{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"House\", party = \"Republican\" and state = \"MO\" sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://jasonsmith.house.gov/2026/09/30/smith-celebrates-major-win-for-missouri-jobs-and-national-defense-as-boeing-receives-contract-for-navys-next-generation-fighter/", "Smith Celebrates Major Win for Missouri Jobs and National Defense as Boeing Receives Contract for Navy\u2019s Next-Generation Fighter", "2026-09-30", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", "jasonsmith", "https://jasonsmith.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "ST. LOUIS, Mo. \u2013 This week, the Department of War announced that Boeing has been awarded a $20 billion contract to develop the Navy\u2019s Next-Generation F/A-XX Strike Fighter. Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08), Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement applauding the award for Missouri workers and one of the state\u2019s largest employers.\n\nCongressman Smith said, \u201cThe future of American airpower is being built right here in Missouri. Boeing is already building the Air Force\u2019s F-47 in St. Louis, and now Missouri workers will be building the Navy\u2019s new Strike Fighter too \u2014 cementing St. Louis as a global leader in aerospace. This contract means more jobs for Missourians, more business for the local suppliers that support Boeing, and a stronger national defense for the service members who depend on these aircraft.\n\n\u201cAn investment of this size doesn\u2019t stay in one place. It ripples through every community it touches, and Missouri families will feel it for years to come. This is a huge win for the Show-Me State, and I will continue fighting every day to bring good-paying jobs and investment like this to Missouri.\u201d\n\nBackground:", 1, "2026-10-01T11:23:28Z", "2026-10-01T11:25:15Z"], ["https://alford.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1846", "Alford Applauds Dept. of War Awarding F/A-XX Contract to Boeing", "2026-09-29", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Mark Alford", "A000379", "alford.house.gov", "alford", "https://alford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) issued the following statement applauding the Department of War\u2019s announcement that the contract to build the F/A-XX sixth-generation fighter jet to Boeing\u2014meaning it will be built by Missouri workers in the Show Me State.\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s announcement that the sixth generation F/A-XX fighter jet will be built by Boeing is a huge win for Missouri workers and economic growth in our state,\u201d said Congressman Alford. \u201cWe have been vocal advocates of this from the start and worked tirelessly with the Trump Administration to make it a reality. The Show Me State will be a cornerstone of the rebuilding of our defense-industrial base. This is another step forward for our years-long campaign to develop a new national security corridor in the heart of America\u2014with the Fourth District, its two major military installations, and numerous other defense equities smack in the middle of it all.\u201d\n\nCongressman Alford is a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee and represents two military instillations\u2014Fort Leonard Wood and Whiteman Air Force Base\u2014in Missouri\u2019s Fourth District.\n\nThrough his role on the Appropriations Committee, which controls the purse strings for the entire federal government, Congressman Alford has been a consistent advocate for robust and sustained funding for next-generation airpower like the F/A-XX.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-30T10:57:52Z", "2026-09-30T10:59:04Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-congratulates-boeing-winning-navy-next-generation-fighter-jet", "Wagner Congratulates Boeing for Winning the Navy Next Generation Fighter Jet Following her Years of Advocacy", "2026-09-29", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement after the Navy chose Boeing to build the F/A-XX, the sixth generation strike fighter:\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s official, St. Louis will be the home of both the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Air Force next generation fighter jets that will strengthen American air dominance worldwide. For years, I have been proud to champion the effort in Congress supporting our local defense industrial base for the F/A-18 and F-15 programs. Winning the F/A-XX next generation naval fighter program, on top of the already awarded F-47 fighter, is a monumental win for Missouri and the families in our community that build these jets to keep our nation safe. Boeing not only supports thousands of local jobs here at home with these programs, but they also advance the overwhelming power of our military that makes our nation the best and strongest in the world.\n\n\u201cI have been an ongoing advocate for Missouri-made Boeing defense products during my time in Congress, leading the support for programs like these in our National Defense Authorization Act and Appropriations legislation. I believe in the ingenuity and hard work of our local workers here in St. Louis and their continuous ability to advance our nation\u2019s military and keep the American people safe. I will always advocate for our St. Louis region and am proud to see our community continue to lead the way in keeping our national defense the strongest in the world.\u201d", 1, "2026-10-01T11:23:28Z", "2026-10-01T11:25:15Z"], ["https://jasonsmith.house.gov/2026/09/27/smith-helps-secure-small-business-grant-for-houston-small-business-incubator/", "Smith Helps Secure Small Business Grant for Houston Small Business Incubator", "2026-09-27", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", "jasonsmith", "https://jasonsmith.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "HOUSTON, Mo. \u2013 Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08), Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement after helping secure a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Business Development Grant for the City of Houston\u2019s Idea Lab Small Business Incubator.\n\n\u201cSmall businesses are the backbone of our economy, and everyone with the drive to start one should have a fair shot at success \u2014 no matter if they grew up in a small town like Houston or a city like St. Louis,\u201d said Congressman Smith. \u201cWhen a small business has the resources it needs to succeed, it creates jobs, keeps dollars in the local economy, and gives families the chance to build something of their own. That\u2019s the American Dream, and that\u2019s exactly why I pushed so hard for this grant.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to have helped bring more than $127,000 to Texas County to make the Idea Lab a reality and provide folks in the area with the space, tools, and mentorship they need to turn their ideas into thriving businesses. I want to thank Houston\u2019s Economic Development Director Travis Witzemann, USDA Rural Development, and everyone who contributed time, effort, and funding to invest in Houston\u2019s entrepreneurs.\u201d\n\nBackground:", 1, "2026-09-28T11:29:07Z", "2026-09-28T11:30:58Z"], ["https://jasonsmith.house.gov/2026/09/25/smith-helps-secure-more-than-45-million-for-rural-missouri-hospitals/", "Smith Helps Secure More Than $45 Million for Rural Missouri Hospitals", "2026-09-25", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", "jasonsmith", "https://jasonsmith.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 This week, the Trump Administration announced more than $45 million in federal investment to upgrade rural Missouri hospitals, connect providers with behavioral and maternal health specialists, and grow the emergency care workforce in rural Missouri. This investment is part of the Rural Health Transformation Program\u2019s (RHTP) historic $50 billion investment in rural healthcare, which Rep. Jason Smith (MO-08) authored as part of the Working Families Tax Cuts, also known as the One, Big, Beautiful Bill.\n\n\u201cRural hospitals are the backbone of communities like the ones I grew up in. When a rural hospital shuts its doors, that often means an extra hour on the road to see a doctor, and that extra hour can be the difference between life and death,\u201d said Rep. Jason Smith. \u201cThat\u2019s exactly why I fought to create the Rural Health Transformation Program when I was writing the One, Big, Beautiful Bill. I knew we had to make a real investment in rural healthcare, so hospitals, clinics, and EMS crews have the resources they need to continue serving the families who depend on them. I was glad to see it pay off for my hometown recently when Salem Memorial hospital received $1.7 million through the RHTP, and this announcement is just further proof that the One, Big, Beautiful Bill is delivering for families and rural communities across the nation. I will never stop fighting to make sure our rural communities have access to the quality healthcare they deserve.\u201d\n\n\u201cPresident Trump understands that every American deserves high-quality healthcare, no matter where they live,\u201d said Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. \u201cWe are putting resources directly into rural communities to strengthen the health workforce, modernize infrastructure, expand access, and bring care closer to home. We are giving states the flexibility to build solutions around the people they serve, while demanding accountability for results. That is how we strengthen rural health, improve the lives of patients and families, and Make America Healthy Again.\u201d\n\n\u201cPresident Trump made a historic commitment to rural America, and these investments are turning that commitment into better care for patients in communities across Missouri,\u201d said Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. \u201cThis is what rural health transformation should look like: federal investment that is putting patients first, driving lasting improvements and expanding healthcare for the hardworking Americans who call these communities home.\u201d\n\n\u201cA person\u2019s ZIP code should never determine whether they can see a doctor, receive emergency care, or access the services they need to live a healthy life,\u201d said Gov. Mike Kehoe. \u201cWith this investment, we can continue to deliver meaningful improvements in rural healthcare for generations to come. We\u2019re grateful to President Trump and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for their continued partnership as we work to build a stronger, healthier future for rural Missouri.\u201d\n\nBackground:", 1, "2026-09-26T09:43:57Z", "2026-09-26T09:44:55Z"], ["https://alford.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1816", "Alford, Real Estate Caucus Call on Copyright Office to Reconsider Fee Increase for Multiple Listing Services", "2026-09-22", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Mark Alford", "A000379", "alford.house.gov", "alford", "https://alford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) led a letter with his Congressional Real Estate Caucus Co-Chairs\u2014Reps. Lou Correa (CA-46), Tracey Mann (KS-01), and Brittany Petersen (CO-07)\u2014to the U.S. Copyright Office. The Real Estate Caucus is urging the Copyright Office to reconsider its fee increase on non-photographic databases, which include many Multiple Listing Services (MLSs).\n\nAt a time when high prices driven many hardworking families farther away from the American Dream of homeownership, Congress has made housing affordability a bipartisan priority. Yet, this misguided fee increase would undermine this progress by reducing transparency and increasing costs.\n\nReps. Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), Jack Bergman (MI-01), Monica De La Cruz (TX-15), and Jimmy Patronis (FL-01) joined the Real Estate Caucus Co-Chairs in sending the letter.\n\nRead the full letter here or below:\n\n\u201cDear Register Perlmutter:\n\n\u201cWe write as Co-Chairs and members of the Bipartisan Congressional Real Estate Caucus to express our concern with the U.S. Copyright Office's final fee schedule submitted to Congress on July 14, 2026. In particular, the proposal would increase the fee for group registration of updates and revisions to non-photographic databases - the category used by many Multiple Listing Services (MLSs) - from $500 to $700 per filing. This comes only six years after the same fee increased from $85 to $500. We urge the Office to reconsider this additional increase before it takes effect.\n\n\u201cMLSs are a critical part of America's housing market. These organizations maintain the property information used every day by buyers, sellers, real estate professionals, lenders, and appraisers. They are also generally small, local, subscriber-supported organizations, not large corporations that can simply absorb repeated cost increases. Because MLS databases are continuously updated, many MLSs must register multiple times each year to maintain meaningful copyright protection against unauthorized scraping, copying, and misuse.\n\n\u201cThe proposed increase is especially difficult to justify because MLSs remain stuck using a more expensive paper-based registration process while nearly all other copyright applicants can file electronically. The Office's own analysis reportedly places the cost of processing an MLS registration at approximately $500, yet the proposed fee is $700. It makes little sense to charge MLSs above the reported cost of providing the service while denying them access to the lower-cost, modern filing system available to other registrants. Local MLSs should not be forced to subsidize a bureaucratic process they cannot avoid or modernization efforts from which they do not yet benefit.\n\n\u201cWe support a modern, efficient Copyright Office and recognize the need to recover reasonable costs. But fees should be fair, recover the reasonable cost of the service being provided, and structured to encourage -- not discourage -- copyright registration. Stakeholders have warned that MLS registrations are price sensitive and have already declined as fees have increased. At a time when Americans are facing serious housing affordability challenges, Washington should be looking for ways to reduce unnecessary costs in the housing market, not add to them.\n\n\u201cAccordingly, we respectfully ask the Copyright Office to:\n\nReconsider or delay the proposed increase from $500 to $700 and explain how that amount is justified when the Office's reported processing cost is approximately $500, including how the fee complies with the fair-and-equitable requirements of 17 U.S.C. \u00a7 708(b)(4);\n\nExplain how the Office interprets 17 U.S.C. \u00a7 708(b) and H. Rept. 105-25 to permit charging MLS registrants more than the Office's reported cost of processing MLS registrations, and identify the principles the Office applies in determining when and by how much a fee may exceed cost;\n\nExplain why the Office lacks authority to delay or modify the proposed MLS fee increase, despite having done so for other proposed fees in prior proceedings, and explain any legal or procedural constraints that would prevent it from doing so in this case;\n\nProvide a concrete plan and timeline for allowing MLS registrations to be filed electronically, including any technological or administrative barriers that remain; and\n\nExplain how the Office accounted for stakeholder evidence that MLSs are generally small, local organizations, that registrations are price sensitive, and that prior fee increases have already reduced participation.\n\n\u201cCongress has a 120-day review period, through November 12, to approve or disapprove the new fee schedule. During that time, we urge the Office to work with MLS stakeholders on a reasonable alternative that lowers processing costs, expands electronic access, and preserves strong copyright protections without imposing another disproportionate fee increase.\n\n\u201cPlease respond within 14 days of receipt of this letter. We appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and look forward to working with you.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-23T09:45:16Z", "2026-09-23T09:46:14Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/trump-administration-announces-more-45-million-upgrade-rural-missouri", "Trump Administration Announces More Than $45 Million to Upgrade Rural Missouri Hospitals, Connect Families to Rapid Psychiatric Consultations and Maternal Care, and Train More EMS Professionals Across Missouri", "2026-09-22", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 The Trump Administration announced today that more than $45 million in Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) funding is being delivered to support rural healthcare for Missouri residents. This investment will support hospital infrastructure improvements, expand behavioral and maternal healthcare access, and strengthen the rural emergency medical services workforce.\n\nThe announcement includes approximately $35 million to support 20 rural hospital projects \u2014 covering facility improvements, building system upgrades, new diagnostic equipment, and renovated critical care and treatment spaces. It also includes up to $6.4 million to connect rural providers with behavioral health and perinatal specialists, including rapid psychiatric consultations, often within 30 minutes, for children and families, along with referral services, provider training, and additional support for pregnant and postpartum patients. And up to $4.2 million will grow Missouri's rural EMS workforce, with 437 individuals selected to begin funded EMT and paramedic training and incentives for rural agencies to hire and retain certified staff. These investments build on the Administration\u2019s more than $7 million in funding previously announced to strengthen Missouri\u2019s rural maternal health workforce through expanded doula training and certification and to expand mobile healthcare and community paramedicine services across rural communities.\n\n\u201cI was proud to vote for this funding in the Working Families Tax Cut legislation, so our rural hospitals have the necessary resources to provide patients with the top-notch healthcare they need and deserve. This is a transformative investment in rural healthcare that will support healthier families for generations to come. I will keep working with the Administration to ensure our local hospitals here in Missouri continue to modernize and have the funding flexibility to support patients close to home in the ways that work best for them,\u201d said Rep. Ann Wagner\n\n\u201cPresident Trump understands that every American deserves high-quality healthcare, no matter where they live,\u201d said Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. \u201cWe are putting resources directly into rural communities to strengthen the health workforce, modernize infrastructure, expand access, and bring care closer to home. We are giving states the flexibility to build solutions around the people they serve, while demanding accountability for results. That is how we strengthen rural health, improve the lives of patients and families, and Make America Healthy Again.\u201d\n\n\u201cPresident Trump made a historic commitment to rural America, and these investments are turning that commitment into better care for patients in communities across Missouri,\u201d said Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. \u201cThis is what rural health transformation should look like: federal investment that is putting patients first, driving lasting improvements and expanding healthcare for the hardworking Americans who call these communities home.\u201d\n\nToday\u2019s investment was made possible through the Working Families Tax Cuts Act \u2014 passed by Republicans in Congress and unanimously opposed by Democrats \u2014 delivering a historic $50 billion investment to help states transform the way healthcare is delivered in America.\n\n\u201cA person\u2019s ZIP code should never determine whether they can see a doctor, receive emergency care, or access the services they need to live a healthy life,\u201d said Gov. Mike Kehoe. \u201cWith this investment, we can continue to deliver meaningful improvements in rural healthcare for generations to come. We\u2019re grateful to President Trump and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for their continued partnership as we work to build a stronger, healthier future for rural Missouri.\u201d\n\n\u201cRural communities deserve high-quality healthcare \u2014 and for many Americans, rural hospitals are the only option available. Choosing to live outside of a major metro area shouldn\u2019t mean you receive subpar care. As affordability remains top-of-mind for many American families, Republicans have been fighting for policies that lower costs and make life better for our nation. The Working Families Tax Cuts enacted new, historic investment into rural healthcare services and included my provision to expand home and community-based options for individuals with special needs. This announcement of additional RHTP funding for rural healthcare is yet another step in Republicans\u2019 efforts to deliver for rural communities and help Americans live healthier lives,\u201d said Sen. Eric Schmitt\n\n\u201cThe Rural Health Transformation Program, authorized by the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, is putting critical resources directly into the services and care Missouri families rely on. As a physician, I have seen firsthand how important it is for patients, especially those in rural communities, to have access to quality care close to home. These investments will strengthen our healthcare workforce, equip rural hospitals to better serve their patients, and help ensure Missourians can access the care they need,\u201d said Rep. Bob Onder.\n\n\u201cAmericans should not have to drive an hour or more to get the care they need, and the Rural Health Transformation Program is helping us change that. House Republicans enacted the largest investment in rural healthcare in American history through our Working Families Tax Cuts. We are putting resources directly into rural hospitals, EMS systems, behavioral health services, and maternal care that Missouri families rely on. I\u2019ve visited nearly every rural hospital in Missouri\u2019s Fourth District, and I\u2019ve seen firsthand what these investments mean for keeping hospital doors open, strengthening our healthcare workforce, and ensuring families can receive quality care close to home. This is exactly what the Rural Health Transformation Program was designed to do: strengthen rural communities and ensure the heartland is not left behind,\u201d said Rep. Mark Alford.\n\n\u201cRural hospitals are a lifeline for our communities. Whether it\u2019s a broken bone, a farm accident, or just routine care, we depend on them to be there when we need them. That can\u2019t happen if they aren\u2019t open, which is why we passed the Rural Health Transformation Program last year. The expansion of maternal healthcare access and rural EMS workforce, that are included in this funding, are critical needs in North Missouri. I\u2019m thrilled to see this funding continue to make its way to our communities, so we can ensure that rural Missourians have access to the quality healthcare they depend on,\u201d said Rep. Sam Graves\n\n\"Rural hospitals are the backbone of communities like the ones I grew up in. When a rural hospital shuts its doors, that often means an extra hour on the road to see a doctor, and that extra hour can be the difference between life and death,\u201d said Rep. Jason Smith. \"That's exactly why I fought to create the Rural Health Transformation Program when I was writing the One, Big, Beautiful Bill. I knew we had to make a real investment in rural healthcare, so hospitals, clinics, and EMS crews have the resources they need to continue serving the families who depend on them. I was glad to see it pay off for my hometown recently when Salem Memorial hospital received $1.7 million through the RHTP, and this announcement is just further proof that the One, Big, Beautiful Bill is delivering for families and rural communities across the nation. I will never stop fighting to make sure our rural communities have access to the quality healthcare they deserve.\"\n\nToday\u2019s announcement is one part of the larger overall funding amount awarded to Missouri for fiscal year 2026.\n\nMissouri's broader RHTP strategy is designed to strengthen coordination and build a more sustainable rural healthcare system. Key initiatives the overall RHTP funding will focus on include:\n\nStrengthening local and regional care networks: Supporting local community hubs and regional networks to improve care coordination and better connect rural Missourians with healthcare providers and services.\n\nBuilding the rural healthcare workforce: Supporting recruitment, training, clinical education, and retention strategies to strengthen the pipeline of healthcare professionals serving rural communities.\n\nAdvancing technology and data: Building shared digital infrastructure and improving interoperability and data sharing to better connect rural providers and support coordinated care.\n\nTransforming rural care delivery: Supporting provider modernization and innovative care and payment models designed to improve care and strengthen long-term sustainability.\n\nThe Trump Administration is delivering on its commitment to strengthen rural America by investing in solutions that modernize technology to promote health and well-being for rural communities. Led by CMS, the RHTP is moving beyond the failed one-size-fits-all approach and giving rural communities the tools to build stronger, more innovative, and more sustainable health systems that deliver better care and better outcomes for the Americans they serve.", 1, "2026-09-24T10:30:22Z", "2026-09-24T10:31:42Z"], ["https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/burlison-sought-1952-uap-recording-released", "Burlison-Sought 1952 UAP Recording Released", "2026-09-21", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Eric Burlison", "B001316", "burlison.house.gov", "burlison", "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 A previously unavailable 1952 recording sought by Congressman Eric Burlison (MO-07) was released today as part of the Trump administration\u2019s ongoing effort to declassify and release government records related to unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP).\n\nIn May, Burlison wrote to MIT Lincoln Laboratory seeking the preservation and review of a reel-to-reel recording identified as \u201cAF-ATIC-FILM, 03/52\u201d and labeled \u201cflying saucer talk,\u201d which featured a presentation by Air Force officer Edward J. Ruppelt discussing the Air Force\u2019s knowledge of UAP at the time. Burlison requested that the recording be located, preserved, digitized, and reviewed for inclusion in the National Archives\u2019 UAP Records Collection.\n\nThe recording and an accompanying transcript were released today through the Department of War\u2019s Presidential Unsealing and Reporting System for UAP Encounters (PURSUE).\n\n\u201cThis is exactly why we have continued pushing to find, preserve, and release these historical records. More than 70 years ago, the Air Force was investigating reports of UAP around some of our nation\u2019s most sensitive facilities and radar returns indicating extraordinary speeds of travel,\u201d said Congressman Burlison. \u201cThis tape presents a juxtaposition to the framing that UAP interest in our nation\u2019s nuclear sites is new and can be explained as adversarial drones from foreign countries. While not conclusive, it shows that as far back as 1952, our military was receiving credible reports of unexplained technologies in our airspace, and the American people deserve to hear this historical discussion for themselves.\u201d\n\nDuring the March 1952 presentation, Ruppelt said approximately 20 percent of roughly 800 reports reviewed by the Air Force could not be explained, including reports from military personnel, airline pilots, scientists, engineers, and other technically trained observers.\n\nRuppelt also identified concentrations of reports around Los Alamos, Albuquerque, White Sands, and Oak Ridge. He later discussed unexplained Air Defense Command radar returns indicating speeds between 1,000 and approximately 3,500 miles per hour but noted investigators had not ruled out radar malfunctions or atmospheric phenomena.\n\nThroughout the presentation, Ruppelt emphasized that the Air Force had not determined the nature or origin of the phenomena and needed better collection of physical data to evaluate the reports.\n\nListen to the recording and read the transcript.", 1, "2026-09-22T09:42:49Z", "2026-09-22T09:44:35Z"], ["https://jasonsmith.house.gov/2026/09/18/smith-secures-22-4-million-in-fema-funding-for-perryville-high-school-repairs-after-devastating-tornado/", "Smith Secures $22.4 Million in FEMA Funding for Perryville High School Repairs After Devastating Tornado", "2026-09-18", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", "jasonsmith", "https://jasonsmith.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "PERRYVILLE, Mo. \u2013 This week, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced $22.4 million in Public Assistance funding for Perry County School District No. 32. Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) released the following statement applauding the award, which his office fought to secure to help support the reconstruction of Perryville High School after a tornado caused catastrophic damage.\n\nCongressman Smith said, \u201cLast year\u2019s tornado completely destroyed Perryville High School, causing students to attend classes in tents and temporary buildings ever since. I saw the destruction firsthand and it was absolutely devastating, but the resilience and solidarity this community showed in the aftermath blew me away. Day after day, neighbors showed up for neighbors to help each other out and make sure no one had to deal with this disaster alone \u2014 that\u2019s what Southeast Missouri is all about.\n\n\u201cI was proud to fight to deliver this funding and ensure this community can rebuild a high school that they\u2019re proud of. Thank you to the Trump Administration and Secretary Mullin for coming through to help the families and students affected, and I\u2019ll keep fighting to make sure Perryville gets all the resources they need to fully recover.\u201d\n\nBackground:", 1, "2026-09-19T09:11:33Z", "2026-09-19T09:12:45Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-water-resources-bill-passes-house", "Graves' Water Resources Bill Passes House", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 The House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved H.R. 9497, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026, a bipartisan bill that addresses improvements for the nation\u2019s ports and harbors, inland waterway navigation system, flood and storm risk management, environment, and other aspects of our water resources infrastructure. The bill, introduced by Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (MO-06), was approved 415 to 9 on Wednesday.\n\nCommunities nationwide and the U.S. economy rely on WRDA-authorized investments in water resources infrastructure and projects of the United States Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). Since 2014, Congress has enacted a WRDA every two years to help improve water resources infrastructure. WRDA-authorized projects of the Corps are locally-driven projects that deliver regional and national benefits.\n\n\u201cWRDA 2026 makes significant improvements across the country to our inland waterways, ports and harbors, flood protection, and other critical water infrastructure. This bill also makes common-sense reforms to the Army Corps of Engineers\u2019 policies, empowers local communities, and expedites project delivery,\u201d said Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO). \u201cFor North Missouri, WRDA 2026 advances a comprehensive flood control plan on the Missouri River, ensuring that people and property are the main priority when managing the river. It also expands the ways our levee owners can work with the Corps to build flood risk management infrastructure and provides necessary, streamlined assistance to levee districts facing maintenance challenges. I look forward to working with the other chief sponsors of this bill \u2013 T&I Ranking Member Rick Larsen, Subcommittee Chairman Mike Collins, and Subcommittee Ranking Member Frederica Wilson \u2013 in addition to my colleagues in the House and our counterparts in the Senate to see a final WRDA bill signed into law by the end of this Congress.\u201d\n\nAs approved by the House today, WRDA 2026 authorizes 133 new feasibility studies for locally proposed water resources infrastructure projects and 14 projects that have been vetted by the Corps and are ready for construction authorization by Congress.\n\nIn addition, WRDA 2026 includes various policy changes to improve infrastructure project delivery. These include strengthening and reauthorizing alternative project delivery programs, emphasizing non-federal interests\u2019 input for feasibility studies, and helping ensure non-federal interests can find the right Corps resources to get projects off the ground.\n\nThe bill improves the partnership between the Corps and non-federal interests by establishing offices with expertise on inland navigation, alternative delivery, water supply, and technical assistance. Policies in this bill will improve non-federal interests\u2019 ability to obtain valuable technical assistance and to fund construction more quickly, as well as to encourage the Corps to increase use of multi-year contracts.\n\nWRDA 2026 provisions will better support the Corps\u2019 navigation mission, improve the Corps\u2019 accountability to Congress, strengthen flood and coastal storm risk management, and address dam safety through the reauthorization of the High Hazard Potential Dam program under the Federal Emergency Management Agency\u2019s (FEMA\u2019s) National Dam Safety Program.\n\nWins for North Missouri:\n\nStreamlines the Corps of Engineers\u2019 process so local partners can more easily make needed improvements to federal water projects.\n\nProtects the Missouri River by ensuring its waters cannot be diverted out of the basin to Western states without the Governor\u2019s approval.\n\nDirects the Corps to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to slow the buildup of sediment in the largest reservoir system in the country, the Missouri River Reservoir System, preserving the storage capacity necessary to protect communities from flooding and support navigation.\n\nImplements a comprehensive flood protection plan on the Lower Missouri River that puts local levee districts and communities in the drivers seat to move new flood control projects forward with help from the Corps.\n\nEnsures members of the Missouri River Recovery Implementation Committee (MRRIC) elect their own chair, giving navigators, levee districts, communities, and other stakeholders a stronger voice in the committee.\n\nEnsures Mississippi River communities and levee districts aren\u2019t hit with devastating new bureaucratic requirements until the Corps comes up with a workable plan to protect communities from flooding.\n\nAuthorizes a nationwide review of the inland waterways to identify ways to modernize and strengthen them for the future.\n\nEncourages the Corps to clearly communicate what land rights local interests actually need to maintain flood protection projects.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressmen-onder-and-landsman-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-protect", "Congressmen Onder and Landsman Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Patients", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Robert F. Onder, Jr.", "O000177", "onder.house.gov", "onder", "https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nSeptember 17, 2026\n\nContact: Brooke Morgan\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Bob Onder (R-MO) and Congressman Greg Landsman (D-OH) introduced the bipartisan Protecting Approved Care Act.\n\nThis legislation ensures that when a Medicare Advantage plan approves care, that approval holds. It bars plans from reversing coverage, clawing back payment, or downcoding claims after the fact, giving patients and their doctors the certainty they need to move forward with treatment.\n\n\u201cAs a physician, I know that when a plan approves a treatment, the doctor and the patient need to be able to count on it,\u201d said Congressman Bob Onder, M.D. \u201cReaching back months later to claw back payment for care a plan already approved undermines that certainty and makes it harder for physicians to keep seeing their patients. This bill makes Medicare Advantage plans keep their word, and I\u2019m glad to work with Rep. Landsman on it.\u201d\n\n\u201cEven as health care costs rise, these insurance companies continue to take advantage of Americans by putting their business over patients. These predatory practices have to end. If coverage is approved, they need to keep their word,\u201d said Congressman Greg Landsman.\n\n\"As an orthopaedic surgeon, I applaud Rep. Onder and my fellow Ohioan Rep. Landsman for taking action to bring accountability and stability to the Medicare Advantage program. The AAOS is proud to support the Protecting Approved Care Act and looks forward to working alongside Congress to strengthen the prior authorization system for patients and physicians,\u201d said Joel L. Mayerson, M.D., Chair, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Advocacy Council.\n\nClickHERE to read the full bill text.\n\nBackground Information\n\nThe Protecting Approved Care Act provides greater certainty around prior authorization decisions made by Medicare Advantage plans and ensures providers can rely on an approval when delivering care to their patients.\n\nToday, a Medicare Advantage plan can approve care before it\u2019s delivered, then later reverse that decision or recoup payment from the physician or hospital. Providers absorb those clawbacks, which creates financial uncertainty for practices and can discourage them from treating Medicare Advantage patients, ultimately limiting patients\u2019 access to care.\n\nUnder the Protecting Approved Care Act, once a Medicare Advantage plan approves an item or service, whether before treatment or while the patient is receiving care, the plan may not:\n\nDeny coverage based on lack of medical necessity.\n\nReopen its coverage or payment decision, except for good cause or reliable evidence of fraud.\n\nDowncode the claim to reduce payment, except for good cause or reliable evidence of fraud.\n\nIf services do not require prior authorization:\n\nThe service must be treated as if prior authorization was granted.\n\nThe same protections apply, including no denial of coverage after the fact.\n\nThe plan may not downcode a claim to reduce payment.\n\nThe plan may not reopen determinations except for good cause or fraud.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-wagner-and-cleaver-introduce-backlog-justice-act-2026", "Reps. Wagner and Cleaver Introduce Backlog Justice Act of 2026", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 This week, U.S. Representative Ann Wagner (R-MO) and Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) reintroduced the Backlog Justice Act of 2026, legislation designed to bring justice to victims of sexual violence by addressing the national backlog of untested sexual assault kits (SAKs).\n\nAlmost every minute, someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted. After an assault, survivors can choose to undergo a thorough forensic analysis conducted by a doctor or nurse, where medical needs are evaluated and key evidence is obtained from their person. That evidence, which can include samples of the perpetrator\u2019s hair and bodily fluids and evidence of the harm they inflicted on the victim, is then collected and stored in an SAK. The evidence in SAKs can be key to catching perpetrators, delivering justice to victims, exonerating innocent parties, and connecting cases of assaults carried out by serial offenders.\n\nUnfortunately, far too often, SAKs are not tested. Bias against victims, lack of training and technology, and under-resourced crime labs are just some of the many factors that have created this crisis. Today, experts estimate the national untested SAK backlog ranges from the tens of thousands to the hundreds of thousands. This is a failure that must be addressed.\n\n\u201cFor years I have fought for the rights and safety of survivors of sexual assault, and I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan legislation to advance that work and further reduce the sexual assault kit backlog,\u201d said Congresswoman Wagner. \u201cThe Backlog Justice Act will create a tracking system to ensure states fully understand the extent of their backlog so we can deploy resources in the areas that need it most. This updated system will help law enforcement work more effectively with state, local, and federal authorities to identify perpetrators and make sure survivors find the justice they deserve. This bill complements and strengthens my Debbie Smith Act, legislation signed into law in 2024 that gave more funding for rape kit testing and was also supported by Congressman Cleaver.\u201c\n\n\u201cToo often, the trauma of sexual assault is made even more painful by delayed justice,\u201d said Rep. Cleaver. \u201cHaving already lived through a horrific experience, survivors must often deal with additional trauma from a system that doesn\u2019t believe them, doesn\u2019t prioritize them, and doesn\u2019t hold perpetrators accountable for their crimes. While untested SAKs sit on shelves, survivors live in fear while predators continue to walk free. By leveraging the coordination and capacity-building powers of the federal government, the Backlog Justice Act is a step towards addressing this vital issue, bringing justice to victims, and keeping our communities safe. I thank Rep. Wagner and our colleagues from both sides of the aisle for their partnership in this important effort.\u201d\n\n\u201cMOCADSV is pleased to continue our support of the Backlog Justice Act sponsored by Missouri Congressman Cleaver and Congresswoman Wagner,\u201d said Cheryl Robb-Welch, CEO of the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence. \u201cThe representatives have remained diligent in their efforts to listen to advocates in the field and the victims they serve, and we appreciate their dedication to responding to sexual violence. The Backlog Justice Act aims to improve technology and knowledge used in forensic testing of sexual assault kits, strives to increase funding to ensure kits are tested and tracked through the process, and enhances accountability nationwide to ensure sexual assault kits are included in an electronic tracking and notification system that is available to victims. This bill will shine a light on each state\u2019s forensic kit inventories and processing times with the goal of improving national sexual assault response. We believe this is a significant step to ensuring that the days of kits sitting on shelves and the system not responding to rape victims are over.\u201d\n\n\u201cAdditional resources for forensic science services providers are vital in ensuring that victims are taken seriously,\u201d said Matthew Gamette, Chair of the Consortium of Forensic Science Organizations. \u201cSurvivors deserve to have their kits tested, have visibility to the status of their kits, their cases investigated and prosecuted, and their perpetrators held accountable. Forensic science training, technology implementation, appropriate and robust validation of technology are critical to solving sexual assault cases in the United States. Robust and reliable forensic science is support for victims of crime.\"\n\n\u201cThe National Alliance to End Sexual Violence commends Representatives Wagner and Cleaver for their leadership on behalf of survivors of sexual assault,\u201d said Terri Poore, Policy Director for NAESV. \u201cSurvivors deserve to have the evidence from their bodies treated with the utmost sensitivity and diligence, and we must make every effort to keep our communities safe. We are proud to endorse the Backlog Reduction Act of 2026.\"\n\nSpecifically, the Backlog Justice Act of 2026 would:\n\nDirect the Bureau of Justice Assistance to establish, maintain, and update a National Sexual Assault Kit Backlog Database, enabling policymakers and advocates alike to have more comprehensive data so that they can recommend and implement more precise policies and funding levels in order more effectively reduce the backlog. The information on the database would be anonymized and include no personally identifiable information about victims.\n\nAuthorize training programs at the FBI laboratory to increase the number of DNA analysts available to test SAKs in crime labs across the country. The severe understaffing of crime labs is a key factor contributing to the backlog in kit testing.\n\nShift the burden of DNA instrument calibration and validation from individual crime labs to the FBI laboratory. In many jurisdictions, untested SAKs have outpaced the resources to test, process, and profile DNA samples in crime labs. One major reason for this is because lab technicians are often having to spend outsized portions of their time testing and validating the lab instruments used in the DNA testing process. By transferring much of the instrument validation burden over to FBI labs, DNA analysts in crime labs across the country would be able to focus more of their time and resources actually testing SAKs rather than calibrating lab instruments.\n\nIncentivize states to implement Electronic Evidence Tracking Systems for SAKs to increase transparency into the testing process for survivors and their advocates. In many states, once the DNA sample is collected, survivors are unable to access any information about the status of their kit in the testing process. The kit testing process should not be a black box for survivors and their advocates, who deserve transparent justice.\n\nThe Backlog Justice Act of 2026 is cosponsored by Reps. Alma Adams (NC-12), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Judy Chu (CA-28), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Josh Harder (CA-09), Mike Lawler (NY-17), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), and Frederica Wilson (FL-24).\n\nThe Backlog Justice Act of 2026 is endorsed by the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence, American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors, the Consortium of Forensic Science Organizations, and the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence.", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://alford.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1802", "Alford Bill to Provide Flexibility for SBA 504 Lending Passes House Small Business Committee", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Mark Alford", "A000379", "alford.house.gov", "alford", "https://alford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Watch Congressman Alford\u2019s remarks in support of his legislation here or by clicking the image above.\n\n\u201cThe 504 loan is one of the most important tools we have to help small businesses make long-term investments in their future,\u201d said Congressman Alford. \u201cAs we work to bring manufacturing back to the United States and strengthen our domestic supply chains, demand for 504 financing is rising. This bill gives the SBA limited flexibility to meet that demand while maintaining congressional oversight. I\u2019m proud to lead this bipartisan effort with Representative Simon.\u201d\n\nThe legislation is part of a broader effort to expand access to SBA financing for small businesses and manufacturers. Congressman Alford\u2019s STRONG Act would increase maximum loan sizes in the SBA\u2019s 7(a) and 504 programs, while the Made in America Manufacturing Finance Act would further increase lending limits for small manufacturers seeking to purchase equipment, expand facilities, reshore production, and create jobs in the United States.\n\nThe 504 Program Level Flexibility Act now advances from the House Small Business Committee.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://jasonsmith.house.gov/2026/09/16/congressman-smith-hosts-annual-academy-day-for-high-school-students/", "Congressman Smith Hosts Annual Academy Day for High School Students", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", "jasonsmith", "https://jasonsmith.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "HILLSBORO, Mo. \u2013 Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08), joined by members of the Missouri delegation, recently hosted an Academy Day event at Jefferson College in Hillsboro, where hundreds of high school students and parents came to hear from admissions representatives from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.\n\nCongressman Smith said, \u201cNominating Missouri Students to a U.S. Service Academy is one of my favorite parts of this job because it\u2019s a clear reminder that our rising generation is carrying a strong sense of patriotism as they look to their next chapter. This is especially true across Missouri, as this year\u2019s Academy Day had more attendees than we\u2019ve seen in a long time show up to learn more about how to serve their country.\n\n\u201cServing in our nation\u2019s military is one of the most admirable things one can do, and attending a U.S. military service academy is a high honor that sets Missouri students up for success throughout their lives. It takes selflessness, discipline, integrity, and most of all, a love for your country. Thank you to all of the students and parents who showed up to learn more about our service academies, and thank you to each of the academy representatives for taking part in this special event.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nThe event was co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Eric Schmitt and Josh Hawley, and U.S. Representatives Ann Wagner (MO-02), Bob Onder (MO-03), and Wesley Bell (MO-01).\n\nCongressman Smith has co-sponsored the annual Academy Day since 2019, and this year\u2019s event saw the highest turnout ever with 275 students, family members, and educators in attendance.\n\nEach member of Congress has the privilege of nominating gifted students each year to attend a service academy.\n\nSelection is based on a review process by the respective service academy evaluating academic performance, extracurricular activities, leadership skills, physical aptitude, and letters of recommendation.\n\nLast year, five of Congressman Smith\u2019s nominees received appointments, and since his election in 2013, 46 students from Missouri\u2019s 8th District have been appointed.\n\nStudents can begin applying in the spring semester of their junior year of high school.\n\nFor more information on the nomination process or to apply for a service academy nomination, please contact Congressman Smith\u2019s Service Academy Coordinator at donna.hickman@mail.house.gov or all 573-756-9755.\n\nThis year\u2019s Academy Day drew the largest crowd ever as 275 students and parents came to hear from admissions representatives from each of the U.S. service academies\n\nFarmington High School Senior Chris Cooper asks a question to service academy representatives regarding admissions\n\nU.S. Air Force Academy graduate Jeff Orr speaks with students from Missouri\u2019s 8th District\n\nKyler Bell of Vichy, Missouri, speaks with Navy Midshipman Jonathan Reyna\n\nCampbell Senior Isabelle Dyer speaks with Marcus Genova, representative from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-onder-examines-healthcare-regulations-judiciary-field-hearing", "Congressman Onder Examines Healthcare Regulations at Judiciary Field Hearing", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Robert F. Onder, Jr.", "O000177", "onder.house.gov", "onder", "https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nSeptember 16, 2026\n\nContact: Brooke Morgan\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Earlier this week, Congressman Bob Onder (R-MO) attended a House Judiciary Committee field hearing in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he questioned witnesses Katherine Restrepo Martin of the UNC System; Brian Miller, M.D., M.B.A., M.P.H., of Johns Hopkins; and Brian Blase, Ph.D., of the Paragon Health Institute, about fraud and competition in the healthcare market and ways in which Congress can make healthcare more affordable for Americans.\n\nAs a physician for 30 years, Congressman Onder has seen firsthand how burdensome federal regulations like Obamacare have driven up healthcare costs, contributed to the consolidation of healthcare systems, limited competition, and left patients with fewer choices.\n\nRead his full remarks from the hearing below:\n\n\u201cThank you, Mr. Chairman, I\u2019m happy to be here to talk about such an important aspect of the healthcare industry. Unfortunately, the United States healthcare sector has been overrun with debilitating government regulations that have fostered an anticompetitive market that limits options for patients and inflates the cost for quality healthcare.\n\nOver the past 25 years, the healthcare market has witnessed an increasing consolidation through multiple hospital mergers that have resulted in less options for patients. Many states have laws and regulations that have actively encouraged this consolidation though Certificates of Need, requiring government approval for any entry or expansion of the healthcare market.\n\nThis is the landscape many medical residents are entering. They may have acquired certain specialties in medical school but are thrown into a medical residency system that discourages competition and caps the number of doctors allowed to proceed to residency every year, exacerbating the healthcare workforce shortage even more.\n\nAs hospitals and medical providers struggle to fill residencies, the marketplace as a whole has had to adjust to the rampant fraud committed through the Affordable Care Act. The Government Accountability Office found evidence that both individuals and insurance companies fraudulently enrolled the same social security numbers for various different healthcare plans. The Trump Administration has tackled this head on \u2013 the DOJ has effectively prosecuted individuals who engaged in this shameless Obamacare subsidy fraud. And their work is just beginning.\n\nCongress is striving to make healthcare more affordable to Americans, and that must start by addressing the anticompetitive practices that pervade the healthcare market and rooting out the fraud that has cost the government and taxpayers millions. Thank you.\u201d\n\nTo watch a clip from the hearing, click HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-wagner-co-led-bill-sanction-supporters-russia-and-iran", "House Passes Wagner Co-Led Bill to Sanction Supporters of Russia and Iran", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement after the House passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. This legislation will hold major purchasers of Russian oil and gas accountable for supporting Russia\u2019s war against Ukraine and extend sanctions that restrict funding for Iran\u2019s energy and weapons sectors.\n\n\u201cI am beyond proud to have passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, legislation that I co-led in the House of Representatives. Vladimir Putin is a brutal dictator, and his hopeless plot to rebuild the Soviet Union must come to an end. I will always stand against Putin\u2019s evil regime, and I will continue working with my colleagues to cripple his power and bring an end to the largest land war in Europe since World War II. Far too many lives have been lost, and this bill will enact historic financial punishment on those who support Putin and his war. This legislation also extends sweeping sanctions on the Islamic Republic of Iran, which has targeted and killed Americans for over 47 years. Passage of this landmark sanctions bill is a fitting honor to the late Senator Lindsey Graham, and I look forward to the President implementing these measures.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://alford.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1799", "Congressman Alford Joins Members of Missouri Delegation in Resolution Honoring Partnership with Panama", "2026-09-14", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Mark Alford", "A000379", "alford.house.gov", "alford", "https://alford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC\u2014Today, Congressman Mark Alford (R-MO-04) joined Congressman Wesley Bell (D-MO-01) and three members of Missouri\u2019s Congressional delegation in introducing a bipartisan resolution commemorating 30 years of partnership between Missouri and Panama.\n\nIn addition to Congressmen Alford and Bell, the bipartisan resolution was also co-led by members of Missouri\u2019s Congressional Delegation, including Reps. Emanuel Cleaver II, Ann Wagner, and Sam Graves.\n\n\u201cFor 30 years, the Missouri National Guard and Panama\u2019s Public Forces have built a partnership grounded in trust, shared values and a commitment to strengthening our communities and our countries. What began as a military partnership has grown into a lasting relationship that reaches across education, trade, culture, and diplomacy. This anniversary is an opportunity to recognize the men and women who have helped build this partnership and to reaffirm our commitment to the strong ties between Missouri and Panama for years to come,\u201d said Congressman Alford.\n\n\"For thirty years, Missouri and Panama have stood together as partners and as friends,\" said Congressman Bell. \"What began in 1996 as a National Guard partnership has grown into something far greater \u2013 three decades of shared training, disaster response, and cooperation that have made both Missouri and Panama safer and stronger. This partnership is proof that one of America's greatest strengths lies in our alliances and the relationships we build with nations who share our values. I'm proud to lead this resolution honoring those who have sustained this friendship, and I look forward to deepening these ties for the next thirty years and beyond.\"\n\nThe National Guard's State Partnership Program (SPP) links U.S. states with partner nations around the world to build enduring military and civilian relationships, strengthen security cooperation, and advance shared interests. Established in 1996, the Missouri-Panama partnership is one of the program's longest-running, spanning three decades of joint training, disaster-response coordination, and exchanges that have strengthened both Missouri and Panama.\n\nOver the past 30 years, the Missouri National Guard and Panamanian forces have worked side by side on everything from emergency preparedness to humanitarian assistance, forging bonds that extend well beyond the military and into a broader friendship between the people of Missouri and the Republic of Panama.\n\nThe Missouri-Panama State Partnership resolution text can be found HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-15T09:50:21Z", "2026-09-15T09:52:05Z"], ["https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/comer-burlison-launch-investigation-bloomberg-philanthropies-funding-anti", "Comer, Burlison Launch Investigation into Bloomberg Philanthropies\u2019 Funding of Anti-American Energy Lawfare", "2026-09-14", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Eric Burlison", "B001316", "burlison.house.gov", "burlison", "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) and Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs Chairman Eric Burlison (R-Mo.) are investigating Bloomberg Philanthropies\u2019 funding of environmental activist organizations waging lawfare against American energy producers and critical economic development projects. In a letter to Bloomberg Philanthropies Chief Executive Officer Patricia E. Harris, the lawmakers raise concerns that the organization\u2019s financial support for radical anti-fossil fuel campaigns and China-linked entities is undermining America\u2019s economic and energy security. They request documents and communications concerning Bloomberg Philanthropies\u2019 funding and grantmaking activities and its ties to environmental organizations operating in the United States and China.\n\n\u201cThe Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is investigating environmental lawfare by activist organizations, including those funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies. Since 2019, Michael Bloomberg, a progressive New York billionaire, and his nonprofit Bloomberg Philanthropies have spent more than $1 billion through their Beyond Carbon and Beyond Petrochemicals philanthropies to litigate against or otherwise challenge American energy production. By funding these efforts, Bloomberg Philanthropies has delayed and blocked American energy development projects across the U.S., particularly in the Gulf of America region. This has inhibited economic development and the creation of good paying American jobs. The Committee is concerned that Bloomberg Philanthropies is also actively undermining U.S. economic and energy security through its support of Chinese entities which fund anti-fossil fuel efforts in the U.S. The Committee therefore requests documents and communications from Bloomberg Philanthropies,\u201d wrote the lawmakers.\n\nBloomberg Philanthropies has funded radical organizations such as Earthjustice, a national environmental litigation group that conducts organized campaigns against American energy investments. In February 2026, Earthjustice opposed the development of a liquefied natural gas facility in the Gulf of America region, which was projected to create approximately 3,000 jobs and generate more than $4 billion in local property tax revenue. Bloomberg Philanthropies has also partnered with other activist organizations in the Gulf of America region to obstruct energy production and economic development. In addition, Bloomberg Philanthropies provides financial support to Energy Foundation China (EFC), an organization whose senior executives have reportedly held high-level positions within the Chinese government and China\u2019s state-run research institutions. EFC spends millions of dollars funding U.S.-based nonprofits and universities and supports the climate and energy ambitions of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Chairman Comer previously investigated Bloomberg Philanthropies for partisan activism with state attorneys general to file activist lawsuits and lobby for burdensome regulations.\n\n\u201cIn December 2025, 26 U.S. state attorneys general wrote to the Department of Justice asserting EFC had unlawfully failed to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act despite its close ties to China and the CCP. The Committee has identified at least $11,970,000 in grants payments made to EFC since 2015 directly from the Bloomberg Family Foundation, which is part of Bloomberg Philanthropies. Additional reports have found that EFC has donated millions of dollars to left-wing climate groups in the U.S. that seek to phase out fossil fuels entirely and implement green energy alternatives. Such an intricate web of financial ties between a climate-focused entity in China and numerous American anti-U.S. energy nonprofits, both supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, demands not only a careful review of national and energy security implications, but also an investigation of those ties themselves, such as whether American climate activists may be knowingly or unknowingly acting as agents of the CCP,\u201d concluded the lawmakers.", 1, "2026-09-15T09:50:21Z", "2026-09-15T09:52:05Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-thanks-oversight-subcommittee-chair-sessions-bringing-postmaster", "Wagner Thanks Oversight Subcommittee Chair Sessions for Bringing Postmaster General to St. Louis to Address USPS Delivery Malfeasance", "2026-09-04", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Ballwin, MO. \u2013 Congresswoman Ann Wagner released the following statement after Chair Sessions toured the St. Louis Processing Center with the Postmaster General to exercise his Oversight responsibility and see firsthand the major problems the St. Louis community has had with on-time mail and package delivery:\n\nWagner said: \u201cIn March, I sent a letter formally requesting the House Oversight Committee, who has jurisdiction over the USPS, open a formal investigation into the disaster that has been our local mail delivery, and I thank Chairman Sessions for taking my many concerns seriously and coming to St. Louis today with the Postmaster General to help us get answers. Our St. Louis community deserves on-time mail delivery from the United States Postal Service, and so far the Postal Service has failed that basic duty to the people. People haven\u2019t been receiving their paychecks or essential medications, and their ballots have been inexplicably delayed. I have worked for years to address this ongoing misconduct and hold accountable the people who have abdicated their basic responsibility to deliver the mail on time. When I called for an audit of our Sorting and Distribution Center to better understand the plague of unreliable mail service, I knew things were bad, but the results of that audit shocked us all. Postal Service leadership must be held responsible, and today\u2019s visit is a good step, but it is certainly not the end. I will keep fighting to ensure on-time mail delivery so you and your families can have your ballots, essential medication, and bill payments arrive on time.\u201d\n\nBackground\n\nSince February 2024, Congresswoman Wagner has led sustained oversight of USPS failures in St. Louis. Her work has included seven congressional letters, direct engagement with USPS Headquarters, helping secure a targeted Inspector General audit, leading a meeting with the Postmaster General, requesting assistance from the House Oversight Committee, and referring alleged mail theft and check washing to the FBI.\n\nSeptember 2024 \u2013 Wagner Calls for Audit of Mail Sorting in Eastern Missouri: She wrote Postmaster General Louis DeJoy requesting the United States Postal Service (USPS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) audit the Hazelwood, MO, Sorting and Distribution Center, explain failures to deliver election mail on time, and provide clarity on a new USPS proposal to further delay mail in rural America.\n\nApril 2025 - Wagner, once again, requests that the USPS OIG conducts an audit of post office and distribution centers in St. Louis County.\n\nThe August 2025 OIG audit exposed deep-rooted inefficiencies, including:\n\nA record backlog of over 2.5 million delayed mail pieces\u2014the largest in USPS audit history\u2014worsened by management instructing employees to hide delays in data systems.\n\nChronic staffing vacancies, unchecked truancy, and inadequate supervision, leading to operational breakdowns.\n\nIncomplete maintenance and poor compliance, causing 40% of outbound trucks to be late or canceled due to shortages and congestion.\n\nA complete failure of management to identify issues or enforce procedures, risking security for items like registered mail.\n\nThese failures culminated during Franklin County's April 2025 municipal election, where 350 absentee ballots arrived too late to be counted\u2014some as late as August 20\u2014disenfranchising Missourians who relied on the USPS to uphold their Constitutional right to vote.\n\nSeptember 2025 \u2013Wagner led a bipartisan, bicameral letter demanding a meeting with new Postmaster General Steiner: The meeting was meant to discuss action plans for OIG recommendations, delay resolutions, election integrity, community impacts, leadership reforms, transparency, and personnel accountability.\n\nNovember 2025 \u2013 Wagner Brings in Postmaster General for U.S. Capitol Meeting: After leading bipartisan Missouri delegation letter to Steiner regarding the audit and the breakdown of service in St. Louis, Rep. Wagner hosted Postmaster General Steiner and members of the Missouri and Illinois delegations on Capitol Hill. Steiner met with Reps. Wagner, Bell, Smith, Alford, Onder, and Bost, and acknowledged regional service failures and committed to corrective actions and a post-holiday assessment.\n\nMarch 2026 \u2013 Wagner Requests Oversight Committee Investigation: After not receiving any updates on corrective actions or the post-holiday assessment, Rep. Wagner sent a letter to House Oversight Subcommittee on Government Operations requesting Chairman Pete Sessions\u2019 assistance in reviewing USPS\u2019s implementation of the OIG recommendations, responsiveness to Congress, management accountability, and preparedness to handle election mail.", 1, "2026-09-05T08:49:07Z", "2026-09-05T08:50:44Z"], ["https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-massie-burlison-introduce-legislation-defund-surveillance-state-cameras", "Reps. Massie, Burlison Introduce Legislation to Defund Surveillance State Cameras", "2026-09-03", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Eric Burlison", "B001316", "burlison.house.gov", "burlison", "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Eric Burlison (R-MO-07) today joined Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) in introducing legislation that would prohibit the use of federal funds to purchase, install, maintain, operate, or upgrade automated license plate readers (ALPRs) and biometric surveillance cameras.\n\n\u201cTechnology may change, but our constitutional rights do not,\u201d said Congressman Eric Burlison. \u201cThe Fourth Amendment protects Americans from unreasonable searches, and advances in surveillance technology should not come at the expense of our privacy and liberty. The federal government should not use taxpayer dollars to build a surveillance state that tracks law-abiding Americans. Our rights are unalienable, and Congress has a responsibility to protect them.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe federal government shouldn\u2019t provide \u2018security\u2019 grants to cities and police departments that have gone beyond the pale and turned their communities into a version of 1984,\u201d said Congressman Thomas Massie. \u201cThe Flock-Off Act withholds federal money from municipalities and police departments that deploy Flock cameras to surveil law-abiding citizens. Federal taxpayers should not be forced to fund the surveillance state.\u201d\n\nThe legislation would:\n\nCuts off federal funding for Flock-style surveillance by prohibiting federal funds from being used to purchase, install, maintain, operate, or upgrade automated license plate readers and biometric surveillance cameras.\n\nRequires federal agencies to remove federally funded systems and requires state and local recipients to stop operating them within 180 days as a condition of continued funding under the relevant federal program.\n\nWithholds federal program funds from recipients until violations of the spending prohibitions are repaid to the United States Treasury.\n\nProhibits federal funds from paying for contracts, subscriptions, cloud services, databases, or data-sharing arrangements connected to covered camera systems.\n\nCovers AI-augmented automated license plate readers and biometric cameras.\n\nDefines biometric data to include facial recognition, voiceprints, iris and retinal scans, fingerprints, and gait recognition.\n\nProvides an exception allowing continued federal funding for cameras located within 1 mile of the Northern and Southern borders that are used for the detection and interdiction of unlawful entry, human trafficking, and drug smuggling.\n\nAllows the continued use of federal funds for ALPRs used solely to collect, administer, or enforce tolls.\n\nOriginal cosponsors of H.R. 10221 include Reps. Lauren Boebert (R-CO), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Ro Khanna (D-CA), Chip Roy (R-TX), and Victoria Spartz (R-IN).", 1, "2026-09-04T09:19:37Z", "2026-09-04T09:20:58Z"], ["https://jasonsmith.house.gov/2026/09/03/smith-applauds-president-trumps-approval-of-nearly-20-million-in-flood-recovery-aid/", "Smith Applauds President Trump\u2019s Approval of Nearly $20 Million in Flood Recovery Aid", "2026-09-03", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", "jasonsmith", "https://jasonsmith.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "SOUTHEAST MISSOURI \u2013 Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) released the following statement praising President Trump\u2019s approval of nearly $20 million in federal assistance to help communities recover from the devastating floods that hit southeast Missouri on July 9th and 10th of this year.\n\nCongressman Smith said, \u201cI saw the damage in Reynolds and Iron Counties firsthand, and pictures don\u2019t do it justice. Families lost everything inside their homes, farmers and small business owners watched decades of hard work wash away in a matter of hours, and the sanctuary of a church that feeds over 100 families is now in ruins. These are good, hardworking people, and this kind of damage is more than any small, rural community can carry on its own.\n\n\u201cI am grateful to President Trump for approving this request, and I want to thank every first responder, volunteer, and local leader who has stepped up for their neighbors through all of this. I\u2019ll always fight to make sure Missourians get the support they need to rebuild in the wake of disaster.\u201d\n\nBackground:", 1, "2026-09-04T09:19:37Z", "2026-09-04T09:20:58Z"], ["https://jasonsmith.house.gov/2026/09/03/smith-secures-1-8-million-for-salem-memorial-hospital-through-provision-in-one-big-beautiful-bill/", "Smith Secures $1.8 Million for Salem Memorial Hospital Through Provision in One, Big, Beautiful Bill", "2026-09-03", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", "jasonsmith", "https://jasonsmith.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "SALEM, Mo. \u2013 Salem Memorial Hospital has been awarded approximately $1.8 million through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), an initiative that Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) authored and fought for as part of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill. The funding will support major facility and patient-care upgrades at the hospital that has served Smith\u2019s hometown for generations.\n\nCongressman Smith said, \u201cGrowing up in Salem, I know exactly what this hospital means to our community. My family has depended on Salem Memorial for generations, and I\u2019ve seen firsthand what it means for a small town when the local hospital stays open and care continues to improve. When a rural hospital closes, that often means an extra hour on the road to receive care, and for many families, that extra hour can be the difference between life and death.\n\n\u201cThat\u2019s exactly why I championed the Rural Health Transformation Program. When I was writing the One, Big, Beautiful Bill, I knew we had to include support for rural health care so hospitals like Salem Memorial can get the resources they need to continue serving the families who depend on them \u2014 and I did just that. I\u2019m proud to see this funding benefit my hometown, and I will keep fighting to make sure our rural communities have access to quality health care.\u201d\n\nBackground:", 1, "2026-09-04T09:19:37Z", "2026-09-04T09:20:58Z"], ["https://jasonsmith.house.gov/2026/09/03/smith-secures-1-7-million-for-salem-memorial-hospital-through-provision-in-one-big-beautiful-bill/", "Smith Secures $1.7 Million for Salem Memorial Hospital Through Provision in One, Big, Beautiful Bill", "2026-09-03", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", "jasonsmith", "https://jasonsmith.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "SALEM, Mo. \u2013 Salem Memorial Hospital has been awarded approximately $1.7 million through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), an initiative that Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) authored and fought for as part of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill. The funding will support major facility and patient-care upgrades at the hospital that has served Smith\u2019s hometown for generations.\n\nCongressman Smith said, \u201cGrowing up in Salem, I know exactly what this hospital means to our community. My family has depended on Salem Memorial for generations, and I\u2019ve seen firsthand what it means for a small town when the local hospital stays open and care continues to improve. When a rural hospital closes, that often means an extra hour on the road to receive care, and for many families, that extra hour can be the difference between life and death.\n\n\u201cThat\u2019s exactly why I championed the Rural Health Transformation Program. When I was writing the One, Big, Beautiful Bill, I knew we had to include support for rural health care so hospitals like Salem Memorial can get the resources they need to continue serving the families who depend on them \u2014 and I did just that. I\u2019m proud to see this funding benefit my hometown, and I will keep fighting to make sure our rural communities have access to quality health care.\u201d\n\nBackground:", 1, "2026-09-11T09:25:29Z", "2026-09-11T09:27:08Z"], ["https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/burlison-opens-hearing-state-and-local-natural-gas-bans-increasing-energy", "Burlison Opens Hearing on State and Local Natural Gas Bans Increasing Energy Costs", "2026-09-02", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Eric Burlison", "B001316", "burlison.house.gov", "burlison", "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs Chairman Eric Burlison (R-Mo.) delivered opening remarks at today\u2019s hearing titled \u201cNo Flame, More Pain: How State and Local Bans on Natural Gas Increase Costs.\u201d In his statement, Subcommittee Chairman Burlison highlighted how natural gas has remained an affordable and reliable form of energy for American households despite the skyrocketing prices of electricity and other green energy sources, and that bans on natural gas by blue states and cities has made it more difficult for Americans to pay their monthly energy bills and use their appliances of choice. He also underscored that the Trump Administration has worked hard to scale back the burdensome regulations imposed by the Biden Administration that make any aspects of everyday life more expensive and urged the Congress to take action.\n\nWATCH THE REMARKS\n\nBelow are Subcommittee Chairman Burlison\u2019s opening remarks as prepared for delivery:", 1, "2026-09-03T09:29:33Z", "2026-09-03T09:31:32Z"], ["https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/burlison-announces-hearing-state-and-local-natural-gas-bans", "Burlison Announces Hearing on State and Local Natural Gas Bans", "2026-09-01", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Eric Burlison", "B001316", "burlison.house.gov", "burlison", "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs Chairman Eric Burlison (R-Mo.) today announced a hearing titled \u201cNo Flame, More Pain: How State and Local Bans on Natural Gas Increase Costs.\u201d During the hearing, members will highlight the advantage the United States holds over the rest of the world due to our abundance of natural gas, how the Biden Administration and Congressional Democrats pursued policies to ban natural gas appliances and force electrification, and examine how blue cities and states have enacted laws which aim to eliminate the use of natural gas and other fossil fuels. Members will examine how those bans make life less affordable for households, small businesses and communities, including by causing utility prices to skyrocket and straining U.S. electric grids.\n\n\u201cNatural gas is an efficient, cost-effective fuel source for homeowners and businesses all across America. The bans imposed by state and local governments increase energy costs while limiting cheaper options, making household and utility costs much more expensive. These bans also have broader ramifications beyond just those states. Democratic politicians who push for natural gas bans while claiming outrage over the increased cost of daily life have shown that they put the interests of climate zealots above Americans who rely on affordable energy to maintain their livelihoods. I look forward to hearing from witnesses on the efficacy of natural gas in powering our homes and lowering our energy bills, and what Congress can do to make everyday life cheaper for Americans,\u201d said Subcommittee Chairman Burlison.\n\nWHAT: \u201cNo Flame, More Pain: How State and Local Bans on Natural Gas Increase Costs\u201d\n\nDATE: Wednesday, September 2, 2026\n\nTIME: 9:00a.m. CT\n\nLOCATION: 2247 Rayburn House Office Building\n\nWITNESSES:\n\nMichael Fazio, Executive Director, New York State Builders Association\n\nPatrick McCormick, Former Chief Counsel, U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources\n\nJames Conde, Partner, Boyden Gray PLLC\n\nAdditional witnesses may be announced", 1, "2026-09-02T09:19:58Z", "2026-09-02T09:20:51Z"], ["https://alford.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1756", "Alford Receives Assurance Basic Combat Training Is Staying at Fort Leonard Wood", "2026-08-18", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Mark Alford", "A000379", "alford.house.gov", "alford", "https://alford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "RAYMORE, MO\u2014Congressman Mark Alford today announced that the U.S. Army has confirmed there are no plans to relocate Basic Combat Training from Fort Leonard Wood.\n\nAfter hearing concerns about the future of Fort Leonard Wood\u2019s Basic Combat Training mission, Alford went directly to Army leadership to get answers and make sure Missouri\u2019s voice was heard.\n\nIn a response to Alford\u2019s June 26 letter, the Department of the Army made its position clear: \u201cThe Army has no plans to relocate the Basic Combat Training from Fort Leonard Wood.\u201d\n\nThe Army also confirmed that it expanded Basic Combat Training capacity at Fort Leonard Wood in Fiscal Year 2025 to support the Regular Army\u2019s growing accession mission. The Army expects that mission to increase to 65,000 accessions in FY27 as it works toward an end strength of 476,000 by FY29.\n\n\u201cThis is great news for Fort Leonard Wood, our soldiers, our military families, and the entire region that proudly supports this incredible installation,\u201d said Congressman Mark Alford.\n\n\u201cWhen questions were raised about whether Basic Combat Training could be moved from Fort Leonard Wood, I wasn\u2019t going to sit on the sidelines and wonder what might happen. I went straight to the Army and demanded answers.\u201d\n\n\u201cAnd now we have them: Basic Combat Training is not going anywhere.\u201d\n\n\u201cFort Leonard Wood has a proud history of training the men and women who defend our country. It is a critical part of our Army\u2019s readiness, and it is a tremendous economic and community asset for Missouri. I am proud to stand with the soldiers, families, veterans, and communities who make Fort Leonard Wood so strong.\u201d\n\nThe Army\u2019s response also noted that the U.S. Army Transformation and Training Command will continue assessing training capacity at Army Training Centers to meet future accession requirements and will keep Congress informed of its analysis.\n\nAlford said he will continue to closely monitor the Army\u2019s plans and advocate for Fort Leonard Wood and the soldiers who train there.\n\n\u201cThis is another victory for Missouri,\u201d Alford said.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019ll keep fighting to make sure Fort Leonard Wood remains a premier training installation and that Missouri continues to play a critical role in preparing the next generation of American soldiers.\u201d", 1, "2026-08-20T05:28:41Z", "2026-08-20T05:29:58Z"], ["https://jasonsmith.house.gov/2026/08/17/smith-visits-naeger-forest-products-in-ste-genevieve-county/", "Smith Visits Naeger Forest Products in Ste. Genevieve County", "2026-08-17", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", "jasonsmith", "https://jasonsmith.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "STE. GENEVIEVE COUNTY, Mo. \u2013 Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) visited Naeger Forest Products in Ste. Genevieve County recently, touring the sawmill with owner Mike Naeger to discuss the challenges facing Missouri\u2019s timber industry.\n\nCongressman Smith said, \u201cMike has spent more than four decades building this sawmill into one that produces some of the highest-quality cedar in the country, and it was clear from our conversation just how much pride he takes in that work. We talked about the flood of cheap, fake wood products coming in from China, the toll the railroad merger has taken on the tie market, and the need to open up new domestic and foreign markets for Missouri timber. Our forest products industry is every bit as important to America\u2019s supply chain security as our farm, food, and pharmaceutical industries, and I\u2019ll keep fighting in Washington to make sure it\u2019s treated that way.\u201d\n\nMike Naeger has worked in logging for 41 years and opened his sawmill 34 years ago. The mill specializes in cutting Aromatic and Eastern Red Cedar sourced from within a 100-mile radius of Perry, St. Francois, and Jefferson Counties. The mill also processes hardwood, selling oak to McLain Forest Products in Van Buren and pine to buyers in Indiana and Illinois, moving roughly 3 million board feet of lumber a year.\n\nCongressman Smith also discussed the challenges facing Missouri\u2019s timber industry with Missouri Forest Products Association President Brian Brookshire, including the decline of the industry in recent years, competition from imported imitation wood products from China, and the impact of railroad consolidation on the tie and barrel whiskey markets. They also discussed efforts to have the U.S. Forest Service and Department of Commerce work to expand markets for American-made wood products.\n\nThe Fix Our Forests Act, which Congressman Smith voted for, allows for more active management of fire-prone federal forestland through logging, thinning, and restoration projects that reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health. He continues to push for policies that support domestic timber production, expand markets for American wood products, and reduce reliance on foreign imports.", 1, "2026-08-18T05:27:41Z", "2026-08-18T05:29:06Z"], ["https://jasonsmith.house.gov/2026/08/13/smith-visits-long-farms-in-howell-county/", "Smith Visits Long Farms in Howell County", "2026-08-13", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", "jasonsmith", "https://jasonsmith.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "HOWELL COUNTY, Mo. \u2013 Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) visited Long Farms in Howell County last week, touring the operation and meeting with Jake and Brittney Long to see the farm behind their online platform Faithful Farming and hear how they\u2019re building something to hand down to their sons.\n\nCongressman Smith said, \u201cJake and his family have carried on a legacy of raising livestock on this farm since right after the Great Depression, and that\u2019s the kind of dedication that makes our district\u2019s agriculture community so special. Jake\u2019s commitment to his community runs just as deep, serving as both superintendent of Howell Valley Schools and a pastor. On top of that, I love how he and Brittney use their online platform to share their faith and their family\u2019s way of life with folks well beyond Howell County.\n\n\u201cThanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts, which I authored, farms like this one can count on permanent 100 percent immediate expensing and a permanent small business deduction. Those provisions will help this operation invest and grow so it can one day be handed down to their boys, Henry and Jack. I\u2019ll keep fighting to make sure Missouri farm families have what they need to keep this way of life going.\u201d\n\nFaithful Farming is a commercial cattle operation in Howell County that Jake\u2019s family has run since shortly after the Great Depression. Jake\u2019s father operated the farm as a dairy for 35 years before Jake returned home from college and the family transitioned to commercial beef cattle, now running about 175 mama cows. Jake and Brittney started Faithful Farming as a social media platform to document the family\u2019s faith and farming way of life for their sons, Henry and Jack.\n\nDuring the visit, the Longs and Congressman Smith discussed the growing threats that New World Screwworm and Theileria pose to cattle producers across the district. Congressman Smith continues to push USDA for the resources needed to combat both diseases, including funding for sterile fly production and expanded research into Theileria treatments.\n\nThe Working Families Tax Cuts, which Congressman Smith authored, made permanent 100 percent immediate expensing and a permanent small business deduction, giving producers like the Longs the tools to invest in their operation, grow their herd, and stay profitable for generations to come.", 1, "2026-08-14T06:13:05Z", "2026-08-14T06:14:08Z"], ["https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/burlison-unveils-trillion-dollar-pay-great-american-healthcare-act", "Burlison Unveils Trillion-Dollar Pay-For in Great American Healthcare Act", "2026-08-12", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Eric Burlison", "B001316", "burlison.house.gov", "burlison", "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Eric Burlison (MO-07) today unveiled the pay-for included in his Great American Healthcare Act: a provision targeting a Federal Reserve payment stream that outside research projects will exceed $1 trillion over the next decade. The Foundation for Government Accountability produced the projection, which was subsequently incorporated into the Heritage Foundation\u2019s 2026 American Opportunity Agenda.\n\nThe legislation would repeal the Federal Reserve\u2019s broad authority to pay interest on reserve balances while preserving a narrower earnings mechanism for supplemental reserves. The projected savings would offset reforms designed to put patients back in control of their healthcare dollars.\n\n\u201cEvery healthcare proposal eventually runs into the same question: How do you pay for it?\u201d Burlison said. \u201cMy bill answers that question. By reforming the Federal Reserve\u2019s authority to pay interest on reserve balances, we can use the savings to help offset the cost of putting patients back in charge of their health care.\u201d\n\nThe Great American Healthcare Act would allow every American to have a health savings account (HSA), raise the annual contribution limit to the same level as a 401(k), expand qualified HSA expenses, create new healthcare options, strengthen price transparency and improve access to prescription drugs. The bill would also allow families to transfer up to $5,000 tax-free from an HSA into a Trump Account, helping the next generation begin building long-term savings.\n\n\u201cAmericans already spend enough on health care,\u201d Burlison continued. \u201cThe problem is that patients rarely control the money. This bill changes that dynamic\u2014and includes a real pay-for to make it possible.\u201d", 1, "2026-08-13T06:17:16Z", "2026-08-13T06:18:13Z"], ["https://jasonsmith.house.gov/2026/08/12/congressman-smith-trump-administration-continues-to-deliver-permanent-relief-for-small-businesses/", "Congressman Smith: Trump Administration Continues to Deliver Permanent Relief for Small Businesses", "2026-08-12", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", "jasonsmith", "https://jasonsmith.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 The U.S. Treasury Department\u2019s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) recently issued a final rule permanently ending the requirement for U.S. companies and individuals to report beneficial ownership information under the Corporate Transparency Act. Beneficial ownership information identifies the individuals who actually own or control a company, generally anyone holding 25 percent or more of a business or exercising substantial control over it. This is a reporting mandate small business owners have long identified as a costly, confusing paperwork burden that fell hardest on mom-and-pop shops and family-owned businesses rather than the criminal networks it was meant to target.\n\nCongressman Jason Smith (MO-08), Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement:\n\n\u201cFor years, small business owners have been buried under a reporting mandate that treated every family-owned shop and farm like a suspect in a financial crime. The Trump Administration has thankfully put an end to that for good. Now a small business owner in Missouri or anywhere else in the country can spend more of their time running their business instead of filing paperwork with the federal government just to prove they own it. Cutting red tape like this is exactly what America\u2019s small businesses need, and I\u2019m glad Secretary Bessent and President Trump delivered it.\u201d\n\nBackground on new Treasury Department rule governing beneficial ownership reporting requirements:", 1, "2026-08-13T06:17:16Z", "2026-08-13T06:18:13Z"], ["https://jasonsmith.house.gov/2026/08/12/smith-visits-meert-tree-farm-in-jefferson-county/", "Smith Visits Meert Tree Farm in Jefferson County", "2026-08-12", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", "jasonsmith", "https://jasonsmith.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "JEFFERSON COUNTY, Mo. \u2013 Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) visited Meert Tree Farm in Jefferson County last week, touring the operation and meeting with the Meert family to discuss the challenges facing Missouri\u2019s specialty crop producers and multi-generational family farms.\n\nCongressman Smith said, \u201cThe Meert family has spent more than 60 years building something special here. Every fall and winter, thousands of families make the trip out to start a holiday tradition, cutting their own Christmas tree down with a handsaw, and that\u2019s a testament to what the Meerts have built. I know firsthand what it means to fight to keep a family farm going \u2014 I bought my own grandparents\u2019 farm while I was in law school so it could stay in our family, and I understand the sacrifice that takes.\n\n\u201cFamilies like the Meert\u2019s are exactly who I was fighting for when I authored the Working Families Tax Cuts. By permanently doubling the small business expensing threshold and locking in 100 percent immediate expensing, farms like this one can keep reinvesting in their operation. I\u2019ll keep fighting for policies that support family farms because they\u2019re the backbone of rural Missouri and deserve every opportunity to thrive.\u201d\n\nMeert Tree Farm was founded in 1963 by Domien Meert and his father, expanding to its current 150-acre Festus location in 1980. The farm is now managed by second- and third-generation family members following the passings of founders Domien and Eileen. Meert Tree Farm grows Scotch Pine, White Pine, and Norway Spruce across roughly 80 planted acres, with trees taking five to eight years to mature before they\u2019re ready for sale. The farm draws visitors from across the region and allows customers to cut their own trees using only a handsaw, and the Meert family expects to sell 3,000 trees this season. In addition to its Christmas tree operation, the farm also features a pumpkin patch and corn maze spanning 15 to 18 acres.\n\nDuring the visit, the Meert family discussed rising input costs such as fuel, and the challenges of navigating regulatory and liability requirements as a specialty crop producer.\n\nThe Working Families Tax Cuts, which Congressman Smith authored, made permanent 100 percent immediate expensing, the small business deduction, and doubled small business expensing thresholds, while also renewing the Opportunity Zone program to target investment toward rural communities like Jefferson County. Congressman Smith also highlighted USDA Farm Service Agency programs, including Farm Ownership Loans and Beginning Farmer and Rancher programs, that can help multi-generational farm families access the financing they need to keep operations like Meert Tree Farm running for generations to come.", 1, "2026-08-13T06:17:16Z", "2026-08-13T06:18:13Z"], ["https://jasonsmith.house.gov/2026/08/11/smith-visits-thomure-land-cattle-in-st-francois-county/", "Smith Visits Thomure Land & Cattle in St. Francois County", "2026-08-11", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", "jasonsmith", "https://jasonsmith.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "ST. FRANCOIS COUNTY, Mo. \u2013 Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) visited Thomure Land & Cattle in St. Francois County last week, touring the operation and meeting with Chip and Linda Thomure to discuss the challenges facing Missouri\u2019s cattle producers.\n\nCongressman Smith said, \u201cChip and Linda have built an impressive cattle operation through years of hard work and dedication, and it\u2019s the same kind of commitment I see all across our district\u2019s cattle country. Their custom cattle mineral is a perfect example of the kind of innovation that keeps Missouri ranchers ahead of the curve. I\u2019m committed to making sure Missouri ranchers have the support they need to keep doing what they do best, which is exactly why I fought to include the ACRE Act in the Working Families Tax Cuts \u2014 to help lower borrowing costs for ranchers like the Thomures.\u201d\n\nChip and Linda Thomure operate Thomure Land & Cattle across St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, and Madison Counties, where they run a commercial cattle operation of about 500 pairs and 20 bulls. Chip has also spent 30 years in the concrete business, while Linda operates several Airbnb properties on and around the farm.\n\nDuring the visit, the Thomures raised concerns about high interest rates on farm loans, particularly for ranchers working to recover from the flooding that hit the region hard in early July. Congressman Smith encouraged producers who suffered livestock or property losses in the flooding to contact their local Farm Service Agency office to determine their eligibility for programs such as the Livestock Indemnity Program, the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish program, and the Emergency Conservation Program.\n\nThe Working Families Tax Cuts, which Congressman Smith authored, included the ACRE Act to lower the cost of borrowing for America\u2019s farmers, along with permanent 100 percent immediate expensing, the small business deduction, and doubled small business expensing thresholds that help ranchers like the Thomures reinvest in their operations. Congressman Smith also continues to push USDA for stronger support on emerging animal health threats, including New World Screwworm and Theileria \u2014 both of which pose risk to Missouri\u2019s cattle herds.", 1, "2026-08-12T06:18:38Z", "2026-08-12T06:20:33Z"], ["https://jasonsmith.house.gov/2026/08/10/smith-visits-iron-county-to-survey-flood-damage/", "Smith Visits Iron County to Survey Flood Damage", "2026-08-10", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", "jasonsmith", "https://jasonsmith.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "IRON COUNTY, Mo. \u2013 Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) sat down with Iron County Commissioners Josh Campbell, Jim Scaggs, and Dustin Hinkle in Ironton recently for an update on the county\u2019s recovery from recent flooding, which the National Weather Service has classified as a 1-in-1,000-year event.\n\nCongressman Smith said, \u201cIron County has taken a brutal hit. Fourteen roads across the county sustained damage, and one of them, County Road 65, took five straight days of work just to become passable again. This kind of destruction is far beyond what a county this size can handle on its own, and I\u2019m committed to making sure Iron County gets every bit of federal support it needs to recover.\u201d\n\nCommissioners presented Congressman Smith with a damage assessment showing $12.4 million in infrastructure damage countywide, a figure that grew to $19 million following a joint Preliminary Damage Assessment with FEMA and the State Emergency Management Agency. The western part of Iron County, the hardest-hit area, sustained an estimated $15.3 million in damage alone, with roughly 23 miles of roadway losing an average of 2 to 3 feet of roadbed and some stretches losing as much as 6 feet.\n\nIron County\u2019s total annual revenue is only $1.4 to $1.6 million, and the county\u2019s financial reserves have been depleted in recent years by other much needed investments and repairs to county infrastructure. Because FEMA only reimburses public entities after funds have already been spent, commissioners say the county will need to spend more than $3 million upfront before seeing any reimbursement. Neighboring Washington and St. Francois Counties, along with Brockmiller Construction, have supplied equipment and manpower to assist with recovery efforts, and Congressman Smith\u2019s office previously helped secure the release of $200,000 in FEMA funds still owed to Iron County from last year\u2019s tornado damage.", 1, "2026-08-11T05:54:29Z", "2026-08-11T05:56:25Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-mccaul-colleagues-introduce-lindsey-o-graham-sanctioning-russia", "Wagner, McCaul, Colleagues Introduce the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026", "2026-08-10", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-Missouri) and House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Emeritus Michael McCaul (R-Texas) introduced the bipartisan Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 alongside 16 of their colleagues. This legislation \u2014 which honors the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who worked on the bill for more than a year and secured the White House\u2019s support \u2014 will hold major purchasers of Russian oil and gas accountable for supporting Russia\u2019s war against Ukraine and extend sanctions that restrict funding for Iran\u2019s energy and weapons sectors.\n\n\u201cTo end Russia\u2019s unprovoked and deadly invasion of Ukraine, we must enact maximum financial pain on Vladimir Putin and his cronies. I will not stand idly by while countless people are killed due to Putin\u2019s doomed quest to reconstitute the Soviet Union. I am beyond proud to join my colleagues in introducing this sweeping sanctions legislation that will enact severe financial penalties against Putin, his allies, and those who choose to do business with him. The largest war in Europe since World War II must come to an end, and I am confident these measures will accelerate that process. I am also pleased this bill extends the Iran Sanctions Act to ensure all available measures are available to cripple the terrorist Iranian regime. These necessary sanctions are a fitting legacy to honor the late Senator Lindsey Graham, a friend and colleague who continually fought for freedom, democracy, and against tyrannical regimes like Russia and Iran,\u201d said Rep. Wagner.\n\n\u201cSenator Graham was a national security giant, a statesman of unmatched conviction, and a personal friend and mentor. We shared a fundamental worldview: America is strongest at home when it projects strength abroad. That\u2019s why he fought so hard for this bill, which I promised him months ago I would introduce in the House,\u201d said Rep. McCaul. \u201cAs President Zelensky told me last month when I visited Ukraine, he is ready for a ceasefire \u2014 ready to negotiate, as he has been for years. Putin, on the other hand, consistently defies President Trump and the international community by refusing to come to the table. I can think of no better way to honor Senator Graham\u2019s life and legacy than by passing these tough sanctions, which will help force Putin into negotiations and bring us closer to securing Lindsey\u2019s vision of enduring peace in two critical regions of the world.\u201d\n\n\u201cDemocracy is presently under threat from despotism, and Congress must act to defend democracy and help Ukraine defeat Vladimir Putin\u2019s effort to extinguish its liberty and sovereignty. Our legislation goes after multiple sources of Russian war funding, including its oil and gas sectors, shadow fleet, and financial institutions. I\u2019m encouraged that the Senate passed the companion legislation last week with overwhelming support, and I thank former Chairman McCaul for partnering with me to facilitate action by the House. This action has been delayed too long and will, hopefully, accelerate Ukraine\u2019s success and the ending of this war, one that was initiated illegally by Putin and that has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths of Russians and Ukrainians. I hope that we can secure bipartisan consensus in the House and enact a sanctions package that will stem the flow of money to Russia\u2019s war machine and contribute to a Ukrainian victory,\" said Rep. Hoyer.\n\nEarlier this month, an overwhelming bipartisan majority in the Senate voted to pass companion legislation, by a vote of 86-11, led by Sens. Darline Graham (R-S.C.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Jim Risch (R-Idaho). The text of the House bill is identical to the text that passed the Senate.\n\n\u201cThis legislation was deeply important to my brother, Lindsey, and I\u2019m grateful that it has achieved such a wide coalition of support. Lindsey was committed to achieving a peaceful resolution to this war, and I\u2019m confident that these sanctions will pave the way,\u201d said Sen. Darline Graham. \u201cI\u2019m grateful to Rep. McCaul for leading this effort in the House. The Senate came together in a strong, bipartisan fashion to pass the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, and I hope the House of Representatives will do the same. Russia has waged war against Ukraine for far too long, and this bill assists President Trump in his noble efforts to bring it to a close.\u201d\n\n\u201cRepresentatives McCaul, Hoyer, Wilson, Kaptur, and Fitzpatrick are longtime champions of Ukraine\u2019s cause and I am glad to have them leading our legislation in the House of Representatives. After a massive bipartisan vote in the Senate, we are eager to turn to the House as we fight to get this legislation across the finish line. There is immense urgency in getting this done \u2013 July set a record for Russia\u2019s use of ballistic missiles, killing and wounding dozens of Ukrainians, including many children. Cutting off the source of funding \u2013 profits from oil and gas \u2013 for these deadly weapons and Russia\u2019s war machine is essential to ending the bloodshed,\u201d said Sen. Blumenthal.\n\nJoining McCaul and Hoyer as original cosponsors are Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus Joe Wilson (R-S.C.); Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio); Co-Chair of the House Baltic Caucus Don Bacon (R-Neb.); Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-Mass.), House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), Reps. Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii), Mike Turner (R-Ohio), Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.), Ann Wagner (R-Mo.), Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.), Andy Barr (R-Ky.), and Ed Case (D-Hawaii); Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.); and Reps. Eugene Vindman (D-Va.), Nathaniel Moran (R-Texas), and Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.).\n\n\"Senator Lindsey Graham and I shared the belief that opposing dictators in defense of freedom and liberty is always the right thing to do. War criminal Putin is losing his invasion of sovereign Ukraine and the threat to humanity posed by the Iranian regime is dire. It is time for Congress to give President Trump the strongest tools available to choke off Russia's war machine for the good of mankind and cripple the ability of Tehran to continue sowing chaos in the region and beyond. My friend and colleague worked tirelessly in championing these critical initiatives, and I am grateful to help advance them across the finish line in the House,\u201d said Rep. Wilson.\n\n\u201cDictator Vladimir Putin\u2019s illegal invasion of Ukraine is failing\u2014Ukraine is battering Russian war infrastructure and the Kremlin is losing tens of thousands of troops each month. Now is the time to intensify pressure on Putin through crippling sanctions while surging support for our Ukrainian allies,\u201d said Rep. Kaptur. \u201cPutin will not make peace until he is forced to. I have been a supporter of every bipartisan sanctions bill on the table to pressure Russia to end its illegal full-scale invasion, and I am confident that the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 will accomplish that mission. Designed to protect our allies who aid Ukraine while squeezing Putin and the countries that enable his invasion, the sweeping sanctions and targeted tariffs in this bill are the best chance we have to get bipartisan legislation signed into law to hold Russia accountable and achieve peace.\u201d\n\n\u201cPutin\u2019s illegal war is failing, but he will not choose peace until the cost becomes too high for Russia and those helping fund his brutality,\u201d said Rep. Bacon. \u201cSenator Lindsey Graham was one of Congress\u2019s clearest voices for Ukraine, understood that Putin only responds to strength, and worked until his final days to advance the toughest sanctions package yet against Russia\u2019s war machine. The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act would impose crippling pressure on Russia and those enabling Putin\u2019s aggression, honor Sen. Graham\u2019s commitment to Ukraine\u2019s fight for freedom, and make clear that America stands with Ukraine.\u201d\n\n\u201cSince 2022, I have called on both Biden and Trump to empower Ukraine to win this war through both strikes and sanctions on Russian oil infrastructure. The strikes are finally happening, and with this bill the sanctions are coming,\u201d said Rep. Auchincloss.\n\n\"I am proud to join in introducing this legislation to sanction Vladimir Putin and his thugs as well as the Iran and its terrorist regime,\u201d said Rep. Rogers. \u201cEvery dollar denied to Vladimir Putin weakens his war machine. By choking off the oil and gas revenue fueling Russia's aggression, this legislation gives President Trump powerful leverage to force Putin into serious negotiations that deliver a truly lasting peace. Including additional sanctions on Iran is equally critical given the terrorist regime\u2019s continued threats to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and its role in enabling Russia\u2019s war against Ukraine. This legislation strengthens America\u2019s hand against adversaries who threaten American security, our allies, and global stability.\u201d\n\n\"It is long past time for Congress to impose tougher consequences on Russia and those financing its illegal war against Ukraine. I'm proud to support this updated legislation, which targets major purchasers of Russian oil and gas that continue to fund the Kremlin's aggression. This war has resulted in an estimated 2 million casualties, including more than half a million deaths. The United States must continue standing with the Ukrainian people and keep the pressure on Russia to agree to a just and lasting peace that preserves a free, sovereign, and independent Ukraine,\u201d said Rep. Tokuda.\n\n\u201cFor more than four years, the Ukrainian people have fought courageously to defend their sovereignty, and their resolve is paying off. Lindsey Graham understood that standing with nations fighting for freedom strengthens America\u2019s own security, and until his final days, he was pressing for stronger sanctions against Russia,\u201d said Rep. Turner. \u201cThis legislation honors that legacy, sends a clear message to Vladimir Putin that he cannot outlast Ukraine or the free world, and gives President Trump another powerful tool to pressure Russia, bring Putin to the negotiating table, and help restore peace to the region.\u201d\n\n\"Vladimir Putin and the regime in Tehran are two of the gravest threats to America and our allies. For far too long, they've bankrolled their aggression by selling oil and gas to whoever will buy it,\u201d said Rep. Gottheimer. \"This bipartisan legislation cuts off those funding streams: holding accountable anyone who fills Putin's war chest as he wages his brutal, illegal war against Ukraine, and choking off the money that fuels Iran's weapons programs and its terror proxies. I was proud to see the Senate pass this bill with an overwhelming, bipartisan majority, and now it's on the House to finish the job. I can think of no better tribute to Senator Lindsey Graham \u2014 a national security champion \u2014 than enacting the tough sanctions he fought so hard for. Standing up to tyrants isn't a Democratic or Republican issue; it's an American one.\"\n\n\u201cBy targeting the energy revenues and financial networks that fuel Putin\u2019s war machine and enable the Iranian regime\u2019s terrorist activities, this bipartisan legislation strengthens America\u2019s ability to impose real economic consequences on our adversaries,\u201d said Rep. Barr. \u201cSenator Graham understood that harnessing America\u2019s full strength from our financial system to our military is essential to deterring aggression, defending our allies, and advancing peace. I\u2019m proud to join my colleagues to help carry forward that legacy.\u201d\n\n\u201cSenator Graham believed, as I do, that American strength remains the surest guardian of peace,\u201d said Rep. Fitzpatrick. \u201cThat conviction guided our work together on this legislation. Putin\u2019s war machine runs on oil, money, and the willingness of others to look the other way\u2014and the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 attacks all three. It isolates Russia\u2019s banks, shuts down the networks financing its aggression, and forces every government and company enabling this war to make a choice. By increasing the cost of Putin\u2019s war and reducing his ability to sustain it, this legislation strengthens the path to a just and lasting peace\u2014one determined by Ukraine, not imposed by Moscow. The most fitting tribute Congress can offer Lindsey is to finish the work he began, carry forward the cause of freedom he championed, and make clear that America\u2019s resolve will endure until that peace is secured.\u201d\n\n\u201cSupporting a strong, free Ukraine is imperative for the national security of our communities here at home. Sanctioning Russia and Putin sends a direct message to the world: the United States will not sit by while brutal regimes bankroll aggression against democratic nations,\u201d said Rep. Vindman. \u201cI am proud to be a co-sponsor of this essential legislation. We must continue to escalate the economic pressure on the Kremlin and strengthen our resolve for the Ukrainian people as they fight for their freedom, sovereignty, and security.\u201d\n\n\"Russia is perpetrating a war of aggression, and we must keep the pressure on Vladimir Putin. This action is long overdue, but we are finally moving forward with the resolve this moment demands. These sanctions will erode Russia's war machine by cutting off the revenue that funds it. We must hold those who are fueling this war accountable. These sanctions focus on Russia but will also target dangerous Chinese entities which support the Russian defense industrial base. Peace is the goal, and these mechanisms give the President the tools to achieve that goal,\u201d said Rep. Moran.", 1, "2026-08-11T05:54:29Z", "2026-08-11T05:56:25Z"], ["https://jasonsmith.house.gov/2026/08/09/smith-visits-franke-farm-in-perry-county/", "Smith Visits Franke Farm in Perry County", "2026-08-09", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", "jasonsmith", "https://jasonsmith.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "PERRY COUNTY, Mo. \u2013 Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) visited the Franke family farm this week where he met with Neil and Michelle Franke to tour their operation and hear about the regulatory and insurance challenges facing farmers who raise diverse livestock.\n\nCongressman Smith said, \u201cNeil and Michelle have built one of the most diverse operations you\u2019ll find in Southeast Missouri, from 500 head of cattle to water buffalo, bison, and red deer. Running an operation with so many different species takes real skill and dedication, but it also means running into state regulations and insurance rules that weren\u2019t built with operations like this in mind. When insurance companies won\u2019t even recognize an animal like a water buffalo as livestock, it puts family farms like this one at a real disadvantage through no fault of their own. I\u2019m going to keep working to address these regulatory gaps so farmers who are simply trying to grow their business aren\u2019t left carrying all the risk themselves.\u201d\n\nThe Franke family farm was established in the late 1800s and has grown into one of the region\u2019s most varied livestock operations, raising beef cattle, bison, red deer, horses, turkeys, jersey milk cows, hogs, and several breeds of sheep. Neil is also part owner of the sale barn in Fruitland, sells horses to the Amish community in Seymour, and sells bison to hunting ranches across the region. Despite the scale and diversity of the operation, Neil discussed with Congressman Smith issue of insurance carriers routinely declining to classify animals like water buffalo as livestock, leaving him without adequate coverage options that other producers can rely on.\n\nCongressman Smith also discussed the threat posed by New World Screwworm to livestock producers across Missouri, and USDA\u2019s ongoing work to expand sterile fly production and inspection protocols to keep diseases from spreading further into American herds. He remains committed to working with USDA and state regulators to close the gaps facing producers like the Frankes, so family farms that diversify their operations aren\u2019t penalized for doing so.", 1, "2026-08-10T06:13:07Z", "2026-08-10T06:14:46Z"], ["https://jasonsmith.house.gov/2026/08/09/smith-visits-mesta-meadows-in-bollinger-county/", "Smith Visits Mesta Meadows in Bollinger County", "2026-08-09", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", "jasonsmith", "https://jasonsmith.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "BOLLINGER COUNTY, Mo. \u2013 Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) visited Mesta Meadows Farm this week where he met with the family and toured the operation to discuss their direct-to-consumer business and agri-tourism efforts, hear about how the Working Families Tax Cuts is positively impacting their operation, as well as the trade challenges facing Missouri\u2019s wool and lamb producers.\n\nCongressman Smith said, \u201cFrom a farm right here in Bollinger County, this family has built a business that reaches customers in all 50 states and more than a dozen countries. They sell everything from raw milk and wool to homemade ice cream, and welcome visitors onto the farm to see their operation firsthand. Farmers and ranchers like this family know how to run their own operation better than Washington ever will, and that\u2019s why I fought to deliver real tax relief through the Working Families Tax Cuts so they can keep more of what they earn and reinvest it back into their farm.\u201d\n\nMesta Meadows Farm sits on land originally purchased by a French land speculator in the 1850s, and the family has spent the last decade building today\u2019s operation on the property. They raise sheep, cattle, goats, pigs, and poultry, including a herd of Scottish Highlander cattle that has become central to their growing agri-tourism business. They sell direct to consumers through farmers markets in St. Louis and Cape Girardeau, a brick-and-mortar store, and online, moving products such as raw milk, meat, wool, and roughly 1,500 pints of ice cream a week with a team of three full-time employees.\n\nThanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts, Mesta Meadows and farms like it can count on permanent 100% immediate expensing and a permanent small business deduction, giving them the certainty to invest in their operation and grow their business. Congressman Smith also discussed the Section 301 tariff investigation the family has been closely watching, along with efforts to hold foreign competitors accountable for lamb imports undercutting American producers.", 1, "2026-08-10T06:13:07Z", "2026-08-10T06:14:46Z"], ["https://jasonsmith.house.gov/2026/08/09/smith-visits-twin-knobs-dairy-action-farms-in-douglas-county/", "Smith Visits Twin Knobs Dairy & Action Farms in Douglas County", "2026-08-09", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", "jasonsmith", "https://jasonsmith.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "DOUGLAS COUNTY, Mo. \u2013 Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) visited Twin Knobs Dairy & Action Farms in Douglas County this week, touring the operation and meeting with Kaleb and Erin Rodgers to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Missouri\u2019s dairy and livestock producers.\n\nCongressman Smith said, \u201cKaleb and Erin have built an impressive operation here, combining a modern dairy farm with a growing beef herd. Their farm is also on track to earn Missouri Century Farm recognition, a fitting honor for a family that\u2019s poured so much work into this land.\n\n\u201cLike so many family farms across Missouri, they\u2019re working to pass this operation down to their son, Everett. Thanks to the permanent 100 percent immediate expensing and small business deduction in the Working Families Tax Cuts, families like the Rodgers have the certainty they need to grow, hire, and stay profitable, so their operation can be passed down to Everett and the next generation. That\u2019s the kind of certainty family farms need to keep operating for generations to come, and I\u2019ll keep fighting for policies that provide it.\u201d\n\nKaleb and Erin Rodgers own and operate Twin Knobs Dairy, a multi-generation family dairy farm near Vanzant that has grown from roughly 100 acres to about 1,000 owned acres, milking 150 to 200 Jersey and Jersey-Holstein cross cows. Kaleb is the fifth generation raised on the farm, which is expected to soon earn Missouri Century Farm recognition for more than a century of continuous family ownership. Beyond the dairy, the Rodgers also run Action Farms, a diversified operation that includes roughly 200 beef cattle.\n\nThe Working Families Tax Cuts, which Congressman Smith authored, made permanent 100 percent immediate expensing and a permanent small business deduction \u2014 provisions that give producers like the Rodgers the certainty to invest in new equipment, grow their operation, and hire the help they need to keep it profitable for generations to come.", 1, "2026-08-10T06:13:07Z", "2026-08-10T06:14:46Z"], ["https://jasonsmith.house.gov/2026/08/08/smith-holds-farmers-town-hall-with-missouri-cotton-producers/", "Smith Holds Farmers Town Hall with Missouri Cotton Producers", "2026-08-08", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", "jasonsmith", "https://jasonsmith.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "HAYTI, Mo. \u2013 Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) held a Farmers Town Hall with cotton producers in Hayti, where he discussed the impact of the Working Families Tax Cuts on Missouri\u2019s cotton industry and heard directly from growers about the challenges facing the Bootheel\u2019s cotton economy.\n\nCongressman Smith said, \u201cCotton has been part of the fabric of the Bootheel for generations, and the growers I sat down with this week are up against a lot \u2014 foreign competition that\u2019s been hollowing out our textile industry for decades, crop insurance fraud that punishes the farmers playing by the rules, and a shrinking number of gins that makes it harder just to get cotton to market.\n\n\u201cWhen I wrote the Working Families Tax Cuts, I fought to make sure cotton growers struggling in the current agriculture economy weren\u2019t an afterthought. We raised the reference price for cotton by 14 percent and made permanent the small business deduction and 100 percent immediate expensing that let these family operations reinvest in their equipment and land. There\u2019s more work to be done to support our cotton farmers, and I\u2019ll keep fighting for solutions on infrastructure, insurance integrity, and fair trade, because Missouri cotton deserves a level playing field.\u201d\n\nDuring the discussion, growers raised concerns about competition from Brazil, which has overtaken the United States as the world\u2019s largest cotton exporter, as well as the decades-long decline of the domestic textile industry as manufacturing has shifted to China. Producers also flagged the toll of crop insurance fraud on honest farmers and the shrinking number of cotton gins in the Bootheel, which has fallen from 32 to 16 in recent years, driving up the cost and making it more difficult to get cotton processed and to market.\n\nMissouri consistently ranks among the top 10 cotton-producing states, with production concentrated almost entirely in the Bootheel, where the crop remains a major economic driver for Pemiscot, Dunklin, New Madrid, Stoddard, Scott, and Mississippi Counties. The Working Families Tax Cuts, which Congressman Smith authored, increased the reference price for cotton by 14 percent beginning with crop year 2025 as part of a $56 billion investment in farm safety net programs \u2014 the first meaningful update to Title I commodity support in more than two decades. With cotton farms overwhelmingly organized as pass-through businesses, the law\u2019s permanent 199A small business deduction and 100 percent immediate expensing give growers the ability to reinvest in equipment and land without losing a share of that investment to Washington. Congressman Smith also secured $6 billion in new crop insurance funding, including increased resources for oversight and compliance, to help crack down on the fraud that honest producers are calling out.\n\nOn trade, Congressman Smith pointed to recent Agreements on Reciprocal Trade (ARTs) with Guatemala, El Salvador, and Bangladesh, which reward the use of American cotton in textile and apparel manufacturing, as a step toward rebuilding demand for U.S.-grown cotton lost to foreign competition.", 1, "2026-08-08T05:41:38Z", "2026-08-08T05:43:24Z"], ["https://jasonsmith.house.gov/2026/08/08/smith-visits-bahr-farms-in-st-james/", "Smith Visits Bahr Farms in St. James", "2026-08-08", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", "jasonsmith", "https://jasonsmith.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "ST. JAMES, Mo. \u2013 Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) visited Bahr Farms in St. James, touring the operation and meeting with Ben Bahr to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Missouri\u2019s cattle producers.\n\nCongressman Smith said, \u201cBen and his brother, Travis, are carrying on something their family started generations ago, and being there in person, you can feel just how much work went into building it. What they\u2019ve built today is proof of what\u2019s possible in this country when you\u2019re willing to work for it and pass that work down to the next generation. That\u2019s the story of so many farm families across Southeast Missouri and beyond, and it\u2019s exactly why I fought to make the death tax exemption and small business deduction permanent in the Working Families Tax Cuts \u2014 so families like the Bahrs can pass their land down to the next generation instead of it being taxed out of existence. I\u2019ll keep pushing for solutions on fuel, feed, and fertilizer costs, and for stronger USDA support so farmers aren\u2019t stuck driving an hour just to reach an FSA office.\u201d\n\nBen and Travis Bahr are fourth-generation farmers whose family has owned their land near St. James since 1974, running roughly 1,000 combined acres and about 300 primarily grass-fed Black Angus cattle. On the same property, Travis and his wife, Mandy, also operate Prairie Base, consisting of four buildings that have been converted to Airbnbs \u2014 including the family\u2019s original farmhouse.\n\nDuring the visit, the Bahrs raised concerns about the rising cost of fuel, feed, and fertilizer, as well as staffing shortages at USDA\u2019s Farm Service Agency offices that have left farmers in the region having to travel further for basic assistance. They also discussed the challenge of passing their farm on to the next generation, along with their support for Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling and for the tariffs imposed under President Trump\u2019s America First trade policy that has delivered significant wins and new market access for Missouri farmers.\n\nThe Working Families Tax Cuts, which Congressman Smith authored, made permanent death tax relief that protects more than 15,000 family-owned farms in Missouri\u2019s 8th District, along with a permanent small business deduction and 100 percent immediate expensing that allow producers like the Bahrs to reinvest in their operations without losing a share of that investment to federal taxes.", 1, "2026-08-09T05:47:57Z", "2026-08-09T05:49:40Z"], ["https://jasonsmith.house.gov/2026/08/07/smith-visits-taylor-center-garden-in-new-madrid-county/", "Smith Visits Taylor Center Garden in New Madrid County", "2026-08-07", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", "jasonsmith", "https://jasonsmith.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "NEW MADRID COUNTY, Mo. \u2013 Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) visited Taylor Center Garden in New Madrid County recently, touring the community garden and meeting with founder Robert Taylor Sr. to discuss the garden\u2019s work combating food insecurity and providing agricultural education across Howardville and Lilbourn.\n\nCongressman Smith said, \u201cRobert and his family pour themselves into this garden without asking for anything in return, and that kind of selflessness is what makes a community strong. They pick as much as 100 pounds of okra in a single morning \u2014 alongside watermelon, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, purple hull peas, and peppers \u2014 that is all given away free to neighbors who need it. On top of that, they\u2019re teaching the next generation how to garden, how to eat well, and how to take care of each other. It\u2019s an incredible example of what people can do when they choose to give back to their community, and I\u2019m proud to support the federal programs that help operations like Taylor Center Garden reach even more families in the Bootheel.\u201d\n\nTaylor Center Garden operates roughly five acres of active produce across Howardville and Lilbourn, with a recent expansion onto an additional 20 acres, all grown to be donated to the community free of charge. The garden partners with Lincoln University\u2019s Cooperative Extension GARDEN initiative \u2014 Growing Area Gardens in Rural/Urban Destinations Encouraging Healthy Nutrition \u2014 a statewide effort targeting food deserts and underserved neighborhoods, which provides seeds, starter plants, soil, irrigation equipment, and tools. Through the Coming Together to Bridge the Gap Summer Institute, led by Lincoln University\u2019s Charleston Outreach Center and 4-H Youth Development, the garden also offers academic enrichment and hands-on science programming for local students to combat summer learning loss.\n\nFood insecurity remains a significant challenge across the Bootheel, with New Madrid County at nearly 20 percent, among the highest rates in Missouri where the statewide average is 15.4 percent. Operations like Taylor Center Garden grow produce with the sole purpose of serving their community and making sure fresh food reaches families who need it most, free of charge. Cooperative Extension programs, which serve all 114 Missouri counties, connect research and technical expertise directly to communities like Howardville and Lilbourn. Congressman Smith recently helped secure increased minimum funding for research and extension activities at 1890 land grant universities, including Lincoln University, along with reauthorized scholarships for students pursuing careers in food and agriculture.", 1, "2026-08-08T05:41:38Z", "2026-08-08T05:43:24Z"], ["https://jasonsmith.house.gov/2026/08/06/smith-joins-ribbon-cutting-at-myers-clinic-in-rolla/", "Smith Joins Ribbon Cutting at Myers Clinic in Rolla", "2026-08-06", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", "jasonsmith", "https://jasonsmith.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "ROLLA, Mo. \u2013 Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) joined a ribbon cutting celebrating Dr. Mylhan Myers this week as he carries on a three-generation family legacy of medicine, stepping into the practice built by his late uncle, Dr. William David Myers, and grandfather, Dr. Billy Jack \u201cBJ\u201d Myers, both of whom cared for families across central Missouri for decades \u2014 including Congressman Smith himself.\n\nCongressman Smith said, \u201cDr. BJ Myers and Dr. David Myers were my doctors growing up, and I know firsthand the kind of care this family has given our community for three generations. Dr. David Myers delivered more than 3,000 babies throughout his more than five decades of practice, and the impact he and his father had on generations of Missourians in this region cannot be overstated. It means a great deal to see the Myers family carry that legacy forward into a third generation. Patients here can have confidence knowing the same commitment to compassionate, hometown care will continue for years to come. Congratulations to Dr. Mylhan Myers on this new chapter \u2014 I\u2019ll keep supporting the providers who keep our rural communities healthy and ensure families have access to quality care close to home.\u201d\n\nDr. William David Myers passed away in January 2026 after more than 50 years of practicing medicine in central Missouri, following in the footsteps of his father, Dr. BJ Myers, who also devoted his career to caring for the region\u2019s families. Following Dr. David Myers\u2019 passing, his nephew, Dr. Mylhan Myers, took over the practice, becoming the third generation of the Myers family to serve the community, and this ribbon cutting marks the official launch of his role at the clinic.\n\nAs part of the transition, Dr. Mylhan Myers was required to obtain new certification through TRICARE in order to continue seeing military families as patients. Congressman Smith\u2019s office has been directly engaged with TRICARE to help move that certification forward, so that military families in the area don\u2019t lose access to the care they\u2019ve relied on for decades.", 1, "2026-08-07T06:11:19Z", "2026-08-07T06:12:42Z"], ["https://jasonsmith.house.gov/2026/08/06/smith-visits-keaton-cattle-company-in-dent-county/", "Smith Visits Keaton Cattle Company in Dent County", "2026-08-06", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", "jasonsmith", "https://jasonsmith.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "DENT COUNTY, Mo. \u2013 Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) visited Keaton Cattle Company in Dent County this week, touring the operation and meeting with owner Freddie Keaton and his wife, Renee, to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Missouri\u2019s cattle producers.\n\nCongressman Smith said, \u201cFreddie is exactly the kind of independent producer I fight for in Washington. We talked about the need for fairer cattle markets, reforms to mandatory price reporting to improve transparency and price discovery, making sure family operations can compete without being squeezed out by the four large meatpackers that dominate the industry, and the growing threat that Theileria poses to cattle herds across our state.\n\n\u201cI was glad to hear that the Working Families Tax Cuts are already helping Freddie plan for the future, as he\u2019s building a new commodity barn to store feed for his cattle, and thanks to immediate expensing, he\u2019ll be able to deduct that investment right away. Families like the Keatons are the backbone of rural Missouri, and I\u2019ll keep fighting for policies that strengthen independent producers, expand market opportunities, support animal health research, and help the next generation carry on Missouri\u2019s cattle tradition.\u201d\n\nFreddie Keaton founded Keaton Cattle Company in 1997 and today runs 500 to 600 head of cattle, primarily Black Angus and some Red Angus, across roughly 1,300 acres in Dent County. Beyond his own operation, Keaton serves as President of the Independent Cattlemen of Missouri and as Region VI Director for R-CALF USA, representing independent producers across Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma.\n\nThe Working Families Tax Cuts, which Congressman Smith authored, made permanent 100 percent immediate expensing, small business deductions, and doubled small business expensing thresholds \u2014 provisions that are directly helping producers like Keaton invest in new infrastructure, such as the commodity barn he\u2019s planning to build to better store feed for his herd. The law also made permanent death tax relief that protects more than 15,000 family-owned farms in Missouri\u2019s 8th District from having their exemption cut in half, helping ensure operations like Keaton Cattle Company can be passed on to the next generation.", 1, "2026-08-07T06:11:19Z", "2026-08-07T06:12:42Z"], ["https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-burlison-releases-administration-memorandum-president-trumps-uap-nda", "Rep. Burlison Releases Administration Memorandum on President Trump's UAP NDA Directive", "2026-08-01", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Eric Burlison", "B001316", "burlison.house.gov", "burlison", "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Eric Burlison (MO-07) today released preliminary implementation guidance shared by the Trump administration regarding President Trump's directive concerning nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) for current and former government employees and contractors with information related to unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP). The administration authorized Congressman Burlison's office to publicly distribute the memorandum.\n\nOn Wednesday, July 21, 2026, Congressman Burlison released a statement encouraging individuals who believe the President's directive applies to them to contact his office for assistance navigating the process. Congressman Burlison thanked President Trump for directing the implementation of the UAP NDA waiver and welcomed the administration's preliminary guidance as an important step toward increasing transparency.\n\nThe attached memorandum provides preliminary implementation guidance. Congressman Burlison continues to encourage anyone with questions about the directive, or who believes it may apply to them, to contact his office or another Member of Congress if they need assistance navigating the process.", 1, "2026-08-02T07:31:21Z", "2026-08-02T07:32:50Z"], ["https://jasonsmith.house.gov/2026/07/31/smith-holds-farmers-town-hall-in-dunklin-county/", "Smith Holds Farmers Town Hall in Dunklin County", "2026-07-31", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", "jasonsmith", "https://jasonsmith.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "DUNKLIN COUNTY, Mo. \u2013 Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) joined members of the Missouri Rice Council for a Farmers Town Hall in Dunklin County this week, where he discussed the positive impact of the Working Families Tax Cuts, which Congressman Smith authored and championed to passage, on Missouri\u2019s rice industry and fielded questions from farmers concerned about today\u2019s agriculture economy.\n\nCongressman Smith said, \u201cIt\u2019s always good to sit down with our rice farmers and hear directly from them about what they\u2019re facing \u2014 whether it be export issues, high input costs, or just the day-to-day challenges of running a farm in today\u2019s environment. When you think of the Bootheel, rice farmers are one of the first groups that come to mind, and these families deserve a seat at the table when decisions are made and legislation is written. That\u2019s exactly why I fought so hard to include provisions that benefited them in the Working Families Tax Cuts such as the first increase in reference prices in nearly 20 years. This legislation also made both the small business deduction and 100 percent bonus depreciation permanent, giving family-owned farms long-term certainty, which they need to reinvest, expand, and grow.\n\n\u201cI greatly enjoyed our conversation about their top priorities and concerns, and I will continue to fight for their interests when I return to Washington.\u201d\n\nDuring the discussion, Congressman Smith answered questions regarding seed prices, bridge payments, and trade enforcement, including an ongoing Section 301 investigation into unfair foreign trade practices affecting U.S. rice exports. Additionally, farmers asked about consolidation in the global fertilizer market, an issue Congressman Smith has raised directly with the Trump Administration after leading a congressional delegation to Morocco earlier this year.\n\nCongressman Smith also highlighted wins for rice farmers in the Working Families Tax Cuts, like the increase in the reference price for rice by 20 percent beginning with crop year 2025. Ninety-eight percent of farms are organized as LLCs, making the bill\u2019s permanent 199A small business deduction and 100 percent immediate expensing especially valuable for rice operations looking to reinvest in their equipment and land.", 1, "2026-08-01T07:27:26Z", "2026-08-01T07:28:22Z"], ["https://jasonsmith.house.gov/2026/07/31/smith-missouri-delegation-sends-letter-urging-swift-approval-of-governors-disaster-declaration-request/", "Smith, Missouri Delegation Sends Letter Urging Swift Approval of Governor\u2019s Disaster Declaration Request", "2026-07-31", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", "jasonsmith", "https://jasonsmith.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08), along with members of Missouri\u2019s Congressional Delegation, sent a letter to President Trump today supporting Governor Mike Kehoe\u2019s request for a major disaster declaration following the catastrophic flooding that struck southern Missouri from July 9 through July 11, 2026.\n\n\u201cWe write in strong support of Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe\u2019s July 28, 2026, request for a major disaster declaration following the devastating severe storms and flooding that took place in Missouri from July 9th through July 11th of this year,\u201d the lawmakers wrote. \u201cBeginning late on July 9th, a series of slow-moving thunderstorms produced torrential rainfall in some areas across south-central and southeastern Missouri, equivalent to a 1-in-1,000-year event according to the National Weather Service. In roughly 12 hours, some areas received an estimated 6 to 12 inches of rain, causing rivers, creeks, and low-lying areas to rapidly rise, including a record crest on the Black River near Annapolis, Missouri\u2026 In the days following, it was publicly reported that first responders bravely rescued over 350 people, including over 200 airlifted from the Camp Taum Sauk by Missouri National Guard helicopters.\u201d\n\n\u201cMissouri has repeatedly been faced with natural disasters in recent years,\u201d the lawmakers continued. \u201cIn 2025 alone, Missouri received five federally declared disasters\u2014the most of any state\u2014and in 2026, this trend has not changed. Today, Missouri is requesting its third disaster declaration of the year, already holding a declaration for storms that occurred from April 23rd through April 28th\u2026 Following the Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments for the July 9th through July 11th storms, more than $26.5 million in eligible infrastructure damage and emergency protective costs were identified across 9 counties\u2026 As such, we respectfully urge you to direct your administration to promptly review Governor Kehoe\u2019s major disaster declaration request for the July 9 through July 11 storms and submit it for your approval.\u201d\n\nCongressman Smith recently saw firsthand the devastating flood damage in Reynolds County, visiting Valley Springs Youth Ranch and Black River Baptist Church \u2014 two sites hit hardest by the storms.\n\n\u201cThe pictures don\u2019t do justice to the damage,\u201d Smith said. \u201cFor 12 inches of rain to come within two to three hours, in an area that does not flood, it was horrendous and pretty scary. Families have lost their homes, farmers have lost equipment and livelihoods they spent decades building, and a church that feeds well over 100 families through its food drives had its sanctuary destroyed. The scale of what this community is facing is enormous, and I\u2019m grateful for every first responder, volunteer, neighbor, and local leader who has stepped up to help during this difficult time. My office will continue working to connect these families and organizations with every state and federal resource available as they rebuild.\u201d\n\nSenator Josh Hawley (R-MO), Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO), and Congresswoman Ann Wagner (MO-02) also signed the letter.", 1, "2026-08-01T07:27:26Z", "2026-08-01T07:28:22Z"], ["https://jasonsmith.house.gov/2026/07/31/smith-visits-pemiscot-memorial-hospital/", "Smith Visits Pemiscot Memorial Hospital", "2026-07-31", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", "jasonsmith", "https://jasonsmith.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "HAYTI, Mo. \u2013 Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) visited Pemiscot Memorial Hospital in Hayti this week, touring the facility and meeting with hospital leadership to discuss the impact of its recent conversion to Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) status \u2014 a designation the congressman worked directly with state and federal health officials to help secure after years of advocating to keep the hospital\u2019s doors open.\n\nCongressman Smith said, \u201cPemiscot Memorial Hospital is the last hospital left in the Bootheel, and for families in this part of Missouri, that emergency room can mean the difference between life and death. When this hospital was on the verge of closing, my staff and I fought tooth and nail to cut through red tape at CMS, connect hospital leadership with the resources they needed, and push for a fair and timely review of their application for Rural Emergency Hospital status. I\u2019m proud of what we were able to do together, and I\u2019ll keep fighting to make sure rural Missourians never lose access to the care they depend on.\u201d\n\nPemiscot Memorial Hospital sees roughly 800 patients a month through its seven-bed emergency room \u2014 playing a pivotal role in serving families all across the region and delivering care that thousands of families depend on. The hospital faced near closure in both 2023 and 2024 due to financial mismanagement and cash flow shortfalls, at one point struggling to make payroll. Congressman Smith stepped in, working with hospital leadership and state and federal health agencies to help stabilize the hospital\u2019s finances and chart a sustainable path forward.\n\nIn November 2025, following sustained engagement from Congressman Smith with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Pemiscot Memorial received Rural Emergency Hospital status \u2014 retroactive to May 2025 \u2014 along with roughly $2 million in Medicare backpay. The REH designation allows the hospital to receive fixed monthly Medicare payments in place of inpatient reimbursement, plus a 5 percent bonus for emergency and outpatient services. This provides Pemiscot Memorial with a stable funding source to continue serving the Bootheel and gives it the potential to expand services in the future.\n\nThe Working Families Tax Cuts, which Congressman Smith authored and spearheaded in Congress, also included a $50 billion investment for rural healthcare through the Rural Health Transformation Program \u2014 the largest one-time investment in rural hospitals in American history. As Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, Congressman Smith has made it a priority to ensure Americans in rural areas like the Bootheel of Missouri have access to quality health care.", 1, "2026-08-01T07:27:26Z", "2026-08-01T07:28:22Z"], ["https://jasonsmith.house.gov/2026/07/30/smith-visits-bjg-meat-co-in-carter-county/", "Smith Visits BJG Meat Co. in Carter County", "2026-07-30", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", "jasonsmith", "https://jasonsmith.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "GRANDIN, Mo. \u2013 Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) visited BJG Meat Co. in Carter County this week where he met with owner Brad Goodman and toured the facility to discuss the company\u2019s meat processing work and hear about how the Working Families Tax Cuts, which Congressman Smith authored and spearheaded in Congress, is positively impacting their operations, as well as the effect of USDA regulations on small, family-owned processors.\n\nCongressman Smith said, \u201cBrad Goodman and his family have built something special here in Grandin \u2014 a business that puts Missouri-raised beef and pork on Missouri tables, while keeping hardworking Missourians on the payroll. From the cattle they process to the farmers and producers they work with every day, BJG Meat Co. is proof that southeast Missouri agriculture is thriving. Family operations like this know their business better than Washington ever will, and that is why I fought to deliver real tax relief for small businesses in the Working Families Tax Cuts to allow businesses like BJG Meat Co to grow their operations, keep more of their hard-earned money, and invest in their employees. I\u2019ll always look for ways to make it easier for processors to keep doing what they do best.\u201d\n\nBJG Meat Co. is a locally owned meat processing and retail company that has been based in Grandin for three years, with an additional retail location in Poplar Bluff. Between its processing operation and retail stores, BJG Meat Co. employs 15 people, and 99 percent of the products it sells are sourced right here in Missouri. In addition to custom processing for cattle and hogs and freezer meat bundles, BJG Meat Co.\u2019s Poplar Bluff storefront also features products from other Missouri vendors, including local honey, candles, soaps, and cutting boards. In just three years, BJG Meat Co. has become a go-to source for locally processed beef and pork in Carter County and across Southeast Missouri.\n\nAs a small business, BJG Meat Co. benefits directly from provisions in the Working Families Tax Cuts, including Section 199A\u2019s deduction for pass-through business income and 100 percent bonus depreciation, which allows the company to invest in the equipment it needs to keep processing cattle for local farmers and producers. These are exactly the kinds of investments Congressman Smith had in mind for small, family-owned businesses like BJG Meat Co. when he authored these provisions and fought to get them across the finish line. Additionally, like many small, USDA-inspected processors, BJG Meat Co. spoke with Congressman Smith about navigating federal requirements such as carcass stamping and limits on common ownership. As BJG Meat Co. continues to grow, Smith remains committed to cutting the federal red tape that makes it harder for processors like it to operate.", 1, "2026-07-31T07:49:23Z", "2026-07-31T07:50:48Z"], ["https://alford.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1735", "Alford Secures F-15E Strike Eagle Mission in Historic Victory for Whiteman Air Force Base and the 442d Fighter Wing", "2026-07-29", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Mark Alford", "A000379", "alford.house.gov", "alford", "https://alford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Over the past several years, Congressman Alford worked alongside community leaders, Airmen, military advocates, and Department of the Air Force leadership to advocate for a follow-on mission for Whiteman Air Force Base. His efforts includedengagement with senior Air Force officials, advocacy through the House Armed Services Committee, and continued support for maintaining a combat-ready fighter presence in Missouri.\n\nThe Department of the Air Force\u2019s decision supports its broader goal of increasing fighter capacity, modernizing the fighter force, and replacing aging aircraft with a capable and sustainable platform. The planned transition will bring 24 F-15E Strike Eagles to Whiteman Air Force Base, preserving a critical Air Force Reserve combat-coded fighter unit and the experience of the 442d Fighter Wing.\n\n\u201cThis decision saves the 442d,\u201d Alford said. \u201cIt saves countless jobs for our Airmen, our civilian workforce, and the surrounding communities. It keeps families here in Missouri. And, most importantly, it ensures the proud tradition of excellence at Whiteman Air Force Base continues.\u201d\n\nCongressman Alford also expressed hisgratitude to the leaders and Airmen across the Department of the Air Force who listened to the concerns of the community and worked toward a solution that preserves critical combat capability.\n\n\u201cI want to sincerely thank the leaders throughout the Department of the Air Force, Air Force Reserve Command, Governor Kehoe for bringing this matter to President Trump's attention, Missouri's State Senators for their efforts, and the many Whiteman Air Force Base Airmen who took the time to give their concerns and help make this mission possible,\u201d Alford continued. \u201cThis outcome reflects what can happen when a community comes together, when our military leaders listen, and when we work toward a shared goal.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe men and women of the 442d Fighter Wing have proven for decades that they are among the finest Airmen in the world. Their professionalism, readiness, and dedication earned this opportunity. Missouri is proud of them, and we will continue standing behind them.\u201d\n\nThe AFRC F-15E basing action represents the recommended course of action for an economical, timely, and effective fighter replacement. The current plan anticipates aircraft arrival in Fiscal Year 2031, followed by the establishment of initial and full operational capability as the mission transitions forward.\n\n\u201cThis is a new chapter for Whiteman Air Force Base \u2014 but it is built on the same foundation of excellence that has defined the 442d for generations,\u201d Alford said. \u201cThe mission continues.\u201d", 1, "2026-07-30T07:32:48Z", "2026-07-30T07:34:08Z"], ["https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-eric-burlison-releases-statement-president-trumps-uap-nda-directive", "Rep. Eric Burlison Releases Statement on President Trump's UAP NDA Directive", "2026-07-29", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Eric Burlison", "B001316", "burlison.house.gov", "burlison", "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Eric Burlison (MO-07) today released the following statement regarding President Trump's directive waiving certain nondisclosure agreements for individuals with information related to unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP):\n\nIn light of President Trump directing the Department of War and the intelligence community to waive prior nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) signed by individuals who have relevant information regarding unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP), if you are a current or former government employee or contractor interested in taking advantage of this directive, I am offering my office\u2019s assistance in contacting and getting your information to any agency.\n\nPrincipal Deputy Director of National Intelligence Aaron Lukas has stated that the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) will soon issue guidance to ensure that the intelligence community implements the president\u2019s directive. My office has requested to see the directive to understand how this process will work and to assist in facilitating whistleblowers\u2019 participation in a manner and at a pace that is comfortable for them.\n\nIndependent congressional oversight is a critical part of UAP disclosure, and we are uncertain whether the abrogation of NDAs will apply to testimony received by Congress before referral to the executive branch. Therefore, at this time, if you are thinking of speaking to the executive branch pursuant to this directive, I strongly recommend that, in addition to an attorney, you request that either I or another member of Congress be present with you.\n\nWaiving UAP-related NDAs is something I have been calling for the administration to do, and I hope to understand the procedures established by the president\u2019s directive soon and am calling on ODNI to issue its guidance publicly. In the meantime, my office will serve as a resource to begin shepherding qualified individuals through the process.", 1, "2026-07-30T07:32:48Z", "2026-07-30T07:34:08Z"], ["https://jasonsmith.house.gov/2026/07/29/smith-visits-current-river-packing/", "Smith Visits Current River Packing", "2026-07-29", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", "jasonsmith", "https://jasonsmith.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "DONIPHAN, Mo. \u2013 Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) visited Current River Packing in Ripley County this week, where he toured the facility to discuss the company\u2019s growth and the impact of the Working Families Tax Cuts on small businesses in rural Missouri.\n\nCongressman Smith said, \u201cCurrent River Packing is a major facility in Ripley County, and their eggs will end up on tables all across this country. These families are building something from the ground up, and they\u2019re creating good-paying jobs and certainty for local families right here in Ripley County. That\u2019s the kind of investment rural Missouri deserves, and I\u2019ll keep fighting in Washington for the tax relief and regulatory reforms that let businesses like this one grow instead of just get by.\u201d\n\nCurrent River Packing is owned by the families of Ben Samons, Brock Ray, Sissy Gray, and Corey Kaczmarski. The facility will employee roughly 30 people, with plans to hire additional employees as they begin processing later this summer. Its grading machine can process 90,000 eggs per hour, and as the operation grows, Current River Packing is expected to strengthen competitive wages and stabilize jobs across the region.\n\nAs a growing small business, Current River Packing benefits directly from provisions in the Working Families Tax Cuts, which Congressman Smith authored. Permanent 100 percent bonus depreciation allows the company to immediately deduct the cost of new equipment as it expands operations, while the permanent small business deduction helps keep more money in the business to reinvest and create more jobs. Together, these provisions give small businesses like Current River Packing long-term certainty to invest and grow.", 1, "2026-07-30T07:32:48Z", "2026-07-30T07:34:08Z"], ["https://jasonsmith.house.gov/2026/07/28/smith-visits-charles-tool-company/", "Smith Visits Charles Tool Company", "2026-07-28", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", "jasonsmith", "https://jasonsmith.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "EMINENCE, Mo. \u2013 Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) visited Charles Tool Company in Shannon County this week, where he met with founder Bill Charles and toured the shop to discuss the company\u2019s manufacturing work and the impact of the Working Families Tax Cuts on small manufacturers.\n\nCongressman Smith said, \u201cCharles Tool Company is a great example of what small manufacturers in rural Missouri can accomplish. Bill Charles built this company from the ground up, and his team right here in Shannon County makes components for the aerospace, automotive, and heavy machinery industries across the United States. Provisions like Section 199A and 100 percent bonus depreciation, both of which the Working Families Tax Cuts made permanent, have made a real difference for businesses like Charles Tool Company, and I\u2019ll keep fighting for policies that help them grow and succeed.\u201d\n\nBill Charles founded Charles Tool Company in Illinois in 1987 and relocated the business to Eminence in 1998, drawn to Shannon County to be closer to the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers. The company specializes in hot-forming components for the aerospace, automotive, and heavy machinery industries. All Charles Tool Company employees were trained on the job, with some having been at the company for more than a decade.\n\nAs a small business organized as an LLC, manufacturers like Charles Tool Company benefit directly from Section 199A, which allows small business owners to deduct 20 percent of their eligible pass-through business income. They also benefit from 100 percent bonus depreciation, which lets companies immediately deduct the cost of new machinery and equipment. The Working Families Tax Cuts, which Congressman Smith authored, permanently extended both provisions, giving small manufacturers like Charles Tool Company long-term certainty to invest and grow.", 1, "2026-07-29T07:41:48Z", "2026-07-29T07:42:57Z"], ["https://jasonsmith.house.gov/2026/07/27/smith-visits-flood-damage-in-reynolds-county/", "Smith Tours Flood Damage in Reynolds County", "2026-07-27", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", "jasonsmith", "https://jasonsmith.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "REYNOLDS COUNTY, Mo. \u2013 Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08) toured flood damage across Reynolds County today, including at Valley Springs Youth Ranch and Black River Baptist Church. On July 9 and 10, Reynolds County saw as much as 12 inches of rain in a three-hour time frame, causing extensive damage to homes, farms, and community buildings across the area.\n\nCongressman Smith said, \u201cWhat I saw today in Reynolds County was heartbreaking. Families have lost their homes, farmers have lost equipment and livelihoods they spent decades building, and a church that feeds well over a hundred people through its food drives had its sanctuary destroyed. The scale of what this community is facing is enormous, and I\u2019m grateful for every first responder, volunteer, neighbor, and local leader who has stepped up to help during this difficult time. My office will continue working to connect these families and organizations with every state and federal resource available as they rebuild.\u201d\n\nBackground:", 1, "2026-07-28T07:37:32Z", "2026-07-28T07:38:50Z"], ["https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-onder-introduces-bill-hold-union-leaders-accountable-withheld-financial", "Rep. Onder Introduces Bill to Hold Union Leaders Accountable for Withheld Financial Info", "2026-07-27", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Robert F. Onder, Jr.", "O000177", "onder.house.gov", "onder", "https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nJuly 27, 2026\n\nContact: Brooke Morgan\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, following the Education and Workforce Committee\u2019s investigation that uncovered years of financial secrecy at the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU), Representative Bob Onder (R-MO) introduced the Improving Clarity and Transparency for Unions Act, or \u201cImproving CTU Act,\u201d to hold union leaders accountable and ensure American workers have access to information about how their dues are spent.\n\nFor the past five years, CTU failed to disclose required financial audits to their members, despite collecting nearly $150 million in member dues during that period. The Committee found that CTU repeatedly denied workers\u2019 requests for financial information about how the union is spending dues collected from its own members.\n\n\u201cTransparency should not depend on whether a worker can take time off to review hundreds of pages of financial records at a union office,\u201d Representative Bob Onder continued. \u201cI introduced this legislation because union members deserve the same accountability and disclosure standards they expect from any organization entrusted with millions of dollars in member dues.\u201d\n\n\u201cToo many workers are paying union dues while union leaders are spending lavishly at their own members\u2019 expense or financing political causes workers may not support. Workers deserve to know how their money is being spent. But when unions like CTU fail to disclose their own financial audits, workers are robbed of that right. I am thankful Rep. Onder is introducing this critical legislation to promote transparency for workers so they can hold their own leaders accountable,\u201d said Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI).\n\nClick HERE to read the Education and Workforce Committee\u2019s press release.\n\nBackground Information\n\nThe legislation follows a November 20, 2025, Committee on Education and Workforce investigation into CTU, which uncovered years of delayed audits, repeated denials of member requests for financial records, and policies that limited workers' ability to review information. These actions violated CTU\u2019s own governing documents regarding financial transparency.\n\nThe Committee also found that, despite collecting nearly $150 million in member dues over a five-year period, CTU leadership devoted less than 17 percent of its spending to collective bargaining and member services. This amounted to members receiving less than 18 months of collective bargaining and member services for the five years of dues they paid. These findings underscore the importance of ensuring workers have clear visibility into how union leadership allocates member resources.\n\nThe Improving CTU Act would strengthen financial transparency requirements for labor organizations and help ensure workers have timely access to the financial information they need to hold union leadership accountable.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-28T07:37:32Z", "2026-07-28T07:38:50Z"], ["https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/nations-leading-small-business-advocacy-organization-endorses-rep-burlisons-0", "Nation's Leading Small Business Advocacy Organization Endorses Rep. Burlison's Great American Healthcare Plan", "2026-07-23", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Eric Burlison", "B001316", "burlison.house.gov", "burlison", "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation's leading small-business-advocacy organization, has endorsed Rep. Eric Burlison's (MO-07) Great American Healthcare Plan (H.R. 8324).\n\n\"Healthcare costs continue to strain families and small businesses,\" Rep. Burlison said. \"I'm grateful for NFIB's support of the Great American Healthcare Plan. It's time to put Americans back in charge of their healthcare dollars.\"\n\nIn its endorsement, NFIB Principal of Federal Government Relations Tyler Dever said the legislation \"represents an important step toward more affordable healthcare coverage\" and praised the bill for expanding Health Savings Accounts and giving small businesses greater flexibility to offer affordable healthcare coverage.\n\nNFIB also noted that rising health-insurance costs have been the top concern of small-business owners for decades and said the legislation would expand choice, increase flexibility, and put patients in charge of their own healthcare decisions.\n\nRead the NFIB letter of support:\n\nDocument\n\nnfib-letter-of-support.pdf (169.5 KB)", 1, "2026-07-24T07:30:11Z", "2026-07-24T07:31:13Z"], ["https://alford.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1707", "Alford Introduces Bill to Protect Federal Employees During Government Shutdowns", "2026-07-22", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Mark Alford", "A000379", "alford.house.gov", "alford", "https://alford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Ahead of today\u2019s House Appropriations Committee hearing on government shutdowns and the federal funding process, Congressman Mark Alford introduced the Federal Employee Financial Protection Act to protect federal employees from financial harm caused by delayed pay during a lapse in appropriations.\n\nDuring a government shutdown, federal employees can face missed payments and financial uncertainty through no fault of their own. The Federal Employee Financial Protection Act would provide temporary protections by preventing credit reporting agencies from reporting shutdown-related missed payments that could damage a federal employee\u2019s creditworthiness.\n\nThe legislation would also require forbearance and fee waivers on federally backed loans for impacted federal employees during periods of delayed pay.\n\n\u201cFederal employees should not be punished financially because of circumstances outside of their control,\u201d said Rep. Mark Alford. \u201cWhen Washington fails to complete the funding process on time, hardworking federal workers should not be left dealing with lasting consequences. This legislation ensures a temporary disruption in pay does not become a long-term financial burden.\u201d\n\nThe Federal Employee Financial Protection Act would:\n\nPrevent adverse credit reporting tied to missed payments resulting from a shutdown-related pay delay;\n\nRequire temporary forbearance protections for federally backed loans held by impacted federal employees; and\n\nWaive certain fees and penalties associated with delayed payments during a lapse in appropriations.\n\nView the bill here.\n\n\u201cFederal workers show up every day to serve our country, and they should not have to worry about whether a political standoff will harm their financial future,\u201d continued Rep. Alford. \u201cCongress has a responsibility to keep the government funded, and in the meantime, we must make sure our federal workforce is protected.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-23T07:31:02Z", "2026-07-23T07:32:26Z"], ["https://alford.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1708", "Reps Alford and Escobar Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Cut Burdensome Tape and Accelerate Military Construction", "2026-07-22", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Mark Alford", "A000379", "alford.house.gov", "alford", "https://alford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Mark Alford (R-MO), alongside Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (D-TX), introduced the bipartisan Streamlining Military Infrastructure Act, legislation to help the Department of Defense complete minor military construction projects faster, reduce unnecessary delays and make better use of existing partnerships with state and local governments.\n\nMilitary installations across the country rely on timely infrastructure improvements to support servicemembers, strengthen readiness, and maintain mission capabilities. The legislation would examine how the Department of Defense can expand the use of Intergovernmental Support Agreements (IGSAs) to deliver these projects more efficiently and at a lower cost to taxpayers.\n\n\u201cModernizing our military infrastructure doesn\u2019t always require reinventing the wheel \u2014 it requires using the tools we already have in smarter ways,\u201d said Congressman Mark Alford. \u201cThi legislation takes a practical approach to identify where stronger partnerships between military installations and local communities can help complete projects faster, reduce costs, and improve quality of life for our servicemembers. I\u2019m proud to work across the aisle on this commonsense effort to strengthen readiness and ensure taxpayer dollars are being used responsibly.\u201d\n\n\u201cMilitary families and servicemembers deserve the facilities and infrastructure they need without unnecessary delays caused by outdated processes,\u201d said Congresswoman Veronica Escobar. \u201cThis legislation builds on proven partnerships to make military construction more efficient, less costly, and more responsive to the needs of our installations and communities.\u201d\n\nIntergovernmental Support Agreements allow military installations to partner with state and local governments to provide services and support installation needs. The Streamlining Military Infrastructure Act would direct the Department of Defense to assess whether expanding the use of these agreements for certain minor military construction projects could help reduce delays, lower costs, and address infrastructure needs more quickly.\n\nSpecifically, the legislation would:\n\nRequire the Department of Defense to assess the feasibility of using IGSAs for unspecified minor military construction projects;\n\nExamine increasing project thresholds under IGSA authority from $9 million to $18 million for laboratory revitalization projects and from $4 million to $8 million for projects funded through Operation and Maintenance accounts; and\n\nRequire the Department of Defense to identify up to 10 military construction projects that could be eligible to use expanded IGSA authority.\n\nTo view the full bill text, click here.\n\nThe Streamlining Military Infrastructure Act builds on ongoing efforts to improve military readiness, strengthen partnerships with communities surrounding installations, and ensure the Department of Defense can meet infrastructure needs efficiently and effectively.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-23T07:31:02Z", "2026-07-23T07:32:26Z"], ["https://alford.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1709", "Congressman Mark Alford Advances Effort to Ban Congressional Stock Trading, House Passes Stop Insider Trading Act", "2026-07-22", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Mark Alford", "A000379", "alford.house.gov", "alford", "https://alford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Stop Insider Trading Act, marking a significant step forward in efforts to prohibit Members of Congress from trading individual stocks while serving in office.\n\nFor years, Americans have raised concerns about whether lawmakers should be allowed to personally trade stocks while making decisions that directly impact the economy and financial markets.\n\nCongressman Mark Alford has been a leading voice on this issue, introducing the Preventing Elected Leaders from Owning Securities and Investments (PELOSI) Act to establish a stronger ethical standard.\n\nAlford\u2019s proposal was grounded in a straightforward principle: Members of Congress should not be permitted to profit from the same markets they influence through their official duties. His efforts helped elevate the issue in Congress and contributed to broader discussions on restoring public trust and strengthening accountability.\n\nThe Stop Insider Trading Act reflects many of the same principles championed by Congressman Alford. The legislation prohibits Members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children from purchasing individual publicly traded stocks and imposes additional transparency requirements for stock sales.\n\n\u201cPublic service is a privilege, not a pathway to personal profit,\u201d said Congressman Alford. \u201cThe American people deserve confidence that their representatives are making decisions based on what is best for the country, not what benefits their personal portfolios.\u201d\n\nAlford emphasized that the bill represents meaningful progress toward rebuilding trust between Congress and the American people.\n\n\u201cMembers of Congress should be focused on serving the people who sent them here, not managing a stock portfolio,\u201d Alford added. \u201cWhen we hold ourselves to a higher standard, we strengthen faith in our institutions.\u201d\n\nWith House passage secured, the Stop Insider Trading Act now moves to the Senate as lawmakers continue efforts to address concerns surrounding congressional ethics, transparency, and accountability.", 1, "2026-07-23T07:31:02Z", "2026-07-23T07:32:26Z"], ["https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-adopts-burlison-amendment-establishing-uap-disclosure-framework", "House Adopts Burlison Amendment Establishing UAP Disclosure Framework", "2026-07-22", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Eric Burlison", "B001316", "burlison.house.gov", "burlison", "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 The House today adopted Congressman Eric Burlison's (MO-07) Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Disclosure Act as an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act.\n\nIf enacted, the amendment would establish a statutory framework for preserving, reviewing, and publicly disclosing unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) records. It would create a permanent UAP Records Collection at the National Archives, establish an independent UAP Records Review Board, and extend disclosure requirements to covered government contractors. By bolstering in law authorities for carrying out disclosure, it would support President Trump\u2019s Presidential Unsealing and Reporting System for UAP Encounters (PURSUE).\n\n\"The government belongs to the American people,\" Burlison said. \"For too long, UAP records have remained scattered across agencies and outside meaningful oversight. This amendment would create an independent review process to preserve those records, review them, and make them available to the public pursuant to law.\"\n\nThe amendment would require federal agencies to identify, organize, preserve, and transmit covered UAP records to the National Archives under a statutory timeline. It would also establish an independent, Senate-confirmed UAP Records Review Board with subpoena authority to review records, hear testimony, and determine whether information should remain protected under standards established by law.\n\nThe Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act now moves to the Senate for consideration.", 1, "2026-07-23T07:31:02Z", "2026-07-23T07:32:26Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-votes-advance-peace-through-strength-invest-missouri-made", "Wagner Votes to Advance Peace Through Strength, Invest in Missouri-made Defense Production", "2026-07-22", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement after she voted for H.R. 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027:\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s passage of the NDAA is a massive win for Missouri and our national security. The greater St. Louis region is critical to the defense of our nation and to our military strength, and I successfully led initiatives to make sure our Missouri-made programs receive over $12 billion in support. This includes more than $4.9 billion for the new F-47 stealth fighter, $3.6 billion for our F-15s, $1.9 billion for our F/A-18s, $1.3 billion for the MQ-25 drone, and over $360 million for Joint Direct Attack Munitions and Small Diameter Bombs. I was also proud to lead the effort to invest millions of dollars in Mizzou\u2019s MANTIS program, which will support our small businesses and the local defense industrial base in building the F-47. All of these efforts together account for thousands of jobs across our community.\n\n\u201cOur American warfighters put their lives on the line for our freedoms every day, and they deserve to have our full support on the battlefield and here at home. Today\u2019s NDAA invests in the men and women of our armed forces by modernizing our military, expanding defense production capacity, and providing a crucial pay raise for our troops while improving housing, education, and childcare for military families. I will always stand with and support investments in our military and our state, and this legislation will ensure our adversaries will never gain a competitive edge on the battlefield, in no small part due to our Missouri-made capabilities.\u201d\n\nSt. Louis NDAA Initiatives\n\n1. $4.9 for F-47 stealth fighter\n\n2. $3.6 billion for F-15 Eagle\n\n3. $1.9 billion for F/A 18 Super Hornets\n\n4. $1.3 billion for MQ-25 drones\n\n5. $227 million for Joint Direct Attack Munitions\n\n6. $135 million for Small Diameter Bombs\n\n7. $5 million for Mizzou F-47 defense industrial base program", 1, "2026-07-23T07:31:02Z", "2026-07-23T07:32:26Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-votes-ban-congressional-stock-trading", "Wagner Votes to Ban Congressional Stock Trading", "2026-07-22", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement after she voted to ban Congressional stock trading:\n\n\u201cI have neither owned nor traded individual stocks since long before I was elected to Congress, and neither has my husband. Members of Congress should not abuse the public trust by trading stocks and making money off potential insider information they only have because of their jobs.\n\n\u201cFrom day one, I was an original cosponsor and strongly supported this legislation, and I was proud to vote for it today to ban Members of Congress from trading stocks. Serving in Congress is and should be about service to our country, not about getting rich at the expense of your constituents.\n\n\u201cAs your Representative, I am committed to transparently serving your needs and making your life easier and more affordable. I take that commitment seriously, and I will never abuse the trust you have placed in me.\u201d", 1, "2026-07-23T07:31:02Z", "2026-07-23T07:32:26Z"], ["https://alford.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1705", "Congressman Mark Alford Celebrates $34 Million Investment in Kansas City BioHub, Highlights Continued Work to Strengthen America\u2019s Supply Chains", "2026-07-21", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Mark Alford", "A000379", "alford.house.gov", "alford", "https://alford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "KANSAS CITY, MO\u2014Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) celebrated the announcement of a $34 million federal investment through the U.S. Economic Development Administration\u2019s Tech Hubs Program for the Kansas City BioSecure Manufacturing Tech Hub (KC BioHub) \u2014 a major step forward in strengthening America\u2019s biomanufacturing capabilities, creating high-quality jobs, and securing critical supply chains.\n\n\u201cThis has been a long time coming. Back in 2024, we started making the case for KC BioHub and put in the work to see it through\u2014including leading a letter advocating for federal support because I believed Kansas City has what it takes to lead in biomanufacturing and strengthen America\u2019s supply chains. This $34 million investment is the result of strong partnerships and steady, consistent effort to get this done.\n\nNow we build on that progress, continuing this work in the months ahead and advancing legislation this fall to strengthen our critical manufacturing supply chains,\u201d said Congressman Mark Alford.\n\nThis is not the finish line \u2014 it is the next step. Congressman Mark Alford will continue working with regional partners, industry leaders, and federal agencies to expand opportunities for American manufacturing, grow our workforce, and ensure Kansas City remains a leader in biotechnology and biomanufacturing.\n\nThe award builds on years of collaboration and advocacy from regional leaders, businesses, researchers, and elected officials. In 2024, Congressman Alford submitted a letter of support to the U.S. Economic Development Administration advocating for KC BioHub\u2019s Phase II Tech Hubs application.\n\nIn that letter, Congressman Alford highlighted the importance of strengthening domestic supply chains, particularly in animal health and biologics, noting that \u201cFood Security is National Security\u201d and emphasizing the need to reduce America\u2019s dependence on foreign sources for critical technologies and supplies.\n\nThe KC BioHub brings together businesses, research institutions, healthcare organizations, workforce partners, and government leaders to position the Kansas City region as a global hub for biologics manufacturing, medical innovation, and advanced manufacturing.\n\nThe $34 million investment will help accelerate the growth of the region\u2019s biotechnology ecosystem, support workforce development, attract additional private investment, and strengthen domestic production of critical medical technologies.\n\nCongressman Alford remains committed to advancing policies that bring more manufacturing back to America, protect national security, and create new economic opportunities for workers across the region.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-22T07:34:13Z", "2026-07-22T07:35:16Z"], ["https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-onders-chloe-cole-act-advances-out-house-judiciary-committee", "Congressman Onder\u2019s Chloe Cole Act Advances Out of House Judiciary Committee", "2026-07-20", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Robert F. Onder, Jr.", "O000177", "onder.house.gov", "onder", "https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nJuly 20, 2026\n\nContact: Brooke Morgan\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Bob Onder (R-MO) issued the following statement after his bill, H.R. 7651, the Chloe Cole Act, which was transmitted to Congress by the Department of Justice, advanced through the House Judiciary Committee and now awaits consideration for a vote on the House floor.\n\nThe legislation strengthens legal protections for minors, ensures accountability within the medical system, and provides an avenue for individuals and families to pursue justice where harm has occurred under the guise of so-called \u201cgender affirming care.\u201d\n\n\"It is unacceptable that politics and woke ideology have been allowed to override sound medical judgment, leaving vulnerable children to undergo irreversible procedures without a comprehensive psychological evaluation, treatment of underlying mental health conditions, or truly informed parental consent. Children deserve medical care grounded in scientific evidence, not experimental interventions driven by biased agendas. The Chloe Cole Act would allow families to hold clinics and hospitals accountable and ensure victims have adequate time to seek justice. This legislation is urgently needed, and I am proud that the House Judiciary Committee has advanced this critical bill so we can continue fighting to protect children and hold those who harmed them accountable.\" \u2014 Congressman Bob Onder\n\n\u201cWhile we\u2019ve made significant strides in raising awareness and enacting protections in recent years, the fight is far from over. Too many children remain at risk of irreversible harm from puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgical procedures pushed on them before they can fully understand the consequences. The Chloe Cole Act advancing out of Judiciary Committee is a vital step in our mission to ensure that no minor in America ever endures the kind of lasting, irreparable damage I experienced. We must finish what we\u2019ve started and safeguard the next generation from these experimental and barbaric treatments.\u201d \u2014 Chloe Cole\n\n\u201cThe Department of Justice has been proud to work with Rep. Bob Onder on the Chloe Cole Act. This bill takes a necessary step towards restoring justice and protecting children from harm by giving victims of so-called \u201cgender affirming\u201d procedures the ability to have their day in court. We hope to see Congress move this vital legislation forward.\u201d \u2014 Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche\n\n\u201cI applaud Rep. Onder\u2019s leadership on guiding the Chloe Cole Act through our committee. This crucial bill will protect vulnerable children.\u201d\u2014 House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH)\n\nClickHERE to read statements from organizations supporting the legislation.\n\nChloe\u2019s Story\n\nThis legislation is inspired by courageous young women like Chloe Cole. At just 15 years old, Chloe underwent a double mastectomy. By age 16, she deeply regretted it. In 2023, she testified before the House Judiciary Committee, describing her experience as part of \u201cone of the biggest medical scandals in the history of the United States of America.\u201d\n\nChloe is one of thousands of children who have been harmed and misled by medical practitioners who prioritize ideological beliefs over patient care. These children are left with irreversible consequences, including sterilization, permanent scarring, and lifelong emotional and physical burdens, while activists and hospitals profit from their suffering.\n\nChloe\u2019s story is not isolated\u2014it is a warning. Children deserve careful, evidence-based care grounded in sound science, not irreversible medical experimentation driven by politics.\n\nBackground Information\n\nThe widespread use of puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and sex-trait altering surgeries on children presenting with gender dysphoria is not grounded in sound science or supported by high-quality, peer-reviewed research. That is why multiple European countries, including Sweden, Finland, and England, have reversed course and restricted these interventions for minors after concluding they cause more harm than good.\n\nThe physical risks are also significant and permanent. Long-term use of puberty blockers in otherwise healthy children can cause splintered bones and osteoporosis. When followed by cross-sex hormones, children can become permanently infertile and face increased risks of cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders. The evidence shows serious, lifelong harm with little demonstrated psychological benefit.\n\nClaims that these medical interventions reduce suicidality or resolve gender dysphoria largely rest on a single, deeply flawed study that has never been successfully replicated. That study selectively excluded patients with poor outcomes, including at least one participant who died. A 2022 follow-up study of the same cohort revealed troubling results:\n\n\u2022 44% of females and 35% of males regretted the loss of their fertility\n\n\u2022 20% reported a change in their gender identity over time\n\nThese findings, paired with extensive medical research with similar findings, directly contradict the assertion that these interventions reliably improve long-term psychological well-being.\n\nIn February 2026, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Medical Association reversed their previous positions on transgender surgeries for minors, citing insufficient evidence to recommend surgeries for individuals under age 19.\n\nThe Chloe Cole Act would:\n\n\u2022 Protect minors from medical transgender interventions\u2014including puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, or surgical procedures\u2014by placing full liability on clinics and hospitals;\n\n\u2022 Establish a private right of action, allowing affected individuals and their families to pursue civil damages, including detransition medical expenses and damages for emotional distress, pain and suffering;\n\n\u2022 Provide a lengthy statute of limitations to ensure individuals have sufficient time to seek legal recourse.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"], ["https://alford.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1703", "Rep. Mark Alford Applauds NSF\u2019s $160 Million Kansas City Award Following His Push and Letter of Support", "2026-07-17", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Mark Alford", "A000379", "alford.house.gov", "alford", "https://alford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Mark Alford applauds the National Science Foundation\u2019s (NSF) decision to award the University of Missouri-Kansas City-led Critical Materials Crossroads Engine up to $160 million in federal funding, following bipartisan advocacy efforts including a letter of support he sent to help secure the investment.\n\nRep. Alford joined colleagues in urging NSF to select the Kansas City region, highlighting its strong workforce, infrastructure and leadership in advanced manufacturing and research.\n\n\u201cThis is a big win for Missouri\u2019s Fourth District and for America\u2019s future,\u201d said Mark Alford. \u201cRebuilding our domestic supply chains for critical materials strengthens our national security, supports energy independence and drives economic growth. I was proud to send a letter supporting this effort, and I\u2019m glad to see that work deliver real results for Missouri.\u201d\n\nThe Critical Materials Crossroads Engine, led by the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), brings together more than 260 partners across higher education, industry, government and workforce organizations. The initiative aims to expand domestic production of materials essential to modern technologies, including semiconductors, batteries, aerospace components and medical devices.\n\nThe investment positions the Greater Kansas City region as a national hub for critical materials innovation, commercialization and workforce development. According to regional estimates, the effort could create approximately 10,000 jobs by 2036 and generate up to $40 billion in economic output.\n\n\u201cThis investment reinforces that the Heartland has the workforce, infrastructure and expertise to lead in rebuilding America\u2019s industrial base,\u201d Alford added.\n\n\u201cKansas City is uniquely positioned to drive innovation and ensure the United States is no longer dependent on foreign adversaries for the materials that power our economy and national defense.\u201d\n\nThe award includes an initial $15 million over two years, with the potential to grow to $160 million over the next decade if key milestones are met.\n\nThe NSF Regional Innovation Engines program supports cross-sector partnerships to accelerate critical technologies, strengthen regional economies and maintain U.S. leadership in innovation.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "2026-07-18T07:31:57Z"], ["https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-burlison-secures-stronger-protections-table-rock-lake-homeowners-wrda-2026", "Rep. Burlison Secures Stronger Protections for Table Rock Lake Homeowners in WRDA 2026", "2026-07-16", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Eric Burlison", "B001316", "burlison.house.gov", "burlison", "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Congressman Eric Burlison (MO-07) today announced that the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026, including provisions he secured to help resolve longstanding property issues affecting homeowners around Table Rock Lake.\n\nFor years, some property owners have faced uncertainty stemming from decades-old property-line issues involving land managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. After Congress attempted to resolve the issue in the last WRDA, the Corps adopted an interpretation contrary to legislative intent, resulting in sustained issues for homeowners on Table Rock Lake. As a result, Burlison began working with Corps leadership under the Trump administration and Transportation and Infrastructure Committee leaders to strengthen the law and provide clearer statutory direction for the Corps. The updated language is intended to provide a durable framework for resolving those longstanding cases while preserving the integrity of Table Rock Lake.\n\n\"This has been an issue for years, and I'm grateful we were able to bring everyone to the table to find the right solution,\" said Rep. Burlison. \"I appreciate everyone who worked in good faith to strengthen this language. I believe it provides the clarity needed to move forward and the certainty homeowners have been waiting for.\"\n\nBurlison thanked Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves and Ranking Member Rick Larsen, Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Mike Collins, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Adam Telle, Lieutenant General William H. Graham Jr., Major General Kimberly Peeples Walter, and the many homeowners and local stakeholders whose persistence helped make the legislation possible.", 1, "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"], ["https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases/committee-advances-rep-onders-bill-transfer-ccampis-administration-hhs", "Committee Advances Rep. Onder\u2019s Bill to Transfer CCAMPIS Administration to HHS", "2026-07-16", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Robert F. Onder, Jr.", "O000177", "onder.house.gov", "onder", "https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nJuly 16, 2026\n\nContact: Brooke Morgan\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Representative Bob Onder (R-MO) issued the following statement after his bill, the Less Bureaucracy, Better Child Care for Student Parents Act, advanced out of the House Education & Workforce Committee.\n\nThis legislation transfers the day-to-day administrative responsibilities of the Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) program from the Department of Education\u2019s (ED) Office of Postsecondary Education to the Administration for Children and Families within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a broader legislative package to codify recent interagency agreements between the Department of Education and various federal agencies.\n\n\"Every student deserves access to a quality education, and decisions that affect school funding can have a significant impact on the educational experience. Right now, too much funding allocated to the Department of Education is diverted to administrative costs instead of directly supporting students' education. As a member of the House Education and Workforce Committee, I am proud to be on the front lines of advancing President Trump's goal of depowering the Department of Education and returning education decisions to state and local governments. Today, my bill, as part of a broader legislative package, passed out of committee, and my colleagues and I are one step closer to reducing unnecessary bureaucracy and ensuring American families receive the resources they need,\" said Representative Bob Onder.\n\nFollowing the markup, Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI) said: \u201cFor too long, Washington has accepted outcomes that should be unacceptable. Too many children can\u2019t read or do math at grade level. Too many students leave college without a degree or the skills they need to succeed. And the federal government has mismanaged a $1.7 trillion student loan portfolio, leaving more than 9 million borrowers in default. The question before the Committee today was simple: do we defend the bureaucracy that produced those results, or do we pursue reforms that put students, families, and workers first? Committee Republicans chose reform because we believe every American deserves the opportunity to succeed.\u201d\n\nBackground Information\n\nThe Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) program provides grants to colleges and universities to help low-income student parents access affordable, campus-based child care while pursuing postsecondary education.\n\nIn 2026, the Department of Education (ED) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) entered into an interagency agreement to transfer the administration of CCAMPIS from the ED to HHS. HHS already oversees some of the federal government\u2019s largest child care programs, including Head Start.\n\nBecause child care programs are currently being administered across multiple federal agencies, states and institutions must navigate duplicative administrative processes and reporting requirements. Transferring CCAMPIS administration to HHS will help reduce unnecessary administrative burdens, improve coordination among federal child care programs, and ensure resources are more effectively directed toward supporting low-income student parents and their families.\n\nRep. Onder's legislation builds on this broader effort by permanently transferring administration of the CCAMPIS program to HHS. By placing the program within the federal agency primarily responsible for child care programs, the legislation would reduce duplicative administrative functions, improve efficiency and accountability, and help ensure that more federal resources are directed toward supporting low-income student parents and their families.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"], ["https://alford.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1700", "Alford Highlights America First Wins in House-Passed FY27 National Security Appropriations Bill", "2026-07-15", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Mark Alford", "A000379", "alford.house.gov", "alford", "https://alford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC\u2014 Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the National Security, State Department, and Related Programs (NSRP) funding bill for fiscal year 2027.\n\n\u201cThis FY2027 National Security, State Department, and Related Programs bill advances President Trump\u2019s America First agenda,\u201d said Congressman Alford. \u201cWe\u2019re cutting spending $2.69 billion below last year\u2019s level while delivering robust support for key allies like Israel and Taiwan and holding adversaries like Communist China and Iran accountable. This legislation prioritizes fiscal responsibility, protects American taxpayer dollars, promotes self-sufficiency in foreign assistance, and ensures our foreign policy strengthens U.S. national security.\u201d\n\nCongressman Alford secured several priorities in the NSRP funding bill, including:\n\nCutting all federal funding for the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) to ensure American taxpayers are not bankrolling left-wing content that undermines our national interest, while creating new global broadcasting programs under the direct oversight of the State Department.\n\nLanguage to ensure more foreign assistance provided by American taxpayers is Made in America by strengthening domestic procurement requirements.\n\nProvisions to advance President Trump\u2019s America First Health Policy to ensure partner nations are increasing their cost-sharing.\n\nProvisions to ensure timely processing of visas and passports associated with the upcoming World Cup, which Kansas City will host this summer.\n\nAppropriate funding of National Security Investment Programs under the State Department to ensure that all foreign assistance is supporting national security\u2014not woke projects overseas.\n\nProvisions urging the State Department to ensure that American defense manufacturing remains dominant and prevent foreign entities from undermining our defense industrial base.\n\nA summary of the bill is available here.\n\nBill text is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/transportation-committee-unanimously-approves-graves-water-resources-bill", "Transportation Committee Unanimously Approves Graves' Water Resources Bill", "2026-07-15", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee today unanimously approved H.R. 9497, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026, which was introduced by Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (MO-06). The bipartisan bill addresses improvements for the nation\u2019s ports and harbors, inland waterway navigation system, flood and storm risk management, environment, and other aspects of our water resources infrastructure.\n\nCommunities nationwide and the U.S. economy rely on WRDA-authorized investments in water resources infrastructure and projects of the United States Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). Since 2014, Congress has enacted a WRDA every two years to help improve water resources infrastructure. WRDA-authorized projects of the Corps are locally-driven projects that deliver regional and national benefits.\n\n\u201cNot only does WRDA 2026 help build and maintain safe and reliable waterways, flood protection, and other water infrastructure for our country, it streamlines Army Corps of Engineers\u2019 processes, provides reforms to improve project delivery, and empowers local stakeholders,\u201d said Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO). \u201cFor North Missouri in particular, WRDA 2026 advances a comprehensive flood control plan on the Missouri River, ensuring that people and property are the main priority when managing the river. It also expands the ways our levee owners can work with the Corps to build flood risk management infrastructure and provides necessary, streamlined assistance to levee districts facing maintenance challenges. It also strengthens my state\u2019s representation in Missouri River basin management. I want to thank the other chief sponsors of this bill \u2013 T&I Ranking Member Rick Larsen, Subcommittee Chairman Mike Collins, and Subcommittee Ranking Member Frederica Wilson \u2013 for their work on this bill, and I look forward to moving it through the House of Representatives.\u201d\n\nAs approved by the Committee today, WRDA 2026 authorizes 133 new feasibility studies for locally proposed water resources infrastructure projects and 14 projects that have been vetted by the Corps and are ready for construction authorization by Congress.\n\nIn addition, WRDA 2026 includes various policy changes to improve infrastructure project delivery. These include strengthening and reauthorizing alternative project delivery programs, emphasizing non-federal interests\u2019 input for feasibility studies, and helping ensure non-federal interests can find the right Corps resources to get projects off the ground.\n\nThe bill improves the partnership between the Corps and non-federal interests by establishing offices with expertise on inland navigation, alternative delivery, water supply, and technical assistance. Policies in this bill will improve non-federal interests\u2019 ability to obtain valuable technical assistance and to fund construction more quickly, as well as to encourage the Corps to increase use of multi-year contracts.\n\nWRDA 2026 provisions will better support the Corps\u2019 navigation mission, improve the Corps\u2019 accountability to Congress, strengthen flood and coastal storm risk management, and address dam safety through the reauthorization of the High Hazard Potential Dam program under the Federal Emergency Management Agency\u2019s (FEMA\u2019s) National Dam Safety Program.\n\nWins for North Missouri:\n\nStreamlines the Corps of Engineers\u2019 process so local partners can more easily make needed improvements to federal water projects.\n\nProtects the Missouri River by ensuring its waters cannot be diverted out of the basin to Western states without the Governor\u2019s approval.\n\nDirects the Corps to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to slow the buildup of sediment in the largest reservoir system in the country, the Missouri River Reservoir System, preserving the storage capacity necessary to protect communities from flooding and support navigation.\n\nImplements a comprehensive flood protection plan on the Lower Missouri River that puts local levee districts and communities in the drivers seat to move new flood control projects forward with help from the Corps.\n\nEnsures members of the Missouri River Recovery Implementation Committee (MRRIC) elect their own chair, giving navigators, levee districts, communities, and other stakeholders a stronger voice in the committee.\n\nEnsures Mississippi River communities and levee districts aren\u2019t hit with devastating new bureaucratic requirements until the Corps comes up with a workable plan to protect communities from flooding.\n\nAuthorizes a nationwide review of the inland waterways to identify ways to modernize and strengthen them for the future.\n\nEncourages the Corps to clearly communicate what land rights local interests actually need to maintain flood protection projects.\n\nClick here for legislative text and here for a summary of WRDA 2026.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"], ["https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/burlison-leads-roundtable-strategic-competition-china", "Burlison Leads Roundtable on Strategic Competition with China", "2026-07-14", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Eric Burlison", "B001316", "burlison.house.gov", "burlison", "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs Chairman Eric Burlison (R-Mo.) delivered opening remarks at today\u2019s roundtable titled \u201cWinning the Economic Competition with China: Working Families, the AI Race, and Energy.\u201d In his remarks, Subcommittee Chairman Burlison highlighted China\u2019s push to control key global industries like critical minerals processing, shipbuilding, AI development, pharmaceutical supplies, and other manufacturing in order to seize economic dominance over the rest of the world and undermine American leadership. He also noted that the Working Families Tax Cut Act stopped China from benefiting from American tax provisions and can be a key tool in maintaining the U.S.\u2019s leadership on the world stage.\n\nWATCH: Rep. Burlison's Opening Remarks\n\nBelow are Subcommittee Chairman Burlison\u2019s remarks as prepared for delivery:\n\nGood afternoon.\n\nI want to welcome everyone to this roundtable hosted by the Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs.\n\nToday, we will be discussing the United States\u2019 strategic economic competition with China, and how H.R. 1, the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, reverses misguided policies championed by Democrats and strengthens our position to win.\n\nJust over two weeks ago, our great nation celebrated 250 years since our Founding Fathers declared independence from Great Britain.\n\nAt the time, that mighty empire sought to grow its economic might at the expense of our peoples\u2019 rights and liberty.\n\n250 years later, the United States is the most powerful nation the world has ever known.\n\nThroughout our history, we have faced significant threats from nations who opposed our liberty and threatened our economic prosperity.\n\nToday, we face such a threat yet again, from the People\u2019s Republic of China and the Chinese Communist Party dictatorship that leads it.\n\nWhile China seeks to cast itself as a traditional economic competitor, it is unlike any adversary we have ever faced.\n\nQuite simply, its ambition is to reshape and dominate the global economy and international order of the 21st Century.\n\nChina \u2014 through massive government subsidization, strategic central planning, and rampant violation of rules other nations respect \u2014 now controls key chokepoint industries, such as critical minerals processing, shipbuilding, pharmaceuticals supply, and other essential manufacturing sectors.\n\nAs part of undermining American AI development, China is funding nonprofits in the U.S. and spreading propaganda to impede data center construction and energy projects.\n\nWe are even hearing reports of China-linked groups using American AI to spread misleading anti-data center content.\n\nTheir intent is clear.\n\nChina will use any means to undermine American AI and other key American industries so that they, not the United States, will lead the world\u2019s future.\n\nBoth abroad and in the U.S., China has been dumping \u201cgreen\u201d energy products such as solar panels to create both a supply chain dependency and a backdoor risk to our electric grid security.\n\nThe Biden Administration\u2019s and congressional Democrats\u2019 misguided Inflation Reduction Act played into China\u2019s hands, greatly expanding tax credits for wind and solar energy, with the ultimate aim of phasing out American fossil fuels.\n\nChina quickly exploited these tax credits, setting up factories in the U.S. to build their solar panels here.\n\nTo compete with and win against China in these key areas, the U.S. economy needs firm legislative support.\n\nWith the passage of H.R. 1, the Working Families Tax Cuts Act \u2014 also known as the WFTCA \u2014 on July 4, 2025, Republicans ended the Biden-era climate slush fund and provided key support to the U.S. economy.\n\nThe WFTCA stopped China from benefiting from our tax provisions, prohibiting Foreign Entities of Concern from eligibility.\n\nThe bill included key provisions to support expansion of our reliable domestic fossil fuel production, bolstering American energy dominance.\n\nThe bill also provided $7.5 billion to expand the United States\u2019 domestic critical minerals capacity, which is essential for the development of American AI, semiconductors and more.\n\nChina has been aggressively accelerating its shipbuilding, leveraging its critical minerals chokehold, and taking punitive measures against American businesses.\n\nWFTCA has strengthened our hand against China, directly addressing many of these concerns.\n\nBut we have more we must do.\n\nOur Founding Fathers understood that people are endowed by God with unalienable rights, and that government derives its power from the consent of the governed.\n\nThe Chinese Communist Party, however, views individual rights as granted by and subordinate to the will of the party.\n\nIf the United States loses its economic competition with China, the Chinese Communist Party will leverage its economic victory to impose that ideology of oppression upon the world.\n\nIn the face of this, competing alone is not enough.\n\nWe must win.\n\nToday I hope we can discuss how the WFTCA strengthens our position against China, and how we can build on its success to win the battle for the future.", 1, "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"], ["https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-onder-introduces-legislation-transfer-ccampis-administration-hhs", "Rep. Onder Introduces Legislation to Transfer CCAMPIS Administration to HHS", "2026-07-10", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Robert F. Onder, Jr.", "O000177", "onder.house.gov", "onder", "https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nJuly 10, 2026\n\nContact: Brooke Morgan\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 This week, Representative Bob Onder (R-MO) introduced legislation to transfer the day-to-day administrative responsibilities of the Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) program from the Department of Education\u2019s Office of Postsecondary Education to the Administration for Children and Families within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).\n\nThe Less Bureaucracy, Better Child Care for Student Parents Act, is one of ten bills included in a broader legislative package to codify recent interagency agreements between the Department of Education and various federal agencies. Collectively, the package is designed to reduce bureaucratic barriers, eliminate duplicative processes, and improve the delivery of certain services and resources.\n\n\"Every student deserves access to a quality education, and decisions that affect school funding can have a significant impact on the educational experience. Right now, too much funding allocated to the Department of Education is diverted to administrative costs instead of directly supporting students\u2019 education. As a member of the House Education and Workforce Committee, I am proud to be on the front lines of helping advance President Trump\u2019s goal of depowering the Department of Education and returning education decisions to state and local governments. My colleagues and I are advancing this legislative package to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and ensure American families receive the resources they need,\" said Congressman Bob Onder.\n\nChairman Walberg said: \"For decades, Washington has measured success by how much government grows instead of how well students do. The legislative package reflects a simple principle: education policy should be focused on helping students succeed\u2014not preserving a federal bureaucracy for its own sake. Rather than allowing unnecessary layers of Washington bureaucracy to stand between families and the services they rely on, the bills would transfer key statutory authorities to agencies better equipped to carry them out while maintaining continuity for students.\u201d\n\nBackground Information\n\nThe Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) program provides grants to colleges and universities to help low-income student parents access affordable, campus-based child care while pursuing postsecondary education.\n\nIn 2026, the Department of Education (ED) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) entered into an interagency agreement to transfer the administration of CCAMPIS from the ED to HHS. HHS already oversees some of the federal government\u2019s largest child care programs, including Head Start.\n\nBecause child care programs are currently being administered across multiple federal agencies, states and institutions must navigate duplicative administrative processes and reporting requirements. Transferring CCAMPIS administration to HHS will help reduce unnecessary administrative burdens, improve coordination among federal child care programs, and ensure resources are more effectively directed toward supporting low-income student parents and their families.\n\nRep. Onder's legislation builds on this broader effort by permanently transferring administration of the CCAMPIS program to HHS. By placing the program within the federal agency primarily responsible for child care programs, the legislation would reduce duplicative administrative functions, improve efficiency and accountability, and help ensure that more federal resources are directed toward supporting low-income student parents and their families.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"], ["https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/burlison-announces-roundtable-strategic-competition-china", "Burlison Announces Roundtable on Strategic Competition with China", "2026-07-08", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Eric Burlison", "B001316", "burlison.house.gov", "burlison", "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs Chairman Eric Burlison (R-Mo.) announced a roundtable on \u201cWinning the Economic Competition with China: Working Families, the AI Race, and Energy.\u201d China has been increasingly leveraging threats against American energy dominance and economic strength to boost their own competitiveness. During the roundtable, members will examine the competition between the United States and China on AI, manufacturing, and energy and how the Working Families Tax Cuts Act (WFTCA) has made the U.S. more competitive. Members will also review China\u2019s asymmetrical and unconventional means of competing with the U.S. and the importance of maintaining American dominance.\n\n\u201cChina has long sought to undermine American competitiveness in economics, manufacturing, and artificial intelligence by stealing American intellectual property, leveraging critical minerals, and controlling pharmaceutical supply chains. Congress must not allow the U.S. to fall behind China and risk losing our leadership and dominance in the global arena. I look forward to hearing from participants on how the WFTCA can better position the U.S. to counter China\u2019s efforts and strengthen national security,\u201d said Subcommittee Chairman Burlison.\n\nWHAT: \u201cWinning the Economic Competition with China: Working Families, the AI Race, and Energy\u201d\n\nDATE: Tuesday, July 14, 2026\n\nTIME: 1:00p.m. CT\n\nLOCATION: 2154 Rayburn House Office Building\n\nWITNESSES:\n\nThe Honorable Joshua Hodges, Commissioner, U.S.\u2013\u2013China Economic and Security Review Commission\n\nMr. Piero Tozzi, Senior Director for China Policy, America First Policy Institute\n\nDr. Glenn Tiffert, Distinguished Research Fellow, Hoover Institution\n\nMr. Alex Epstein, President and Founder, Center for Industrial Progress", 1, "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"], ["https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/burlison-presses-cia-and-fbi-records-related-1996-brazil-uap-incident", "Burlison Presses CIA and FBI for Records Related to 1996 Brazil UAP Incident", "2026-07-08", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Eric Burlison", "B001316", "burlison.house.gov", "burlison", "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Eric Burlison (R-MO), a member of the Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets, sent letters to Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director John Ratcliffe and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel requesting an accounting of U.S. government records and potential investigative equities related to the January 1996 Varginha/Campinas, Brazil unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) incident.\n\nWhile the letters do not ask the CIA or FBI to validate any particular public claim, recent public statements attributed to former Brazilian Defense Minister Aldo Rebelo concerning the 1996 Varginha case underscore the need for Congress to determine whether U.S. government records, flight records, liaison reporting, contractor records, or material-transfer documentation exist\u2014and whether any continued restriction of those records remains legally justified.\n\nThe CIA letter requests that the agency review and produce to Congress records responsive to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Reference No. F-2023-00442, which sought records concerning U.S. government flights, transfers of materials, and coordination with Brazilian authorities during the period of January 14, 1996, through January 28, 1996, including activity in or near Campinas, S\u00e3o Paulo State, Brazil. In its January 10, 2025, response to that private FOIA request, the CIA neither confirmed nor denied the existence of responsive records, citing FOIA exemptions (b)(1) and (b)(3).\n\nThe FBI letter requests that the bureau determine whether investigative equities exist, preserve relevant records, conduct appropriate records searches, and provide Congress with a briefing concerning whether it possesses records, legal attach\u00e9 reporting, domestic investigative equities, or information involving U.S.-government personnel, U.S. persons, federal contractors, U.S.-registered aircraft, or other federal interests connected to the same matter.\n\nRep. Burlison has previously requested that federally funded research and development centers, including MITRE and MIT Lincoln Laboratory, identify and preserve legacy UAP-related records. These letters to the CIA and FBI apply the same basic principle to a decades-old international incident that agencies and contractors should not be able to place historically significant records beyond congressional review through classification, contract structures, mis-indexing, or custody transfers.", 1, "2026-07-09T08:24:13Z", "2026-07-09T08:26:05Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-announces-93-million-build-grant-sullivan-county-and-city-milan", "Graves Announces $9.3 Million BUILD Grant for Sullivan County and the City of Milan", "2026-07-06", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06), Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, announced that Sullivan County and the City of Milan has received a $9.3 million BUILD (Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development) Grant to improve their infrastructure.\n\nThe $9,369,473 grant will fund a full reconstruction of Grand Avenue and improvements along the Market Street and 3rd Street connection. The project will strengthen connections between the new Sullivan County Memorial Hospital, Milan C-2 School District campus, downtown square, and other major employers.\n\n\u201cThese much-needed infrastructure improvements in Milan are critical to the future of the community,\u201d Graves said. \u201cThis BUILD grant will help provide safe access for the new hospital, as well as the school district and other employers and businesses. Congratulations to the City of Milan, Sullivan County, and all the folks who have worked hard to secure this grant. I\u2019m grateful to President Trump and Secretary Duffy for awarding this funding and working with me to make major infrastructure improvements in rural North Missouri.\u201d\n\nThe project will include milling, striping, overlay, and the installation of medians, stormwater systems, and ADA-compliant traffic controls as well as the construction of sidewalks, water and sewer line relocations, and roadway capacity enhancements.", 1, "2026-07-07T08:20:12Z", "2026-07-07T08:22:09Z"], ["https://alford.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1682", "Rep. Mark Alford Announces $18 Million Federal BUILD Grant for Belton Infrastructure Project", "2026-07-02", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Mark Alford", "A000379", "alford.house.gov", "alford", "https://alford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) announced that the City of Belton has been awarded an $18 million federal BUILD grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to support the \u201cBelton to AMERICA\u201d infrastructure project.\n\nEarlier this year, Rep. Alford wrote a letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation expressing his strong support for the project and highlighting its importance to regional infrastructure, economic growth, and job creation.\n\nThe funding will be used to construct a critical last-mile, multi-modal freight connection linking the Kansas City Inland Port to the interstate highway system. The project includes completion of the Markey Parkway and Bales Avenue connections and will enhance freight mobility, improve safety, and strengthen the region\u2019s economic competitiveness.\n\n\u201cI was proud to support this project because it delivers exactly what our region needs\u2014stronger infrastructure, safer transportation, and more good-paying jobs,\u201d said Rep. Alford. \u201cThis investment will help position Belton and the entire Kansas City region as a national logistics hub while supporting American manufacturing and economic growth.\u201d\n\nThe project is expected to improve freight efficiency and expand access to markets, allowing goods to reach nearly half of the U.S. population within one day. It will also support future industrial development and job creation in the area, particularly at the Markey Business Park.\n\n\u201cWe are so proud and excited to receive this grant,\u201d said Greg Rokos, Assistant City Manager and Public Works Director.\u201cWe will use these funds to provide access to Markey Business Park that will help increase jobs in the City.\u201d\n\nIn addition to freight improvements, the project includes multimodal enhancements such as a multi-use trail and sidewalk to ensure safer access for pedestrians and cyclists.\n\n\u201cThis is a big win for Missouri\u2019s Fourth District. I look forward to seeing this project move forward and deliver lasting benefits for our communities,\u201d Alford concluded.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"], ["https://alford.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1684", "Alford Leads Missouri Delegation in Urging Transparency and Continued Investment in Fort Leonard Wood\u2019s Critical Training Mission", "2026-07-02", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Mark Alford", "A000379", "alford.house.gov", "alford", "https://alford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 This week, U.S. Congressman Mark Alford announced he and members of the Missouri Congressional Delegation have sent a formal letter to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll seeking clarity and transparency regarding any internal proposals that could affect the future of Basic Combat Training (BCT) at Fort Leonard Wood.\n\nThe delegation emphasized that while it strongly supports Army modernization and force optimization efforts, that any changes affecting foundational training missions must be deliberate, fully vetted, and aligned with long-term readiness goals.\n\n\u201cFort Leonard Wood is not just a Missouri installation\u2014it is a national asset that underpins the Army\u2019s ability to train and deploy a ready fighting force,\u201d said Congressman Alford. \u201cWe fully support efforts to strengthen and modernize the Army, but that must include growing and sustaining the training footprint that produces the engineers, military police, and CBRN specialists our military depends on.\u201d\n\nAlford also underscored concerns that incremental personnel or mission shifts could, without proper oversight, effectively alter the installation\u2019s role without congressional review.\n\n\u201cThere must be full transparency with Congress when it comes to decisions of this magnitude. Any proposal that impacts Basic Combat Training at Fort Leonard Wood must be evaluated openly, with clear analysis of readiness, cost, and long-term training capacity to ensure we are strengthening\u2014not weakening\u2014the Army\u2019s ability to fight and win,\u201d concluded Alford.\n\nThe letter requests a detailed briefing from the Department of the Army and the Office of the Secretary of War regarding any ongoing assessments, including impacts on readiness, infrastructure investment, military construction needs, recruiting pipelines, and community effects.\n\nThe delegation reiterated its commitment to ensuring that Missouri remains a central hub for military training excellence and that Fort Leonard Wood continues to play a growing role in supporting Army readiness in the years ahead.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"], ["https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/burlison-moskowitz-launch-bipartisan-congressional-firework-caucus-ahead", "Burlison, Moskowitz Launch Bipartisan Congressional Firework Caucus Ahead of America's 250th Birthday", "2026-07-02", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Eric Burlison", "B001316", "burlison.house.gov", "burlison", "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Reps. Eric Burlison (MO-07) and Jared Moskowitz (FL-23) today announced the launch of the bipartisan Congressional Firework Caucus, dedicated to supporting the U.S. fireworks industry and preserving the longstanding tradition of fireworks as part of America's heritage.\n\n\"As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, it's the perfect time to recognize a tradition that has been part of our nation's story since the beginning,\" said Rep. Burlison. \"Fireworks bring Americans together every Fourth of July, support small businesses across the country, and remind us that freedom is worth celebrating.\"\n\n\"Everyone loves a firework celebration. They bring people together and bring joy to millions across America. Fireworks have been part of how Americans celebrate our country's biggest moments for generations, and America250 should be no different,\u201d said Rep. Moskowitz.\n\nCoinciding with the launch of the Congressional Firework Caucus, Rep. Burlison introduced a House resolution recognizing July as National Fireworks Month in celebration of America's 250th birthday. The resolution highlights the historic role fireworks have played in Independence Day celebrations and encourages communities across the country to commemorate the nation's semiquincentennial.\n\nOrganization Support\n\nStacy Schneitter-Blake, President, National Fireworks Foundation\n\n\u201cOn behalf of the National Fireworks Association, the industry\u2019s largest trade association, we extend our sincere appreciation to Congressman Eric Burlison and Congressman Jared Moskowitz for serving as the founding co-chairs of the bipartisan Fireworks Caucus. Their leadership demonstrates an understanding of the important role fireworks play in our nation's celebrations, economy, and heritage.\n\nThe Congressional Fireworks Caucus will serve as a dedicated forum for members of Congress to learn about the fireworks industry, the businesses, and families it supports, and the important role fireworks continue to play in America's traditions and celebrations.\u201d\n\nJulie L. Heckman, Executive Director, American Pyrotechnics Association\n\n\"The American Pyrotechnics Association applauds Congressmen Eric Burlison and Jared Moskowitz for launching the bipartisan Congressional Fireworks Caucus and recognizing the important role the fireworks industry plays in communities across the nation. Fireworks are a cherished part of America's heritage, bringing families and communities together to celebrate our nation's most meaningful traditions and milestones.\n\nThe formation of this bipartisan caucus reflects what fireworks have always represented\u2014bringing Americans together in celebration of our shared history, our local communities, and the enduring spirit that has defined our nation for 250 years.\n\nThe Congressional Fireworks Caucus will provide Members of Congress with an opportunity to learn more about an industry that supports thousands of American jobs, contributes significantly to local economies, and remains deeply committed to safety through education, training, and collaboration with public safety professionals.\n\nWe look forward to working with Congressmen Burlison, Moskowitz, and Members of the caucus to promote policies that support responsible fireworks use, strengthen American businesses, and preserve the longstanding traditions that make fireworks an enduring part of our nation's celebrations.\"", 1, "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-announces-9-million-build-grant-interstate-2935-project", "Graves Announces $9 Million BUILD Grant  for Interstate 29/35 Project", "2026-07-02", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06), Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, announced that the Interstate 29 and Interstate 35 Corridor Project has received a $9 million BUILD (Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development) Grant.\n\nThe $9,055,200 grant will fund engineering, public outreach, environmental analysis, and the final design of the U.S. Route 169 connection to Interstate 29 and Interstate 35. The project will include preliminary engineering and NEPA clearance for two interchanges at I-29 and U.S. 169 and at I-29 and North Oak.\n\nGraves previously secured a $640,000 BUILD planning grant for a Corridor Study of I-29/I-35 in 2020.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"], ["https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-onder-earns-2025-club-growth-defender-economic-freedom-award", "Rep. Onder Earns 2025 Club for Growth Defender of Economic Freedom Award", "2026-07-02", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Robert F. Onder, Jr.", "O000177", "onder.house.gov", "onder", "https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nJuly 2, 2026\n\nContact: Brooke Morgan\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 This week, Representative Bob Onder (R-MO) issued the following statement after receiving the 2025 Club for Growth Defender of Economic Freedom Award. The award is based on the Club for Growth's Congressional Economic Scorecard, the gold standard for measuring Members of Congress' voting records on issues related to limited government and economic growth.\n\nThis award required Representatives and Senators to score at least 90% on votes cast during the year, as well as maintain a lifetime rating of at least 90%. Representative Onder earned a 100%, meeting both the annual voting score and lifetime rating requirements.\n\n\"Economic freedom is the foundation of prosperity, opportunity, and innovation. By advancing pro-growth policies that empower Americans to start businesses, invest in their futures, and promote fiscal responsibility, we can build a stronger economy while ensuring taxpayers keep more of their hard-earned money. I am honored to receive this prestigious award and grateful to Club for Growth President David McIntosh for this recognition,\" said Representative Bob Onder.\n\n\u201cWe congratulate Rep. Onder for earning Club for Growth\u2019s Defender of Economic Freedom Award for fighting for policies that advance limited government and prosperity,\u201dsaid Club for Growth President David Mcintosh. \u201cMeanwhile Democrats have become more socialist than ever despite many of them claiming to be \u2018moderate.\u2019\u201d\n\nBackground Information\n\nThe Club for Growth is a national network of more than 500,000 pro-growth, limited-government Americans who believe prosperity and opportunity are rooted in economic freedom. Each year, the Club for Growth Foundation publishes its Congressional Economic Scorecard, which tracks how Members of Congress vote on key economic legislation and evaluates votes related to the organization's core policy priorities, as well as legislation that would directly undermine those fiscal goals\n\nMembers of Congress who earn a score of 90 percent or higher in a given calendar year and maintain a lifetime score of at least 90 percent are recognized by the Club for Growth with the \"Defender of Economic Freedom Award.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-03T08:00:00Z", "2026-07-03T08:01:30Z"], ["https://alford.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1678", "Alford, Correa Introduce Bipartisan \u201cOnline Accessibility Act\u201d to Expand Access & Protect Small Businesses", "2026-07-01", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Mark Alford", "A000379", "alford.house.gov", "alford", "https://alford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) and Congressman Lou Correa (CA-46) introduced the Online Accessibility Act, bipartisan legislation to modernize the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for the digital age while protecting small businesses from abusive website lawsuits.\n\nThe legislation establishes clear, uniform accessibility standards for consumer-facing websites and mobile applications and creates a structured process to ensure issues are fixed\u2014rather than exploited.\n\n\u201cMissouri small businesses want to do the right thing\u2014they want their websites accessible to everyone,\u201d said Congressman Alford. \u201cWhat they don\u2019t want is to be hit with vague demand letters or forced into costly settlements over technical issues they weren\u2019t given a chance to fix. This bill brings clarity, fairness, and accountability to the system\u2014protecting access for individuals with disabilities while also protecting small businesses from predatory lawsuits.\u201d\n\nThe Online Accessibility Act:\n\nEstablishes clear federal accessibility standards for websites and mobile applications\n\nRequires notice and an opportunity to fix accessibility issues before legal action\n\nCreates a structured enforcement process through the Department of Justice\n\nProvides flexibility for small businesses working in good faith to comply\n\nAcross Missouri and the country, small businesses have faced a growing wave of website accessibility lawsuits\u2014often over minor or unclear violations\u2014with little opportunity to correct issues before legal action is taken.\n\nState-level efforts have also begun to address the issue. According to the Missouri Independent, more than 100 locally owned businesses in Missouri have been targeted by website-related ADA lawsuits, with some forced to pay significant settlements or shut down operations.\n\nAccessibility matters, and it should be the goal, not an afterthought,\u201d Alford continued. \u201cThis bill makes sure the focus is on fixing problems and expanding access, not enriching trial lawyers.\u201d'\n\n\u201cWebsites need to be accessible to all customers. Small businesses in Southern California work hard to be accessible to all, but for too long there\u2019s been a lack of clarity and guidance for them,\u201d said Congressman Correa. \u201cThis bill will increase accessibility while also providing clarity to small businesses and giving them a chance to fix issues before being hit with costly lawsuits.\u201d\n\nThe legislation builds on growing bipartisan momentum at both the state and federal level to curb abusive litigation practices while strengthening accessibility protections.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-02T06:20:02Z", "2026-07-02T06:21:32Z"], ["https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-onders-bill-strengthen-transparency-employer-sponsored-health-plans-passes", "Rep. Onder's Bill to Strengthen Transparency in Employer-Sponsored Health Plans Passes Committee", "2026-06-26", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Robert F. Onder, Jr.", "O000177", "onder.house.gov", "onder", "https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nJune 26th, 2026\n\nContact: Brooke Morgan\n\n(Washington, D.C.) \u2013 Today, U.S. Congressman Bob Onder (R-MO) released the following statement after his bill, H.R. 9228, the Health Data Access, Transparency, and Affordability Act of 2026, passed out of the Education and Workforce Committee and now awaits consideration on the House floor.\n\nThis legislation amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to ensure plan fiduciaries have access to de-identified information relating to health claims and important data.\n\n\u201cEmployers need access to all the information necessary to manage health plans, control costs, and protect workers\u2019 benefits. Employer-sponsored health plans often face barriers when trying to obtain critical data and information, which is why my bill, the Health Data Access, Transparency, and Affordability Act of 2026, is so important. It strengthens clarity and accountability in employer-sponsored group health plans by prohibiting service providers, such as third-party administrators, from delaying, restricting, or otherwise limiting access to plan data. As a physician and a Congressman, I am proud to do my part to ensure timely access to the information needed for employers to properly conduct audits and evaluate health plan performance,\u201d said Congressman Bob Onder.\n\n\u201cWhen employers have access to timely, complete health plan data, they can make smarter decisions and design benefits that best meet the needs of their workforce. H.R. 9228 is a commonsense, transparency-focused measure that gives employers a clearer picture of health care costs. By breaking down these costs, this legislation will drive accountability, reduce waste, and help deliver more affordable, high-quality health care for employees and their families,\u201d said Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI).\n\nTo read the full bill, click here: H.R. 9228\n\nBackground Information\n\nUnder current federal law, employers that sponsor self-funded health plans are legally and financially responsible for how employee health care dollars are spent. Yet, in many cases, insurers and third-party administrators (TPAs) deny employers access to the raw claims data needed to verify those costs and ensure plan funds are being used appropriately.\n\nWithout that transparency, TPAs and other administrative entities can impose hidden markups on medical procedures and prescription drugs, charging an employer one price, paying the provider or pharmacy a much lower amount, and pocketing the difference. The Health Data Access, Transparency, and Affordability Act would make clear that claims data generated by an employer-funded health plan belongs to the plan itself and the employer paying the bills, not the insurance company or administrator managing the plan.\n\nRecent litigation has highlighted the consequences of this lack of transparency. Below are a few examples:\n\nKraft Heinz Co. v. Aetna (2023): Kraft Heinz sued Aetna for hiding its raw claims data and providing only \"edited\" reports. The lawsuit explicitly alleged that Aetna used its leverage to negotiate lower rates with doctors but did not pass those savings back to the employee, instead pocketing the spread between what Kraft was charged and what providers received.\n\nOwens & Minor v. Anthem: Global logistics firm Owens & Minor attempted to audit its health plan to verify accurate billing and eliminate overcharges. Anthem refused to provide line-by-line data, claiming its negotiated hospital rates were \"proprietary trade secrets.\"\n\nLewandowski v. Johnson & Johnson (2024\u20132026): Employees sued Johnson & Johnson for failing to police their plan, proving that employers face significant legal liability if they cannot audit drug costs. Because of a lack of transparency and hidden spread pricing, the J&J plan paid $10,239 for a generic drug that costs just $28 retail.\n\nThe Health Data Act would restore accountability to the employer-sponsored health insurance system by ensuring that those who pay the bills have access to the data necessary to monitor spending, identify waste, and prevent abusive pricing practices.\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:11:26Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ann-wagners-bipartisan-fraud-prevention-legislation-overwhelmingly", "Ann Wagner\u2019s Bipartisan Fraud Prevention Legislation Overwhelmingly Passes House", "2026-06-25", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), released the following statement after her Financial Exploitation Prevention Act passed the U.S. House:\n\n\u201cFar too often, senior citizens here in Missouri and all across the nation are directly targeted for financial fraud. The consequences of this crime extend to millions of Americans, with one out of every five senior investors falling victim to financial fraud and exploitation. This problem is only getting worse, so I got to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to craft simple protections for seniors who need it most.\n\n\u201cMy bill gives financial institutions critical tools to step in when they suspect a vulnerable adult is being exploited and gives law enforcement time to act before someone\u2019s hard-earned retirement is permanently stolen by fraudsters. Many seniors and vulnerable adults need that extra layer of defense from fraud that has become tragically common in today\u2019s world, and my Financial Exploitation Prevention Act is a commonsense step to protecting parents, grandparents, and families in communities around our country.\u201d", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:11:26Z"], ["https://alford.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1676", "Alford Bill to Facilitate Small Business Technology Adoption Passes House", "2026-06-24", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Mark Alford", "A000379", "alford.house.gov", "alford", "https://alford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC\u2014Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Congressman Mark Alford\u2019s (MO-04) Small Business Technological Advancement Act (H.R. 915), bipartisan legislation that ensures small businesses can use SBA 7(a) loans to invest in modern digital tools and technology needed to compete in today\u2019s economy.\n\n\u201cSmall businesses are the backbone of the American economy. They create jobs, strengthen communities, and drive innovation across this country,\u201d said Congressman Alford. \u201cBut in today\u2019s economy, they cannot compete without access to modern technology and digital tools.\n\nThis bill provides a simple, commonsense fix by making clear that SBA 7(a) loans can be used for the technology that keeps Main Street competitive \u2014 including software, cloud services, cybersecurity, and other essential tools. It removes uncertainty, expands opportunity, and helps entrepreneurs focus on what they do best: growing their businesses and creating jobs,\" said Congressman Alford.\n\nWatch Congressman Alford\u2019s remarks on the House floor here.\n\nThe bill clarifies that loan funds may be used for essential business technologies such as accounting software, payroll systems, cybersecurity tools, inventory management platforms, cloud services, and emerging artificial intelligence applications. By codifying current federal guidance, the legislation streamlines access to capital and helps small businesses modernize and grow.\n\nThe House Small Business Committee previously advanced the legislation with strong bipartisan support.\n\nThe bill now heads to the Senate for further consideration.\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-25T06:30:03Z", "2026-06-25T06:31:21Z"], ["https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-burlison-calls-congress-advance-great-american-healthcare-plan-through", "Rep. Burlison Calls on Congress to Advance the Great American Healthcare Plan Through Reconciliation 3.0", "2026-06-24", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Eric Burlison", "B001316", "burlison.house.gov", "burlison", "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Rep. Eric Burlison (MO-07) today joined the Great American Health Alliance and coalition partners at the House Triangle to call on Congress to advance the Great American Healthcare Plan through Reconciliation 3.0.\n\n\u201cFor sixteen years, Congress has promised Americans a better alternative. We now have a real plan and a real opportunity to deliver,\u201d said Rep. Burlison. \u201cThe Great American Healthcare Plan puts patients\u2014not bureaucrats and middlemen\u2014in control of their healthcare dollars. Congress must act.\u201d\n\nThe Great American Healthcare Plan codifies President Trump\u2019s vision for a more affordable, transparent, patient-first health care system. The plan expands Healthier Spending Accounts, requires plain-English health care prices, advances market-based reforms to lower prescription drug costs, and gives Americans greater freedom to invest in prevention and wellness.", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:11:26Z"], ["https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-burlison-host-press-conference-healthcare-affordability-and-reconciliation", "Rep. Burlison to Host Press Conference on Healthcare Affordability and Reconciliation 3.0", "2026-06-23", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Eric Burlison", "B001316", "burlison.house.gov", "burlison", "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Rep. Eric Burlison (MO-07) will host a Capitol Hill press conference on Wednesday, June 24, alongside fellow lawmakers, health-policy experts, and healthcare stakeholders to discuss the need for a healthcare affordability package in a potential Reconciliation 3.0 bill.\n\nThe event will highlight The Great American Healthcare Plan, a legislative framework focused on lowering healthcare costs, increasing price transparency, and expanding patient choice.\n\nWHO:\n\nRep. Eric Burlison (MO-07)\n\nRep. Mike Kennedy, M.D. (UT-03)\n\nRep. Chip Roy (TX-21)\n\nRep. Troy Downing (MT-02)\n\nRep. Tom Barrett (MI-07)\n\nHealth policy experts and stakeholder organizations\n\nWHEN: Wednesday, June 24, 2026, 10:00 a.m. ET\n\nWHERE: House Triangle, U.S. Capitol Grounds, Washington, D.C.\n\nAdditional speakers may be announced.", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:11:26Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-votes-generational-housing-legislation", "Wagner Votes for Generational Housing Legislation", "2026-06-23", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Chair of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets, released the following statement after she voted for the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act:\n\n\u201cMissouri families need and deserve relief from the high costs of everyday life, and I have been proud to work with my colleagues on the Financial Services Committee to directly address increasingly unaffordable housing prices. Today\u2019s bipartisan vote will advance generational reforms to expand access to housing and help families in Missouri and across the country find the home they love. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act will modernize and streamline outdated regulations, making it easier to build homes that families can afford.\n\n\u201cAfter months of bipartisan negotiations, the House and Senate came together to craft a bill that puts families first and will help Missourians achieve a stable living so they can put down roots and focus on raising their families. I am looking forward to the President signing this critical legislation into law so we can continue to bring down costs in our St. Louis region and support the parents and families who make our community so great.\u201d", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:11:26Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-introduces-sec-reform-package", "Wagner Introduces SEC Reform Package", "2026-06-18", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Chair of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets, released the following statement after she introduced the SEC Reform and Restructuring Act:\n\n\u201cI am committed to supporting local small businesses and the families that run them. The Biden Administration\u2019s SEC imposed a top-down regulatory process that made it much more challenging for employers to raise money and for families to invest. It has been a full-time job working with our current Chair of the SEC Paul Atkins to dig ourselves out of that hole and build a smoother, more effective, and more accountable process so hardworking Americans can focus on what matters: saving for a better future. The SEC Reform and Restructuring Act will prioritize investor protection and eliminate onerous and ineffective programs, support more accessible regulations that make sense, and ensure that the SEC is accountable to the people, not government bureaucrats who think they know best.\u201d\n\nThe SEC Reform and Restructuring Act includes the following legislation:\n\nSEC Regulatory Accountability Act - Sponsored by Rep. Ann Wagner\n\nSEC Transparency Act - Sponsored by Rep. Ann Wagner\n\nSEC Cybersecurity Act - Sponsored by Rep. Ann Wagner\n\nReview the Expansion of Government Act - Sponsored by Rep. Young Kim\n\nStreamlining Public Company Accounting Oversight Act - Sponsored by Rep. Bill Huizenga\n\nSecurities Enforcement Clarity Act - Sponsored by Rep. Pete Sessions\n\nSEC Modernization Act - Sponsored by Rep. Troy Downing", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:11:26Z"], ["https://alford.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1659", "Alford leads Resolution Honoring Kansas City\u2019s Efforts Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup", "2026-06-16", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Mark Alford", "A000379", "alford.house.gov", "alford", "https://alford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) introduced a resolution honoring the tremendous effort undertaken by the people of Kansas City, Missouri, Kansas, and surrounding communities in preparing to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.\n\nRepresentatives Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Tracey Mann (KS-01), and Wesley Bell (MO-01) joined the resolution as original cosponsors.\n\n\u201cKansas City and the surrounding communities have stepped up in a truly incredible way to prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. From our first responders and local leaders to small businesses and volunteers, this is truly a team effort. We\u2019re not just ready to host the world\u2014we\u2019re ready to show it what the heartland can do, and I\u2019m proud to lead this effort in Congress on behalf of Missouri's Fourth District and surrounding areas,\u201d said Congressman Alford.\n\n\u201cKansas City is the soccer capital of America, and whether it is the barbecue or the Midwest manners, we\u2019re excited to welcome the world as we share all that our great city has to offer,\u201d said Congressman Emanuel Cleaver. \u201cAfter years of preparation and regional cooperation to get to this point, I look forward to the joy and economic benefits the World Cup will bring to the people of Kansas City, our small business community, and the workers who have made it all possible.\u201d\n\n\u201cKansas City is the soccer capital of the United States, and this World Cup has already proven why,\u201d said Congressman Tracey Mann. \u201cI am grateful for the leadership that went into planning this moment and setting Kansas City up for success so that our community can show fans from around the globe what Midwestern hospitality is all about.\u201d\n\nThe 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to be the largest tournament in history, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and drawing an estimated global audience of more than 6 billion viewers.\n\nKansas City, one of 11 host cities in the United States, has quickly established itself as the \u201cSoccer Capital of America\u201d due to its world-class facilities, central location, and strong culture of hospitality.\n\nThe resolution:\n\nHonors the dedication and hard work of Kansas City-area communities in preparing to host the World Cup;\n\nRecognizes the scale and complexity required to organize a global event of this magnitude;\n\nAffirms that international events of this caliber can be successfully hosted outside of major coastal cities; and\n\nCommends the small businesses, teams, schools, volunteers, and public officials working to welcome the world.\n\nRead the full text of the resolution here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-17T06:49:24Z", "2026-06-17T06:50:53Z"], ["https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-fights-north-missouri-defense-bill", "Graves Fights for North Missouri in Defense Bill", "2026-06-15", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Sam Graves", "G000546", "graves.house.gov", "graves", "https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Image\n\nJune 15, 2026\n\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, delivered important wins for North Missouri in the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which passed the House Armed Services Committee on June 5, 2026.\n\n\u201cAs threats around the world continue to increase, we have to give our warfighters the tools and resources they need to successfully defend our country,\u201d said Graves. \u201cPeace through strength requires increasing production of critical weapons, developing the workforce needed to produce them and investing in our military. This year\u2019s defense bill does that right here in North Missouri, providing more capability for the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in Independence and making critical upgrades at the 139th Airlift Wing in St. Joe so they can continue working towards getting the C-130J models.\u201d\n\nWins for North Missouri:\n\n$900 million for procuring 8 C-130Js that could potentially be based at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base.\n\n$63 million authorization for an aircraft parking apron at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base.\n\nIncludes C-130 fleet protections through FY28, including the minimum inventory requirement and the prohibition on reducing Air National Guard C-130 aircraft.\n\nAdvocates for Joint Maritime Over-Water Training at Rosecrans building on the 139th Airlift Wing\u2019s expertise in advanced tactics\n\nFosters development of an Advanced Mobility Tactics and Survivability Center to be based at Rosecrans leveraging their experienced with the Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Center.\n\n$20 million for C-130J simulator procurement.\n\nNearly $900 million for small arms ammunition produced or will be produced at Lake City Army Ammunition Plant.\n\n$2.4 billion for the munitions industrial base, including facilities like Lake City Army Ammunition Plant.\n\nWins for Missouri:\n\nRequires the Department of War to review and fix barriers that prevent Missouri military families from enrolling children in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System when their custody paperwork is valid under Missouri law\n\n$2.2 billion for procurement of B-21 long-range bombers, which will be based at Whiteman Air Force Base\n\nSupport for the F-15EX II and T-7 Red Hawk and authorization for F-15 EX II multi-year procurement, both manufactured in St. Louis.\n\n$770 million to manufacture MQ-25 Stingrays manufactured in St. Louis.\n\n$563 million to modernize and sustain F/A-18E/Fs and EA-18Gs manufactured in St. Louis.\n\n$170 million for military construction at Whiteman Air Force Base to support the B-21 bomber.\n\nExpands U.S. production capacity, unleashes private sector investment, opens the door to new and innovative entrants, reduces needless regulations, and creates thousands of skilled jobs for Missourians.\n\nWins for Our Troops:\n\n$40 million for mobility aircraft connectivity increasing safety of aircrews operating in hostile environments. These crews are trained by the experts at the Rosecrans Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Center.\n\nDelivers a hard-earned 5-7 percent pay raise for our service members and expands military bonuses and special pay.\n\nStrengthens oversight and funding for revitalization of military housing and barracks.\n\nIncludes the National Guard Relief Foundation as a Military Welfare Society to bring parity in services to our National Guard members.\n\nThe FY2027 NDAA now heads to the House floor for further consideration.\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:11:26Z"], ["https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-burlison-introduces-no-exceptions-non-citizens-voting-act", "Rep. Burlison Introduces No Exceptions for Non-Citizens Voting Act", "2026-06-12", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Eric Burlison", "B001316", "burlison.house.gov", "burlison", "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Rep. Eric Burlison (MO-07) introduced the No Exceptions for Non-Citizens Voting Act, legislation that eliminates existing exceptions in federal law that excuse certain instances of non-citizen voting and ensure that violations are treated consistently under federal immigration law.\n\nCurrent law contains exceptions to penalties for unlawful voting if illegal aliens meet specific criteria. The No Exceptions for Non-Citizens Voting Act removes those exceptions and clarifies that any non-citizen who votes in violation of federal, state, or local law is subject to the same legal consequences.\n\n\"American elections belong to American citizens,\u201d said Rep. Burlison. \u201cThe fact that federal law currently contains exceptions for certain non-citizens who vote unlawfully makes no sense. This bill eliminates those exceptions and restores a clear standard: If you're not a citizen, you don't get a vote.\u201d\n\nThe legislation amends federal statute to strike existing exceptions related to unlawful voting by non-citizens and establishes a uniform standard for enforcement.", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:11:26Z"], ["https://alford.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1657", "Alford Celebrates Appropriations Committee Advancing America First Homeland Security Funding Bill", "2026-06-11", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Mark Alford", "A000379", "alford.house.gov", "alford", "https://alford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) issued the following statement after the House Appropriations Committee passed the Homeland Security funding bill for fiscal year 2027 early this morning.\n\n\"Securing our nation means protecting the heartland, and the Homeland Security funding bill for 2027 does exactly that,\u201d said Congressman Alford. \u201cBeyond providing the aggressive resources needed to secure our borders and deport criminal aliens, this legislation champions our local heroes right here in Missouri. By delivering $3.8 billion in crucial grant funding\u2014including millions explicitly for our firefighters and first responders\u2014we are ensuring our local communities remain resilient. From taking fentanyl off our streets to investing in the frontline defenders of our land and maritime borders, this bill safeguards both American security and taxpayer dollars.\"\n\nThe Fiscal Year 2027 Homeland Security funding bill:\n\nChampions public safety and homeland preparedness by:\n\nUpholding the America First vision by realigning DHS priorities around its fundamental mission: defending the nation against the threat posed by terrorists, criminals, and foreign adversaries to ensure the safety and security of every American.\n\nEnhancing resources to detect and counter the spread of deadly drugs, like fentanyl, that poison our communities.\n\nPartnering with state and local law enforcement to enhance immigration enforcement and homeland defense capabilities.\n\nProtecting vulnerable children by strengthening investigations of exploitation, human trafficking, and forced labor.\n\nBolstering disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts for U.S. communities through increased grant funding for firefighters and first responders.\n\nSupporting security preparation and planning for the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, and other National Special Security Events.\n\nSupports the Trump Administration and mandate of the American people by:\n\nEnhancing the operational execution of the homeland security provisions of the Working Families Tax Cuts, which prioritize security and safety through long-term border security and immigration investments.\n\nFunding the military pay raise for Coast Guard servicemembers.\n\nProhibiting funding for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts.\n\nEnsuring no funding to non-governmental organizations that facilitated the Biden border crisis.\n\nCodifying the Trump Administration\u2019s reductions to bloated federal bureaucracy.\n\nBolsters U.S. national security and border protections by:\n\nProviding $3.8 billion for ICE custody operations to strengthen the Trump Administration\u2019s efforts to detain and deport all criminal and removable aliens.\n\nProviding $439 million to sustain 22,000 Border Patrol agents.\n\nProviding $226 million to improve baggage screening equipment at airports.\n\nProviding $135 million to counter China by increasing the Coast Guard\u2019s Indo-Pacific footprint.\n\nProviding $97 million for unmanned systems to improve maritime domain awareness.\n\nSafeguards American taxpayer dollars and preserves core functions by:\n\nReallocating $100 million from previous appropriations to sustain the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency\u2019s (CISA) core mission functions.\n\nA summary of the bill is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-12T06:37:16Z", "2026-06-12T06:39:00Z"], ["https://alford.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1655", "Alford Applauds Labor-HHS-Education Funding Bill\u2019s Focus on Mental & Rural Health Care", "2026-06-10", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Mark Alford", "A000379", "alford.house.gov", "alford", "https://alford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Bill includes almost $3 million secured by Alford for Fourth District projects\n\nToday, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) issued the following statement after the House Appropriations Committee passed the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education funding bill for fiscal year 2027.\n\n\u201cI was proud to support the Labor-HHS-Education funding bill, which delivers smart, targeted investments in biomedical research, rural health, and workforce training while slashing waste to save taxpayer money,\u201d said Congressman Alford. \u201cThis legislation advances President Trump\u2019s America First agenda by bolstering our national security through biodefense and domestic manufacturing, protecting taxpayer dollars from fraud and abuse, and prioritizing real solutions like mental health support and skilled trades apprenticeships. It also helps Missouri families and communities thrive without growing Washington\u2019s bloated bureaucracy but delivering almost $3 million we secured in responsible investments to improve rural health care in the Fourth District.\u201d\n\nThrough his role on the Appropriations Committee, Congressman Alford secured $2,800,000 in federal investments for critical healthcare projects in the Fourth District to help turn the \u201cShow Me State\u201d into the \u201cGrow Me State,\u201d including:\n\n$1,000,000 for Jordan Valley Community Health in Lebanon, MO to contribute to the construction of a new 25,000-square-foot facility that will expand access to coordinated medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, and PACE services for seniors and medically underserved residents.\n\n$1,000,000 for Citizens Memorial Hospital in Bolivar, MO to modernize the hospital\u2019s emergency medical service system by replacing outdated and high-use equipment to improve patient care and protecting the safety of first responders.\n\n$500,000 for Compass Health in Nevada, MO to support the construction of a new, fully integrated health care clinic providing comprehensive primary medical, behavioral health services and a 24/7 Behavioral Health Crisis Center to meet the health care needs of residents of Vernon County.\n\n$100,000 for Bates County Memorial Hospital in Butler, MO to assist in the purchase of a new HVAC system for the hospital, which is vital medical infrastructure that supports patient safety, infection control, and continuous operations.\n\n$100,000 for Mercy Hospital in Lebanon, MO to upgrade mammography imaging equipment at its rural cancer center, improving patient outcomes, early detection, and access to care.\n\n$100,000 for Preferred Family Healthcare in Columbia, MO to support the renovation and consolidation of the agency\u2019s three Columbia-based Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) clinic sites into a single community clinic that will improve access to timely, coordinated, integrated, and multidisciplinary care.\n\nOther Alford priorities secured in the Labor-HHS-Education funding bill include:\n\n$575 million for rural health initiatives, including many provisions in support of rural hospitals to help combat the risk of closure.\n\nLanguage complementing Rep. Alford\u2019s Sustaining Rural Healthcare Act to support rural healthcare facilities that are struggling financially but do not meet all the criteria for official Critical Access Hospital designation.\n\nA provision forcing federal agencies to recognize the ongoing crisis of rural hospital closures.\n\nIncreased funding for portable bio-containment units (PBCUs), like those manufactured by MRIGlobal in Kansas City, as part of the ongoing response to evolving infectious disease threats such as Hantavirus and Ebola.\n\nRobust funding and numerous provisions to address the mental health crisis in Missouri and across America.\n\n$10 million increase for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline above FY26 levels.\n\nIncreased funding for the Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Program.\n\nLanguage acknowledging suicide a growing public health problem that requires strategic prevention approaches.\n\nRead more about the legislation here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-11T06:38:38Z", "2026-06-11T06:41:07Z"], ["https://alford.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1656", "Alford Secures $1 Million for El Dorado Springs Public Safety Building in House-Passed Funding Bill", "2026-06-10", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Mark Alford", "A000379", "alford.house.gov", "alford", "https://alford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 8646, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2027. Through his role on the Appropriations Committee, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) secured $1,000,000 in the House-passed legislation for the construction of a new public safety building in El Dorado Springs.\n\nThis targeted investment will help provide a new facility for both the police and fire departments, modernizing operations, improving response times, and enhancing the services first responders can provide to the El Dorado Springs community.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019re securing federal funding reasonable projects in Fourth District communities like El Dorado Springs to improve public safety and keep our neighborhoods secure,\u201d said Congressman Alford. \u201cThis million-dollar investment will go toward a new facility to house the police and fire departments, which will significantly improve the city\u2019s emergency response capabilities. With safer streets, families in our communities can grow and prosper. Together, we\u2019re turning the \u2018Show Me State\u201d into the \u2018Grow Me State.\u2019\u201d\n\nHere\u2019s what El Dorado Springs elected leaders are saying about this critical federal investment:\n\n\u201cThe City of El Dorado Springs is very appreciative of your efforts in helping secure this much-needed assistance. Thanks to your support, our police and fire departments will be able to relocate from an outdated 1940s-era electric power plant that has become cramped and inefficient for modern public safety operations,\u201d said El Dorado Springs Mayor Allen Hicks. \u201cThis funding will help make possible a modern facility designed to improve operational efficiency, better serve our community, and provide room for future growth. The positive impact of this investment will be felt for many years to come. On behalf of the City of El Dorado Springs, thank you for your commitment to our community and for helping make this important project a reality.\u201d\n\n\"This $1 million Federal Agriculture Appropriations investment is a significant step forward for El Dorado Springs and the future safety of its residents,\u201d said Missouri State Rep. Dane Diehl. \u201cI'm grateful for the support we received from Congressman Alford and other federal leaders who recognize the importance of strengthening public safety infrastructure in our rural communities.\"\n\n\u201cThe Cedar County Commission is pleased that Congressman Alford\u2018s efforts helped pass a $1 million rural community grant for our county,\u201d said Cedar County Associate Northern Commissioner Ronald Alumbaugh. \u201cThe Cedar County Commission is in support of the continued efforts of the El Dorado Springs Police and Fire Departments in constructing and relocating to a much-needed appropriate modern facility. The existing facilities are outdated and extremely crowded. Included in the proposed construction plan is an area for developing a regional training facility. Fire Chief Bob Floyd, Chief of Police Bret Dawn, City Manager Bruce Rogers, and the City Council worked closely together in developing and submitting this proposal. The anticipated construction of the expanded training facility will better prepare fire, police, and first responders to provide services and deal with a variety of emergency situations. In addition, this modernization will better accommodate existing equipment, personnel and the development of area wide communication and training.\u201d\n\nCommunity Project Funding is a way for Members of Congress to direct federal money to specific local projects in their districts as part of the annual appropriations, or government funding, bills. This gives Members a tool to address real community needs, with new rules implemented to reduce waste and increase transparency compared to the previous earmark process.\n\nCongressman Alford is the only Missourian on the powerful House Appropriations Committee, which controls the purse strings for the entire federal government. Through this role, Alford secured almost $23,000,000 in targeted investments in Fiscal Year 2026 for the Fourth District to help turn the \u201cShow Me State\u201d into the \u201cGrow Me State.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-11T06:38:38Z", "2026-06-11T06:41:07Z"], ["https://alford.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1654", "Alford, Real Estate Caucus Co-Chairs Increase American Home Building Efficiency Act", "2026-06-09", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Mark Alford", "A000379", "alford.house.gov", "alford", "https://alford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) joined (KS-01), alongside Real Estate Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Tracey Mann (KS-01) and Lou Correa (CA-46), as well as Reps. Brad Finstad (MN-01) and Johnny Olszewski (MD-02), to introduce the Build American Efficiency Act, legislation to help home builders and manufacturers more easily comply with Build America, Buy America requirements and build American homes faster.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to join our Real Estate Caucus Co-Chairs in introducing the Build American Efficiency Act,\u201d said Rep. Alford. \"This commonsense bill will reduce regulatory burdens by making Buy America, Build America compliance easier for our home builders and manufacturers. This bill clarifies that HUD can recognize auditable, verifiable databases \u2014 like the Make It American Process Standard \u2014 to help document compliant American-made products. It does not mandate any database, but simply gives builders better tools so we can build more American homes faster with American products.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmerica needs more homes, not Washington red tape,\u201d said Rep. Mann. \u201cThe Build American Efficiency Act is a commonsense bill that will help builders, manufacturers, and housing providers navigate complicated federal compliance requirements without sacrificing our commitment to American-made products. By allowing HUD to recognize auditable and verifiable systems that identify BABA-compliant materials, this bill will reduce unnecessary delays, cut down on waiver requests, and help get more homes built across the country.\"\n\n\u201cI am pleased to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan bill to speed up the building of new homes,\u201d said Rep. Correa. \u201cBy cutting red tape, this bill helps builders comply with federal requirements to use American-made construction materials. It will increase our housing supply and make it easier for Southern Californians and others across the nation to afford the American Dream.\u201d\n\n\u201cDetermining compliance in the Build America, Buy America (BABA) program often wastes valuable time submitting waivers and trying to determine approvals,\" said Rep. Finstad. \"The Build American Efficiency Act streamlines this process for our nation\u2019s home builders and manufacturers, reducing costly delays, boosting efficiency, and helping build American homes faster. I\u2019m proud to join Congressman Tracey Mannas an original cosponsor on this important legislation for our housing industry and those who build the spaces we call home.\"\n\n\u201cWe need commonsense solutions to tackle our nation\u2019s housing shortage and bring costs down for working families,\u201d said Rep. Johnny Olszewski. \u201cThe bipartisan Build American Efficiency Act will make it easier for builders and manufacturers to comply with federal requirements, reducing unnecessary delays and helping to build more homes, faster. This is a practical solution that uplifts American-made products and American workers.\u201d\n\nThe Build American Efficiency Act would:\n\nClarify that the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development has the authority to recognize auditable and verifiable systems that document products that comply with Build America, Buy America domestic content requirements\n\nAllow HUD to treat documentation generated under the Make It American Process Standard, or similar standards that provide an auditable and verifiable certification process, as sufficient evidence for domestic content certification\n\nHelp manufacturers, builders, and funding recipients more easily determine which products comply with BABA requirements\n\nReduce time spent navigating waiver requests, duplicative paperwork, and uncertainty over which products have or have not been approved\n\nPreserve flexibility by ensuring the bill does not mandate the use of any one database or prohibit recipients from using other lawful methods to certify compliance.\n\nThe Build American Efficiency Act is supported by ABB, Associated General Contractors, Eaton, National Association of Electrical Distributors, National Association of Realtors, National Electrical Contractors Association, National Electrical Manufacturers Association, Prysmian, Schneider, Siemens, and Southwire.\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-10T06:36:00Z", "2026-06-10T06:37:32Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-votes-fund-law-enforcement-keep-border-secure", "Wagner Votes to Fund Law Enforcement, Keep Border Secure", "2026-06-09", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Ann Wagner", "W000812", "wagner.house.gov", "wagner", "https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement after she voted in support of S. 2, the Secure America Act:\n\n\u201cI will always stand with our men and women in law enforcement, whether it is at the federal, state, or local level. The passage of this bill will ensure our Homeland Security agents and investigators have the resources they need to keep the American people safe for years to come. I am beyond proud that this legislation includes a specific allocation of over $100 million solely dedicated to increasing and enhancing child sexual exploitation investigations. This is an issue I have led on for years, and the bill now heading to the President\u2019s desk will protect our children and put predators behind bars where they belong.\n\n\u201cOur Customs and Border Protection officers and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents put their lives in harm\u2019s way to stop the flow of deadly drugs to our shores and keep criminals out of our communities. We have seen incredible success so far, with twelve straight months of zero releases at our southern border. It is unconscionable that Democrats in the House and Senate wish to strip funding from these crucial agencies, prioritizing illegal aliens over American citizens. With the passage of this bill, our neighborhoods, our state, and our nation will be safer.\u201d", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:11:26Z"], ["https://alford.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1653", "Alford Advances $1.6 Million for Cass County Digital Forensics Unit", "2026-06-08", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Mark Alford", "A000379", "alford.house.gov", "alford", "https://alford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 8646, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2027. Through his role on the Appropriations Committee, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) secured $1,597,750 to modernize the Cass County Sheriff\u2019s Digital Forensics Unit in the House-passed legislation.\n\nThis targeted investment will construct a secure addition to the Cass County Sheriff\u2019s Office to address growing demand for digital evidence processing by providing updated laboratory space, climate-controlled evidence storage, upgraded infrastructure, and specialized forensic equipment to support law enforcement investigations.\n\n\u201cThrough our work on the Appropriations Committee, we\u2019re pursuing targeted investments for reasonable projects in the Fourth District focused on healthcare, law enforcement, and infrastructure,\u201d said Congressman Alford. \u201cI was proud to secure this funding for the Cass County Digital Forensics Unit. By modernizing and expanding the unit\u2019s capability, we\u2019re helping bolster public safety and protect our most vulnerable through the work of the Western Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Together, we will turn the \u2018Show Me State\u2019 into the \u2018Grow Me State.\u2019\u201d\n\n\u201cI am very appreciative of Congressman Alford's work to secure funding for this project. It will directly strengthen our ability to protect children and support our partner agencies,\u201d said Cass County Sheriff Jeff Weber. \u201cExpanding our forensic capacity means faster analysis, quicker identification of offenders, and better outcomes for victims.\u201d\n\nDigital evidence now plays a role in nearly every major investigation. In 2025 alone, the Digital Forensics Investigative Unit processed 589 devices totaling 127 terabytes of data. Investigators assigned to the 7 county Western Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received 245 cyber tips, opened 190 investigations, and identified 36 child victims. Current facility limitations contribute to backlogs that can delay arrests, victim identification, and court proceedings.\n\nHere\u2019s what other Cass County elected leaders are saying about this critical federal investment:\n\n\u201cWe are grateful to Congressman Alford for securing this funding to help protect children in Cass County and across western Missouri,\u201d said Cass County Presiding Commissioner Bob Huston. \u201cThis investment strengthens the work of law enforcement and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force by providing the tools needed to investigate crimes against children, identify offenders, and help keep our youngest and most vulnerable citizens safe.\u201d\n\n\"Public safety is a top priority,\u201d said Missouri State Rep. Sherri Gallick (District 62). \"Without safe communities, families, businesses, and economic growth cannot thrive. Thank you to Congressman Alford for securing this important investment for Cass County. Modernizing the Digital Forensics Unit will strengthen investigations, preserve critical evidence, and enhance law enforcement\u2019s ability to keep our communities safe.\n\n\u201cI wish to convey my profound thanks to Congressman Alford for his unwavering support of Law Enforcement, especially his instrumental role in securing funding for the Cass County Sheriff's office to upgrade their digital evidence storage and processing capabilities,\u201d said Missouri State Rep. Bill Irwin (District 55). Drawing from my experience as a retired Lees Summit Police Officer and my current role on the Crime and Public Safety Committee in the House of Representatives, I recognize the pivotal role this plays in ensuring the successful prosecution of crimes and protecting our citizens. Thank you, Congressman Alford, for your exceptional service; please keep up the fantastic work.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe greatly appreciate and strongly support Congressman Alford\u2019s efforts to secure funding in the Agriculture Appropriations bill for the modernization of the Cass County Sheriff\u2019s Digital Forensics Unit. This investment is especially important for a county like ours, where many of our communities are rural and often face unique funding challenges for such things. These improvements will strengthen law enforcement\u2019s ability to investigate crimes, protect victims, and support the critical work of the Western Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force,\u201d said Harrisonville, MO Mayor Mike Zaring.\n\n\u201cWe appreciate Congressman Mark Alford\u2019s continued leadership and commitment to representing communities of all sizes across our region. We are fortunate to have a representative who is so accessible and willing to advocate not just for larger cities, but also for the needs of the smaller rural municipalities,\u201d Mayor Zaring continued. \u201cHis efforts are crucial in making sure all communities have a voice and access to the resources needed to remain safe and secure.\n\nCommunity Project Funding is a way for Members of Congress to direct federal money to specific local projects in their districts as part of the annual appropriations, or government funding, bills. This gives Members a tool to address real community needs, with new rules aiming to reduce waste and increase transparency compared to the previous earmark process.\n\nCongressman Alford is the only Missourian on the powerful House Appropriations Committee, which controls the purse strings for the entire federal government. Through this role, Alford secured almost $23,000,000 in targeted investments in Fiscal Year 2026 for the Fourth District to help turn the \u201cShow Me State\u201d into the \u201cGrow Me State.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-09T06:27:37Z", "2026-06-09T06:30:10Z"], ["https://jasonsmith.house.gov/2026/06/05/smith-alford-and-schmitt-introduce-bicameral-legislation-to-enhance-efforts-to-locate-missing-adults-with-disabilities/", "Smith, Alford, and Schmitt Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Enhance Efforts to Locate Missing Adults with Disabilities", "2026-06-05", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Jason Smith", "S001195", "jasonsmith.house.gov", "jasonsmith", "https://jasonsmith.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 This week, Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08), Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04), and Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) introduced the Enhanced Alerts for Missing Loved Ones with Disabilities Act of 2026. This legislation will enhance the existing national missing-person alert systems and direct states to provide specialized first-responder training and education for cases of missing individuals with disabilities.\n\n\u201cThere are real gaps in our national missing-person alert framework that do not account for individuals with developmental, cognitive, or intellectual disabilities, leaving communities without timely notifications and law enforcement without the training or tools to respond,\u201d said Congressman Smith. \u201cMissouri has already taken action with RJ\u2019s Law, and it\u2019s time the federal government follows suit. This legislation will strengthen our nation\u2019s missing-person alert systems to give first responders access to the training they need to act fast and save lives.\u201d\n\n\u201cFamilies in Missouri and across America should never have to wonder if our alert systems will find their missing loved ones with a developmental or cognitive disability,\u201d said Congressman Alford. \u201cThe Enhanced Alerts for Missing Loved Ones with Disabilities Act closes dangerous gaps in our national missing person framework, while ensuring first responders have the training and tools they need to bring vulnerable individuals home safely. Missouri led the way with RJ\u2019s law, and now were bringing those efforts to the federal level. This is commonsense, life-saving legislation that I\u2019m proud to lead.\u201d\n\n\u201cStrengthening our federal alert systems to better protect individuals with intellectual disabilities is commonsense,\u201d said Senator Schmitt. \u201cThe Enhanced Alerts for Missing Loved Ones with Disabilities Act will improve existing protocols for disability-specific emergencies and will equip our law enforcement with the tools they need to respond appropriately and save lives.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nKristen\u2019s Act, signed into law in 2000 and named after Kristen Modafferi, an 18-year-old who disappeared in 1997, authorized the Department of Justice (DOJ) to support grant programs to help law enforcement locate missing adults. In 2018, in response to the death of Ashanti Billie, a missing 19-year-old, Congress passed the Ashanti Alert Act as an amendment to Kristen\u2019s Act to fill a gap in the national missing person\u2019s alert system. AMBER Alerts and Silver Alerts only cover those aged under 18 and seniors, respectively. The Ashanti Alert is meant to cover those in-between. Through the program, the DOJ provides resources and training to connect state and local missing adult alert programs, to enable cross jurisdictional cooperation.\n\nThis year, the Missouri legislature unanimously passed \u201cRJ\u2019s Law,\u201d named after a child with autism that went missing and drowned, to create a statewide \u201cPurple Alert\u201d that would specifically cover individuals with developmental disabilities.\n\nThis delegation-wide effort reflects the Missouri legislature\u2019s work on the Federal level. The Enhanced Alerts for Missing Loved Ones with Disabilities Act of 2026 would amend the Ashanti Alert Act to require these alerts to include whether the individual has a developmental disability, Alzheimer\u2019s, or dementia. It would also require the DOJ to make available to local law enforcement training and educational programs specifically pertaining to dealing with individuals with these disabilities.\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-06T06:16:30Z", "2026-06-06T06:17:47Z"], ["https://alford.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1639", "Alford Advances $15.2 Million for Fourth District as Appropriations Committee Passes Transportation and Housing Funding Bill", "2026-06-04", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Mark Alford", "A000379", "alford.house.gov", "alford", "https://alford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Mark Alford issued the following statement after the House Appropriations Committee advanced the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies funding bill for fiscal year 2027.\n\n\u201cThe House Appropriations Committee has now advanced three quarters of our funding bills through the full committee\u2014ahead of time and under budget,\u201d said Congressman Alford. \u201cI\u2019m incredibly proud this latest bill includes more than $15 million for critical Fourth District infrastructure projects as we work to turn the \u2018Show Me State\u2019 into the \u2018Grow Me State.\u2019 As communities across the Fourth District expand and we continue our efforts to attract additional growth to the region, it\u2019s vital that our roads and bridges keep up. This bill also expands access to the American Dream of homeownership and will make housing more affordable, which are two of my top goals as Co-Chair of the Real Estate Caucus.\u201d\n\nThrough his role on the Appropriations Committee, Congressman Alford secured $15,200,000 in federal investments for critical infrastructure projects in the Fourth District to help turn the \u201cShow Me State\u201d into the \u201cGrow Me State,\u201d including:\n\n$5,200,000 for the I-70/Lefholz Road Interchange Project in Jackson County to bolster the development of a new interchange at I-70 by adding a new connection between McQuerry and Lefholz Roads to address continued growth in the eastern portion of the county, including in Grain Valley and Oak Grove.\n\n$4,000,000 for the I-70 Expansion Companion Infrastructure Project in Columbia, MO, which will complement the existing state-led expansion by adding one lane in each way through the city and enhancing pedestrian safety features.\n\n$3,000,000 for the Dallas-Laclede County Bridge Replacement Project, which will enhance multimodal connectivity by providing a shared-use path connection by replacing a functionally deficient bridge, as well as providing safety and operational improvements, along the 64 Highway corridor at the Dallas-Laclede County Line hear Bennett Springs State Park.\n\n$3,000,000 for the Cedar-Polk 32 Highway Infrastructure Improvements Project, which will enhance safety and improve traffic operations along the 32 Highway corridor along the border of Cedar and Polk Counties by constructing turn lanes and curve realignments, while also replacing a functionally deficient bridge.\n\nOther Alford priorities included in the Transportation & HUD funding bill include:\n\nLanguage to provide Missourians with timely notifications of severe weather by ensuring the National Weather Service\u2019s Weather Service Units at the Federal Aviation Administration\u2019s air traffic control centers are fully staffed.\n\nInvestments in transportation safety to modernize air traffic control bu providing resources to hire 2,300 new controllers and replace dated telecommunication infrastructure\u2014building on the investments from the Working Families Tax Cuts.\n\nRequirements for HUD to study the impact of mortgage portability, which would allow federally backed mortgages to be carried between properties by a single borrower.\n\nDirects agencies to support small and rural small and rural communities in navigating competitive grant processes, while increasing transparency in the evaluation and award selection process for discretionary grants.\n\nProvisions to exempt first-time homebuyers who are first responders or teachers from mortgage insurance premiums, while encouraging HUD to consult with the Veterans Administration to examine whether VA Home Loans could be incorporated into a similar program.\n\nLanguage to support manufactured housing, giving rural families more options for affordable housing and an additional path to the American dream of homeownership.\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"], ["https://alford.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1641", "House Passes Agriculture Funding Bill, $4+ Million for Fourth District Projects", "2026-06-04", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Mark Alford", "A000379", "alford.house.gov", "alford", "https://alford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) celebrated the U.S. House of Representatives passing H.R. 8646, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2027.\n\nWatch Congressman Alford\u2019s remarks on the House floor in support of H.R. 8646 here or by clicking the image above.\n\nAs a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Congressman Alford secured $4,254,782 in reasonable federal investments for the Fourth District to help turn the \u201cShow Me State\u201d into the \u201cGrow Me State,\u201d including:\n\n$1,597,750 to modernize the Cass County Sherriff\u2019s Digital Forensics Unit, including the construction a secure addition to the Cass County Sheriff\u2019s Office to address growing demand for digital evidence processing by providing updated laboratory space, climate-controlled evidence storage, upgraded infrastructure, and specialized forensic equipment to support law enforcement investigations.\n\n$450,000 for water quality and fire protection improvements in the City of Lexington to enhance water quality, reliability, and public safety for residents and businesses in Lexington while strengthening the overall resilience of the community\u2019s water system.\n\n$1,000,000 to construct a new public safety building in El Dorado Springs for both the Fire and Police Departments, enhancing the services first responders can provide to the community.\n\n$1,000,000 for wastewater infrastructure improvements in the City of Higginsville, including installation of a new wastewater pump station and force main, to centralize treatment and provide essential sanitary sewer services.\n\n$207,032 to upgrade the 911 emergency system in Morgan County by modernizing the call handling system as well as hardware and software with support, enabling NextGen Core Services connection to the ESI net, implementing Text-to-911, and Net Clock.\n\nAdditional Alford priorities secured in the FY2027 Agriculture appropriations bill include:\n\nExpands efforts to address foreign ownership of U.S. agricultural land by improving the USDA\u2019s tracking system for foreign-owned land and ensuring the Secretary of Agriculture remains a member of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to review agricultural transactions that implicate national security.\n\nContinued support for agricultural research and education at the University of Missouri, including $3 million for Livestock Genetic Engineering and Health Research and dedicated funding for the Center for Agroforestry.\n\n$10 million in dedicated funding for the National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP), which provides satellite and aerial imagery used for weather forecasting and agriculture.\n\nThe PURR Act, which establishes the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) as the sole regulatory authority over pet food for dogs and cats. The pet food industry is a major job creator in Missouri.\n\nA provision to allow frozen fruits and vegetables in the GusNIP program, in line with Congressman Alford\u2019s SHOPP Act.\n\nA $500,000 increase in funding for the U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) to support Missouri pork producers.\n\nContinued support for efforts to combat High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) to support Missouri poultry producers.\n\nNew support for research on diseases in cattle spread by Asian Longhorned Ticks to support Missouri cattle ranchers.\n\nEnhanced support for Operation Stork Speed by bolstering the domestic infant formula supply by encouraging more efficient and streamlined formula manufacturing inspections.\n\nRead the bill text here.\n\nRead a summary of the legislation here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-05T06:35:23Z", "2026-06-05T06:36:42Z"], ["https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/burlison-opens-roundtable-success-working-families-tax-cuts-act", "Burlison Opens Roundtable on Success of Working Families Tax Cuts Act", "2026-06-04", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Eric Burlison", "B001316", "burlison.house.gov", "burlison", "https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs Chairman Eric Burlison (R-Mo.) delivered his opening statement at today\u2019s joint subcommittee roundtable titled \u201cThe Working Families Tax Cuts Act in Practice: Rewarding Work, Not Washington.\u201d In his remarks, Subcommittee Chairman Burlison explained that the Working Families Tax Cuts Act (WFTCA) has been saving Americans thousands of dollars of their hard-earned paychecks through no taxes on tips provisions and newborn savings accounts. He also noted that the WFTCA has saved millions of manufacturing jobs.\n\nWATCH REP. BURLISON'S OPENING REMARKS\n\nBelow are Subcommittee Chairman Burlison\u2019s opening remarks as prepared for delivery:\n\nThank you all for joining us today.\n\nWe\u2019re here to discuss the real-world impact of the Working Families Tax Cuts Act and what it means for the Americans we represent.\n\nBefore we discuss policy, it\u2019s important to acknowledge reality.\n\nMany Americans are still struggling. Families continue to feel the effects of years of inflation, rising housing and health insurance costs, and an economy that has become increasingly difficult to afford.\n\nToo many hardworking Americans still feel like they\u2019re falling behind.\n\nThat frustration is real.\n\nFor years, Washington\u2019s answer to every problem seemed to be more spending, more borrowing, and more government.\n\nMeanwhile, the national debt continued to grow, inflation crunched budgets, and taxpayers were left wondering when anyone in Washington would start exercising the same discipline expected of every household in America.\n\nThat\u2019s why the Working Families Tax Cuts Act matters\n\nPresident Trump made a promise to extend the tax relief that helped fuel economic growth and raise wages for American workers, and he delivered.\n\nWorking alongside a Republican Congress, the President signed into law one of the most significant conservative policy victories in years.\n\nWe often hear about what government spends. Today we\u2019re here to talk about what Americans get to keep.\n\nThe law permanently extends the 2017 tax cuts, preventing what would otherwise be an average 22 percent tax increase, the largest in American history, on families.\n\nThe Internal Revenue Service reported in March a 13.6% increase from last year in total tax refunds.\n\nThat is $26.5 billion which went back to the American people as they strive to emerge from the affordability pressures launched by the Biden Administration.\n\nThe law rewards work. It provides meaningful tax relief for tipped workers, overtime workers, and many seniors, allowing Americans who work hard, pick up extra shifts, or have spent a lifetime paying into the system to keep more of their own money.\n\nWorkers can deduct up to $25,000 in tip income and up to $12,500 in overtime pay from their federal taxes.\n\nThe law also strengthens the Child Tax Credit for roughly 40 million families, expands educational opportunities for parents, and creates new ways for families to save and invest in their children\u2019s future.\n\nMore than four million children are already enrolled in these new savings accounts.\n\nThe law also strengthens incentives for investment, research, and domestic manufacturing. It permanently restores immediate expensing for research and development and provides greater certainty for businesses looking to invest, hire, and build in the United States.\n\nManufacturers warned that failure to act could jeopardize hundreds of billions of dollars in economic output and millions of American jobs. Instead, this law is projected to support approximately $284 billion in manufacturing growth while helping secure millions of jobs across the country.\n\nBut just as importantly, this law begins addressing a problem Washington has ignored for far too long: spending.\n\nFor decades, Congress has spent money it doesn\u2019t have while taxpayers have been forced to absorb the consequences.\n\nThe Working Families Tax Cuts Act begins to change that trajectory.\n\nThe law achieves roughly $1.4 trillion in mandatory spending reductions over the next decade and includes reforms designed to encourage work, increase accountability, and begin addressing programs that have become vulnerable to waste, fraud, and abuse.\n\nIs that enough to solve our fiscal challenges? No.\n\nBut it is a start.\n\nThe American people understand something Washington often forgets: prosperity is created by workers, families, entrepreneurs, and businesses, not by government spending.\n\nNo single piece of legislation can solve every challenge facing this country. But the Working Families Tax Cuts Act represents a significant step toward lower taxes, greater economic freedom, stronger growth, and a more responsible federal government.\n\nToday we\u2019ll hear directly from witnesses about how these policies are affecting workers, families, and employers across the country and whether they are delivering on the promises made to the American people.\n\nI look forward to the discussion.", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:11:26Z"], ["https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-onder-leads-letter-calling-greater-transparency-medicare-advantage", "Rep. Onder Leads Letter Calling for Greater Transparency in Medicare Advantage", "2026-06-04", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Robert F. Onder, Jr.", "O000177", "onder.house.gov", "onder", "https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nJune 4th, 2026\n\nContact: Brooke Morgan\n\n(Washington, D.C.) \u2013 Today, U.S. Congressman Bob Onder (R-MO) released the following statement after leading a letter from certain members of the Doctors Caucus to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) encouraging the agency to protect Medicare Advantage beneficiaries who are being blocked from lifesaving physician-administered treatments. The letter urges CMS to establish minimum national standards for drug coverage in Medicare Advantage to address restrictive \u201cstep therapy\u201d policies that require seniors to try insurer-preferred drugs, even when there is no access to the drug in their region.\n\n\u201cOne of the most concerning trends in Medicare Advantage is the growing use of step therapy requirements. In traditional Medicare, physicians can quickly pivot to an alternative treatment if a drug is unavailable, but many plans force patients to try their preferred drug first - even if the drug is unavailable where they live. As members of the Doctors Caucus, we regularly hear about this from patients and physicians, and many of us have witnessed firsthand how patients are harmed when insurers restrict access to life-saving treatments,\u201d said Congressman Bob Onder, M.D.\n\n\u201cOur country should be moving toward a health care system that puts patients, not profits, first. Seniors who have paid into Medicare their entire lives deserve reasonable access to the treatments they need.\u201d\n\n\"Americans deserve reliable access to the treatments their doctors know work best. Washington bureaucrats and insurance companies shouldn\u2019t force seniors through unnecessary hurdles or disrupt care to cut costs. We must protect patient choice, support physicians, and ensure Medicare beneficiaries can get the care they need when they need it,\u201d said Rep. Brian Babin, D.D.S.\n\n\"As a physician, I believe treatment decisions should be made by doctors\u2014not insurance companies. Physicians use their training, clinical experience, and knowledge of a patient's medical history to determine the best course of treatment. Yet Medicare Advantage plans often require patients to try an insurer-selected therapy before they can receive the medication prescribed by their doctor. CMS should put an end to these unnecessary insurance hurdles and allow physicians to exercise their medical judgment,\" said Congressman Andy Harris, M.D.\n\n\"As a physician, I know all too well the unnecessary barriers that step therapy puts between a patient and the care they need. Right now, the structure of certain Medicare Advantage plans is forcing seniors onto failed alternative drugs while squeezing local clinics so hard they can\u2019t even afford to provide the actual treatments patients need. This is a preventable bureaucratic failure, and CMS should step in and protect patient access to the care they need,\" said Congressman Mike Kennedy, M.D.\n\n\"To improve patient outcomes, we must ensure efficient and effective care is readily available. Oftentimes, \"fail-first\" practices are harmful to patients and ultimately more costly on the American taxpayer. I am proud to join my physician colleagues in addressing this shortcoming with CMS,\u201d said Rep. Neal Dunn, M.D.\n\n\u201cWe thank Rep. Bob Onder (R-MO) and his colleagues for bringing attention to a growing problem that threatens patient access to physician-administered biosimilar medications,\u201d said Madelaine Feldman, M.D., FACR, Vice President of Advocacy & Government Affairs for the Coalition of State Rheumatology Organizations (CSRO), a Co-Chair organization of the Underwater Biosimilars Coalition. \u201cOver-rebating has created a growing number of \u2018underwater\u2019 biosimilars, where Medicare reimbursement falls below provider acquisition cost. At the same time, Medicare Advantage plans continue to impose step therapy requirements for these products without regard for whether physicians can afford to administer them. Biosimilars should be a cost-effective option that expands patient access and lowers healthcare spending, but the current system risks limiting access, forcing care into potentially higher-cost settings. A formulary adequacy standard would help end \u2018ghost formularies\u2019 and ensure that Medicare Advantage plans cannot require beneficiaries to \u2018fail first\u2019 a preferred biosimilar that is effectively unavailable.\u201d\n\nTo read the full letter, click here: Letter.\n\nBackground Information\n\nUnder the Medicare Advantage (MA) program, the federal government pays private insurance companies a fixed amount to provide beneficiaries with Medicare-covered services. By law, Medicare Advantage plans must cover at least the same services available under traditional Medicare. Despite these requirements, physicians and patients continue to report significant barriers to accessing medically necessary treatments, particularly physician-administered Part B drugs such as biologics and biosimilars used to treat chronic conditions including rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. Providers have raised concerns that step therapy requirements and restrictive formulary policies in some Medicare Advantage plans can delay or limit access to these therapies, even when they would otherwise be covered under traditional Medicare.\n\nPhysicians are increasingly being reimbursed at rates below the amount they must pay to acquire certain Part B medications, creating financial challenges that can make it difficult to continue offering these treatments. According to a 2025 survey of nearly 200 physicians, reimbursement rates for some commonly prescribed biosimilars frequently fell below acquisition costs. Physicians reported that the actual purchase price for Inflectra exceeded reimbursement rates by 30 to 260 percent, while the purchase price for Avsola exceeded reimbursement by approximately 30 to 80 percent below acquisition cost. Rheumatologists and gastroenterologists have identified these drugs among the most common examples of medications for which providers are operating at a loss.\n\nIn traditional Medicare, physicians may be able to prescribe alternative therapies when reimbursement rates make certain drugs unavailable. However, providers report that Medicare Advantage step therapy requirements can limit those options, leaving some patients without timely access to treatment in their communities.\n\nMy colleagues and I are asking the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to improve transparency and establish safeguards that ensure Medicare Advantage plans maintain adequate formularies and provide beneficiaries with meaningful access to medically necessary Part B medications.\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:11:26Z"], ["https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-onders-bill-strengthen-accountability-child-care-monitoring-passes-house", "Rep. Onder\u2019s Bill to Strengthen Accountability in Child Care Monitoring Passes the House", "2026-06-04", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Robert F. Onder, Jr.", "O000177", "onder.house.gov", "onder", "https://onder.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nJune 4th, 2026\n\nContact: Brooke Morgan\n\n(Washington, D.C.) \u2013 Today, U.S. Congressman Bob Onder (R-MO) released the following statement after the House passed his bill, H.R. 7722, the Child Care Integrity Monitoring Act, as part of H.R. 7726, the Stop Child Care Scams Act, a package of eight commonsense reforms to crack down on abuse, restore accountability, and protect taxpayer dollars from being siphoned off by bad actors.\n\nThe Child Care Integrity Monitoring Act strengthens oversight of federal child care funding by codifying the Department of Health and Human Services\u2019 (HHS) practice of auditing states\u2019 CCDBG funds every three years. Also, under this legislation, any state with repeated audit failures would be designated as \u201chigh-risk\u201d and subjected to enhanced monitoring as determined by HHS.\n\n\u201cRecent investigations in Democrat-run states have exposed widespread fraud in child care assistance programs, with millions of taxpayer dollars funneled to services that were never provided,\u201d said Congressman Bob Onder. \u201cThis blatant abuse underscores the urgent need for stronger oversight, and the Child Care Integrity Monitoring Act will hold states with repeated audit failures accountable and help ensure public funds are spent responsibly. Families deserve child care programs they can trust, and taxpayers deserve full transparency about where their hard-earned dollars are going. I am proud that the House has passed this legislation as part of the Stop Child Care Scams Act, a package of eight commonsense reforms designed to crack down on fraud, strengthen oversight, and restore accountability to the child care assistance system.\u201d\n\n\u201cFraud is running rampant across our nation\u2014and Americans are sick of it. That is why the Committee on Education and Workforce passed eight bills in March to fight fraud and restore Americans\u2019 faith in our federal child care programs. Every dollar stolen by fraudsters is a dollar that cannot help innocent children in need. I am grateful to Rep. Onder for sponsoring the Child Care Integrity Monitoring Act, which is included in H.R. 7726. His bill implements common-sense accountability measures to ensure states are putting our children\u2014and not fraudsters\u2014first.\u201d\u2014Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI)\n\nTo read the full bill, click here: H.R. 7722\n\nBackground Information\n\nEnacted in 1990 and subsequently amended, the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) Act is the primary federal law providing child care assistance to low-income families. The law authorizes grant funding to state, territorial, and tribal lead agencies to help eligible families access child care services.\n\nFollowing the passage of the Improper Payments Information Act of 2002, the CCDBG program was identified as being at risk for significant improper payments. In response, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) established a three-year audit cycle for all grantees beginning in 2007.\n\nDespite these oversight measures, misuse of CCDBG funds persists. In May 2025, the HHS Inspector General reported that 38 of 200 randomly selected child care assistance payments in Minnesota failed to meet requirements related to attendance and payment for services. A separate report from the Minnesota Office of the Legislative Auditor also highlighted widespread noncompliance within the state\u2019s child care assistance program.\n\nThe Child Care Integrity Monitoring Act is included in the House Education and Workforce Committee\u2019s Stop Child Care Scams Act, a package of eight reforms designed to combat fraud, strengthen oversight, and increase accountability in child care assistance programs.\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:11:26Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 7142, "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, 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