{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"House\", party = \"Democrat\" and year = 2021 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=37FCA562-CE65-4856-9B2D-E538FB7825D5", "Rep. Norcross Announces South Jersey Winners of 2021 Congressional App Challenge", "2021-12-31", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Donald Norcross", "N000188", "norcross.house.gov", "norcross", "https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases", "page_html", "CHERRY HILL, NJ \u2013 Today, Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ-01) announced that three Cherry Hill High School East students have won the 2021 Congressional App Challenge for New Jersey\u2019s 1st Congressional District.\n\nArmaan, Karina, and Gia Gupta \u2013 triplets with a passion for designing apps who also won the Congressional App Challenge in 2020 \u2013 focused on COVID-19\u2019s disruption to people\u2019s health. Their 2021 app, Tulio, allows people to track their health from the comfort of their own homes and receive medical advice from health care professionals.\n\n\u201cArmaan, Karina, and Gia saw a problem and set out to solve it,\u201d said Congressman Norcross. \u201cIt is heartening that their instinct in creating Tulio was to help improve the health of others. These past few years have been extremely challenging, especially for our students, and I applaud Armaan, Karina, and Gia for their dedication to working hard even as the pandemic disrupted their learning environment.\u201d\n\nWatch the Gupta\u2019s video explaining their app and its design process here.\n\nThe Congressional App Challenge is designed to engage student creativity and encourage their participation in STEM fields. This nationwide event allows high school students from across the country to compete against their peers by creating and exhibiting their software applications on a platform of their choice.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleaver-applauds-appointment-joe-aull-be-missouri-state-executive", "Rep. Cleaver Applauds Appointment of Joe Aull to be Missouri State Executive Director of USDA\u2019s Farm Service Agency", "2021-12-30", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", "cleaver", "https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "(Kansas City, MO) \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) applauded President Joe Biden's appointment of Joe Aull to be the Missouri State Executive Director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Farm Service Agency.\n\n\"Joe Aull is the embodiment of a true public servant for our community and our State,\" said Congressman Cleaver. \"I was honored to nominate him for this important position, and I know that his experience, knowledge, and relationships across our State will be an asset for the Administration.\"\n\nJoe Aull was an educator in four different public school districts in Missouri for a total of 34 years, serving as a teacher, a coach, a middle school principal, a high school principal, and a school superintendent. Most recently he was the Superintendent of the Lexington and Marshall School Districts. In 1992, Mr. Aull received the Pearce Award as the outstanding school superintendent in the State of Missouri.\n\nAfter retiring from public education, Mr. Aull ran and was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives, where he served for a total of eight years. During his time in the House, he was the Ranking Member of the Elementary and Secondary Education Committee, and he served all eight years as a member of the House Agriculture Policy Committee. Joe and his wife of 27 years, Candee, live in Lexington, where he is currently the Mayor. They are the proud parents of four, and they also have four grandkids.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://horsford.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-horsford-highlights-wins-for-nevada-s-fourth-district-in-2021-end-of-year-report", "Congressman Horsford Highlights Wins for Nevada\u2019s Fourth District in 2021 End-of-Year Report", "2021-12-30", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NV", "Steven Horsford", "H001066", "horsford.house.gov", "horsford", "https://horsford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "December 30, 2021\n\nNORTH LAS VEGAS, NEV. \u2014 Today, Congressman Steven Horsford (D-NV-04) released his 2021 End-of-Year Report to highlight legislative accomplishments, constituent outreach, and taxpayer dollars returned to Nevada's Fourth District over the course of the past year.\n\n\"2021 has been a year of rebuilding for Nevada and the nation. As we work to crush the coronavirus, get our economy back on track, and restore faith in our democracy, I am proud that my 2021 End-of-Year Report reflects my commitment to deliver for our communities,\" said Congressman Steven Horsford. \"It's a deep honor to represent the people of Nevada's Fourth District, and I am grateful to my hard-working staff for their role in making this year's accomplishments possible.\"\n\nHighlights from the report include:\n\n$820 million in taxpayer dollars returned to Nevada's Fourth District through casework, grants, and pandemic relief, including $460,840 directly returned to constituents through casework.\n\n59,794 answered phone calls, letters, emails, and other constituent correspondence.\n\n440+ votes taken for the people of Nevada's Fourth District.\n\n16 bills sponsored and 280 bills co-sponsored.\n\n5,989 constituent cases opened with the federal government on issues related to Social Security, Medicare, veterans benefits, immigration, and more.\n\n1,409 community events and meetings attended.\n\n9 town halls on the American Rescue Plan, the COVID-19 vaccine, the Child Tax Credit, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and more.\n\nRead the full report here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://horsford.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-horsford-holds-roundtable-at-florence-mcclure-women-s-correctional-center-on-breaking-the-cycle-of-violence-and-building-opportunity", "Congressman Horsford Holds Roundtable at Florence McClure Women\u2019s Correctional Center on Breaking the Cycle of Violence and Building Opportunity", "2021-12-30", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NV", "Steven Horsford", "H001066", "horsford.house.gov", "horsford", "https://horsford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "LAS VEGAS, NEV. \u2014 On Wednesday, Congressman Steven Horsford (D-NV-04) and his wife, Dr. Sonya Horsford, joined incarcerated women at Florence McClure Women's Correctional Center for a roundtable conversation about breaking the cycle of violence and building opportunity in underserved communities.\n\nThis visit was one in a series of events that Congressman Horsford has held to hear from constituents across Nevada's Fourth District about how his Break the Cycle of Violence Act would impact their lives.\n\n\"When the women of Florence McClure complete their sentences, they deserve to return to safe communities that give them the chance to succeed,\" said Congressman Steven Horsford. \"During yesterday's roundtable conversation, Sonya and I heard unfiltered stories about the toll that violence and lack of opportunity is taking on Nevada's most vulnerable people. As I return to Washington, the lessons we learned today will guide my work to pass the Break the Cycle of Violence Act and support Nevadans from all walks of life. As we fight for progress, the people who are closest to the pain must always have a voice in shaping the policy. Thank you to Acting Warden Najera and the staff of the Nevada Department of Corrections for making today's visit possible.\"\n\n\"We extend our gratitude to Congressman Horsford for visiting Florence McClure Women's Correctional Center and for his support of our mission to help these women become productive citizens. We join the Congressman in his commitment to providing job training and the marketable skills necessary for successful re-entry into society,\" said Gabriela Najera, Acting Warden of Florence McClure Women's Correctional Center / Jean Conservation Camp.\n\nBackground on the Break the Cycle of Violence Act\n\nIn June 2021, 29 years after his father's death from gun violence, Congressman Horsford introduced the Break the Cycle of Violence Act, a $6.5 billion investment in community violence intervention programs. The bill would award $5 billion in grants over eight years to community-based non-profit organizations to disrupt violence, decrease gun-related crimes, and build safer communities. The Break the Cycle of Violence Act would also create a $1.5 billion grant program for job training, education, apprenticeships, skilled trades training, or other work experiences for opportunity youth in communities disproportionately impacted by violence.\n\nBackground on Florence McClure Women's Correctional Center\n\nFlorence McClure Women's Correctional Center is Nevada's only prison for women. The prison, which can house up to 950 people, offers a wide range of vocational training, educational opportunities, and treatment services. Florence McClure Women's Correctional Center has received acclaim for its New Path Cosmetology Class, which helps incarcerated women earn their cosmetology license and prepare for employment after prison.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-leads-bicameral-letter-encouraging-city-hall-to-deploy-covid-19-0", "Meng Leads Bicameral Letter Encouraging City Hall To Deploy COVID-19 Rapid Test Kits By Jan. 2", "2021-12-30", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Grace Meng", "M001188", "meng.house.gov", "meng", "https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "QUEENS, NY \u2013 U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) announced today that she led a bicameral letter with New York Members of Congress to City Hall encouraging them to distribute COVID-19 rapid test kits to public schools by January 2nd. The letter comes as nearly one million students and hundreds of thousands of educators are set to return to in-person classes on January 3rd.\n\n\"New York is seeing a rising tide in positive test results for COVID-19 due to the Omicron variant; as we enter the New Year, we must ensure everyone can get tested before school starts,\" said Meng. \"I applaud New York City and New York State for working together to source approximately 3.5 million rapid test kits for schools, but they must be available for families and students by January 2nd. If we are to help control the spread of COVID-19, we must test. I stand ready to assist.\"\n\nOn December 21, Meng led a letter to President Biden urging the administration to steer necessary COVID-19 testing kits to New York City.\n\nOn December 28, City Hall announced its 'Stay Safe and Stay Open' plan for schools.\n\nA copy of the correspondence can be viewed here, and below.\n\n-------------------------------\n\nDear Mayor de Blasio and Mayor-elect Adams,\n\nWe write to you both with profound concern as we face a rising tide of reported positive test results from COVID-19, due in part to the Omicron variant. On January 3rd, nearly one million public school students and hundreds of thousands of teachers will return to in-person classes. While we applaud your leadership in developing the \u2018Stay Safe and Stay Open' plan, we encourage you to move urgently to deploy rapid COVID-19 test kits to public schools by January 2nd. We do not have a moment to lose.\n\nAs you know, our nation is once again experiencing an unprecedented wave of COVID-19 infections. Our nation is posting new daily records that outpace last year's daily case rate; New York City's reported positive test rate has been the highest since the pandemic began. Unfortunately, we can expect more troubling data on test results, hospitalizations, and deaths as families return home from holiday travel.\n\nWhile the Omicron variant and Delta variant continue to spread, we know that rigorous testing and following other public health measures can help keep people, including students, safe. We applaud your leadership and steadfast efforts to secure approximately 3.5 million rapid test kits \u2013 including one million from Governor Hochul \u2013 for distribution at public schools. These kits, however, must be available by January 2nd. Parents, students, and educators should be able to test themselves before the start of school on January 3rd to reduce the transmission of the virus.\n\nWe thank you for your leadership to keep New York City safe and encourage you to make rapid test kits available by January 2nd. If we are to help control the spread of COVID-19, we must test. Thank you for your attention to this matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://trahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2338", "Congresswoman Trahan Unveils 2021 End Of Year Report", "2021-12-30", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Lori Trahan", "T000482", "trahan.house.gov", "trahan", "https://trahan.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "LOWELL, MA \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) shared her \u201cYear In Review: 2021\u201d report with individuals across the Third District. The report summarizes the progress made over the past twelve months to secure critical pandemic relief for families and small businesses, funding for important infrastructure projects, and legislative victories that will improve the lives of every Third District resident.\n\n\u201cSince my very first day in office, one thing has consistently driven my work: improving the lives of everyone who calls our Commonwealth home. Over the past year, that same mission has continued to guide my work in Washington and in our community,\u201d Congresswoman Trahan wrote in a note to residents of the Third District. \u201cHowever, we\u2019re far from finished. There\u2019s much more work ahead to build on the remarkable progress we made this year. I look forward to continuing our strong partnership with President Biden to deliver for working families like yours as we emerge from this pandemic and build back better than ever before.\u201d\n\nThe end of year report breaks down Congresswoman Trahan\u2019s work during 2021, including specific details on how she and her team delivered for constituents and legislative victories broken down by issue area such as COVID-19 relief, infrastructure, clean drinking water, small business support, climate change, women\u2019s rights, and more.\n\nThe report can be accessed by clicking HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-06T14:24:52Z", "2026-04-06T15:54:06Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403759", "U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor Announces Historic Federal Emergency Aid Delivered to Tampa Bay Families and Businesses in 2021", "2021-12-29", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) announced today a breakdown of federal investments and assistance delivered to the Tampa Bay community:\n\n$2.9 billion in Covid19 grants to support small businesses and nonprofits, including $2.7 billion in Paycheck Protection small business loans, $74.6 million in Restaurant Revitalization Fund awards and $46.8 million in Shuttered Venue Operators Grant;\n\nA record $1.9 billion in federal grants secured for this Tampa/Hillsborough congressional district to create jobs, invest in education and infrastructure, and support the important work of local partners as Tampa Bay Builds Back Better;\n\nA record $3.4 million recovered for veterans, seniors, small businesses and families of this congressional district who were stuck in red tape before requesting assistance from U.S. Rep. Castor;\n\nThanks to the American Rescue Plan and President Biden, Rep. Castor delivered ~$206M in tax cuts for most families with children (per the new expanded Child Tax Credit) which helped 86,000 Tampa area families at a time they needed it most with child care, groceries, diapers and school supplies.\n\n\u201cI am enormously proud of my Tampa constituent services team led by Tery Sanchez, my aide since 2002 when we joined forces to serve our neighbors on the Hillsborough County Commission. Team Castor worked tirelessly to cut through red tape and bureaucracy on behalf of families, veterans and neighbors across the Tampa area at a record level in 2021.\n\n\u201cThe millions of dollars returned to our neighbors in our Tampa area District is a testament to the dedication and level of expertise with which Team Castor tackles complex cases on a daily basis to ensure that veterans receive the benefits they have earned and to guarantee that Social Security and Medicare are delivered on time to our older neighbors. Tampa families are facing unique and time-sensitive issues due to the coronavirus, and my team\u2019s top priority remains serving our neighbors with respect and care.\u201d\n\nIn FY2021, Florida\u2019s 14th Congressional district in Tampa and Hillsborough County saw 779 grant awards for a total of $1.9 billion.\n\n\u201cThe $1.9 billion in federal grants serve as a lifeline for our hospitals, small businesses, schools, renters and more as they work through ongoing challenges of the Covid19 pandemic. Through American Rescue Plan federal grants, we have kept children learning safely, met the urgent needs of our Tampa health heroes, allocated funds to connect Tampa and make our roadways safer, and much more. I will continue championing our local partners to ensure that I continue to work to secure federal grants that ensure the health, wellbeing and economic success of our neighbors and greater Tampa Bay community.\n\n\u201cI am proud to continue delivering for our Tampa Bay community, especially as we build back from the pandemic era with President Biden signing the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act into law and House passage of the Build Back Better Act. Paired with the lifesaving American Rescue Plan, we are working to ensure a level playing field that provides opportunity for all of our neighbors.\u201d\n\nAmong the $1.9B in federal grants that U.S. Rep. Castor delivered for Tampa Bay are an $18 million Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability & Equity (RAISE) grant for Tampa Heights, $1.7 million American Rescue Plan Capital Improvements Award for Tampa Family Health Centers, and a $6.1 million Head Start Emergency Supplemental grant for Lutheran Services Florida.\n\nThanks to federal Covid19 aid, Florida\u2019s 14th Congressional District received over $2.9B in grants for local businesses, including $2.7 billion in Paycheck Protection Program loans, $74.6 million in Restaurant Revitalization Fund Awards and $46.8 million in Shuttered Venue Operators Grants.\n\n\u201cThese federal dollars have done exactly what we intended when crafting these aid packages in the Congress \u2013 they have helped our local businesses, the heart of our community, keep the lights on and employees paid over the past two years and will continue to aid them in bouncing back in the days ahead.\n\n\u201cI am also incredibly heartened to know that over $200 million in Child Tax Credit boosted the bank accounts of 86,000 Tampa area families thanks to the American Rescue Plan. These payments have been lifelines for families across our community, providing food, diapers, clothes and other essentials when they needed it most. In 2022, I will continue to work with our incredible local and federal partners to ensure that all of our neighbors have the tools they need to succeed.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=822", "Congresswoman Escobar Announces Over $490 Million in SBA Loans to El Paso Small Businesses", "2021-12-29", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Veronica Escobar", "E000299", "escobar.house.gov", "escobar", "https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Congresswoman Escobar Visiting El Paso Small Business, Chuco Relic\n\nToday, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) announced that the El Paso District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) approved over 9,799 loans totaling $490,047,441 in funding to local small businesses since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of these loans, countless small-business owners were able to keep their businesses open and create over 650 new jobs for the community.\n\nSmall businesses have been hit hard throughout the last two years. In 2020, businesses with less than 500 employees reported a record net job loss against larger businesses \u2013 though they also benefitted from programs such as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), with 96% of loans going to businesses with fewer than 20 employees.\n\nWhile many of the loans were started by Congress in the bipartisan CARES Act, which Congresswoman Escobar voted for in March 2020, this help would not have been possible without the American Rescue Plan Act. Passed by Congresswoman Escobar and her Democratic colleagues and signed into law by President Joe Biden in March 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act provided an additional $7.25 billion for PPP and $15 billion for Targeted Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) advance payments.\n\n\u201cEl Paso small businesses make up the backbone of our local economy and thanks to the American Rescue Plan, Congress has enabled the SBA to uplift our community\u2019s beloved mom-and-pop businesses,\u201d Congresswoman Escobar. \u201cI am proud of the work the SBA El Paso District Office has done to deliver a record number of loans while also scaling up to meet the immense demand for COVID-19 related economic relief. I look forward to continue working together to build El Paso\u2019s small business economy back better and ensure everyone is included in our economic recovery.\u201d\n\nThe total FY 2021 loan totals approved by the SBA El Paso District Office, which covers 10 counties including El Paso County and the West Texas counties of Brewster, Culberson, Hudspeth, Jeff Davis, Loving, Pecos, Presidio, Reeves, and Terrell, are:\n\nTotal Guaranteed Loans: 104 loans approved for $39,095,283\n\nPPP Loans: 9,427 loans approved for $396,079,597\n\nEIDL Loans: 259 loans for $64,322,561\n\n504 Loans: 9 loans for $8,775,000", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://horsford.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-horsford-and-sewell-hold-community-conversation-on-black-maternal-health", "Reps. Horsford and Sewell Hold Community Conversation on Black Maternal Health", "2021-12-29", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NV", "Steven Horsford", "H001066", "horsford.house.gov", "horsford", "https://horsford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "NORTH LAS VEGAS, NEV. \u2014 Today, Reps. Steven Horsford (D-NV-04) and Terri Sewell (D-AL-07) held a community conversation with public health advocates and civic leaders about improving Black maternal health outcomes and expanding high-quality health care in communities of color.\n\n\"Thanks to the leadership of our local elected officials, Nevada has made significant recent progress to improve health outcomes for expecting mothers and their children. Despite these gains, Black women are more likely to die of a pregnancy-related cause and Black infant mortality rates are nearly twice as high as white infant mortality rates. We need bold, decisive action to improve maternal care and prevent deaths,\" said Rep. Steven Horsford. \"As a member of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, I am working to pass legislation that would improve maternal and infant care across the nation. As we move forward at the federal level, I'm proud to partner with local leaders in Nevada to make sure every family receives the respectful, high-quality care they deserve.\"\n\n\"Tragically, mothers in the United States are dying during and after pregnancy at the highest rate of any country in the developed world, with Black women facing particularly deadly outcomes. As a member of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, I am committed to addressing this crisis and was proud to see my Maternal Vaccination Act pass the House of Representatives last month,\" said Rep. Terri Sewell. \"I thank my colleague Rep. Horsford for bringing attention to the Black maternal health crisis and for his partnership on this issue. Through continued education, advocacy, and legislation, I'm hopeful that we can build a nation where women of every background enjoy equal access to maternal health care.\"\n\n\"I was so thankful to be a part of this very important discussion. While Nevada's maternal mortality rates are lower than the national average, one death is one too many,\" said Nevada Assemblywoman Daniele Monroe-Moreno. \"I am proud of the progress we are making here in Nevada but there is much work to go. The creation of the Maternal Mortality Review Committee through Assembly Bill 169 in 2019 and the Public Health Resource Office in 2021 from Senate Bill 424 will assist us in addressing disparate health outcomes in rural, underserved and communities of color.\"\n\n\"A person's race and/or where a person lives should never determine their health outcomes or the quality of care they will receive; however, this is not the reality. Black mothers are more likely to die and experience severe complications/life-threatening conditions during pregnancy, childbirth, or postpartum. For example, Black and Brown mothers compared to White are more likely to have premature and/or low birth weight babies; they have elevated postpartum depression and are also more likely to be food insecure as well as lose their health insurance after childbirth. Thus, to improve Black maternal-child health and nutrition in the Valley, we must reduce or eliminate these health disparities by addressing the social determinants of health, which is the goal of our project recently funded by the National Institutes of Health,\" said Drs. Melva Thompson-Robinson and Gabriela Buccini, public health researchers at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.\n\nLeaders in attendance included:\n\nNevada Assemblywoman Daniele Monroe-Moreno\n\nNevada Assemblywoman Shondra Summers-Armstrong\n\nNevada Assemblywoman Clara (Claire) Thomas\n\nDr. Melva Thompson-Robinson, Professor of Social and Behavioral Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas\n\nDr. Gabriela Buccini, Assistant Professor of Social and Behavioral Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas\n\nMichael Johnson, PhD, RN, PMH-BC, CNE, Assistant Professor & Director of Clinical Partnerships, School of Nursing, Nevada State College\n\nErika Washington, Executive Director, Make it Work Nevada\n\nA'Esha Goines, Organizing Coach, Make it Work Nevada\n\nQuentin Savwoir, Deputy Director, Make it Work Nevada\n\nJollina Simpson, International Board-Certified Lactation Counselor, midwife assistant, doula, and childbirth educator\n\nTiara Flynn, birth doula and owner of Phenomenal Mama LLC\n\nLizette Guillen, Director of Administration, Nevada Partners.\n\nReps. Horsford and Sewell are members of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, which focuses on policy solutions to improve maternal health outcomes and end maternal health disparities. In February 2021, members of the caucus introduced the Black Maternal Health Momnibus, a comprehensive legislative package that would improve care for pregnant and postpartum women by addressing social determinants of health, improving data collection on maternal health, expanding access to telemedicine, and incentivizing high-quality care for all mothers and children. The Black Maternal Health Momnibus passed the House of Representatives in November 2021.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://moulton.house.gov/news/press-releases/moulton-statement-passing-senator-harry-reid", "Moulton Statement on the Passing of Senator Harry Reid", "2021-12-29", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Seth Moulton", "M001196", "moulton.house.gov", "moulton", "https://moulton.house.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Salem, Mass. \u2014 Following the passing of Nevada Senator and former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA) released the following statement:\n\n\u201cSenator Reid was a tireless public servant who dedicated his life to improving the lives of Nevadans and Americans alike. A master of the Senate, his leadership and prowess helped usher in critical legislation such as the Affordable Care Act and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Senator Reid was a unique, one-of-a-kind personality and a true fighter. I\u2019ll never forget the time I was fortunate to spend with him at his home in Las Vegas where he was a mentor, entertainer, and statesman all in one\u2014inspiring for me as a young Member of Congress. America has lost an incredible patriot. My thoughts are with his family.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/2021/12/rep-sewell-announces-2021-congressional-app-challenge-winners-0", "Rep. Sewell Announces 2021 Congressional App Challenge Winners", "2021-12-29", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Terri A. Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", "sewell", "https://sewell.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Birmingham, AL \u2014 Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) announced the winners of the 2021 Congressional App Challenge. The annual challenge is open to middle and high school registrants throughout Alabama\u2019s 7th Congressional District and is meant to encourage engagement in computer science, coding, and STEM programs.\n\n\u201cThe talent of our students never ceases to amaze and inspire me,\u201d said Rep. Sewell. \u201cOnce again, the innovative apps submitted to my office harness the power of coding to find practical solutions to the problems we face as a society. I want to extend my sincerest congratulations to our 2021 winners whose creations demonstrate all that can be achieved when we meet creativity with technology. I know that their skills will serve them well for years to come, and it is my hope that through competitions like this, we can continue to encourage our young people to pursue careers in STEM.\"\n\nWinners were chosen by judges Morris Foston, Rodrick Barge, Stanley Felder.\n\nIn first place, Brendon Young\u2019s (8th grade) \u201cDisaster Survival Tips\u201d provides life-saving tips via instructional videos to help residents survive natural disasters like heavy rain, flooding, and tornadoes. Brendon attends RB Hudson STEAM Academy in Selma. His app can be previewed here.\n\nIn second place, RB Hudson STEAM Academy\u2019s Aniyah Hatcher, Arrielle Griffin, and Caitlyn Hymes (7th grade) created an app called \u201cSkool Foodies\u201d that lets students choose from food options at school with the goal of cutting down on food waste. Their app can be previewed here.\n\nIn third place, Center Point High School\u2019s Jaceleb Smith and Tylor Brannon (9th grade) created \u201cThe Study App\u201d.\n\n\u201cTo be honest, I didn't really expect to win,\u201d said first place winner Brendon Young.\u201cI just really like to make games. It isn't really much of a challenge to make these things because I like to code a lot. Maybe, it's just one step forward towards success.\u201d\n\nFirst place winner Brendon Young will be featured on CongressionalAppChallenge.us and his app \u201cDisaster Survival Tips\u201d will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol along with other winning apps from across the country.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-smith-statement-signing-fy22-ndaa-law", "Rep. Smith Statement on the Signing of the FY22 NDAA into Law", "2021-12-28", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Adam Smith", "S000510", "adamsmith.house.gov", "adamsmith", "https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "December 28, 2021\n\nSEATTLE, WA - Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement after the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) was signed into law for the 61st consecutive year by President Joe Biden. S. 1605, the bipartisan, bicameral final text of the FY22 NDAA, passed the House by a vote of 363-70 and the Senate by a vote of 88-11.\n\n\"After months of working together on a bipartisan, bicameral basis, this week the President signed the NDAA into law for the 61st consecutive year. It is crucial that Congress passes this bill every year so that the legislative branch can continue to exercise our oversight responsibilities over the Department of Defense. This year's NDAA also makes progress on several important issues. Specifically, the NDAA will improve the lives of our service members and their families, promote the health and future of our planet, and support diverse and equitable communities to meet our nation's biggest challenges.\n\n\"One of the issues that sets this year's NDAA apart from prior defense bills is a package of significant modifications to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), which will dramatically change how the U.S. military will handle sexual assault crimes. These reforms empower a new special prosecutor to take control of the charging and prosecution of all sex crimes and any crime related to a sex crime, removing these responsibilities from the normal chain of command. Removing the prosecution of these crimes from the chain of command is a dramatic change that is strongly supported by advocates for survivors of sexual assault. These updates to the UCMJ will create a strong pathway for survivors to achieve justice and for perpetrators to be held accountable - representing the most transformational change to the UCMJ in my 25 years of service on the Armed Services Committee.\n\n\"Passing any legislation is difficult - particularly legislation that wins such broad and bipartisan support - and the hard work required to craft this year's bill, which is now the law, has paid off.\"\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nThe final text of the FY22 NDAA includes the following.\n\nImproving the Lives of our Service Members and Their Families\n\nThe FY22 NDAA supports the thousands of service members at Washington State's military bases and all the service members and military families across the country.\n\nThe NDAA makes transformational reforms to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) - which are supported by longstanding advocates for survivors of the sexual assault crisis in the military. The reforms will take the prosecution of all sex crimes in the military away from the control of the military commander. Instead, qualified, independent, uniformed attorneys \u2014 ultimately overseen by the civilian Service Secretaries \u2014 will have the sole authority for charging decisions and the responsibility to prosecute those charges. The NDAA also includes solutions to tackle the military's sexual harassment crisis, making the military justice system the first and only jurisdiction in America where sexual harassment is a criminal offense.\n\nBuilding on previous attempts to close the pay gap, the NDAA supports a well-deserved pay raise of nearly 3 percent for our men and women in uniform.\n\nAfter many years of advocacy from nutrition advocates here in Washington State such as Food Lifeline, the bill authorizes a basic needs allowance for qualified service members.\n\nThe bill increases allowable parental leave for primary and secondary caregivers, including foster parents, and expands the in-home childcare pilot program, providing financial assistance for in-home childcare, and supporting military families who have family members with special needs.\n\nThe bill supports our service members by creating a pilot program to provide direct assistance for mental health care and requiring a thorough review of suicide prevention and response programs.\n\nThe bill establishes a three-year pilot program to provide employment support to spouses of members of the U.S. military through a paid fellowship with employers across a variety of industries.\n\nPromoting the Health and Future of our Planet\n\nTo address the existential threat of our time - climate change - the FY22 NDAA builds on ongoing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote green energy, and enhance energy resiliency within the military. Notably, the NDAA pushes the Department of Defense (DOD) to be a leader in clean energy by requiring military instillations like those in Washington State to increase clean energy usage, making our communities healthier, safer, and more resilient.\n\nThe bill requires the DOD to ensure that a portion of its major military installations achieve energy, water, and waste net-zero by 2035 and requires energy and water efficiency targets to be set for DOD data centers - helping to mitigate the Department's impact on the environment. The NDAA also establishes a new initiative within the DOD, working with the Department of Energy, to promote the development of long duration energy storage technologies and help spur their use as a tool to promote clean energy and energy resiliency.\n\nWashington State faces immense challenges with detecting and cleaning up harmful, long-lasting pollutants known as PFAS, a huge financial burden for state and local governments and a threat to public health. The NDAA will ensure that the DOD adequately addresses PFAS contamination in and around military installations by authorizing $517 million above the President's budget request for cleanup of impacted military communities and puts in place important restrictions to help minimize future PFAS contamination at military instillations.\n\nSupporting Diverse and Equitable Communities to Meet our Nation's Biggest Challenges\n\nThe FY22 NDAA invests in America's rich pool of diverse talent to meet our biggest national security challenges by prioritizing diversity and inclusion initiatives across the U.S. military and promoting equity and fairness across America's research and development landscape, which includes top research universities in Washington State.\n\nThe NDAA updates outdated diversity training requirements to ensure ongoing training includes diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programming to reduce discrimination and bias based on race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, and gender identity, among other items.\n\nThe bill makes significant new investments in academic partnerships, and it more than doubles the President's budget request for support for activities at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).\n\nTo support minority institutions' efforts to compete more effectively for federal research funding opportunities, the NDAA requires the Secretary of Defense to develop a plan to promote defense research at minority institutions.\n\nThe bill also authorizes funding for research and development in areas such as energy, technology, and innovation conducted at leading universities like the University of Washington.\n\nAdditional Wins for Washington's Ninth District\n\nThe NDAA includes Rep. Smith's bill, the Promoting Affordable Housing Near Transit Act. This bill, which is supported by local and national housing organizations, will help facilitate creative ways to develop new, affordable housing units along transit lines. Transit entities like Sound Transit will now be able to transfer unused land to community and housing organizations for the purposes of building affordable, transit-accessible housing for those who need it most. As we invest in the expansion of public transit and work to combat the housing crisis, the Promoting Affordable Housing Near Transit Act gives our communities another tool to increase affordable housing along public transit corridors.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-garcias-statement-passing-senator-harry-reid", "Congressman Garc\u00eda\u2019s Statement on the Passing of Senator Harry Reid", "2021-12-28", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Jes\u00fas G. \"Chuy\" Garc\u00eda", "G000586", "chuygarcia.house.gov", "chuygarcia", "https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "CHICAGO, IL \u2013 Congressman Jes\u00fas \"Chuy\" Garc\u00eda (IL-04) issued the following statement on the passing of former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV):\n\n\"Today we lost a giant. The passing of Senator Harry Reid, marks the loss of one of the most consequential Senate Leaders in our nation's history. A young man born into poverty who took up boxing to pay for college and later served the night shift as a United States Capitol Police officer to put himself through law school. Senator Reid's unlikely rise to political prominence is an embodiment of the American spirit of dogged perseverance and compassion.\n\n\"Senator Reid was a longtime advocate, and friend of the Latino community, and worked to champion immigration reform efforts throughout his career. In 2007, Senator Reid was the sole sponsor of the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007. Later, despite a tough re-election campaign, the Senator kept his promise to the undocumented community and brought the DREAM Act to a vote on the Senate floor despite not having sufficient votes to pass the legislation. Finally, in 2013, Senate Majority Harry Reid secured passage of S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act in the Senate, which would have provided legal status to all 11 million undocumented immigrants in the US including an eventual pathway to citizenship. Even after his retirement from public service, Reid continued to be a vocal advocate for the immigrant community.\n\n\"Senator Reid's compassion for his fellow Americans extended far beyond his championing of immigration reform. The Senator was instrumental in the negotiation and passage of the Affordable Care Act, as well as the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act and American Recovery and Reinvestment Act which helped reverse the economic collapse of 2008. When President George W. Bush tried to privatize Social Security, Harry Reid saved it. Later, he fought Republican efforts to limit aid for victims of Hurricane Katrina.\n\n\"He was an incredible politician, but more than that, he was a family man who knew what was most important in life \u2013 the service of others. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Landra, his children Rory, Key, Lana, and Leif, and the people he served in Nevada, and all across our country who are grieving the loss of this American patriot and giant of the Senate.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://horsford.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-from-congressman-horsford-on-the-death-of-senator-harry-reid", "Statement from Congressman Horsford on the Death of Senator Harry Reid", "2021-12-28", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NV", "Steven Horsford", "H001066", "horsford.house.gov", "horsford", "https://horsford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "NORTH LAS VEGAS, NEV. \u2014 Congressman Steven Horsford has released the following statement to recognize the legacy of Senator Harry Reid, who died today at the age of 82:\n\n\"Senator Harry Reid was a real-life hero; a colossus of Nevada and national politics who defined what it means to live your life in service to others. Over his five decades of public service, he transformed the lives of millions, but never forgot his small-town roots in Searchlight. His legacy will live on through his work to expand affordable health care, protect immigrant communities, promote conservation, and better the lives of working families \u2014 but also through the countless people he inspired and communities that he lifted. He was a fighter until the very end. Senator Reid was a leader, a mentor, and a true friend. Sonya and I are saddened to hear of his passing.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://mrvan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mrvan-announces-cops-grant-award-hanover", "Mrvan Announces COPS Grant Award for Hanover", "2021-12-28", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "IN", "Frank J. Mrvan", "M001214", "mrvan.house.gov", "mrvan", "https://mrvan.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, Rep. Frank J. Mrvan announced a Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grant award for Hanover Community School Corporation under the School Violence Prevention Program.\n\nHanover Community School Corporation will receive a grant award totaling $350,150. According to the Department of Justice, these grants aim to support school violence prevention efforts, provide training to school personnel and students, and implement evidence-based threat assessments.\n\nCongressman Mrvan stated, \u201cI congratulate all the leaders and officials at the Hanover Community School Corporation for their success in utilizing this critical federal resource to improve the safety of students, educators, aides, and administrators in their schools. I was pleased to be able to submit a letter of support for this application, and look forward to continuing to work to support all Northwest Indiana entities in their efforts to improve the safety and enhancement of our region. \u201d\n\nFor additional information on the COPS School Violence Prevention Program, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://ruiz.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/president-biden-signs-ruiz-s-burn-pits-bills-law", "President Biden Signs Ruiz\u2019s Burn Pits Bills into Law", "2021-12-28", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Raul Ruiz", "R000599", "ruiz.house.gov", "ruiz", "https://ruiz.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 This week, President Joe Biden signed into law two bills authored by Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) to address the military's use of toxic burn pits as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022. Ruiz's bills will expand the Burn Pits Registry and enhance medical training on the health effects of burn pits.\n\n\"Today is an incredible step forward in our fight to get our veterans affected by toxic burn pit exposure the care they deserve,\" said Dr. Ruiz. \"With my legislation included and now signed into law, this year's NDAA will help address the urgent public health crisis facing our veterans by expanding the Burn Pit Registry and helping physicians quickly identify at-risk servicemembers. Today is a great victory for our nation's veterans and servicemembers, and I look forward to continuing the fight to give them the timely care they need and end the use of burn pits once and for all.\"\n\n\"ROA hails Rep. Ruiz's holistic approach to raising awareness and broadening treatment eligibility to take care of servicemembers who have been affected,\" said Retired Officer's Association (ROA) executive director, retired Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Phillips.\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nRuiz's two bills that were signed into law as part of this year's NDAA are:\n\n1. H.R. 4397, the Department of Defense (DOD) Burn Pits Health Provider Training Act, which requires DOD to implement mandatory training for all medical providers working under DOD on the potential health effects of burn pits.\n\n2. H.R. 4400, Burn Pit Registry Expansion Act, which requires DOD and VA to expand the Burn Pits Registry to include Egypt and Syria.\n\nAs the co-founder of the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional Burn Pits Caucus, Ruiz has been a consistent advocate for servicemembers exposed to toxic burn pits and their families.\n\nEarlier this year, Ruiz joined Jon Stewart, House Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Mark Takano (CA-42), Congresswoman Elaine Luria (VA-02), and Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin (MI-08) in introducing H.R. 3967, the Honoring our PACT Act, comprehensive legislation to get veterans who have been exposed to burn pits and other toxins the health care and benefits they've earned and deserve.\n\nIn June, the House Veterans Affairs Committee advanced H.R. 3967, which includes several of Ruiz's provisions to help veterans who have been exposed access crucial health care services.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://ruiz.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ruiz-statement-epa-emergency-orders-thermal-mobile-home-parks", "Ruiz Statement on EPA Emergency Orders for Thermal Mobile Home Parks", "2021-12-28", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Raul Ruiz", "R000599", "ruiz.house.gov", "ruiz", "https://ruiz.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Palm Desert, CA \u2013 Today, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) issued the following statement on emergency orders issued by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to the owners of three Thermal mobile home parks with drinking water systems that present a danger to residents.\n\n\"I am deeply concerned and outraged that an EPA investigation has identified three local mobile home parks in addition to the Oasis Mobile Home Park with high levels of arsenic in their water,\" said Dr. Ruiz. \"My constituents deserve the peace of mind that they can safely turn on their faucets without being exposed to toxins. I will fight every step of the way to ensure families have safe, clean drinking water, hold responsible parties accountable, and put an end to these environmental injustices.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://strickland.house.gov/2021/12/28/media-press-releases-strickland-champions-17-defense-budget-wins-law-military-families-service/", "Strickland Champions 17 Defense Budget Wins into Law for Military Families & Service Members", "2021-12-28", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Marilyn Strickland", "S001159", "strickland.house.gov", "strickland", "https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "Olympia, WA\u2013 Today, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), a Member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after President Biden signed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022 into law. The Defense Budget includes 17 priorities and provisions Strickland secured to support service members and their families at Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) and across our nation to address housing security, hunger, military spouse employment and more.\n\n\u201cInvestments in military personnel and their families are an investment in our nation\u2019s readiness. Every defense budget must demonstrate that we value service members and their families, like those at Joint Base Lewis McChord, who sacrifice so much to keep us safe and secure,\u201d said Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland. \u201cI am pleased to have secured several provisions in this year\u2019s NDAA to address housing security, hunger, and help all service members and their families thrive. The wins in this agreement will serve as a strong foundation to build on as we continue to address housing in high-cost regions, food insecurity, racial equity, extremism and more. As this budget is signed into law, I\u2019m proud to have worked with Chairman Smith and my colleagues in crafting a defense budget that supports our national security, military survivors of sexual trauma, a much-deserved pay increase for service members, and critical steps forward to address housing and hunger.\u201d\n\n\u201cThanks to the leadership of Congress and the Biden-Harris Administration, the NDAA now enters its seventh decade as the bipartisan legislative foundation for U.S. national security priorities and policy. I want to thank Congresswoman Strickland for her tireless work in our Committee to ensure a defense bill which addresses crucial needs of service members and their families, including military hunger, housing security and other priorities, in Washington and across our nation,\u201d said Chairman Adam Smith (WA-9). \u201cThere\u2019s a lot to be proud of in this bill. The FY22 NDAA supports a well-deserved pay raise for our service members, diversity and inclusion initiatives across our military, and the Department of Defense\u2019s role in the Biden-Harris Administration\u2019s whole-of-government response to the climate crisis. Ultimately, this year\u2019s NDAA focuses on what makes our country strong: our economy, diversity, innovation, allies and partners, democratic values, and our troops.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe applaud the United States Congress for their hard work in championing a new study and taking this important step in supporting our military spouses,\u201d said Kathy Roth-Douquet, Chief Executive Officer and Board President of Blue Star Families. \u201cOur mission is not only to provide resources and support directly to military families, but to make sure their voices are heard and concrete actions are taken by decision makers. We thank Senators Warnock and Blackburn and Representative Strickland for answering that call.\u201d\n\n17 Strickland wins were included in the bicameral, bipartisan FY22 Defense Budget and signed into law:\n\nHelping Military Families Make Ends Meet: The bill contained compromise language related to the Military Hunger and Prevention Act which Congresswoman Strickland co-led. The compromise language authorizes the Secretary of Defense to pay a basic needs allowance to a qualified service member, and take into account those who are in high-cost areas. The DoD is required to conduct a study on food insecurity in the Armed Forces. This is a step towards tackling food insecurity among service members and military families, but this is only a first step.\n\nSupporting an Equitable Housing Allowance For Military Families: Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a U.S. based allowance intended to provide uniformed Service members equitable housing compensation based on housing costs in local civilian housing markets. Strickland\u2019s amendment would commission a study that would determine whether BAH is currently sufficient to support the average family size for service members disaggregated by Armed Force, rank, and military housing area.\n\nSupporting off-base housing solutions by examining the Rental Partnerships Program: Strickland\u2019s amendment directs the Department of Defense to evaluate the Rental Partnership Program, which provides off-base housing information and resources, including participation and awareness of the program among service members and their families, and whether Congress should provide dedicated funding for the program.\n\nShielding service members from unreimbursed moving expenses: Service members and their families move every 2-3 years and military families can spend thousands of dollars on moving expenses, some of which are not reimbursable. Strickland\u2019s amendment directs the Secretary of Defense to submit a report on unreimbursed moving expenses incurred by members of the Armed Forces and their families by branch, rank, and military housing area, examine the root causes of the unreimbursed expenses, and establish a policy regarding this issue.\n\nShortening Wait Times for On-Base Housing: Strickland\u2019s amendment responds to the wait times military families are experiencing to get into housing at JBLM and on bases located in competitive housing markets across our nation, and directs the Department of Defense to provide a briefing on wait times for housing located on military installations in competitive housing markets, create a strategy to address housing demand, and determine the threshold for acceptable wait times.\n\nConnecting Military Families with Local Nonprofit Services: Within many communities near military installations there are nonprofit providers who can assist military families find affordable housing and provide other necessary wraparound services. However, families are not always aware of these services, or may have trouble accessing them. Strickland\u2019s amendment directs the Secretary of Defense to submit a report on how and the extent to which commanders of military installations connect military families with local nonprofits and government entities that provide services to the military, including assistance with housing.\n\nExamining Temporary Lodging Reimbursements when relocating to competitive housing markets: Strickland\u2019s amendment directs the Secretary of Defense to submit a report regarding the extent to which military families are aware of and access Joint Travel Regulation reimbursements when searching for new housing ahead of a Permanent Change of Station. It also examines whether giving service members and their spouses a maximum of 10 days reimbursement per diem is appropriate based on the time it takes to secure housing in highly competitive housing markets, such as the area around JBLM.\n\nSupporting Military Spouse Employment and Addressing Employment Discrimination: Strickland secured language requiring a report on employment discrimination against military spouses in the civilian job market and any policy solutions that could prevent such discrimination.\n\nSecuring $4.8 million for Procurement Technical Assistance Programs (PTACs): This funding will help the Thurston County Economic Development Council and other programs across our nation as they support businesses pursuing contracts with the Department of Defense, other federal agencies, state and local governments and with government prime contractors.\n\nSupporting Local Employers: Congresswoman Strickland supported language that ensured that advanced degaussing system is incorporated into any Arleigh Burke class destroyer procured in fiscal year 2025 or any subsequent fiscal year pursuant to a covered contract.\n\nSupporting Tribal Nations: Congresswoman Strickland supported language that directs the Secretary of the Army to provide a briefing to the House Committee on Armed Services not later than February 1, 2022, on the status of negotiations, and, if agreed, a specific timeline for the exchange of land.\n\nSupporting National Guard Readiness: Congresswoman Strickland supported a whole host of issues including the total cost and any barriers to convert 1,000 traditional Guard positions to Active Guard positions every year for the next 10 years, for a total of 10,000 nationwide.\n\nEnsuring Timely Emergency Response on Military Installations: Provisions ensure that the Defense Information Systems Agency will provide a briefing to the House Committee on Armed Services by February 15, 2022 on an update of ongoing efforts and plans to modernize emergency alert systems on domestic installations; a discussion on the specific challenges to modernizing emergency alert systems on domestic installations; an assessment of the possible use of an outside project manager or consulting service to assist in Department efforts to modernize emergency alert systems on domestic installations; and a description of next steps for the implementation of this program.\n\nSupporting an Equitable Military Justice System: The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment will submit a report to the House Committee on Armed Services by February 15, 2022, assessing the use of body cameras by military law enforcement.\n\nSupporting the Health of Service Members and Dependents: The Secretary of Defense will provide a briefing to the House Committee on Armed Services not later than March 1, 2022, on how the Department of Defense can optimize medications and reduce adverse drug events (ADEs) among service members and dependents.\n\nModernizing Forms: The committee directs the Department of Defense Chief Information Officer to provide a briefing to the House Committee on Armed Services not later than February 15, 2022, on its current trajectory toward form modernization.\n\nThe FY2022 NDAA also:\n\nSecures a 2.7 percent pay increase for service members\n\nExpands parental leave, child care, and improves mental health care services\n\nMakes historic and significant changes to the Uniform Code of Military Justice to combat sexual assault and related crimes in the military\n\nInvests in Historically Black Colleges and Universities to help build a more diverse Armed Services\n\nMakes key investments to address the threat of climate change and bolster energy resiliency.\n\nA summary of the provisions in the FY22 NDAA is available here.\n\nStrickland is a strong advocate for service members, military families, defense communities, and veterans in Congress. In December, Strickland and Rep. Young led a bipartisan letter urging the Appropriations Committee to raise the base pay for service members. Strickland co-led the introduction of the bipartisan Military Hunger Prevention Act to help low-income military families living with food insecurity make ends meet. In June, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland co-led the entire bipartisan Washington House delegation in sending a letter urging the US Department of Veterans Affairs to take immediate action to resolve the systemic issues plaguing the veterans\u2019 health care system. In May, Strickland made a statement to the Veterans Affairs Committee, to shine a light on the delays and communications breakdowns that veterans living in Washington\u2019s 10th Congressional District are experiencing through the VHA\u2019s Community Care program. In March, Strickland co-led a letter to President Biden urging a boost in funding for the Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP), which would enable investments to enhance military family quality of life, resilience, or military value \u2013 including at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. In July, Strickland secured inclusion of $75 million in funding for DCIP in the FY22 Defense Appropriations bill. She also led her fellow Korean American Members of Congress in introducing legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Colonel Young Oak Kim in recognition of his extraordinary heroism, leadership, and humanitarianism.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://torres.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-norma-j-torres-releases-statement-news-bukele", "Congresswoman Norma J. Torres Releases Statement on News of Bukele Administration Shutting Down Corruption Investigations", "2021-12-28", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Norma J. Torres", "T000474", "torres.house.gov", "torres", "https://torres.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "\"This reporting confirms what we already knew: The Bukele Administration is making secret pacts with violent gangs to rig crime statistics and public perception, while shutting down investigations into its corrupt and dangerous dealings. This further demonstrates that we can't trust or partner with the Salvadoran government, which has proven time and time again it is only working in its own self-interest, not for the people. I'm glad the U.S. State Department and Treasury have taken action to sanction some of these individuals, but our work here is not done, and we can't lose sight of how the Salvadoran people are suffering due to this government's corruption and anti-democratic actions. I thank German Arriaza for bravely coming forward with this information. His unfortunate need to flee the country reflects the intimidation we see from this government against actors who work for transparency, including former Attorney General Melara, the Constitutional Court judges, and CICIES. I will continue to fight in Congress to ensure the U.S. doesn't enable corruption or violate our international agreements. We should instead partner with those committed to upholding the rule of law and democratic institutions to help support the Salvadoran people.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://barragan.house.gov/2021/12/27/navy-congresswoman-barragan-announce-interim-agreement-supporting-community-sports-organizations/", "Navy, Congresswoman Barrag\u00e1n Announce Interim Agreement Supporting Community Sports Organizations", "2021-12-27", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Nanette Diaz Barrag\u00e1n", "B001300", "barragan.house.gov", "barragan", "https://barragan.house.gov/news", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nDecember 27, 2021\n\nSAN PEDRO, Calif. \u2013 The Department of the Navy and Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barrag\u00e1n announced an interim agreement allowing community organizations continued access to Navy property at Defense Fuel Support Point (DFSP) San Pedro.\n\nThe agreement will allow for continued community use of all 11 ball fields for six months while the Navy and local governments negotiate a longer-term solution for community access to the property.\n\n\u201cWe are grateful the community\u2019s leaders made us aware of this issue and are pleased a solution is in hand,\u201d said Rear Admiral Stephen Barnett, Commander, Navy Region Southwest. \u201cWe recognize how important these ballfields are to families and community, and the importance of organized athletics as a part of children\u2019s lives. This Navy is committed to finding a long-term solution working together to reach agreement with local government leaders.\u201d\n\nIn June 2020, changes were made to Department of Defense policy that require the payment of fair market value for use of government property by non-military and non-profit non-federal government entities. Previously, property at Defense Fuel Support Point (DFSP) San Pedro was made available for use by community sports groups for free, or for a small administrative fee.\n\n\u201cI appreciate the Navy taking this initial step so that our kids can get ready for the next season of baseball and softball without interruption,\u201d Congresswoman Barrag\u00e1n said. \u201cKids in San Pedro and our surrounding communities have been using these ballfields for decades \u2013 the leagues and the ballfields are in integral part of our communities. I am happy that we were able to put a spotlight on the issue and bring the Navy and the City of Los Angeles to the table to discuss a long-term solution. This is about our kids. In a community where open public space is scarce, continued access to these fields is crucial to the health and well-being of our children. I look forward to the Navy and the City of Los Angeles reaching a solution that puts kids and our community first and will continue to advocate on behalf of my constituents to make sure that happens.\u201d\n\nNaval Weapons Station Seal Beach, California, and its Detachments \u2013 located in Fallbrook and Norco, California \u2013 exist to provide weapons storage, loading, maintenance, and assessment support to ships of the United States Pacific Fleet. These facilities also support Coast Guard vessels and Marine Corps units stationed afloat and ashore.\n\n###\n\nNanette Diaz Barrag\u00e1n is proud to represent California\u2019s 44th Congressional District, which includes the communities of Carson, Compton, Florence-Firestone, Lynwood, North Long Beach, Rancho Dominguez, San Pedro, South Gate, Walnut Park, Watts, Willowbrook and Wilmington. She serves as chairwoman of the House Homeland Security Committee\u2019s Subcommittee on Border Security.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-thompson-announced-976579-u-s-department-justice-funds", "Congressman Thompson Announced $976,579 in U. S. Department of Justice Funds", "2021-12-27", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "MS", "Bennie G. Thompson", "T000193", "benniethompson.house.gov", "benniethompson", "https://benniethompson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "BOLTON, MISSISSIPPI \u2013 Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announced the U. S. Department of Justice has awarded $976,579 in Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) FY 21 Preventing School Violence: BJA's STOP School Violence Program funds to Community Students Learning Center (CSLC) located in Lexington, Mississippi.\n\nCommunity Students Learning Center will use funds to reduce risk factors and increase protective factors to prevent school violence with training for local law enforcement officers, school staff, students, family, service providers, partners, and youth-serving professionals in Holmes County.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://clyburn.house.gov/congressman-clyburn-praises-passage-of-the-catawba-indian-nation-lands-act/", "CONGRESSMAN CLYBURN PRAISES PASSAGE OF THE CATAWBA INDIAN NATION LANDS ACT", "2021-12-27", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "SC", "James E. Clyburn", "C000537", "clyburn.house.gov", "clyburn", "https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/", "scraper", "COLUMBIA, SC \u2013 Congressman James E. Clyburn praised the enactment of the Catawba Indian Nation Lands Act included in the National Defense Authorization Act signed into law by President Biden today.\n\nThe Catawba Indian Nation Lands Act clarifies that the Catawba Indian Nation is subject to the well-established rules and regulations of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act on their modern and ancestral lands in the State of North Carolina. This new law clarifies the Tribe\u2019s 1993 land claims settlement act and reaffirms recent action taken by the Department of Interior to take land into trust for the Tribe.\n\n\u201cI was proud to work with my colleagues in the House and Senate to ensure passage of this bipartisan piece of legislation,\u201d said Congressman Clyburn. \u201cThe Catawba Indian Nation Lands Act is a very significant step towards rectifying historic injustices that have been perpetrated against the Catawba Indian Nation. This legislation will be crucial in helping the Catawba Indian Nation secure economic self-sufficiency.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=825", "Congresswoman Escobar Announces 2021 Congressional App Challenge Winner", "2021-12-27", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Veronica Escobar", "E000299", "escobar.house.gov", "escobar", "https://escobar.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Congresswoman Escobar and 2021 Congressional App Challenge Winner Lisa Rondeau\n\nToday, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) announced the winner of the 2021 Congressional App Challenge: Harmony School of Science student Lisa Rondeau, who won with the submission of the application My ADLE.\n\nMy ADLE, which stands for My Activities in Daily Life & Emergencies, helps seniors who have been struggling with stress and isolation throughout the pandemic. The app connects seniors with vital community resources in El Paso, including food distribution, transportation, shelter, medical care, social activities and events, and emergency information.\n\n\u201cCongratulations to Lisa Rondeau from Harmony School of Science. Through her winning app, she has demonstrated her talent and commitment to ensure El Paso\u2019s seniors have the information and support they need to cope and be resilient during the COVID-19 pandemic,\u201d said Congresswoman Escobar. \u201cI am amazed by Lisa and all of the talented coders in our community who have created innovative apps to deal with everyday problems. I also extend my sincerest gratitude to everyone who made this possible, from the judges to the educators and supportive family members.\u201d\n\nThe office of Congresswoman Escobar received a total of 18 submissions from across four middle and high schools within Texas\u2019 16th Congressional District.\n\nThis year\u2019s judges were Jonathan Childress from Microsoft, Nadia Karichev from the El Paso Community College (EPCC), Eduardo Seyffert from Blue Origin, and 2020 Congressional App Challenge Winner Jie Chen.\n\nBelow are the full results of the 2021 Congressional App Challenge:\n\n1st Place: My ADLE by Lisa Rondeau. 6thGrade, Harmony School of Science\n\n2nd Place: Fitness Planner by Christian Dees. 11th Grade, Northwest Early College High School\n\n3rd Place: Helping the World by Oscar Parada. 6th Grade, Parkland Pre-Engineering Middle School\n\nHonorable Mention: I\u2019m the New Kid by Aurora Shindo and Azra Rios-Carroll. 8th Grade, Parkland Pre-Engineering Middle School\n\nLisa Rondeau, alongside other participants, will be recognized in 2022 during a reception hosted by Congresswoman Escobar\u2019s office and her app will be showcased to Congress and the broader tech community during the #HouseOfCode Festival in the spring of 2022.\n\nOfficially launched by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2015, the Congressional App Challenge is a nationwide competition that encourages middle and high school students to learn how to code by creating their own applications. The App Challenge is intended to highlight the value of computer science and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education.\n\nMore information on the Congressional App Challenge can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://juliabrownley.house.gov/brownley-statement-on-president-bidens-signing-of-fy2022-national-defense-authorization-act/", "Brownley Statement on President Biden\u2019s Signing of FY2022 National Defense Authorization Act", "2021-12-27", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Julia Brownley", "B001285", "juliabrownley.house.gov", "juliabrownley", "https://juliabrownley.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) released the following statement on President Biden\u2019s signing of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022, which includes several key legislative provisions she authored that support Naval Base Ventura County, ensure continued funding for critical firefighting response aircraft, and address gender equity in our Armed Forces.\n\n\u201cAs the proud representative of Naval Base Ventura County, one of my top priorities in Congress is to ensure that we continue to advance our nation\u2019s security interests and provide our servicemembers with the support and resources they need to continue their mission and do their jobs effectively and safely,\u201d said Congresswoman Julia Brownley.\n\n\u201cI am pleased the final bill includes several provisions I authored, including $15 million for upgrading the California Air National Guard\u2019s Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System, which is essential to fighting wildfires in California and throughout the country, and a provision to address gender disparities in of out-of-pocket uniform costs, as part of my work to ensure full equality to the women who bravely serve our country.\n\n\u201cThe NDAA also included other major victories for our men and women in uniform, and their families, including a 2.7% base pay increase for military personnel, expanding the in-home child care program, and increasing parental leave.\n\n\u201cIn addition, the NDAA makes historic changes to better combat sexual assault in the military, including removing the commander from decisions related to the prosecution of sexual assault crimes and creating an Office of Special Victim Prosecutor to prosecute these crimes.\n\n\u201cThe final, bipartisan FY2022 National Defense Authorization Act honors our nation\u2019s military and their mission to protect our country and its people, support our servicemembers, strengthen our security, and advance our leadership in the world. I am committed to continuing to work with the Biden Administration to support Naval Base Ventura County and to fight for resources for new and existing commands at Port Hueneme and Point Mugu, which not only strengthens the base, but the local economy more broadly.\u201d\n\nOther provisions in the FY2022 National Defense Authorization Act that Brownley helped to spearhead include:\n\nLanguage requiring DOD to eliminate gender disparities in uniform costs, which responds to a recent GAO report, requested by Brownley last year that found women service members were facing higher out-of-pocket costs for uniforms.\n\n$15 million to make necessary improvements to upgrade the current Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS). The MAFFS units operated by California\u2019s 146th Airlift Wing are critical to state-wide firefighting capabilities. Brownley worked with Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (D-CA), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, to ensure these California Air National Guard assets are able to continue to play a vital role in the fight against wildfires and that their efforts be fully supported by DOD.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://clarke.house.gov/clarke-issues-statement-on-the-passing-of-archbishop-desmond-tutu/", "CLARKE ISSUES STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF ARCHBISHOP DESMOND TUTU", "2021-12-26", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Yvette D. Clarke", "C001067", "clarke.house.gov", "clarke", "https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:\n\nDecember 26, 2021\n\nMEDIA CONTACT:\n\ne: jeanette.lenoir@mail.house.gov\n\nc: 202.480.5737\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), issued the following statement on the passing of Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu:\n\n\u201cArchbishop Desmond Tutu was the global Ambassador of humanity and human rights who helped usher in an era that united the world in a common cause: ending apartheid in South Africa. What a great loss for the world and mankind. The 1984 Nobel Peace Prize winner was the Commencement Speaker at my graduation from Oberlin College and a leader and true inspiration in the Global Racial Justice movement. I have powerful and indelible memories of Archbishop Tutu\u2019s passion for justice as commencement speaker. This would be the first of several encounters with him over the years. He was truly an inspiring leader, said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke.\n\n\u201cHe is leaving behind a legacy that will not only shape generations to come, but continue to be transformative, as we advance the movement for a more just and equitable world. May he rest in peace.\u201d\n\n###\n\nYvette D. Clarke has been in Congress since 2007. She represents New York\u2019s Ninth Congressional District, which includes Central and South Brooklyn. Clarke is Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Taskforce on Immigration, a Senior Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and the Chair of the Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection and Innovation Subcommittee of the House Committee on Homeland Security.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-kweisi-mfume-passing-archbishop-desmond-tutu", "Statement by Congressman Kweisi Mfume on the Passing of Archbishop Desmond Tutu", "2021-12-26", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "The Office of Congressman Kweisi Mfume released the following statement:\n\n\"Today, the first day of Kwanzaa, is a fitting end for a man who embodied Umoja or Unity. The day after Christmas, where for Christians the child Jesus was given for humanity, is also fitting for a man who put the message of Christ before himself and on behalf of the destitute and downtrodden not only in his native South Africa but all across our world. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 as testament to his efforts to bring down the scourge of apartheid in South Africa in a way that would prevent violence and bloodshed. The Most Reverend Archbishop Desmond Tutu was not only a man of the cloth but more importantly was a man of forgiveness and reconciliation as evidenced by his leadership of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee in post-apartheid South Africa. We will remember this brightest of lights who touched his nation for the cause of equality and peace and gave the world the conscience of his convictions and faith. Rest In Peace Archbishop Desmond Tutu,\" said Congressman Kweisi Mfume.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://gomez.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2535", "REP. GOMEZ, SEN. PADILLA, AND LOS ANGELES CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION LEAD EFFORT TO FUND LA RIVER RESTORATION PROJECT", "2021-12-24", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Jimmy Gomez", "G000585", "gomez.house.gov", "gomez", "https://gomez.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Senator Alex Padilla (CA), and members of the Los Angeles Congressional delegation sent a letter to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to urge federal funding for the Los Angeles River Ecosystem Restoration Project.\n\nThe letter requests $272.8 million in federal funding appropriated in the recently enacted Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) legislation and in Fiscal Year 2023 through the USACE Fiscal Year 2023 Work Plan for the project.\n\nIn their letter, the lawmakers emphasized the economic, environmental, and social benefits that federal investment on the project could yield for the Los Angeles community.\n\n\u201cWe are at a critical moment where we can sustainably transform the Los Angeles River from a concrete canal back into a place of community and ecological restoration,\u201d wrote the lawmakers. \u201cThis project emerged from the input of thousands of Angelenos and will directly benefit hundreds of thousands of people who live in historically disadvantaged communities with severely limited access to nature. Importantly, funding this project will help spur economic recovery and support vital aquatic ecosystem restoration, one of the key aspects of the USACE\u2019 mission, in the heart of the City of Los Angeles.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Rep. Gomez and Sen. Padilla, the letter was signed by Reps. Alan Lowenthal (CA-47), Linda S\u00e1nchez (CA-38), Ted Lieu (CA-33), Grace Napolitano (CA-32), Tony C\u00e1rdenas (CA-29), Adam Schiff (CA-28), Judy Chu (CA-27), Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40), Nanette Barrag\u00e1n (CA-44), Karen Bass (CA-37), Julia Brownley (CA-26), and Brad Sherman (CA-30).\n\nThe full text of the letter is available here.\n\nThis letter builds on Rep. Gomez\u2019s body of work to support restoration of the LA River.\n\nIn April 2019, Rep. Gomez led his Los Angeles Congressional Delegation colleagues in urging the House Appropriations Committee to allocate $2.73 billion for the Los Angeles River Ecosystem Restoration Project.\n\nIn February 2020, Rep. Gomez and colleagues announced a $1.857 million investment by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers into this project, the first federal funding for the L.A. River since fiscal year 2017.\n\nIn June 2020, Rep. Gomez led his Los Angeles colleagues in Congress in requesting $53 million for the public-private partnership-designated restoration project.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressional-ukraine-caucus-statement-conversation-president-zelenskyy", "Congressional Ukraine Caucus Statement on Conversation with President Zelenskyy", "2021-12-24", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Mike Quigley", "Q000023", "quigley.house.gov", "quigley", "https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, the Congressional Ukraine Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Mike Quigley (D-IL), and Andy Harris (R-MD) released the following statement after meeting virtually with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to convey the Congress' strong support for Ukraine as Russian aggression increases.\n\n\"The Congressional Ukraine Caucus stands in solidarity with the United States' friend and ally Ukraine. We conveyed to President Zelenskyy that the security and sovereignty of Ukraine are not concerns for her alone to bear. They are \u2013 and must continue to be \u2013 a cause for which all liberty-loving nations of the world provide their unrelenting support.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://aguilar.house.gov/2021/12/23/aguilar-announces-300000-for-san-bernardino-county-housing-authority/", "Aguilar Announces $300,000 for San Bernardino County Housing Authority", "2021-12-23", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Pete Aguilar", "A000371", "aguilar.house.gov", "aguilar", "https://aguilar.house.gov/category/congress_press_release/", "scraper", "San Bernardino, CA\u2014 Rep. Aguilar announced $338,091 for the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program at the Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino (HACSB). This US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funding will help provide families the resources they need to become home owners and achieve professional goals such as career development and higher education.\n\n\u201cFor too many people in our community, the dream of home ownership is increasingly out of reach as home prices throughout our state continue to soar. In Congress, one of my top priorities is expanding affordable home ownership opportunities for families in the Inland Empire because everyone deserves a chance to be successful. I look forward to seeing this funding boost this important program and help more families in the Inland Empire secure financial independence and a home of their own,\u201d said Aguilar.\n\nGeorge Silva, Family Empowerment Services Manager for the FSS Program at HACSB, said, \u201cWe are excited and proud to have been approved for renewed funding to support the Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino (HACSB) Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program. The FSS program provides individuals and families with resources to overcome barriers to self-sufficiency, empowering them to pursue personal and professional goals such as higher education, career development, and homeownership, while building savings in an escrow account. Upon successful completion of the FSS program contract, participants graduate from the program are eligible to receive the balance of that escrow account. Many families use those savings toward a down-payment on a home. The Family Self-Sufficiency grant provides administrative funding which directly supports HACSB\u2019s FSS program. The grant funds three (3) HACSB Self-Sufficiency Specialist positions. The Self-Sufficiency Specialists work collaboratively with individuals and families participating in HACSB\u2019s FSS program to develop self-sufficiency-oriented goals and action plans to increase economic opportunity, with the final goal being economic self-sufficiency. The Self-Sufficiency Specialists also develop partnerships with local service providers such as America\u2019s Job Center of California and the SAC Health Institute to offer free career training resources as well as health and wellness care to FSS program participants. Through the connection to these and other resources, families are able to increase their income and reduce or eliminate the need for government assistance. Four families graduated from HACSB\u2019s FSS program in 2021, with an average savings balance of more than $12,000.\u201d\n\nRep. Aguilar serves as Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and as a member of the House Appropriations Committee, the committee responsible for funding HUD and other federal agencies and programs.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://aguilar.house.gov/2021/12/23/aguilar-issues-end-of-year-report-to-constituents/", "Aguilar Issues End-of-Year Report to Constituents", "2021-12-23", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Pete Aguilar", "A000371", "aguilar.house.gov", "aguilar", "https://aguilar.house.gov/category/congress_press_release/", "scraper", "Press Releases\n\nAguilar Issues End-of-Year Report to Constituents\n\nSan Bernardino, CA\u2014Today, Rep. Aguilar issued a report to residents of California\u2019s 31st Congressional District to review his work on behalf of Inland Empire families during 2021. Reflecting on the past year, Aguilar commented:\n\n\u201cThis past year has been incredibly challenging for Inland Empire families, and my focus has been on providing our region with the resources needed to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and support our economy. As we enter a new year with the pandemic still devastating communities like ours, I will continue working to support the small businesses, frontline workers, first responders and families who are the backbone of San Bernardino County. I am proud of the work my team and I have done to support Inland Empire residents during these unprecedented times and I remain committed to working across the aisle to build a better, brighter future for the Inland Empire. I look forward to another year of serving the Inland Empire, the community my family has called home for four generations.\u201d\n\nThis year, Rep. Aguilardelivered for the Inland Empireby:\n\nHelping 857 residents resolve outstanding issues with federal agencies, such as accessing the Social Security, Medicare and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits they have earned;\n\nReturning more than $200,000 that the federal government owed to CA-31 residents by federal agencies, including IRS refunds, veterans\u2019 benefits, and Social Security payments;\n\nAnnouncing over $1 billion in direct federal funding for the Inland Empire, including funding for local police and fire departments, infrastructure projects, health care programs, and affordable housing services;\n\nHosting virtual roundtables and telephone townhall meetings to help residents and small businesses access critical information and resources during the COVID-19 crisis;\n\nThroughout the past year, Rep. Aguilar fought for legislation to help Inland Empire families by:\n\nPassing the American Rescue Plan, which gave most Americans direct payments of up to $1,200, provided funding to help safely reopen schools, and gave critical assistance to help small businesses keep workers on payroll and their doors open. It specifically provided $423 million to San Bernardino County, including nearly $240 million to cities in the 31st district, $26.1 million for Inland Empire public transit projects to reduce smog and traffic; and $585 million to K-12 schools in the 31st Congressional district;\n\nPassing the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to repair roads, bridges and freeways, expand public transportation, reduce smog pollution, invest in regional airports and create good-paying jobs for Inland Empire residents;\n\nPassing the Build Back Better Act in the House to provide tax cuts to middle-class families, lower health care costs, expand access to child care, support small businesses and combat climate change;\n\nIntroducing 11 pieces of legislation, including 5 bipartisan bills:\n\nIntroduced the bipartisan Wounded Warriors Access Act to streamline the process for veterans to access their claims files at the VA;\n\nIntroduced the REPORT, PREVENT, and PROTECT Acts to help the federal and local governments respond to incidents of domestic terrorism and prevent future attacks.\n\nIntroduced the bipartisan FHA Fairness Act to increase access to Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans for homebuyers in the Inland Empire;\n\nIntroduced the bipartisan Jerry Lewis VA Clinic Act to rename the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) clinic in Redlands after former Congressman Jerry Lewis, who previously represented the city of Redlands in Congress;\n\nIntroduced the bipartisan Protecting Students\u2019 Civil Rights Act to ensure that institutions of higher education address discrimination on college campuses;\n\nIntroduced a resolution to support US Citizenship and Immigration Services and reducing their case backlog;\n\nIntroduced the Shielding Our Military from Extremists Act to help prevent white supremacists and other domestic extremists from enlisting in the military and preserve the integrity of our Armed Forces;Co-led the introduction of the Homeownership for Dreamers Act to ensure that DACA recipients are eligible for Federal Housing Administration (FHA) home loans; and\n\nIntroduced the bipartisan National GIS Day Resolution to designate November 17, 2021 as National GIS Day and encourage the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to drive economic growth;\n\nAuthoring a key amendment that passed the House of Representatives in the Protecting Our Democracy Act to protect election officials facing threats because of their work to support the democratic process;\n\nDirecting the Government Accountability Office to conduct a report on the infrastructure needs of Hispanic Serving Institutions across the country, including Cal State San Bernardino and the University of Redlands;\n\nPassing legislation that would make it easier for residents in San Bernardino County to become first-time homebuyers with FHA loans;\n\nPassing legislation to improve wildland fire detection capabilities and support full-time federal wildland firefighters to help fight fires in California year-round;\n\nParticipating in 7 hearings on the Committee on House Administration to support voting rights, strengthen the democratic process and ensure safe and secure elections;\n\nServing on the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol to uncover the truth and provide the accountability;\n\nHosting Chairman Price of the powerful House Appropriations Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Subcommittee on a tour to advocate for infrastructure and housing investments in the Inland Empire, including the San Bernardino International Airport runway repair project, affordable housing developments and expanded public transit options like the Redlands Passenger Rail;\n\nLaunching a Community Project Funding tour to advocate for federal funding for nearly $7 million for projects in the 31st congressional district, including at Habitat for Humanity, Mary\u2019s Mercy Center, Inc, and the San Bernardino International Airport.\n\nIn addition to the legislation he\u2019s introduced and authored, Rep. Aguilar helped the House pass hundreds of bipartisan bills during the first year of the 117th Congress. This includes bills to provide relief to the American people in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, expand access and increase affordability of health care, bring transparency to the VA system, strengthen voting rights and protect Dreamers and immigrant families across the country.\n\nRep. Aguilar has represented California\u2019s 31st Congressional District since 2015. He serves as Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and sits on the House Appropriations Committee, Committee on House Administration and the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases/bonamici-announces-92m-oregon-clean-drinking-water", "Bonamici Announces $92M for Oregon Clean Drinking Water", "2021-12-23", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Suzanne Bonamici", "B001278", "bonamici.house.gov", "bonamici", "https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "BEAVERTON, OR [12/22/21] \u2014Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) announced that Oregon will soon receive $92,079,000 in federal funding from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to strengthen drinking and wastewater systems and replace dangerous lead service lines and pipes. This funding is the first round of a five-year investment authorized by the new law.\n\n\"Access to safe and reliable drinking water is critical for our communities to stay healthy and thrive,\" Bonamici said. \"Lead and contaminants pose serious health threats to Oregonians. As a mom and a policymaker, I'm especially concerned about making sure our kids can drink clean water at home and at school. This federal investment of $92 million will provide clean safe drinking water to hundreds of thousands of Oregonians. That's what it means to build back better.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases/schrader-bonamici-lead-push-modernize-grand-ronde-and-siletz-tribes-hunting", "Schrader, Bonamici Lead Push to Modernize Grand Ronde and Siletz Tribes\u2019 Hunting and Fishing Agreements", "2021-12-23", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "OR", "Suzanne Bonamici", "B001278", "bonamici.house.gov", "bonamici", "https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Representatives Kurt Schrader (OR-05) and Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) introduced two separate bills as a step forward for the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, so they have the ability to work toward amending and modernizing their hunting, fishing, trapping and animal gathering rights. The House bills serve as companions to the Senate bills, introduced by Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley and co-sponsored by Senator Ron Wyden: S.3123 amends the Siletz Reservation Act of 1980 and S.3126 amends the Grand Ronde Reservation Act of 1986.\n\nThe two bills championed by Reps. Schrader and Bonamici address consent decrees that were issued by the State of Oregon and the federal government at the time of Restoration. Incorporated into the Siletz and Grand Ronde Reservation Acts passed by Congress, these agreements expressly extinguished any pre-existing rights Tribal members had to hunt and fish in their ancestral homelands. The proposed legislation would not mandate or recommend any new agreements. Instead, the bills would amend the Reservation Acts to permit the 1980 and 1986 hunting and fishing agreements to be replaced, amended or otherwise modified through new government-to-government agreements between the Tribes and the State. Once new hunting and fishing agreements are complete, the legislation allows the State and the Tribes to return to Federal Court to request the termination or modification of the consent decrees currently in place. While provisions in the bills facilitate a process to amend the Siletz and Grand Ronde Reservation Acts, the proposed legislation states that these Reservation Act amendments do not alter or change the treaty rights of any other Indian Tribe.\n\n\"It is clear Congress must act so the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians finally have a process in place to amend and modernize hunting and fishing agreements that are so vital to their Tribal sovereignty and cultural identities,\" Congressman Schrader said. \"I look forward to working with Congresswoman Bonamici on this important legislation as a first step toward correcting historic wrongs brought on by harmful consent decrees that were incorporated into the Siletz and Grand Ronde Reservation Acts.\"\n\n\"For too long the people of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians have been denied their full right to hunt and fish in their ancestral homelands,\" said Congresswoman Bonamici. \"The consent decree these Tribes were forced to sign is racist and unjust, and we must right this wrong by passing this legislation to restore their hunting and fishing rights.\"\n\n\"For decades federal law has blocked Siletz tribal members from exercising their inherent right to hunt and fish in their ancestral homelands,\" said Delores Pigsley, Tribal Chairman, Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians. \"We applaud Rep's Schrader and Bonamici for introducing this legislation to finally get that over-reaching law off the books.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=730", "Case Announces Nominations To Nation's Service Academies For Incoming '22 Class", "2021-12-23", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "HI", "Ed Case", "C001055", "case.house.gov", "case", "https://case.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=23", "scraper", "(Honolulu, HI) - Congressman Ed Case (HI-01) today announced his 2022 nominations to four of our nation\u2019s service academies: the U.S. Military Academy (West Point/Army); U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis/Navy); U.S. Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs/Air Force) and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point).\n\n\u201cI take my responsibility to nominate deserving applicants from my district to our legendary service academies very seriously, and personally interviewed all 34 potential nominees before making my decisions on nominations,\u201d said Case. \u201cI was truly impressed with the applicants, and it was very encouraging and rewarding to have spent time with our next generation of military leaders.\u201d\n\nCase named the following nominees to the four service academies (#1 of each being his principal nominee for that academy):\n\nUnited States Air Force Academy\n\n1. Noah Zitz Kamehameha-Kap\u0101lama\n\n2. Sean Schofield Punahou\n\n3. Stephanie Bittle Moanalua HS\n\n4. Seonmin Kim Mililani HS\n\n5. Kailano Balbis Campbell HS\n\n6. Raine Komata Mililani HS\n\n7. Chloe Kinlaw Kaiser HS\n\n8. Chev Kodama Punahou\n\n9. Mia Tanioka \u2018Iolani\n\n10.Tiffany Eddy Yokota HS (Japan)\n\nUnited States Military Academy\n\n1. Leonardo Sabetta Mililani HS\n\n2. Hannah Shi Roosevelt HS\n\n3. Julia Mamiya Punahou\n\n4. Richard Ong Farrington HS\n\n5. Jethro Thomas Hawaii Baptist Academy\n\n6. Grant Austin Juan Marion Military Institute via McKinley HS\n\n7. Joshua Burnett U.S. Military Academy Prep School via Damien\n\n8. Sean Schofield Punahou\n\n9. Stephanie Bittle Moanalua HS\n\n10.Noah Zitz Kamehameha-Kap\u0101lama\n\nUnited States Naval Academy\n\n1. Jenny Cho Radford HS\n\n2. Michael Jagdon Mercersburg via Punahou\n\n3. Chay Cunnigham Maryknoll\n\n4. Canann Cortes Mother of Divine Grace School\n\n5. Katelyn Corpuz Punahou\n\n6. Megan Leong \u2018Iolani\n\n7. Annabelle Hong \u2018Iolani\n\n8. Joshua Gleason Pearl City HS\n\n9. Tiffany Eddy Yokota HS (Japan)\n\nUnited States Merchant Marine Academy\n\n1. Grant Austin Juan Marion Military Institute via McKinley HS\n\nMembers of Congress are authorized by law to nominate candidates to the four United States Service Academies \u2013 the Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland; the Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado; the Military Academy at West Point, New York; and the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York. The Coast Guard Academy at New London, Connecticut does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.\n\nAcceptance of an academy appointment requires at least a nine-year service obligation, including four years at an academy and at least five years of active duty service. For information on eligibility requirements and how to seek an appointment for the 2023 entering class, please go to Congressman Ed Case\u2019s web site https://case.house.gov/services/service-academy-nominations.htm.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3619", "Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Tours Surface Water Supply Project with West Harris County Regional Water Authority and Houston Public Works, Highlighting Water Investments in Infrastructure Bill", "2021-12-23", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Lizzie Fletcher", "F000468", "fletcher.house.gov", "fletcher", "https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) joined representatives from Houston Public Works and West Harris County Regional Water Authority to tour the 55-mile Surface Water Supply Project, a large diameter (96\u201d) water transmission pipeline from Lake Houston to West Harris County and Ft. Bend County.\n\n\u201cThe Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will bring vital resources to Texas for water infrastructure,\u201d said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. \u201cThe Surface Water Supply Project is a transformational project to ensure a supply of clean drinking water and mitigate subsidence from groundwater use. Through the IIJA, Congress has worked to ensure that transformative projects like this one can move forward to every American has access to clean drinking water. The new law will help make additional investments in safe, clean drinking water a reality for Houston families.\u201d\n\nThe bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will provide $2.9 billion to Texas, an estimate based on the traditional state revolving fund formula, to address water infrastructure across the state. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that the capital cost of wastewater and drinking water infrastructure needed to meet federal water quality and safety requirements and public health objectives exceeds $744 billion over a 20-year period. In addition to authorizing numerous EPA-administered infrastructure grant programs, the IIJA provides emergency supplemental appropriations for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. It appropriates:\n\n$23.4 billion for the Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Loan Funds (SRF), which provide below-market rate loans and grants to public water systems to fund water infrastructure improvements to protect public health and the environment. This legislation reduces the state cost share for the first two years to 10%. 49% of these funds will be administered as grants and completely forgivable loans.\n\nA historic $15 billion for lead service line replacement through the Drinking Water SRF. States are not required to provide a cost share to receive these funds. 49% of these funds will be administered as grants and completely forgivable loans.\n\n$10 billion to address PFAS contamination, with $5 billion being distributed through the SRFs and $5 billion going to the small and disadvantaged community grant program. States are not required to provide a cost share. 100% of the funding will be administered as grants.\n\nIt authorizes a grant program to assist midsize and large drinking water systems with increasing their resilience to natural hazards, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and extreme weather events. Funds may be used to promote water conservation enhance water-efficiency, create desalination facilities, relocate or renovate existing vulnerable water systems, enhance water supply, and implement measures to increase resiliency to natural hazards, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, or extreme weather events, including extreme weather events that are a result of climate change.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://sarajacobs.house.gov/news/press-releases/treasury-issues-new-general-licenses-to-support-education-in-afghanistan-following-jacobs-and-merkley-call-for-action", "Treasury Issues New General Licenses to Support Education in Afghanistan Following Jacobs and Merkley Call for Action", "2021-12-23", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Sara Jacobs", "J000305", "sarajacobs.house.gov", "sarajacobs", "https://sarajacobs.house.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Rep. Jacobs and Senator Merkley led bicameral letter last week\n\nSan Diego, CA - The U.S. Department of the Treasury issued three General Licenses to facilitate the continued flow of humanitarian assistance and other support for the Afghan people. This change followed calls from Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (D-CA-53), Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and others urging the Biden Administration to provide safeguards for NGOs to carry out education programming in Afghanistan.\n\nLast week, Jacobs and Merkley led a bicameral letter signed by 37 members of the House and Senate urging the State Department and Treasury to issue new General Licenses to support education activities led by international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Afghanistan. Without the permission granted by these licenses, it is difficult for NGOs to provide humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan. General License 19, issued by Treasury on December 22, specifically addresses the concern raised by Jacobs, Merkley and their colleagues.\n\n\u201cI applaud the Biden Administration and Secretary Yellen for issuing new licenses to allow NGO-led efforts to support education in Afghanistan after Senator Merkley and I raised this issue last week. This is an important step forward in protecting education in Afghanistan. The United States must continue to provide these critical safeguards and deliver robust humanitarian support for the Afghan people,\u201d said Congresswoman Jacobs.\n\nThe Jacobs/Merkley letter was endorsed by 13 NGOs that provide humanitarian and development assistance abroad, including CARE, Save the Children, International Rescue Committee, Basic Education Coalition, Islamic Relief USA, Norwegian Refugee Council USA, Helping Hand for Relief and Development, InterAction, Global Campaign for Education-US, Global Citizen, Creative Associates International, Inc., Humanity & Inclusion, and UNICEF-USA.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://stanton.house.gov/2021/12/stanton-s-mmiw-discussion-with-tribal-leaders-sparks-deeper-desire-for-federal-action", "Stanton\u2019s MMIW Discussion with Tribal Leaders  Sparks Deeper Desire for Federal Action", "2021-12-23", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "AZ", "Greg Stanton", "S001211", "stanton.house.gov", "stanton", "https://stanton.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Urgent action at the federal level is necessary if our country is serious about solving the missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls crisis, Tribal leaders and advocates said at a film screening and panel hosted by Rep. Greg Stanton last weekend.\n\n\u201cThe truth is the epidemic of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls is one of the most under-reported, under-discussed, and under-funded tragedies in America today,\u201d Stanton said at the Heard Museum before the screening of the film \u2018Somebody\u2019s Daughter,\u2019 which shines a light on the crisis in Montana. \u201cThat means all of us have work to do to raise the profile of this cause\u2014and to deliver justice for so many families across the country.\u201d\n\nPanelists in a post-screening discussion included the \u2018Somebody\u2019s Daughter\u2019 filmmaker Rain, Lt. Gov. Monica Antone of the Gila River Indian Community, Navajo Nation Council Delegate Amber Kanazbah Crotty, victim rights specialist Valaura Imus-Nahsonhoya, and Director of Arizona State University\u2019s Research on Violence against American Indians Lab Dr. Kate Fox.\n\nCrotty, who chairs the Council\u2019s Sexual Assault Prevention subcommittee and had testified before the Senate Indian Affairs Committee Hearing on the MMIW crisis in 2018, doesn\u2019t believe federal action up to this point has made a difference, and sharply criticized federal law enforcement\u2019s response.\n\n\u201cNavajo Nation, Indian Country does not have enough [FBI] agents,\u201d she said. \u201cNavajo Nation, Indian Country does not have the jurisdiction or the resources that they need. And in 2018, when they felt that the missing Indigenous women did not matter, that's how they felt and continue to feel about us. Because nothing has changed in the last three years. Nothing has changed.\u201d\n\nImus-Nahsonhoya, who organizes search parties for missing Indigenous persons, described the inadequate and uncoordinated federal law enforcement response to cases she\u2019s worked on. \u201cIt\u2019s been very challenging working with law enforcement,\u201d she said. \u201cThe excuses that I see\u2014and I call these excuses, jurisdictional excuses. We\u2019re tribal land. We\u2019re federal land. I understand, and I get it. We have Tribal police BIA police, we have FBI, but they\u2019re shoving this to each other.\u201d\n\nCrotty added: \u201cIt\u2019s beyond awareness. We need action. We need our federal partners, our state partners, our tribal partners, to do everything in their power.\u201d\n\nBefore the screening, Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez also called for action. \u201cFar too many Navajo people continue to endure the heartache and frustration of a missing loved one and this film helps to bring awareness on a broader level,\u201d he said. \u201cWe have to continue to work together to bring our missing loved ones home.\u201d\n\nStanton has sharply criticized inadequacies in federal law enforcement\u2019s response to missing and murdered Indigenous persons cases, pressing FBI Director Christopher Wray on the issue in June, and U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland in October.\n\nArizona has the third-highest number of missing and murdered indigenous women in the country. The Justice Department has reported that Native American Women face murder rates more than 10 times higher than the national average and that four out of five Native women are affected by violence in their lifetimes.\n\nFull video of the panel is available HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://strickland.house.gov/2021/12/23/media-press-releases-strickland-introduces-military-spouse-entrepreneurs-act/", "Strickland Introduces the Military Spouse Entrepreneurs Act", "2021-12-23", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Marilyn Strickland", "S001159", "strickland.house.gov", "strickland", "https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "Olympia, WA\u2014Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, introduced legislation to advance contracting opportunities for military spouse-owned businesses. Supporting military spouse employment is not only the right thing to do, it helps the military remain a competitive place to serve. This legislation has been endorsed by the U.S. Military Spouse Chamber of Commerce. Original cosponsors of the bill include Representatives Gwen Moore (WI-04) and Andr\u00e9 Carson (IN-07).Please find the bill text here.\n\n\u201cMilitary spouses step up in service to our nation in many meaningful ways, but employment discrimination, lack of adequate or affordable child care, the pandemic, and other challenges continue to take a toll on their ability to stay employed. It is only rightthat we ensure resources are available for those who serve, and their families, to support themselves. By helping military spouses thrive, this legislation is giving military families the support they deserve and building an inclusive economy for our communities,\u201d said Congresswoman Strickland.\n\n\u201c24% of military spouses were unemployed during the last decade, but COVID-19 created crisis-level unemployment at nearly 40%. The average American household requires dual incomes to survive. It\u2019s due time military spouses are recognized as a government contracting set-aside so they can compete for business in their own backyard,\u201d said Jaime Chapman, COO & Co-Founder, U.S. Military Spouse Chamber of Commerce.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nAccording to aBlue Star Families annual survey of military families, in 2019, military spouses faced a 24% unemployment rate, with almost 77% reporting underemployment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this number has only increased \u2013a report from the National Military Spouse Network found that the unemployment rate was 25% for military spouses in 2021. According to the Washington State Employment Security Department, 56 percent of military spouses report being underemployed, and military spouses earn 27 percent less on average than their non-military spouse peers. Furthermore, the spouse unemployment rate is 10% higher in active-duty spouse respondents of color (27% vs.17%) and recently relocated spouses (31% vs. 16%), according to Blue Star Families.\n\nThe Military Spouse Entrepreneurs Act would help bridge the unemployment gap and support military spouse entrepreneurs by giving them an advantage in competing for federal contracts. Specifically, the Military Spouse Entrepreneurs Act would create a 5-year federal contracting pilot program for military spouse-owned small businesses. It would also require the Small Business Administration to submit a report to Congress at the conclusion of the program with data on the number of businesses who participated in the program; the effectiveness of the program; whether the federal government\u2019s goal of awarding 5% of all federal contracting dollars to military spouse owned businesses was met each year the program was in effect; data on oversight of the pilot program; recommendations for improvements to the pilot program and whether to make the program permanent.\n\nStrickland is a strong advocate for service members and their families, defense communities, and veterans in Congress. In December, Strickland and Rep. Young led a bipartisan letter urging the Appropriations Committee to raise the base pay for service members.Strickland co-led the introduction of the bipartisan Military Hunger Prevention Act to help low-income military families living with food insecurity make ends meet. In July, Strickland secured inclusion of $75 million in funding for DCIP in the FY22 Defense Appropriations bill. In June, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland co-led the entire bipartisan Washington House delegation in sending a letter urging the US Department of Veterans Affairs to take immediate action to resolve the systemic issues plaguing the veterans\u2019 health care system. In May, Strickland made a statement to the Veterans Affairs Committee, to shine a light on the delays and communications breakdowns that veterans living in Washington\u2019s 10th Congressional District are experiencing through the VHA\u2019s Community Care program. In March, Strickland co-led a letter to President Biden urging a boost in funding for the Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP), which would enable investments to enhance military family quality of life, resilience, or military value \u2013 including at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. She also led her fellow Korean American Members of Congress in introducing legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Colonel Young Oak Kim in recognition of his extraordinary heroism, leadership, and humanitarianism.\n\nU.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and is the only African-American woman who serves on the House Armed Services Committee. She is a member of the New Democrat Coalition, is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress and is the first African-American elected to represent the Pacific Northwest at the federal level.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3517", "Tonko Heralds Major Federal Grant to Develop Offshore Wind Manufacturing at Port of Albany", "2021-12-23", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Paul Tonko", "T000469", "tonko.house.gov", "tonko", "https://tonko.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2014Congressman Paul D. Tonko today cheered the awarding of $29.5 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation for a new offshore wind manufacturing facility at the Port of Albany, paving the way for the Capital Region\u2019s leadership in this emerging industry and bringing good paying, clean energy jobs to the region.\n\n\u201cOffshore wind presents a tremendous opportunity to lower energy costs and reduce pollution all while promoting regional job creation and economic growth,\u201d Congressman Tonko said. \u201cI\u2019m spearheading the effort in Congress to capitalize on this opportunity, and am proud to have successfully fought for this historic investment in our local Port of Albany. This award ensures that New York State will help lead the way of innovation in this emerging industry as one of the nation\u2019s first large-scale, offshore wind tower manufacturing centers. My congratulations to all involved in this worthy effort to green our ports and secure our nation\u2019s strong clean energy future.\u201d\n\nThis $29.5 million investment will support the Port of Albany Offshore Wind Manufacturing Project, a historic clean energy and economic development program for the Capital Region. This massive achievement will make Albany home to one of the first large-scale offshore wind tower manufacturing facilities in the nation, creating more than 1,000 high-quality, clean energy jobs for the region.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases/underwood-announces-900000-funding-dekalb-county-support-comprehensive-opioid", "Underwood Announces\u202f$900,000 in Funding for DeKalb County to Support Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Treatment Program", "2021-12-23", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Lauren Underwood", "U000040", "underwood.house.gov", "underwood", "https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WEST CHICAGO \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) announced that DeKalb County will receive $900,000 in funding to establish a new program to help individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs). Although substance use disorder and other mental health issues are medical conditions, individuals with these conditions often get caught in the criminal legal system instead of receiving the health care and services they need. The DeKalb County Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Other Substance Use Disorder Project (COSSAP) seeks to provide immediate access to treatment and recovery services for people with SUDs who enter the criminal legal system and ensure that participation in treatment programs is taken into account in sentencing. The funding has been made available by the Department of Justice to support collaboration between the State's Attorney's Office, local law enforcement agencies, other local agencies, and mental health service providers throughout DeKalb County.\n\n\"This program will ensure people receive the proper treatment and recovery support they need to succeed post-treatment,\" said Underwood. \"Through this funding, we take a step toward enhancing inpatient and outpatient care for those who struggle with addiction.\"\n\nThe need for support programs within the district is clear. Statistics from the DeKalb County Coroner's Office show that the number of deaths from overdoses rose 160% in the first five months of 2021 as compared with the first five months of 2018. Additionally, outpatient services are only available in the two largest communities, DeKalb and Sycamore, and there are no inpatient facilities located in the county. COSSAP will work to identify community members with SUDs who enter the criminal legal system, assist people with gaining access to treatment services, and sustain recovery progress by linking them with local support services upon release from treatment.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-veasey-williams-sewell-and-butterfield-demand-senate-action-to", "Reps. Veasey, Williams, Sewell, and Butterfield Demand Senate Action to Protect Voting Rights", "2021-12-23", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Marc A. Veasey", "V000131", "veasey.house.gov", "veasey", "https://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33), Co-Chair of the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus (CVRC), joined Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) Congresswoman Terri Sewell (AL-07), and Congressman G.K. Butterfield (NC-01) to urge action to advance the Freedom to Vote Act and John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.\n\nIn a letter sent to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, the members wrote, \"As champions of voting rights in congress, we write to express serious concern about the year ending without a path forward on advancing voting rights.\"\n\n\"After months of compromises, Republicans have not come to the table on voting rights in numbers sufficient to overcome the existing filibuster.\"\n\n\"Ending 2021 without voting rights reform will allow state legislatures to continue their efforts in the new year to limit the right to vote. Meanwhile, failing to end partisan gerrymandering will allow some states to finalize maps that enshrine profound partisan imbalances for the next decade. We have no time to lose to ensure people have access to the ballot box and have a fair voice in selecting their representatives.\"\n\n\"We can no longer allow Senate procedure to stand in the way of ensuring people have their voice heard, and we ask that you do what is necessary to advance the Freedom to Vote Act and John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-al-green-joins-efforts-launch-investigation-astroworld-festival", "Congressman Al Green Joins Efforts to Launch Investigation into Astroworld Festival Tragedy, \u201cThoughts and prayers are not enough.\u201d", "2021-12-22", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Al Green", "G000553", "algreen.house.gov", "algreen", "https://algreen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "(Houston, TX) \u2013 On Wednesday, December 22, 2021, Congressman Al Green (TX-09) released the following statement:\n\n\u201cI\u2019d like to thank Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform. Without her leadership on this cause, this investigation into the tragedy at the Astroworld Festival could not have come to fruition. On the eve of what is traditionally a joyful holiday season, far too many families will still be in mourning. The loss at NRG Park last month still weighs heavily on the loved ones and friends of those who tragically lost their lives. As a sitting member of Congress who represents the area where this horrific tragedy occurred, I am exceedingly disturbed by the events that unfolded at this festival on Friday, November 5, 2021,\u201d Congressman Al Green said. \u201cSince the day following this tragic affair, I have been very supportive of efforts to uncover exactly what went wrong and hold accountable the parties responsible for this dreadful incident. Because this is bigger than the city of Houston, future measures must be taken to prevent this from happening again in other venues across the country.\u201d\n\nCongressman Al Green continued, \u201cMembers involved in this effort, including myself, are requesting that by January 7, 2022, Live Nation Entertainment provides the Committee with information regarding their role in the festival, security plans for this event, and steps taken to help individuals as reports came in during the concert that people were in desperate need of aid. Justice must be served to ensure that what happened at Astroworld Festival does not happen again. People should be able to leave their homes to enjoy live music without worrying about whether they will return home safely or be crushed by a stampede. There must be accountability and transparency\u2013\u2013thoughts and prayers are not enough.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://barragan.house.gov/2021/12/22/barragan-leads-hispanic-caucus-members-in-call-for-stronger-epa-methane-rule/", "Barrag\u00e1n leads Hispanic Caucus Members in Call for Stronger EPA Methane Rule", "2021-12-22", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Nanette Diaz Barrag\u00e1n", "B001300", "barragan.house.gov", "barragan", "https://barragan.house.gov/news", "scraper", "Member Sign-on Letter Highlights Importance of a Strong Methane Rule for Latinos and Communities of Color\n\nFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nDecember 22, 2021\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barrag\u00e1n, the chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Climate Change Task Force, led 15 of her Congressional Hispanic Caucus colleagues on a letter requesting the Environmental Protection Agency strengthen its recently proposed methane rule to require regular inspections of smaller oil and gas wells and prevent routine flaring.\n\nThese improvements will help to address the climate crisis and improve public health in Latino communities and communities of color that are disproportionately impacted by emissions from oil and gas wells.\n\n\u201cThere is no time to waste in curbing methane pollution and tackling the climate crisis. Our children\u2019s health, the safety of those living in oil and gas communities, and the future of the planet all hang in the balance. We must tackle this growing crisis head on before it is too late,\u201d the members of Congress wrote.\n\nMethane emissions from fossil fuel production causes severe public health impacts for communities living nearby, including the development and exacerbation of asthma, cardiopulmonary problems, and cardiovascular mortality. A methane rule that addresses the two requests in the letter would benefit the public health of 1.81 million Latinos living within a half mile radius of oil or gas wells.\n\nCongresswoman Barrag\u00e1n was joined on the letter by Congressmembers Raul Ruiz, M.D. (Calif.), Teresa Leger Fern\u00e1ndez (N.M.), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (N.Y.), Adriano Espaillat (N.Y.), Jes\u00fas G. \u201cChuy\u201d Garc\u00eda (Ill.), Linda S\u00e1nchez (Calif.), Ra\u00fal Grijalva (Ariz.), Veronica Escobar (Texas), Grace Napolitano (Calif.), Darren Soto (Fla.), Mike Levin (Calif.), Ruben Gallego (Ariz.), Ritchie Torres (N.Y.), Jimmy Gomez (Calif.), and Tony C\u00e1rdenas (Calif.).\n\nThe letter was also supported by the following environmental groups: GreenLatinos, EarthJustice, and Environmental Defense Fund.\n\nA PDF of the letter is linked here and full text is below.\n\nDecember 22, 2021\n\nDear Administrator Regan,\n\nWe write to express our appreciation for the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s (EPA) historic action to combat methane emissions in the agency\u2019s recent announcement to strengthen regulations on new and modified sources, and to expand safeguards to existing sources of methane from oil and gas production.[1] We celebrate the much-needed progress EPA is making on methane emissions through this proposal, including necessary protections to zero-out emissions from intentionally polluting equipment like pneumatic controllers.\n\nWe also want to raise up the need for the rule to be expanded in two key ways:\n\nSmaller leak prone wells should be covered with regular inspections under the rule; and\n\nThe wasteful practice of flaring should be addressed more vigorously before the rule is finalized by eliminating routine flaring as leading states have done.\n\nThese improvements must be addressed in a final rule to ensure EPA is protecting frontline communities (often communities of color and low-income communities) from pollution, safeguarding public health, holding oil and gas companies accountable, and acting on climate.\n\nAs you know, methane is a major contributor to the global climate crisis, as a short-lived climate pollutant that has approximately 80 times the warming potential of carbon dioxide over the first 20 years after its release. Just as importantly, establishing a strong rule for methane will also reduce health-harming co-pollutants, including Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that contribute to ozone, as well as toxic and hazardous chemicals like benzene. The reduction of these co-pollutants will be key to reducing localized air pollution, and the associated negative health impacts that often disproportionately impact communities of color who live near oil and gas development and production sites. For example, 1.81 million Latinos live within a half mile radius of an oil and gas well[2].\n\nSmaller, leak prone wells number in the hundreds of thousands across the country and generate just a trickle of usable product, but are large and disproportionate emitters of methane. Nationwide, more than 7 million people live nearby one of these wells, including nearly half a million children and nearly 2 million people of color[3]. These communities bear the brunt of the environmental, economic, and public health impacts resulting from leaks. While EPA has recognized in the proposal that a \u201clow production\u201d exemption is not appropriate, under the current proposal operators that calculate lower potential emissions (less than 3 tons per year of methane) could still escape regular leak monitoring. This is problematic because these smaller, leak prone wells can release more methane or natural gas into the air than they produce. Also, large leaks can occur at smaller well sites.[4] EPA must address this issue by enacting comprehensive requirements for frequent leak inspections, without exceptions for smaller wells.\n\nFlaring is another wasteful and avoidable practice that is rampant in the oil and gas production sector. When companies rush to extract oil, some forgo investments necessary to capture and sell gas and instead burn it as a waste product, emitting a host of climate and health-harming pollutants, which can exacerbate public health disparities in environmental justice communities. In fact, one study[5] found that pregnant women exposed to excessive amounts of flaring pollution can lead to premature births and reduced birth weight. Further, studies have shown that Latino, Black, and indigenous communities are disproportionately exposed to flaring and its associated health risks,[6] including the development and exacerbation of asthma, cardiopulmonary problems, and cardiovascular mortality. Wasting this gas is an urgent problem, one made even more apparent as we enter a winter with higher natural gas prices and potential shortages. Leading operators have virtually eliminated flaring across all their operations and some states have already moved to eliminate flaring, except in emergency situations. EPA should follow the lead taken in the states and move to end routine flaring.\n\nThere is no time to waste in curbing methane pollution and tackling the climate crisis. Our children\u2019s health, the safety of those living in oil and gas communities, and the future of the planet all hang in the balance. We must tackle this growing crisis head on, before it is too late. We look forward to your response and to continuing to work together to address this important issue.\n\nSIGNATORIES\n\n###\n\nNanette Diaz Barrag\u00e1n is proud to represent California\u2019s 44th Congressional District, which includes the communities of Carson, Compton, Florence-Firestone, Lynwood, North Long Beach, Rancho Dominguez, San Pedro, South Gate, Walnut Park, Watts, Willowbrook and Wilmington. She serves as chairwoman of the House Homeland Security Committee\u2019s Subcommittee on Border Security.\n\n[1] https://www.epa.gov/controlling-air-pollution-oil-and-natural-gas-industry/epa-proposes-new-source-performance\n\n[2] https://www.catf.us/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/CATF_Pub_LatinoCommunitiesAtRisk.pdf\n\n[3] Data from Environmental Defense Fund\u2019s \u201cProximity to Environmental Stressors GIS Assessment Tool\u201d\n\n[4] https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10962247.2020.1808115\n\n[5] https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/full/10.1289/EHP6394", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/boyle-pa-delegation-call-upon-president-biden-extend-student-loan", "BOYLE & PA DELEGATION CALL UPON PRESIDENT BIDEN TO EXTEND STUDENT\u00a0LOAN REPAYMENT PERIOD", "2021-12-22", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Brendan F. Boyle", "B001296", "boyle.house.gov", "boyle", "https://boyle.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "PRESS RELEASE: December 22, 2021\n\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) joined Representatives Conor Lamb (PA-17), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Susan Wild (PA-07), Matt Cartwright (PA-08) and Mike Doyle (PA-18) in calling on President Biden to extend the student loan payment moratorium, which was implemented due to the continued impact of the pandemic. Payments are currently set to resume on February 1, 2022.\n\n\"As someone who is still paying off tens of thousands of dollars of student loans myself, I'm well aware student loan debt was already a significant problem prior to the pandemic,\" said Boyle. \"It would only have gotten worse if not for the decisive action of President Biden to hit the \u2018pause button' on student loan repayment. This was a lifeline that saved millions from going into default, or worse. I proudly join my colleagues in urging President Biden to extend the moratorium.\"\n\n\"The pandemic has left too many people struggling to pay for basic necessities,\" said Lamb. \"Pennsylvania is ranked number two in average debt held by graduates, and most student loan borrowers \u2013 including veterans\u2013 are not in a position to begin making payments. President Biden must extend the pause on student loan repayments until the pandemic is over.\"\n\n\"The pandemic isn't over, so the student loan payment pause shouldn't be over either. President Biden has the power to do this without the approval of the Senate, and I strongly urge him to announce a continuation of this pause soon,\" said Evans.\n\n\"During a time of economic crisis, the CARES Act temporarily relieved Pennsylvanians with student loans, but the pandemic is not over,\" said Dean. \"Which is why I join my colleagues in imploring the Biden Administration to continue the pause on student loans payments to lift this heavy burden while our families and nation continue to confront the hardships of the pandemic.\"\n\n\"As the Omicron variant surges in the United States, it is clear the pandemic is far from over, and too many Americans are still struggling to cover basic expenses like rent, food, and child care,\" said Scanlon. \"Resuming student loan payments in this moment \u2014 just as we are experiencing another spike in COVID-19 cases \u2014 will hurt families that are least able to navigate this ongoing crisis. We call upon President Biden to extend the pause on student loan repayments as the country tackles the latest surge and continues to recover.\"\n\n\"We are still in the midst of a deadly pandemic,\" said Houlahan. \"Since it began two years ago, the pause on federal student loan payments has been a lifeline to borrowers in Pennsylvania, including veterans. This pause gives Americans the financial flexibility they need to pay for childcare, rent, health care bills, and other household expenditures. At a moment of uncertainty about the latest covid variant, I'm proud to join fellow veteran and colleague Rep. Conor Lamb in urging the Biden Administration to continue suspending student loan payments.\"\n\n\"With the pandemic still ongoing, student loan borrowers deserve the relief and peace of mind of an extended loan payment moratorium, especially as cases spike nationwide from the Omicron variant,\" said Wild. \"I am glad to join my Pennsylvania colleagues in this effort.\"\n\n\"Extending the CARES Act's pause on required student loan payments will help students complete degrees and graduates get into the workforce as the country addresses the pandemic's continuing economic challenges. It will particularly help veterans with dependents who are managing educational debt,\" said Cartwright.\n\n\"Many Pennsylvanians are still unemployed or underemployed,\" said Doyle. \"A lot of families are still struggling to get by financially. This winter, as we deal with the onslaught of the Omicron variant, is not the time for student loan payments to start back up. That's why I urged the President to extend the student loan payment moratorium.\"\n\n\"The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020 provided relief to the millions of student loan borrowers across the country by pausing federal student loan payments. As you know, both your Administration and the previous administration extended the payment pause due to the continued widespread impact of the pandemic, but payments are set to resume on February 1, 2022. We write to urge that you extend the pause again, until the country is back on its feet and the national emergency has ended. As new variants emerge, impacting our recovery efforts, it is even more vital to ensure that we are protecting those who need it most,\" the lawmakers wrote.\n\nClick here to view a copy of the letter.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://castor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403755", "Rep. Castor Statement on MacDill AFB Being Chosen as Preferred Location to Host KC-46 Tanker Aircraft", "2021-12-22", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Kathy Castor", "C001066", "castor.house.gov", "castor", "https://castor.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) released a statement following a press conference announcing that the Department of the Air Force selected Tampa\u2019s MacDill Air Force Base as the preferred location to host 24 KC-46As, which will replace the base\u2019s 24 KC-135s. The decision was made after conducting site surveys that assessed locations based on factors related to mission, infrastructure capacity, community support, environmental considerations and cost.\n\n\u201cI am thrilled that MacDill was chosen to be the new main operating base for 24 KC-46s Pegasus aircraft. The patriotic Tampa Bay community embraces the mission and the outstanding men and women who serve here. Tampa is \u201ctanker town,\u201d and we are thrilled to upgrade our tankers and cement the air mobility mission at MacDill for decades to come,\u201d said Rep. Castor.\n\n\u201cMacDill Air Force Base is proud to be chosen to become the next preferred location to host the KC-46 Pegasus. The selection ensures that the 6th Air Refueling Wing will provide next generation aerial refueling support and AirPower for our nation\u2019s defense for decades to come,\u201d said Colonel Benjamin R. Jonsson, Commander, 6th Air Refueling Wing, MacDill Air Force Base.\n\n\u201cOn behalf of the MacDill Means Mobility Task Force, we are thrilled that the Air Force has chosen MacDill Air Force Base to host the KC-46. Tampa Bay and Florida's unrivalled support for military servicemembers, their families, and our veteran community makes MacDill the perfect home for this new squadron. With a premier location for global power projection and global reach, MacDill is ready for the KC-46,\u201d said Kelly Flannery, President & CEO, South Tampa Chamber of Commerce.\n\nThe announcement follows years of advocacy from Rep. Castor and local leaders on the placement of these next generation tanker aircraft. In 2012, when MacDill was considered by the Air Force for KC-46 tankers, Rep. Castor led a \u201cMacDill Means Mobility\u201d campaign with local and state leaders to highlight the strengths of the base to national policymakers. Castor convened community and business leaders for a meeting at the Pentagon to highlight MacDill\u2019s strength and reputation as a \u201ctanker town.\u201d\n\nThe next step is an environmental impact assessment, expected to be completed by fall 2023, then the Air Force will confirm the decision for its sixth and newest KC-46 Main Operating Base.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://clarke.house.gov/rep-clarke-chairwoman-maloney-and-rep-ocasio-cortez-call-on-government-accountability-office-to-evaluate-the-impacts-of-peaker-power-plant-pollution/", "REP. CLARKE, CHAIRWOMAN MALONEY, AND REP. OCASIO-CORTEZ CALL ON GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE TO EVALUATE THE IMPACTS OF PEAKER POWER PLANT POLLUTION", "2021-12-22", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Yvette D. Clarke", "C001067", "clarke.house.gov", "clarke", "https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:\n\nDecember 22, 2021\n\nMEDIA CONTACT:\n\ne: jeanette.lenoir@mail.house.gov\n\nc: 202.480.5737\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Rep. Yvette D. Clarke, Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, and Committee Member Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez sent a letter to Comptroller General Gene L. Dodaro, head of the Government Accountability Office (GAO), requesting that GAO examine \u200bthe impact of peaker power plant pollution on frontline communities and evaluate replacement strategies.\n\nPeaker plants, which burn dirty fuel when electricity demand peaks, are less efficient and more expensive than typical baseload power plants, and are more likely to be located in low-income neighborhoods and in communities of color. Millions of Americans across the country live near peaker plants. New York City alone has 89 peaker units, including 49 in Rep. Clarke\u2019s home borough of Brooklyn\u200b, 28 in the vicinity of Chairwoman Maloney\u2019s district\u200b, and 16 in Rep. Ocasio-Cortez\u2019s district.\n\n\u201cAddressing the use of peaker plants, which can emit twice the carbon and up to 20 times the nitrous oxides of a typical plant while operating significantly less efficiently, represents a high-impact opportunity to reduce climate risks and tackle a life-threatening environmental justice issue,\u201d wrote the Members. \u201cWe request GAO\u2019s assistance in reporting on key data to assess damage, uncover health burdens, calculate economic costs, and identify alternative solutions to the use of peaker power plants.\u201d\n\nIn their letter, the Members underscore that GAO\u2019s evaluation will be critical \u200bto expose the health burdens associated with peaker power plants, calculate economic costs, and identify \u200bequitable alternatives to \u200bmeet peak electricity demand.\n\nIn July 2021, the Committee on Oversight and Reform held a hearing on President Biden\u2019s Justice40 Initiative, a key White House environmental justice policy. One expert testified that 3,000 deaths per year in New York City are attributable to particulate matter and that peaker plant pollution is among the primary culprits.\n\nIn August 2021, Rep. Clarke \u2014original sponsor of the Promoting Energy Alternatives is Key to Emission Reductions (PEAKER) Act of 2021\u2014 and Chairwoman Maloney met with environmental justice leaders and \u201cAsthma Alley\u201d residents ahead of the Committee\u2019s field roundtable on peaker power plants in Queens, New York. Immediately \u200bfollowing the roundtable, Chairwoman Maloney provided testimony against a peaker plant proposal in Rep. Ocasio-Cortez\u2019s district at a public hearing. In October 2021, New York State denied a Clean Air Act permit needed to go forward with the proposal.\n\nClick here to read the full letter.\n\n###\n\nYvette D. Clarke has been in Congress since 2007. She represents New York\u2019s Ninth Congressional District, which includes Central and South Brooklyn. Clarke is Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Taskforce on Immigration, a Senior Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and a Senior Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://dean.house.gov/2021/12/rep-dean-joins-pa-delegation-in-letter-to-president-biden-to-extend-student-loan-repayment-period", "Rep. Dean Joins PA Delegation in Letter to President Biden to Extend Student Loan Repayment Period", "2021-12-22", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Madeleine Dean", "D000631", "dean.house.gov", "dean", "https://dean.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Yesterday, Representative Madeleine Dean (PA-04) joined Pennsylvania congressional colleagues in a letter urging President Biden to extend the moratorium on federal student loan repayments. The letter was led by Representative Conor Lamb (PA-17) and was signed by Representatives Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Susan Wild (PA-07), Matt Cartwright (PA-08) and Mike Doyle (PA-18). The moratorium, implemented due to the economic constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic, was set to expire on January 31, 2022.\n\n\u201cDuring a time of economic crisis, the CARES Act temporarily relieved Pennsylvanians with student loans, but the pandemic is not over,\u201d Rep. Dean said. \u201cWhich is why I join my colleagues in imploring the Biden Administration to continue the pause on student loans payments to lift this heavy burden while our families and nation continue to confront the hardships of the pandemic.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe pandemic has left too many people struggling to pay for basic necessities,\u201d Rep. Lamb said. \u201cPennsylvania is ranked number two in average debt held by graduates, and most student loan borrowers \u2013 including veterans\u2013 are not in a position to begin making payments. President Biden must extend the pause on student loan repayments until the pandemic is over.\u201d\n\n\"As someone who is still paying off tens of thousands of dollars of student loans myself, I\u2019m well aware student loan debt was already a significant problem prior to the pandemic,\" Rep. Boyle said. \u201cIt would only have gotten worse if not for the decisive action of President Biden to hit the \u2018pause button\u2019 on student loan repayment. This was a lifeline that saved millions from going into default, or worse. I proudly join my colleagues in urging President Biden to extend the moratorium.\"\n\n\u201cThe pandemic isn\u2019t over, so the student loan payment pause shouldn\u2019t be over either. President Biden has the power to do this without the approval of the Senate, and I strongly urge him to announce a continuation of this pause soon,\u201d Rep. Evans said.\n\n\u201cAs the Omicron variant surges in the United States, it is clear the pandemic is far from over, and too many Americans are still struggling to cover basic expenses like rent, food, and child care,\u201d Rep. Scanlon said. \u201cResuming student loan payments in this moment \u2014 just as we are experiencing another spike in COVID-19 cases \u2014 will hurt families that are least able to navigate this ongoing crisis. We call upon President Biden to extend the pause on student loan repayments as the country tackles the latest surge and continues to recover.\u201d\n\n\"We are still in the midst of a deadly pandemic,\" Rep. Houlahan said. \"Since it began two years ago, the pause on federal student loan payments has been a lifeline to borrowers in Pennsylvania, including veterans. This pause gives Americans the financial flexibility they need to pay for child care, rent, health care bills, and other household expenditures. At a moment of uncertainty about the latest covid variant, I'm proud to join fellow veteran and colleague Rep. Conor Lamb in urging the Biden Administration to continue suspending student loan payments.\"\n\n\u201cWith the pandemic still ongoing, student loan borrowers deserve the relief and peace of mind of an extended loan payment moratorium, especially as cases spike nationwide from the Omicron variant,\u201d Rep. Wild said. \u201cI am glad to join my Pennsylvania colleagues in this effort.\u201d\n\n\u201cExtending the CARES Act\u2019s pause on required student loan payments will help students complete degrees and graduates get into the workforce as the country addresses the pandemic\u2019s continuing economic challenges. It will particularly help veterans with dependents who are managing educational debt,\u201d Rep. Cartwright said.\n\n\u201cMany Pennsylvanians are still unemployed or underemployed,\u201d Rep. Doyle said. \u201cA lot of families are still struggling to get by financially. This winter, as we deal with the onslaught of the Omicron variant, is not the time for student loan payments to start back up. That\u2019s why I urged the President to extend the student loan payment moratorium.\u201d\n\nPresident Biden announced today that he will extend the moratorium. Payments will resume on May 1, 2022.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://evans.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/evans-pa-democratic-colleagues-urge-biden-extend-pause-student-loan", "Evans, Pa. Democratic Colleagues Urge Biden to Extend Pause on Student Loan Payments", "2021-12-22", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "PA", "Dwight Evans", "E000296", "evans.house.gov", "evans", "https://evans.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "PHILADELPHIA (Dec. 22, 2021) \u2013 Congressman Dwight Evans (D-PA-3rd) today joined with his Democratic colleagues in Pennsylvania's U.S. House delegation in calling on President Biden to extend the student loan payment moratorium, which was implemented due to the continued impact of the pandemic. Payments are currently set to resume on Feb. 1, 2022.\n\nEvans said, \"The pandemic isn't over, so the student loan payment pause shouldn't be over either. President Biden has the power to do this without the approval of the Senate, and I strongly urge him to announce a continuation of this pause soon.\" (UPDATE: Following the letter from Congressman Evans and the PA Democratic delegation in the House, the White House has announced the pause will be extended to May 1, 2022.)\n\nEvans also called in May for Biden to cancel \"at least $50,000 of student debt per borrower \u2013 especially for low-income and middle-class borrowers \u2013 so that higher education can once again be a path to a better life, instead of resulting in a long-term burden. Student debt relief would also help communities like Philadelphia that are home to several colleges and universities.\"\n\nCongressman Conor Lamb (D-PA-17th), who led today's letter to Biden, said, \"The pandemic has left too many people struggling to pay for basic necessities. Pennsylvania is ranked number two in average debt held by graduates, and most student loan borrowers \u2013 including veterans\u2013 are not in a position to begin making payments. President Biden must extend the pause on student loan repayments until the pandemic is over.\"\n\nCongressman Brendan Boyle (D-PA-2nd) said, \"As someone who is still paying off tens of thousands of dollars of student loans myself, I'm well aware student loan debt was already a significant problem prior to the pandemic. It would only have gotten worse if not for the decisive action of President Biden to hit the \u2018pause button' on student loan repayment. This was a lifeline that saved millions from going into default, or worse. I proudly join my colleagues in urging President Biden to extend the moratorium.\"\n\nCongresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-5th) said, \"As the Omicron variant surges in the United States, it is clear the pandemic is far from over, and too many Americans are still struggling to cover basic expenses like rent, food, and child care. Resuming student loan payments in this moment \u2014 just as we are experiencing another spike in COVID-19 cases \u2014 will hurt families that are least able to navigate this ongoing crisis. We call upon President Biden to extend the pause on student loan repayments as the country tackles the latest surge and continues to recover.\"\n\nThe lawmakers' joint letter to Biden states: \"The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020 provided relief to the millions of student loan borrowers across the country by pausing federal student loan payments. As you know, both your Administration and the previous administration extended the payment pause due to the continued widespread impact of the pandemic, but payments are set to resume on February 1, 2022. We write to urge that you extend the pause again, until the country is back on its feet and the national emergency has ended. As new variants emerge, impacting our recovery efforts, it is even more vital to ensure that we are protecting those who need it most.\"\n\nClick here to view a copy of the letter.\n\nEvans represents Pennsylvania's 3rd Congressional District, which includes Northwest and West Philadelphia and parts of North, South, Southwest and Center City Philadelphia.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://lofgren.house.gov/media/press-releases/lofgren-announces-158-million-federal-infrastructure-funding-mineta-san-jose", "Lofgren Announces $15.8 Million in Federal Infrastructure Funding for Mineta San Jose International Airport", "2021-12-22", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Zoe Lofgren", "L000397", "lofgren.house.gov", "lofgren", "https://lofgren.house.gov/media/press-releases", "page_html", "SAN JOSE, CA \u2013 Today, U.S. Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-19) announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will provide Mineta San Jose International Airport with a total of $15,797,290 in Airport Infrastructure Grants.\n\nThis funding was included in the recently-enacted bipartisan infrastructure package, which Rep. Lofgren voted for in November.\n\n\"I supported the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to upgrade our infrastructure in Santa Clara County, in California and nationwide. I am glad these federal funds are coming in to help improve Mineta San Jose International Airport and ensure it can continue to meet the growing needs of the South Bay,\" said Rep. Lofgren.\n\nThanks to the bipartisan infrastructure legislation, $25 billion in Airport Infrastructure Grants are going to airports around the country in the next five years \u2013 $1.5 billion of which is expected to go to California airports. The funding can be used for airport improvements such as runway, terminal, and noise-reduction projects. Mineta San Jose International Airport will work with the FAA to identify eligible projects\n\nThis funding follows prior federal funding allocations for Mineta San Jose International Airport. In June, Lofgren announced $55.5 million in COVID-19 relief funding for the airport. In March 2021, Lofgren announced $1.6 million for the airport and its concessions thanks to the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriation Act. In April 2020, Lofgren announced more than $65.6 million in funding from the CARES Act.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-calls-for-vote-on-her-bill-to-establish-first-national-asian", "Meng Calls For Vote on Her Bill to Establish First National Asian Pacific American Museum", "2021-12-22", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Grace Meng", "M001188", "meng.house.gov", "meng", "https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), Vice Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, announced today that she led a letter to the Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee requesting that he hold a committee vote on her legislation that seeks to create the first national museum dedicated to preserving the history, culture, and accomplishments of Asian Pacific Americans (APA).\n\nMeng asked Chairman Ra\u00fal Grijalva (D-AZ) to make her bill the first measure that the panel takes up in January 2022. If the legislation is approved by the Committee, it would then head for a vote on the floor of the House.\n\n\"The story of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) is interwoven within the history of America, but frequently our history is forgotten or ignored in the greater narrative of American history,\" the letter said. \"That is why we urge you to markup this bill as a first step to creating a national museum dedicated to the history and culture of AAPIs. Our experiences \u2013 both good and bad \u2013 provide an opportunity for us to celebrate our accomplishments, honor the challenges we have overcome, and press forward toward a more perfect union.\"\n\nMeng's request follows her appearance earlier this month before a Natural Resources Subcommittee hearing where she testified in support of her bill. The hearing also included supportive testimony from journalist Lisa Ling and Stop AAPI Hate Co-Founder Dr. Russell Jeung. The House Natural Resources Committee is the panel that has jurisdiction over this issue.\n\nEntitled the \"Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture Act,\" Meng's legislation would create a panel of individuals with various expertise in museum planning or APA research and culture to look into the viability of establishing, maintaining, funding and operating such a facility in the nation's capital, possibly as part of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., the world's largest museum and research complex.\n\nA copy of Meng's letter can be viewed here and the text of the correspondence is below.\n\nThose who signed the letter include members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.\n\n------------------------------------------\n\nThe Honorable Ra\u00fal M. Grijalva\n\nChairman\n\nHouse Committee on Natural Resources\n\n1324 Longworth House Office Building\n\nWashington, DC 20515\n\nI write to request that you include my Commission to Study the Potential Creation of A National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture Act,H.R. 3525, in your first markup in January 2022.\n\nThe story of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) is interwoven within the history of America, but frequently our history is forgotten or ignored in the greater narrative of American history. That is why we urge you to markup this bill as a first step to creating a national museum dedicated to the history and culture of AAPIs.\n\nMuseums are gateways to learning about ourselves, our communities, and our history. They provide space to memorialize the accomplishments of ancestors, learn from the past, and be inspired by the richness of where our country can go.\n\nThe history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders is filled with immense contributions and sadly embedded with stories of disenfranchisement. From the thousands of Asian immigrants who helped build vital pieces of U.S. infrastructure, to the thousands who were denied entry and citizenship because of immigration laws like the Chinese Exclusion Act, AAPIs have shaped and been shaped by America for generations.\n\nMy legislation is the first step in creating a national museum that is dedicated to interweaving AAPI history in the broader narrative of American history. Our experiences \u2013 both good and bad \u2013 provide an opportunity for us to celebrate our accomplishments, honor the challenges we have overcome, and press forward toward a more perfect union.\n\nThat is why we urge you to take up this bill in your Committee markup and move it through the legislative process. We thank you for your leadership in ensuring that all components of our history are memorialized, and we look forward to working with you as we preserve the history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/mfume-van-hollen-maryland-delegation-receive-response-usps-showing-actions", "Mfume, Van Hollen, Maryland Delegation Receive Response from USPS Showing Actions to Improve Performance Over Last Year\u2019s Holiday Season, but Urge Further Action", "2021-12-22", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "December 22, 2021\n\nMfume, Van Hollen, and the Maryland Delegation Wrote to Postmaster General DeJoy in November Requesting an Update on their Readiness for Holiday Mail Surge\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie Raskin, Andy Harris, M.D., and David Trone (all Md.) announced that they received a letter from the United States Postal Service (USPS) in response to their November 22 request for an update on its readiness for the holiday mail surge.\n\nIn response to the letter, the lawmakers released the following statement:\n\n\"We are encouraged that the USPS is taking clear steps to improve mail service for the people we represent following our repeated calls for action. With many Marylanders relying heavily on USPS amid the holiday season and pandemic, we hope increased staffing and the activation of additional mail facilities lead to a notable improvement after the poor service many have experienced over the past year. That said, the Postal Service still has more work ahead to implement recommendations from the Inspector General and to ensure the timely delivery of Marylanders' mail. On behalf of our constituents, we will continue pressing for progress until these issues are fixed.\"\n\nThe USPS's response outlines some improvements made for the holiday season, including the hiring of more than 2,000 staff in Maryland, activation of additional sorting and delivery annexes in the state, and opening of a new carrier training academy. USPS set metrics for employee availability and delivery failures to evaluate performance in the Baltimore area but has not established thresholds for these metrics to determine when the Baltimore postmaster should request additional support from outside the area. The USPS Inspector General recommended that the USPS establish these metrics and thresholds in its November audit of Baltimore mail facilities, and USPS agreed to carry out that recommendation by November 30, 2021.\n\nThe full USPS letter to the Maryland Congressional Delegation is here. Highlights from the letter include:\n\nThe USPS has done significant additional hiring relative to last year, adding 22,000 more processing plant employees compared to November 2020. The agency has also converted 33,000 pre-career employees to career status, which generally improves retention. In Maryland, USPS hired 2,245 employees since August 28. The agency's goal is to hire 40,000 seasonal workers for the holiday season.\n\nUSPS has added more than 4 million square feet of processing space and procured 112 more package sorters. In Maryland, this includes Package Sorting Annexes in Baltimore and Forestville and six additional delivery annexes.\n\nUSPS has opened a new city carrier training academy for the Baltimore region, as recommended by the Inspector General, at Nottingham Station.\n\nTo determine when a district needs additional resources, USPS tracks employee availability, non-delivery rates, and last-mile delivery failures. The District Manager holds daily teleconferences to evaluate performance on these metrics and determine if additional help is needed.\n\nThe Maryland District Manager has yet to set thresholds for key metrics to determine when outside resources are needed to accommodate mail surges. USPS has said it does not evaluate performance on these metrics at the national level, \"because a static standard would be inappropriate and counter-productive in a dynamic business environment.\"\n\nUSPS said it agreed with this recommendation when the report was issued.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-ocasio-cortez-leads-bipartisan-letter-president-biden-calling-reopening", "Rep. Ocasio-Cortez Leads Bipartisan Letter to President Biden, Calling for Reopening of Yemen\u2019s Sana International Airport", "2021-12-22", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez", "O000172", "ocasio-cortez.house.gov", "ocasio-cortez", "https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. - In a recent letter, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called on President Biden to exert diplomatic pressure on Saudi Arabia to end their blockade of the Sana International Airport. Congresswoman Nancy Mace and Senators Elizabeth Warren and Rand Paul co-signed the letter. Yemen's major airport has been out of use since August 2016, due to an ongoing civil war, in which the Saudi-led coalition has instituted a blockade Yemen\u2019s airspace\u2014making it off limits for both commercial and humanitarian purposes. This blockade is especially devastating because nearly 80 percent of Yemen\u2019s citizens are in need of humanitarian assistance and 16.2 million people are at risk of famine, including 400,000 children under the age of 5.\n\nThe letter reads in part, \u201cThe United States must make clear that this cruel and senseless blockade is causing devastating harm to millions of innocent Yemenis and is harmful to diplomacy and the peace process. The Biden Administration should leverage all possible influence to pressure the Saudi-led coalition to end and decouple its blockade of the Sana\u2019a International Airport from negotiations and allow for the unrestricted flow of humanitarian aid through the airport.\u201d\n\nThe full letter is available here.\n\nNew York\u2019s 14th Congressional District is home to a large community of Yemeni families, and Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez is proud to stand with them in the fight for their loved ones.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2021/12/van-hollen-maryland-delegation-receive-response-from-usps-showing-actions-to-improve-performance-over-last-year-s-holiday-season-but-urge-further-action", "Van Hollen, Maryland Delegation Receive Response from USPS Showing Actions to Improve Performance Over Last Year\u2019s Holiday Season, but Urge Further Action", "2021-12-22", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie Raskin, Andy Harris, M.D., and David Trone (all Md.) announced that they received a letter from the United States Postal Service (USPS) in response to their November 22 request for an update on its readiness for the holiday mail surge.\n\nIn response to the letter, the lawmakers released the following statement:\n\n\u201cWe are encouraged that the USPS is taking clear steps to improve mail service for the people we represent following our repeated calls for action. With many Marylanders relying heavily on USPS amid the holiday season and pandemic, we hope increased staffing and the activation of additional mail facilities lead to a notable improvement after the poor service many have experienced over the past year. That said, the Postal Service still has more work ahead to implement recommendations from the Inspector General and to ensure the timely delivery of Marylanders\u2019 mail. On behalf of our constituents, we will continue pressing for progress until these issues are fixed.\u201d\n\nThe USPS\u2019s response outlines some improvements made for the holiday season, including the hiring of more than 2,000 staff in Maryland, activation of additional sorting and delivery annexes in the state, and opening of a new carrier training academy. USPS set metrics for employee availability and delivery failures to evaluate performance in the Baltimore area but has not established thresholds for these metrics to determine when the Baltimore postmaster should request additional support from outside the area. The USPS Inspector General recommended that the USPS establish these metrics and thresholds in its November audit of Baltimore mail facilities, and USPS agreed to carry out that recommendation by November 30, 2021.\n\nThe full USPS letter to the Maryland Congressional Delegation is here. Highlights from the letter include:\n\nThe USPS has done significant additional hiring relative to last year, adding 22,000 more processing plant employees compared to November 2020. The agency has also converted 33,000 pre-career employees to career status, which generally improves retention. In Maryland, USPS hired 2,245 employees since August 28. The agency\u2019s goal is to hire 40,000 seasonal workers for the holiday season.\n\nUSPS has added more than 4 million square feet of processing space and procured 112 more package sorters. In Maryland, this includes Package Sorting Annexes in Baltimore and Forestville and six additional delivery annexes.\n\nUSPS has opened a new city carrier training academy for the Baltimore region, as recommended by the Inspector General, at Nottingham Station.\n\nTo determine when a district needs additional resources, USPS tracks employee availability, non-delivery rates, and last-mile delivery failures. The District Manager holds daily teleconferences to evaluate performance on these metrics and determine if additional help is needed.\n\nThe Maryland District Manager has yet to set thresholds for key metrics to determine when outside resources are needed to accommodate mail surges. USPS has said it does not evaluate performance on these metrics at the national level, \u201cbecause a static standard would be inappropriate and counter-productive in a dynamic business environment.\u201d\n\nUSPS said it agreed with this recommendation when the report was issued.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://ruiz.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ruiz-fights-rising-medicare-out-pocket-costs-local-seniors", "Ruiz Fights Rising Medicare Out-of-Pocket Costs for Local Seniors", "2021-12-22", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Raul Ruiz", "R000599", "ruiz.house.gov", "ruiz", "https://ruiz.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) called for the reversal of monthly increases in out-of-pocket costs for Medicare Part B. Recently, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a nearly $22 monthly increase in Medicare Part B premiums will take effect in 2022. In a letter to CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, Ruiz called for the agency to reverse these harmful price increases that would place an unfair burden on seniors in Southern California and across the country, citing the flawed decision-making model behind the premium increase.\n\nRuiz's letter reads in part:\n\n\"While I understand that health care costs are higher because of the pandemic, they should not be paid for on the backs of our seniors who are on fixed incomes\u2026 I urge you to reconsider your decision to increase premiums based on these flawed factors so that seniors don't have to cut corners on things like food or medicine in order to pay for their health insurance.\"\n\nYou can read the full letter here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/schneider-collects-more-650-holiday-cards-heroes", "Schneider Collects More Than 650 \u2018Holiday Cards for Heroes\u2019", "2021-12-22", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Bradley Scott Schneider", "S001190", "schneider.house.gov", "schneider", "https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "DEERFIELD, Ill. \u2013 Congressman Brad Schneider today announced that his office collected more than 650 holiday cards to distribute to military servicemembers.\n\n\"The men and women who serve our nation deserve to hear a thank you throughout the year, not just on Veterans Day. Many of the brave men and women in our armed forces are spending this holiday season far from family and home, and a handwritten card is a much-appreciated way to share holiday cheer. I'm glad our office can help facilitate this program to connect constituents and service members,\" Schneider said.\n\nThis is Schneider's fifth year hosting the Holiday Cards for Heroes Program. Local schoolchildren, libraries, and Tenth District constituents created and dropped off 659 cards in 2021, nearly doubling the amount from 2020.\n\nConstituent service representatives in Schneider's office are available to help Tenth District residents with issues involving the federal government. His team has worked with area veterans to expedite medical appointments, process benefit claims with the VA, secure medals and honors that were earned but never received, and more.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases/soto-meijer-bipartisan-members-congress-write-letter-urging-us-department-state", "Soto, Meijer, Bipartisan Members of Congress Write Letter Urging US Department of State to Restore Visa Processing Operations", "2021-12-22", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Darren Soto", "S001200", "soto.house.gov", "soto", "https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "\"Limited visa processing capacity and extended wait-times are a legacy of measures taken in the early days of the pandemic that are no longer appropriate or necessary as testing and vaccines become more widely available,\" wrote the Members. \"Furthermore, they disrupt the reopening of American businesses. According to the U.S. Travel Association, international visitor spending in the U.S. dropped by 76% in 2020, leading to the loss of $141 billion and 1.1 million American jobs. As international and domestic travel begin to recover, many travel businesses rely on H-2B and J1 visas to meet short-term and seasonal workforce demands that cannot otherwise be filled. With such a significant portion of U.S. visa processing sites fully or partially closed, travel businesses will not have the international visitors or the temporary workers they need to generate a speedy and robust recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.\"\n\n\"My constituents in Florida's Ninth Congressional District are feeling the negative effects of lowered visa processing operations more than ever,\" said Congressman Soto. \"Whether they're families waiting to reunite with loved ones or small business owners missing employees and customers, this issue is affecting our community greatly and needs to be addressed quickly. I hope the Department of State will consider our proposals, take the necessary steps to shorten wait times, and ease the tension felt by so many people in Central Florida and across the country.\"\n\n\"Swift and efficient visa processing is critical to restoring the United States as a top destination for global travelers,\" said U.S. Travel Association Executive Vice President of Public Affairs and Policy Tori Barnes. \"With 60% of U.S. embassies and consulates partially or completely closed for visa processing\u2014and average appointment wait times climbing to more than a year in some locations\u2014a commitment to restoring visa operations and reducing the appointment backlog is necessary to ensure the U.S. inbound travel market will recover more quickly to pre-pandemic levels. We applaud the letters' co-signers for their leadership on this issue and respectfully urge the State Department to fully resume visa processing operations worldwide, which will help sustain an even recovery across all sectors of travel.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases/underwood-secures-funding-support-innovative-public-safety-and-mental-health", "Underwood Secures Funding to Support Innovative Public Safety and Mental Health Initiative; Provides $1.2 Million in Funding to Kane County State's Attorney's Office", "2021-12-22", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Lauren Underwood", "U000040", "underwood.house.gov", "underwood", "https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WEST CHICAGO \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) announced that the Kane County State's Attorney's Office will receive $1.2 million in funding to establish a new pre-arrest diversion program. Although substance use disorder and other mental health issues are medical conditions, individuals with these conditions often get caught in the criminal legal system instead of getting the health care and services they need. The Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program model seeks to address these issues as the public health challenges they are by creating a new system that provides access to necessary care outside of the criminal legal system. The funding has been made available by the Department of Justice to support collaboration between the State's Attorney's Office, agencies, and mental health service providers throughout Kane County, in addition to the Elgin Police Department. The Kane County State's Attorney's Office worked with the Elgin Police Department to create a Collaborative Crisis Services Unit (CCSU) to pilot an early version of the pre-arrest diversion program.\n\n\"Through this funding, we take a crucial step toward strengthening our justice system and ensuring those who are most vulnerable in our community are being cared for, not criminalized,\" said Underwood.\n\nObjectives of LEAD model pre-arrest diversion are to: improve public safety, reduce the number of people entering the criminal legal system, eliminate racial disparities in the system, create sustainability by reinvesting systems savings, and improve police-community relations. The core activity is effective, harm-reducing, non-coercive case management of participants. This model relies on well-established and ongoing collaboration between a broad spectrum of community-based agencies and mental health service providers. Evaluations of the LEAD model have demonstrated a dramatic reduction in recidivism for participants as well as significant system cost savings.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/reps-watson-coleman-kim-sires-call-on-nj-state-officials-to-equitably-distribute-federal-infrastructure-funding", "Reps. Watson Coleman, Kim, Sires Call on NJ State Officials to Equitably Distribute Federal Infrastructure Funding", "2021-12-22", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Bonnie Watson Coleman", "W000822", "watsoncoleman.house.gov", "watsoncoleman", "https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) and Congressmen Andy Kim (NJ-03) and Albio Sires (NJ-08) sent a letter to New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, the NJ Department of Transportation and NJ Transit urging them to distribute funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to underrepresented businesses.\n\nSpecifically, the letter asks that state elected officials ensure that Small, Minority, Women or Veteran-owned Business Enterprises (SMWVBE), Disability-owned businesses, and LGBTQ-owned businesses have sufficient funding to be involved in the execution of upcoming infrastructure projects.\n\nThe letter reads in part:\n\nDiversity is one of New Jersey\u2019s biggest assets. Our infrastructure investments and workforce should reflect this. This critical investment will improve our state\u2019s infrastructure and position our economy for continued growth by creating more job opportunities. Ensuring underrepresented firms are beneficiaries of this federal investment will promote a more inclusive workforce and a thriving economy for all. Systemic discrimination against women and minority-owned businesses has created barriers to obtaining these contracts and prioritizing these underrepresented populations is an opportunity to help remedy this historic and ongoing discrimination.\n\nWatson Coleman also urged state officials to adequately enforce policies that promote diversity and inclusion in infrastructure modernization. In the letter, the Congresswoman proposed that the NJ Department of Transportation improve its Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program by implementing stronger accountability measures.\n\nThe letter concludes:\n\nGovernor Murphy has a proven track record building a stronger and fairer New Jersey. It is imperative and aligned with his commitment to equity that the state renews its commitment to centering equity so that this historic federal investment is used to address New Jersey\u2019s most pressing infrastructure needs and workforce disparities. For too long, discrimination and disinvestment have created various inequities which have disproportionally disadvantaged marginalized populations. I look forward to hearing updates on how you plan to prioritize SMWVBE, Disability-owned business enterprises, and LGBTQ-owned business enterprises and increasing accountability measures to ensure resources and opportunities are equitably distributed.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/thompson-watson-coleman-defazio-larsen-write-airlines-to-urge-them-to-require-and-pay-for-crew-members-to-attend-tsas-self-defense-program", "Thompson, Watson Coleman, DeFazio, Larsen Write Airlines to Urge Them to Require and Pay for Crew Members to Attend TSA\u2019s Self Defense Program", "2021-12-22", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Bonnie Watson Coleman", "W000822", "watsoncoleman.house.gov", "watsoncoleman", "https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "Committee on Homeland Security Chair Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Transportation & Maritime Security Subcommittee Chair Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Chair Peter DeFazio (D-OR), and Aviation Subcommittee Chair Rick Larsen (D-WA) sent letters to four major airlines urging them to require their crew members to attend TSA\u2019s Crew Member Self Defense Program so that they are equipped with the necessary skills to deter and mitigate dangerous situations as unruly passenger behavior spikes across the country. The Chairs also requested that the airlines provide crewmembers with paid time, travel, and accommodations to participate in the program.\n\n\u201cThis voluntary, no-cost training is led by Federal Air Marshals to teach crew members how to defuse tense situations and defend themselves during physical altercations with passengers,\u201d wrote the Chairs. \u201cPresently, flight attendants and other members of the flight crew who wish to attend this training must do so outside of work hours and secure travel and lodging at their own expense.\u201d\n\n\u201cThough we all hope most flight crew members will never have to employ the skills they learn in this course, the disturbing increase and intensity of disruptive incidents aboard planes has accentuated the need for such training. It is our hope that you will require and provide for flight crew members to attend this training as part of your ongoing efforts to uphold safety and restore consumer confidence in air travel.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://aguilar.house.gov/2021/12/21/aguilar-announces-100000-for-loma-linda-veterans-association-for-research-education/", "Aguilar Announces $100,000 for Loma Linda Veterans Association for Research & Education", "2021-12-21", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Pete Aguilar", "A000371", "aguilar.house.gov", "aguilar", "https://aguilar.house.gov/category/congress_press_release/", "scraper", "Loma Linda, CA\u2014 Rep. Aguilar announced $183,125 for Biological Research Related to Deafness and Communicative Disorders at the Loma Linda Veterans Association for Research and Education (LLVARE). This National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) funding will help develop and improve diagnosing and treatments for hearing loss.\n\n\u201cWe owe it to our veterans to make sure they have the best quality health care once they return civilian life,\u201d said Rep. Aguilar. \u201cI\u2019m proud to announce this funding to ensure groundbreaking research to better the lives of veterans in the Inland Empire and across the country can continue.\u201d\n\nDr. Wei Dong, Research Scientist of the Auditory Research Group, VA Loma Linda Health Care System said, \u201cAbout 15% of the Americans aged 18 and over report that they have some trouble hearing due to noise overexposure or aging. We will use a new approach optical coherence tomography (OCT), a real-time anatomical imaging and functional system, to study the mechanics of hearing and establish the relationship between cochlear mechanics and otoacoustic emissions which will allow us to detect subtle cellular changes in function precisely never before possible. The results from this work will allow us and others to develop more sensitive and more accurate methods to detect and diagnose sensory hearing loss, which will in turn lead to new and better treatments for this ailment.\u201d\n\nThe LLVARE is one of the leading nonprofit organizations in the country focusing on veteran health care through medical research.\n\nRep. Aguilar serves as Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and as a member of the House Appropriations Committee, the committee responsible for funding federal programs and agencies like HHS.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://auchincloss.house.gov/media/press-releases/release-auchincloss-markey-lead-ma-delegation-letter-treasury-department", "RELEASE: Auchincloss, Markey Lead MA Delegation in Letter to Treasury Department", "2021-12-21", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Jake Auchincloss", "A000148", "auchincloss.house.gov", "auchincloss", "https://auchincloss.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Auchincloss, Markey Lead MA Delegation in Letter to Treasury Department\n\nLetter urges Treasury Department to reconsider revenue loss to ensure MA cities and towns can build back better\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Yesterday, Congressman Jake Auchincloss (D, MA-04), along with Senator Ed Markey (D-MA), led the Massachusetts congressional delegation in a letter to Secretary Janet Yellen urging the Treasury Department to reconsider the way the agency is calculating pandemic-related revenue losses so that Massachusetts cities and towns are not unjustly penalized. Due to the unique way that Massachusetts funds public education, many Massachusetts cities and towns have reported that they are unable to claim general revenue loss, which is reimbursable under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). As a result, many Bay State communities could be unfairly barred from flexible funding that would allow them to build and upgrade critical infrastructure, expand health services, advance environmental remediation, and improve public safety. This is expected to disproportionately impact Gateway Cities, including Attleboro, Fall River, and Taunton, in Massachusetts\u2019 4th District. The letter calls on the Treasury to reconsider methods of calculation so that cities and towns in Massachusetts can use ARPA funds with the flexibility Congress intended.\n\nIn the letter Congressman Auchincloss states, \u201c??A fair and accurate accounting of lost revenue will provide cities and towns with the necessary flexibility to reinvest in government services impacted by the pandemic\u2014in line with Congressional intent. We stand ready to work with you on a solution to ensure municipalities can weather the economic downturn, avert long-term austerity measures, and avoid devastating cuts to basic government services.\u201d\n\nA full copy of the letter can be found below.\n\nThe Honorable Janet Yellen\n\nSecretary\n\nDepartment of the Treasury\n\n1500 Pennsylvania Avenue NW\n\nWashington, DC 20220\n\nDear Secretary Yellen:\n\nWe write to urge you to address critical issues facing Massachusetts communities in the Department of Treasury\u2019s (\u201cDepartment\u2019s\u201d) final rule governing Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds provided by the American Rescue Plan Act (\u201cARPA\u201d). Massachusetts cities and towns have a unique set of circumstances that need to be addressed in any final rule.\n\nMassachusetts has distinct systems for funding public education that have distorted cities\u2019 and towns\u2019 calculations of revenue loss for ARPA reimbursement. In 2021, the state began a six-year phased-in implementation of the Massachusetts Student Opportunity Act of 2019 (SOA), which aimed to close longstanding education funding gaps by dramatically increasing state aid to local school districts.[i] This legislation changed Massachusetts\u2019 Chapter 70 education funding formula to direct more state aid to cities and towns, especially the lowest-income school districts and districts with high-need student populations.[ii] As a result, some low-income urban districts received up to a 16 percent increase in dedicated education funding, equivalent to a $30 million boost over the prior year.[iii] In accordance with the SOA, municipalities are required to provide detailed plans to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education detailing how SOA funding will be used to support learning opportunities and outcomes for students.[iv] If counted as part of COVID-19 related revenue losses, the once-in-a-generation investments in education will falsely offset COVID-19-related revenue losses reimbursable under ARPA.\n\nMassachusetts also provides cities and towns with grants through the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) to offset costs associated with the construction of public school facilities. MSBA awards are distributed to municipalities over time as costs are incurred for project construction under specified MSBA approved projects.[v] The SOA raised the cap for the annual state school-building grants to municipalities from $500 to $800 million beginning in 2020, resulting in significantly increased available grants for cities and towns to build new schools.[vi] Like increased Chapter 70 funding distributions, certain Massachusetts communities began to receive increased MSBA grant payments to reimburse associated school building costs after the Baseline Revenue Year and at the same time other revenues were in decline due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In these cases, the communities are reporting that their MSBA grant payments are obscuring COVID-19 revenue losses reimbursable under ARPA.\n\nSimilar to concerns associated with increased education funding, municipalities have also reported distortions in revenue loss calculations associated with increased revenues from debt service exclusions. The Commonwealth enables municipalities to raise funds by assessing additional taxes in excess of their levy limit or levy ceiling for the payment of specified debt service costs associated with significant capital projects (e.g., construction of school, public safety, and library buildings). Debt exclusions are only added to the levy limit for the life of the debt.[vii] Municipal leaders in communities where debt exclusion revenue came online following the ARPA Baseline Revenue Year have expressed concerns that factoring in the debt exclusion revenue into calculations of revenue losses will falsely obscure losses in general revenue streams available for other critical municipal services.\n\nMany Massachusetts municipalities received increased earmarked revenue through Chapter 70, MSBA grants, and debt service exclusions after the ARPA Baseline Revenue Year. Those increases are expected to continue throughout the ARPA reimbursement period. During the same time period, municipalities are contending with downturns in revenue from traditional sources available for critical government services, including public safety and public works. Because of the timing of these long-needed, vital investments to correct the state\u2019s underfunding of education or to support debt service payments for necessary capital projects, municipalities are reporting they cannot calculate any lost revenue for 2020 and future ARPA years if the additional funds are counted as \u201cintergovernmental transfers\u201d or Actual General Revenue as specified in Treasury\u2019s Interim Final Rule. We urge you to clarify in the final rule that these earmarked funding streams should not be included in municipalities\u2019 calculations of revenue loss.\n\nWith these and other questions and concerns in mind, we respectfully request that the Department hold a public virtual event(s), in collaboration with the delegation, for Massachusetts municipal leaders to learn how to navigate the implementation of ARPA and to achieve ARPA\u2019s full intended benefits at the local level. We hope a virtual event(s) following the release of the final rule will provide an opportunity for municipal leaders to learn from and to ask questions of the Department.\n\nThe municipalities we represent face uncertain budgetary pressures in the months and years ahead, especially with the continued potential for COVID-19 related disruptions. A fair and accurate accounting of lost revenue will provide cities and towns with the necessary flexibility to reinvest in government services impacted by the pandemic\u2014in line with Congressional intent. We stand ready to work with you on a solution to ensure municipalities can weather the economic downturn, avert long-term austerity measures, and avoid devastating cuts to basic government services. Thank you for your attention to this critical issue for Massachusetts.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://barragan.house.gov/2021/12/21/barragan-and-booker-urge-epa-to-strengthen-standards-for-freight-pollution-sources/", "Barrag\u00e1n and Booker Urge EPA to Strengthen Standards for Freight Pollution Sources", "2021-12-21", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Nanette Diaz Barrag\u00e1n", "B001300", "barragan.house.gov", "barragan", "https://barragan.house.gov/news", "scraper", "Dear Administrator Regan:\n\nWe write to inquire about the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s (EPA\u2019s) plans to address the high levels of air pollution in the communities surrounding our nation\u2019s freight shipping facilities and freight transportation corridors, and to urge you to strengthen emissions standards for pollution sources involved in the freight transportation system.\n\nAs you may know, 13 million people live near marine ports and rail yards[1] and another 45 million live and attend school within 300 feet of the highway and rail corridors used to move freight.[2] Unfortunately, those who are in the direct vicinity of the freight movement network are exposed to high volumes of air pollutants, including nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, and these exposures are linked to serious health problems, including asthma, lung, and heart disease. This is an environmental justice issue, given that these freight-adjacent communities disproportionately include low-income people and people of color.\n\nWe appreciate the EPA\u2019s demonstrated commitment to combatting environmental racism and advancing equal access to clean air, land, and water. We specifically applaud the steps the EPA has taken to set criteria pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions standards for medium- and heavy-duty trucks. We encourage you to expand these efforts to include other freight sources, including locomotives, ocean-going vessels, and aircraft.\n\nThese mobile sources of pollution are particularly important to address, given the EPA\u2019s sole authority to set new emission standards for them. Congress directed the EPA to continue to review and revise the emission standards for these sources and, generally, to ensure that standards generally reflected state of the art technologies. See, e.g., 42 U.S.C. \u00a7\u00a7 7521(a)(3)(A) (trucks), 7547(a)(3) (nonroad, including OGVs), 7547(a)(5) (locomotives), 7571(a)(2) (aircraft). In the 10-20 years since the EPA updated emissions standards, new control technologies have emerged, including affordable options for electrifying many of these vehicles and eliminating emissions altogether.\n\nFor these reasons, we urge you to update emissions standards for freight-related mobile sources, specifically locomotives, ocean-going vessels, medium- and heavy-duty trucks, non-road diesel engines, and aircraft. We wish to partner with you to identify and reduce barriers to quickly advance this effort with the goal of completing the relevant rulemaking procedures by 2025. To that end, we respectfully request that you provide us with answers to the following questions:\n\nWhat is the EPA\u2019s regulatory schedule for updating emissions standards for freight-related mobile sources?\n\nWhat is the EPA\u2019s regulatory schedule for updating emissions standards for other freight-related emissions, including non-mobile sources such as cargo handling equipment and harbor craft?\n\nWhat work, if any, is being done on updating emissions standards for freight-related mobile sources?\n\nWhen did the EPA last conduct technology assessments for freight-related mobile sources?\n\nWhat is the latest emission inventory and risk assessment data that the EPA has collected for each freight-related mobile source?\n\nWhat opportunities are available to streamline rulemaking by addressing multiple pollution source categories together, as the EPA has done in the past?\n\nThank you for taking the time to answer these questions. We look forward to reviewing your responses and working with you to achieve the important goals of advancing environmental justice, protecting public health, and ensuring the right to clean air along freight movement hubs and corridors.\n\nSIGNATORIES", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-bishop-announces-4764680-in-bipartisan-infrastructure-law-funds-to-help-local-airports", "CONGRESSMAN BISHOP ANNOUNCES $4,764,680 IN BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE LAW FUNDS TO HELP LOCAL AIRPORTS", "2021-12-21", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "GA", "Sanford D. Bishop, Jr.", "B000490", "bishop.house.gov", "bishop", "https://bishop.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) applauded the recent announcement of funds to local and regional airports in Middle and Southwest Georgia made possible by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, more commonly known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Congressman Bishop, a strong advocate for the historic investment in America's infrastructure, voted to pass the bill last month and it was subsequently signed into law by President Biden on November 15th.\n\n\"Today, we are seeing how federal legislation can make a difference in communities across our country and across Middle and Southwest Georgia. Our regional airports and local airfields are gateways to the communities they serve, play a crucial role in their economies, and improve access to vital services,\" said Congressman Bishop. \"Making robust investments in our nation's infrastructure sets us up for success in the decades to come. We delivered the bipartisan infrastructure bill through Congress last month and today we are seeing the fruits of our labor come home to Georgia.\"\n\nAltogether, 14 airports throughout Georgia's Second Congressional District received $4,764,680 through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. These included airports in Albany, Americus, Bainbridge, Blakely, Butler, Cairo, Camilla, Columbus, Cordele, Dawson, Donalsonville, Macon (Middle Georgia Regional and Macon Downtown airports), and Montezuma.\n\n\"We appreciate the 1.1 million dollars awarded to the Southwest Georgia Regional Airport. The funds will improve infrastructure to make the airport a more safe and reliable source of transportation,\" said Albany City Manager Steven Carter. \"The award also allows us to move long-range projects to the forefront to address immediate needs such as ramp and taxiway improvements. Furthermore, the SWGA Regional Airport is a vital economic driver to the community and the southwest Georgia region. This award will assist us with being competitive in attracting the business aviation community to the area.\"\n\n\"Our airport is a growing economic engine for the entire region, and these funds will help us continue to support current tenants and attract new ones,\" said Macon-Bibb County Mayor Lester M. Miller.\n\n\"The Columbus Airport will receive 1.3 million dollars from the latest Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL),\" said Columbus Airport Director Amber Clark. \"These funds will allow the airport to make improvements on the airfield, and purchase capital equipment and prepare the airport for continued growth\"\n\n\"The Jimmy Carter Regional Airport plays a huge role in the economic vitality of Americus and Sumter County, as well as, other surrounding counties,\" said Americus Mayor Barry Blount. \"I'm positive that the Americus-Sumter Airport Authority will be able to provide additional enhancements and improvements to our airport, which in turn, will pay dividends in our economic development efforts. We are very appreciative of this funding made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.\"\n\n\"Our airport is a gateway to the City of Cairo and plays an important role in our local economy. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds will go a long way to help make improvements that can expand the potential for economic development in our community,\" said Chris Addleton, Cairo City Manager and Airport Administrator. \"We are certainly grateful to Congressman Bishop for looking after us and ensuring that we get these funds.\"\n\n\"Local airports are just like the roads and highways that connect communities. Our airport is instrumental in supporting and growing local businesses as well as providing jobs.\" said Camilla City Manager Steve Sykes. \"These Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds will make a huge difference. Capital improvements \u2014 from hangers to terminals \u2014 will increase economic opportunities for Camilla and Mitchell County.\"\n\n\"We are very excited to receive Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds for the Crisp County Airport. The Crisp County Airport is vital to economic growth in several south Georgia counties,\" said Crisp County Administrator Clark Harrell. \"On behalf of the Crisp County Board of Commissioners, I would like to thank Congressman Bishop for his dedication, leadership and hard work on the national level to keep funding flowing to our local community.\"\n\n\"Airports like ours allow the community to move at the speed of commerce. They open the door to people visiting us, support local business, and attract large companies beyond our county and state. Infrastructure projects often are front-loaded expenses and raising the capital needed can be a challenge for smaller communities. But even small improvements to facilities can mean a big difference to our community,\" said Dawson-Terrell County Airport Authority Chair Marl Halbrook. \"These Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds coming to Dawson are great news right before the holidays and will help strengthen our area's economy in the years ahead.\"\n\n\"Our airport has a huge impact on Decatur County and the surrounding area's economy. It provides access to companies looking to call our community home and create jobs. It also welcomes thousands of people each year for seasonal events and those visitors bolster our local businesses,\" said Decatur County Commission Chair Pete Stephens. \"The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds will be a tremendous help as we continue to improve our airport, creating new opportunities for the people that live and work here.\"\n\n\"Our airport welcomes people to Seminole County, helps create new business opportunities, and is home to aircraft vital to the tri-state area's farming communities. Taken together, it creates several dozen jobs and has over a $5 million impact on the region's economy,\" said Donalsonville-Seminole County Airport Commission Chairman, Jerry Isler. \"The funds coming to us through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help improve facilities and support the airport's crucial role in our community.\"\n\n\"Our airport gets a great deal of use and can be the first impression people have when visiting Early County. The funds available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are coming at the right time and can help in many ways, such as expanding our facilities to host more of our residents' aircrafts. We look forward to improving our facilities to better serve our county and the surrounding area,\" said Early County Commission Chairman Hank Jester.\n\n\"This is great news for Montezuma and Macon County. The Dr. C. P. Savage Sr. Airport has been making capital improvements to the airfield, terminal, hangers, and taxiway. The newly announced funds made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help us continue to expand our facilities,\" said Montezuma Mayor Larry Smith. \"The airport is part of our county's economic engine. As we improve and expand our airport, it attracts new businesses and good paying jobs to our community.\"\n\nAirports receiving awards will receive a similar tranche of funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law each year for the next five years, as part of a program for airport development. The amount could vary from year to year, as the funding reflects annual enplanement totals.\n\nIn addition to these guaranteed funds, these airports can compete with other airports across the country for grants from an additional $5 billion nationally for terminal and landside improvements.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases/crow-malinowski-meijer-make-bipartisan-push-humanitarian-aid-afghanistan", "Crow, Malinowski, Meijer Make Bipartisan Push for Humanitarian Aid For Afghanistan", "2021-12-21", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Jason Crow", "C001121", "crow.house.gov", "crow", "https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Representatives Jason Crow (D-CO), Tom Malinowski (D-NJ), and Peter Meijer (R-MI) are making a bipartisan push to release humanitarian aid directly to the people of Afghanistan to prevent a catastrophic collapse of the economy. In a bipartisan letter last night to the Biden Administration, the lawmakers argue this can be done without legitimizing the Taliban or providing the group any direct funding.\n\n\"To be clear, we are recommending steps below to provide aid funding to the Afghan people directly - not the Taliban - while also preventing economic collapse and developing a framework to ensure the Taliban uphold its commitments on counterterrorism, access to secondary school for girls, and the formation of an inclusive government,\" the lawmakers wrote.\n\n\"No one benefits from a failed state in Afghanistan. While we will continue to press the administration to ensure that we protect the American people from any potential future threats that may emanate from Afghanistan and enable Afghans at special risk of persecution to leave their country, the United States has an equal responsibility to help the many millions more who will stay to survive the winter, to feed their children, and to preserve what can be salvaged of the progress made during the last 20 years,\" they concluded.\n\nRead the full letterhere and below.\n\nDear Secretary Blinken and Secretary Yellen,\n\nWe write to you because the people of Afghanistan, whom we have fought with and for over the last 20 years, are on the verge of famine and economic collapse and believe that decisive action is needed to prevent a humanitarian disaster. We have no desire to help the Taliban government and believe that there is an approach that the U.S. can take to help prevent a catastrophic collapse of Afghanistan's aid-dependent economy while not providing legitimacy to the Taliban.\n\nTo be clear, we are recommending steps below to provide aid funding to the Afghan people directly - not the Taliban - while also preventing economic collapse and developing a framework to ensure the Taliban uphold its commitments on counterterrorism, access to secondary school for girls, and the formation of an inclusive government.\n\nAccording to the World Food Program, Afghanistan \"is on the brink of economic collapse.\"1 Approximately 18.4 million Afghans need humanitarian assistance, including 30% of the population facing emergency or crisis levels of food insecurity, including 2 million children. Much of this is driven by the inability to afford food rather than access alone. These challenges are compounded by a liquidity crisis, preventing millions of Afghans from receiving salaries. Even Afghans with savings in the bank are unable to withdraw funds in sufficient quantities as banks and other institutions run out of dollars.\n\nThe growing economic and food crisis has prompted fears of mass migration that may further destabilize the region. These fears are compounded by the Islamic State in Khorasan Province's (ISKP) direct challenge to Taliban rule, increasing the risk that portions of the country could become safe havens for extremist activity. Simply put, famine and a migration crisis would make it easier for ISKP to gain a foothold in the country.\n\nAccordingly, we recommend that the Biden administration release frozen Afghan assets to an appropriate United Nations agency to pay teacher salaries and provide meals to children in schools, so long as girls can continue to attend. UN agencies have recently launched an initiative to pay teacher salaries by using private banks and mobile services, bypassing the Taliban-led government.4 The Biden administration should assist these efforts and ensure that funds released beyond initial allotments hold the Taliban-led government to their commitment to allow girls and young women to attend secondary school nationwide.\n\nSecond, the Biden administration should provide additional guidance to financial institutions to clarify the existing sanctions exemptions on humanitarian aid. Doing so will make financial institutions more comfortable processing aid transactions without fear of violating U.S. sanctions while also expanding targeted exemptions to ensure that humanitarian assistance flows more freely. These steps, implemented with proper oversight, would not support the Taliban government, but would ensure that Afghans have access to the basic services they need to survive while bypassing the Taliban government.\n\nThird, the Biden administration should assist multilateral organizations attempting to pay Afghan civil servants, the vast majority of whom are hold-overs from the previous government and have been gone unpaid for months. The World Bank recently agreed to release to UN agencies an initial $280 million of the $500 million from the frozen Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF) to assist the public sector and the U.S. should support the Bank with any technical or sanctions-related hurdles. The continuation of funds should be predicated on actions by the Taliban to live up to their commitment to appoint an inclusive government that ensures the rights of minorities and women are protected and their voices are heard in any future government. Working closely with these partners ensures that the funds are used properly and do not end up in the hands of the Taliban, but instead provide the critical, targeted assistance needed.\n\nFourth, the Biden administration should allow international financial institutions to inject the necessary economic capital into Afghanistan to stave off the worst of its economic meltdown while avoiding the transfer of money to the Taliban-led government. In the short term, the World Bank, with US help, should systemize dollar-for-afghanis swaps between humanitarian agencies and Afghan businesses. Ultimately, Afghanistan will need an entity to serve as a central bank. The country's economy requires a bank to cover its foreign currency transactions and purchase foreign currency for transport into the country, otherwise legitimate actors\u2014humanitarians, importers, farmers\u2014cannot function. The Biden administration should signal openness to designating a private Afghan or third-country bank to facilitate dollar auctions not only to stop a meltdown but to enable ordinary Afghans to get back on their feet without having to depend on the Taliban.\n\nFinally, while the administration has pledged generous donations for previous UN appeals for Afghanistan, this winter could push Afghanistan to collapse. The upcoming United Nations appeal is expected to be the largest UN appeal in the world, meaning Afghanistan would be the worst of all humanitarian disasters. The United States and its allies should prepare to rally donors to contribute their fair share.\n\nNo one benefits from a failed state in Afghanistan. While we will continue to press the administration to ensure that we protect the American people from any potential future threats that may emanate from Afghanistan and enable Afghans at special risk of persecution to leave their country, the United States has an equal responsibility to help the many millions more who will stay to survive the winter, to feed their children, and to preserve what can be salvaged of the progress made during the last 20 years.\n\nNearly 775,000 American troops served in Afghanistan, and thousands of Americans and Afghans alike gave their lives or were wounded. We have an obligation to honor this service and sacrifice by standing by the Afghan people as they continue the fight for human rights and the future of their country.\n\nWe request that the Treasury and State Department brief us regularly on the strategy regarding Afghanistan and to include oversight mechanisms so we can ensure that the Afghan people are the sole recipients of international aid, not the Taliban. The first of these briefings should include the administration's response and proposed plan to the above-mentioned steps and we request it be provided no later than January 14, 2022. We look forward to working with you on this issue.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-crow-donalds-introduce-bipartisan-bill-help-small-businesses-access", "Reps. Crow, Donalds Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Help Small Businesses Access the Resources They Need", "2021-12-21", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Jason Crow", "C001121", "crow.house.gov", "crow", "https://crow.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Representatives Jason Crow (D-CO-06) and Byron Donalds (R-FL-19), both members of the House Small Business Committee, introduced the Expanding Access to Credit for Small Business Act. This bipartisan bill will broaden the Small Business Administration's (SBA) 7(a) small business loan program so it allows financial technology, or fintech, lenders to offer loans to small businesses.\n\nAt the height of the coronavirus pandemic, millions of rural and minority small business owners did not have access to banks, which made it difficult for them to access the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and other financial services. The Expanding Access to Credit for Small Business Act will allow fintech companies, many of which helped fill that gap, to also participate in the 7(a) program so they can provide our small businesses with the resources they need.\n\n\"Small businesses are the backbone of the U.S. economy. A big part of our work on the Small Business Committee is ensuring that our small business owners have the resources they need to succeed,\" said Rep. Crow. \"It's my pleasure to work on a bipartisan basis with Congressman Donalds to expand the 7(a) small business loan program to ensure funding for our new and growing small businesses.\"\n\n\"Fintech lending is the future of small business lending, and this legislation modernizes how small businesses access capital. Empowering and equipping the fintech sector of the economy to offer private loans creates more opportunities for American small enterprises to achieve prosperity,\" said Rep. Donalds. \"This is commonsense, bipartisan legislation deploys a willing and ready private sector to meet the needs of our nation's small businesses in a sustainable way and creates a pathway for entrepreneurs to pursue their American Dream.\"\n\nUS Senators John Hickenlooper (D-CO) and Tim Scott (R-SC) are co-leading the bill in the Senate.\n\nSpecifically, the bill:\n\nRemoves the moratorium on new SBLC licenses;\n\nRe-appropriates unused COVID funds from various stimulus bills to be used by the SBA to provide oversight of the new SBLCs;\n\nIncludes reporting requirements to gauge the success of the program;\n\nIncludes a rule of construction that would prohibit the SBA administrator from becoming the primary regulator of fintech companies; and\n\nRequires the administrator to check for financial soundness and compliance when considering new applicants to the program.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3613", "Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher and Congressman Joe Neguse Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act", "2021-12-21", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Lizzie Fletcher", "F000468", "fletcher.house.gov", "fletcher", "https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), together with Representatives Joe Neguse (CO-02), Angie Craig (MN-02), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Kat Cammack (FL-03), and Jack Bergman (MI-01) introduced H.R. 6314, the Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act, directing the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to improve funding for the Universal Service Fund (USF) to allow for expanded access to broadband and other telecommunications services.\n\n\u201cIt is so important to ensure Americans have access to broadband, wherever they live,\u201d said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. \u201cI am glad to join Representatives Neguse, Craig, DeGette, Cammack, and Bergman in introducing this bipartisan legislation to ensure the Universal Service Fund remains strong and available to help expand broadband infrastructure across the country.\u201d\n\n\u201cTo fully participate in the modern era, small business owners, students, families, and workers in rural communities require consistent, reliable broadband connectivity,\u201d said Congressman Joe Neguse. \u201cOur bill, the Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act, will ensure our federal agencies are utilizing all tools at their disposal to expand access to broadband and other telecommunications services, to connect our communities.\u201d\n\nThe Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act is the companion to Senate legislation S. 3236, originally introduced by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and John Thune (R-SD).\n\nThe USF, as a subsidiary of the FCC, supports programs that increase broadband access in rural communities and expands access to affordable broadband service for underserved families, schools, and libraries. Broadband is vital for economic development, care deliverability, and the expansion of educational services.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3614", "Media Advisory: Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Launches Lizzie\u2019s Little Learners: Read to Lead", "2021-12-21", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Lizzie Fletcher", "F000468", "fletcher.house.gov", "fletcher", "https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Houston, TX\u2014Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) has launched a program titled Lizzie\u2019s Little Learners: Read to Lead and invites elementary-aged students in TX-07 to read 10 or more grade-level books with help from teachers, parents, grandparents, older siblings, or other trusted caregivers. Little Learners who read at least 10 books will be invited with their families to attend a virtual recognition ceremony with Congresswoman Fletcher to celebrate their achievement.\n\nWhat\n\nLizzie\u2019s Little Learners: Read to Lead\n\nWho\n\nAny elementary-aged student in TX-07\n\nWhy\n\nReading at grade level is a critical metric for a lifetime of success! By incorporating reading into your daily activity, you can build the tools for lifelong learning.\n\nWhen\n\nBooks read November 30, 2021 \u2013 January 31, 2022\n\nHow\n\nRead! Each participant should aim to read 10 grade-level books (or more!) and, with help from teachers, parents, grandparents, older siblings, or other trusted caregivers, log their progress using the provided form. Little Learners who read at least 10 will be invited with their families to a recognition ceremony with Congresswoman Fletcher to celebrate their achievement.\n\nMore information\n\nAll printed log sheets should be returned to Congresswoman Fletcher\u2019s Houston Office at 5599 San Felipe Street, Suite 950, Houston, TX or emailed using the digital log sheet to the email address listed at the bottom of the log sheet. All log sheets and permission slips must be received by February 7, 2022. For any further questions, please contact the Congresswoman\u2019s Houston Office at (713) 353-8680.\n\nClick here for a printable log sheet.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3615", "Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Tours Project Brays to Discuss Flood Mitigation and the  Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act", "2021-12-21", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Lizzie Fletcher", "F000468", "fletcher.house.gov", "fletcher", "https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Last week, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) met with representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the Harris County Flood Control District to discuss the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Actand its potential impacts in Texas Congressional District Seven. Congresswoman Fletcher toured Brays Bayou for an update on Segment 4 of Brays Bayou Federal Flood Damage Reduction Project (Project Brays) and surveyed the progress of the new Chimney Rock Bridge. Project Brays, a $480 million effort, is the largest partnership project by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Harris County Flood Control to date.\n\n\u201cThe need for action in Texas is clear and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will deliver for Texas,\u201d said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. \u201cWith billions in funds directed to the Army Corps of Engineers and $500 million slated for Texas\u2019 bridges alone, the new law will make a tremendous difference in our ability to make transformational investments like this one for our community.\u201d\n\nAmong its provisions, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will:\n\nProvide $7 billion to USACE for resiliency infrastructure projects, including set-asides for Coastal Storm Risk Management/Hurricane and Storm Damage Reduction Projects, Inland Flood Risk Management Projects and Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Projects, targeting states like Texas that have been impacted by federally declared disasters over the last six years.\n\nProvide $9.55 billion to USACE for waterway infrastructure priorities, including $5.15 billion for backlogged construction projects and specific funding for repairing damages to Corps Projects caused by natural disasters.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3617", "Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Delivers Winter Wishes to Houston-Area Seniors", "2021-12-21", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Lizzie Fletcher", "F000468", "fletcher.house.gov", "fletcher", "https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) delivered holiday cards to senior citizens across Texas\u2019 Seventh Congressional District. Local students, teachers, and Seventh District constituents created and delivered nearly 1,000 cards to Congresswoman Fletcher\u2019s Houston office this month to be shared with our seniors.\n\n\u201cI was thrilled to deliver holiday cards to seniors across our district on behalf of students and teachers and others in our community,\u201d said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. \u201cWe had an incredible response from our TX-07 community, and I am grateful to everyone who participated and helped spread holiday cheer.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3618", "ICYMI: New Democrat Coalition Trade Leaders Urge Secretary Raimondo and Ambassador Tai to Move Quickly to End Section 232 Tariffs on U.S. Allies", "2021-12-21", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Lizzie Fletcher", "F000468", "fletcher.house.gov", "fletcher", "https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014Today, the New Democrat Coalition sent a press release highlighting the work of the Trade Task Force on ending Section 232 tariffs, where Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) serves as Co-Chair. The New Democrat Coalition is the U.S. House of Representatives\u2019 largest Democratic caucus, committed to pro-economic growth, pro-innovation, and fiscally responsible policies.\n\nFrom the New Democrat Coalition\u2019s release:\n\nToday, New Democrat Coalition (NDC) trade leaders, led by Trade Task Force Co-Chairs Ron Kind (WI-03), Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), and NDC Chair Suzan DelBene (WA-01), urged U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai to quickly eliminate the Trump-era 232 tariffs on U.S. allies, following the recent agreement struck with the European Union. Working with the United Kingdom, Japan, and other close trading partners to end the harmful tariffs will help lower costs for Americans, reduce inflationary pressures, and provide a path forward for better coordination to address global overcapacity challenges.\n\n\u201cWe must end the harmful 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from our allies imposed during the Trump Administration,\u201d said New Democrat Coalition (NDC) Trade Task Force Co-Chair Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07). \u201cI was glad to work with my NDC colleagues, including Trade Task Force Co-Chair Congressman Ron Kind (WI-03), and NDC Chair Suzan DelBene (WA-01) in urging the Department of Commerce to take swift action to eliminate tariffs on our international partners to keep our domestic manufacturers competitive and lower costs for American consumers.\u201d\n\n\"To secure relief for Wisconsin manufacturers, farmers, and families, we need to eliminate the Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum imposed by the former Administration on our allies,\" said NDC Trade Task Force Co-Chair Ron Kind (WI-3). \"I look forward to continuing to work with Secretary Raimondo and Ambassador Tai to find a path towards removing these tariffs, leveling the playing field for Wisconsinites, and addressing global overcapacity challenges.\"\n\n\u201cEnding misguided Trump-era Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from U.S. allies and trading partners will provide much needed relief for American workers, families, and manufacturers,\u201d said NDC Chair Suzan DelBene (WA-01). \u201cThe U.S. is made stronger and safer through our economic ties with our allies and close trading partners, and the New Democrat Coalition looks forward to continuing to work with Secretary Raimondo and Ambassador Tai to advance a pro-growth trade agenda that promotes American businesses, creates jobs, and strengthens American leadership of the global rules-based order.\u201d\n\nThe letter reads in part,\n\n\u201cWe are encouraged by your recent announcement of formal consultations with Japan on steel and aluminum and ask that you begin similar consultations with the United Kingdom and other close trading partners and move quickly in these discussions as downstream users continue to face astonishingly high prices in steel and aluminum.\n\n\u201cIt is imperative that the United States continue to set the rules for the global economy, rather than have them set by others. We look forward to working with you and President Biden in executing a trade agenda that meets the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century; promotes American workers, farmers, ranchers, and businesses; lowers costs for American families; recommits to multilateralism and U.S. global leadership; and strengthens our allies and close trading partners. A pro-growth trade agenda and sufficient supply of steel and aluminum at a cost-competitive price is critical as we implement President Biden\u2019s historic investments in infrastructure and continue our ongoing legislative efforts to build back better and bolster U.S. innovation, competitiveness, and global supply chains.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-statement-covid-19-new-biden-administration-measures", "Kaptur Statement on Covid-19, New Biden Administration Measures", "2021-12-21", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "OH", "Marcy Kaptur", "K000009", "kaptur.house.gov", "kaptur", "https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) released the following statement on the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, and the new federal measures President Joe Biden announced to protect Americans.\n\n\u201cThe new steps the Biden Administration is taking to combat the spread of this deadly virus will save lives, and protect our communities,\u201d said Rep. Kaptur. \u201cNo one has been spared by the devastation unleashed by Covid-19, and we all yearn for the dawn of a new day. But as we grapple with the heart-wrenching loss of nearly 30,000 of our neighbors across Ohio, now is not the time to let our guard down. With the Omicron variant surging, the health and safety of our loved ones, friends, and frontline healthcare heroes depends on the actions that each one of us takes right now. Our best weapons in this fight are the vaccines that medical science has gifted us. In order to emerge from this pandemic, we all must do our part and get vaccinated \u2013 and boosted \u2013 as quickly as possible.\u201d\n\nThe new federal measures President Biden announced include:\n\nMore free testing: the federal government is purchasing 500 million at-home, rapid Covid-19 tests which will be available for free through online ordering and home delivery to anyone who wants them \u2013 beginning in January 2022.\n\nMore support for hospitals: the Department of Defense is readying 1,000 military medical professionals that can be deployed to Covid-burdened hospitals across the country. Additionally, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is activating planning teams to work with each state to assess hospital needs ahead of winter surges, and expand hospital bed capacity and ambulance availability \u2013 with the federal government paying for all of it.\n\nMore critical supplies: the federal government is pre-positioning hundreds of millions of N-95 masks, billions of gloves, tens of millions of gowns, and over 100,000 ventilators through the Strategic National Stockpile to be shipped to states as soon as they are needed.\n\nMore information on the measures President Biden announced can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://katherineclark.house.gov/press-releases?ID=DA7D714F-96FD-48D1-A3CF-143C85D4AA6C", "Clark, Reed Lead Letter Urging HHS to Protect Families This Winter During Energy Crisis", "2021-12-21", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Katherine M. Clark", "C001101", "katherineclark.house.gov", "clark", "https://katherineclark.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Assistant Speaker Katherine Clark (D-MA-5) and Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) led a bicameral letter urging the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to address the ongoing energy crisis and its impact on families served by the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The letter is co-led by Congresswomen Gwen S. Moore (D-WI-4) and Sylvia R. Garcia (D-TX-29).\n\nThe cost of home heating is estimated to increase by 30 percent this winter, which is a level that has not been seen since 2014 and would impact 61 million households that use natural gas for heat. As a consequence of these volatile prices, the purchasing power of appropriated LIHEAP funding could drop by as much as 30 percent. Specifically, the program\u2019s value in available funding could decrease by $1.14 billion from $3.8 billion for regular appropriations and by $1.35 billion from $4.5 billion for stimulus funds. The Members\u2019 letter requests information and timeline updates regarding implementation and eligibility for low-income families and funding needs for the Department to fulfill its obligations.\n\n\u201cAs the world economy recovers from the pandemic, global energy markets are struggling to keep up with a surge in demand and prolonged supply shortages,\u201d the Members wrote. \u201cFor low-income families, these price increases are unsustainable and will force them to choose between heating their homes and other essentials like rent, food, or medicine. As state agencies and grantees prepare their winter programs, it is crucial that they have strong support from your department to assist low-income households.\u201d\n\nThe letter is signed by 89 Representatives and 19 Senators.\n\nFull text of the letter can be found HERE and below\n\nDear Secretary Becerra:\n\nWe thank the Department of Health and Human Services for its recent release of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program\u2019s (LIHEAP) annual allocation that will augment relief funding provided by the American Rescue Plan. However, we remain concerned that the ongoing global energy crisis will adversely impact families who will rely on LIHEAP to stay warm this winter.\n\nAs the world economy recovers from the pandemic, global energy markets are struggling to keep up with a surge in demand and prolonged supply shortages. Natural gas prices across Europe have increased sixfold compared to this time last year, while coal and natural gas deficits have plunged China into a power crisis that has forced Chinese factories and businesses to rely on diesel-fueled generators just to maintain operations. , To meet global demand, U.S. liquefied natural gas exports continue to grow faster than domestic natural gas production, depleting our natural gas inventories and raising prices on American families in the process. While we applaud President Biden\u2019s focus on addressing high fuel costs, we are concerned that the ongoing volatility in global prices for fossil fuels like natural gas could exacerbate the anticipated spike in home heating costs as this energy crisis impacts the United States.\n\nThe U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects that the cost of home heating for households will increase by 30 percent this winter, which is a level that has not been seen since 2014, and would impact 61 million households that use natural gas for heating. The EIA expects even larger surges in home heating costs this winter for the 10 percent of American households relying on deliverable fuels like propane and heating oil. According to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, the average residential natural gas bill will increase from $572 to $746 and heating oil bills per household will rise from $1,272 to $1,734. As a consequence, the purchasing power of appropriated LIHEAP funding would drop by as much as 30 percent. That means that the program\u2019s value in available funding would decrease by $1.14 billion from $3.8 billion for regular appropriations and by $1.35 billion from $4.5 billion for stimulus funds. For low-income families, these price increases are unsustainable and will force them to choose between heating their homes and other essentials like rent, food, or medicine.\n\nAs state agencies and grantees prepare their winter programs, it is crucial that they have strong support from your department to assist low-income households. In consideration of these concerns, we respectfully request that you provide answers to the following questions:\n\nOn November 18, 2021, the Biden administration unveiled recommendations on how American Rescue Plan funds should be used to protect households from rising home heating costs. Can you provide us with an update on your agency\u2019s efforts to meet these recommendations and share your timeline for expediting assistance?\n\nLast year, LIHEAP funding reached about 16 percent of the eligible population. This winter season, what percentage of the eligible population does your Department expect to serve with the additional $4.5 billion for LIHEAP and emergency rental assistance from the American Rescue Plan?\n\nHow has your Department made it easier for households to apply for LIHEAP assistance during this pandemic and ongoing energy crisis?\n\nWhat steps has the Department taken to increase outreach to non-traditional households, especially those who have recently become unemployed and/or do not know that they qualify for LIHEAP?\n\nDoes the Department anticipate that current funding is sufficient to meet expected increases in energy prices or will additional resources be necessary?\n\nThank you for your consideration and for your work for vulnerable families.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2578", "Larsen Calls for China Strategy to Increase U.S. Competitiveness, Enhance U.S. Leadership", "2021-12-21", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Rick Larsen", "L000560", "larsen.house.gov", "larsen", "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) released an updated China White Paper outlining a comprehensive China strategy to boost U.S. competitiveness and enhance American global leadership.\n\n\u201cCongress and the Biden administration must think more broadly about its \u2018China agenda.\u2019 Instead of thinking defensively, the U.S. needs to have a proactive agenda that increases U.S. competitiveness,\u201d said Larsen, co-founder and co-chair of the U.S.-China Working Group (USCWG). \u201cThe advantage of my strategy, with a larger focus on skills, education, and multilateral relationships, is it enhances U.S. competitiveness, not just vis-\u00e0-vis China, but worldwide.\u201d\n\nIn his China White Paper, Larsen outlines out a four-point framework oriented around:\n\n\u00b7 Recognizing existing areas of conflict and competition;\n\n\u00b7 Expanding the playbook to include both offensive and defensive measures to compete with China;\n\n\u00b7 Identifying areas where bilateral cooperation is in both nations\u2019 interest; and\n\n\u00b7 Getting our own house in order.\n\nThe updated white paper builds on Larsen\u2019s December 2019 edition, including new priorities and recommendations while retaining the framework of the original White Paper.\u2013 The original report is available here.\n\nIn 2005, Larsen co-founded the U.S.-China Working Group with then-Rep. Mark Kirk (R-IL) to build diplomatic relations with China and educate Members of Congress through meetings and briefings with business, academic and political leaders from the U.S. and China. Today, Larsen co-chairs the USCWG with Rep. Darin LaHood (IL-18). The White Paper represents Larsen\u2019s views only - not those of the USCWG or its members. It is the product of Larsen\u2019s review of a variety of scholarship on China and extensive conversations with leaders in academia, think tanks, labor, government, international relations and industry.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://levin.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mike-levin-honors-local-educator-and-advocate-dr-joely-proudfit-as-constituent-of-the-month", "Rep. Mike Levin Honors Local Educator and Advocate Dr. Joely Proudfit as Constituent of the Month", "2021-12-21", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Mike Levin", "L000593", "levin.house.gov", "levin", "https://levin.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Oceanside, CA \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Mike Levin (D-CA) announced that Carlsbad resident, educator, and activist, Joely Proudfit, Ph.D., is the December Constituent of the Month. A Luise\u00f1o/Pay\u00f3mkawichum woman, a true Native to Southern California, Dr. Proudfit is indigenous to Southern California where her ancestors have been since time immemorial. Dr. Proudfit first tapped into her activism in college as a way for her to stay connected to her Native ancestry and support Native voices. Now a renowned and tenured professor, Dr. Proudfit dedicates her life\u2019s work to the education and promotion of proper representation for Native Americans and Indigenous peoples in media and society. Dr. Proudfit is also the first Indigenous woman appointed to California\u2019s Commission on the Status of Women and Girls by Governor Newsom.\n\nSee below for Rep. Levin\u2019s statement recognizing Dr. Joely Proudfit in the Congressional Record:\n\n\u201cMadam Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize Carlsbad resident, educator, and fierce advocate for Indigenous peoples, Dr. Joely Proudfit, for my December Constituent of the Month. A Native Southern Californian and a Luise\u00f1o/Pay\u00f3mkawichum woman, Dr. Proudfit first tapped into her passion for activism in college as a way for her to stay connected to her Native ancestry and support Native peoples. As the first member of her family to complete a high school diploma, and now a renowned and tenured professor, Dr. Proudfit has dedicated her life\u2019s work to furthering the education and promotion of proper representation for Native Americans and Indigenous peoples in media and society.\n\n\u201cDr. Proudfit strives to serve as a role model to Native youth by encouraging all who enter her classroom that anyone can achieve success with self-determination and a desire for knowledge. Dr. Proudfit also uses her platform as an educator and highly visible advocate to shed light on the harmful stereotypes and false narratives perpetuated around American Indians and to change perceptions of tribal communities.\n\n\u201cWhat makes California\u2019s 49th District so special is the rich blending of cultures, backgrounds, and walks of life throughout our communities. The voices and stories of Native Americans have fallen to the shadows far too often. I am so grateful to have leaders and role models like Dr. Proudfit who are the voices we need for these communities to be seen and heard. The contributions and voices of Native and Indigenous peoples are fundamental to our national story, and Dr. Proudfit\u2019s work to lift up tribal communities has made our community and our country stronger. I\u2019m proud to recognize her as my December Constituent of the Month.\u201d\n\nRepresentative Levin\u2019s Constituent of the Month program recognizes outstanding North County San Diego and South Orange County Residents who have gone above and beyond to help their neighbors, give back to their community, and represent the best of our country. Rep. Levin\u2019s November Constituent of the Month was Marine Corps Bronze Star veteran, Captain Derek Herrera. His October Constituent of the Month was Oceanside resident and Vista Family Health Center Physician Assistant, Edilberto Canseco.\n\nTo nominate a resident of the 49th District to be the Constituent of the Month, fill out this nomination form.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://levin.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mike-levin-leads-letter-calling-on-cpuc-to-reconsider-proposed-changes-to-net-metering-policies", "Rep. Mike Levin Leads Letter Calling on CPUC to Reconsider Proposed Changes to Net Metering Policies", "2021-12-21", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Mike Levin", "L000593", "levin.house.gov", "levin", "https://levin.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Oceanside, CA \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Mike Levin (D-CA) led a letter to California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) President Marybel Batjer urging the CPUC to reconsider recently proposed changes to net energy metering (NEM) policies that would disincentivize continued adoption of rooftop solar in California. The CPUC\u2019s proposed changes would slash the value of solar exports by approximately 80% while imposing the highest fees on solar customers in investor-owned utility territories, severely damaging the growth of rooftop solar in California.\n\n\u201cNet metering policies have catalyzed the growth of rooftop solar in California. In addition to the sector\u2019s positive economic impact, the growth of rooftop solar has also helped advance our efforts to address the climate crisis and increase grid resilience. Existing policies have made rooftop solar a smart clean energy investment for all Californians, regardless of income level \u2013 currently, nearly 50 percent of the state\u2019s market is in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, and over 150,000 Californians eligible for income-driven discounts on their electric bills have their own solar systems,\u201d the Members wrote. \u201cWe are grateful for your previous commitments to advance rooftop solar and support a sustainable solar industry as part of an equitable clean energy transition. However, we are deeply concerned that CPUC\u2019s December 13, 2021 proposed decision would actually have the opposite effect, potentially putting rooftop solar out of reach for many Californians, undermining grid resilience, and making it harder for our nation to reach its national clean energy targets.\u201d\n\nThe letter was signed by Representatives Nanette Diaz Barrag\u00e1n (D-CA), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Ro Khanna (D-CA), Alan Lowenthal (D-CA), Katie Porter (D-CA), Jared Huffman (D-CA), and Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA).\n\nClick here or see below for their full letter:\n\nThe Honorable Marybel Batjer\n\nPresident\n\nCalifornia Public Utilities Commission\n\n505 Van Ness Avenue\n\nSan Francisco, CA 94102\n\nDear President Batjer:\n\nThank you for your continued efforts to move California towards an equitable and secure clean energy future. We write to express our concerns with the California Public Utilities Commission\u2019s (CPUC) recent proposed decision and its potential impact on the future of net energy metering (NEM) and rooftop solar in California.\n\nNet metering policies have catalyzed the growth of rooftop solar in California. In addition to the sector\u2019s positive economic impact, the growth of rooftop solar has also helped advance our efforts to address the climate crisis and increase grid resilience.\n\nExisting policies have made rooftop solar a smart clean energy investment for all Californians, regardless of income level \u2013 currently, nearly 50 percent of the state\u2019s market is in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, and over 150,000 Californians eligible for income-driven discounts on their electric bills have their own solar systems.\n\nWhen paired with energy storage, rooftop solar provides critical back-up power during grid outages, saving ratepayers money and providing a common good. Ensuring the continued growth of California\u2019s rooftop solar sector is critical as our state faces increasingly severe wildfires and other threats to grid stability, as net metering policies help residential and commercial customers adopt storage and keep their lights on during increasingly-common power outages. Continuing to grow the rooftop solar industry will reduce the need for back-up diesel generation, which harms both the environment and public health. With the state facing an urgent lack of generating resources, we believe we should be doing everything we can to rapidly deploy renewables and storage.\n\nWe are grateful for your previous commitments to advance rooftop solar and support a sustainable solar industry as part of an equitable clean energy transition. However, we are deeply concerned that CPUC\u2019s December 13, 2021 proposed decision would actually have the opposite effect, potentially putting rooftop solar out of reach for many Californians, undermining grid resilience, and making it harder for our nation to reach its national clean energy targets.\n\nWe are concerned that the proposed decision would severely damage the growth of rooftop solar in California. It is our understanding that the proposed decision would slash the value of solar exports by approximately 80% while imposing the highest fees on solar customers in investor-owned utility territories. Solar-user fees would be 700% higher than what other state regulatory commissions have implemented, such as New York.\n\nThe U.S. House of Representatives recently passed the Build Back Better Act, which includes the largest federal investment in clean energy and climate provisions in our nation\u2019s history. Alongside complementary state action, these investments are critical to meeting President Biden\u2019s national target of achieving a 50 to 52 percent reduction from 2005 levels in economy-wide net greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and a 100 percent carbon-free power grid by 2035.\n\nHowever, we are deeply concerned that the proposed decision would make rooftop solar less accessible to all Californians, jeopardize its sustainable growth, increase costs to ratepayers, and threaten our ability to achieve these national targets. We respectfully urge you to reconsider this proposed decision and consider supporting reasonable reforms that will ensure the solar and storage industries continue to grow so that we can meet our climate and energy resilience goals.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://levin.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mike-levin-releases-2021-progress-report", "Rep. Mike Levin Releases 2021 Progress Report", "2021-12-21", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Mike Levin", "L000593", "levin.house.gov", "levin", "https://levin.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Levin Passed Seven Bills in the House with Two Signed Into Law; Saved Constituents $13.4 Million through Casework Services\n\nOceanside, CA \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Mike Levin (D-CA) released his 2021 Progress Report highlighting legislative accomplishments and constituent service successes. Rep. Levin had two of his bills signed into law this year: the bipartisan Training in High-demand Roles to Improve Veteran Employment (THRIVE) Act to improve veterans\u2019 job training and education benefits, and the Responsible Education Mitigating Options and Technical Extensions (REMOTE) Act, which would protect education benefits for veterans amid the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.\n\nAlso this year, Rep. Levin and his staff responded to more than 58,000 constituent messages and helped more than 1,100 constituents with issues involving federal agencies, saving them more than $13,400,000 total. Institutions in the 49th District received more than $240 million in federal grants, and local small businesses received $9.5 million in federal aid.\n\nRead Rep. Levin\u2019s Progress Report Letter:\n\nDear Neighbor,\n\nThis past year has been a time of incredible progress for our community and our country. We began the year in one of the most challenging phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. The rate of COVID hospitalizations was at its highest point ever, and more than 10 million Americans were unemployed.\n\nSince then, more than 200 million Americans have been fully vaccinated, we\u2019ve added nearly six million jobs, and the number of Americans filing for unemployment reached its lowest point since 1969.\n\nWe still have more work to do to put COVID-19 behind us, but we\u2019ve made a lot of progress thanks to the American Rescue Plan, a historic piece of legislation that provided relief to struggling families, frontline workers, and local schools and businesses. In fact, families and organizations in California\u2019s 49th District received more than $350 million in federal relief from that bill.\n\nMy colleagues and I also passed the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, a once-in-a-generation investment in our nation\u2019s crumbling infrastructure. Along with the Build Back Better Act, this legislation would create 1.5 million good-paying American jobs each year while also lowering costs for working families. I\u2019ll keep fighting to reach an agreement on many of the policies included in the Build Back Better Act.\n\nWe have much more work to do ahead, but first, I want to share a few other highlights.\n\nAs a member of the House Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, Natural Resources Committee, and Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, I worked with members of both parties to introduce 31 pieces of legislation this year, including seven bills or amendments that passed the House of Representatives, and two that were signed into law. That\u2019s on top of the 16 bills that I introduced and had signed into law during the 116th Congress.\n\nAlso this year, my staff and I responded to more than 58,000 constituent messages and helped more than 1,100 constituents with issues involving federal agencies, saving them more than $13,400,000 total. Institutions in our District received more than $240 million in federal grants this year, and local small businesses received $9.5 million in federal aid.\n\nI know there is much more to do in 2022, and I look forward to building on this progress.\n\nThank you,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://lofgren.house.gov/media/press-releases/lofgren-announces-625000-federal-funding-santa-clara-county-s-veterans", "Lofgren Announces $625,000 in Federal Funding for Santa Clara County\u2019s Veterans Treatment Court", "2021-12-21", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Zoe Lofgren", "L000397", "lofgren.house.gov", "lofgren", "https://lofgren.house.gov/media/press-releases", "page_html", "SAN JOSE, CA \u2013 Today, U.S. Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-19) announced that the U.S. Department of Justice will provide the Santa Clara County Superior Court with $625,000 to expand services at its Veterans Treatment Court.\n\n\"Veterans selflessly served our country, and we owe them a debt of gratitude,\" said Rep. Lofgren. \"Veterans with substance use or mental health disorders often need treatment and help, not incarceration. As such, California's treatment courts have a proven track record. This grant will help Santa Clara County veterans receive the services they need to get back on their feet.\"\n\nSanta Clara County was among the first jurisdictions in the country to establish a treatment court to address substance use and mental health disorders through intervention and other services, including Medication-Assisted Treatment, rather than incarceration.\n\nThis grant comes from the Department of Justice's Adult Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court Discretionary Grant Program, and will be used to serve 240 local veterans over four years through coordinated case management.\n\nGovernment funding legislation, which Rep. Lofgren voted for in December 2020, provided $25 million for Veterans Treatment Courts for Fiscal Year 2021, an increase of $2 million over previous funding levels. This year, Rep. Lofgren also led nearly 100 of her colleagues in urging the House Appropriations Committee to support funding for treatment courts in Fiscal Year 2022.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meng-bowman-espaillat-lead-letter-to-biden-requesting-covid-19-testing", "Meng, Bowman, Espaillat Lead Letter to Biden Requesting COVID-19 Testing Kits Be Steered to NYC", "2021-12-21", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Grace Meng", "M001188", "meng.house.gov", "meng", "https://meng.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 With COVID-19 cases spiking in New York, U.S. Reps. Grace Meng (D-NY), Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) and Adriano Espaillat (D-NY) led a letter to President Biden this afternoon thanking him for taking action to address the surge, and requesting that he steer much needed testing kits to New York City.\n\n\"We applaud your announcement to take new steps that keep Americans safe from Omicron, including using the Defense Production Act to further accelerate production of additional testing kits as quickly as possible,\" the lawmakers wrote. \"We respectfully encourage your Administration to steer the necessary testing kits to New York City as it will require additional testing kits in the months ahead to protect people and communities from severe illness. Friday marked the highest reported testing day in New York City since the beginning of the pandemic. In New York City, lines for testing have wrapped around city blocks. Our constituents report wait times well over an hour, upwards of six hours in some places. Others report traveling to upwards of three different testing sites as frustration continues to mount as test sites across the five boroughs are running out of tests. Building on your successes in the fight against the virus, we must ensure cities like New York City have access to a sufficient number of tests to meet the demands of the Omicron surge.\"\n\nMembers of Congress who joined the Meng-Bowman-Espaillat letter include New York Reps. Carolyn Maloney, Gregory Meeks, Nydia Vel\u00e1zquez, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ritchie Torres, Thomas Suozzi and Hakeem Jeffries.\n\nA copy of the letter can be viewed here, and the text of the correspondence is below.\n\n-------------------------------\n\nDear President Biden,\n\nThank you very much for your leadership to address the COVID-19 pandemic. We applaud your announcement to take new steps that keep Americans safe from Omicron, including using the Defense Production Act to further accelerate production of additional testing kits as quickly as possible. We respectfully encourage your Administration to steer the necessary testing kits to New York City as it will require additional testing kits in the months ahead to protect people and communities from severe illness.\n\nFrom getting shots into arms, to requiring masking, your Administration has taken these steps and other actions to provide protection from the virus. Nevertheless, the Omicron variant presents us with new challenges. Last Friday, New York State reported 21,027 new positive cases of COVID-19, a new single-day record. Of those new cases, New York City represented almost half. With the rapid spread of the virus comes increased demand for COVID-19 testing.\n\nFriday marked the highest reported testing day in New York City since the beginning of the pandemic. In New York City, lines for testing have wrapped around city blocks. Our constituents report wait times well over an hour, upwards of six hours in some places. Others report traveling to upwards of three different testing sites as frustration continues to mount as test sites across the five boroughs are running out of tests. At-home COVID-19 testing kits are also becoming scarce at pharmacies, leaving New Yorkers with few testing options before holiday travel commences.\n\nThroughout this pandemic, New York City has served as the bellwether for the state of the pandemic, and an indicator of the steps we need to take to address a rise in cases nationally. As we head into a busy holiday season in which many New Yorkers are grieving someone they lost to the pandemic, the proactive, preventative steps we take now to make testing truly accessible can save lives and prevent a deadly repeat of 2020. We further emphasize the need to ensure at-home tests are made available free of charge to remove barriers that may otherwise prevent people from receiving the care they need and keeping our communities healthy and safe. We sincerely appreciate that the Administration invoked the Defense Production Act in February and has procured to date nearly $2 billion in rapid point-of-care and over-the-counter at-home COVID-19 tests from multiple COVID-19 test manufacturers. Building on your successes in the fight against the virus, we must ensure cities like New York City have access to a sufficient number of tests to meet the demands of the Omicron surge.\n\nEnsuring our communities have adequate COVID-19 testing stockpiles will ensure that those seeking to travel or spend time indoors can do so safely after securing a negative test result.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/mfume-maryland-delegation-announces-nearly-800-million-bipartisan", "Mfume, Maryland Delegation Announces Nearly $800 Million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Highway Funding for the State", "2021-12-21", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie Raskin and David Trone (all D-Md.) today announced $796,122,349 in FY22 federal funding from the bipartisan infrastructure law to improve roads and bridges and create good-paying jobs across the state. These federal investments also fund critical new programs to address climate change, both through reducing carbon emissions and strengthening infrastructure to withstand climate and extreme weather impacts.\n\nThe Maryland Democratic Congressional Delegation voted to pass the bipartisan infrastructure law, which was signed into law by President Biden last month and provides an infusion of new federal funding for highway and bridge repair for communities across the nation. The funds, administered by the Federal-aid Highway Program, will be used for construction, reconstruction or improvement. This is the first round of funding under the five years of federal investment in Maryland highways authorized by the bipartisan infrastructure law.\n\n\"The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was a long overdue investment in the roads and bridges Marylanders rely on every day,\" the lawmakers said. \"This new round of federal funding will help to rebuild Maryland's roads and overall transportation network, cut down on gridlock and pollution and keep drivers and pedestrians safe. Team Maryland is proud to support good-paying union jobs for our state through this funding, and we are looking forward to delivering more of the federal infrastructure resources to our communities from the infrastructure modernization bill that we fought so hard to pass.\"\n\nThe American Society of Civil Engineers gave Maryland a C grade on its Infrastructure Report Card, finding many deficiencies that require immediate attention like Maryland's road congestion and population growth.\n\nThe funding will be distributed as follows:\n\nHighway Performance Program$418,076,496Transportation Block Grant Program$203,388,565Safety Improvement Program$44,898,331Highway Crossings Program$2,507,549Mitigation and Air Quality Program$58,505,854Metropolitan Planning$9,148,013National Highway Freight Program$20,840,720Carbon Reduction Program$18,135,480PROTECT Formula Program$20,621,341", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/mfume-ruppersberger-cardin-van-hollen-announce-new-usps-audit-showing-chronic", "Mfume, Ruppersberger, Cardin, Van Hollen Announce New USPS Audit Showing Chronic Mismanagement, Employee Vacancies at USPS Processing and Distribution Facility in Baltimore", "2021-12-21", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Kweisi Mfume", "M000687", "mfume.house.gov", "mfume", "https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "(Baltimore, MD) \u2013 Today, Congressmen C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger and Kweisi Mfume, as well as Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen (all D-MD) announced a new USPS audit showing the primary Baltimore area United States Postal Service (USPS) processing and distribution center is processing millions in fewer mail items despite significant increases in work hours and overtime. The audit was self-initiated by the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) for USPS and comes after Office separate reviews requested by Congressmen Mfume and Ruppersberger earlier this year in response to long-standing and severe complaints from constituents about mail delays, missing mail and other customer service issues. Senator Van Hollen has been leading the charge to restore timely mail service as Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government \u2013 which oversees and funds the USPS OIG \u2013 and chaired a hearing on these issues in July with the Inspector General.\n\nAuditors reviewed the USPS Baltimore Processing and Distribution Center, located on Fayette Street downtown, from August 2020 to July 2021, and found that workers processed about 1.67 billion pieces of mail compared to about 1.74 billion pieces of mail during the same review period last year \u2014 a decrease of about 70 million pieces of mail. Yet, during that same period, workhours and overtime at the facility increased by 14.6 and 43.5 percent, respectively.\n\nEmployee availability averaged only 65 percent \u2013 far below the USPS goal of 95 percent for the year.\n\n\"This audit confirms what we've been hearing for months from constituents and saw on paper in the OIG's previous audit released last month,\" the lawmakers said. \"Chronic mismanagement, persistent vacancies and inoperable equipment are contributing to unacceptable mail service that is causing our constituents frustration and even financial hardship. We thank the Inspector General and her team for yet another thorough review and will keep pushing to ensure their recommendations are implemented as soon as possible.\"\n\nAmong the audit's key findings:\n\nThe lack of managers and supervisors \u2013 exacerbated by a hiring freeze imposed by Postmaster General Louis DeJoy from August 2020 to May 2021 \u2013 resulted in inadequate oversight of operations and employees at the processing and distribution center, contributing to a decrease in productivity.\n\nA \"tray management system\" used to transport letter trays within the facility has been inoperable since March 2019 and was deemed irreparable. Without the tray management system, employees must load mail in containers and manually transfer it from floor to floor using elevators, adding two hours per day to each operation, resulting in more late and extra trips.\n\nMail was brought to the outbound docks after scheduled truck departures. From October 1, 2020, to July 31, 2021, about 36 percent of trips dispatched from the facility were either late or extra trips.\n\nLoads were not properly scanned before dispatching mail to the next facility.\n\nOn average, only 58.9 percent of load scans and 76.3 percent of depart scans were completed from October 2020 to July 2021, although there has been significant improvement in scanning rates since then.\n\nThe new audit contains five specific recommendations with target implementation dates at the end of January. Local USPS management concurred with the findings but disagreed with the recommendation to replace the tray management system which, per the report, led to delayed mail and delivery issues and was out of commission more than two years before the USPS-wide \"modernization plan\" cited by local leadership was announced.\n\nThe previous audit, released in November, surveyed the Carroll Station, Clifton East End Station, Dundalk, Druid Station, Essex, Loch Raven, Middle River, Parkville and Rosedale post offices. That audit found that the region has the second highest number of missing mail inquiries in the country, with more than three times the national average, among many other issues. It contained seven specific recommendations for improvement with target implementation deadlines in November.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://neal.house.gov/2021/12/21/news-documentsingle-aspx-documentid-2369/", "Massachusetts Congressional Delegation Applauds Historic Investments in Massachusetts Roadway Infrastructure", "2021-12-21", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Richard E. Neal", "N000015", "neal.house.gov", "neal", "https://neal.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington | Commonwealth set to receive $804.6 million from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to improve roads, promote safety, and reduce pollution\n\nAfter enactment of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the U.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is now distributing $52.5 billion in its first tranche of funding for infrastructure projects that will improve the safety and performance of America\u2019s highways. This investment is for Fiscal Year 2022, and Massachusetts will receive $804.6 million in this round of funding.\n\nThese federal investments will go toward important projects, including highway performance improvements, bridge repair, and expanding pedestrian and bicyclist infrastructure. The total funding also includes a dedicated $44.4 million for highway safety improvements, $69.1 million for congestion mitigation and air quality improvement, $18 million for carbon reduction efforts, and $20.5 million for strengthening the resiliency of transportation infrastructure.\n\n\u201cThis massive investment into Massachusetts roadways demonstrates the beginning of our physical infrastructure revolution, while starting to solve long-unaddressed safety challenges,\u201d said Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.). \u201cWith this funding, we can finally address all too preventable tragedies on our nation\u2019s roads, expand transportation alternatives like biking and walking, reduce traffic congestion for Massachusetts commuters, and begin the process of making our streets cleaner and greener. I am proud of my colleagues and I for securing this investment in the Commonwealth, and I look forward to the opportunities that will be available as we continue to receive additional funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in the years ahead.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m delighted that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is investing over $800 million into our roads, bridges, and public transportation in Massachusetts. With this much-needed investment, we\u2019ll repair our crumbling roads and bridges, fight climate change, and improve safety \u2013 all while creating good-paying union jobs,\u201d said Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).\n\n\u201cIn MA-5 and across our state, we are no strangers to traffic and potholes. The funding from the infrastructure law will reverse decades of neglect and underinvestment and modernize our roads and bridges, decrease commute times, reduce emissions, create jobs and lower costs for families. And, by improving our roadways, we are helping to alleviate the on-going supply chain challenges,\u201d said Assistant Speaker Katherine Clark (MA-05). This is a critical piece of the Build Back Better agenda, and Massachusetts will continue to see the impact of President\u2019s vision for a stronger, more sustainable future.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe gradual decline in our federal infrastructure investment has resulted in an alarming number of crumbling roads,\u201d said Congressman Richard E. Neal, Chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means (MA-01). \u201cThanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we have the opportunity to make quality upgrades to our federal highway system. Drivers will benefit from the improvements and skilled workers will be back on the job to make it a reality.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am proud to have worked alongside Chairman Richie Neal and my Massachusetts Congressional colleagues to secure this critical transportation funding for the Commonwealth,\u201d said Congressman Stephen Lynch (MA-08). \u201cThese funds are essential to creating a greener transportation system, expanding rail, improving passenger safety and strengthening the climate-change resiliency of our infrastructure. I am also pleased to see these projects will help reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality, an important benefit for our communities that struggle with high rates of asthma and respiratory disease. I look forward to seeing the transformation of our transportation system and the positive impact it will have on all Massachusetts residents.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis welcome investment is long-overdue and will help improve connectivity, make our roads and highways safer, create jobs, and promote environmentally friendly alternatives to driving such as biking,\u201d said Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07). \u201cI look forward to seeing this funding swiftly disbursed and continuing our work to deliver President Biden\u2019s full Build Back Better agenda.\u201d\n\n\u201cIf you have traveled through the South Shore or South Coast to get to Cape Cod during the summer, you know firsthand how vital congestion mitigation is,\u201d said Congressman Bill Keating (MA-09). \u201cThis first wave of funding from President Biden\u2019s Infrastructure Plan aims to address this issue head-on, and I am glad to see funds arriving so quickly to Massachusetts as we tackle the infrastructure challenges that lay ahead, including the replacement of the Bourne and Sagamore bridges.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor decades, roads littered with potholes and in need of repair have made it difficult for Bay Staters to get around,\u201d said Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03). \u201cThe Bipartisan Infrastructure Law changes that. By delivering billions in federal funding to make much-needed upgrades, this critical investment will create jobs, cut down our commute times, and modernize our infrastructure \u2014 benefiting every single person here in the Third District and across the Commonwealth.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis substantial investment into our roadways will make driving safer; expand access to jobs and services; and help our climate through carbon reduction initiatives,\u201d said Congressman Jake Auchincloss (MA-04).\n\n\u201cAnyone who drives down a road or bridge here in Massachusetts will tell you that they are often jam packed and in pretty abysmal condition. These conditions cost drivers more than $600 every single year, which is why we must fix our existing roads first, not expand them endlessly,\u201d said Congressman Seth Moulton (MA-06). \u201cHow we invest the money from this bill will determine whether we combat climate change or contribute to it. Investments in roads must reduce greenhouse gas emissions and impacts to air quality from those who remain on the road and be paired with expansion of transit and rail which provide greater environmental gains.\u201d\n\n\u201cThanks to the steadfast leadership of President Biden, we are finally\u2014at long last\u2014rebuilding America\u2019s crumbling infrastructure,\u201d said House Rules Committee Chairman James P. McGovern (MA-02). \u201cMassachusetts residents are going to feel the major improvements these funds will make in the form of faster and safer commutes, less traffic, cleaner air, and less pollution. I\u2019m proud of our delegation for playing a key role in the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and for securing these vital funds so we can invest in our future and build a better commonwealth for all.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2021/12/maryland-delegation-announces-nearly-800-million-in-bipartisan-infrastructure-law-highway-funding-for-the-state", "Maryland Delegation Announces Nearly $800 Million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Highway Funding for the State", "2021-12-21", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie Raskin and David Trone (all D-Md.) today announced $796,122,349 in FY22 federal funding from the bipartisan infrastructure law to improve roads and bridges and create good-paying jobs across the state. These federal investments also fund critical new programs to address climate change, both through reducing carbon emissions and strengthening infrastructure to withstand climate and extreme weather impacts.\n\nThe Maryland Democratic Congressional Delegation voted to pass the bipartisan infrastructure law, which was signed into law by President Biden last month and provides an infusion of new federal funding for highway and bridge repair for communities across the nation. The funds, administered by the Federal-aid Highway Program, will be used for construction, reconstruction or improvement. This is the first round of funding under the five years of federal investment in Maryland highways authorized by the bipartisan infrastructure law.\n\n\u201cThe Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was a long overdue investment in the roads and bridges Marylanders rely on every day,\u201d the lawmakers said. \u201cThis new round of federal funding will help to rebuild Maryland\u2019s roads and overall transportation network, cut down on gridlock and pollution and keep drivers and pedestrians safe. Team Maryland is proud to support good-paying union jobs for our state through this funding, and we are looking forward to delivering more of the federal infrastructure resources to our communities from the infrastructure modernization bill that we fought so hard to pass.\u201d\n\nThe American Society of Civil Engineers gave Maryland a C grade on its Infrastructure Report Card, finding many deficiencies that require immediate attention like Maryland\u2019s road congestion and population growth.\n\nThe funding will be distributed as follows:\n\nHighway Performance Program\n\n$418,076,496\n\nTransportation Block Grant Program\n\n$203,388,565\n\nSafety Improvement Program\n\n$44,898,331\n\nHighway Crossings Program\n\n$2,507,549\n\nMitigation and Air Quality Program\n\n$58,505,854\n\nMetropolitan Planning\n\n$9,148,013\n\nNational Highway Freight Program\n\n$20,840,720\n\nCarbon Reduction Program\n\n$18,135,480\n\nPROTECT Formula Program\n\n$20,621,341", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://raskin.house.gov/2021/12/maryland-delegation-announces-the-howard-county-economic-development-authority-as-a-finalist-in-the-build-back-better-regional-challenge-to-strengthen-maryland-s-cybersecurity-efforts", "Maryland Delegation Announces the Howard County Economic Development Authority as a Finalist in the Build Back Better Regional Challenge to Strengthen Maryland\u2019s Cybersecurity Efforts", "2021-12-21", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "MD", "Jamie Raskin", "R000606", "raskin.house.gov", "raskin", "https://raskin.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony G. Brown, Jamie Raskin and David Trone (all D-Md.) today announced an award of $500,000 in American Rescue Plan funding to the Howard County Economic Development Authority to continue developing its Maryland Cyber Workforce Solutions (Solutions) project on behalf of a coalition of Maryland local governments, including Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Charles County, Harford County, Howard County, Frederick County, Montgomery County, and Prince George\u2019s County. The grant was awarded through Phase 1 of the U.S. Economic Development Administration\u2019s (EDA) \u201cBuild Back Better Regional Challenge.\u201d By competing successfully for a Phase 1 grant, Howard County and its partners will have the opportunity to further develop specific project ideas and compete for a larger amount of funding for implementation in Phase 2.\n\nThe proposal from the Howard County Economic Development Authority aims to leverage Maryland\u2019s strength as a leader in cybersecurity and to open up more pathways for workers to enter into this field and contribute to its continued growth and innovation.\n\n\u201cAs we have seen over the last few weeks with the Maryland Department of Health\u2019s recent cyberattacks, we must continue to strengthen and reinforce our cybersecurity efforts in Maryland to protect us from online threats, security breaches, and hacks that jeopardize our safety and privacy. That\u2019s why the creation of the Solutions project is critical \u2013 so we can stay at the forefront of this rapidly developing field by investing in our workforce and continuing to grow jobs,\u201d the lawmakers said. \u201cThis new round of America Rescue Plan funding will help expand opportunities in the cybersecurity community and strengthen our middle class through skills training programs. We will keep working to provide our communities with critical federal funding and assistance to build back better and stronger.\u201d\n\nThis funding opportunity was made possible by the American Rescue Plan, one of Congress\u2019 key legislative accomplishments this year aimed at driving economic recovery from the near-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic with an eye towards future growth and competitiveness. Specifically, this \u201cBuild Back Better Regional Challenge\u201d aims to boost economic pandemic recovery and rebuild American communities, including some that have been grappling with decades of disinvestment. It also provides transformative investments to develop and strengthen regional industry clusters across the country, all while embracing economic equity, creating good-paying jobs, and enhancing U.S. competitiveness globally.\n\nThe Phase 1 award granted to the Howard County Economic Development Authority Solutions project is an outcome of a highly-competitive process in which 529 applications were submitted to the EDA, highlighting the strong interest and need across the country for concerted economic development planning on a regional scale. Phase 1 of the challenge required regions to submit unique plans that will develop industry, train the local workforce and build economies. As a finalist, the Howard County Economic Development Authority will compete for Phase 2 of the challenge for an award of $100 million for 3-8 projects across Maryland that support an industry sector.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-robin-kelly-releases-2021-year-review-highlighting-accomplishments", "Rep. Robin Kelly Releases 2021 Year in Review Highlighting Accomplishments for Illinois\u2019 Second Congressional District", "2021-12-21", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Robin L. Kelly", "K000385", "robinkelly.house.gov", "robinkelly", "https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Robin L. Kelly (IL-02), released her 2021 Year in Review report, detailing her legislative accomplishments in Washington and services provided to her constituents in Illinois.\n\n\u201cServing the people of Illinois\u2019 Second Congressional District is a pleasure and an honor. I am grateful that my team and I were able to help more than 600 constituents resolve issues with federal agencies and return more than $1 million of their hard-earned benefits to them,\u201d said Congresswoman Kelly. \u201cI\u2019m proud of our work in D.C. to help the American people and grow our economy by passing the American Rescue Plan, the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and to advance additional policies that will bring affordable healthcare to everyone, to prevent gun violence and create opportunity in our communities. From South Chicago to Kankakee, I\u2019m proud of what I have accomplished for my constituents this year, and I look forward to continuing to serve Illinoisans in 2022.\u201d\n\nKey Takeaways:\n\nRep. Kelly and her team closed nearly 600 constituent services cases, helping constituents resolve issues with federal agencies such as the U.S. Postal Service, the Department of Veterans Affairs, Housing and Urban Development, and the Social Security Administration.\n\nThrough Rep. Kelly\u2019s constituent services operation, she returned $1.1 million to constituents by resolving incorrect social security payments, delayed veterans\u2019 benefits, tax returns and more.\n\nRep. Kelly and her staff helped reunite the Lopez family, whose mother was not permitted to return to the U.S. for nearly two years after traveling to Mexico for an immigration appointment.\n\nIn voting to pass the American Rescue Plan, Rep. Kelly brought $210 million in Child Tax Credit payments, $22 million in restaurant grants for small businesses, $536 million in shuttered venue grants, $5 billion to help K-12 schools reopen, $269 million for Community Health Centers to vaccinate communities and more than 196,000 jobs to Illinois.\n\nRep. Kelly voted to pass the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which will invest more than $16 billion in Illinois\u2019 infrastructure and create 2 million jobs per year over the course of the next decade nationwide.\n\nRep. Kelly introduced more than five bills to address gun violence and successfully advocated for increased funding for community violence prevention.\n\nThrough the American Rescue Plan, Rep. Kelly advanced her MOMMAs Act legislation to provide 12 months of postpartum Medicaid coverage.\n\nCongress passed Rep. Kelly\u2019s Protecting Seniors from Scams Act to require the Federal Trade commission to report on scams targeting older adults.\n\nAs a Co-Chair of the Caucus on Black Women and Girls, Rep. Kelly released the first ever Congressional Report on Black Women and Girls.\n\nCongresswoman Kelly\u2019s full 2021 Year in Review is available to view here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://ross.house.gov/2021/12/congresswoman-ross-and-22-house-colleagues-urge-fix-work-authorization-backlog", "Congresswoman Ross and 22 House Colleagues Urge Fix for Work Authorization Backlog for Immigrant Spouses", "2021-12-21", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) led a letter with 22 House colleagues urging Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Mayorkas and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Jaddou to reduce processing delays for spousal work authorizations. As a result of this backlog, tens of thousands of immigrant spouses across the country \u2013 many of them highly educated women in the STEM fields \u2013 have been unable to work and provide for their families over the past year, causing unnecessary financial hardship for themselves and their loved ones.\n\nThe letter requests that DHS work expeditiously to implement the recent Shergill v. Mayorkas settlement; eliminate additional causes of delays by reinstating joint adjudication or primary and dependent visas and work authorizations; and expand the premium processing to additional visa categories, including H-4 and L-2 EADs.\n\nEligible H-4 visa holders are dependents of H-1B workers who have been approved for an employment-based green card. These spouses have been allowed to obtain work permits since 2015. L-2 visas are held by the spouses of executives, managers or \"specialized knowledge staff.\u201d These spouses have been allowed to work in the U.S. since 2002.\n\nThe letter says in part, \u201cDue to the Trump administration\u2019s changes to visa processing, H-4 and L-2 visa applicants have recently had to wait 11 months to two years to have their documents renewed\u2014even though it only takes USCIS 12 minutes to process Form I-765 and 24 minutes to process Form I-539.\n\n\u201cThe vast majority of H-4 and L-2 workers are highly educated women, many of whom are employed in STEM fields in the United States. Processing delays have left their families without a second income, forcing them to dip into their savings, sell their homes, and take other drastic measures to stay on their feet. These delays also threaten the over $7.5 billion that these workers contribute to the U.S. economy.\n\n\u201cIn order to address this issue more holistically, we request that joint adjudication of primary and dependent visas and work authorizations be reinstated\u2026 We also urge USCIS to quickly expand premium processing to additional visa categories, including H-4 and L-2 visas and EADs.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://ruiz.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dr-ruiz-joins-bipartisan-group-doctors-congress-encourage-covid-booster", "Dr. Ruiz Joins Bipartisan Group of Doctors in Congress to Encourage COVID Booster Participation", "2021-12-21", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Raul Ruiz", "R000599", "ruiz.house.gov", "ruiz", "https://ruiz.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (D-CA) joined a group of bipartisan doctors in Congress in launching a radio PSA to encourage COVID-19 vaccine booster shot participation, especially for seniors and those with underlying health conditions. In the PSA, Dr. Ruiz along with U.S. Senators Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS) and John Barrasso, M.D. (R-WY), and Representatives Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA) and Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA) said in part:\n\n\"I come to you today, not only as a Member of Congress but as a physician concerned for your health and your safety, and that of our nation\u2026 With COVID cases back on the rise and only about a quarter of eligible Americans having taken the booster, I urge you to talk with your trusted doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible about taking action. This holiday season\u2026 you should consider getting a COVID vaccine booster \u2013 especially if you are a senior or someone with underlying health conditions\u2026 This holiday season, the best gift you can give the people you love is the gift of life. Get your booster and live life fully.\"\n\nYou may click HERE to listen to the PSA.\n\nFull text of the PSA:\n\nDr. Marshall: Hi, I'm Senator Marshall from the great state of Kansas. I come to you today, not only as a Member of Congress but as a physician concerned for your health and your safety, and that of our nation.\n\nDr. Schrier: And, we come to you today from both sides of the aisle. With COVID cases back on the rise and only about a quarter of eligible Americans having taken the booster, I urge you to talk with your trusted doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible about taking action.\n\nDr. Barrasso: This holiday season, I have three reasons why you should consider getting a COVID vaccine booster \u2013 especially if you are a senior or someone with underlying health conditions. First, the effectiveness of your COVID vaccination drops to about 50 percent after 6 months of getting the jab.\n\nDr. Ruiz: Second, with the booster, you are 14 times less likely to end up being hospitalized if you get sick with COVID. And third, with the booster, you are 10 times less likely to die. For now, it appears the Delta variant will still dominate. But, the good news is we know the booster will help prevent hospitalizations and save lives.\n\nDr. Bera: And Omicron? Well, we don't know as much about it but you will likely benefit from the COVID booster as well. Finally, please consider this friendly advice: whether you are exposed to Delta or Omicron, the flu, or common cold\u2026 healthy eating, daily exercise, seven hours of sleep nightly, and avoiding stress all will serve you well.\n\nDr. Marshall: Like my grandmother always said, \"If you have your health, you have everything.\" This holiday season, the best gift you can give the people you love is the gift of life. Get your booster.\n\nDr. Bera: Get your booster.\n\nDr. Schrier: Get your booster.\n\nDr. Barrasso: Get your booster and live life fully.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/2021/12/reps-sewell-butterfield-williams-and-veasey-demand-senate-action-protect", "Reps. Sewell, Butterfield, Veasey, and Williams Demand Senate Action to Protect Voting Rights", "2021-12-21", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Terri A. Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", "sewell", "https://sewell.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07), Co-Chair of the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus (CVRC), joined Reps. G. K. Butterfield (NC-01), Marc Veasey (TX-33), and Nikema Williams (GA-05) to urge action to advance the Freedom to Vote Act and John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.\n\nIn a letter sent today to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, the members wrote, \u201cAs champions of voting rights in congress, we write to express serious concern about the year ending without a path forward on advancing voting rights.\u201d\n\n\u201cAfter months of compromises, Republicans have not come to the table on voting rights in numbers sufficient to overcome the existing filibuster.\u201d\n\n\u201cEnding 2021 without voting rights reform will allow state legislatures to continue their efforts in the new year to limit the right to vote. Meanwhile, failing to end partisan gerrymandering will allow some states to finalize maps that enshrine profound partisan imbalances for the next decade. We have no time to lose to ensure people have access to the ballot box and have a fair voice in selecting their representatives.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe can no longer allow Senate procedure to stand in the way of ensuring people have their voice heard, and we ask that you do what is necessary to advance the Freedom to Vote Act and John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases/soto-menendez-introduce-bicameral-resolution-recognize-historical-significance", "Soto, Menendez Introduce Bicameral Resolution to Recognize the Historical Significance of Roberto Clemente\u2019s Place of Death", "2021-12-21", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Darren Soto", "S001200", "soto.house.gov", "soto", "https://soto.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09) and U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) introduced a bicameral resolution which urges the U.S. Secretary of the Interior to recognize the historical significance of Roberto Clemente's place of death near Pi\u00f1ones in Lo\u00edza, Puerto Rico, by adding it to the National Register of Historic Places.\n\n\"In Central Florida, Roberto Clemente's legacy lives on in our renamed streets and schools, in little league field murals, as well as in the morals we teach our children to follow,\" said Congressman Soto. \"Clemente once said, 'Anytime you have an opportunity to make a difference in this world and you don't, then you are wasting your time on Earth.' From his efforts to reform American baseball to his humanitarian work, he demonstrated that he practiced what he preached and dedicated his life to helping others overcome adversity. Though his life was tragically cut short, we will keep fighting to keep his spirit alive.\"\n\n\"Roberto Clemente not only made his mark on the game of baseball as a Puerto Rican professional baseball right fielder, but he also left behind a legacy for his advocacy and commitment to the equitable treatment of Latino and Black baseball players,\" said Senator Menendez. \"Clemente's story is a true American story, and that's why I am proud to be leading this resolution in the Senate. It is long overdue for the Interior Department to recognize the historical significance of his humanitarian efforts in his place of death near Pi\u00f1ones in Lo\u00edza, Puerto Rico, by adding it to the National Register of Historic Places.\"\n\nRoberto Clemente began playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates of the National League in Major League Baseball in 1955 and went on to play for them for 18 seasons, becoming a baseball legend. Throughout his distinguished career, he won two Major League Baseball World Series Championships in 1960 and 1971, was named World Series Most Valuable Player in 1971, and was an All-Star for 15 seasons from 1960-1967 and from 1969-1972. Clemente also hit the only walk-off, inside-the-park grand slam home run in professional baseball history on July 25, 1956.\n\nClemente enlisted into the United States Marine Corps in 1958 and served as an infantryman for six years until 1964 when he was honorably discharged. He embodied the values of a model citizen through his acts of service and humanitarian efforts toward those in need, regardless of their location. On December 31, 1972, he was on his way to provide humanitarian aid in Nicaragua after it was hit by a massive earthquake when the airplane he was on crashed into the ocean, leading to his tragic death. This resolution would honor one of baseball's greatest players and his legacy.\n\nIn the House of Representatives, in addition to Rep. Soto, the resolution is co-sponsored by Reps. Jenniffer Gonz\u00e1lez-Col\u00f3n (PR-At Large), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), and Nydia Vel\u00e1zquez (NY-07). In the Senate, in addition to Sen. Menendez, it is co-sponsored by Sens. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).\n\nClick here for the full text of the resolution.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-stevens-2021-end-year-report", "Congresswoman Stevens 2021 End of Year Report", "2021-12-21", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "MI", "Haley M. Stevens", "S001215", "stevens.house.gov", "stevens", "https://stevens.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "December 21, 2021\nPress Release\nCongresswoman Stevens 2021 End of Year Report", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:49:41Z"], ["https://torres.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-norma-j-torres-announces-36-million-inland-empire-airports", "Congresswoman Norma J. Torres announces $36 million for Inland Empire Airports", "2021-12-21", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "CA", "Norma J. Torres", "T000474", "torres.house.gov", "torres", "https://torres.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35) announced that Ontario International Airport (ONT) received federal grants totaling more than $36 million and that Chino Airport (CNO) received an additional $350,000 in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), legislation championed by Congresswoman Torres.\n\n\"As the Inland Empire recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, travel and e-commerce remains crucial to keeping our economy up and running,\" said Representative Torres. \"Across our state, the demand for travel and air-transported materials is higher than ever, while those responsible for providing those services are still struggling with the crushing economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. I'm glad our community is already receiving support from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and I'll continue to fight for funding and assistance to ensure our regional infrastructure is prepared to keep our recovery on track.\"\n\nWith the rise in e-commerce, Ontario International Airport has served an increasingly vital role in the nation's supply chain. The ARPA grants for $24,818,964 and $2,332,785 will help with costs related to operations, personnel, sanitization, and helping stop the spread of COVID-19 at the airport and provide relief for rent and other fees, respectively. $9,684,906 from the IIJA will go to projects deemed eligible by the Federal Aviation Administration. In July, ONT received $5 million in federal funds for runway repairs, due to Congresswoman Torres' efforts.\n\nThe $59,000 from ARPA will also address costs related to operations, personnel, cleaning, sanitization, and janitorial services at Chino Airport. The $295,000 from IIJA will fund eligible projects, such as noise mitigation and airport upgrades and improvements.\n\nONT was the fastest-growing airport in the United States in 2019, according to Global Traveler. Located in the Inland Empire, ONT is approximately 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles in the center of Southern California. It is a full-service airport, which before the coronavirus pandemic, offered nonstop commercial jet service to 26 major airports in the U.S., Mexico and Taiwan.\n\nTo date, Congresswoman Torres has announced $3.5 billion in coronavirus relief for the Inland Empire. To learn more, click here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://trahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2336", "Trahan Leads Bipartisan Call for Action to Stop \u201cSanctioned Suicide\u201d Website", "2021-12-21", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Lori Trahan", "T000482", "trahan.house.gov", "trahan", "https://trahan.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "LOWELL, MA \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee\u2019s Health and Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittees, led a bipartisan group of House members writing to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to request information on the Department\u2019s ability to investigate Sanctioned Suicide, a website that according to a recent New York Times investigation, provides susceptible users with \u201cexplicit directions on how to die.\u201d The lawmakers also requested information on the DOJ\u2019s statutory authority \u2013 if any \u2013 to hold the website\u2019s operators accountable.\n\n\u201cSanctioned Suicide hosts public forums, live chats, and private messaging around suicide. Users share their suicide plans with one another, promote poisons, and post \u2018goodbye posts\u2019 and real-time suicide attempts, which are the most-viewed posts on the site,\u201d the lawmakers wrote. \u201cThe New York Times article states that only 5% of the posts on Sanctioned Suicide are on recovery and of the hundred most-viewed posts, 53 include instructions or discussions of methods to die by suicide, and 28 narrate attempts. This is deeply disturbing given that the website has 6 million average views per month, four times that of the national suicide prevention lifeline.\u201d\n\nSanctioned Suicide contains countless pages and threads compiled by anonymous users that focus on ways to die by suicide and encourage fellow members to take their own lives. According to the New York Times, members discuss various ways to die by suicide, including \u201changing, poison, guns and gas,\u201d and \u201cparticipants routinely nudge one another along as they share suicide plans, posting reassuring messages, thumbs-up and heart emojis, and praise for those who follow through: \u2018brave,\u2019 \u2018a legend,\u2019 \u2018a hero.\u2019\u201d\n\n\u201cThe owners of the site try to limit legal liability by encouraging anonymity, requiring users be over 18, and deleting accounts of users after they have posted \u2018goodbye\u2019 threads,\u201d the lawmakers continued. \u201cThe New York Times identified three victims under 18 in their article. The website\u2019s terms also prohibit users from assisting and encouraging suicide, but a simple visit to the website confirms that this policy is not enforced.\u201d\n\nDespite efforts from some service providers and nations like Australia, Germany, and Italy, which have taken the site down or restricted access, Sanctioned Suicide continues to reemerge with new domain names and remains easily accessible via a simple search engine inquiry. Understanding that \u201cthere is no federal law criminalizing assisting or encouraging suicide,\u201d the lawmakers requested the DOJ\u2019s response to the following questions:\n\nDoes the DOJ have the authority and discretion to investigate the Sanctioned Suicide website?\n\nDoes the DOJ have the statutory authority to pursue a criminal case against Diego Joaqu\u00edn Galante and Lamarcus Small, for their alleged role in operating or as members on the website? If not, why not?\n\nDoes the DOJ have the technical expertise and human resources to identify these kinds of popular websites that promote suicide?\n\nDoes the DOJ share information about websites that promote suicide with state and local law enforcement?\n\nDoes the DOJ share information about websites that promote suicide with community-based organizations involved in suicide prevention and mental health care?\n\nWhat actions can Congress take to give the DOJ the authority necessary to prosecute the Sanctioned Suicide website owners and delist the site in the United States?\n\nLawmakers who co-signed the letter include Representatives David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-WV-01), Susan Wild (D-PA-07), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA-11), Kathy Castor (D-FL-14), Tony C\u00e1rdenas (D-CA-29), and David N. Cicilline (D-RI-01).\n\nIf you are having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 (TALK)or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for a list of additional resources. If you are outside of the United States, please click HERE.\n\nThe full text of the letter is embedded below. A digital copy can be accessed HERE.\n\n-------------------------------------\n\nThe Honorable Merrick Garland\n\nAttorney General\n\nU.S. Department of Justice\n\n950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW\n\nWashington, DC 20530\n\nDear Attorney General Garland:\n\nLast week, the New York Times published the results of their investigation into Sanctioned Suicide, a website which \u201cprovides explicit directions on how to die.\u201d The New York Times lists 45 people who were active on the website and then died by suicide, 22 of whom were living in the United States. We write to you to explore avenues through which the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Congress can pursue justice for the families of these victims.\n\nSanctioned Suicide hosts public forums, live chats, and private messaging around suicide. Users share their suicide plans with one another, promote poisons, and post \u201cgoodbye posts\u201d and real-time suicide attempts, which are the most-viewed posts on the site. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States and suicide rates have increased by roughly 33% between 1999 and 2019. The New York Times article states that only 5% of the posts on Sanctioned Suicide are on recovery and of the hundred most-viewed posts, 53 include instructions or discussions of methods to die by suicide, and 28 narrate attempts. This is deeply disturbing given that the website has 6 million average views per month, four times that of the national suicide prevention lifeline.\n\nFurther, after extensive investigation, the article\u2019s authors claim to have identified the two men running the website \u2013 Diego Joaqu\u00edn Galante and Lamarcus Small, though both have denied these allegations. Several service providers have taken the site down, and Australia, Germany, and Italy have each restricted access in their countries. Nevertheless, the site continues to pop up with new domain names. The owners of the site try to limit legal liability by encouraging anonymity, requiring users be over 18, and deleting accounts of users after they have posted \u201cgoodbye\u201d threads. The New York Times identified three victims under 18 in their article. The website\u2019s terms also prohibit users from assisting and encouraging suicide, but a simple visit to the website confirms that this policy is not enforced.\n\nWhile it is our understanding that there is no federal law criminalizing assisting or encouraging suicide, we write to do our due diligence and confirm the DOJ\u2019s options for pursuing a case against the owners of this website. Namely:\n\nDoes the DOJ have the authority and discretion to investigate the Sanctioned Suicide website?\n\nDoes the DOJ have the statutory authority to pursue a criminal case against Diego Joaqu\u00edn Galante and Lamarcus Small, for their alleged role in operating or as members on the website? If not, why not?\n\nDoes the DOJ have the technical expertise and human resources to identify these kinds of popular websites that promote suicide?\n\nDoes the DOJ share information about websites that promote suicide with state and local law enforcement?\n\nDoes the DOJ share information about websites that promote suicide with community-based organizations involved in suicide prevention and mental health care?\n\nWhat actions can Congress take to give the DOJ the authority necessary to prosecute the Sanctioned Suicide website owners and delist the site in the United States?\n\nThank you for your attention into this pressing matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-06T14:24:52Z", "2026-04-06T15:54:06Z"], ["https://trahan.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2337", "Massachusetts Congressional Delegation Applauds Historic Investments in Massachusetts Roadway Infrastructure", "2021-12-21", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Lori Trahan", "T000482", "trahan.house.gov", "trahan", "https://trahan.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 After enactment of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the U.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is now distributing $52.5 billion in its first tranche of funding for infrastructure projects that will improve the safety and performance of America\u2019s highways. This investment is for Fiscal Year 2022, and Massachusetts will receive $804.6 million in this round of funding.\n\nThese federal investments will go toward important projects, including highway performance improvements, bridge repair, and expanding pedestrian and bicyclist infrastructure. The total funding also includes a dedicated $44.4 million for highway safety improvements, $69.1 million for congestion mitigation and air quality improvement, $18 million for carbon reduction efforts, and $20.5 million for strengthening the resiliency of transportation infrastructure.\n\n\u201cFor decades, roads littered with potholes and in need of repair have made it difficult for Bay Staters to get around,\u201d said Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03). \u201cThe Bipartisan Infrastructure Law changes that. By delivering billions in federal funding to make much-needed upgrades, this critical investment will create jobs, cut down our commute times, and modernize our infrastructure \u2014 benefiting every single person here in the Third District and across the Commonwealth.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis massive investment into Massachusetts roadways demonstrates the beginning of our physical infrastructure revolution, while starting to solve long-unaddressed safety challenges,\u201d said Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA). \u201cWith this funding, we can finally address all too preventable tragedies on our nation\u2019s roads, expand transportation alternatives like biking and walking, reduce traffic congestion for Massachusetts commuters, and begin the process of making our streets cleaner and greener. I am proud of my colleagues and I for securing this investment in the Commonwealth, and I look forward to the opportunities that will be available as we continue to receive additional funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in the years ahead.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m delighted that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is investing over $800 million into our roads, bridges, and public transportation in Massachusetts. With this much-needed investment, we\u2019ll repair our crumbling roads and bridges, fight climate change, and improve safety \u2013 all while creating good-paying union jobs,\u201d said Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).\n\n\u201cIn MA-5 and across our state, we are no strangers to traffic and potholes. The funding from the infrastructure law will reverse decades of neglect and underinvestment and modernize our roads and bridges, decrease commute times, reduce emissions, create jobs and lower costs for families. And, by improving our roadways, we are helping to alleviate the on-going supply chain challenges,\u201d said Assistant Speaker Katherine Clark (MA-05). This is a critical piece of the Build Back Better agenda, and Massachusetts will continue to see the impact of President\u2019s vision for a stronger, more sustainable future.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe gradual decline in our federal infrastructure investment has resulted in an alarming number of crumbling roads,\u201d said Congressman Richard E. Neal, Chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means (MA-01). \u201cThanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we have the opportunity to make quality upgrades to our federal highway system. Drivers will benefit from the improvements and skilled workers will be back on the job to make it a reality.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am proud to have worked alongside Chairman Richie Neal and my Massachusetts Congressional colleagues to secure this critical transportation funding for the Commonwealth,\u201d said Congressman Stephen Lynch (MA-08). \u201cThese funds are essential to creating a greener transportation system, expanding rail, improving passenger safety and strengthening the climate-change resiliency of our infrastructure. I am also pleased to see these projects will help reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality, an important benefit for our communities that struggle with high rates of asthma and respiratory disease. I look forward to seeing the transformation of our transportation system and the positive impact it will have on all Massachusetts residents.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis welcome investment is long-overdue and will help improve connectivity, make our roads and highways safer, create jobs, and promote environmentally friendly alternatives to driving such as biking,\u201d said Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07). \u201cI look forward to seeing this funding swiftly disbursed and continuing our work to deliver President Biden\u2019s full Build Back Better agenda.\u201d\n\n\"If you have traveled through the South Shore or South Coast to get to Cape Cod during the summer, you know firsthand how vital congestion mitigation is,\" said Congressman Bill Keating (MA-09). \"This first wave of funding from President Biden\u2019s Infrastructure Plan aims to address this issue head-on, and I am glad to see funds arriving so quickly to Massachusetts as we tackle the infrastructure challenges that lay ahead, including the replacement of the Bourne and Sagamore bridges.\"\n\n\u201cThis substantial investment into our roadways will make driving safer; expand access to jobs and services; and help our climate through carbon reduction initiatives,\u201d said Congressman Jake Auchincloss (MA-04).\n\n\u201cAnyone who drives down a road or bridge here in Massachusetts will tell you that they are often jam packed and in pretty abysmal condition. These conditions cost drivers more than $600 every single year, which is why we must fix our existing roads first, not expand them endlessly,\u201d said Congressman Seth Moulton (MA-06). \u201cHow we invest the money from this bill will determine whether we combat climate change or contribute to it. Investments in roads must reduce greenhouse gas emissions and impacts to air quality from those who remain on the road and be paired with expansion of transit and rail which provide greater environmental gains.\u201d\n\n\u201cThanks to the steadfast leadership of President Biden, we are finally\u2014at long last\u2014rebuilding America\u2019s crumbling infrastructure,\u201d said House Rules Committee Chairman James P. McGovern (MA-02). \u201cMassachusetts residents are going to feel the major improvements these funds will make in the form of faster and safer commutes, less traffic, cleaner air, and less pollution. I\u2019m proud of our delegation for playing a key role in the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and for securing these vital funds so we can invest in our future and build a better commonwealth for all.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-06T14:24:52Z", "2026-04-06T15:54:06Z"], ["https://troycarter.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-troy-carter-centers-equity-economic-development-introduction-new", "Congressman Troy Carter Centers Equity in Economic Development with Introduction of the NEW START Act of 2021", "2021-12-21", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Troy A. Carter", "C001125", "troycarter.house.gov", "troycarter", "https://troycarter.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 This week, Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. introduced the Necessary Entrepreneurship Workshops via the SBA to Transform and Assist Re-Entry Training Act of 2021, or the NEW START Act of 2021. This legislation would expand entrepreneurship opportunities for the formerly incarcerated to reduce recidivism and provide economic stability as they rejoin the economy.\n\nAn estimated 60 percent of formerly incarcerated individuals are still unemployed a year after their release, and as a group they experience an unemployment rate higher than total unemployment during the Great Depression. According to the Prison Policy Initiative, maintaining stable employment after release lowers the likelihood that individuals will return to prison, promoting public safety and saving public dollars.\n\n\u201cThe formerly incarcerated already face significant barriers to re-entering the workforce and can feel utterly locked out of the labor market,\u201d said Congressman Carter. \u201cEspecially as our economy continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, we need to jump at the chance to help get people back to work and back on their feet. Entrepreneurship should be one of the tools that returning citizens have access to as they re-enter society. Support in starting a business can help people overcome barriers and may dramatically lower recidivism rates. The NEW START Act of 2021 is a path forward for people to rejoin the greater community and for our nation to achieve a more equitable economic recovery.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, the NEW START Act of 2021:\n\nEstablishes a five-year pilot reentry program within the Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide entrepreneurial development training to formerly incarcerated individuals.\n\nRequires the SBA Administrator to award annual grants over a five-year period to at least six geographically diverse organizations or partnerships of organizations, to deliver business counseling to formerly incarcerated individuals.\n\nThe organizations must demonstrate ties with the business and returning citizen communities.\n\nIn addition, organizations are required to partner with lenders in the existing SBA Microloan Program who will provide microloans (up to $50,000) to qualifying participants. This program is not intended to supplant or take away from the traditional Microloan Program and the SBA does not guarantee microloans.\n\nRequires several reports on the effectiveness, overall performance, and impact of the program on grant recipients.\n\nThis legislation mirrors the 2019 Senate bill from Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chairman of the Senate Small Business Committee.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/adams-releases-statement-manchin-decision-oppose-build-back-better-act", "Adams Releases Statement on Manchin Decision to Oppose Build Back Better Act", "2021-12-20", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Alma S. Adams", "A000370", "adams.house.gov", "adams", "https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "CHARLOTTE \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) released the following statement on Senator Joe Manchin's decision to oppose the Build Back Better Act, which includes an extension of the enhanced Child Tax Credit tax cut. In 2021, the Child Tax Credit (CTC) cut taxes by over $250 million for over 100,000 families in North Carolina's 12th Congressional District. The enhanced CTC is scheduled to expire on December 31st. More information on the CTC is available here.\n\n\"The legislative process is messy and often disappointing, but the worst thing we can do is lose our will to work for the American people,\" said Congresswoman Adams. \"We can't let the Grinch steal Christmas. The House of Representatives should return to Washington to pass a \u2018clean' extension of the enhanced Child Tax Credit tax cut that is set to expire at the end of the month, and the Senate should return to take up this legislation before the end of the year. Over 100,000 families in my district, as well as millions of families across the country, are counting on us to act. If Republicans truly oppose the Child Tax Credit tax cut, let's put them on record against tax relief and show American families who they really are.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-smith-statement-appointment-teresita-batayola-presidents-advisory", "Rep. Smith Statement on Appointment of Teresita Batayola to the President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders", "2021-12-20", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Adam Smith", "S000510", "adamsmith.house.gov", "adamsmith", "https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "SEATTLE, WA - Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), today issued the following statement after President Biden announced his intent to appoint Teresita Batayola, President and Chief Executive Officer of International Community Health Services, to the President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI):\n\n\"Teresita Batayola is a true leader in our region and a champion for the health and wellbeing of the Asian and Pacific Islander community in Washington State. As President and Chief Executive Officer of International Community Health Services - Washington state's largest Asian and Pacific Islander non-profit health center - Teresita has been, and continues to be, a strong advocate for health care access, equity, and addressing social determinants of health. Her work has helped countless people, many of them immigrants and refugees, get access to affordable and comprehensive health care.\"\n\n\"I commend President Biden's decision to appoint Teresita to his Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, which will advise the President on the many ways we can advance equity and opportunity for every AANHPI community. The work of this commission will also be critical to our collective response to the disturbing rise in incidents of anti-Asian xenophobia and violence. Teresita will be a leading voice in these conversations, where she will bring her extensive knowledge and experience from her work in the community to the table.\"\n\n\"Congratulations to Teresita on your appointment. I look forward to seeing all the great work you do for the AANHPI community across the country and in Washington State.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases/casten-announces-nearly-1-billion-new-funding-roads-and-bridges-headed", "Casten Announces Nearly $1 Billion in New Funding for Roads and Bridges Headed to Illinois, First Round of Highway Funding Under Bipartisan Infrastructure Law", "2021-12-20", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Sean Casten", "C001117", "casten.house.gov", "casten", "https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Downers Grove, IL \u2013 Today, Rep. Casten announced that Illinois will receive $999,514,444 in new federal funding under the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to create good-paying jobs for Illinoisans while improving roads and bridges across the state. This is the first round of funding under the five years of federal investment in Illinois highways authorized by this new law.\n\n\"With this new funding from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, we're putting Illinoisans to work rebuilding roads and bridges in communities across the state,\" said Rep. Casten. \"This investment represents a strong first step toward strengthening our state's essential infrastructure \u2013 and with it, we'll cut down commute times, help small businesses get goods to market, and keep travelers safe on our roads.\"\n\nThe historic and bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed into law by President Biden on November 15th, secured new federal funding for highway and bridge repair for communities across the nation. The funds, administered by the Federal-aid Highway Program, can be used for the construction, reconstruction, or improvement.\n\nThe American Society of Civil Engineers gave Illinois a C- grade on its Infrastructure Report Card, finding many deficiencies that require immediate attention. With this funding \u2013 and more to come \u2013 the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will create good-paying union jobs strengthening this crippled infrastructure.\n\n\"We are already seeing the tangible impact of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in communities across Illinois,\" continued Rep. Casten. \"I was proud to vote for this historic legislation \u2013 which will make a tremendous difference in the lives of Illinoisans\u2013 and I look forward to seeing more federal funding flow into our communities.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/members-congress-call-biden-reverse-us-policies-contributing-afghanistans", "Members of Congress Call on Biden to Reverse U.S. Policies Contributing to Afghanistan\u2019s Humanitarian and Economic Crisis", "2021-12-20", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Jes\u00fas G. \"Chuy\" Garc\u00eda", "G000586", "chuygarcia.house.gov", "chuygarcia", "https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2014 Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), CPC Vice Chair and House Financial Services Committee member, Representative Jes\u00fas \"Chuy\" Garc\u00eda (IL-04), and House Foreign Affairs Committee member Representative Sara Jacobs (CA-53) led four dozen members of Congress in calling on the Biden administration to urgently reverse U.S. policies contributing to imminent mass starvation and the current economic collapse of Afghanistan.\n\nIn a letter addressed to the President and senior Treasury Department officials, the lawmakers emphasized their support for his decision to withdraw troops from the country, but urged that the new phase of the U.S.-Afghan relationship must avoid harsh economic measures that will directly cause loss of life and other harm to Afghan families and children. Specifically, they urge \"conscientiously but urgently modifying current U.S. policy regarding the freeze of Afghanistan's foreign reserves and ongoing sanctions.\" They write, \"We fear, as aid groups do, that maintaining this policy could cause more civilian deaths in the coming year than were lost in 20 years of war.\"\n\nCiting United Nations estimates that 1 million Afghan children are at risk of starving to death, the members of Congress note that the U.S. freeze of $9.4 billion in Afghanistan's foreign reserves in August, along with the imposition of broad economic sanctions, are driving \"soaring inflation and the shuttering of commercial banks and vital private businesses, plunging the country \u2014 which relies overwhelmingly on imports that require hard currency \u2014 deeper into economic and humanitarian crisis.\" Similarly, they note that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has denied Afghanistan access to special reserve assets intended to help developing countries alleviate the impact of the pandemic.\n\nThe consequences of these policies for the Afghan people have been immediate and catastrophic. United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has warned that \"after decades of war, suffering and insecurity, [Afghans] face perhaps their most perilous hour,\" imploring countries \"to take action and inject liquidity into the Afghan economy to avoid collapse.\" World Food Programme surveys indicate that 95 percent of Afghan households are not consuming enough food. The United Nations Development Program reports that Afghanistan will face \"universal poverty by the middle of next year,\" with the poverty rate expected to rise from 72 percent to as high as 98 percent. Afghanistan's economic pain and humanitarian collapse both threaten to trigger a new refugee crisis throughout the region.\n\n\"No increase in food and medical aid can compensate for the macroeconomic harm of soaring prices of basic commodities, a banking collapse, a balance-of-payments crisis, a freeze on civil servants' salaries, and other severe consequences that are rippling throughout Afghan society, harming the most vulnerable,\" write the lawmakers. \"We deplore the new Taliban government's grave human rights abuses, crackdowns on civil society and repression of women and LGBTQ people. However, pragmatic U.S. engagement with the de facto authorities is nevertheless key to averting unprecedented harm to tens of millions of women, children and innocent civilians. Punitive economic policies will not weaken Taliban leaders, who will be shielded from the direct consequences, while the overwhelming impact of these measures will fall on innocent Afghans who have already suffered decades of war and poverty.\"\n\nThe lawmakers note that engagement with the Taliban to coordinate central bank access to urgently needed hard currency can provide the necessary leverage to secure human rights improvements, and that a failure to avert economic catastrophe in Afghanistan creates risks to U.S. national security, by deterring Taliban cooperation on counterterrorism efforts, fueling anti-American resentment, and creating ungoverned spaces fertile for militant groups to seize. \"U.S. economic policy should not undermine the national-security imperative of seeking stability in Afghanistan, and instead should minimize the risk of threats emanating from the country,\" the lawmakers conclude. \"We stand ready to work closely with you as you expeditiously review current U.S. policy in light of the extraordinary economic and humanitarian risks confronting the people of Afghanistan.\"\n\nRepresentatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Jes\u00fas \"Chuy\" Garc\u00eda (IL-04), and Sara Jacobs (CA-53) were joined by Representatives Alma Adams (NC-12), Karen Bass (CA-37), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Donald S. Beyer Jr. (VA-08), Jamaal Bowman, Ed.D (NY-16), Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), Cori Bush (MO-01), Tony C\u00e1rdenas (CA-29), Andr\u00e9 Carson (IN-07), Judy Chu (CA-27), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Peter A. DeFazio (OR-04), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11), Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Teresa Leger Fern\u00e1ndez (NM-03), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Al Green (TX-09), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Henry C. \"Hank\" Johnson (GA-04), Mondaire Jones (NY-17), Kaiali'i Kahele (HI-02), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), Andy Levin (MI-09), Alan Lowenthal (CA-47), Betty McCollum (MN-04), James P. McGovern (MA-02), Grace Meng (NY-06), Marie Newman (IL-03), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Katie Porter (CA-45), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Mark Takano (CA-41), Rashida Tlaib (MI-13), Juan Vargas (CA-51), and Nydia Vel\u00e1zquez (NY-07).\n\nThe letter can be found online here.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://clarke.house.gov/caribbean-caucus-co-chairs-clarke-waters-and-plaskett-meet-with-the-commission-for-a-haitian-solution-to-the-crisis/", "CARIBBEAN CAUCUS CO-CHAIRS CLARKE, WATERS AND PLASKETT MEET WITH THE COMMISSION FOR A HAITIAN SOLUTION TO THE CRISIS", "2021-12-20", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "NY", "Yvette D. Clarke", "C001067", "clarke.house.gov", "clarke", "https://clarke.house.gov/category/press-release/", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:\n\nDecember 20, 2021\n\nMedia contact:\n\ne: jeanette.lenoir@mail.house.gov (Clarke)\n\nc: 202.480.5737\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 On December 16th, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), and Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett (USVI), the Co-Chairs of the Congressional Caribbean Caucus, held a virtual meeting with several representatives of the Commission for a Haitian Solution to the Crisis. Following the meeting, they released the following statement:\n\n\u201cWe met with representatives of the Commission for a Haitian Solution to the Crisis to discuss their efforts to respond to the extraordinary challenges facing Haiti. They described in detail their efforts to work towards a peaceful resolution of the current political and institutional crisis in Haiti and their plans for Haiti\u2019s future. We were inspired by their courage, and we admire their commitment to dialogue and consensus. We appreciate their efforts to meet with Haitians representing diverse sectors of society and listen to their concerns, and we look forward to continuing our dialogue with them as they continue their work for a better future for the people of Haiti.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-pascrell-fitzpatrick-spartz-introduce-national-critical", "DeLauro, Pascrell, Fitzpatrick, Spartz Introduce the National Critical Capabilities Defense Act", "2021-12-20", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Rosa L. DeLauro", "D000216", "delauro.house.gov", "delauro", "https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2014 United States Representatives Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03), Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), and Victoria Spartz (R-IN-05) today introduced the National Critical Capabilities Defense Act (NCCDA) to establish a review process that would protect the United States supply chain from foreign adversaries like China and Russia. This legislation would create a whole-of-government screening process for outbound investments and the offshoring of critical capacities and supply chains to ensure that the United States can quickly detect supply chain vulnerabilities.\n\n\"The COVID-19 pandemic and semiconductor shortages exposed that critical United States supply chains were not up to the task of robustly responding to America's needs. We have to learn from our mistakes and cannot allow outbound investments from the United States to take critical supply chains overseas and into the hands of our adversaries such as China or Russia,\" said Representative DeLauro. \"Companies at a minimum should be required to report on their proposed offshoring of supply chains so the United States can better protect critical manufacturing capacity here at home and safeguard American workers and our national, economic, and health security. I am hopeful that this legislation can spur action related to United States supply chain security. I thank my colleagues in the House, Representatives Pascrell, Fitzpatrick, and Spartz, and in the Senate, Senators Casey and Cornyn, for leading this critical effort. Now is the time to act.\"\n\n\"The frayed American supply chain and our continued bleeding of industrial capacity offshore represent a dangerous national security threat to the United States,\" said Representative Pascrell. \"This watershed, bipartisan, bicameral legislation will take a major step to provide needed transparency and tools to prevent supply chains and critical industries from being offshored to our adversaries. The Chinese Communist Party climbed America's back to economic power and is now using that power to commit genocide, crush democratic norms, empower dictators, undermine workers, rig the world economy, and threaten America's allies. Putin's Russian Federation has also leached off America's economic might to sow discord in the world. It is time to enhance supply chain visibility so our companies and average worker investments are not being hoodwinked into empowering trade that undermines American competitiveness. Our proposal would be an important element for innovation and competition legislation being advanced in the House.\"\n\n\"The unfolding global supply chain crisis is evidence that America can no longer afford to rely on foreign adversaries like China and Russia for our essential goods and supplies,\" said Representative Fitzpatrick. \"The NCCDA is an immediate, bipartisan response to the supply chain bottleneck that is plaguing our country and will increase transparency surrounding the offshoring of critical industries and manufacturing. We must act now to ensure the US has a resilient and secure supply chain that will bolster American innovation, job creation, and national security.\"\n\n\"The recent pandemic highlighted significant weaknesses in supply chain resiliency, geographic imbalances, and material dependencies on the manufacturing output of our adversaries\u2014like China\u2014posing serious national security risks,\" said Representative Spartz. \"This bipartisan, bicameral legislation will improve transparency to mitigate strategic risks and increase domestic manufacturing capabilities for critical products and materials.\"\n\nUnited States Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Cornyn (R-TX) also introduced this bipartisan legislation in the Senate.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3014", "DelBene, Bucshon Call on Biden Administration to Prioritize Kidney Innovation in FY 2023 Executive Budget", "2021-12-20", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Suzan K. DelBene", "D000617", "delbene.house.gov", "delbene", "https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congressional Kidney Caucus Co-Chairs Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Larry Bucshon (IN-08) called on the Biden administration to prioritize investments in kidney innovation and research in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Executive Budget. In a letter signed by 18 members of Congress, the lawmakers urged the administration to include $25 million for KidneyX, a public-private partnership between the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the American Society of Nephrology, to accelerate chronic kidney disease research and improve kidney care.\n\n\u201cFor KidneyX to meet its full potential and continue to foster the development of technologies such as a wearable or implantable artificial kidney and xenotransplantation, the federal government must increase its support for KidneyX by including $25 million for KidneyX in the FY 2023 President\u2019s Budget,\u201d wrote the lawmakers. \u201cIncluding a full $25 million for KidneyX in the FY 2023 President\u2019s Budget would allow the program to expand its record of success and continue to drive innovation for people with kidney diseases.\u201d\n\nMore than 37 million Americans\u2014disproportionately people of color\u2014are living with chronic kidney disease today, and nearly 800,000 are living with kidney failure, a life-threatening, incurable condition. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Medicare dedicated $130 billion, or 25 percent of all traditional Medicare fee-for-service spending, to the care of all kidney diseases, including $50 billion, or 7 percent of Medicare fee-for-service spending, to manage kidney failure alone.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3611", "Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Announces 7,000 Closed Cases on Behalf of Texas\u2019 Seventh Congressional District", "2021-12-20", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "TX", "Lizzie Fletcher", "F000468", "fletcher.house.gov", "fletcher", "https://fletcher.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) announced her office has successfully closed 7,000 constituent cases for residents of Texas\u2019 Seventh Congressional District. Her office assists residents with matters before federal agencies, including obtaining benefits from Social Security, Veterans Affairs, and Medicare, as well as addressing matters before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and obtaining visas and renewing passports.\n\n\u201cI am so proud we have been able to assist more than 7,000 constituents as they navigated various challenges in dealing with federal agencies,\u201d said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. \u201cI am grateful to the people of Texas\u2019 Seventh Congressional District for trusting us to solve their problems and provide meaningful solutions. That is what we are here to do. It is a privilege to represent this district and to serve our neighbors every day.\u201d\n\nBelow are some testimonials from constituents Congresswoman Fletcher and her team have helped:\n\n\u201cI cannot thank Lizzie\u2019s office enough for being such a big help. I contacted the office out of desperation after we ran into an unusual delay in State Department paperwork for my parent\u2019s visa.\n\n\u201cThe office response was prompt, polite, and professional. They promptly responded and followed up with two calls within two days asking for details of the case. Then, with the information, they reached out to the right department. Lo and behold, within a week, we received the communication that we had been waiting for months. It is fantastic to know your congresswoman has your back. It is even more so to know she does it with respect and diligence. Thank you wholeheartedly for following up on the case, which led to a quick response. I especially would like to thank Shirley in the congresswoman\u2019s office for her efforts in resolving the case.\u201d\n\nKaveh A.\n\n\u201cI am a female small business owner in Texas\u2019 Seventh Congressional District in Houston. COVID-19 has deeply affected by business revenue over the last 18 months. As I was eligible, I applied for the Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) in April 2021. Like many others, I received email after email form the SBA office requesting information. The information was provided time and time again, only to be told the information was received but had not been uploaded to my files.\n\n\u201cAs of October 20, 2021, I was still receiving emails requesting the same data provided at least 15 times. At this point, I contacted Congresswoman Fletcher\u2019s Office to see if any help could be provided. She and her staff responded to me immediately (same day). Ms. Fletcher\u2019s Office contacted the SBA and within four days, I received a phone call from the SBA Public Information Office. This office uploaded my documents while I was on the phone with them and indicated my loan application had been placed with a high priority team. Lizzie Fletcher truly supports and stands up for her constituents. The same cannot be said for most politicians. I will support her endeavors for the betterment of her district, as I truly believe that is her reason for holding public office. Thank you!\u201d\n\nJean H.\n\n\u201cI applied for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and Advanced Parole (AP) renewal on December 3, 2020. The biometrics were updated in January 2021. There were no further updates to my case and my EAD card expired on May 30, 2021. I got an automatic 180-day extension. The extension was set to expire at the end of November 2021, leaving me unable to work. Suspending my employment would have severe consequences on my team, employer, and family. Additionally, I was unable to travel outside the U.S. for an important family event.\n\n\u201cI submitted a service request with USCIS and did not receive a response. My lawyer advised that I contact Congresswoman Fletcher\u2019s Office. I contacted Congresswoman Fletcher\u2019s Office on October 20, 2021 to inquire about my case with USCIS. The office acted promptly to address my issue and submitted a request with USCIS to address the delay in my case. On November 1st, USCIS emailed Congresswoman Fletcher\u2019s Office notifying them my case was approved for expedited processing. Two hours after the email, I received a notification that a new card was being produced. To tell you the truth, it was almost too good to be true.\n\n\u201cThe experience I had with Congresswoman Fletcher\u2019s Office was nothing but amazing. The team cared about my case and was in continuous communication with me.\n\n\u201cThank you very much, Congresswoman Fletcher and your team! I truly appreciate your help and support in getting my case approved and avoiding all the negative consequences of suspending my employment.\u201d\n\nMohammed H.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 8791, "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": "2021"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": 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