-30", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Michael Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Today Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet co-sponsored a bill requiring current presidents and future presidential nominees to release their tax returns in an effort to increase transparency and give the American public insight into any foreign deals.\r\n\"The American people deserve to know about the financial dealings, both foreign and domestic, of the person who serves as our commander-in-chief,\" Bennet said. \"Our democracy depends on the foundation of transparency that makes America unique and great.\"\r\nThe Presidential Tax Transparency Act requires all sitting presidents to release their most recent three years of tax returns to the Office of Government Ethics (OGE). It also requires that, within 15 days of becoming the nominee at the party convention, presidential nominees must release their most recent 3 years of tax returns to the Federal Election Commission (FEC). Should the sitting president or future candidates refuse to comply, the Treasury Secretary will be required to provide the tax returns directly to the OGE or FEC respectively for public release.\r\nFor nearly 40 year, since Watergate, candidates from major political parties have voluntarily released tax returns during the campaign.\r\nOriginal cosponsors of the Presidential Tax Transparency Act include: Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR) Chris Murphy (D-CT), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Tom Udall (D-NM), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).\r\nA one-page summary of the legislative proposal can be found here. The bill text can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-statement-on-debarment-proceedings-against-restaurant-associates", "Brown Statement on Debarment Proceedings Against Restaurant Associates", "2016-12-30", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Sherrod Brown", "B000944", "www.brown.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Friday, December 30, 2016\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown today applauded the Department of Labor\u2019s decision to initiate debarment proceedings against Restaurant Associates, which could result in the company being ineligible for government contract bids for three years. The proceedings follow a DOL investigation into Restaurant Associates which found the company and its subcontractor had misclassified hundreds of workers at the U.S. Capitol.\r\n\u201cEvery company should be accountable to labor laws and treat their workers with respect, especially when their profits come from American taxpayers\u201d said Brown. \u201cRestaurant Associates failed to meet the most basic standards and its potential debarment is a small price to pay for robbing the Senate's cafeteria workers of the money they earned. The Labor Department is right to take these violations seriously and I'm pleased DOL is pursing disciplinary action.\u201d\r\nBrown has called for the termination of the U.S. Senate\u2019s contract with Restaurant Associates. Brown led the entire Democratic caucus in a letter to DOL Secretary Tom Perez requesting an audit of Restaurant Associates\u2019 parent company, Compass Group, and its subsidiaries in the federal government. The letter built on his efforts to ensure fair treatment of workers in the Senate cafeteria and catering services.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.carper.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=F0B947D3-6C41-484D-A410-C23568EDF35E", "Carper Statement on Actions against Russia in Response to Cyber Attacks, Election Hacking", "2016-12-30", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Thomas Carper", "C000174", "www.carper.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON -- Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.) released the following statement after President Obama announced new sanctions and other actions\u200e\u00a0against Russia in response to the country's efforts to interfere in the 2016 U.S. presidential elections.\u00a0\r\n\u201cI applaud the responsible steps that President Obama has taken to hold Russia accountable and safeguard our democracy. The intelligence community has concluded that Russia's interference in our most recent election was unprecedented, and there must be real consequences for such outrageous actions. These sanctions make clear that any efforts to undermine our democratic processes will not be tolerated.\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe hacking of our election systems is not a partisan issue. All Americans, regardless of party affiliation, should be alarmed that any foreign power would\u00a0interfere in and attempt to undermine the free and fair elections that are the hallmark of our democracy. I'm pleased that my Senate colleagues on both sides of the aisle have expressed their support for the sanctions and other actions\u00a0that have been announced. Congress must work together to\u00a0ensure that the extent of the Russian hacking is investigated in a comprehensive, transparent and nonpartisan way in order to ensure that this can never happen again.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/leahy-reaction-on-russian-hacking-of-a-vermont-electric-utility", "Leahy Reaction On Russian Hacking Of A Vermont Electric Utility", "2016-12-30", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.30.16\n\t\t\t Leahy Reaction On Russian Hacking Of A Vermont Electric Utility \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tStatement of Senator Patrick Leahy On Russian Hacking\r\nFriday, December 30, 2016\r\nState-sponsored Russian hacking is a serious threat, and the attempts to penetrate the electric grid through a Vermont utility are the latest example. My staff and I were briefed by Vermont State Police Colonel Matthew Birmingham this evening. This is beyond hackers having electronic joy rides  this is now about trying to access utilities to potentially manipulate the grid and shut it down in the middle of winter. That is a direct threat to Vermont and we do not take it lightly.\r\n# # # # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/video-menendez-russian-hacking-should-cause-great-concern-for-every-american", "*VIDEO* Menendez: Russian Hacking ‘Should Cause Great Concern for Every American’", "2016-12-30", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Robert Menendez", "M000639", "www.menendez.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "*VIDEO* Menendez: Russian Hacking \u2018Should Cause Great Concern for Every American\u2019 \n\t\t\t\n\t *VIDEO* Menendez: Russian Hacking \u2018Should Cause Great Concern for Every American\u2019 \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\tFriday, December 30, 2016\n\t\n\t\n\t\u00a0  NEWARK, N.J. \u2013 U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee who has been personally sanctioned by Russia, appeared today on MSNBC with Craig Melvin to discuss new White House sanctions against Russia in response to Russian cyberattacks and efforts to tamper with the American election.\r\nIn reaction to President-Elect Trump\u2019s tweets praising Russia\u2019s president, Sen. Menendez said, \u201c\u201cI think what the President-Elect will find, as we have found in the past, is that Putin only understands strength\u2026.When the world doesn\u2019t respond to Putin, he continues to act aggressively.\u201d\r\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPress Contact\n\t\t\tSteven_Sandberg@menendez.senate.gov", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/in-the-news/-democrats-are-already-building-a-case-against-trumps-pick-to-lead-treasury-department", "Democrats are already building a case against Trump’s pick to lead Treasury Department", "2016-12-30", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Jeff Merkley", "M001176", "www.merkley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Democrats are already building a case against Trump\u2019s pick to lead Treasury Department \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFriday, December 30, 2016\r\n\r\n\t\n\r\n\r\n\r\n  \r\n    By:\u00a0\r\n    Ylan Q. Mui \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPresident-elect Donald Trump\u2019s pick to lead the Treasury Department is likely to face a contentious confirmation battle centered on his purchase of a failed subprime mortgage lender that repeatedly has been accused of wrongful foreclosures.\r\nThe formal vetting process for Steven T. Mnuchin, who served as Trump\u2019s campaign finance chairman and worked at investment bank Goldman Sachs for nearly two decades, has not yet begun. A staffer at the Senate Finance Committee, which is handling the nomination, said it is waiting for his paperwork to be completed before starting the process. In the meantime, Democrats have already begun preparing a line of attack that accuses Mnuchin of preying on the middle-class workers that helped sweep Trump into the White House.\r\nAdam Green, co-founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, said political action committee\u00a0plans to use paid advertisements and local organizing to pressure Republican lawmakers from states that suffered widespread foreclosures to oppose Mnuchin\u2019s confirmation. The AFL-CIO issued a\u00a0statementthis month slamming Mnuchin for profiting from the worst financial crisis in generations. And Senate Democrats \u2014 led by Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren \u2014 set up a website calling him the \u201cForeclosure King\u201d and soliciting complaints from his bank\u2019s customers.\r\n\u00a0\u201cTrump\u2019s cabinet hearings are right around the corner in January and you better believe that by the time they're over, the American people will know that the Trump Administration is all about special interests and the super-rich at the expense of working people,\u201d Merkley posted on Facebook recently.\r\nMnuchin led a consortium of investors that purchased the troubled bank IndyMac from the federal government in 2009, acquiring a $13.9 billion portfolio of some of the nation\u2019s shoddiest loans for about $1.6 billion. Tara Bradshaw, a spokeswoman for Mnuchin, said about 178,000 loans were already in the foreclosure process when he took over the bank and renamed it OneWest. Bradshaw said he oversaw 101,000 mortgage modification offers, some of which forgave part of borrowers' principal balance.\u00a0Mnuchin sold OneWest to CIT Group in 2015 for more than double what he paid for it.\r\n\u201cSteven is proud of his record at OneWest. He was able to save three institutions that were in receivership, did tens of thousands of loan modifications, saving homes and jobs, and developed OneWest Bank into a regional banking franchise that in turn made loans to consumers and businesses that helped create jobs,\u201d Bradshaw said.\r\nTo avoid potential conflicts of interest, Mnuchin stepped down this month from his position on the board of directors of CIT as well as the board of Sears Holding. According to compensation research firm Equilar, Mnuchin owned about $100 million in CIT stock as of last month.\u00a0Bradshaw said he is also\u00a0working with attorneys to resolve\u00a0other outstanding conflicts. Government ethics experts said Mnuchin will likely have to divest at least some of his financial holdings.\r\nAfter Mnuchin visited Capitol Hill earlier this month, top Republicans on the finance committee praised his selection.\r\n\u201cThrough his private sector background, Steven will have to untangle the web of red tape found in our mammoth tax code and navigate a minefield of heavy-handed regulations that have stifled opportunity and growth,\u201d said Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), chairman of the finance committee.\r\nThe finance committee has received three years of Mnuchin\u2019s tax returns and responses to a questionnaire but are awaiting his final financial disclosures and ethics forms, which must be reviewed by the White House Office of Government Ethics before they are sent to the committee. A Senate aide said that Mnuchin\u2019s vast private holdings could take more than a week to review, pushing back the scheduling of a confirmation hearing. Beyond the purchase of IndyMac, Mnuchin was an active private equity investor with stakes in retail companies and Hollywood film studios.\r\nOnly 51 votes are required in the Senate to confirm Trump\u2019s Cabinet nominees, after new rules passed by Democrats three years ago eliminated the need for a filibuster-proof majority of 60 votes. But Republicans have little margin for error, holding a narrow edge of 52 seats. A handful of defections could sink Trump\u2019s picks.\r\n\u201cThis is not a united Republican party,\u201d said Jeff Hauser, executive director of the Revolving Door Project, a liberal watchdog group that scrutinizes\u00a0executive-branch appointments.\r\nAmong the lawmakers Democrats hope to sway is Republican Sen. Dean Heller of Nevada, who is facing reelection in 2018 and has been mentioned as a possible gubernatorial candidate. Nevada was one of the hardest-hit states during the housing bust, and it still ranks third in the country in amount of foreclosures, according to RealtyTrac. Heller vocally opposed Trump during the election, even broaching the possibility that he would not vote for either major party candidate.\r\nMnuchin is not the only Cabinet nominee who could be in for a rocky confirmation hearing. Democrats have also sharply criticized\u00a0Trump\u2019s choice for secretary of state, ExxonMobil chief executive Rex Tillerson, and his pick to lead the Commerce Department, billionaire industrialist Wilbur Ross, among others.\r\nBut Green said that Mnuchin\u2019s nomination deserves particular scrutiny because he would lead the agency responsible for carrying out the economic agenda that was central to Trump\u2019s victory.\r\n\u201cMnuchin is the poster child for Trump betraying his own voters by turning our economy over to Wall Street and giant corporations at the expense of American working families,\u201d he said.\r\n\r\n \r\n           \r\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=1B80D520-9A40-465A-9B53-51C60203F6F4", "Senators Murray, Cantwell Applaud Move to Protect Methow Valley from Mining for Next Two Years", "2016-12-30", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Patty Murray", "M001111", "www.murray.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, the Bureau of Land Management announced it will make 340,000 acres in Okanogan County temporarily off-limits to mining while it studies potential impact\r\nMurray and Cantwell will continue to pursue permanent protection of the U.S. Forest Service land near Mazama\r\nValley in Okanogan County attracts more than 1 million visitors annually, boosting local economy\r\nMap here\u00a0\r\n(WASHINGTON, D.C.) \u2013 Today, Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) applauded the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for taking a critical step toward protecting the Methow Headwaters in North Central Washington by issuing a segregation notice to make 340,000 acres off-limits to mining for two years while it studies whether long-term protection is warranted. The senators have advocated for permanent protection of the land in order to safeguard the natural resources in the region, including water and salmon, as well as local recreation opportunities.\r\n\u201cThis action is a huge step forward in our fight to preserve and protect our state\u2019s incredible resources for future generations,\u201d Senator Murray said.\u00a0\u201cI am especially grateful to the local community members who have led the charge to protect investments in\u00a0salmon recovery, and\u00a0defend\u00a0tribal treaty rights\u00a0and the region\u2019s outdoor economy. In the coming months and years, I will continue to work with the community and my colleagues in Congress to make sure the Methow Valley is permanently protected from devastating mining operations.\u201d\r\n\u201cThe Methow Valley is too significant to allow mining exploration that threatens our clean water. I'm glad to see the department continuing work on the withdrawal application, and I will stay focused on ensuring the process moves quickly to protect this pristine region,\u201d Senator Cantwell said.\u00a0\r\n\u201cWe enjoy a solid economy in the Methow Valley and its resilience is built on the value of clean air and water,\" said Sam Lucy, owner of Bluebird Grain Farms. \u201cThe administration\u2019s decision to move the withdrawal process forward is a vital step in keeping our valley special and the local economy strong.\u201d\r\n\u201cSupport for action to protect the Methow Headwaters, especially from the business community, is very strong,\u201d said Julie Muyllaert, co-owner of Methow Cycle and Sport in Winthrop. \u201cThe businesses in the valley recognize that our success depends on maintaining the area's spectacular lands, recreational resources, clean water and fresh air. For these important reasons we are committed to\u00a0achieving a mineral withdrawal for the Methow Headwaters.\"\r\n\u201cIt is the town\u2019s obligation to protect our water, the local economy and the well-being of our citizens,\u201d said Twisp Mayor Soo Ing-Moody. \u201cThat\u2019s why this summer the Twisp Town Council passed a resolution supporting the Methow Headwaters\u2019 mineral withdrawal. Today\u2019s announcement\u00a0about the withdrawal is good news that reinforces our efforts on behalf of Twisp residents\u00a0and future generations.\"\r\nIn May, Senator Murray introduced the Methow Headwaters Protection Act of 2016 with Senator Cantwell as an original cosponsor, in order to protect approximately 340,000 acres of the Methow River watershed in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest from potential development of a large-scale mine. The legislation, which was running concurrently with the administrative action announced today, would have withdrawn from mineral entry any deposits that could lead to an industrial-scale mine on the lands, and would protect the headwaters of the Methow River.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://butterfield.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/butterfield-statement-on-president-s-sanctions-on-russia", "Butterfield Statement on President\u2019s Sanctions on Russia", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "G. Butterfield", "B001251", "butterfield.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman G. K. Butterfield (NC-01) today released the following statement in response to the White House\u2019s new sanctions against Russian officials for its interference in the 2016 presidential election:\n\u201cI applaud President Obama\u2019s actions to address Russia\u2019s interference in this year\u2019s election.\u00a0 It is imperative that we protect our democracy and stop any and all attempts to obstruct the democratic process.\n\u201cIt is my hope that these sanctions on the Russian government will serve as a deterrent to foreign powers\u2019 attempts to meddle in our elections.\u00a0 There is a clear need for an independent, bipartisan commission to provide a full and transparent investigation into the depth of Russia\u2019s involvement.\u00a0 I look forward to the Administration\u2019s forthcoming report to Congress on Russia\u2019s interference in our election process.\u00a0 Americans expect swift action on this matter.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://crowley.house.gov/press-release/vice-chair-crowley-welcomes-nypd-decision-allow-observant-sikh-americans-serve", "Vice Chair Crowley Welcomes NYPD Decision to Allow Observant Sikh Americans to Serve", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Joseph Crowley", "C001038", "crowley.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Queens, N.Y.) \u2013 Today, Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx), Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus and a leader on Sikh-American issues, welcomed the announcement that the New York Police Department will allow observant Sikhs to serve in the force while maintaining their articles of faith. Crowley sent a letter in 2014 advocating for this change, and has had numerous discussions with city officials on the effort over the past four years.\n\u201cThis is good news. Allowing observant Sikhs to serve in the NYPD is not only the right thing to do, it will foster stronger relationships in our communities and strengthen the security of our city,\u201d said Crowley. \u201cAt a time when Sikhs have been targeted for hate crimes including in New York, it also sends a powerful signal that Sikhs are part of this great city and every bit as accepted as anyone else.\u201d\nA recognized leader in Congress on issues related to the Sikh-American community, Crowley spearheaded a multi-year, successful effort to convince the FBI to begin collecting data on hate crimes committed against Sikh-Americans and Hindu-Americans, an important issue brought to nationwide attention by the massacre of Sikh worshippers in Oak Creek, Wisconsin in 2012. He has also helped lead a major bipartisan coalition urging the Department of Defense to allow Sikh-Americans to serve in the U.S. military while abiding by their articles of faith, such as wearing a turban or beard.\nCongressman Crowley is the nine-term representative from the 14th Congressional District of New York, which includes sections of Queens and the Bronx. He is a member of the powerful Ways and Means Committee and serves as Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus in the House of Representatives.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-statement-un-resolution-end-israeli-settlements", "Langevin Statement on UN Resolution to End Israeli Settlements", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jim Langevin", "L000559", "langevin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Langevin Statement on UN Resolution to End Israeli Settlements           \t\t  \n          \t\t  \n           \n\t\t  \n\t\t  \n\t\t  \n\t\t \t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDec 29, 2016\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t  \n\t\t  \n\t\t  \n\t\t  \n\t\t  \n\t\t  \n               \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n          \n  \n    \n    \n    Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI), a senior member of the House Armed Services and Homeland Security Committees, released the following statement in response to the United Nations Security Council resolution demanding an end to Israeli settlements:\n\u201cDecades of turmoil, lives lost, and families destroyed remind us that there is no easy solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but peace in the Middle East will only be achieved through direct, good-faith negotiations between the two parties. Unilateral action by the United States or the United Nations will resolve nothing; rather, this UN resolution will only heighten tensions and push us further away from a peaceful solution.\n\u201cThe United States and Israel share a unique bond, and despite these challenging times, that relationship cannot and will not be broken. Our efforts to foster peace must continue, and so must our commitment to Israel as our friends look to build a safe and democratic Jewish state.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-statement-white-house-response-russian-election-interference", "Langevin Statement on White House Response to Russian Election Interference", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jim Langevin", "L000559", "langevin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI), co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional Cybersecurity Caucus and a senior member of the House Committees on Armed Services and Homeland Security, released the following statement on President Obama\u2019s response to Russian attempts to interfere in the 2016 election:\n\u201cInterference in our electoral processes cannot be tolerated, and I am encouraged that President Obama is taking steps to respond to Russian attempts to undermine faith in and influence the 2016 federal elections. In particular, I commend the President for using a full range of response options, including economic, diplomatic, and cybersecurity actions. As nations increasingly use hacking and other cyber operations to advance their objectives, it is imperative that the United States respond firmly to attacks targeting our interests.\n\u201cThe President\u2019s actions are also notable because they have a deterrent effect beyond the punishment of Russians directly involved with or supporting the information warfare operation. By releasing formerly classified threat indicators, the Department of Homeland Security and FBI have exposed Russian hacking infrastructure and made it much easier for individuals and businesses around the world to protect themselves from Russian aggression. I strongly encourage network administrators to read the Joint Analysis Report hosted by the U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team and take action to protect their systems.\n\u201cIt is imperative that the community of nations understand that transgressions against the United States in cyberspace will be met with an appropriate response. Building strong cybersecurity norms \u2013 the rules of the road in cyberspace \u2013 depends on it. Russian interference with our elections was an unprecedented attack on our interests, and the actions taken by the Administration today represent a needed first step in response. However, we must continue to investigate ways to improve our resiliency and protect ourselves from future such operations, which is why I again call on Speaker Ryan to empower a Select Committee on Cybersecurity to look into the attacks. I also hope that the President-elect will use this moment to stop his utterly unfounded innuendo that that there is any uncertainty regarding Russian involvement in the hacks.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://nolan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/nolan-statement-on-keetac-reopening", "Nolan Statement on Keetac Reopening", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Rick Nolan", "N000127", "nolan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan today released the following statement regarding Keetac\u2019s reopening:\n\"Keetac's reopening is wonderful news for the Iron Range\u200b. In my conversations with U.S. Steel executives, it appears that this will bring back in the neighborhood of 200 good-paying jobs to our region\u200b at its commencement\u200b. This accomplishment is the result of a team effort with the mining companies, steelworkers, the Obama Administration and those of us in Washington who have championed the cause of securing high tariffs and taxes on subpar, low-quality steel subsidized by foreign governments and dumped into our market by trade-cheater nations. These high tariffs and taxes have already shown great results for our American mining industry, and they will continue to improve market conditions over the next 5 years. After countless hours testifying before the International Trade Commission and Department of Commerce, working with the Administration, and bringing White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough to the Iron Range to see the devastating impact of steel dumping during what many have called 'the day that changed everything,' I am thrilled to see this enormous, positive step.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://nolan.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/nolan-statement-on-keetac-reopening-0", "Nolan Statement on Keetac Reopening", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Rick Nolan", "N000127", "nolan.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan today released the following statement regarding Keetac\u2019s reopening:\n\"Keetac's reopening is wonderful news for the Iron Range\u200b. In my conversations with U.S. Steel executives, it appears that this will bring back in the neighborhood of 200 good-paying jobs to our region\u200b at its commencement\u200b. This accomplishment is the result of a team effort with the mining companies, steelworkers, the Obama Administration and those of us in Washington who have championed the cause of securing high tariffs and taxes on subpar, low-quality steel subsidized by foreign governments and dumped into our market by trade-cheater nations. These high tariffs and taxes have already shown great results for our American mining industry, and they will continue to improve market conditions over the next 5 years. After countless hours testifying before the International Trade Commission and Department of Commerce, working with the Administration, and bringing White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough to the Iron Range to see the devastating impact of steel dumping during what many have called 'the day that changed everything,' I am thrilled to see this enormous, positive step.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases/pelosi-statement-following-remarks-by-secretary-kerry-on-middle-east-peace", "Pelosi Statement Following Remarks by Secretary Kerry on Middle East Peace", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Nancy Pelosi", "P000197", "pelosi.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Contact: Drew Hammill/Caroline Behringer, 202-226-7616\nSan Francisco \u2013 House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released this statement following Secretary of State John Kerry\u2019s remarks on Middle East peace today in Washington:\n\u201cMiddle East peace can only be achieved by real negotiations directly between Israel and the Palestinians, not through efforts dictated by the United Nations, which I have opposed.\u00a0\n\u201cToday\u2019s remarks by Secretary Kerry were a reaffirmation of America's commitment to a secure, Jewish and democratic Israel, and a state for the Palestinians. \u00a0\n\u201cPresident Obama has been a staunch and steadfast supporter of Israel.\u00a0 The United States\u2019 commitment to Israel\u2019s security is and will remain unbreakable.\u201d\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases/pelosi-statement-on-new-us-sanctions-for-russias-cyber-assault-on-elections", "Pelosi Statement on New U.S. Sanctions For Russia's Cyber Assault on Elections", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Nancy Pelosi", "P000197", "pelosi.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Contact: Drew Hammill/Caroline Behringer, 202-226-7616\nSan Francisco \u2013 Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement after the White House announced new actions in response to Russia's cyber assault on American democracy:\n\"Russia's brazen assault on our elections demands the strongest response from the Administration and the Congress.\u00a0 President Obama has taken action to punish Russia for its outrageous conduct, now Congress must meet its responsibility to respond to this threat.\u00a0\n\"The American people deserve to know their leaders will not tolerate Russia's meddling in our democracy.\u00a0 Congress must move immediately to launch a bipartisan, independent investigation to understand how Russia hacked into our democratic institutions, and to ensure it never happens again.\"\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://visclosky.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/visclosky-announces-2017-town-forum-schedule", "Visclosky Announces 2017 Town Forum Schedule", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "IN", "Peter Visclosky", "V000108", "visclosky.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013\u00a0Today, Congressman Pete Visclosky announced the following 2017 schedule for Town Forums that will be held throughout Indiana\u2019s First Congressional District.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nSaturday \u2013 January 7, 2017\n\u00a0\n10:00 a.m.\nLake Station City Hall\n1969 Central Avenue\nLake Station, Indiana 46405\n\u00a0\n12:00 p.m.\nPortage Public Library\n2665 Irving Street\nPortage, Indiana 46368\n\u00a0\n2:00 p.m.\nValparaiso Public Library\n103 Jefferson Street\nValparaiso, Indiana 46383\n\u00a0\n4:00 p.m.\nChesterton Town Hall\n726 Broadway\nChesterton, Indiana 46304\n\u00a0\n6:00 p.m.\nMichigan City \u2013 City Hall \u2013 Council Chambers\n100 East Michigan Boulevard\nMichigan City, Indiana 46360\n\u00a0\nSunday \u2013 January 8, 2017\n\u00a0\n12:00 p.m.\nWicker Park Social Center\n2215 Ridge Road\nHighland, Indiana 46322\n\u00a0\n2:00 p.m.\nPurdue University Northwest \u2013 Student Union Library Building \u2013 Room with a View\n2200 169th Street\nHammond, Indiana 46323\n\u00a0\n4:00 p.m.\nSt. John Township Community Center\n1515 West Lincoln Highway\nSchererville, Indiana 46375\n\u00a0\n6:00 p.m.\nCrown Point Civic Center\n101 South East Street\nCrown Point, Indiana 46307\n\u00a0\nMonday \u2013 January 9, 2017\n\u00a0\n10:00 a.m.\nEast Chicago City Hall \u2013 Council Chambers\n4525 Indianapolis Boulevard\nEast Chicago, Indiana 46312\n\u00a0\n12:00 p.m.\nGary YWCA\n150 West 15th Avenue\nGary, Indiana 46407\n\u00a0\n2:00 p.m.\nLake County Public Library\n1919 West 81st Avenue\nMerrillville, Indiana 46410\n\u00a0\nPlease note that all times listed are Central Standard Time.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://aguilar.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/welcome-assistance-sb-terror-victims", "Welcome assistance for SB terror victims", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Pete Aguilar", "A000371", "aguilar.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Editorial Board of the Southern California News Group authored an editorial on the need for additional assistance for survivors and victims' families of the Inland Regional Center terror attack. The editorial highlights the importance of obtaining federal funds and notes Rep. Aguilar's efforts that helped secure $4 million from the Department of Justice. The editorial can be read in full here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/castro-statement-new-russian-sanctions", "Castro Statement on New Russian Sanctions", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Joaqu\u00edn Castro", "C001091", "castro.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "San Antonio, TX \u2013 Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement regarding the Obama Administration\u2019s new sanctions on Russia for its interference in the United States\u2019 2016 election:  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t\u201cI support the Administration\u2019s actions against Russia\u2019s interference in the U.S. election and will work in Congress to ensure these sanctions remain in place. We must defend our democracy and deter any actor who would attempt to obstruct our democratic processes. I look forward to the Administration providing a report to Congress in the coming days with further details on this matter.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://doggett.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/austin-american-statesman-county-gets-old-federal-courthouse-probate-court", "Austin American Statesman: County Gets Old Federal Courthouse for Probate Court Expansion", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Lloyd Doggett", "D000399", "doggett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "By Taylor Goldstein\u00a0\n\n\tAfter a failed bond referendum and months of uncertainty, at least some of Travis County\u2019s court space woes may soon be behind it.\n\n\n\tOfficials announced Thursday morning that the federal government approved the\u00a0county\u2019s application\u00a0to take the old U.S. courthouse at 200 W. Eighth St. for its probate court and clerks offices.\n\n\n\t\u201cThanks, Uncle Sam, for a wonderful Christmas present,\u201d County Judge Sarah Eckhardt said with a big grin Thursday as General Services Administration Regional Administrator Sylvia Hernandez handed her the for-show deed.\n\n\n\tThe 81-year-old building that has sat vacant for four years had been declared surplus by the federal government and will therefore be free of cost to the county.\n\n\n\tTravis County officials have been searching for a way to free up space in the overcrowded, aging Heman Marion Sweatt Courthouse several blocks away ever since about a year ago\u00a0voters rejected a $287-million bond\u00a0that would have paid for a new civil courthouse.\n\n\n\t\u201cAlthough this gift from our federal partners does not solve all our overall court capacity issues long-term, it is a great reliever of our current overcrowding,\u201d Eckhardt said, before thanking many federal, state and local supporters.\n\n\n\tCounty officials initially estimate it will cost $28 million to renovate the old building for modern use and to bring it up to code. They expect it will take until 2020 for it to open and that it will last the county until 2035.\n\n\n\tThe county will have to preserve the building\u2019s historic elements, as it is on the National Register of Historic Places. The building, constructed in 1936, has many Depression-era modern architectural details as seen in its central massing, rectangular form, vertical flow of window bays, decorative metal rails and geometric details, Hernandez said.\n\t\n\t\tU.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin, said the transfer of the building to Travis County represents an investment in not just the preservation of the building but in the system of justice.\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\u201cWhat we have today really is an old home of justice, a very old home of justice through many decades, now once again acheiving its purpose as a place for justice for the future here in Travis County,\u201d Doggett said.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tThe county is still looking for sites for a new civil and family courthouse. The community advisory committee leading the search will bring its top three choices to the Commissioners Court likely in February.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://doggett.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/travis-county-catches-judicial-break", "Travis County Catches a Judicial Break", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Lloyd Doggett", "D000399", "doggett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "By Michael King\n\u00a0\n\u201cAnybody need a courthouse?\u201d was not exactly the question posed by the\u00a0U.S. General Services Administration, but the U.S. government's (technically, the National Park Service) disused 1936 courthouse just happened to match the pressing needs of the\u00a0Travis County\u00a0justice system. This morning, the transfer was completed.\n\u201cI am thrilled by the opportunity to partner with the federal government on the preservation of this historic public building by maintaining it as a courthouse,\u201d said Travis County Judge\u00a0Sarah Eckhardt. \u201cAlthough this gift from our federal partners does not solve our overall court capacity issues in the long-term, it is a great reliever of our current overcrowding at the nearby\u00a0Heman Marion Sweatt Courthouse, another historic public building. The reuse plan for the historic federal courthouse enables Travis County to meet current and future Travis County Probate Court needs through 2035.\u201d\nThe morning press conference, on the courthouse steps at 200 West 8th Street, featured officials from the federal judiciary, Travis County, and U.S. Rep.\u00a0Lloyd Doggett, whom federal Judge\u00a0Lee Yeakel\u00a0and Eckhardt each credited for his \u201cdogged\u201d work to get the transaction done. After the\u00a0November 2014 defeat\u00a0of a bond to underwrite a new civil courthouse, Travis County had been left without a certain alternative to its overcrowded and increasingly dilapidated\u00a0Heman Marion Sweatt Courthouse, and Commissioners Court had been searching for other solutions. Said Eckhardt, \u201cAlthough this gift from our federal partners does not solve our overall court capacity issues in the long-term, it is a great reliever of our current overcrowding at the nearby Heman Marion Sweatt Courthouse, another historic public building. The reuse plan for the historic federal courthouse enables Travis County to meet current and future Travis County Probate Court needs through 2035.\u201d\nDoggett was credited with monitoring and wrangling the various agencies with interest in the exchange \u2013 the\u00a0General Services Administration, the\u00a0National Park Service, the federal judiciary, and Travis County \u2013 and said with a smile, \u201cFrom good words, today we proceed to good deeds\u201d (obliquely referring to the literal transfer of the courthouse deed). \u201cThis success was the result of several levels of federal and county government working together,\u201d Doggett said, \u201cto ensure the building would remain a place where justice, and its historic architecture, are preserved.\u201d\nThe courthouse, built in 1935 and notable for its Art Deco and Art Moderne\u00a0architectural details, has been vacant since the 2012 opening of the new federal courthouse on West Fifth St., and will need major renovations. Eckhardt said that Commissioners Court has budgeted $28 million from reserves and certificates of obligation to complete the renovations \u2013 to restore the interior and bring it up to current building codes will cost about $20 million, she said, with $8 million necessary specifically to adapt the structure for use by the County\u2019s probate courts. That move will also relieve some of the overcrowding at the Heman Sweatt venue, Eckhardt said, adding, \u201cTravis County will ensure that the historic federal courthouse continues to bear witness to our civic history. The County will undertake design, construction, and contingencies to prepare the building to meet code requirements and County occupancy by 2020.\u201d\nDoggett particularly thanked Judge Eckhardt, Judge Yeakel, and GSA Administrator Sylvia Hernandez for their work to make the transfer possible, and concluded: \u201cThis deed ensures that the historic features of this landmark, inside and out, are preserved, and that it continues in the role originally envisioned as a home for justice\u2014an old home for justice is now becoming a new home of justice. This building is more than its cream-colored limestone; it is built on more than its Texas gray granite base. It embodies the fundamental American belief that we are a nation of laws. Through the cooperation of many, today we ensure that the important work of justice continues here.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://engel.house.gov/latest-news/engel-statement-on-administration-response-to-russias-illegal-election-interference/", "Engel Statement on Administration Response to Russia's Illegal Election Interference", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Eliot Engel", "E000179", "engel.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://engel.house.gov/latest-news/engel-statement-on-secretary-kerrys-middle-east-speech/", "Engel Statement on Secretary Kerry's Middle East Speech", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Eliot Engel", "E000179", "engel.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fudge.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1799", "Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge Statement on U.S. Abstention from U.N. Resolution Vote on Israel", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Marcia Fudge", "F000455", "fudge.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WARRENSVILLE HEIGHTS, OH - On December 23rd, the United States abstained from voting against an anti-Israeli resolution at the United Nations Security Council. Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) released the following statement regarding this action:\r\n\r\n\t\"I am disappointed at the Administration\u2019s decision to abstain from the anti-Israeli resolution at the United Nations Security Council last week. After years of international partnership, our actions sent the wrong message to the world. Israel is indeed our truest ally in a very dangerous region. Our actions, and that of the UN Security Council, do nothing to promote peace in the Middle East.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gabbard.house.gov/news/in-the-news/la-times-child-abuse-military-failing-those-most-need", "LA Times: Child abuse in the military: Failing those most in need", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Originally published in the LA Times:\u00a0http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-child-abuse-military-20161229-htmlstory.html\n Child abuse in the military: Failing those most in need \nIn \u00a0September 2011, Army Sgt. 1st Class Crispen Hanson\u2019s commander at Ft.\u00a0Bliss ordered him into a military treatment program for child abusers.\nTexas child welfare authorities had formally\u00a0reported a\u00a0\u201creason to believe\u201d the 20-year Army veteran had severely beaten his 6-month-old son, Malachi, leaving him with a broken leg.\nFor the next four months, Hanson met weekly with a therapist from the Family Advocacy Program, a $200-million-a-year Pentagon program known as FAP that seeks to prevent child abuse in the ranks.\nWhen Hanson completed the therapy, FAP officials closed the case and a state judge allowed him to see his infant son.\nBut three months later, on April 9, 2012, El Paso paramedics called to Hanson\u2019s house found Malachi dead. An autopsy found \u201cblunt force injuries\u201d and \u201cinnumerable contusions of the head, torso\u00a0and extremities.\u201d\nThe county medical examiner ruled the death a homicide.\nLast year, Hanson pleaded guilty to two counts of injuring a child after prosecutors agreed to drop murder charges.\u00a0A state judge sentenced him to probation. The Army gave him an honorable discharge and a full pension of about $28,000 a year.\nArmy officials said the decision to close the FAP case before the infant\u2019s death was appropriate.\u00a0\u201cNo program has a 100% guarantee of success when dealing with individuals,\u201d said William Costlow, an Army spokesman.\u00a0\nThe Pentagon has struggled to deal with a little-noticed cascade of child abuse and neglect cases in military families in the years since America went to war in Iraq and Afghanistan, a Times investigation has found.\nPreviously unreleased reports by the Army, Navy and Air Force reveal numerous cases where military officials knew or suspected that child abuse or neglect was occurring \u2014 but failed to intervene or to alert the Family Advocacy Program or state child welfare agencies, The Times found.\nIn many cases, the reports blamed military personnel for failing to report cases of abuse and neglect to FAP officials.\u00a0\nFAP \u201cis not accessing those most in need due to \u2026 failure on the part of others to report\u00a0concerns or maltreatment incidents,\u201d warned an\u00a0 internal 2014 report on 27 deaths in Army families.\n\u201cIn several cases, command was aware of ongoing abuse but failed to report it,\u201d it added.\nA 2014 report on 50 deaths in Air Force families over five years reached a similar conclusion.\n\u201cIn numerous cases \u2026 Air Force employees and other individuals were aware of suspected child maltreatment or domestic abuse and did not report it to FAP or any other authority,\u201d it said.\nCiting privacy restrictions,\u00a0Pentagon officials redacted parts of each report, which were\u00a0released in response to\u00a0Freedom of Information Act\u00a0requests. The Times was able to identify many victims and their abusers by comparing the reports with\u00a0court records and other legal documents.\nEven senior FAP officials concede they are able to help only a fraction of the children who suffer abuse.\n\u201cWe get about 25% of the incidents,\u201d said Rene Robichaux,\u00a0who oversees an Army-wide\u00a0clinical\u00a0child abuse treatment program from the Army Medical Command in San Antonio. \u201cThe rest occur behind closed doors.\u201d\nAmerica\u2019s longest wars already have been associated with poor\u00a0mental health in military families, behavioral problems in children, a higher risk of divorce, and higher rates of suicide, studies show.\nExperts now add child abuse to that tragic list.\n\u201cWe have a relatively high rate of child maltreatment,\u201d said Dr. Sharon Cooper, a pediatrician and retired Army colonel\u00a0who treats child abuse\u00a0victims at Ft.\u00a0Bragg in North Carolina.\u00a0\u201cAnd we know that child abuse and neglect is highly influenced by deployment.\u201d\nChild fatalities have soared even as the armed forces have shrunk by 10% in recent years.\nFatalities more than doubled from 14 in 2003 to 38 in 2012. They\u00a0remained above 30 a year through 2014 before dropping to 23 in 2015, the last year that Pentagon records are available. Overall,\u00a0FAP\u00a0counted 5,378 child abuse and neglect victims in military families in 2015.\nThe Pentagon long has claimed that child abuse is less severe in the military than in the\u00a0civilian population. The military weeds out alcohol and drug users with random tests\u00a0and annual fitness reports, and the mental strain of unemployment isn\u2019t a problem.\nMoreover, base commanders are supposed to monitor their troops\u2019 daily lives and the welfare of their families. They can order FAP to counsel parents and even temporarily bar service members from contact with their families in abuse cases.\u00a0\nMilitary bases also are required to cooperate closely with state child welfare agencies, which share responsibility for protecting children in military families living on and off U.S. installations.\nBut in the last five years, the rate of child abuse and neglect in the military has gone up sharply \u2014 from 4.8\u00a0incidents per 1,000 children\u00a0to 7.2 incidents, according to Pentagon records. Civilian rates vary depending on how they\u2019re counted, but generally are higher.\nThe failure of base commanders to intervene has sparked special concern among child welfare advocates.\nExperts say those failures may occur because a criminal charge of child abuse\u00a0can lead to a soldier\u2019s discharge \u2014 costing the family its livelihood \u2014 and also can be seen as a blot on a commander\u2019s record.\n\u201cThere's a real reluctance to address child abuse fatalities in the military because it's a career-ender for soldiers,\u201d said Theresa Covington, head of the National Center for the Review and Prevention of Child Deaths, a nonprofit group in Washington that works closely with the Pentagon.\nUnderlying the problems is the belief at senior levels of the Pentagon that the military can handle family violence by ordering an accused abuser into FAP counseling, experts say.\n\u201cUltimately an allegation\u00a0of abuse is plopped down on the desk of some commander, who is supposed to take action, as if ... you can discipline somebody who is abusing their children and make them stop, which is absurd,\u201d said Mark Davis, an attorney involved in a decadelong lawsuit against the Army over the abuse death of 5-year-old girl on a military base in Hawaii.\nCreated after the Vietnam War, FAP now has more than 2,000 case workers and administrators. They offer help to 1.2 million active-duty couples\u00a0and 1.1 million children\u00a0at almost every U.S. military base, including in Germany, Japan and other overseas posts where families are allowed.\nIn the most violent cases, FAP officials can seek a protective order from the military that bars an abusive parent from contact with a child, or ask a civilian court to place a battered child in foster care.\nFAP and Pentagon officials say the program provides valuable counseling, parenting classes, home visits and other help to thousands of military families, many of them young parents living on their own for the first time.\n\u201cThe welfare of our service members and their family members warrants the highest priority in the Department of Defense,\u201d said a Pentagon spokesman, Maj. Benjamin E. Sakrisson.\u00a0\u201cThe department is actively committed to keeping children safe and healthy.\u201d\nThe Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines\u00a0all have boosted training and staffing at their FAP operations over the last decade, officials say.\nFAP staffing at Army bases, for instance, has grown from 136 to 390, with many new hires assigned to visit homes of new parents to teach parenting techniques.\nBut some FAP offices are overwhelmed, especially after units deployed overseas return home.\nAt Ft. Bragg, the nation\u2019s largest Army base, soldiers often wait weeks to see a FAP therapist for routine counseling, said Anne Malena, a civilian social worker in private practice who mostly works with Ft. Bragg families.\n\u201cThey\u2019re extremely overworked, and they\u2019re working on crisis situations most of the time,\u201d she said.\nFAP officials contend it is unfair to blame their staff for failing to foresee which military parents will abuse their children when warning signs often are fragmentary or ambiguous.\n\u201cPredicting these kinds of events is an extremely difficult thing to do,\u201d said Dr. Terri Rau, a psychiatrist and senior policy analyst for the Navy\u2019s\u00a0Fleet and Family Support Programs in Norfolk, Va., which oversees\u00a0FAP.\nYet in some cases, there were clear warning signs.\nIn August 2012, for example, Tamryn Klapheke starved to death in her crib at her parents\u2019 house on Dyess Air Force Base in Texas. She was 22 months old.\nState prosecutors said her mother, Tiffany Klapheke, had left the infant without food or water for four days while her husband, an Air Force enlisted man, was overseas. Her two other children were also badly malnourished.\nBoth the base FAP office and Texas\u2019\u00a0Child Protective Services, the state agency responsible for investigating child abuse, had been repeatedly warned of neglect at the house.\nAir Force doctors had notified both offices in 2010 and 2011 that the older children were underweight and had missed medical appointments.\n\u201cThe consequences of not feeding the child could be fatal,\u201d Edward Wilcock, the FAP social worker assigned to Tamryn\u2019s case, wrote in her file in September 2011.\nBut FAP closed its case three months later when Klapheke completed her assigned doctor visits and Tamryn had gained a little weight, records show.\nChild Protective Services in Taylor County, where Dyess is located, closed its own investigation a week before Tamryn starved to death. Its last face-to-face contact with the family was 10 months earlier, courts records show.\nKlapheke, 23, was convicted of injury to a child and sentenced in state court to 30 years in prison. Four employees from Child Protective Services resigned over misconduct in the case. The two older children were placed with a foster family.\nWilcock, who remains employed by FAP at Dyess,\u00a0declined to comment for this story.\nCapt. Nicole Ferrara, a base spokeswoman, said the Air Force investigated whether \u201cvarious personnel met their required duty obligations,\u201d and said \u201cappropriate action was taken to address the findings.\u201d She declined to disclose the findings\u00a0or the action taken.\nFAP\u00a0also failed Kylee Houston, who lived her entire brief life inside the secure gates of Naval Air Station New Orleans.\nJust 14 weeks old, the malnourished infant died in a soiled crib at her home on March 15, 2015. An autopsy blamed accidental suffocation.\nKylee\u2019s twin sister and four siblings, all under age 5, also suffered from extreme neglect, police found.\nState prosecutors put them all in foster care and arrested the parents on charges of cruelty to juveniles and second-degree murder.\nThe father, Navy Seaman Xavier Houston, pleaded guilty in January to cruelty to juveniles and is serving a 10-year prison sentence. His wife, Calendria, is awaiting trial.\nFAP was well aware of the danger.\nOn July 1, 2014, neighbors called the military police when they heard the parents fighting, a frequent occurrence. The police report noted that one child was filthy and the house reeked of dirty diapers.\nThe police shared the report with the base Fleet and Family Support Center, which oversees the FAP\u00a0office. But the\u00a0office\u00a0didn\u2019t inform Louisiana\u2019s child welfare agency, as an agreement between the base and the state required.\nA month later, on Aug. 5, Calendria Houston complained to\u00a0base authorities that her husband had \u201cleft their four children, ranging in age from 3 years old to 5 months old, unattended at their residence,\u201d according to a Navy investigation.\u00a0\nAt his commander\u2019s urging, Xavier Houston had met a FAP counselor \u201ca handful of times\u201d to discuss his strained marriage, but not the welfare of his children, according to Houston\u2019s attorney, Clarke Beljean.\nThat failure angers Charles J. Ballay, the district attorney in Louisiana\u2019s Plaquemines Parish who is prosecuting the parents.\nThe military was \u201caware or should have been aware\u201d that the Houstons were neglecting their children, Ballay said. \u201cSomebody should have taken action to save the life of this young child.\u201d\nThe Navy appears to agree.\nMike Andrews, a Navy spokesman, said \u201cseveral\u201d contractors involved in the Houston case resigned after Kylee\u2019s death. He declined to identify them or say if they quit in response to pending disciplinary action.\nMilitary police on the base were instructed for the first time to notify Louisiana\u2019s child protection agency in cases \u201cinvolving child welfare of any kind,\u201d Andrews said.\nFAP\u00a0has come under fire before.\u00a0\nIn the early 1980s, about a decade after the Army, Navy and Air Force each developed programs for treating domestic violence on military installations, an investigation by federal auditors found the efforts were poorly funded, understaffed and often inadequate.\nCongress provided additional money in response and ordered the Pentagon to keep better track of personnel accused of abuse. After cases continued to increase, Congress in 2001 created an independent task force to evaluate the military\u2019s efforts.\nThe panel issued 193 recommendations, including\u00a0a call for the Pentagon to hire hundreds of \u201cvictim advocates\u201d on military bases to help abused children and spouses, whom panel members felt often received short shrift from FAP.\nThe task force delivered its report to Congress on the same day in March 2003 that U.S. forces invaded Iraq. During a House Armed Services Committee hearing, distracted lawmakers ducked into side rooms to watch the invasion on TV. The Pentagon ultimately adopted many of the changes the panel proposed.\nIn 2011, Jessica Wright, then undersecretary of Defense for personnel and readiness, ordered another \u201ctop-level rapid review\u201d of FAP. It produced 84 \u201cpreliminary ideas\u201d for improvements.\nIt also led to creation of an Integrated Project Team\u00a0to recommend ways to \u201chelp families in need and at risk as early as possible,\u201d said Sakrisson, the Pentagon spokesman.\nRep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii), a member of the House Armed Services Committee and a major in the\u00a0Army National Guard, is one of the few lawmakers to focus on the issue.\nCongress this month passed a national defense authorization bill that includes a provision Gabbard introduced that requires military personnel to immediately report suspected cases of child abuse to FAP and to state child protection agencies.\nYet even when the military and civilian agencies cooperate, victims go undetected.\nIn November 2011, for example, Laquita Lewis told police that her boyfriend, Jerrell Edwards, had punched and nearly strangled her after she complained he was driving too fast. Both sailors were stationed at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia.\nSince her son Jaiden, who was 2 1/2, was in the vehicle and she was pregnant with Edwards\u2019 child, the FAP office opened an investigation into \u201cchild neglect and domestic physical abuse,\u201d records show.\nNavy commanders ordered the couple to break off contact for a month.\nBut the base \u201cincident determination committee\u201d\u00a0\u2014 a panel that includes senior officers, FAP officials, military police, hospital personnel and others who see abuse cases \u2014 voted to close the case three months later, ruling that Edwards\u2019 behavior \u201cdid not meet criteria for abuse,\u201d records show.\nVirginia Child Protective Services, which had opened a separate investigation, closed its case after social workers made a single visit to Lewis\u2019 apartment.\nEdwards, who broke up with Lewis, was discharged from the Navy for using marijuana. But she let him move in after their baby was born.\nIn April 2012, Lewis found Edwards trying to revive Jaiden at the apartment. The toddler was unconscious and bleeding from the mouth, according to Navy documents.\nJaiden died at the hospital hours later, and an autopsy revealed a \u201cruptured stomach, lacerated liver and bruising to his colon,\u201d as well as an apparent cigarette burn on his foot,\u00a0the records show.\nThe incident determination committee\u00a0reexamined the evidence. This time they concluded that Edwards had repeatedly subjected Jaiden to \u201csevere physical abuse,\u201d case records show.\nEdwards was convicted in May 2014 in state court of murder and child abuse\u00a0and sentenced to 30 years in prison.\u00a0\n\u201cI thought I was doing the right thing by letting him spend time with his new child,\u201d Lewis said in a telephone interview. \u201cIt\u2019s a decision I live with every day. But I can\u2019t help feel that the Navy failed me and Jaiden in some way.\u201d\nNo case better highlighted the military\u2019s failure to protect children than the brutal death of 5-year-old Talia Williams. The tragedy inspired Gabbard, the Hawaii lawmaker hoping to reform FAP, to call her legislation \u201cTalia\u2019s Law.\u201d\n\u201cThis young girl was abused for months and not removed from the abuse, even though she was living in military housing and the military has mandatory reporting,\u201d said Gabbard, a major in the Army National Guard. The procedures \u201cfailed Talia and they have failed many, many other children in military families.\u201d\nTalia was killed in July 2005 after months of near-daily beatings by her stepmother, Delilah Williams, and her father, Spc. Naeem Williams, a soldier at Wheeler Army Airfield in Hawaii.\nAt one point, military police took Talia to a base medical clinic after her day-care center reported bruises on her arms and back.\nTalia told the staff that her father hit her with \u201cMr. Paddle\u201d when he got angry, according to court testimony. But she was returned to her parents.\nOne of her stepmother\u2019s co-workers later went directly to FAP to report her concerns that Talia was being abused. She recounted overhearing Williams say it was \u201cOK to whip a child, just don\u2019t leave any marks,\u201d according to court records.\nHilda Borja, the FAP\u00a0official who received the complaint, took no action, according to Army and court records.\nAn Army investigation later found Borja was \u201cnegligent in her duty to report suspected child abuse.\u201d The report cited \u201ca series of missed opportunities\u201d by authorities that could have prevented Talia\u2019s death.\nBorja resigned before the Army finished its disciplinary proceedings, officials said. In a brief phone interview, she said \u201cthe truth is I had nothing to do with that family.\u201d\nSpc. Williams was sentenced last year to life in federal prison for murder. His wife was sentenced to 20 years in prison after she testified against him.\nBut the case had an unusual postscript.\nIn 2008, Tarshia Williams, Talia\u2019s biological mother, sued the Army in federal court for negligence and wrongful death.\nJustice Department\u00a0lawyers argued that the Army could not be held liable for child abuse on military bases.\u00a0Protecting battered children, even on a base, was the job of Hawaii\u2019s Department of Human Services, not the Army, the government lawyers argued.\n\u201cThe Army has no legal framework for taking custody or otherwise acting formally to protect abused children, and therefore explicitly relies on\u201d state child protection agencies, the Justice Department claimed\u00a0in court documents.\nU.S. District Judge Alan C. Kay rejected the government\u2019s\u00a0motion to dismiss the case. The Justice Department settled with Talia\u2019s mother last year for $2 million.\nPolice responding to gunfire at a mobile home near Ft. Bragg one night found a soldier in full military gear, waving an AR-15 assault rifle and trying to get a child to snort a powerful prescription tranquilizer.\nSpc. Devin Havis and Samantha Bryant, his girlfriend, were abusing Klonopin and urging Bryant\u2019s 13-year-old daughter, Brittany, \u201cto engage in this drug use,\u201d according to a police report from the October 2015 incident.\nOfficers found the girl hiding in a closet with her 17-month-old half-brother Rylan.\nPolice charged Havis and Bryant with child abuse and \u201cfighting with firearms in the presence of minors.\u201d Bryant was committed to a local hospital\u2019s mental health ward for three days. The two children were placed in foster care at Ft. Bragg for their protection while military and civilian agencies investigated.But America\u2019s largest Army base \u2014 \u00a0a heavily guarded enclave that is home to 238,000 soldiers and civilians \u2014 proved no refuge.\u00a0\nOn April 14, four months after a state judge returned the two children to their mother, Rylan drowned in a pond near the mobile home.\nBryant was charged with involuntary manslaughter and child neglect and is in Moore County jail awaiting trial. Havis \u2014 who was not prosecuted on the earlier charges \u2014 was kicked out of the Army with a general discharge, one level below an honorable discharge.\u00a0\nRylan\u2019s death was one of at least five child fatalities or severe abuse and neglect cases at Ft. Bragg over the last 14 months.\nFt. Bragg officials declined to discuss the five cases, citing legal proceedings. But it\u2019s clear, from court records and interviews, that the system failed toddler Rylan Ott.\nHis father, Spc. Corey Ott, had married Samantha Bryant in 2014, and their relationship was volatile.\n\u201cShe liked to drink and party, and so did I, but when she drank, she got crazy,\u201d Ott said in an interview.\nThey lived in a cramped apartment on Ft. Bragg after Rylan was born, and then moved to an on-base house. Bryant\u2019s daughter, Brittany, came from Texas to live with them.\nBut after Ott began an eight-month deployment to the United Arab Emirates, Bryant moved to a mobile home off base with the two children. She also began seeing Havis, a military policeman.\n\u201cShe got my boy and my truck and just took off,\u201d Ott said. \u201cI felt like I was losing my family.\u201d\u00a0\nWhen Ott returned in September 2015, Bryant refused to rejoin him. She showed him a new AR-15 rifle with a high-powered sight, saying she had bought it herself. Ott didn\u2019t believe her, convinced that the weapon was proof she was seeing another soldier.\nBryant and Havis were arrested three weeks later for firing the AR-15 and sniffing Klonopin, an anti-seizure medication that is often abused, around her children.\u00a0\nSgt. Shane Mills and his wife, Amanda, whose daughters attended school with Brittany, agreed to act as foster parents while the Moore County child protective services agency investigated the case.\nRylan was \u201creal quiet\u201d and very thin when he arrived on Nov. 2, Amanda Mills recalled. After a month, he had become a \u00a0\u201csweet, smiling, laughing\u201d little boy, she said.\nThe toddler\u2019s mother was allowed to visit three times a week. But Bryant was so disruptive that the Mills asked authorities to halt the visits. After that, social workers drove the children to offices 25 miles away so Bryant could see them in supervised visits.\u00a0\nOn Dec. 17, 2015, after a daylong hearing, North Carolina District Judge Scott C. Etheridge ordered Rylan and Brittany returned to their mother. He cited a state law that calls for courts to seek family reunification whenever possible.\nThe Moore County social services department backed the ruling, noting that Bryant had finished a class on parenting.\nThe judge rebuffed pleas from the foster parents and from Pamela Reed, a court-appointed social worker who had urged him not to send the children back to their mother.\nThe judge also rejected Ott\u2019s request for custody, ruling he hadn\u2019t spent enough time with the boy \u2014 mostly due to his long overseas deployment \u2014 to be a good father.\n\u201cI left that courthouse in tears,\u201d recalled Ott, who quit the Army the next day.\nWhen child protection workers arrived to take Rylan and Brittany to their mother, Shane and Amanda Mills also broke into tears, fearing for the children\u2019s safety, they said.\n\u201cWhen this thing goes south \u2014 not if, but when \u2014 you call me, day or night,\u201d Shane Mills said he told the social workers. \u201cI will be there to pick up these children.\u201d\nThe Mills never got a call. They learned Rylan had drowned when Brittany posted a photo on Instagram last April of the smiling toddler in her lap.\n\u201cRIP. This little boy is my little brother and he was really a blessing,\u201d she wrote. \u201cI love you Rylan Ott \u2026 but [you\u2019re] with God now.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lieu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lieu-statement-us-response-russian-interference-2016-election", "REP. LIEU STATEMENT ON U.S. RESPONSE TO RUSSIAN INTERFERENCE IN THE 2016 ELECTION", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Ted Lieu", "L000582", "lieu.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D | Los Angeles County) issued the following statement on the Obama administration\u2019s response to Russian Interference in the 2016 Election:\n\"The actions President Obama took today in response to the massive hacking of Americans by Russians are steps in the right direction.\u00a0 America became the punching bag for Russian, Chinese and North Korean hackers due to our previous weak responses and lack of strong cyber security defenses.\u00a0 We still need to increases our cyber security defenses by an order of magnitude.\u00a0 \nWake\u00a0up America, we no longer live in the 1930s.\u00a0 As Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz said, 'we're not in Kansas anymore.'\u00a0 We live in a brave new world where we need to stand strong against hackers.\u00a0 As a computer science major and Air Force veteran, I am well aware of the immense damage that hacking can cause to American national security and to the American people. \u00a0If Trump thinks that ignoring Russian hacking is going to make it go away, that's just dumb.\"\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mccollum.house.gov/press-release/mccollum-statement-designation-bears-ears-and-gold-butte-national-monuments", "McCollum Statement on Designation of Bears Ears and Gold Butte National Monuments", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Betty McCollum", "M001143", "mccollum.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) released the following statement after President Barack Obama used his power under the Antiquities Act to create the Bears Ears and Gold Butte National Monuments:\n\"With the designation of the Bears Ears National Monument, President Obama has taken a bold and decisive step to protect one of our nation\u2019s greatest ancient cultural and natural areas. The more than 1.3 million acres that make up Bears Ears National Monument include places of both unparalleled natural beauty and strong spiritual significance for many Native Americans. After eight decades of effort, these sacred sites, archaeological gems, and spectacular vistas will finally have the protection that they deserve.\n\"This action would not have been possible without the dedicated advocacy of a historic coalition of sovereign Native American tribes, including the Hopi Nation, Navajo Nation, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah Ouray, and Zuni Tribe. I applaud their tireless work and am very pleased that they will be included in a newly-formed Bears Ears Commission with input over the management of these sacred sites and treasured spaces.\u00a0 The protection of Bears Ears, and the additional designation of the Gold Butte National Monument, exemplifies the Obama Administration\u2019s extraordinary commitment to the preservation of our national treasures and unprecedented collaboration with tribal nations.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mccollum.house.gov/press-release/mccollum-statement-sanctions-against-russia-over-election-attacks", "McCollum Statement on White House Actions Responding to Russia's Election Attacks", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Betty McCollum", "M001143", "mccollum.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) released the following statement after the White House announced sanctions against Russian officials and government entities for cyber attacks interfering with the 2016 presidential election:\u00a0\n\"Russian hacking during the 2016 presidential election was an attack on American democracy. Earlier this month, I urged President Obama to respond proportionally, forcefully, and unequivocally, including by applying sanctions and expelling Russian officials.\n\"Today, President Obama did just that: imposing new sanctions on Russia, ejecting Russian operatives from the United States, and preparing to make public the evidence our government has collected that implicates the highest levels of Russia's government in this attack.\u00a0I strongly support these decisive steps.\n\"Instead of playing partisan games and vilifying our intelligence professionals, President-elect Donald Trump should join us, demand a fully transparent Congressional investigation into this hacking, and maintain strong pressure on Russia's government.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mcgovern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=396947", "McGovern Backs Obama Action to Sanction Russia for Election Interference", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Jim McGovern", "M000312", "mcgovern.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA), a senior House Democrat and leading voice in Congress on U.S.-Russia relations  author of a bipartisan bill recently passed by Congress to sanction Russia for corruption and human rights abuses  released the following statement in support of the Obama Administration's latest round of sanctions against Russia:\r\rI strongly support President Obama's actions today to respond to Russia's interference in our election. American democracy was attacked in 2016. This was a very serious act by a foreign government and deserves a very serious response. These sanctions are a strong step to hold accountable those individuals identified by U.S. intelligence agencies as responsible for meddling in our presidential election. But more action is needed.\r\rWe need an independent and bipartisan commission to fully investigate the actions by all who played a role in interfering in this year's election. Protecting our elections from foreign interference is vital to our national security and must be our first priority. Both Republicans and Democrats alike must put country first and work together to support a complete and thorough investigation to give the American people the answers they deserve and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.\r\rPresident-elect Trump's continued praise of Russian President Vladimir Putin during the campaign and in the face of overwhelming evidence that Russia interfered in our election should alarm all Americans. The incoming Trump administration must work with both parties in Congress to build on these new sanctions and ensure this attack on American democracy is answered strongly and swiftly. We must be united in standing up to Russia and protecting the integrity of our elections against all foreign influence.\r\r###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sanctions-imposed-russia-appropriate-response-election-hacking", "Sanctions imposed on Russia for an appropriate response for election hacking", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "ME", "Chellie Pingree", "P000597", "pingree.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Chellie Pingree released the following statement President Obama\u2019s decision to impose sanctions on Russia for election-related hacking.\n\"It has been confirmed by the FBI and Department of Homeland Security as well as leading intelligence experts that Russia acted deliberately to influence the Presidential election. Given the stakes and what this means for the integrity of our democracy, action needs to be taken and I support President Obama's decision to pursue meaningful sanctions against those responsible.\n\u201cWe must respond accordingly to any foreign government's attempts to influence or corrupt our democratic process. These sanctions are an appropriate response. I hope that the incoming administration will follow President Obama's lead and stand firm\u2014our democracy demands it.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://price.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1876", "PRICE STATEMENT ON SECRETARY KERRY ISRAEL REMARKS", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "David Price", "P000523", "price.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington -- Congressman David E. Price (NC-04) released the following statement responding to Secretary of State John Kerry's remarks regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.\r\n\r\n\t\"Secretary of State John Kerry\u2019s address both reaffirmed our nation\u2019s historical commitment to a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and reflected just how endangered this possibility has become.\r\n\r\n\t\"The vision of two states for the Israeli and Palestinian people, living side-by-side in peace and security, has been the foundation of a bipartisan consensus that has guided U.S. policy toward the Middle East for generations.\u00a0 The tenets of this consensus, upheld by broad majorities of Congress and by presidents of both parties, have included support for Israel\u2019s qualitative military advantage, advocacy on Israel\u2019s behalf against biased attacks in international organizations, and support for moderate and effective Palestinian institutions.\u00a0 They have also included the condemnation of actions by either side that diminish the prospects for peace\u2014especially the incitement of violence by Palestinians and illegal settlement activity by Israelis.\r\n\r\n\t\"Yet today the vision of a two-state solution faces an existential threat.\u00a0 This is not an ideological statement but a factual one:\u00a0 with continued settlement construction on the West Bank, the day will soon come when it will be impossible to divide the land between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River into two viable states, and Israel will be forced to choose between its Jewish identity and its democratic character.\u00a0 Leaders of Israel\u2019s political right, joined by some in the United States who claim to be Israel\u2019s most ardent defenders, appear to have given up on the two-state solution already.\u00a0 But majorities of Israelis, Palestinians, and Americans have not, and nor should our nation\u2019s leaders.\r\n\r\n\t\"In this context, Secretary Kerry\u2019s speech offered a powerful defense of the bipartisan consensus that has guided U.S. policy for decades.\u00a0 Of course the final terms of a peace agreement must be negotiated directly by Israelis and Palestinians\u2014but that does not preclude the United States, as Israel\u2019s closest friend and ally, from articulating non-binding parameters for what such an agreement could look like.\u00a0 In doing so, the Obama Administration demonstrated the type of international leadership called for in the resolution I coauthored with Rep. John Yarmuth and 62 other colleagues (H. Res. 686), earlier this year.\r\n\r\n\t\"As Secretary Kerry emphasized, true friendships require mutual respect and, occasionally, hard truths.\u00a0 His remarks should be a call to action for all who support the vision laid out by Israel\u2019s founders of a democratic state in the homeland of the Jewish people.\"\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://price.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/price-statement-secretary-kerry-israel-remarks", "PRICE STATEMENT ON SECRETARY KERRY ISRAEL REMARKS", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "David Price", "P000523", "price.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington -- Congressman David E. Price (NC-04) released the following statement responding to Secretary of State John Kerry's remarks regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. \"Secretary of State John Kerry's address both reaffirmed our nation's historical commitment to a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and reflected just how endangered this possibility has become. \"The vision of two states for the Israeli and Palestinian people, living side-by-side in peace and security, has been the foundation of a bipartisan consensus that has guided U.S. policy toward the Middle East for generations. The tenets of this consensus, upheld by broad majorities of Congress and by presidents of both parties, have included support for Israel's qualitative military advantage, advocacy on Israel's behalf against biased attacks in international organizations, and support for moderate and effective Palestinian institutions. They have also included the condemnation of actions by either side that diminish the prospects for peaceespecially the incitement of violence by Palestinians and illegal settlement activity by Israelis. \"Yet today the vision of a two-state solution faces an existential threat. This is not an ideological statement but a factual one: with continued settlement construction on the West Bank, the day will soon come when it will be impossible to divide the land between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River into two viable states, and Israel will be forced to choose between its Jewish identity and its democratic character. Leaders of Israel's political right, joined by some in the United States who claim to be Israel's most ardent defenders, appear to have given up on the two-state solution already. But majorities of Israelis, Palestinians, and Americans have not, and nor should our nation's leaders. \"In this context, Secretary Kerry's speech offered a powerful defense of the bipartisan consensus that has guided U.S. policy for decades. Of course the final terms of a peace agreement must be negotiated directly by Israelis and Palestiniansbut that does not preclude the United States, as Israel's closest friend and ally, from articulating non-binding parameters for what such an agreement could look like. In doing so, the Obama Administration demonstrated the type of international leadership called for in the resolution I coauthored with Rep. John Yarmuth and 62 other colleagues (H. Res. 686), earlier this year. \"As Secretary Kerry emphasized, true friendships require mutual respect and, occasionally, hard truths. His remarks should be a call to action for all who support the vision laid out by Israel's founders of a democratic state in the homeland of the Jewish people.\" ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://swalwell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/swalwell-statement-white-house-sanctions-against-russian-officials", "Swalwell Statement on White House Sanctions Against Russian Officials in Response to Electoral Interference", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Eric Swalwell", "S001193", "swalwell.house.gov", "swalwell", "https://swalwell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Rep. Eric Swalwell (CA-15), Ranking Member of the CIA Subcommittee of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, issued a statement Thursday after the White House announced sanctions against Russian officials due to their interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election:\n\n\"I support President Obama's actions to impose sanctions on Russian officials whom our intelligence agencies said were involved in interfering with our presidential election. Any foreign power that attempts to meddle in our elections \u2013 no matter to whose benefit \u2013 must suffer the consequences. We must never allow our democracy to be manipulated for others' ends.\n\n\"Today's firm action underscores the need for an independent, bipartisan commission to fully investigate all that has happened, and to inform the public of the full depth and breadth of Russian involvement. I and Congressman Elijah Cummings introduced H.R. 6447, the Protecting Our Democracy Act, earlier this month to create just such a commission of non-political experts, which also would develop recommendations for ensuring something like this never happens again.\n\n\"With a Russia-friendly President-elect taking office on Jan. 20, it's imperative that we make sure our citizens are well-informed and our defenses are strong. Rep. Cummings and I will re-introduce our bill as soon as the 115th Congress convenes next month, and Americans expect swift action. This is not a partisan issue \u2013 this is an American issue.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T21:09:43Z"], ["https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-russian-hacking-sanctions", "Blumenthal Statement on Russian Hacking Sanctions", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Richard Blumenthal", "B001277", "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Blumenthal Statement on Russian Hacking Sanctions\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Tweet\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tThursday, December 29, 2016\n\t\t\t(Hartford, CT) \u2013 U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) issued the following statement today regarding the announcement of enforcement sanctions against Russian officials and entities involved in election-related cyberattacks: \r\n\u00a0\r\n\"These sanctions are a well-deserved and well-delivered step, long overdue and only the beginning of necessary action in response to Russian cyberattacks on our nation. A strong, immediate bipartisan Select Committee investigation is vital to buttress additional steps and reveal the full scope and scale of Russian aggression. The American people deserve a thorough, comprehensive inquiry to determine the full extent of hostile action by the Russian government - and to develop appropriate, ongoing enforcement actions and countermeasures. It will also be the responsibility of the Trump Administration to rigorously enforce these sanctions - a responsibility I hope the President-elect takes with the seriousness it deserves.\"\u200e\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-statement-on-white-house-announcement-of-russia-sanctions-following-us-cyber-attacks", "Cardin Statement on White House Announcement of Russia Sanctions Following U.S. Cyber Attacks", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 29, 2016\n\t\t\t Cardin Statement on White House Announcement of Russia Sanctions Following U.S. Cyber Attacks \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Senator continues to ready two pieces of legislation, says \u201cNow is not the \u2018time to get on with our lives,\u2019 but to take an appropriate response in line with the ongoing threat that Russia poses to our democracy and global security interests.\u201d\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement Thursday after the White House announced an extension of Executive Order 13964 to include Russian individuals and entities, following a new FBI/DHS report and the Intelligence Community\u2019s assessment in October that senior Russian government officials authorized cyberattacks in the United States related to the 2016 election and our democratic institutions:\r\n\u201cThe Russian attack on our democratic institutions is a wake-up call, a political Pearl Harbor as others have noted.\u00a0 I encourage my colleagues in the Senate, the incoming administration and the American people to view it as such. Now is not the \u201ctime to get on with our lives,\u201d but to take an appropriate response in line with the ongoing threat that Russia poses to our democracy and global security interests.\u00a0 I welcome and support the new sanctions announced by the administration today \u2013 it is a good start.\u00a0 Sanctions have been and will remain an important tool in the United States\u2019 diplomatic arsenal to respond to attacks on our country and our allies and national security interests around the world.\r\n\u201cIt is not, however, sufficient.\u00a0 The executive branch has acted, but it is imperative the legislative branch now pick up the ball and move it forward.\u00a0 Congressional sanctions can complement and strengthen these new executive sanctions.\r\nTherefore because of Russia\u2019s attack on us, their destabilizing and murderous role in Syria, and their illegal annexation of Crimea and invasion of Ukraine, I continue to believe the United States must go further and that is why I am introducing two bills next month \u2013 the first which would establish an independent, nonpartisan commission to further examine the attack and Russian\u2019s efforts to interfere in our election. The second bill will frame our policy on Russia to include comprehensive enhanced sanctions in response to Russia\u2019s interference in our election and its ongoing aggression in Ukraine and Syria. The bill will also increase assistance to bolster democratic institutions across Europe.\r\n\u201cI look forward to reading the full details from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Homeland Security as soon as possible, and following up on any recommendations the agencies make for Congressional action. I also look forward to the Intelligence Communities broader assessment of the Russian attack, due before the Obama Administration leaves office.\u201d\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/casey-statement-on-sanctions-on-russia-after-cyberattacks", "Casey Statement on Sanctions on Russia After Cyberattacks", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) released a statement following the Obama Administration\u2019s announcement of sanctions on Russia as a result of election hacking.\r\n\"The measures announced by the Obama Administration today are one part of holding Russia fully accountable for its cyber-attacks on the U.S. during the 2016 election and for a pattern of unlawful provocations.\u00a0 These additional sanctions and other steps send a clear message that attacks on our democracy are unacceptable and will have severe consequences. It\u2019s now time for Congress to demonstrate that the concern over these attacks is truly bipartisan and convene a special, select committee to investigate Russia\u2019s attempts to interfere with our elections and recommend steps that can be taken to ensure this never happens again. It\u2019s critical that President-elect Trump commit to fully enforcing these sanctions. Anything less will demonstrate weakness in the face of aggression and invite other hostile countries to conduct cyber-attacks against Americans.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.coons.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-coons-statement-on-us-sanctions-against-russia", "Senator Coons’ statement on U.S. Sanctions against Russia", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "DE", "Christopher Coons", "C001088", "www.coons.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.29.16\n\t\t\t Senator Coons\u2019 statement on U.S. Sanctions against Russia \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWILMINGTON, Del. \u2013 U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued this statement after the White House announced sanctions against Russian officials,\u00a0intelligence agencies, and institutions:\u00a0\r\n\u201cI support today's actions by President Obama to hold Russia accountable for its cyberattacks that were designed to undermine and influence our 2016 presidential election. \u00a0An attack on our democracy is an attack on all Americans, so I am glad to hear many of my Republican and Democratic colleagues call for hearings, legislation and continued action to ensure a strong, united response.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tSean Coit at 202-224-5042 or Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.donnelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press/donnelly-welcomes-new-sanctions-against-russia-reiterates-call-for-bipartisan-senate-select-committee-to-investigate-russian-hacking-and-interference-in-us-elections", "Donnelly Welcomes New Sanctions Against Russia, Reiterates Call for Bipartisan Senate Select Committee to Investigate Russian Hacking and Interference in U.S. Elections", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "IN", "Joe Donnelly", "D000607", "www.donnelly.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Donnelly Welcomes New Sanctions Against Russia, Reiterates Call for Bipartisan Senate Select Committee to Investigate Russian Hacking and Interference in U.S. Elections\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 29, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tGranger, Ind. \u2014 U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly today welcomed the Obama Administration\u2019s announcement that it is imposing expanded sanctions against Russian entities and individuals and he again called on the Senate to establish a Senate select committee to undertake a thorough, bipartisan investigation into Russia\u2019s hacking and interference in U.S. elections.\u00a0Donnelly previously called for a bipartisan investigation earlier this month.\r\nDonnelly said, \u201cThe sanctions being imposed against Russia are a welcome first step in responding to Russia\u2019s unacceptable interference in our elections. I still believe we should establish a bipartisan Senate select committee to investigate Russia\u2019s actions and determine how to prevent similar attempts in the future. Until that happens, I will work with Senator McCain, Senator Reed, and my colleagues on the Armed Services Committee to get the American people the answers they deserve.\u201d \u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=CF5891F0-FC05-4C40-B2D9-78424E776967", "Year in Review: Klobuchar Worked Across the Aisle to Find Common Ground and Pass More Than 30 Bipartisan Bills Into Law During This Congress", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Amy Klobuchar", "K000367", "www.klobuchar.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Last month, a Medill News Service analysis of legislative data from the independent congressional tracking website GovTrack ranked Klobuchar first on a list of all 100 senators for bills signed into law during this Congress \r\n\u00a0\r\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar has passed more than 30 bipartisan bills into law during this Congress. The bipartisan bills Klobuchar passed included measures to treat and prevent opioid abuse, improve job opportunities and access to medical care for veterans, fight human trafficking, support fish and wildlife restoration in the Great Lakes, and develop a strong science and engineering workforce for a 21st\u00a0century economy. Klobuchar also led the push to crack down on steel dumping and strengthen the Renewable Fuel Standard, among other efforts. Last month, a Medill News Service analysis of legislative data from the independent congressional tracking website GovTrack ranked Klobuchar first on a list of all 100 senators with bills signed into law during this Congress.\r\n\u201cWhen we put partisanship aside and put people first, we get results. This year, we passed legislation that will really make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans,\u201d\u00a0Klobuchar said.\u00a0\u201cAs we head into the new Congress, I\u2019m committed to finding common ground and working on solutions to our toughest challenges\u2014from reducing prescription drug costs and improving infrastructure to bolstering rural America and reforming campaign finance laws.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nBelow are some highlights of legislation passed and efforts that Klobuchar led in 2016:\r\nTreating and preventing opioid abuse\r\nKlobuchar was one of four senators, along with Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Rob Portman (R-OH), and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH),\u00a0to lead the\u00a0Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act\u00a0(CARA).\u00a0This bipartisan bill, which was signed into law this summer, encourages states and local communities to pursue a full array of proven strategies in the fight against opioid addiction. At the end of this year, $1 billion was made available by Congress to fund the national effort.\r\n\u00a0\r\nIncreasing job opportunities and improving access to medical care for veterans\r\nKlobuchar\u2019s legislation with Senator Mike Enzi (R-WY), the\u00a0Veterans to Paramedics Act, makes it easier for veterans to secure jobs as paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and nurses and helps reduce the shortage of much-needed emergency medical personnel in rural communities across the country. The\u00a0Faster Care for Veterans Act\u00a0with Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) cuts red tape and wait times for veterans by establishing a patient self-scheduling appointment system at Veterans Affairs Medical Facilities. She also led the\u00a0No Veterans Crisis Line Call Should Go Unanswered Act\u00a0with Senator John Thune (R-SD) to improve the Veteran Suicide Crisis Line (VCL) to ensure that each call to the VCL is answered by a qualified person in a timely fashion. All bills were signed into law.\r\n\u00a0\r\nFighting human trafficking\r\nBuilding on her\u00a0Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act,\u00a0Klobuchar led legislation to ensure funding for the National Human Trafficking Hotline, which was passed and signed into law in December.\u00a0Klobuchar also introduced the\u00a0Stop Trafficking on Planes (STOP) Act\u00a0with Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) to require training for certain airline industry employees to recognize and report human trafficking. A provision based on the\u00a0STOP Act\u00a0was signed into law as part of theFederal Aviation Administration (FAA) Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nRecovering missing and exploited children\r\nKlobuchar was one of the lead sponsors, along with Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Mike Enzi (R-WY), of the\u00a0Recovering Missing Children Act, which was signed into law in June and allows the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to disclose tax records to state and local law enforcement agencies while maintaining privacy protections to assist in the investigation of missing or exploited children. In an examination of 1,700 Social Security numbers for missing children and their alleged abductors, an Inspector General study found that the IRS had new addresses on file in more than a third of the cases. Representative Erik Paulsen (R-MN) led the bill in the House.\r\n\u00a0\r\nCombating eating disorders\r\nKlobuchar led the\u00a0Anna Westin\u00a0Act, the first legislation specifically designed to help the millions of Americans who are affected by eating disorders, along with Senators Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), Shelly Moore Capito (R-WV), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI). Her bill builds on Paul Wellstone\u2019s mental health bill by increasing training and education on eating disorders and ensures parity for insurance coverage of residential treatment of eating disorders. It was signed into law earlier this month as part of the bipartisan\u00a021st\u00a0Century CURES Act.\r\n\u00a0\r\nSupporting fish and wildlife restoration in the Great Lakes\r\nThe recently passed\u00a0Water Infrastructure Improvement Act\u00a0included Klobuchar\u2019sGreat Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act, which provides critical resources and funding to conserve and restore fish and wildlife populations in the Great Lakes. The bipartisan bill reauthorized efforts by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to partner with other federal agencies, states, and tribes to develop and implement proposals for the restoration and management of Great Lakes fish and wildlife resources. It also plays an important role in implementing the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and would encourage continued cooperative efforts to address impacts associated with invasive species throughout the Great Lakes Basin.\r\n\u00a0\r\nImproving national security and trade across the U.S.-Canada border   Klobuchar was the lead Democrat on the\u00a0Cross-Border Trade Enhancement Act of 2015\u00a0with Senator John Cornyn (R-TX). The bill, which President Obama signed into law in December, encourages public-private partnerships to strengthen border commerce and make infrastructure improvements at U.S. ports of entry. The legislation applies to both the Canadian and Mexico borders and expands the authority of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the General Services Administration to enter into innovative partnerships with local governments and private sector entities.\r\n\u00a0\r\nDeveloping a strong science and engineering workforce for a 21st\u00a0century economy\r\nSeveral of Klobuchar\u2019s key bipartisan provisions were included in the recently passed\u00a0American Innovation and Competitiveness Act, which reauthorizes the America Creating Opportunities to Meaningfully Promote Excellence in Technology, Education, and Science (COMPETES) Act. Klobuchar\u2019s provisions cut red tape to allow researchers to spend less time on paperwork for procurement solicitations, require the Director of the National Science Foundation to consider recommendations from organizations representing underrepresented groups for the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Education Advisory Panel, and allow for research to better understand factors relevant to the retention of STEM teachers from underrepresented groups, including women and minorities.\r\n\u00a0\r\nCurbing steel dumping and to protect iron ore miners and steelworkers Klobuchar invited White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough to the Iron Range last December and urged him to bring the concerns of Iron Rangers and all those affected by steel dumping directly to the president. She then invited Dan Hill, a laid-off steelworker from Eveleth who attended the meeting, to be her guest at President Obama\u2019s State of the Union Address. In February, after efforts from Klobuchar, Senator Al Franken, and Representative Rick Nolan, the Administration announced new actions to combat steel dumping. The actions included new Customs and Border Patrol personnel to enforce our trade laws, stepped up inspections of steel imports at our ports of entry, and increased personnel at the Commerce Department to help ensure tariffs are enforced against those who dump steel in the United States. President Obama also signed legislation that provides additional tools to more aggressively enforce anti-dumping provisions under existing federal law. Workers are back on the job, but we will not have success until every worker has their job back.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nPromoting competition that benefits consumers\r\nAs the Ranking Member on the Judiciary Antitrust Subcommittee, Klobuchar has scrutinized mergers in major markets \u2013 such as the cable and agricultural industries \u2013 to ensure that the nation\u2019s competition laws are being enforced for the benefit of consumers. She has also called for aggressive enforcement of antitrust laws to stop anticompetitive practices that increase prescription drug costs. Following her efforts, the Federal Trade Commission challenged two branded-generic agreements, alleging that companies delayed low-cost competition and harmed consumers. Combined, the two products had sales of over a billion dollars.\r\n\u00a0\r\nKlobuchar was among the first senators earlier this year to respond to Mylan Pharmaceutical\u2019s excessive price increases for the EpiPen Auto-Injector. Klobuchar called on the Department of Justice (DOJ) to consider investigating whether Mylan Pharmaceuticals violated the law when it apparently misclassified its EpiPen product in order to pay a lower rebate to states and reap huge profits at the expense of taxpayers. In October, Mylan announced it reached an agreement with the DOJ to pay $465 million agreement for the misclassification. Mylan has also issued a cheaper, generic version of the EpiPen, increased the value of its discount coupon, and expanded eligibility for a program to aid under- and uninsured EpiPen users. \u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nAdvocating for the expansion of renewable fuels\r\nFollowing efforts from Klobuchar, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a strong Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for 2017 and biomass diesel volume for 2018. Klobuchar worked with Secretary Vilsack and pushed EPA officials to release a strong RFS that will support U.S. jobs and the economy, reduce the environmental impact of our transportation and energy sectors, and decrease dependence on foreign oil.\r\n\u00a0\r\nProtecting consumers and improving product safety\r\nKlobuchar led efforts to push for a recall of the IKEA Malm dresser to prevent tip-over injuries and death. As a result, IKEA recalled 29 million dressers, the largest furniture recall in U.S. history. Klobuchar also pushed for consumer advocates and the industry to start the process of updating the voluntary standard for window coverings to address the strangulation risk for small children posed by accessible cords. Klobuchar\u2019s calls for the Consumer Product Safety Commission to fully investigate and provide more information to consumers on the threats from hoverboard fires led to a recall of 500,000 hoverboards in July 2016.\r\n\u00a0\r\nFollowing revelations of emissions violations from Volkswagen, Klobuchar called on DOJ to take strong action against Volkswagen and for the company to address the consumer, environmental, and public health issues caused by this deception to prevent any further loss of life. In June, DOJ reached a $14.7 billion settlement with Volkswagen for the emissions violations.\r\n\u00a0\r\nAfter reports of defective Takata Corp. airbags, Klobuchar repeatedly called on Takata to immediately issue a nationwide recall and to ensure all vehicles with defective components were removed from the road. After her calls for action, Takata expanded regional recalls of Takata passenger-side inflators to nationwide recalls involving 16 million vehicles. It also expanded the nationwide recall of driver-side inflators to more than 17 million vehicles. In May, Takata announced that it would further expand its recall efforts to include another 35 million air bag inflators, adding to the current nationwide recall of nearly 30 million inflators.\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/sen-murphy-calls-aca-repeal-plan-cruel-and-inhumane", "Sen. Murphy Calls ACA Repeal Plan \"Cruel and Inhumane\"", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sen. Murphy Calls ACA Repeal Plan \"Cruel and Inhumane\"\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n                \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n\r\n                \r\n                \r\n\r\n                    \r\n                    WNPR\r\n                    \r\n                    \r\n                \r\n            Thursday, December 29, 2016\r\n            \n\t\n\r\n            \r\n            Connecticut's U.S. Senator Chris Murphy is sounding the alarm about the future of healthcare under the new Republican congress and the Trump administration.\r\n\"Right now it looks as if in early January, Republicans are going to repeal the Affordable Care Act, and replace it with absolutely nothing,\" he told a Wednesday press conference. \"For the 250,000 people here in Connecticut who rely on it, the result will be chaos.\"\r\nHe said even if a repeal is passed but suspended for a year, the market could collapse as insurers pull out of exchanges, and raise premiums even on private policies.\r\n\"We are trying to rally support all around the country to make the case to Republicans to take a breath, step back and wait, before doing something as cruel and as inhumane as ripping healthcare away from millions of Americans and throwing the entire healthcare marketplace into chaos,\" he said.\r\nMurphy highlighted the stories of several Connecticut residents who have benefited from the Affordable Care Act.\r\nIsabelle Endicott\u2019s second son was born with a congenital heart condition that required a quarter of a million dollars worth of treatment within his first few weeks of life. Before the Affordable Care Act he could have been denied insurance once he reached a lifetime cap on coverage.\r\n\"I worry that lifetime caps will be reintroduced,\" said Endicott. \"For families with a medically complex child, this terrifies us. Our children could meet these caps very early in their lives, and then how will we manage?\"\r\nJosh Scussell was diagnosed with stage 4 non-Hodgkin's\u00a0lymphoma at the age of 23. He underwent two stem cell transplants, over years of treatment. Because of the Affordable Care Act, he was able to be treated under his mother's health insurance policy.\r\n\"I stand here today alive, and almost essentially cured, because of many facets of the Affordable Care Act,\" he said. \"For anyone else that is in my position, or will find themselves in my position, it truly is a matter of life and death.\"\r\nMurphy is urging congressional Republicans to wait to consider all of the implications before enacting a repeal.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/sen-murphy-to-help-the-homeless-in-winter-weather", "Sen. Murphy to help the homeless in winter weather", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sen. Murphy to help the homeless in winter weather\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n                \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n\r\n                \r\n                \r\n\r\n                    \r\n                    WTNH News 8\r\n                    \r\n                    \r\n                \r\n            Thursday, December 29, 2016\r\n            \n\t\n\r\n            \r\n            U.S. Senator Chris Murphy will head to Waterbury on Thursday in an effort to help the homeless escape from the cold.\r\nAs the cold weather begins to settle in Connecticut, Senator Chris Murphy is reaching out to the homeless.\r\nHe will be at the CHD Hospitality Center in Waterbury to speak with homeless individuals first hand.\r\nThe hospitality center welcomes those looking to escape from the harshness of living on the street and get some of their basic needs fulfilled. They can take a shower, use a phone or computer, collect mail, and get information to help them transition out of homelessness.\r\nSenator Murphy will shadow CHD workers to learn how the federal government can better support service providers.\r\nHe will also have the opportunity to participate in group activities and ask individuals who are homeless about the struggles they face as they try to transition out of their situation.\r\nThe event will start at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday at the CHD Hospitality Center, which is located on 693 East Main Street in Waterbury.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-statement-on-us-sanctions-against-russia", "MURPHY STATEMENT ON U.S. SANCTIONS AGAINST RUSSIA", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MURPHY STATEMENT ON U.S. SANCTIONS AGAINST RUSSIA\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 29, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tHARTFORD \u2014 U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Near East, South Asia, Central Asia and Counterterrorism, applauded the Obama administration on Thursday for announcing sanctions against Russian officials,\u00a0intelligence agencies, and institutions for cyber attacks during the 2016 presidential election. Murphy also called for a bipartisan investigation into Russian interference and for further action, as necessary, to prevent future cyber attacks against the United States.\r\n\u201cI fully support the Obama administration\u2019s decision today to impose sanctions against Russia. Putin's aggression is a direct attack on our democracy and our institutions of government, and the sanctions and expulsions announced today send a strong, clear message that these actions have consequences.\r\n\u201cFor years, I\u2019ve listened to my Republican colleagues in the Senate eviscerate President Obama for being too weak on Russia. I encourage them to now work with Democrats to conduct a thorough, bipartisan public investigation into Russia\u2019s interference, and make it clear that the United States will not hesitate to impose additional consequences if their illegal, destabilizing actions continue.\u201d\r\n\u00a0###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=E84120EA-8917-4D32-BCF9-4DB12B4CAACF", "Statement of Sen. Warner on Administration Response to Russian Interference", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\u2014 U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Vice Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee in the 115th Congress,\u00a0issued a statement today on the Obama Administration's announcement that it will impose additional sanctions on Russia in response\u00a0to Russian hacking and interference in the\u00a0electoral process:\r\n\r\n\"The actions the President took today are an important\u00a0step, but preventing Russia from interfering in\u00a0our elections\u00a0will require a sustained response from the next administration and\u00a0from\u00a0Congress.\u00a0\r\n\"We are\u00a0obligated to conduct\u00a0a\u00a0thorough, timely and bipartisan\u00a0investigation in the 115th\u00a0Congress\u00a0with the goal of releasing as much information as possible, while protecting sources and methods,\u00a0so that the American people can understand exactly what happened\u00a0and what could well happen again if we fail to respond appropriately.\r\n\"Make no mistake: Russia's\u00a0actions were not those of a friend.\u00a0I am grateful to the intelligence community for their hard work to warn us about Russia's efforts to interfere in the democratic process. I\u00a0will continue to urge the incoming administration to respect the expertise and conclusions reached by our intelligence professionals,\u00a0and to take\u00a0actions that treat\u00a0Russia's\u00a0interference\u00a0with the seriousness it deserves.\"\u00a0\r\n#\u00a0#\u00a0#", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-scott-to-close-richmond-district-office-on-january-2-2017", "Rep. Scott to Close Richmond District Office on January 2, 2017", "2016-12-28", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "NEWPORT NEWS, VA \u2013 On Monday, January 2, 2017, Congressman Bobby Scott will be closing his Richmond District Office due to redistricting.\nAs a result of court-ordered redistricting, the boundaries of the Third Congressional District of Virginia have changed. Effective on January 3, 2017, Congressman Scott will no longer represent the following localities in the United States Congress:\u00a0 the cities of Petersburg and Richmond, and the counties of Charles City, Henrico, Prince George and Surry.\u00a0 At the start of his new term on January 3, 2017, Congressman Scott will represent the following localities in the new Third Congressional District: the county of Isle of Wight, all of the cities of Franklin, Newport News, Portsmouth and parts of Chesapeake, Hampton, Norfolk, and Suffolk.\n\u201cIt has been a privilege to represent the citizens in these communities,\u201d said Rep. Scott.\u00a0 \u201cDuring my time in Congress, I have built long lasting relationships that played a vital role in my ability to effectively serve my constituents in Congress. I look forward to working with their new representatives on issues important to our Commonwealth in the 115th Congress.\u201d\nThe Richmond and Newport News offices will be available to assist constituents during this transition.\u00a0 If you live in one of the impacted localities and have a current case with the office, please call 757-380-1000 immediately to advise the office to either return all of your documents or give the office permission to forward your case to your new Member of Congress.\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cicilline.house.gov/press-release/cicilline-spends-holiday-season-troops", "Cicilline Spends Holiday Season with Troops", "2016-12-28", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "David Cicilline", "C001084", "cicilline.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "KABUL\u00a0\u2013 U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (D-RI) left Afghanistan a few moments ago after visiting Rhode Islanders who are serving at Bagram Airfield and Camp Resolute Support. Cicilline\u2019s visit to Afghanistan comes just days after meeting with members of the Armed Forces who are serving at United States Forces Korea headquarters and Camp Humphreys in Seoul, Korea; Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan; and Yokota Airbase in Tokyo, Japan.\n\u201cI was honored to spend time over the holidays with so many brave men and women who are serving our country overseas,\u201d said Cicilline. \u201cEvery day, our troops demonstrate the very best of our American values. Their incredible courage, tremendous sacrifice, and unwavering service are an inspiration to us all. I\u2019m extraordinarily grateful that I had the opportunity to thank some of our bravest this week, and I want to wish all those who are serving in uniform, their families, and their loved ones a safe and happy holiday season.\u201d\nCicilline traveled to Afghanistan yesterday as part of a Congressional Delegation that included Congressmen Mike Coffman (R-CO), Lee Zeldin (R-NY), and David Valadao (R-CA). The Rhode Island Congressman had the opportunity to thank members of the Armed Forces at Bagram Airfield before traveling to Camp Resolute Support for dinner with soldiers there.\nDuring this visit, Cicilline, who serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, also met with General John W. Nicholson, Jr., who is overseeing the NATO-led Operation Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan, as well as Major General John C. Thomson III, who serves as commanding general for the 1st Calvary Division and as Bagram Airfield commander. Cicilline also participated in briefings with U.S. Embassy personnel in Kabul.\nWhile in Afghanistan, Cicilline had the opportunity to thank:\n Staff Sergeant Burt Comfort of Providence\nCommand Sergeant Major Stephen Bodwell of Johnston\n The past day's visit marks the end of a weeklong, holiday season effort Cicilline has undertaken to thank American troops serving thousands of miles from home. Last week, Cicilline met with troops in South Korea and Japan, and also\u00a0took part in meetings and classified briefings with the senior military officials charged with protecting American security interests on the Korean Peninsula and throughout the Pacific Rim. These officials included:\n General Vincent K. Brooks; Commander, United States Forces Korea/United Nations Command/Republic of Korea-United States Combined Forces Command \nLieutenant General Thomas S. Vandal; Commander, Eighth U.S. Army; Chief of Staff, United States Forces Korea/United Nations Command/Republic of Korea-United States Combined Forces Command\nLieutenant General Lawrence D. Nicholson; Commander, III Marine Expeditionary Force\nMajor General Robert F. Hedelund; Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Korea; Assistant Chief of Staff for Plans and Policy, United Nations Command/Republic of Korea-United States Combined Forces\nMajor General James T. Walton; Director for Transformation & Restationing, United States Forces Korea\nMajor General Joaquin F. Malavet; Commanding General, Marine Corps Installations Pacific\nMajor General Charles G. Chiarotti; Deputy Commander, United States Forces Japan\n While in the Pacific Rim, Cicilline also met with critical American allies, including\u00a0Korean Acting President Hwang Kyo-Ahn, Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se, and officials from the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs\nCicilline will return to Rhode Island this week.\n(Captions for attached photos: Rep. Cicilline in Afghanistan with Staff Sergeant Burt Comfort of Providence and Command Sergeant Major Stephen Bodwell of Johnston; Rep. Cicilline after dinner with soldiers at Camp Resolute; Rep. Cicilline dining with soldiers at Camp Humphreys in South Korea)", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://teddeutch.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398851", "Rep. Deutch Responds to Secretary Kerry's Middle East Speech", "2016-12-28", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Ted Deutch", "D000610", "teddeutch.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Deutch Responds to Secretary Kerry's Middle East Speech \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 28, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-21), Ranking Member of the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, issued the following statement following Secretary of State John Kerry's speech on the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians:\u201cSecretary Kerry spoke with specificity during a small part of his speech today about the impediments to peace caused by Palestinian incitement, the glorification of murder on Fatah websites, the naming of streets and squares after terrorists, and Palestinian efforts to delegitimize Israel. Unfortunately, the \u2018all sides must fight terrorism\u2019 language in the one-sided UNSC Resolution he defended did no such thing, which is why the United States should have vetoed it. Peace and the hope for a two state solution will only come with both parties at the negotiating table. That was true Friday at the Security Council, and it is still true today.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://franken.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=3594", "Sen. Franken Releases Responses From Uber, Lyft on Discrimination against Customers", "2016-12-28", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Al Franken", "F000457", "franken.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "A month after pressing popular ride-hailing companies Uber and Lyft to explain a recent study documenting driver discrimination against minority customers, U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) released the companies' responses today. You can read a copy of the response letter from Uber here and from Lyft here.Sen. Franken called the responses from both Uber and Lyft detailed, and said that going forward, he plans to continue working with the companies to ensure against bias and discrimination.\"As consumers in Minnesota and across our country come to rely more heavily on services provided online or through apps connected to the gig economy, it's vital that companies take steps to ensure that new technologies do not give cover to discrimination or bias,\"\u00a0said Sen. Franken.\u00a0\"I appreciate the steps that both Uber and Lyft have taken to address my concerns regarding discrimination against consumers, including meeting with the authors of a recent study, communicating with their drivers about the companies' nondiscrimination policies, and monitoring available metrics about ride cancellations. But I remain concerned that certain elements of an app's platform design-like allowing drivers to see a rider's name or photo before accepting a ride request-do not sufficiently guard against discriminatory conduct. I have expressed these concerns to the companies, and I look forward to working with them to address these challenges.\"\u00a0According to a recent study, African Americans who use these ride-hailing smartphone apps face longer wait times to get accepted by drivers, and riders with African-American-sounding names are more than twice as likely to have their rides canceled. Beyond that, some women passengers reported being taken on longer rides than men. In response, Sen. Franken reached out for clarification about how both companies plan to better guard against the kind of rider discrimination detailed in the study. You can read his letter to Uber and Lyft\u00a0 here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-encouraged-israels-proposal-accept-refugees-aleppo", "Larson Encouraged By Israel's Proposal To Accept Refugees From Aleppo", "2016-12-28", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "John Larson", "L000557", "larson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hartford, CT - Today,\u00a0Rep. John B. Larson (CT -01)\u00a0released the following statement about Israel\u2019s proposal to provide medical care to wounded refugees from Aleppo:\n\u201cI was encouraged to hear that Prime Minister Netanyahu is exploring ways to accept wounded refugees from Aleppo and to provide them with medical care in Israel\u2019s hospitals,\u201d said Larson.\u00a0\u201cThese refugees are victims and are innocent. I hope that the United States will follow Israel's example and put forth a similar proposal.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-proposed-amendments-house-rules", "Larson On The Proposed Amendments To The House Rules", "2016-12-28", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "John Larson", "L000557", "larson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hartford, CT - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01), released the following statement on the proposed amendments to the House Rules:\n\"House Democrats will not be silenced when it comes to speaking up on behalf of the American people. Gun violence unfortunately impacts all of our communities and the need for reforms can no longer go unanswered.\u00a0\"I am incredibly disappointed that instead of listening to the American people and simply giving us a vote, a vote on common sense bipartisan changes like keeping guns out of the hands of terrorists, and again a few extremist Republicans are seeking to further silence the minority with the hopes of protecting the gun lobby.\u00a0\"At a time when America is wracked with division the answer is not Putinesque rules. The answer is greater discussion, more votes, increased transparency and efforts to ensure that Americans at least feel that they were heard even if they disagree with the outcome. Continued vitriolic attacks on the press and the rise of fake news remind us we cannot turn the cameras off and cast the people\u2019s chamber into darkness.\n\u201cThis unprecedented move, of fining Members of Congress for speaking up for their constituents, when all other avenues have been blocked, is ill considered and may run afoul of Article I of the Constitution. That article holds that each House may punish its members for disorderly behavior. For more 200 years this has been interpreted to mean any contested sanctions must be approved by the full House with a floor vote.\u00a0\u201cWe will continue, no matter the attempts to prevent it, to speak out on behalf of victims,\" said Larson.\nRep. Larson helped lead the sit-in on the House floor in June.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mccollum.house.gov/press-release/mccollum-shares-views-israeli-palestinian-peace-process", "McCollum Shares Views on Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process", "2016-12-28", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Betty McCollum", "M001143", "mccollum.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Betty McCollum made the following comments on her Facebook page after Secretary of State John Kerry delivered an address on the state of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process:\n\"A two-state solution is only possible when there are partners who are willing to make the hard choices that advance peace. Right now, it appears that neither Israel nor the Palestinians are willing to make the sacrifices needed to resolve their longstanding conflict.\n\"Last week, the United Nations took a very appropriate step by condemning the ongoing construction of illegal Israeli settlements, one of the most serious obstacles to peace. Today, Secretary John Kerry outlined other difficult \u2014 but critical \u2014 steps that must be taken by Israel and the Palestinians to achieve a durable and lasting peace.\n\"Unfortunately, the incoming Trump-Pence administration has already embraced the extreme policies of the Netanyahu government that are designed to make a Palestinian state impossible. Instead of playing such a divisive role, the United States should be working to urge both Israel and the Palestinians to embrace justice and human rights and bring a lasting end to this conflict.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://titus.house.gov/press-releases/rep-titus-celebrates-gold-butte-designation", "Rep. Titus Celebrates Gold Butte Designation", "2016-12-28", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NV", "Dina Titus", "T000468", "titus.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 28, 2016\nLas Vegas \u2013 Today Rep. Dina Titus of Nevada\u2019s First Congressional District celebrated the designation of Gold Butte National Monument by President Obama. Rep. Titus has sponsored legislation in Congress and championed greater protections at Gold Butte for more than a decade.\n\u201cGold Butte\u2019s story is one of perseverance and passion,\u201d Rep. Titus said.\u00a0 \u201cSince the effort to protect Gold Butte began in 1998, a network of a few dozen Nevadans has turned into a powerful coalition dedicated to protecting the region\u2019s ancient petroglyphs, colorful geology, iconic wildlife, and unique flora.\u00a0 President Obama heard our cry and took the necessary action to save this natural treasure. I am relieved that our glorious piece of the Grand Canyon now has the protection it needs and deserves so its magnificent resources can be preserved for generations to come.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-statement-on-secretary-kerrys-remarks-on-israel", "Blumenthal Statement on Secretary Kerry's Remarks on Israel", "2016-12-28", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Richard Blumenthal", "B001277", "www.blumenthal.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Blumenthal Statement on Secretary Kerry's Remarks on Israel\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Tweet\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWednesday, December 28, 2016\n\t\t\t[WASHINGTON, D.C.] \u2013 U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) released the following statement today in response to the remarks of Secretary of State John Kerry on U.S. - Israel relations:\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cWhile I respect the Administration's steadfast efforts to seek successful negotiations aimed at a two state solution, I continue to be deeply disturbed and disappointed by its recent UN Security Council abstention. Secretary Kerry's speech failed to dispel my strong concerns. Our steadfast ally Israel has sought since its founding to live at peace with its neighbors. Amidst horrific terrorist attacks, economic boycotts and the most virulent anti-Semitism aimed against it citizens, the lone Jewish state has throughout its history made enormous sacrifices in pursuit of peace. Kerry's address today was remarkably remiss in recognizing Israel\u2019s record of seeking peace and did nothing to advance it. Support for Israel must remain bipartisan, and I will work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance productive measures that strengthen our commitment to our critical ally. Through robust foreign aid and defense cooperation with Israel, as well as opposing one-sided efforts to a target Israel at the United Nations, the United States can encourage direct negotiations between the parties to achieve long-sought peace for Israel, the Palestinians and the much troubled region. Most importantly, at this tumultuous time, I will work hard to assure that support for Israel is protected from partisan division and distrust. Bipartisan support is an enduring and essential element of our historic alliance.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-statement-following-secretary-kerrys-speech-on-israeli-palestinian-peace", "Cardin Statement Following Secretary Kerry\u2019s Speech on Israeli-Palestinian Peace", "2016-12-28", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 28, 2016\n\t\t\t Cardin Statement Following Secretary Kerry\u2019s Speech on Israeli-Palestinian Peace \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\"Secretary of State John Kerry\u2019s personal commitment to Middle East peace is well-known and admirable.\u00a0 During his tenure at the State Department, his dedication to facilitating direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians for a two-state solution was evidenced in his investment of time, travel, resources, and creative proposals.\r\n\u201cI welcome Secretary Kerry\u2019s articulation of six principles that should guide direct negotiations between the parties for a secure, just, and realistic two-state solution.\u00a0 He rightly stated that there cannot be two states living side by side in peace and security without recognition of Israel as a Jewish state, and that Israel\u2019s security needs must be satisfied.\u00a0 Fundamental issues like borders and Jerusalem can only come from direct negotiations and cannot be dictated by any outside entity, and there must be recognition of the Jewish people\u2019s historic ties to Jerusalem and its holy sites. \u00a0I am open to considering U.S. contributions to an international effort that would provide options for permanent homes for Palestinian refugees without affecting the fundamental character of Israel.\u00a0\r\n\u201cThough I share Secretary Kerry\u2019s concerns with the lack of forward progress on a two-state solution, I remain disappointed by the Obama Administration\u2019s decision not to veto UN Security Resolution 2334 last week.\u00a0 The Resolution did not come close to the condemnation we heard from Secretary Kerry today regarding Palestinian leaders\u2019 responsibility for the past year\u2019s violence and terror.\u00a0 More can be done to enable the viability of a Palestinian state, but the Palestinians are not willing and ready partners at this time.\u00a0 Last week\u2019s Resolution makes direct negotiations more, not less, challenging.\r\n\u201cI agree with Secretary Kerry that resolving the Israeli-Palestinian dispute could unlock broader peace between Israel and its Arab neighbors.\u00a0 There are opportunities for collaborating in countering violent extremism, pushing back on Iran\u2019s destabilizing activities, and fostering greater economic cooperation.\u00a0 But these opportunities will remain aspirational until we see more pressure on Palestinian leadership:\u00a0 Hamas must accept Israel\u2019s right to exist and cease its military buildup, and Fatah must demonstrate commitment to transparency, anti-corruption, and good governance.\r\n\u201cGoing forward, I will explore Congressional action that can mitigate the negative implications of UN Security Resolution 2334.\u00a0 I will also continue to support and promote direct negotiations between the parties.\u201d\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.casey.senate.gov/newsroom/releases/in-2016-casey-produces-results-on-national-security-and-measures-to-help-pas-middle-class-seniors-and-kids", "In 2016, Casey Produces Results on National Security and Measures to Help PA’s Middle Class, Seniors and Kids", "2016-12-28", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Bob Casey", "C001070", "www.casey.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 With 2016 coming to a close, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) \u00a0has once again produced results that have enhanced U.S. national security and aided Pennsylvania\u2019s middle class, its seniors and kids.\r\n\u201cEven amidst partisan gridlock, Senator Casey has once again delivered measureable progress for our nation and Pennsylvania families,\u201d Jacklin Rhoads, Senator Casey\u2019s press secretary said. \u201cFrom passing into law measures to cut off terrorists\u2019 finances to his work to combat the opioid crisis and make sure young children have a fair shot at breakthrough medical treatments, Senator Casey has continued work as a champion for all Pennsylvanians.\u201d\r\nSnapshot\r\nDelivering resources to combat the opioid crisis \u2013 Throughout this Congress, Senator Casey has called for funding that would help communities treat those who are struggling with an opioid addiction. As part of a year-end bill, $1 billion in funding will be made available to Pennsylvania and all states. The funding is now law with the signing of the 21st Century Cures Act.\r\nCracking down on terrorists\u2019 finances in order to defeat ISIS \u2013 When it was revealed that the terrorist group ISIS was looting historical artifacts and other antiquities and selling them on the black market to finance their violence, Senator Casey brought Republicans and Democrats together to put a stop to it. Senator Casey passed into law the Protect and Preserve International Cultural Property Act to blunt the black market sale of these lucrative antiquities. This bill was enacted into law as H.R. 1493, which became Public Law 114-151 on May 9, 2016.\r\nProviding care for children born with opioid dependency \u2013 Senator Casey passed into law the Plan of Safe Care Improvement Act. This legislation updates and strengthens requirements under federal child abuse prevention law (the Child Abuse Prevention & Treatment Act) designed to protect vulnerable infants affected by substance abuse. This bill was enacted into law as Sec. 503 of S. 524, the Comprehensive Addiction Recovery Act, and renamed the Infant Plan of Safe Care Improvement Act; it was enacted as Public Law 114-198 on July 22, 2016.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \r\nTackling the VA Claims Backlog \u2013 In 2013 and 2014, concerns about wait times and backlogs at the Veteran Administration (VA) dominated. Senator Casey met with veterans across Pennsylvania to assess the problem and this year passed into law a sweeping overhaul of the VA\u2019s disability claims process. The 21st Century Veterans Benefits Delivery Act passed the Senate on November 10, 2015. This bill was included in H.R. 6416, the Jeff Miller and Richard Blumenthal Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2016, which became Public Law 114-315 on December 16, 2016.\r\nHelping sick children get the care they need \u2013 Senator Casey led a bipartisan effort to enact into law his legislation, the Advancing Hope Act, which provides a valuable incentive to encourage the development of new drugs to treat serious rare diseases that affect children. Casey\u2019s legislation was part of the 21st Century Cures Act.\r\nWorking to reunite lost children with their families \u2013 Every year thousands of children go missing, yet an IRS loophole sometimes prevents parents from finding their children. Senator Casey passed into law the Recovering Missing Children Act that would allow taxpayer information from the Internal Revenue Service to be shared with state and local law enforcement agencies to assist in the investigation of missing or exploited children. Senator Casey first introduced this legislation in 2011, and in 2012 with Senator Enzi. This bill was enacted into law as H.R. 3209, which became Public Law 114-184 on June 30, 2016.\r\nInvesting in medical research \u2013 For years, Senator Casey has met with researchers across Pennsylvania to highlight the need to invest in medical research that saves lives, creates jobs and powers Pennsylvania\u2019s economy. After years of funding cuts, Senator Casey helped to secure a $4.8 billion investment in the National Institutes of Health. The funding, which was made possible by the passing of the 21st Century Cures Act into law, will be available to researchers throughout Pennsylvania and the nation. \u00a0\u00a0\r\nResponding to disease outbreaks \u2013 In 2014 many lawmakers talked about the Ebola outbreak; Senator Casey went to work. In 2013, Senator Casey passed into law the Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness Reauthorization Act, which reauthorized and strengthened the federal government\u2019s response playbook for public health threats, including disease outbreaks. In 2016, as part of the 21st Century Cures Act, Senator Casey passed into law the Medical Countermeasure Innovation Act (S. 2055) which further improved and streamlined parts of the law. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\nAddressing global hunger \u2013 Senator Casey passed into law the Global Food Security Act (GFSA) of 2016, S. 1252. The law requires the Administration to develop a whole-of-government strategy to address global food insecurity and hunger. The strategy would emphasize agricultural development, improving maternal and child nutrition, building the resilience of communities, and civil society engagement. The GFSA was signed into law as Public Law 114-195 on July 20, 2016.\r\nKeeping prison officers safe \u2013 The Eric Williams Correctional Officer Protection Act. This legislation, named after a fallen prison officer in Northeastern Pennsylvania, requires the Bureau of Prisons to dispense pepper spray to all correctional workers in medium and high security federal correctional facilities who may be required to respond to an inmate emergency. This bill also includes a training requirement for employees authorized to carry pepper spray. Finally, the legislation directs the Government Accountability Office to report on the effectiveness of the pepper spray program and whether it should be implemented in low or minimum security facilities. This bill was passed in the Senate on December 16, 2015, passed in the House on February 24, 2016, and signed into law on March 9, 2016, as Public Law 114-133.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/press-releases/heinrich-statement-on-bears-ears-national-monument", "Heinrich Statement On Bears Ears National Monument", "2016-12-28", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Martin Heinrich", "H001046", "www.heinrich.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Heinrich Statement On Bears Ears National Monument\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 28, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. -\u00a0U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement on President Obama's designation of the Bears Ears National Monument in southern Utah:\u00a0\r\n\"The Bears Ears region, a spectacular landscape with its big skies and red rocks east of the Colorado River and south of Canyonlands National Park, includes thousands of historic and cultural sites with deep meaning to numerous Native American tribes. The Navajo, Zuni, Cochiti, Ute Mountain Ute, Hopi, Uintah and Ouray Ute, and many others should be proud of the years of tireless work they committed to making this day possible. They raised their voices about how closely tied the Bears Ears region is to their people and told the stories of the legacy left in the canyons and on the mesas by their ancestors. Bears Ears is sacred ground and the tribes will now have a say in the stewardship and management of it. America\u2019s public lands are part of the fabric of our democracy. I thank President Obama for recognizing the extraordinary history of Bears Ears and protecting these lands for our children and all future generations.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=76FF19D5-9DFF-41FA-9570-2DBEA52C2339", "Heitkamp, Ernst Bill to Promote Efficient, Effective Federal Programs Becomes Law", "2016-12-28", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BISMARCK, N.D. \u2013 U.S. Senators Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota and Joni Ernst of Iowa today announced that the president signed into law their bipartisan legislation to make federal government programs more efficient and effective. The Senate and House passed the Program Management Improvement and Accountability Act earlier this year.\r\n\u201cOur bipartisan bill becoming law is a win for accountability and transparency. The federal government will now do more to make sure federal programs are well managed \u2013 saving taxpayers\u2019 money and reducing waste,\u201d said Heitkamp. \u201cIt\u2019s an important step for North Dakota communities and businesses that rely on federal programs, whether in agriculture, energy, or beyond. Good management practices can make all the difference in guaranteeing efficient, effective federal programs and making sure they are well implemented locally.\u201d\r\n\u201cI am thrilled that President Obama has signed our bipartisan Program Management Improvement and Accountability Act into law,\u201d said Ernst. \u201cIowans sent me to Washington with a mission to make the federal government less wasteful and more efficient, and the passage of this legislation is an important step in doing just that. The Program Management Improvement and Accountability Act reduces cost overruns and increases accountability to create a more productive government through better management procedures. I am pleased we were able to make meaningful progress in safeguarding our taxpayers\u2019 hard-earned tax dollars, and remain committed to continuing to look for new ways to eliminate waste.\u201d\r\nBy increasing oversight of government agencies, providing a better review process for best practices, and improving training and standards for federal managers, Heitkamp and Ernst\u2019s bipartisan bill sets a template that raises the bar for the management of the federal programs communities need \u2013 and that taxpayers are counting on to run efficiently and effectively.\r\nClick here to read the bill text.\r\nThe Program Management Improvement and Accountability Act will:\r\n \r\nEstablish a leader within each agency that is focused on program management.\r\n \r\n \r\nCreate an inter-agency Program Management Council to drive improvements through portfolio reviews of agency programs and encourage communications between agencies and program management professionals.\r\n \r\n \r\nRequire the development of a specific job category with distinct qualification for project managers.\r\n \r\n \r\nRequire the federal government to adopt widely-accepted program management best practices and standards.\r\n \r\n \r\nRequire the Government Accountability Office to issue a report three years after the bill\u2019s enactment on its overall effectiveness and impact on program management in the federal government.\r\n \r\n \r\nWork directly with the Department of Defense to improve its current procedures while making sure to not duplicate existing efforts.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=8A58FA1D-DA96-4DC9-A320-1F3BA0658784", "Heitkamp Successfully Pushes Administration to Expand Northern Plains UAS Test Site Operations", "2016-12-28", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "ND", "Heidi Heitkamp", "H001069", "www.heitkamp.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BISMARCK, N.D. \u2013\u00a0U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that, after pressing the White House on the issue earlier this year, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is authorizing the Northern Plains Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Test Site in Grand Forks as the first site in the country to conduct beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations.\r\n\r\n\r\nHeitkamp successfully pushed the administration in August to authorize BVLOS operations at the Northern Plains UAS Test Site as a part of\u00a0new commitments the White House issued\u00a0to expand the integration of UAS safely into the national airspace. Now that the commitment Heitkamp secured has FAA airspace authorization, UAS flights at the test site are one step closer to flying up to 29,000 feet without a chase aircraft, supporting the integration of heavier, faster UAS that can operate at higher altitudes.\r\n\r\n\u201cNorth Dakota is No. 1 when it comes to unmanned aircraft, and that\u2019s why I pushed the administration to make the Northern Plains UAS Test Site the first to conduct beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations,\u201d said Heitkamp. \u201cGrand Forks and the entire Red River Valley lead the country in developing and advancing these exciting technologies. Today\u2019s announcement puts the Northern Plains UAS Test Site in an even better position. It\u2019s encouraging to see FAA move ahead on this authorization after pressing the administration, and I look forward to helping expand North Dakota\u2019s leadership in UAS even further in the coming year.\"\r\nAs a co-founder of the U.S. Senate Defense Communities Caucus, Heitkamp has worked to promote Grand Forks and Fargo as hubs of UAS innovation. Most recently, Heitkamp helped pass a bill reauthorizing the FAA \u2013 including key provisions Heitkamp pushed for to benefit North Dakota that will:\r\n \r\nExpand the ability of UAS technologies to improve public safety:\u00a0Heitkamp helped pass bipartisan provisions that, by promoting the safe integration of UAS into the national airspace, will expand the ability of UAS technologies to help respond to natural disasters, provide emergency response, and protect critical infrastructure like pipelines.\r\n \r\n \r\nStrengthen UAS technology development in Grand Forks:\u00a0Long a vocal advocate for continuing to advance UAS research and development at the Northern Plains UAS Test Site and Grand Sky UAS Business and Aviation Park, Heitkamp helped pass a three year congressional authorization for the test site.\r\n \r\n \r\nReform burdensome requirements for small aircraft pilots:\u00a0Continuing her push to make sure general aviation pilots are not overly burdened by regulations, the bill includes provisions that will reform and streamline the third class medical certification process. As part of the second pilot\u2019s bill of rights, which Heitkamp cosponsored in the U.S. Senate, this new process will benefit North Dakotans who fly small aircraft like crop dusters.\r\n \r\n \r\nSupport graduates of the air traffic control program at UND:\u00a0The bill includes provisions that will change hiring guidelines for air traffic controllers, acknowledging and giving credit to UND students who have received special training.\r\n \r\nFor years, Heitkamp has worked to advance emerging UAS technologies in Grand Forks. She\u00a0brought the FAA Administrator to North Dakota\u00a0in 2014 to announce the Northern Plains UAS Test Site in Grand Forks and successfully\u00a0pressed the FAA to remove barriers\u00a0blocking the test site\u2019s flight operations. She also led efforts to\u00a0develop an Enhanced Use Lease between the Air Force and Grand Forks County\u00a0and introduced bipartisan legislation to encourage further\u00a0research and development of UAS technologies.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/in-the-news/senators-ask-trumps-epa-pick-to-disclose-his-connections-to-energy-industry", "Senators Ask Trump's EPA Pick To Disclose His Connections To Energy Industry", "2016-12-28", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Jeff Merkley", "M001176", "www.merkley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senators Ask Trump's EPA Pick To Disclose His Connections To Energy Industry \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWednesday, December 28, 2016\r\n\r\n\t\n\r\n\r\n\r\n  \r\n    By:\u00a0\r\n    Brakkton Booker \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nDemocratic senators on the Environment and Public Works Committee say Donald Trump's choice to lead the Environmental Protection Agency should reveal his connections with energy insiders before his confirmation hearings get underway.\r\nIn the letter dated Tuesday, the senators told Scott Pruitt, currently Oklahoma's attorney general, they were concerned about his close ties to energy lobbyists and wanted him to disclose lists of donors who contributed to a nonprofit organization that took funds from a network connected to the Koch brothers.\r\nPruitt is an outspoken critic of climate change and\u00a0has sued\u00a0the Obama administration over the EPA's Clean Power Plan. The letter was signed by five Democrats plus independent Bernie Sanders.\r\n\"We have been troubled that as Attorney General of Oklahoma you used, nearly verbatim, industry talking points in official correspondence your office sent to EPA concerning EPA's estimation of methane pollution in your state,\" said the letter, signed by Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse, Ed Markey, Jeff Merkley, Cory Booker, Ben Cardin and Sanders.\r\n\"What that conduct says about your ability to lead EPA in a manner that is not beholden to special or secret interests is a subject we expect will receive a full airing during your confirmation hearing,\" the letter continued.\r\nThe letter goes on to request details about meetings and emails related to the Rule of Law Defense Fund, which Pruitt help establish to collect large donations from big oil and gas companies including Devon Energy.\r\nSpecifically the senators are seeking \"a written explanation of the role you or any other person under your supervision has played\" in the fund's founding and operation, a list of all expenditures greater than $1,000 made to the fund, and a list of meeting times, dates, locations, attendees and agenda items of its fundraisers.\r\n\"Before the Senate votes to confirm you to run EPA, it is important to provide a full disclosure of your relationship with the energy industry so we can determine how that will influence your ability to run the agency.\"\r\nAs NPR has reported,\u00a0environmentalists are bracing\u00a0for Pruitt's confirmation and are worried that he may try to curb much of the agency's power. Earlier this month the Trump transition team sent a\u00a074-point questionnaire\u00a0to employees at the Department of Energy asking for a list of employees and contractors who attended conferences on climate change.\r\nThe department later\u00a0said it was refusing to provide the names\u00a0to the transition team.\r\nRead the full letter below:\r\n\r\n \r\n           \r\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-defazio-praise-12-million-federal-grant-for-douglas-county-and-the-city-of-roseburg-to-assist-with-ucc-recovery", "Wyden, Merkley, DeFazio Praise $1.2 Million Federal Grant for Douglas County and the City of Roseburg to Assist with UCC Recovery", "2016-12-28", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Jeff Merkley", "M001176", "www.merkley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wyden, Merkley, DeFazio Praise $1.2 Million Federal Grant for Douglas County and the City of Roseburg to Assist with UCC Recovery \n\t\n\t\n\tWednesday, December 28, 2016\n\t\n\tPORTLAND\u00a0\u2013 U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and Rep. Peter DeFazio today welcomed a $1.2 million federal grant to Douglas County and the City of Roseburg that will help the community\u2019s recovery from the Oct. 1, 2015 campus shooting at Umpqua Community College.\u00a0\r\nThese funds will help county and city agencies continue their exemplary work to support victims and all those affected by the 2015 shooting.\r\n \r\n\u201cUmpqua Community College, Douglas County and Roseburg displayed remarkable resiliency in the face of unspeakable tragedy, and fully deserve this federal support for the ongoing work,\u201d Wyden said. \u201cI am pleased to have worked to secure this essential grant that helps cover the emotional and financial costs of this crisis. And I remain committed to supporting the college and the entire Roseburg community as they continue taking the steps that make all Oregonians proud.\u201d\r\n\u201cAll of Douglas County, the City of Roseburg and the UCC community experienced an unfathomable trauma last October, and the last thing they should have to worry about is the financial cost of this horrific attack,\u201d said Merkley. \u201cThis grant shows that our nation is committed to helping the entire community recover and heal, and I thank the Department of Justice for recognizing and supporting these important needs. Healing from an attack like this one is never a fast or an easy process, and I will continue standing by Douglas County, Roseburg and UCC\u2019s\u00a0side as they work to move forward in the years ahead.\u201d\r\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to have helped Douglas County and the City of Roseburg receive this much-needed grant,\u201d said DeFazio. \u201cIn a time of crisis, local support organizations stepped forward to help our community deal with truly terrible events. This grant will provide financial assistance for the incredible services they performed for the victims of last year\u2019s tragedy. I will continue to work to ensure that Roseburg, Douglas County, and UCC both have the resources necessary to move forward and heal.\u201d\r\n \r\nMerkley, Wyden and DeFazio had urged the Department of Justice to provide this assistance without delay in a letter (attached) sent earlier this month.\r\nThe $1.2 million antiterrorism and emergency assistance program grant from the federal Justice Department\u2019s Office for Victims of Crime to the state of Oregon is designed to reimburse organizations for supplemental victim-related costs from the UCC campus shooting.\r\nThe grant also provides funds to support crisis response and services to help victims, witnesses and first responders.\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n     \n\t\n \n\t\n    \n    \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t  \n    \n\t\n\t\n\t  \n          \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/murphy-other-ct-democrats-working-to-empower-states-latinos", "Murphy, other CT Democrats, working to empower states Latinos", "2016-12-28", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Murphy, other CT Democrats, working to empower state\u2019s Latinos\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n                \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n\r\n                \r\n                \r\n\r\n                    \r\n                    CT Mirror\r\n                    \r\n                    \r\n                \r\n            Wednesday, December 28, 2016\r\n            \n\t\n\r\n            \r\n            The growth in political clout of Connecticut\u2019s Latino community is not keeping up with its population growth, so U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy and members of the Hispanic Democratic Caucus in the Connecticut legislature are trying to do something about it.\r\nThey established the Latino Leadership Academy last summer to introduce promising Hispanic community leaders to the rigors of politics and a network of people who can serve as mentors.\r\n\u201cThe idea was simple,\u201d Murphy said. \u201cConnecticut Latinos are growing in both numbers and power, but sometimes it\u2019s hard for community activists to make the leap to political activism.\u201d\r\nConnecticut\u2019s population is 15 percent Hispanic, the 11th- largest proportion among all states. But only about six percent of the members of the state\u2019s General Assembly are Hispanic. No member of the Connecticut congressional delegation is Hispanic \u2013 or black.\r\nMurphy says only \u201ca handful\u201d of the 18 individuals who graduated from the leadership academy this year \u2013 the ceremony was in November \u2013 will run for political office.\r\n\u201cBut they will know how to speak up to right a wrong,\u201d he said.\r\nMembers of the first class at the academy, who come from every congressional district in the state, were addressed by various Latino leaders \u2013 and by Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen.\r\nJorge Cruz, who moved as a child with his mother and siblings from Puerto Rico, was among the first to apply for the academy.\r\n\u201cI signed up and was happy that I was chosen,\u201d he said.\r\nA recovering heroin addict who lives in Bridgeport, Cruz now does outreach to other addicts and works largely with the homeless. He ran for city council last year and lost by 23 votes. He said he plans to run again next year.\r\nThe academy helped him \u201cget acclimated\u201d to politics, which he says is foreign territory to many Latinos.\r\n\u201cPolitics is a culture,\u201d he said. \u201cYou need thick skin. You need to have commitment, focus and vision.\u201d\r\nCruz said Latinos are disillusioned with politics and don\u2019t take their right to vote seriously. \u201cThey don\u2019t understand that they need to be involved,\u201d he said.\r\nStatistics bear this out.\r\nAccording to the Pew Research Center, there are 280,000 Hispanic eligible voters in Connecticut. (California ranks first with 6.9 million.)\r\nBut that represents only 52 percent of Connecticut\u2019s Hispanics. Some don\u2019t have\u00a0 U.S. citizenship or are disqualified for other reasons.\r\nBy contrast about 8 in 10, or 79 percent, of the state\u2019s white population is eligible to vote.\r\nBesides lower eligibility, there is evidence Latinos who can vote often don\u2019t.\r\nAccording to Pew, 48 percent of Hispanic eligible voters turned out to vote in 2012. By comparison, the 2012 voter turnout rate among blacks was 66.6 percent and among whites was 64.1 percent.\r\nMurphy used money from his leadership PAC, to bring all 18 graduates of the first class of the Latino Leadership Academy to Washington, D.C., for two days in early December.\r\nFor some it was their first trip to Washington, and for most it was the first time they\u2019d spent any time in the U.S. Capitol, getting a first-hand look at how Congress works.\r\nGraduates of the Hispanic Leadership Academy with HUD Secretary Julian Castro, center, and members of the Connecticut Hispanic Democratic Caucus.\r\nEnid Vasquez, who drives a school bus in Trumbull, had never been to the nation\u2019s capital. She said she attended the Leadership Academy because she is thinking about working as a liaison between the police and the Hispanic community.\r\n\u201cI want to break the stereotype that Latinos are always in trouble with the police,\u201d she said.\r\nLeo Navarro, who has worked on a local political campaign, said the academy and the trip to Washington \u2013 which included a meeting with Julian Castro, the secretary of Housing and Urban Development \u2013 was a chance to hone his skills for a future career.\r\n\u201cI see myself eventually running for office,\u201d he said.\r\nLocking Latinos out of the system\r\nNorma Rodriguez-Reyes, the head of the Connecticut Hispanic Democratic Caucus, and Yolanda Castillo, a longtime activist, helped Murphy establish the academy.\r\n\u201cOur numbers are growing, and we need to be part of the political process,\u201d Castillo said.\r\nFrank Alvarado of North Haven, who is on the executive committee of the Connecticut Hispanic Democratic Caucus, said it\u2019s always been a struggle for Latinos to break into certain professions, including politics. But things change, he said.\r\n\u201cYou had to fight for everything, he said. \u201cI was a Vietnam vet, and when I came home, I couldn\u2019t be a cop. They always lock Latinos out of the system.\u201d\r\nFor Connecticut Democrats, creating a farm team of future Latino political leaders \u2013 who will presumably be Democrats \u2013 is a smart idea.\r\nConnecticut has become more Democratic as its Latino population has grown because Hispanics lean Democratic. The academy will help cement that relationship.\r\nBut to Murphy, the academy is a way to make sure Latinos are at the political table, something he says has concerned him for some time.\r\n\u201cI\u2019ve had this idea rattling around in my head for a couple of years,\u201d Murphy said.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/murphy-slams-gop-plans-to-quickly-repeal-obamacare", "Murphy Slams GOP Plans To Quickly Repeal Obamacare", "2016-12-28", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Murphy Slams GOP Plans To Quickly Repeal Obamacare\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n                \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n\r\n                \r\n                \r\n\r\n                    \r\n                    CBS Connecticut\r\n                    \r\n                    \r\n                \r\n            Wednesday, December 28, 2016\r\n            \n\t\n\r\n            \r\n            Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy today slammed Republican plans to quickly vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act.\r\nThe Democratic lawmaker says if the Republicans repeal Obamacare without putting something else in place first, insurers will leave the healthcare exchanges, and millions of people will lose health insurance.\r\n\u201cEveryone\u2019s rates will go up. Everyone will be in jeopardy of losing their healthcare.\u00a0 This will leave no one untouched, if they unwind the Affordable Care Act without any plan for what comes next,\u201d Murphy said.\r\nThe senator says even if Republicans make the repeal effective several years in the future, the health insurance exchanges could still collapse, as insurers leave a market that would soon cease to exist.\r\nMurphy says the repeal would be \u2018cruel and brutal,\u2019 because it could undo protections provided under the law. Obamacare required insurers to provide coverage to people with pre-existing medical conditions, and it ended lifetime limits on what a health insurance policy would pay for coverage for a person.\r\nRepublican lawmakers are united on getting rid of the Affordable Care Act, but they are divided on what \u2014 if anything \u2014 should replace the health care law.\r\nSome GOP lawmakers say Obamacare must be eliminated as soon as possible because it is a threat to the nation\u2019s health care system.\r\nDonald Trump\u2019s election gives Republicans control of the White House and both houses of Congress \u2014 and a clear chance to overturn Barack Obama\u2019s signature healthcare law without a veto by the departing Democratic president.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-welcomes-designation-of-bears-ears-national-monument", "Udall Welcomes Designation of Bears Ears National Monument", "2016-12-28", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Tom Udall", "U000039", "www.tomudall.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 28, 2016\n\t\t\t Udall Welcomes Designation of Bears Ears National Monument \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON -- Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, incoming vice chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee and lead Democrat on the Appropriations Subcommittee for Interior, Environment and Related Agencies, praised President Obama's decision to create the Bears Ears National Monument. The region of Southern Utah has been important for Native Americans for millennia, and it is also an area where Udall's ancestor, Jacob Hamblin, once worked to build relations between Mormon pioneers and Native American Tribes.\n\"The Bears Ears region is a spectacularly beautiful region and the ancestral home of many Southwestern Native American Tribes. Navajo, Ute, Uintah, Zuni, Hopi, and other Native American people depend on the land for traditional livelihoods and cultural practices. Yet for years it has faced the threats of looting, vandalism, and energy development. Today's action is the result of years of work by Tribal members who raised awareness of these threats and the importance of preserving the area. I want to thank all of the advocates for their tireless work to protect this important cultural landscape. It is significant that for the first time, Native American Tribes will co-manage a national monument with the federal government.\n\"I also thank President Obama, who has been a strong advocate for conservation. As a Westerner and an outdoorsman, I appreciate the work he has done to protect our most treasured places, including the Rio Grande del Norte and Organ Mountains Desert Peaks national monuments in New Mexico. The Bears Ears and Gold Butte monuments created today in Utah and Nevada are important additions to his legacy of smart and courageous work to conserve the most special places in our landscape so they will endure for generations to come.\"\n\u00a0\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/news/release/epw-members-call-on-pruitt-to-reveal-connections-to-secretive-group-coordinating-epa-challenges", "EPW Members Call on Pruitt to Reveal Connections to Secretive Group Coordinating EPA Challenges", "2016-12-28", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Sheldon Whitehouse", "W000802", "www.whitehouse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.28.16\n\t\t\t EPW Members Call on Pruitt to Reveal Connections to Secretive Group Coordinating EPA Challenges \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Trump\u2019s EPA nominee should explain his role in Koch-linked group, Senators write\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t Washington, DC \u2013 Members of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee have sent a letter to president-elect Donald Trump\u2019s nominee for Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator, Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt, requesting information on his involvement with the Rule of Law Defense Fund, a secretive tax-exempt group that has helped to coordinate challenges to the EPA.\u00a0 While the Fund has been linked to the Koch brothers\u2019 network of conservative organizations, most of its activities and backers remain a secret; the New York Times has reported the Fund is a \u201clegal entity that allows companies benefiting from the actions of Mr. Pruitt and other Republican attorneys general to make anonymous donations, in unlimited amounts.\u201d\u00a0 Pruitt played a central role in launching the Fund, serves on its board, and has attended Fund-sponsored events as recently as this year.\u00a0 In their letter, EPW members Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Edward Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Ben Cardin (D-MD) request a response from Pruitt prior to the Committee\u2019s confirmation hearing on his nomination, consistent with Committee precedent.\r\nFull text of the letter is below and a PDF copy is available here.\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\nDecember 27, 2016\r\nThe Honorable Scott Pruitt\r\nAttorney General of Oklahoma\r\nOklahoma Attorney General's Office\r\n313 NE 21st Street\r\nOklahoma City, OK 73105\r\nDear Mr. Pruitt,\r\nAs members of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, we look forward to discussing with you your nomination to be Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).\u00a0\u00a0 Since its inception in 1970, EPA has played an integral role in federal and state efforts to protect public health and ensure we all have clean air to breathe and water to drink.\u00a0 It has long been the expectation of this Committee that the EPA Administrator put the public\u2019s interest first and commit to running the agency in a fully transparent manner.\u00a0\r\nWe have been troubled that as Attorney General of Oklahoma you used, nearly verbatim, industry talking points in official correspondence your office sent to EPA concerning EPA\u2019s estimation of methane pollution in your state.\u00a0 Thanks to news reporting prior to your nomination, we now know about your close relationship with Devon Energy and that you appear to have been willing to accept its representations about its business practices without independent confirmation or analysis. That reporting, based on documents produced by your office pursuant to Freedom of Information Act requests, also documented how you and members of your staff have worked closely with fossil fuel industry lobbyists to craft positions taken by your office.\u00a0\u00a0What that conduct says about your ability to lead EPA in a manner that is not beholden to special or secret interests is a subject that we expect will receive a full airing during your confirmation hearing.\r\nYour relationship with the Rule of Law Defense Fund (the Fund) has received less attention but is no less troubling.\u00a0 According to its website, the Fund is a \u201cpublic policy organization for issues relevant to the nation\u2019s Republican attorneys general.\u201d \u00a0The Fund\u2019s annual IRS 990 reports list you as a member of its board and news reporting indicates you were instrumental in efforts to organize the Fund and you have participated in retreats organized by the Fund as recently as this year.\u00a0 Its organization under section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code means the Fund need not disclose the identities of its donors, though Freedom Partners, which funds initiatives supported by the Koch brothers, has given the Fund at least $175,000 since 2014.\u00a0 The Fund\u2019s activities, and your relationship to it, also require a full examination during your confirmation process.\r\nBefore the Senate votes to confirm you to run EPA, it is important that you provide a full disclosure of your relationship with the energy industry so we can determine how that will influence your ability to run the agency. \u00a0Accordingly, we request you provide the following information before your confirmation hearing before the Committee:\u200e\u00a0\r\n \r\nA written explanation of the role you or any person under your supervision has played in the establishment and operation of the Fund;\r\nA list of all donors who have contributed to the Fund since its inception, total donated, and their affiliations;\r\nA list of all requests you have made for funding and what was given and from whom in response;\r\nA list of all expenditures of over $1,000 made by the Fund since its inception;\u00a0\r\nDetails of any Fund expenditures over $100 that have benefited you or any person under your supervision, including travel;\u00a0\r\nAll communications, including e-mails, between you and the Fund and between you and any individuals related to the establishment of the Fund or the conduct of the Fund\u2019s activities;\r\nA list\u00a0of\u00a0all meetings\u00a0and fundraisers organized by or sponsored in whole or in part by the Fund that you or any person under your supervision attended, including the dates, locations,\u00a0agendas and attendees; \u200eand\r\nA list of all federal and state legislation or regulations the Fund has\u00a0taken a position on, Fund-organized legal briefs and letters to federal lawmakers,\u00a0and all actions you have taken with respect to those matters.\u200e\r\n \r\nThe confirmation process, starting with your responses to Committee questions before your hearing, is an opportunity for you to dispel the notion that the advocacy you have undertaken on environmental issues as Attorney General of Oklahoma has been directed by and for the benefit of the energy industry.\u00a0 Accordingly, we look forward to your timely response to this request.\u00a0\r\n\r\nSincerely,\r\n\r\n_________________________\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00ad\u00ad________________________\r\nSheldon Whitehouse\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Edward J. Markey\r\nUnited States Senator \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 United States Senator\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\n________________________\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 ________________________\r\nJeffrey A. Merkley\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Cory A. Booker\r\nUnited States Senator \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 United States Senator\r\n\u00a0\r\n________________________\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 ________________________\r\nBernard Sanders\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Benjamin L. Cardin\r\nUnited States Senator \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0United States Senator\r\n\u00a0\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-merkley-defazio-praise-12-million-federal-grant-for-douglas-county-and-the-city-of-roseburg-to-assist-with-ucc-recovery", "Wyden, Merkley, DeFazio Praise $1.2 Million Federal Grant for Douglas County and the City of Roseburg to Assist with UCC Recovery", "2016-12-28", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Ron Wyden", "W000779", "www.wyden.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wednesday, December 28, 2016\n            \n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tPORTLAND\u00a0\u2013 U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and Rep. Peter DeFazio today welcomed a $1.2 million federal grant to Douglas County and the City of Roseburg that will help the community\u2019s recovery from the Oct. 1, 2015 campus shooting at Umpqua Community College.\u00a0\r\nThese funds will help county and city agencies continue their exemplary work to support victims and all those affected by the 2015 shooting.\r\n\u201cUmpqua Community College, Douglas County and Roseburg displayed remarkable resiliency in the face of unspeakable tragedy, and fully deserve this federal support for the ongoing work,\u201d Wyden said. \u201cI am pleased to have worked to secure this essential grant that helps cover the emotional and financial costs of this crisis. And I remain committed to supporting the college and the entire Roseburg community as they continue taking the steps that make all Oregonians proud.\u201d\r\n\u201cAll of Douglas County, the City of Roseburg and the UCC community experienced an unfathomable trauma last October, and the last thing they should have to worry about is the financial cost of this horrific attack,\u201d said Merkley. \u201cThis grant shows that our nation is committed to helping the entire community recover and heal, and I thank the Department of Justice for recognizing and supporting these important needs. Healing from an attack like this one is never a fast or an easy process, and I will continue standing by Douglas County, Roseburg and UCC\u2019s\u00a0side as they work to move forward in the years ahead.\u201d \r\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to have helped Douglas County and the City of Roseburg receive this much-needed grant,\u201d said DeFazio. \u201cIn a time of crisis, local support organizations stepped forward to help our community deal with truly terrible events. This grant will provide financial assistance for the incredible services they performed for the victims of last year\u2019s tragedy. I will continue to work to ensure that Roseburg, Douglas County, and UCC both have the resources necessary to move forward and heal.\u201d\r\nMerkley, Wyden and DeFazio had urged the Department of Justice to provide this assistance without delay in a letter sent earlier this month.\r\nThe $1.2 million antiterrorism and emergency assistance program grant from the federal Justice Department\u2019s Office for Victims of Crime to the state of Oregon is designed to reimburse organizations for supplemental victim-related costs from the UCC campus shooting.\r\nThe grant also provides funds to support crisis response and services to help victims, witnesses and first responders.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://yarmuth.house.gov/press/rep-yarmuth-statement-on-secretary-kerrys-speech/", "Rep. Yarmuth Statement on Secretary Kerry's Speech", "2016-12-28", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "KY", "John Yarmuth", "Y000062", "yarmuth.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "LOUISVILLE  Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) released the statement below following Secretary of State John Kerry's speech earlier today regarding Middle East peace.\r\n\r\n\tI commend Secretary Kerry on his forthright and accurate analysis of the reality of Israeli-Palestinian dynamics. He has dispassionately laid out both the history of Israeli settlements and the repercussions of those settlements for the prospects of a peaceful future for both Israel and the Palestinians.\r\n\r\n\tMore important, Kerry spoke from the perspective of U.S. strategic interests and how they differ from the actions and words of current Israeli leadership. I have long believed that Prime Minister Netanyahu has arrogantly believed that the United States should support any Israeli action, regardless of whether it upholds U.S. interests in the Middle East. His response to Secretary Kerry's speech confirms that belief.\r\n\r\n\tI strongly endorse the principles enunciated by Mr. Kerry, as well as the decision to allow the U.N. Security Council to pass the resolution with no dissenting votes.\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://dennyheck.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/the-good-news-what-actually-went-right-and-who-did-good-in-2016", "The good news: What actually went right, and who did good, in 2016", "2016-12-27", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Denny Heck", "H001064", "dennyheck.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "If the year 2016 were a fish, a lot of people would throw it back in the water. Overlooked, unfortunately, are good deeds done during the year. Yes, there also good doers.\nHere is one scribe's list of the year's upside:\n--KPLU/KNKX: The drive to rescue public radio station KPLU, now renamed KNKX, was in words of sports pundit Art Thiel \"like a rose blooming atop a pile of manure,\" a reference to media shutdowns, layoffs and consolidations.\nThe $7 million goal was reached in less than six months, thanks to more than 18,000 donors. The station, its news, blues and jazz programming, was saved from being absorbed into the University of Washington's KUOW.\nUW President Ana Mari Cauce showed generosity and astuteness in opening the door to community purchase of the popular station. 88.5 lives!!!!\n--Billy Frank, Jr., National Wildlife Refuge: Tribal fisheries advocate Billy Frank Jr. was arrested more than 30 times for having the nerve, gall and presumption to exercise his treaty rights to fish in the Nisqually River along whose banks he grew up.\nEventually, the state grew up. A conservative federal judge, George Boldt, upheld Native Americans' treaty rights under treaties signed in 1854 and 1855. Frank dedicated himself to reconciliation and restoration of decimated salmon runs. A feature of fisheries conferences was watching people lean in to hear what he was saying.\nThe Washington congressional delegation came together, under leadership of his friend U.S. Rep. Denny Heck, and passed legislation naming the Nisqually National Wildlife after Bill Frank, Jr. U.S. Interior Secretary Sally Jewell was on hand for the celebration.\n--The Comcast lawsuit: Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson launched a $100 million lawsuit against Comcast, charging massive deception of customers in its Service Protection Plan . . . specifically, 1.8 million violations of Washington's Consumer Protection Act.\nOn Friday, King County Superior Court Judge Timothy A. Bradshaw ruled that the suit against the telecommunications giant can more forward. Trial is set to begin on July 31, 2017.\nFerguson is proving our state's gutsiest officeholder. He won a multimillion-dollar judgment against the Grocery Manufacturers Assn. after the Washington, D.C., lobby laundered money in a 2013 initiative battle over labeling of genetically modified foods. He is suing Monsanto over toxic PCBs in state waterways.\nTargets of the AG's lawsuits have sounded baffled that he is suing rather than settling out of court. Ferguson is the state's most popular politician, his vote total topping Hillary Clinton, Gov. Jay Inslee and Sen. Patty Murray in last November's election.\n--Coal terminal blocked: Opposition from the Lummi Nation caused the Army Corps of Engineers to deny permits to the huge proposed Gateway Pacific coal export terminal at Cherry Point north of Bellingham.\nThe Lummi tribe was positioned by law where other opponents were not. The cities of Seattle, Tacoma, Edmonds, Marysville and Bellingham all raised objections to mile-long coal trains blocking waterfront access and contributing to pollution impacts.\nThe battle over Big Coal has switched to the Millennium Bulk Terminals proposal on the Columbia River at Longview. President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to revive the coal industry. But Gov. Jay Inslee will have a key voice in the Longview decision.\n--Seattle as Sports Town USA: The rap on Seattle, out of East Coast media outlets, has been that the Emerald City is a rotten sports town -- never mind the achievements of our skiers, mountain climbers, snowboarders and the UW crew.\nWe've made it mainstream this year. The Sounders' unbelievable championship has literally kicked off celebrations. The Dawgs under Chris Petersen are in the final four for collegiate football championship. The Seahawks are back in the NFL playoffs, as they usually have been in the Pete Carroll era.\nThe upbeat news comes with a caveat. The Sports Illustrated cover jinx, the bane of Ken Griffey, Jr., and hydro drivers, is to be avoided at all costs.\n--Saving the whales: The recovery and migration of Gray Whales, from lagoons of Baja to Bristol Bay and the Chukchi Sea in Alaska -- with a few stopping off to eat sand shrimp on Whidbey Island beaches -- is one of North America's inspiring nature stories.\nPresident Obama has used his authority under a 1953 law (passed by a Republican Congress) to put Bristol Bay off-limits to oil and gas leasing, and last week to put a ban on 95 percent of U.S. Arctic waters including the Chukchi Sea.\nAn oil spill in the Chukchi could not be contained or cleaned up. Bristol Bay is home to the world's largest sockeye salmon fishery. Obama was the first U.S. president to visit the Arctic. He is leaving office with a good deed. (The Wild Edge, a glorious Braided River photo/essay book, celebrates the whales' migration.)\n--A high school awakening: Hundreds of students poured out of Seattle high schools to protest the election of Donald Trump. The protests were outward manifestation of a new activism, focused on human and civil rights, among teenage millennials.\nIt's encouraging to watch apathy take a beating. Other signals? The Duwamish Valley Youth Corps is involving young people in cleanup of Seattle's only river. The Black Student Union at Garfield, and the school's gay-straight alliance, have perfected the strategy of talk radical-act practical.\nIf you disapprove, ask yourself this question: What's wrong with young people involved in shaping the world they will inherit?\n--Arson strikes out: A Planned Parenthood clinic in Pullman, serving the Washington State University and University of Idaho communities, was rebuilt and reopened just six months after it was largely destroyed in an arson attack.\n\"COURAGE: Planned Parenthood is standing back up for reproductive health after firebomb,\" Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., tweeted. The rebuilding effort was citizen-driven much like the Save KPLU campaign west of the mountains.\nPlanned Parenthood had been hit by vicious, false attacks by such Eastern Washington politicians as U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers and State Rep. Matt Shea. The arson attack remains unsolved.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://langevin.house.gov/press-release/langevin-statement-appointment-thomas-bossert", "Langevin Statement on Appointment of Thomas Bossert", "2016-12-27", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "RI", "Jim Langevin", "L000559", "langevin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI), co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional Cybersecurity Caucus and a senior member of the House Committees on Homeland Security and Armed Services, released a statement following President-elect Trump\u2019s decision to appoint Thomas P. Bossert as Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism:\n\u201cI congratulate Tom on his appointment as the President-elect\u2019s chief homeland security advisor. I have called on President-elect Trump to appoint a senior cybersecurity advisor since his election, and I am glad that he has finally done so. I believe that cybersecurity is the signature national security issue of our time, and it is imperative that the President-elect make it a top priority when he assumes office.\n\u201cTom brings important experience to this role, particularly his work with the National Security Council during President George W. Bush\u2019s administration. He has been a strong advocate for public-private partnerships in cybersecurity and for an increased role for the White House in setting federal cybersecurity policy. I hope he will continue to chart this centrist, bipartisan course in his new role. I also hope that he will impress upon the President-elect the vital national security concerns tied to Russian information warfare activities, and I encourage him to work closely with Congress in attempting to build our resilience and our defenses to forestall such operations in the future.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/castro-statement-prime-minister-abe-s-visit-pearl-harbor", "Castro Statement on Prime Minister Abes Visit to Pearl Harbor", "2016-12-27", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Joaqu\u00edn Castro", "C001091", "castro.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "San Antonio, TX \u2013 Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), founding co-chair of the U.S.-Japan Caucus and member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement regarding Japanese Prime Minister Shinz\u014d Abe\u2019s visit to Pearl Harbor today with President Barack Obama:\u00a0  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t\u201cIn the 75 years since the tragic loss of life at Pearl Harbor, the United States and Japan have built an alliance that seeks to foster peace and stability around the world. Both President Obama and Prime Minister Abe have shown great leadership in positioning our nations\u2019 partnership for a future of mutual trust and strength. Today\u2019s historic visit exemplifies that common vision.\u00a0  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t\u201cThe United States and Japan have a precious friendship imbued with reverence for the past and enduring hope for our shared path ahead. In the years to come, we must protect and fortify our strategic relationship to ensure it can overcome any challenge and continue to provide leadership for people everywhere.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://delbene.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delbene-sewell-wager-uw-vs-bama-college-football-playoff", "DelBene, Sewell Wager on UW vs Bama College Football Playoff", "2016-12-27", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Suzan DelBene", "D000617", "delbene.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 With the 2016 College Football Playoffs kicking off this weekend, Reps. Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Terri Sewell (AL-07) placed a wager on whose team would win in Saturday\u2019s game between the University of Washington Huskies and Alabama University Crimson Tide.\nDelBene is wagering salmon from the Puget Sound, while Sewell has offered up some Alabama barbeque.\n\u201cYea, Alabama is undoubtedly a solid football team with a prestigious history, but I have a feeling that things won\u2019t be all peachy for them on Saturday,\u201d DelBene said. \u201cThey have yet to see a passing attack as effective as the Huskies, with Jake Browning, John Ross and an offense more than capable of putting up some huge numbers. Sure, the odds makers might not think UW has a chance, but let me tell you, heaven help the Tide.\u201d\n\u201cMy colleague Congresswoman DelBene must not have gotten the memo. Given Alabama\u2019s unparalleled success of 16 National Championships, the Crimson Tide is on a roll for back to back National Championship wins! The Washington Huskies simply will not be able to hold up under the Tide\u2019s superior defense,\u201d Sewell said. \u201cFootball and barbecue go hand-in-hand in the South. It is too bad that Congresswoman DelBene and her staff will miss out on the opportunity to savor great Alabama ribs when the Huskies lose in Atlanta on December 31st. Roll Tide Roll!\u201d\nThe Huskies will face the Tide in the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 31. The game is at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta at noon Pacific.\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1961", "DelBene, Sewell Wager on UW vs Bama College Football Playoff", "2016-12-27", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Suzan DelBene", "D000617", "delbene.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "With the 2016 College Football Playoffs kicking off this weekend, Reps. Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Terri Sewell (AL-07) placed a wager on whose team would win in Saturday's game between the University of Washington Huskies and Alabama University Crimson Tide.\r\rDelBene is wagering salmon from the Puget Sound, while Sewell has offered up some Alabama barbeque.\r\rYea, Alabama is undoubtedly a solid football team with a prestigious history, but I have a feeling that things won't be all peachy for them on Saturday, DelBene said. They have yet to see a passing attack as effective as the Huskies, with Jake Browning, John Ross and an offense more than capable of putting up some huge numbers. Sure, the odds makers might not think UW has a chance, but let me tell you, heaven help the Tide.\r\rMy colleague Congresswoman DelBene must not have gotten the memo. Given Alabama's unparalleled success of 16 National Championships, the Crimson Tide is on a roll for back to back National Championship wins! The Washington Huskies simply will not be able to hold up under the Tide's superior defense, Sewell said. Football and barbecue go hand-in-hand in the South. It is too bad that Congresswoman DelBene and her staff will miss out on the opportunity to savor great Alabama ribs when the Huskies lose in Atlanta on December 31st. Roll Tide Roll!\r\rThe Huskies will face the Tide in the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 31. The game is at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta at noon Pacific.\r\r# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/president-signs-gabbard-s-talias-law-strengthen-protections-military-children", "President Signs Gabbards Talia's Law to Strengthen Protections for Military Children", "2016-12-27", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Honolulu, HI\u2014Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) released the statement below after \u201cTalia\u2019s Law\u201d was signed into law by President Obama:\n\u201cMore than a decade after Talia Williams\u2019s tragic death, there have been more than 29,000 cases of child abuse and neglect in military homes. Until now, the same gaps in the military\u2019s reporting requirements that failed to protect Talia and so many other military children remained.\u00a0Enactment of Talia\u2019s Law closes these gaps by requiring the same protections that exist for any other child to also protect children in military families. While this cannot right the wrongs that failed to protect Talia, Talia\u2019s Law honors her life by helping to get military children, and their families, the support and care they need and deserve,\u201d said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard.\u00a0\n\u201cMy daughter went through so much pain and agony and I am so proud that Talia\u2019s Law will prevent other kids from experiencing what my daughter went through. I am thankful and honored that my daughter\u2019s legacy will live on through Talia\u2019s Law, and I am grateful for everyone who played a part in getting her law passed, moving one step forward to saving a child\u2019s life,\u201d said Tarshia W. Hampton, Talia Williams\u2019 mother who wrote the original concept of Talia\u2019s Law. Tarshia brought the concept to Rep. Tulsi Gabbard to introduce in Congress.\n\u201cProtection and early intervention can prevent situations like what Talia faced from happening again. By passing Talia\u2019s Law, Child and Family Service (CFS) anticipates that all military personnel will become more empowered to follow all of the child welfare reporting mandates without fear of retaliation from their command, that child abuse and neglect will no longer be underreported, and that reporting will no longer be discouraged by the military\u2019s chain of command,\u201d said Amanda Pump, Program Administrator for Child & Family Service.\n\u201cTalia\u2019s Law will create a further safety net to prevent a child from going through what happened to Talia. An issue of child abuse or neglect that goes unreported or underreported is a failure to allow for a child\u2019s right to safety and a healthy childhood. Abuse of any household member is simply unacceptable. Talia\u2019s Law will enforce early identification and response which is critical to the protection from further abuse. Thank you Congresswoman Gabbard for standing up for our children to assure that their safety and their basic needs are preserved,\u201d said Ryan Kusumoto, President/CEO of Parents And Children Together.\nBackground: In 2005, five year old Talia Williams was beaten to death by her father, who was a soldier stationed at Schofield Barracks in Hawai\u02bbi. Leading up to her death, Talia suffered months of abuse from her father and stepmother. Despite multiple reports made to military officers, the case stayed within the military\u2019s chain of command, and nothing was done to take Talia out of harm\u2019s way.\nOutside of the military, mandated reporters (generally, professionals that come into contact with children such as physicians, psychologists, social workers, teachers, and others) are required to report any suspected cases of child abuse and neglect directly to State Child Protective Services. However, the military\u2019s reporting requirements do not currently require the same direct reporting requirements to state authorities.\nTo close the communications gap that may exist between mandated reporters and those who may report to the State on their behalf, Talia\u2019s Law:\n Requires servicemembers and their dependents to immediately report known or suspected instances of child abuse and neglect to their installation Family Advocacy Program Office. These offices are tasked with the prevention, education, intervention, and investigation of spouse and child abuse.\n\tAdditionally requires servicemembers and their dependents to report any known or suspected child abuse directly to State Child Protective Services, or another appropriate state agency.\n In February, the House of Representatives unanimously passed Talia\u2019s Law (H.R. 3894), introduced by Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and Senator Mazie Hirono worked to include Talia\u2019s Law in this year\u2019s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which was signed into law by President Obama on December 23.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cardin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/cardin-praises-cms-waiver-for-streamlining-treatment-of-substance-abuse-patients", "Cardin Praises CMS Waiver for Streamlining Treatment of Substance Abuse Patients", "2016-12-27", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Benjamin Cardin", "C000141", "www.cardin.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 27, 2016\n\t\t\t Cardin Praises CMS Waiver for Streamlining Treatment of Substance Abuse Patients \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\nBALTIMORE \u2013 U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, praised action by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) granting Maryland's 1115 waiver to implement initiatives to address substance use disorders. The waiver also makes dental services available to former foster youth, continues the evidence based home visiting program for at risk pregnant women and children, and implements the Assistance in Community Integration services pilot program. As noted by Medicaid.gov, \u201cSection 1115 of the Social Security Act gives the Secretary of Health and Human Services authority to approve experimental, pilot, or demonstration projects that promote the objectives of the Medicaid and Children\u2019s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) programs.\u201d\r\n\u201cThis is great news for the state of Maryland and a first step to addressing prescription opioid abuse and heroin use. Now individuals enrolled in Medicaid will have access to residential treatment for substance use disorders. This type of treatment is essential to individuals seeking recovery,\u201d said Senator Cardin.\u00a0 \u201cThere is no one-size-fits-all approach to overcoming addiction and expanding opportunities for treatment will help us tackle this urgent problem. Addiction is a disease and now we have one of the necessary tools to help individuals with recovery. Those suffering from substance use disorders also need access to mental health services.\u00a0That is why I will continue to push for access to mental health services.\u201d\u00a0\r\nSenator Cardin added: \u201cOur goal has long been to ensure that individuals in crisis are treated like patients, and not warehoused or -- as is too often the case -- ignored. By working with the states, the federal government remains a partner in saving lives and scarce resources.\r\n\u201cI am also pleased that CMS is allowing Maryland to expand available children\u2019s dental services and assistance for pregnant women and some of our communities\u2019 most vulnerable. Despite being largely preventable, tooth decay is the single most common chronic health condition among children and adolescents in the United States. Left untreated, it can not only destroy a child\u2019s teeth, but also has a debilitating impact on his or her health and quality of life.\u201d\r\nThis summer, Senator Cardin and his colleagues wrote to Andy Slavitt, Acting CMS Administrator, urging the agency to ensure patient access to treatment by addressing the IMD Exclusion for SUDs.\u00a0The Medicaid \u201cInstitutions for Mental Disease (IMD) Exclusion\u201d prohibits federal financial participation through Medicaid for any care furnished to patients 22-64 years old in a mental health or addiction treatment facility with more than 16 beds.\u00a0\r\nPer the letter, \u201cthis policy was created in 1965, but improved medical understandings of addiction and the recent ICD-10 classification of substance use disorders as a behavioral health disorder demand a change to this outdated policy.\u00a0 The growing burden of the heroin and prescription opioid crisis adds to the urgency to address this carrier to care, considering that, according to CMS, Medicaid beneficiaries are prescribed painkillers at twice the rate of non-Medicaid patients and are at three-to-six times the risk of prescription painkiller overdose.\u201d\u00a0\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.donnelly.senate.gov/newsroom/article/donnellys-legislation-in-national-defense-authorization-act", "Donnelly's legislation in National Defense Authorization Act", "2016-12-27", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "IN", "Joe Donnelly", "D000607", "www.donnelly.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Donnelly's legislation in National Defense Authorization Act\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n                \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n                \r\n                    By:\u00a0\r\n                    Brian Francisco \r\n                \r\n            \r\n            \r\n                \r\n                \r\n                \r\n            Tuesday, December 27, 2016\r\n            \n\t\n\r\n            \r\n            Legislation introduced by Sen. Joe Donnelly, D-Ind., was included in the National Defense Authorization Act signed last week by President Barack Obama.\r\nDonnelly's provision allows the Department of Defense to establish a pilot program to expand the availability of physician assistants to provide mental health care evaluations and services for members of the military and their families.\r\nIt was the fourth provision of Donnelly's Servicemember and Veteran Mental Health Care Package to be signed into law since 2014. The others require yearly mental health assessments for all military service personnel; create a special designation for private-sector mental health providers that demonstrate a strong knowledge of military culture and mental health issues; and require Defense Department primary care and mental health care providers to receive training on suicide risk recognition and management.\r\nObama also recently signed a military veterans bill introduced by Rep. Jackie Walorski, R-2nd. The Veterans Mobility Safety Act of 2016 will require the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish comprehensive standards for providers of automobile adaptive equipment, including wheelchair lifts and reduced-effort steering and braking systems.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/hirono-presidents-visit-to-pearl-harbor-strengthens-us-japan-alliance", "Hirono: President’s Visit to Pearl Harbor Strengthens U.S.-Japan Alliance", "2016-12-27", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Mazie Hirono", "H001042", "www.hirono.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hirono: President\u2019s Visit to Pearl Harbor Strengthens U.S.-Japan Alliance\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, December 27, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSenator Mazie K. Hirono attended joint remarks by President Barack Obama and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe marking their visit to the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor.\r\n\u201cPresident Obama and Prime Minister Abe\u2019s visit to Pearl Harbor is a testament to reconciliation and a continued, strong alliance between our two countries,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cIn the years ahead, the U.S-Japan alliance will remain a cornerstone in our unwavering commitment to promote stability and stronger economic partnerships with our Indo-Asia-Pacific partners.\r\nSenator Hirono was accompanied by World War II veteran Dr. Yoshinobu Oshiro of Pearl City. Dr. Oshiro served in the Military Intelligence Service and later was the Senator\u2019s sixth grade teacher.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senator-stabenow-statement-following-united-nations-security-council-vote-on-israel", "Senator Stabenow Statement Following United Nations Security Council Vote on Israel", "2016-12-27", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Stabenow Statement Following United Nations Security Council Vote on Israel \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tTuesday, December 27, 2016\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\tU.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) released a statement following the United Nations Security Council\u2019s vote regarding Israel:\r\n\u201cI strongly disagree with the United States\u2019 abstention which allowed a one-sided resolution concerning Israel to be adopted. This resolution is not the way to achieve peace and undermines opportunities for direct negotiations.\u201d\r\n\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4909", "Tester, Daines, Zinke, Bullock, Fox Stand Against Anti-Semitism and White Nationalism [press_release]", "2016-12-27", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tester, Daines, Zinke, Bullock, Fox Stand Against Anti-Semitism and White Nationalism \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n  \n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n(Montana) \u2013 U.S. Senators Jon Tester, Steve Daines, U.S. Representative Ryan Zinke, Governor Steve Bullock and Attorney General Tim Fox are standing together against anti-Semitism and white nationalism in Montana and across the nation.\n\u00a0\nIn an open letter to the nation, Montana\u2019s top elected leaders stood together to send a bipartisan message condemning attacks on the Jewish community.\n\u00a0\n\u201cWe stand firmly together to send a clear message that ignorance, hatred and threats of violence are unacceptable and have no place in the town of Whitefish, or in any other community in Montana or across this nation,\u201d\u00a0Montana\u2019s elected officials wrote.\u00a0\u201cWe say to those few who seek to publicize anti-Semitic views that they shall find no safe haven here.\u201d\n\u00a0\nYou can read the entire letter HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pelosi.house.gov/news/press-releases/pelosi-statement-on-un-security-council-resolution-on-israeli-settlements", "Pelosi Statement on UN Security Council Resolution on Israeli Settlements", "2016-12-26", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Nancy Pelosi", "P000197", "pelosi.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Contact: Drew Hammill/Caroline Behringer, 202-226-7616\nSan Francisco \u2013 Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement on the UN Security Council resolution on Israeli settlements voted on today. The U.S. abstained in the vote. \n\u201cThe only durable resolution to the Palestinian conflict is one that is negotiated and agreed to by Israelis and Palestinians themselves \u2013 not one imposed by the United Nations.\u00a0 That is why President Obama and Secretary Kerry have worked tirelessly to try to bring Israeli and Palestinian leaders to the table for direct and constructive talks.\n\u201cWhile adding settlements does not move us closer to peace, neither does this troubling UN resolution. The two-state solution has been the bedrock of peace efforts between Israelis and Palestinians for decades.\u00a0 The resolution passed by the UN Security Council today does not bring us closer to this goal.\n\u201cPresident Obama has been a staunch and steadfast supporter of Israel.\u00a0 Under his leadership, the U.S. signed the largest security aid package for Israel in American history, and at his direction, the U.S. and Israel have engaged in unprecedented security cooperation.\u00a0 The United States' commitment to Israel's security is and will remain unbreakable.\u201d\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://walz.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-walz-statement-on-faribault-tragedy", "Rep. Walz Statement on Faribault Tragedy", "2016-12-26", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MN", "Tim Walz", "W000799", "walz.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "[MANKATO, MN] \u2013 Today, Representative Tim Walz released the following statement regarding the tragedy that took place at the Chamber of Commerce in Faribault, MN:\n\u201cOur hearts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones of those whose lives were tragically taken last Friday. No one should ever have to endure such unthinkable pain and suffering.\nMy wife Gwen and I extend our sincerest condolences to the Faribault Chamber, the Faribault community, and all those now faced with such heartbreaking loss. We mourn with you this holiday season.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://engel.house.gov/latest-news/engel-statement-on-recent-nightclub-shooting-in-mt-vernon/", "Engel Statement on Recent Nightclub Shooting in Mt. Vernon", "2016-12-26", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Eliot Engel", "E000179", "engel.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://gabbard.house.gov/news/in-the-news/op-ed-gabbard-right-oppose-extremists-fighting-syrian-governm", "Op-Ed: Gabbard right to oppose extremists fighting Syrian government", "2016-12-26", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Tulsi Gabbard", "G000571", "gabbard.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "By Salah Zakkour\nAs Syrians, we stand with Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard to end the war in Syria, and support her \u201cStop Arming Terrorists\u201d bill (HR 6504) as the most effective way to bring an end to five years of suffering and bloodshed in our country.\nSome claim that efforts to stop arming the \u201crebel\u201d forces fighting to overthrow the Syrian government undermines the Syrian people\u2019s struggle for democracy and reform. They incorrectly believe that the rebels fighting against the Syrian government today are the same people who were peacefully protesting in 2011. In reality, the \u201crebels\u201d in Syria today have been overtaken by Salafist extremists who are aligned with the likes of al-Qaeda, ISIS and other terrorist groups.\nIt\u2019s easy to oversimplify the situation in Syria because of misinformation, propaganda, and a lack of understanding of Syria\u2019s history and culture. While there were peaceful demands for reforms within Syria\u2019s political system in 2011 \u2014 more freedom for political parties and the press, and removal of the state of emergency that had limited democratic freedoms \u2014 this peaceful reform movement was quickly hijacked by armed extremists, who came under the control of Muslim Brotherhood, al-Qaeda and other Salafist groups.\nThe nonviolent opposition resisted all forms of external intervention and violence and called for \u201ca democratic national regime,\u201d through \u201cpeaceful\u201d and \u201cgradual\u201d change. But it was the violence of those sectarian extremists that forced the nonviolent protestors off the streets.\nThis is the reality of the Syria conflict: On the one hand we have extremists, supported by foreign fighters and terrorists from over 100 countries trying to overthrow the elected government of Syria, and on the other hand, we have the Syrian government and army who are defending Syria, with many innocent civilians caught in between. If Syrian President Bashar Assad is removed from power, the nonviolent opposition, religious minorities, and others will be wiped out as Syria will be taken over by the strongest fighting force on the ground \u2014 extremists led by groups like al-Qaeda.\nImagine what would happen to the people of Syria if these violent extremists, who have been carrying out some of the most brutal and disgusting acts against innocent civilians, took over our country. We only have to look at the chaos, devastation and terror in Libya or Iraq to see what will happen to Syria if they are successful.\nThese terrorist and extremist organizations who make up the \u201crebel forces\u201d would not have lasted long without support from the United States, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey and others. That is why Gabbard\u2019s \u201cStop Arming Terrorists\u201d bill is so important to our struggle in Syria. This bill neither supports Assad nor does it ignore the democratic rights of the Syria people. It simply prohibits U.S. government direct and indirect support for terrorist groups like Jabhat Fateh al-Sham or Ahrar al-Sham, and aims to put an end to a war that has led to the death of hundreds of thousands of Syrian people, resulted in the displacement of millions, and destroyed our country\u2019s infrastructure. It will give the people of Syria the peace we need to decide for ourselves the future of Syria.\nAs Syrians and Syrian-Americans, we wholeheartedly support Congresswoman Gabbard\u2019s courageous work. Furthermore, we do not object to robust screening of immigrants from regions beset by terrorism. Far from treating us as a \u201cthreat,\u201d Gabbard has shown utmost concern and respect for our community, the Syrian people and for all new Americans, which is why so many Syrians at home and in the U.S. support her tireless efforts to bring peace to Syria.\n\u00a0\nSalah Zakkour is a Sunni Muslim Syrian-American from Aleppo who now works in Ohio.\u00a0This was co-signed by fellow Syrians and Syrian-Americans: Rami Muamar \u2022 Micheile Muamar \u2022 Immanuel Kaplo \u2022 Hannah Youssef \u2022 Nabil Kaplo \u2022 Bairt Alkass \u2022 Malk Kouki \u2022 Ghazoah Hanna \u2022 Zane Alabdine Zakkour \u2022 Anne Zakkour \u2022 Fahed Zakkour \u2022 Nahla Zakkour \u2022 Saleh Zakkour \u2022 Khaled Baram \u2022 Afif Ghalwanji \u2022 Nadeem Habbal \u2022 Simon Khoury \u2022 Shawqia Adboudan \u2022 Geneivra Scott \u2022 Mamoun Alabbassi \u2022 Amen Tomeh \u2022 Rana Kouki \u2022 Mario Tomeh \u2022 Georgio Tomeh \u2022 Emanuel Wasouf \u2022 Tigram Hanonick \u2022 Lena Obied \u2022 Jamil Ibrahim \u2022 Talal Bitar \u2022 Mike Matook \u2022 Basal Rahal \u2022 Silva Barsoum", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.harris.senate.gov/news/press-releases/kamala-harris-names-top-senate-aide-clint-odom-to-serve-as-legislative-director-in-senate-office", "Kamala Harris Names Top Senate Aide Clint Odom To Serve As Legislative Director In Senate Office", "2016-12-26", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Kamala Harris", "H001075", "www.harris.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 26, 2016\n\t\t\t Kamala Harris Names Top Senate Aide Clint Odom To Serve As Legislative Director In Senate Office \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tLOS ANGELES -- Senator-Elect Kamala D. Harris announced today that Clint Odom, a top Senate aide, will lead her office's legislative shop and serve as her Legislative Director.\r\n\"I'm thrilled that Clint has decided to join our team and I look forward to our work together,\" said Harris. \"He will be an invaluable asset to me and the people of California as we fight for the ideals of this nation. There will be many battles in the months ahead, and I am glad Clint will be standing with us to protect California residents and fight for our values.\"\r\nOdom brings a wealth of experience and knowledge. He previously served as Democratic General Counsel and Policy Director for the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Before his tenure at the Committee on Commerce, Odom served as Senator Bill Nelson's Deputy Legislative Director and oversaw a number of issue areas. Odom has previously served in senior roles at the Federal Communications Commissions and in the telecom industry. Before his Senate tenure, Clint practiced law in the Washington, D.C. office of Dow Lohnes PLLC, and clerked for U.S. District Court Judge Henry Wingate of the Southern District of Mississippi. He is a graduate of Louisiana State University and the University of Pennsylvania Law School. Odom joins Chief of Staff Nathan Barankin and State Director Julie Chavez Rodriguez on Harris' senior team.\r\n###\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/news/senator-stabenow-nominates-45-michigan-students-to-military-academies", "Senator Stabenow Nominates 45 Michigan Students to Military Academies", "2016-12-26", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Debbie Stabenow", "S000770", "www.stabenow.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Stabenow Nominates 45 Michigan Students to Military Academies \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tMonday, December 26, 2016\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t  \n\t\t\tU.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow announced today that she has nominated 45 Michigan students for placement at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY, the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY.\u00a0\r\n\u201cMichigan is fortunate to have so many exceptional students who want to serve our country through military service,\u201d said Senator Stabenow. \u201cHaving demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence in and out of the classroom, I am confident they will represent Michigan and our country well.\u201d\r\nStudents seeking appointment to a service academy must first obtain the nomination of their U.S. Senator, their U.S. Representative, or the Vice President. Students nominated by Senator Stabenow\u2019s office went through a highly competitive application process that included interviews by community leaders. Now that the students have been nominated, they must await acceptance for admission by the academy to which they have applied.\u00a0\r\nThe following students have been nominated by Senator Stabenow to a service academy (by region):\r\nSoutheast Michigan:\r\nFarzad Baghaie \u2013 Northville, Naval Academy\r\nOlivia Bennett \u2013 Clarkston, Merchant Marine Academy\r\nTyler Blythe \u2013 Howell, Air Force Academy\r\nGurjiwan Chahal \u2013 Shelby Township, West Point\r\nMatthew Dahn \u2013 Warren, Air Force Academy\r\nMulgetta Fritz \u2013 Birmingham, Merchant Marine Academy\r\nJason Hires \u2013 Ann Arbor, Air Force Academy\r\nJared Jenkins \u2013 Detroit, Air Force Academy\r\nDaniel Keith \u2013 Saline, Air Force Academy\r\nTristan Klein \u2013 Bloomfield Hills, Naval Academy\r\nJason Kopp \u2013 Grosse Ile, West Point\r\nJohn Libcke \u2013 West Bloomfield, Merchant Marine Academy\r\nJordan McGinnis \u2013 Ann Arbor, Naval Academy\r\nShreyans Munot \u2013 Rochester Hills, West Point\r\nJessica Reimchen \u2013 Lake Orion, West Point\r\nCharles Renfroe \u2013 West Bloomfield, Air Force Academy\r\nKadie Sardo \u2013 Holly, Air Force Academy\r\nNathan Schubring \u2013 Plymouth, Naval Academy\r\nFaith Van Havel \u2013 Hudson, Air Force Academy\r\nDaniel Vela \u2013 Novi, Air Force Academy\r\nPeter Veltigian \u2013 Oxford, Air Force Academy\r\nWest Michigan:\r\nLuke Ensing \u2013 Grandville, West Point\r\nConnor Fischer \u2013 Grandville, West Point\r\nTyler Friend \u2013 Grant, Air Force Academy\r\nLydia Kamps \u2013 Zeeland, Air Force Academy\r\nCreston Martin \u2013 Mattawan, Air Force Academy\r\nJoseph Murphy \u2013 Grand Rapids, Merchant Marine Academy\r\nEric Petoskey \u2013 Centreville, Air Force Academy\r\nClaire Podiak \u2013 Portage, Naval Academy\r\nStephanie Rauhoff \u2013 Richland, Air Force Academy\r\nJarrod Torr \u2013 Kentwood, Naval Academy\r\nUpper Peninsula:\r\nLeigha Woelffer \u2013 Gladstone, West Point\r\nCali Holmes \u2013 Menominee, Air Force Academy\r\nNorthern Michigan:\r\nSawyer Hodson \u2013 Indian River, Air Force Academy\r\nCamille Madion \u2013 Traverse City, Naval Academy\r\nChristian Stellin \u2013 Traverse City, Naval Academy\r\nMid-Michigan:\r\nZachary Calderone \u2013 Jackson, West Point\r\nIsaac Coolidge \u2013 Eaton Rapids, Air Force Academy\r\nByron Gallagher III \u2013 East Lansing, Naval Academy\r\nAnthony Stone \u2013 Lansing, Naval Academy\r\nFlint/Great Lakes Bay Region:\r\nIsabelle Hynan \u2013 Flint, Air Force Academy\r\nJacob Kelly \u2013 Flint, Merchant Marine Academy\r\nJack Lee \u2013 Frankenmuth, Air Force Academy\r\nElizabeth Mansour \u2013 Grand Blanc, West Point\r\nAnnMarie Moolenaar \u2013 Midland, West Point\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=4908", "Tester Lands Major Security Upgrades for Helena, Great Falls Airports [press_release]", "2016-12-26", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "MT", "Jon Tester", "T000464", "www.tester.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Big Sandy, Mont.) \u2013 Senator Jon Tester today landed major security upgrades for the Helena Regional Airport and Great Falls International Airport to better ensure the safety of passengers flying out of Montana.\nTester, Montana\u2019s only member of the Homeland Security Committee, has received notification that after a year of pressuring the agency, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will be delivering full body scanners to Helena and Great Falls.\u00a0 Currently, the airports only have metal detectors to screen passengers before boarding a plane.\nToday\u2019s announcement comes after several Homeland Security hearings where Senator Tester\u00a0grilled the TSA Administrator\u00a0and demanded the agency deliver full body scanners to Helena and Great Falls airports.\n\u201cWe know that the bad guys will go to the weakest link when they want to inflict harm on our nation,\u201d\u00a0said Tester.\u00a0\u201cThat\u2019s why it\u2019s critically important that we stay tough and ensure our airports are secure so Montana families are kept safe.\u00a0 I was pleased to work closely with folks in Helena and Great Falls on these important national security upgrades.\u201d\nCurrently, the TSA prioritizes installing full body scanners in urban airports, which had \u200eleft the airports\u00a0in Helena\u00a0and Great Falls\u00a0without the most up-to-date security equipment.\u00a0\nTester also\u00a0successfully added an amendment\u00a0to the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill that was signed into law in July to study the feasibility of installing full body scanners in every airport across the country.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.donnelly.senate.gov/newsroom/article/trump-leans-on-carrier-to-keep-2000-us-jobs-from-moving-to-mexico", "Trump Leans on Carrier to Keep 2,000 U.S. Jobs From Moving to Mexico", "2016-12-25", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "IN", "Joe Donnelly", "D000607", "www.donnelly.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Trump Leans on Carrier to Keep 2,000 U.S. Jobs From Moving to Mexico\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n                \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n                \r\n                    By:\u00a0\r\n                    Nelson Schwartz\r\n                \r\n            \r\n            \r\n                \r\n                \r\n                \r\n            Friday, November 25, 2016\r\n            \n\t\n\r\n            \r\n            The value of the bully pulpit of the president of the United States can\u2019t be measured on a corporate spreadsheet or the Excel file of a Wall Street analyst.\r\nBut as President-elect Donald J. Trump tries to stop Carrier from moving more than 2,000 jobs to Mexico, the company is learning that the pulpit can be powerful indeed.\r\nCarrier, in the middle of negotiations with the incoming administration, may end up keeping some of the jobs in Indiana. In exchange, the incoming administration could ease up on regulation for businesses and cool campaign rhetoric on imposing tariffs.\r\nOfficials familiar with the situation, who insisted on anonymity because talks were still underway, described the discussion on Friday as a two-way negotiation, with both sides seeking a compromise.\r\nCarrier and its corporate parent, United Technologies, confirmed on Thursday that executives were in discussions about the fate of two factories in Indiana scheduled to shut down, not long after Mr. Trump posted on Twitter that he was \u201cworking hard, even on Thanksgiving,\u201d to get Carrier to stay. \u201cMaking progress,\u201d he added, in all capital letters.\r\nFor both Mr. Trump and the company, the stakes are huge. His promise to reverse trade deals like the North American Free Trade Agreement, or Nafta, and bring back manufacturing jobs to the United States was critical in taking the Rust Belt out of the Democratic column and winning the White House.\r\n\u201cTrump cannot afford to back down on this one,\u201d said Robert Dilenschneider, a veteran public relations executive who advises companies and chief executives on strategic communications. \u201cHe prides himself on the art of the deal, and he\u2019s going to make Carrier an offer they can\u2019t refuse.\u201d\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s a hallmark case and if Trump can win it, which I think he will, it will send a message to every single American company that\u2019s thinking of going offshore,\u201d Mr. Dilenschneider added.\r\nFor the company, the costs of defying the president-elect are at least as high, if not higher, and may well outweigh the tens of millions of dollars to be saved by relocating production to Monterrey, Mexico, from Indiana.\r\nUnited Technologies is among the country\u2019s biggest military contractors, producing engines for the Pentagon\u2019s most advanced fighter jets and receiving more than $5 billion annually from the federal government. That equals 10 percent of the company\u2019s revenue.\r\nThe size of the federal government\u2019s dealings with United Technologies has also caught the eye of legislators on Capitol Hill, like Senator Joe Donnelly, Democrat of Indiana.\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s unfair to ask the same workers who have been laid off to pay tax dollars that will go to the company that fired them,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019re in this together as Americans. When our workers succeed, our economy succeeds and our defense contractors succeed.\u201d\r\nSenator Donnelly is pushing for the government to consider outsourcing as a factor in deciding which companies receive federal contracts.\r\nKenneth G. Dau-Schmidt, a professor of labor and employment law at the Maurer School of Law at Indiana University, said he also thought that Mr. Trump \u201ccould get a win here,\u201d adding, \u201cBecause they are a defense contractor, the federal government has some leverage.\u201d\r\n\u201cWhether he can do something that benefits the working class in general is a different story,\u201d he said. \u201cThe underlying problems are very hard to address. Trying to hold back the economic tide of automation, and the loss of middle-class manufacturing jobs, is something I\u2019m not sure anybody can do.\u201d\r\nWhile Carrier is best known for its air-conditioners, it also sells a variety of other heating and cooling equipment for homes and small businesses, like the furnaces and fan coils made at the Indianapolis factory.\r\nAnd as a consumer-oriented business, Carrier is much more vulnerable to public pressure than firms that primarily deal with other businesses, said Barbara J. Fick, a professor of law at Notre Dame Law School.\r\nShe noted that not far from Notre Dame\u2019s campus, at a plant in South Bend, Honeywell has been engaged in a bitter standoff since May with employees represented by the United Automobile Workers.\r\n\u201cHoneywell doesn\u2019t make a lot of things you can boycott,\u201d Ms. Fick said. \u201cIt\u2019s mostly business-to-business. To the extent that Carrier makes air-conditioners and furnaces, you can hit them with the pocketbook.\u201d\r\nAlthough Carrier workers in Indianapolis say management at the factory has been traveling back and forth to Mexico in recent months, with Mexican engineers measuring machines that are expected to be transported to Monterrey, there is plenty of time for the company to change course.\r\nIn a presentation this week, Carrier\u2019s management told employees that the fan coil line would be the first to close in mid-2017, eliminating 300 to 400 jobs. But as that line closes, about 100 jobs will be saved temporarily by the creation of a new night shift making high-efficiency furnaces.\r\nHigh-efficiency furnace production is not set to end until mid- to late 2018, while the final line to close, mid-efficiency furnaces, won\u2019t he shuttered until early 2019.\r\nThat staggered schedule has given workers some hope that if a compromise between the new administration and the company does emerge, it may revolve around keeping the gas furnace production lines open, even if a smaller number of jobs are relocated to Mexico in the meantime.\r\nIf a deal was reached, it could also help set the tone for a Trump presidency in terms of corporate America, Mr. Dilenschneider said.\r\nMuch as Ronald Reagan\u2019s decision to fire striking air traffic controllers in 1981 signaled to organized labor that political momentum was no longer on their side, keeping Carrier in Indiana would show that a Republican president was willing to stand up to corporate America.\r\nThere are signs that Mr. Trump is already eager to show just that. This month, he took credit for Ford\u2019s decision to keep Lincoln production in Kentucky, although it is not clear that any Ford jobs at the Louisville plant were actually in danger of going to Mexico.\r\n\u201cIt doesn\u2019t make any difference who the president is,\u201d Mr. Dilenschneider said. \u201cIf the president of the United States says, \u2018Do it,\u2019 you\u2019ve got to give it some very serious thought.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.donnelly.senate.gov/newsroom/article/donnelly-congress-must-pass-necessary-emergency-funding-to-address-opioid-abuse-and-heroin-use-epidemics", "Donnelly: Congress Must Pass Necessary, Emergency Funding To Address Opioid Abuse And Heroin Use Epidemics", "2016-12-24", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "IN", "Joe Donnelly", "D000607", "www.donnelly.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Donnelly: Congress Must Pass Necessary, Emergency Funding To Address Opioid Abuse And Heroin Use Epidemics\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n                \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n                \r\n                \r\n                \r\n            Thursday, November 24, 2016\r\n            \n\t\n\r\n            \r\n            (GRANGER) - U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly is calling for the Senate to pass necessary, emergency funding to address the opioid abuse and heroin use epidemics before the end of the year.\r\nDonnelly and Senators Tammy Baldwin, Jeanne Shaheen, and Edward J. Markey sent a letter to Senate leadership late yesterday, pushing for passage of funding through the bipartisan 21st Century Cures Act that is expected to be considered for passage in the coming weeks. Donnelly helped the Senate pass the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA), which became law in July, to combat the opioid abuse and heroin use epidemics. While CARA is an important step, Donnelly repeatedly has said it's necessary to fund programs and initiatives to address this public health crisis -- and to date, Congress has not provided sufficient funding to implement this new law.\r\nDonnelly and the Senators said, in part, \"Substance use, misuse, and use disorders are national problems that continue to cripple our communities. Our law enforcement, health care system, families, and states simply cannot tackle the problem alone and without necessary resources. As the end of the year fast approaches, it is past time for Republicans and Democrats to come together to provide emergency funding and increase investments in prevention and treatment services for opioid use, misuse, and use disorders...We urge you to act immediately to ensure that Congress fulfills its commitment to the American people by providing adequate resources to help quell this epidemic.\"\r\nSeveral of Donnelly's bipartisan provisions became law in 2016 as part of CARA. His provisions were adopted from his bipartisan legislation to update best prescribing practices for pain management and raise public awareness, as well as a bipartisan provision he authored that encourages first responder units to connect individuals who receive naloxone with treatment and other necessary services. CARA also includes tools to prevent drug addiction and expands access to treatment and support for individuals in recovery.\r\nIn September, Donnelly helped the Senate pass short-term legislation to keep the government running, and it included $37 million in new funding to begin implementation of CARA. These funds are helping jumpstart four grant programs in CARA focused on prevention, treatment, and recovery. As the opioid abuse and heroin use epidemics continues to devastate communities in Indiana and across our country, Donnelly has continued to advocate for additional funding to confront this public health emergency.\r\nDonnelly and his colleague's letter:November 22, 2016The Honorable Mitch McConnell\u00a0  Majority Leader, U.S. Senate  The Capitol Building  Washington, DC 20004The Honorable Harry Reid  Minority Leader, U.S. Senate\u00a0  The Capitol Building  Washington, DC 20004Dear Majority Leader McConnell and Minority Leader Reid,As the 114th Congress comes to a close and the Senate looks to complete its work for the year, our country's opioid epidemic continues to worsen at an alarming rate. It is now time to follow through on recent efforts to address the epidemic by providing the necessary funding to help our communities combat this crisis. It is our responsibility to all Americans to provide immediate funding to address the opioid epidemic before the end of the year.In July, Congress passed the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) that authorizes important new programs for states and local organizations to address substance use, misuse and use disorders. The legislation expanded access to medication-assisted treatment, provided new resources to strengthen state Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs, and improve the availability of the overdose reversal drug naloxone. However, Congress has still not provided sufficient funding to implement this new law. In the face of this national crisis it is critical for us to come together as a governing body to make progress on this in order to help those suffering on the front lines of addiction.Congress has debated two proposals to provide needed investments to increase access to prevention, treatment, and recovery services related to opioid use, misuse, and use disorders. Senator Shaheen's Opioid and Heroin Epidemic Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act (S.2423) would immediately commit $600 million in emergency funding to support the work of our first responders, health care providers, and law enforcement as they continue to fight this crisis on the ground. Earlier this year during the CARA debate, this measure received bipartisan support.Second, the Expanded Access to Treatment and Recovery Act (S.3223), which would provide $920 million over two years to support state efforts to expand treatment capacity and make services more affordable. We stand ready to come together to help foster broader bipartisan support for approving funding to address the opioid epidemic. The President-elect has also noted his desire to address this issue. For that reason, we are calling on you to include substantial funding to combat the opioid epidemic in the 21st Century Cures Act that is being considered for passage during the Lame Duck session.This epidemic knows no political party. Substance use, misuse, and use disorders are national problems that continue to cripple our communities. Our law enforcement, health care system, families, and states simply cannot tackle the problem alone and without necessary resources. As the end of the year fast approaches, it is past time for Republicans and Democrats to come together to provide emergency funding and increase investments in prevention and treatment services for opioid use, misuse, and use disorders. Until we do, our job is not done and our communities will continue to hurt. We urge you to act immediately to ensure that Congress fulfills its commitment to the American people by providing adequate resources to help quell this epidemic in the 21st Century Cures Act. We stand ready and look forward to working with you to swiftly achieve this goal.Sincerely,U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly  U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin  U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen  U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/reaction-of-senator-patrick-leahy-d-vt-to-the-united-states-abstention-in-the-un-security-council-on-the-resolution-on-israeli-settlements", "Reaction Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt) To The United States Abstention In The UN Security Council On The Resolution On Israeli Settlements", "2016-12-24", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "VT", "Patrick Leahy", "L000174", "www.leahy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.24.16\n\t\t\t Reaction Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt) To The United States Abstention In The UN Security Council On The Resolution On Israeli Settlements \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\"Ever since Oslo, Republican and Democratic administrations have opposed Israeli settlement construction in the West Bank as an obstacle to peace. That was not a throwaway line, but nevertheless,year after year the expansion of settlements into disputed territory continued and even accelerated as if the policy of the United States, and UN resolutions, didn't matter.\r\n\"Throughout theseyears, U.S. militaryaid to Israel has increased, evenasprospects for a two statesolution, which Israeli leaders have consistently claimed to want, have steadily diminished. And even asthe festeringIsraeli-Palestinian conflict has itselfbecome a threat to thenational security ofthe United States.\r\n\"I commend President Obama and Ambassador Power for makingclear that while wedeplore the failure of the Palestinian leadership to condemn violence andwill defend Israel against any foe, we will do so in a manner that says we must also defend America's interests as Ambassador Power did.\"\r\n# # # #\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\tPress Contact  David Carle: 202-224-3693\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398717", "Hastings Statement on the U.S. Abstention from U.N. Resolution Vote on Israel", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Alcee Hastings", "H000324", "alceehastings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement on the United States\u2019 abstention from a U.N. resolution vote on Israel:\r\n\u201cThe Obama administration\u2019s abstention at the United Nations today is extremely troubling.\u00a0 It is irresponsible and reckless for the United States to have gone against its longstanding policy to veto one-sided, biased resolutions that undermine efforts to bring us closer to a two-state solution. \r\n\u201cWe can only achieve a lasting and permanent solution with two-states by direct and bilateral negotiations between the parties. Unfortunately, this dangerous resolution will only encourage the Palestinians to avoid dialogue with Israel in the future.\r\n\u201cJust hours before this resolution\u2019s adoption, an Israeli man was stabbed in an act of terrorism \u2013 just one of hundreds of recent acts of terror carried out in Israel over the past year. And, just like it has so many times before, the international community remained silent. Staying silent only encourages further terror, which is why I introduced resolutions earlier this year condemning Palestinian terrorism and calling on the United States\u2019 representative to the United Nations to veto absurd resolutions like the one adopted tonight. \r\n\u201cWith the adoption of this destructive and irresponsible resolution, the United Nations has once again acted to isolate and delegitimize Israel.\u00a0 The United States\u2019 actions were completely unacceptable, and I stand in strong opposition to the administration\u2019s reckless decision.\u201d \r\nCongressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://bonamici.house.gov/press-release/bonamici-statement-un-resolution-regarding-israeli-settlements", "Bonamici Statement on U.N. Resolution Regarding Israeli Settlements", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Suzanne Bonamici", "B001278", "bonamici.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) issued the following statement:\n\u201cEarlier this year, more than 390 of my colleagues and I called on President Obama to veto any one-sided United Nations Security Council resolution that could harm the peaceful negotiation of a two-state solution by the Israeli and Palestinian people. With recent reports that a vote on such a resolution is imminent, I am once again urging President Obama to veto any resolution that fails to advance the peace process.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cartwright.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cartwright-statement-on-un-security-council", "Congressman Cartwright Statement on UN Security Council", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Matt Cartwright", "C001090", "cartwright.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Scranton, PA \u2013 \u201cI believe the UN should focus on promoting peace in the region, not promoting one-sided resolutions. \u00a0Peace will come from bilateral negotiations between the two sides, and they must come to a place where both sides recognize and respect the other\u2019s right to exist and live in peace.\u00a0 One-sidedness can drive an additional wedge between the two parties and will not hasten the time when true peace can be realized.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 20808, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"chamber\" = :p0 and \"party\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "House", "p1": "Democrat", "p2": "2016"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&party=Democrat&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 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