{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"House\", party = \"Republican\" and year = 2023 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://lahood.house.gov/2023/12/year-in-review-16-from-2023-in-il16", "Year in Review: 16 Snapshots from 2023 in IL16", "2023-12-31", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "16 Snapshots from 2023 in the 16th Congressional District\n\nIn 2023, I've been honored to begin representing the new 16th Congressional District of Illinois. With constituents in 21 counties covering central and northern Illinois, we've made it a priority to get into the community and discover what makes our state and region special. Over the course of the year we visited small businesses, community organizations, farms, factories, colleges, hospitals, energy facilities, and much more. To highlight an eventful year, I wanted to showcase 16 snapshots from the new 16th Congressional District! Happy New Year and see you in 2024!\n\nIn January, I made my first official visit to Galena to meet with small businesses, elected officials, and the Chamber of Commerce to learn about what's happening in the community and issues impacting the region.\n\nLater in January, I visited the Rockford Airport to discuss the status of airport upgrades and what the future looks like for them.\n\nIn February, I spoke at Eureka College in honor of one of their most famous alumni, President Ronald Reagan. President Reagan\u2019s legacy of civic leadership continues to be carried out through the Ronald W. Reagan Leadership Fellows and it's always a privilege to celebrate the incredible students at Eureka.\n\nIn March, I traveled to Morris in Grundy County to visit the LyondellBasell plant. They do a great job supporting their community by offering jobs and they are leaders in the low-carbon industry.\n\nFarmers are a key economic driver in the 16th District. In April, I visited Brian Duncan's family farm to help plant. I appreciate all the family farmers who feed and fuel our country.\n\nThe Future Farmers of America (FFA) shape and educate the next generation of Illinois farmers. In May, I visited with the Livingston County FFA to check in on their projects and innovative work in agriculture.\n\nIn June, I toured the Byron Nuclear Plant. Nuclear energy helps support our economy in Illinois and it is an important emission-free energy resource, which is critical to our all-of-the-above energy approach.\n\nEach year, I am honored to nominate young men and women to attend our nation's military academies. In June, I hosted those students who were appointed to one of the service academies in our Peoria District Office.\n\nOne of my top priorities is providing high quality constituent services. In July and August, I was proud to join community leaders in Morris and Normal to open new Congressional Offices, which are open and accessible to all IL16 constituents.\n\nIn September, I did a hard hat tour of the OSF's Cancer Institute in Peoria, which will make Peoria a hub for cancer research and treatment throughout our state and region.\n\nPrecision Planting's new facility in Morton will support hundreds of jobs in the community and I was grateful to visit in September.\n\nMy office was proud to secure a Community Funding Project award to support the new YMCA facility in Morris. I was honored to participate in a beam signing with local officials in October.\n\nThe Rockford Chamber of Commerce is an important advocate for local small businesses and I joined them in November to provide a Congressional update.\n\nI am proud to champion legislation to strengthen the low income housing tax credit. In November, I was honored to break ground on the new Willis Senior Lofts project in Rochelle.\n\nIn December, I visited with the Little Learners and Birth to Five Council at the CTE Academy in Elizabeth to talk about their mission to improve child care and support families.\n\nWishing everyone a safe and happy New Year! I look forward to seeing many of you in 2024", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://radewagen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/amata-highlights-pacific-islands-caucus-activities", "Amata Highlights Pacific Islands Caucus Activities", "2023-12-31", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "AS", "Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen", "R000600", "radewagen.house.gov", "radewagen", "https://radewagen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Uifa\u2019atali Amata is highlighting the congressional activities of the bipartisan Pacific Islands Caucus, which she co-chairs. Efforts during 2023 emphasized U.S. commitment in the region, legislation and funding, and Congress\u2019s role in international partnerships in the Pacific.\n\nImage\n\nMembers of Congress Amata, Ed Case of Hawaii, and James Moylan of Guam\n\n\u201cI appreciate my colleagues in the bipartisan Pacific Islands Caucus and the commitment we can show to the region together,\" said Co-Chairman Amata. \"We\u2019ve gotten a lot done in relation to the Pacific Islands but there will be more to do in 2024, and I look forward to working with each dedicated Co-Chair and Member of our Caucus on behalf of the Pacific Islands, including our security, economies, and environmental priorities.\u201d\n\nThe Caucus\u2019s Year in Review with specific actions and legislative details is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://balderson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2590", "Balderson Recap: Looking Back at 2023", "2023-12-30", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "OH", "Troy Balderson", "B001306", "balderson.house.gov", "balderson", "https://balderson.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27&Page=5", "scraper", "This past January marked the beginning of the 118th Congress. With Republicans regaining control of the House of Representatives, we were able to bring oversight and fiscal responsibility back to Washington.\n\nAt the start of the year, I was selected to serve on the Energy and Commerce Committee, which has the broadest jurisdiction of any committee in Congress\u2013from securing our nation\u2019s supply chains to ensuring all Americans have access to quality, innovative health care. The committee stayed busy all year, held 93 hearings, and sent 120 bills to the full House for consideration and passage.\n\nMore importantly, I was able to continue working on behalf of the people of Ohio\u2019s 12th Congressional District. Throughout the entire year, I criss-crossed the district\u2019s 12 counties, holding hundreds of meetings with health care workers, small business owners, and individuals who work every day to improve the world around them.\n\nAs I reflect on 2023 and look onward to 2024, I want to share with you a handful of issues that meant a lot to me this year. These are issues where I have been a leader among my House colleagues, and issues where I believe meaningful progress has been made.\n\nBoosting American Energy and Preserving Consumer Choice\n\nEarlier this year, the House passed H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act. This is House Republicans\u2019 flagship legislation to boost U.S energy production and ensure an abundance of affordable, reliable energy for American families.\n\nThe bill provides meaningful permitting reforms, streamlines the energy export process, and boosts domestic production. Simply put, this bill enables American energy producers to tap into the resources we have right beneath our feet in a timely manner by cutting red tape, instituting concrete timelines for permitting review, and incentivizing energy investment here at home.\n\nRelying on bad actors like Russia and Iran for our energy is shortsighted and reckless. And though this seems like commonsense, the policies coming out of the Biden White House today ignore this reality. If not stopped, the United States will remain dependent on hostile nations to meet our energy needs.\n\nConsumer choice has also come under assault this year. Activist bureaucrats are pushing bans on gas-powered cars and electric vehicle (EV) mandates.\n\nIn March, I joined my colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee in introducing the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act (H.R. 1435). This bill passed the House this summer that blocks California from implementing its all-out ban on gas-powered cars beginning in 2035. In order to carry out this ban, they need approval from the EPA through a waiver\u2013our legislation would block the approval of this waiver and prevent this kind of ban in any other state going forward.\n\nI also was a co-sponsor of the CARS Act (H.R. 4468), which also passed the House this year and would prevent the EPA from finalizing a federal rule that would mandate two-thirds of all vehicles sold by 2032 be all-electric. Freedom of choice and the power of the American consumer make the United States the envy of the world. There is nothing wrong with buying an EV if it best fits your family\u2019s needs, but no government agency should have the right to unilaterally take that decision away.\n\nDespite trying to require the adoption of all-electric vehicles, the Biden Administration is pushing to shut down power plants across the country, slashing the capacity to charge the very vehicles they seek to mandate.\n\nTheir top proposal requires fossil fuel power plants to retrofit facilities to cut or capture their carbon dioxide emissions by 2040. The problem is carbon capture has yet to be successfully deployed at commercial level, and it would be prohibitively expensive for energy producers. In fact, this proposed rule would force many coal- and gas-fired plants to permanently shut down to avoid these cost-prohibitive retrofits.\n\nReport after report shows that American energy demand is growing while energy production is shrinking. In order to avoid a future where rolling blackouts and unexpected power outages become the norm, I introduced the Grid Reliability and Resiliency Improvements Act (H.R. 2875), which would provide increased transparency and information on the long-term reliability of America\u2019s electrical grid.\n\nI also joined my fellow Energy and Commerce Committee Republicans in a letter to the EPA administrator demanding the agency extend its public comment period for their strict, costly proposed rules. Over the last year, the Committee has held the Biden Administration accountable for its reckless proposals, conducting a number of hearings where I have been able to underscore the importance of grid reliability with energy experts and agency officials.\n\nPromoting Innovation in Health Care\n\nFor many Ohioans, access to affordable, quality health care can be a challenge. This is particularly true for those who live in more rural parts of the state and the elderly, who may have issues getting to and from their appointments. Telehealth is a critical tool that connects people to their health care providers regardless of their zip code or ability to travel.\n\nTelehealth boomed during the Covid-19 pandemic, and I have been working ever since to ensure that health care providers continue to cover telehealth services and invest in telehealth capabilities.\n\nRemote patient monitoring (RPM) lies at the heart of new, cutting-edge telehealth technologies. RPM lets patients remain in the comfort of home while doctors track their medication adherence and monitor vital signs. This can be especially useful when patients are prescribed opioids.\n\nMy bill, the Remote Opioid Monitoring Act, aims to use this technology to combat the opioid epidemic by helping doctors identify and stop the misuse and abuse of lawfully prescribed opioids, preventing addiction from the outset. Last week, the legislation overwhelmingly passed the House 386-37 and now heads to the Senate for consideration.\n\nI have also introduced the Expanding Remote Monitoring Access Act (H.R.5394), which would ease restrictions on health care providers and allow more seniors to benefit from remote monitoring services. RPM became widely available during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) lowered the threshold for who could be eligible. During this time, we saw just how effective RPM can be at reducing long-term health care costs, improving health outcomes, and increasing options for seniors. My bill would extend the COVID-era rules so more seniors can benefit from this technology.\n\nThe Expanding Remote Monitoring Access Act is still being considered by the Energy and Commerce Committee.\n\nStopping the Border Crisis\n\nIn 2023, the U.S. saw record-breaking numbers of migrants flow across our border. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, there have been 7.8 million illegal immigrant encounters nationwide since President Biden took office. These individuals are drawn to our country because of the Biden Administration\u2019s lax immigration policies and feeble border enforcement.\n\nThe crisis is only getting worse. Just days ago, on December 18th, the southern border saw a record 12,600 migrant encounters in a single day.\n\nBecause of the President\u2019s failure to secure our southern border, we are seeing a surge of deadly fentanyl smuggled across our border. This poison makes its way from the Mexico border to communities across the country\u2013including here in Ohio. In a report released in December, the Ohio Department of Health found that fentanyl was involved in 81% of Ohio\u2019s unintentional drug overdoses in 2022.\n\nThe ongoing crisis at the southern border shows how misguided policy decisions in Washington can have widespread, tragic impacts nationwide.\n\nHouse Republicans immediately put together and passed a border security package when we regained control of the House earlier this year. The Secure the Border Act (H.R. 2), is the strongest border security bill ever put forward in Congress, and it takes a two-pronged approach to fight the immigration crisis.\n\nFirst, it secures the border by resuming construction of the border wall, deploying more border agents, and implementing new technologies to detect illegal crossings.\n\nSecond, H.R. 2 reforms U.S. policies to deter migrants from illegally entering the country by ending catch and release, streamlining the asylum process, ending in executive abuse of immigration authority, and strengthening current law to protect unaccompanied children from human trafficking.\n\nThis immigration package passed the House in May, yet the Democrat-led Senate has ignored the legislation while the White House continues to downplay the border crisis. Going into 2024, I will continue calling on Democrats in Washington to take the border seriously, and I will urge my counterparts in the Senate to follow House Republicans\u2019 lead and pass H.R. 2.\n\nSupporting Israel\n\nFor Israelis and Jewish people across the world, the shock of Hamas\u2019s attack on October 7th was unimaginable. In a matter of hours, terrorists from Gaza invaded Israel to massacre and abduct innocent men, women, and children.\n\nImmediately following the attack, I signed on as an original co-sponsor to a resolution declaring that the United States unequivocally stands with Israel and its people. The resolution condemned Hamas\u2019s brutal invasion and affirms American support for Israel as it continues to defend itself.\n\nIsrael is our greatest ally and friend in the Middle East. That\u2019s why I voted in support of a $14.3 billion security assistance package that provides equipment needed for their ongoing defense. The bill also replenishes American defense stockpiles and allocates funds to evacuate American citizens in Israel.\n\nI also signed on to the Stop Taxpayer Funding of Hamas Act, which would ensure that no American taxpayer dollars will be authorized to Gaza until the President certifies to Congress that these funds will not benefit terrorist organizations and that there are no hostages currently being held in Gaza. If we truly want to stand with Israel, in both our words and actions, then we must not give aid and comfort to the very terrorists carrying out barbaric acts of violence and kidnapping civilians.\n\nLet's Stay Connected\n\nAs always, let me know if I can ever be of assistance to you or your loved ones by calling my office at (614) 523-2555 or sending me an email.\n\nBe sure to update your contact preferences, so I can keep you informed about the latest from Washington, D.C. and across the region.\n\nWishing you and your family a Happy New Year!\n\n###\n\nRelated News\n\nOp-Ed \u2013 Keeping pace with innovation: Empowering Americans in the age of wearables\n\nFebruary 25, 2026 | Posted in Articles\n\nHouse passes Rep. Troy Balderson\u2019s bill to bolster grid reliability\n\nDecember 18, 2025 | Posted in Articles\n\nHouse Passes Balderson\u2019s Reliable Power Act\n\nDecember 17, 2025 | Posted in Press Releases\n\nBalderson Joins President Trump for Announcement to Lower Car Prices and Protect Consumer Choice\n\nDecember 3, 2025 | Posted in Press Releases\n\nBalderson, Cotton Introduce Bill to Stop Frivolous Lawsuits Blocking American Energy Projects\n\nDecember 2, 2025 | Posted in Press Releases", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://flood.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-floods-new-years-statement", "Congressman Flood\u2019s New Year\u2019s Statement", "2023-12-29", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Mike Flood", "F000474", "flood.house.gov", "flood", "https://flood.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2013U.S. Congressman Mike Flood issued a recorded statement ahead of New Year\u2019s, which is observed January 1, 2024.\n\nVideo of the remarks can be found by clicking here. News outlets are welcome to use the footage for their reporting purposes. The full text of the speech is below.\n\nFriends and fellow Nebraskans, as we enter 2024, I want to reflect on the moments and blessings 2023 gave us.\n\nThere were many highs: House Republicans took control of the House and passed some historic bills, like the Lower Energy Costs Act and the Secure the Border Act.\n\n2023 was my first full year in Congress. I introduced and passed my first bill on a bipartisan basis. My office assisted hundreds of constituents to resolve issues. I traveled around the world to meet with international leaders to strengthen America\u2019s relationships \u2013 and that\u2019s just a few of the most significant moments.\n\nI am so grateful for all the opportunities to serve you in Congress this year. I came to Washington to make life better for everyone in Nebraska\u2019s First District, and together, we can continue work to achieve even more in 2024.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-thompson-travel-southern-border-speaker-johnson", "Congressman Thompson to Travel to Southern Border with Speaker Johnson", "2023-12-29", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Glenn Thompson", "T000467", "thompson.house.gov", "thompson", "https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 On Wednesday, January 3, U.S. Representative Glenn \u201cGT\u201d Thompson and Speaker Mike Johnson along with other Representatives, will travel to Eagle Pass, Texas to visit the border.\n\nThey will meet with state and local officials to discuss the failures of the Biden Administration to enforce border policy and their experience on the ground.\n\n\"At every turn the Biden Administration has failed to address the crisis on our southern border,\" Rep. Thompson said. \"House Republicans have put forth solutions, and this trip will allow us to meet face to face with those brave men and women who serve in Customs and Border Protection, who have been sidelined by failed policies.\"\n\n\u201cAmerica is experiencing the worst border crisis in our history, impacting every community in the country. While President Biden and Senate Democrats are asleep at the wheel, House Republicans will not cease in demanding transformative, immediate solutions to the madness. We look forward to meeting with the brave men and women of law enforcement and the citizens on the frontlines of this crisis who will help shine a light on the disastrous effects of this Administration\u2019s border policies,\u201d Speaker Johnson said.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/wilson-statement-trump-ruling-maines-secretary-state", "Wilson Statement on the Trump Ruling by Maine\u2019s Secretary of State", "2023-12-28", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Joe Wilson", "W000795", "joewilson.house.gov", "joewilson", "https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congressman Joe Wilson issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cThe Trump derangement has appeared again today with the decision by Maine\u2019s Secretary of State to bar Donald Trump from running for President in the state. This undemocratic move is contrary to what Americans should be working for which is to bring our country together with a fair and honest selection where all candidates can participate, especially one that is leading all the polls. It would be outrageous and insulting to the intelligence of any American that he or she should not be able to run without a conviction, as all Americans are presumed innocent until given a full and fair trial.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/malliotakis-announces-winners-high-school-congressional-app-challenge-2023", "Malliotakis Announces Winners of High School Congressional App Challenge for 2023", "2023-12-28", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "NY", "Nicole Malliotakis", "M000317", "malliotakis.house.gov", "malliotakis", "https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "(WASHINGTON, DC) - Today Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis announced Marta Bekirman from New Dorp High School placed first in the 2023 Congressional App Challenge for New York\u2019s 11th Congressional District for developing the \"Helping Staten Island\" App. Tobias Lin of Coney Island Prep High School placed second for developing the \"Pick Up Share\" app.\n\nBekirman's \"Helping Staten Island\" App was coded using Java, and allows users to locate different volunteering opportunities, both virtual and in person, throughout Staten Island, and track volunteering hours.\n\nI was proud to congratulate Marta for winning our office's Congressional App Challenge two years in a row,\u201d Malliotakis said. \u201cHelping Staten Island would be a fantastic resource for students looking to get involved in our community, track volunteer hours and find ways to give back. When young people volunteer in their communities, they develop essential life skills and a sense of social responsibility that encourages them to be more civically engaged. Marta is extremely creative and I\u2019m proud to recognize her talent along with her efforts to make Staten Island a better place to live, work, and recreate.\"\n\n\"I was not able to access many volunteering opportunities on Staten Island, so I wanted to create a resource that anyone could use to locate volunteering opportunities,\" Marta said. \"The intended audience is students or people on Staten Island who want to help the community become a better place for volunteering.\"\n\nThe runner up, Tobias Lin of Coney Island Prep High School, created \"Pick Up Share,\" an app that assists busy parents who need someone to drive their children to and from school. The app also includes a database of community trusted after school programs and a page where families can donate old uniforms.\n\n\"After witnessing the sheer quantity of emails my mom was receiving regarding busy parents looking for someone to pick up their children from school, I realized that there was nothing out there that would help parents balance their work and parenting at the same time,\" Tobias said. \"I understand that parenting can be very difficult, and many parents may not have the time or energy to take care of their children as much as they would like to due to their jobs. As a result, I set out to design a web application that could help parents all over the world be both better parents and better providers for their children.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-rep-diaz-balart-and-rep-mccaul-new-york-post-bidens-energy-plan", "ICYMI: Rep. D\u00edaz-Balart and Rep. McCaul in the New York Post: Biden\u2019s energy plan means lights out for Africa", "2023-12-28", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Mario Diaz-Balart", "D000600", "mariodiazbalart.house.gov", "mariodiazbalart", "https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Op-ed: Mario D\u00edaz-Balart and Michael McCaul\n\nDecember 25, 2023\n\nRead the full op-edhere:\n\nThe Biden administration\u2019s decision to impose oppressive, burdensome restrictions on developing African countries attempting to advance and lift themselves from destitution and dependence is profoundly concerning.\n\nEnergy poverty is at the heart of Africa\u2019s development challenges.\n\nNo country on Earth became prosperous and self-reliant without access to affordable and plentiful energy.\n\nEnergy security is the prerequisite for industrialization, job creation, advanced health care and effective education systems.\n\nProsperity is only possible with ready access to inexpensive energy.\n\nCongress initiated the successful, bipartisan Power Africa program in 2015, with the underlying legislation mandating a commonsense \u201call-of-the-above\u201d energy strategy with both conventional and renewable sources.\n\nRegrettably, the Biden administration has gutted Power Africa with its onerous restrictions.\n\nInstead of leveraging all available tools to pull Africa out of energy poverty, it only allows so-called \u201cgreen-energy projects\u201d to receive US funding and support.\n\nThis policy is simply energy colonialism.\n\nEven worse, it is hypocritical and a huge waste of money and opportunities.\n\nPresident Biden\u2019s unauthorized climate envoy,John Kerry, is flying around the world in jet planes while abandoning the African people to the impossible task of solving their serious energy crises with ineffective and counterproductive solutions: solar panels filled with parts made by forced labor in Communist China.\n\nMost recently he and other administration officials, including Vice PresidentKamala Harris, attended COP28 in the United Arab Emirates, where they pledged billions in taxpayer money to the Green Climate Fund \u2014 a slush fund for special-interest projects with no real oversight that has funded projects in China, the world\u2019s second-largest economy.\n\nThese pledges of billions in taxpayer money invested only in perceived \u201cgreen\u201d projects will do nothing to address the true drivers of pollution \u2014 like China \u2014 or empower the African continent.\n\nWe find it unconscionable the administration is exploiting the continent\u2019s dire needs for investments toward genuine modernization and advancement to appease its special interests and partisan agenda.\n\nIt is wrong to hold still-developing African countries to a standard even the most advanced economies cannot achieve.\n\nThis virtue signaling will have disastrous results for US interests in Africa.\n\nThe burden on Africa is even more absurd when one considers Africa\u2019s current emissions are entirely inconsequential, amounting to less than the margin of error in climate models used to speculate about the effects of climate change.\n\nIn other words, if Africa were to reduce its emissions to zero, the enormous sacrifice that would entail would still have almost no effect on a global scale.\n\nAnd even if African countries tripled their current emissions levels from natural-gas power plants, it would still be negligible compared with China\u2019s continuously growing carbon emissions.\n\nInstead of confronting the world\u2019s second-largest economy, responsible for 27% of global emissions \u2014 more than six times the emissions of the entire continent of Africa \u2014 the Biden administration is holding undeveloped countries to an unfair standard.\n\nChina has shown it\u2019s eager to finance the conventional energy development Team Biden is trying to quash.\n\nBiden\u2019s approach to Power Africa is wasteful, paternalistic and counterproductive.\n\nIt\u2019s wasteful because it devalues critical energy assistance to Africa and diverts it to less useful priorities.\n\nIt\u2019s paternalistic because it dictates oppressive burdens on Africa\u2019s development the United States did not endure during its formative stages.\n\nIt\u2019s counterproductive because it hinders Africa\u2019s advancement while driving countries into the waiting arms of the true problem in climate change: Communist China.\n\nIn the Department of State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs appropriations bill for fiscal year 2024, which passed the House in September, there\u2019s a provision to right this wrong.\n\nIf enacted, the bill would simply require the president to return to the balanced approach of allowing countries in Africa to use all tools available to promote energy security and development.\n\nAfter all, the goal of Power Africa is not to mindlessly impose an ineffectual and wasteful climate-change agenda where it does not fit.\n\nMario D\u00edaz-Balart is a US representative for Florida\u2019s 26th Congressional District, a senior member of the House Committee on Appropriations and chairman of the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Subcommittee. Michael McCaul is a US representative for Texas\u2019 10th Congressional District, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and chairman emeritus of the House Committee on Homeland Security.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-aderholt-announces-winner-fourth-congressional-district", "Congressman Aderholt Announces Winner of Fourth Congressional District Digital App Challenge", "2023-12-27", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Robert B. Aderholt", "A000055", "aderholt.house.gov", "aderholt", "https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) released the following statement to announce the winner of the 2023 Fourth Congressional District Digital App Challenge. The App Challenge is a nationwide contest held in each Congressional District for high school students to develop their own smart phone applications.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to announce that Brilyn Hollyhand of Tuscaloosa has won this year\u2019s Fourth District Digital App Challenge,\u201d said Congressman Aderholt. \u201cBrilyn\u2019s app, called \u201cYour Voice,\u201d helps people quickly register to vote and helps them plan to vote. And it works for all 50 states!\n\n\u201cJust like our annual art competition recognizes and encourages students\u2019 artistic talents on the canvas, the app challenge is focused on talents for the important and growing digital world. I think it\u2019s great that Brilyn used his gifts and abilities to help people exercise one of their most important rights, the right to vote.\u201d\n\nBrilyn is a junior at Tuscaloosa Academy. He provided our office with this quote after learning he had won.\n\n\u201cI couldn\u2019t be more excited to have my app win the 2023 Congressional App Challenge! My app was designed to help people register to vote, and with a major election coming up in just a few short months, it\u2019s such an important time to be talking about this! I\u2019ll be voting for the first-time next November, and I hope this encourages all of my generation to get out and vote!\u201d\n\nIn the coming weeks, Congressman Aderholt will present Brilyn with a winning plaque sponsored by Nine Digital in Tuscaloosa.\n\nYou can watch Brilyn\u2019s demonstration video here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mann-kicks-60-county-listening-tour", "Rep. Mann Kicks off 60-County Listening Tour", "2023-12-27", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Tracey Mann", "M000871", "mann.house.gov", "mann", "https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Manhattan, KS - U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) will kick off his Fourth Annual 60-County Mann Listening Tour on January 2, 2024. Each year, Rep. Mann hosts one town hall meeting in each county in the Big First District of Kansas. Since being elected to Congress, he has hosted 186 town halls.\n\n\u201cFighting for Kansans is my top priority,\u201d said Rep. Mann. \u201cEach year, I host a town hall in every county in the Big First to meet with Kansans. Listening to their comments gives me the marching orders I need to serve them in Congress. I\u2019m grateful for every Kansan who has participated in my past town halls, and I\u2019m looking forward to seeing everyone again this year.\u201d\n\nThe start of Rep. Mann\u2019s 2024 town hall tour will cover 4 days and 22 counties. Details for each stop can be found below, on social media, and on Rep. Mann\u2019s website.\n\nMEDIA RSVP: Media is welcome at all the town halls below. Please contact Michaela Todd at Michaela.Todd@Mail.House.Gov to RSVP or for further information.\n\nTrego County\n\nWHERE: WaKeeney Public Library\n\n610 Russell Ave | WaKeeney, KS\n\nTIME: 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM CT\n\nGraham Count\n\nWHERE: Graham County Auto and Arts Museum\n\n322 W. Main Street | Hill City, KS\n\nTIME: 9:00 AM \u2013 9:45 AM CT\n\nSheridan County\n\nWHERE: Sheridan County Library\n\n801 Royal Ave | Hoxie, KS\n\nTIME: 10:30 AM \u2013 11:15 AM CT\n\nDecatur County\n\nWHERE: Oberlin City Library\n\n104 E. Oak Street | Oberlin, KS\n\nTIME: 12:00 PM \u2013 12:45 PM CT\n\nRawlins County\n\nWHERE: Rawlins County Courthouse\n\n607 Main Street | Atwood, KS\n\nTIME: 2:15 PM \u2013 3:00 PM CT\n\nCheyenne County\n\nWHERE: St. Francis Public Library\n\n121 N. Scott Street | St. Francis, KS\n\nTIME: 4:00 PM \u20134:45 PM CT\n\nSherman County\n\nWHERE: Goodland Public Library\n\n812 Broadway Ave | Goodland, KS\n\nTIME: 4:30 PM \u2013 5:15 PM MT\n\nThomas County\n\nWHERE: Lions Community Center (Henry Hall)\n\n313 Kansas Ave | Brewster, KS\n\nTIME: 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM CT\n\nWallace County\n\nWHERE: The Events Center\n\n404 E. Ramon Street | Sharon Springs, KS\n\nTIME: 8:15 AM \u2013 9:00 AM MT\n\nGreeley County\n\nWHERE: First Farm Bank\n\n522 Broadway Ave | Tribune, KS\n\nTIME: 9:45 AM \u2013 10:30 AM MT\n\nHamilton County\n\nWHERE: Council Room at Syracuse City Hall\n\n109 Main Street | Syracuse, KS\n\nTIME: 11:15 AM \u2013 12:00 PM MT\n\nStanton County\n\nWHERE: Stanton County Public Library\n\n103 E. Sherman Ave | Johnson, KS\n\nTIME: 2:30 PM \u2013 3:15 PM CT\n\nMorton County\n\nWHERE: Morton County Library\n\n410 Kansas Street | Elkhart, KS\n\nTIME: 4:15 PM \u2013 5:00 PM CT\n\nStevens County\n\nWHERE: Senior Center\n\n624 S. Main Street | Hugoton, KS\n\nTIME: 5:45 PM \u2013 6:30 PM CT\n\nSeward County\n\nWHERE: Liberal Chamber of Commerce\n\n(West Room)\n\n4 Rock Island Road | Liberal, KS\n\nTIME: 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM CT\n\nHaskell County\n\nWHERE: Haskell County Courthouse\n\n300 Inman Street | Sublette, KS\n\nTIME: 9:15 AM \u2013 10:00 AM CT\n\nGrant County\n\nWHERE: Grant County Library\n\n(Cooper Clark meeting room)\n\n215 E. Grant Ave | Ulysses, KS\n\nTIME: 10:45 AM \u2013 11:30 AM CT\n\nKearny County\n\nWHERE: Kearny County Courthouse\n\n304 N. Main Street | Lakin, KS\n\nTIME: 12:15 PM \u2013 1:00 PM CT\n\nWichita County\n\nWHERE: Wichita County Library\n\n208 S. 4th Street | Leoti, K\n\nTIME: 2:45 PM \u2013 3:30 PM CT\n\nScott County\n\nWHERE: Spencer Flight Center\n\n300 S. Mesquite Road | Scott City, KS\n\nTIME: 4:15 PM \u2013 5:00 PM CT\n\nLane County\n\nWHERE: Lane County Library\n\n(Community Room)\n\n144 S. Lane Street | Dighton, KS\n\nTIME: 5:30 PM \u2013 6:15 PM CT", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases/reschenthaler-announces-january-mobile-office-hours", "Reschenthaler Announces January Mobile Office Hours", "2023-12-27", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Guy Reschenthaler", "R000610", "reschenthaler.house.gov", "reschenthaler", "https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Chief Deputy Whip Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA) announced his staff will hold mobile office hours at various locations throughout Pennsylvania\u2019s 14th Congressional District next month to offer increased assistance to constituents experiencing problems with a federal agency.\n\nDuring these mobile office sessions, constituents can receive help with Social Security and Medicare issues, federal grant funding, passports and visas, immigration and naturalization services, veterans\u2019 benefits, and the IRS.\n\nJanuary's schedule is outlined below:\n\nWhat: Greene County Mobile Office Hours\n\nDate: Thursday, January 4, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. \u2013 4:00 p.m.\n\nLocation: Greene County Office Building, 93 East High Street, Waynesburg, PA 15370\n\nWhat: Fayette County Mobile Office Hours\n\nDate: Friday, January 5, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. \u2013 4:00 p.m.\n\nLocation: Fayette County Courthouse, 61 East Main Street, Uniontown, PA 15401\n\nWhat: Indiana Mobile Office Hours\n\nDate: Wednesday, January 10, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. \u2013 4:00 p.m.\n\nLocation: Indiana County Courthouse Annex, 827 Water Street, Indiana, PA 15701\n\nWhat: Somerset Mobile Office Hours\n\nDate: Thursday, January 11, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. \u2013 4:00 p.m.\n\nLocation: Somerset County Planning Conference Room, 300 North Center Avenue, Suite 540, Somerset, PA 15501\n\nWhat: Connellsville Mobile Office Hours\n\nDate: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. \u2013 4:00 p.m.\n\nLocation: Connellsville Municipal Building, 110 North Arch Street, Connellsville, PA 15425", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://strong.house.gov/media/press-releases/strong-secures-wins-north-alabama-2023", "Strong Secures Wins for North Alabama in 2023", "2023-12-27", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Dale W. Strong", "S001220", "strong.house.gov", "strong", "https://strong.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014 U.S. Representative Dale W. Strong (AL-05) released the following update on his work for Alabamians as he reaches the end of his first year in Congress:\n\n\u201cIt has been an honor to serve as your representative in Washington. I am proud of the wins our team has achieved for North Alabama.\n\nAs a freshman member of Congress, I was appointed to serve on three committees that are crucial to the people of Alabama's Fifth Congressional District: Armed Services; Homeland Security; and Science, Space & Technology.\n\nAfter two years of Democrat control in Washington, D.C., Americans are paying the price for their failed policies: wasteful government spending, higher energy costs, skyrocketing prices for everyday goods, an overrun Southern border, weakness on the world stage, emboldening our adversaries, and a federal government backed by Biden to be weaponized against his opponents.\n\nI am proud to say that I hit the ground running with my Republican colleagues to fight for America. This year, the House has passed the most conservative border legislation in history, sliced bloated bureaucratic budgets, and prioritized our men and women in uniform.\n\nWhile we are making progress, we are still fighting an administration that refuses to implement these conservative priorities. Moving forward, I promise to continue fighting for our conservative values, commonsense policies to make life better for hardworking Americans, and our national security.\u201d\n\nCONSTITUENT SERVICES\n\n1,001 constituents served through casework with federal agencies, ranging from passports, VA benefits, tax returns, and many other casework issues constituents have had with federal agencies.\n\nOver $2.83 million in constituent benefits secured and returned to AL-05 by my office.\n\n17,899 individual response letters sent to constituents regarding comments sent to my office.\n\n720 visits to local businesses across all five AL-05 counties to hear their comments regarding issues and legislation that impact them.\n\n15 Mobile Office Hour events held in communities across North Alabama, including: Stevenson, Triana, Ardmore, Falkville, and many more. Be on the lookout for Mobile Office Hours near you in 2024.\n\nKEY LEGISLATION INTRODUCED BY REP. STRONG\n\nFINISH IT Act\n\nThe Biden Administration has forced the Department of Defense (DoD) to spend up to $130,000 a day to store and keep from using materials intended for the border wall, which the Biden Admin has refused to build. This bill would require DoD to use the construction materials to secure the southwest border as originally intended or transfer them to border states for that purpose.\n\nProtecting America\u2019s Agricultural Land from Foreign Harm Act\n\nAs of 2020, Chinese ownership of U.S. agricultural land was over $1.8 billion dollars in value. My legislation prevents the purchase or lease of this land by any individual associated with the government of China or other foreign adversaries.\n\nDHS Biodetection Improvement Act\n\nThe anthrax attacks of 2001 opened our eyes to the threat of bioterrorism. Since then, we have worked across all levels of government to improve prevention, detection, and response capabilities, but work still remains. This legislation will ensure the Department of Homeland Security is fully leveraging every tool at its disposal to protect Americans against the threat of bioweapon attacks.\n\nSTRENGTHENING OUR NATIONAL SECURITY & DEFENSE\n\nThe NDAA provides authorization for funding of every aspect of the U.S. military. This year's NDAA ensures that U.S. military readiness remains at the highest level, combats aggression by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), guts the Biden Administration's woke policies & DEI bureaucracy, and increases oversight of U.S. taxpayer dollars to minimize waste.\n\nAs a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I was able to secure several wins for North Alabama in this year's NDAA, including:\n\nHalting further construction of the Space Command\u2019s interim headquarters in Colorado until the completion of two independent reviews into the Biden Administration's unprecedented political reversal of the Air Force's merit-based selection process, which named Redstone Arsenal as the best location for national security.\n\nA 5.2% pay increase for our men and women in uniform, the largest in over 20 years.\n\nThe inclusion of my bill, the FINISH It Act, which will protect our Southern border and cut wasteful government spending by the Biden Administration.\n\nGutting the Biden Administration's DEI bureaucracy in our military.\n\nOver $500 million in funding authorizations for research, development, and the continued improvement of Redstone Arsenal.\n\nMultiple provisions to ensure America remains on the cutting edge of development and maintains dominance over our adversaries.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://donalds.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1382", "Donalds Statement On The 2023 Christmas Holiday", "2023-12-25", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Byron Donalds", "D000032", "donalds.house.gov", "donalds", "https://donalds.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "NAPLES, Fla. \u2013 Today, Congressman Donalds issued the following statement regarding the 2023 Christmas holiday:\n\n\u201cThe Christmas season is a magical time of faith, family, community, and generosity. While Christmas celebrations and traditions have expanded and evolved over time, it is critical that we pause to highlight the true meaning of the holiday: the miracle of the birth of Jesus Christ.\n\n\u201cOur Southwest Florida community is strong, resilient, and most importantly caring. We have come a long way since the historic destruction of Hurricane Ian, but there is still much more to be done. In the spirit of the season, as you and your loved ones gather this Christmas, let us remember to not only Keep Christ in Christmas but help your neighbors who may have fallen upon hard times.\n\n\u201cMerry Christmas! Wishing you a joyous and blessed holiday.\u201d\n\nMore:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://boebert.house.gov/PJASigned", "Pueblo Jobs Act Signed Into Law!", "2023-12-23", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Lauren Boebert", "B000825", "boebert.house.gov", "boebert", "https://boebert.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Congresswoman Boebert\u2019s Pueblo Jobs Act was signed into law as part of the fiscal year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The passage of this bill will provide a much-needed economic boost in the region and create at least 1,000 jobs. This historic piece of legislation is Congresswoman Lauren Boebert\u2019s first bill signed into law.\n\nCongresswoman Lauren Boebert (CO-03) said, \u201cThe Pueblo Jobs Act will create at least a 1,000 new jobs in Pueblo and repurpose billions of dollars of infrastructure from the Pueblo Chemical Depot, providing southern Colorado with a much-needed economic boost. This bipartisan and bicameral effort was locally-driven and crafted from the bottom-up. Special thanks to the local officials, the House Armed Services Committee, and the outstanding individuals at PuebloPlex who worked with me to get this important legislation done.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nOn Friday, the fiscal year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) was officially signed into law by the President. Congresswoman Boebert\u2019s bipartisan Pueblo Jobs Act was a key element of this bill and will create at least 1,000 jobs following the closure of the Pueblo Chemical Depot.\n\nThis legislation ensures that the federal government adheres to the rigorous Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process under the supervision of the Secretary of the Army. This strategic move provides certainty for Pueblo's economic landscape and fosters the creation of future employment opportunities.\n\nBack in 1988, the Base Closure Commission recommended the realignment of the Pueblo Chemical Depot, exempting 7,000 acres, including the Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant (PCAPP) and additional facilities, from standard BRAC requirements. Congresswoman Boebert's Pueblo Jobs Act closes this loophole, safeguarding the multi-billion-dollar infrastructure investment represented by PCAPP and the additional facilities on the protected 7,000 acres. The bill ensures that this valuable infrastructure will actively contribute to Pueblo's prosperity, rather than facing demolition. With the passage of Congresswoman Boebert's bill, PuebloPlex is already working with industries to harness this remarkable facility for the creation of high-paying jobs in Pueblo.\n\nThe Pueblo Jobs Act, championed by Congresswoman Boebert, mandates the adherence to the standard BRAC process by the Army, yielding several benefits for the Pueblo community. This legislation prevents billions of dollars of infrastructure from being torn down and bulldozed. The bill enables PuebloPlex to access federal grant funding for planning and mitigating the economic impacts of the Chemical Depot closure. The Pueblo Jobs Act allows Pueblo to receive substantial environmental indemnifications, aiding in the redevelopment and reuse of the property. The legislation allows for conveyance of the property at less-than-fair market value for economic development purposes. Collectively, these resources are pivotal in sustaining Pueblo as the Chemical Depot undergoes closure, welcoming new businesses to the area.\n\nSome of the economic development and job opportunities the Pueblo Jobs Act support include PuebloPlex, the Pueblo Memorial Airport Industrial Park, the federal Transportation Technology Center, and the implementation of a regional workforce development project led by local colleges including Pueblo Community College and Colorado State University-Pueblo.\n\nThroughout the legislative process, Congresswoman Boebert collaborated closely with PuebloPlex, Senators Hickenlooper and Bennet, Congressman Doug Lamborn, and the House Armed Services Committee.\n\nThe full text of the Pueblo Jobs Act is available here.\n\nAdditional NDAA Information Courtesy of the House Armed Services Committee:\n\nThe focus of this year's NDAA is on strengthening the military in response to threats from Iran, North Korea, Russia, and China. The bill authorizes $886.3 billion in national defense funding and aims to enhance benefits for servicemembers, including a 5.2% pay increase, allocation of $280 million for new schools for military children, and correction of personnel files for those discharged for not taking the COVID-19 vaccine.\n\nThe NDAA also addresses \"wokeness\" in the military by banning Critical Race Theory, implementing a pay cap on DEI programs, introducing a Parents' Bill of Rights in DoD schools, and cutting climate change programs.\n\nTo address global threats and protect our borders, the bill modernizes the nuclear triad, prohibits sourcing operational energy from Russia or China, prevents the retirement of certain capabilities, increases funding for military construction and logistics, reassesses missile defense posture due to North Korea's ICBM developments, mandates the use or transfer of border wall materials to border states, and addresses threats posed by fentanyl trafficking. Additionally, the bill fully funds the deployment of National Guardsmen in support of Border Patrol activities.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/wilson-signing-fy24-national-defense-authorization-act", "Wilson on Signing of FY24 National Defense Authorization Act", "2023-12-23", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Joe Wilson", "W000795", "joewilson.house.gov", "joewilson", "https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2013 Congressman Joe Wilson, Senior Member of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement after the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 was signed into law.\n\n\u201cThis bill represents the commitment of Congress to our service members, their families, and our national security.\n\n\u201cThis year\u2019s NDAA supports strategic deterrence initiatives, modernization of our critical weapons systems, and most importantly, the needs of service members and their families. One of the provisions is a 5.2% pay increase for our service members, the largest in over 20 years. As our service members and their families make sacrifices, Congress has the duty to ensure they are taken care of.\n\n\u201cAdditionally, I was grateful that this NDAA included provisions that rejected divisive and unnecessary programs to promote certain agendas. Our military has already succeeded in bringing together people of all backgrounds to serve in the United States Armed Forces and uphold the Constitution.\n\n\u201cAs our adversaries continue to threaten and attack our Armed Forces around the globe, Congress needs to ensure our military is prepared to face the threats of today and tomorrow.\n\n\u201cThe NDAA authorizes critical funding for South Carolina military bases and the missions at the Savannah River Site. With China sharply expanding their nuclear stocks and capability, the U.S. needs to modernize its own nuclear arsenal and its infrastructure to maintain its nuclear deterrent.\n\n\u201cI was grateful to have my legislation expanding mutually beneficial defense and technology collaboration with Israel included in the NDAA. This gives the opportunity for both countries to collaborate on defense projects in areas of emerging technologies, such as AI. With our adversaries looking to surpass us in technology, the U.S. and its allies must be at the forefront.\n\n\u201cAlso included is the Foreign Extortion Prevention Act, which I led in the House. It prevents foreign officials from demanding bribes of American companies and has been referred to as the most significant legislation targeting foreign corruption in over forty years. This provides a vital tool for protecting Americans and American businesses from foreign corruption.\n\n\"As a veteran and father of four sons who have served in the military overseas, I appreciate these victories for our military and am committed to continuing to work for our service members and their families. I am thankful this bill was signed into law.\n\nHighlights of the FY24 NDAA\n\nSavannah River Site (SRS)\n\nIncludes funding authorizations for the missions of the Savannah River Site, including for the Savannah River Plutonium Processing Facility and modernization of our nuclear triad.\n\nSupports funding for the Tritium Finishing Facility and adds a deadline of December 31st, 2036, for the facility to commence operations, which prevents any unnecessary delays.\n\nAuthorizes funding for Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PiLT) to support schools, emergency services, and county operations in counties surrounding Savannah River Site.\n\nCaring for our Military Service Members and their Families\n\nSupports a 5.2% increase in service member basic pay, the largest pay raise in over 20 years to combat inflation.\n\nExpands Basic Needs Allowance to assist low-income service members supporting a family.\n\nMilitary Readiness\n\nIncreases funding for military exercises ensuring the U.S. military is prepared to fight in any theater.\n\nPrevents the Biden administration from retiring certain weapons systems that are still useful.\n\nDepartment of Defense Support for Border Security\n\nRequires DOD to use or transfer all border wall materials in its possession to southwest border states.\n\nFully funds the deployment of the National Guard to the Southern Border to support CBP officers.\n\nPromoting Defense Research and Development Cooperation between the United States and Israel\n\nAdds $47 million above the President\u2019s budget request to research and develop advanced technology with Israel, which has benefited the U.S., including at our border.\n\nExtends the US-Israel Anti-Tunneling Cooperation Program, which could be used at the Southern Border, by two years.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://nunn.house.gov/2023/12/23/nunn-bill-expanding-parental-leave-military-families-signed-law/", "Nunn Bill Expanding Parental Leave for Military Families Signed into Law", "2023-12-23", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Zachary Nunn", "N000193", "nunn.house.gov", "nunn", "https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "DES MOINES \u2014 U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) today announced his bipartisan legislation to expand parental leave eligibility for parents serving in the drilling Reserve or National Guard was signed into law. The Reserve Component Parental Leave Parity Act, co-led with Representative Jeff Jackson (NC-14), was included in the National Defense Authorization Act signed into law by President Joe Biden.\n\n\u201cAs a father and current Air Force Reserve member, I\u2019ve experienced firsthand the sacrifices parents make to serve our country. I\u2019m proud that our bipartisan bill has been included in this year\u2019s National Defense Authorization Act to make life easier for military families,\u201d Rep. Nunn said. \u201cThis law will ensure Reserve and National Guard parents have the same access to leave as their active duty counterparts. Any servicemember who serves our country deserves time with their new children.\u201d\n\nThe Reserve Component Parental Leave Parity Act addresses a disparity under current policies implemented in 2021 that expanded parental leave for fathers and adoptive parents in active duty but did not include drilling members of the Reserve and National Guard. Currently, leave policies for those servicemembers are offered to new mothers but not fathers or adoptive parents. This bill equalizes leave policies for all service members.\n\nThe bill, which was originally introduced on April 13, 2023 at the American Legion in Bondurant, Iowa, passed the House of Representatives on December 14, 2023 and Senate on December 13, 2023 as part of the National Defense Authorization Act. The President signed the bill into law on Friday, December 22, 2023.\n\nADDITIONAL BACKGROUND\n\nRep. Nunn currently serves in the Air Force Reserve. With six children, including two recently adopted foster daughters, Rep. Nunn has experienced the policy disparity firsthand.\n\nVideo from the press conference announcing the bill can be found here. Text of the legislation can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://radewagen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/amata-s-focus-veterans-2023", "Amata\u2019s Focus on Veterans in 2023", "2023-12-23", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "AS", "Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen", "R000600", "radewagen.house.gov", "radewagen", "https://radewagen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Uifa\u2019atali Amata focused on Veterans throughout 2023, and is providing a year-end summary of the efforts in the House Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee (HVAC), one of her three Committee assignments in Congress.\n\nAt the start of the year, Amata was named Vice Chairman of the Committee, which is led by Chairman Mike Bost (R-IL.), and she serves on the Veterans Health Subcommittee, her top selection on behalf of American Samoa\u2019s Veterans, as well as the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, tasked with oversight of the Veterans\u2019 Administration (VA). She also served as Chairman of the Women Veterans Task Force.\n\nImage\n\nAt the Coastwatchers Memorial in Honiara - Uifa\u2019atali Peter T. Coleman served in Solomon Islands during World War II aboard a ship assigned to the Army placing and supporting these Coastwatchers\n\n\u201cI so appreciate our Veterans, as they provide leadership in American Samoa throughout our community, and the United States,\u201d said Vice Chairman Amata. \u201cI treasure the opportunity to work on behalf of our Veterans in Congress.\u201d\n\nThrough hearings and legislation, the Committee has directed attention to implementing the major legislative overhaul efforts of recent years, such as the PACT Act, while listening to Veterans at every opportunity and working to improve services in general, health care, and response times, while reducing backlogs, continuing the updates in VA technology, and insisting on VA personnel reforms.\n\nIn January, Amata highlighted nine new Veterans services bills completed at the close of the prior Congress that became law or took effect in January, such as the bipartisan Faster Payments to Veterans' Survivors Act of 2022, which she cosponsored. The others were the bipartisan Guaranteeing Healthcare Access to Personnel Who Served Act, a bipartisan effort addressing gaps in veteran health care to improve VA reach to serve veterans better in hard-to-reach places; The Veterans Prostate Cancer Treatment and Research Act; The Reaching Every Homeless Veteran Act; The VA Supply Chain Resiliency Act; The Department of Veterans Affairs Provider Accountability Act; The Rural Veterans Travel Enhancement Act; The Post-9/11 Veterans\u2019 Mental Health Care Improvement Act; The Revising and Expediting Actions for the Crisis Hotline (REACH) for Veterans Act.\n\nAlso in January, as she does yearly, she celebrated her announcements of those selected to the prestigious U.S. Service Academies. Also yearly, she visits and tours again our local Eni F. H. Faleomavaega VA Clinic, as she did recently, and meets often with American Samoa\u2019s veterans seeking VA services in Honolulu as well as health officials at Tripler Center.\n\nIn February, as original cosponsor, she took part in introducing the bipartisan Governing Unaccredited Representatives Defrauding (GUARD) VA Benefits Act, to protect Veterans from predatory claim sharks, a bill supported by numerous Veterans national organizations.\n\nIn March, which is when Committees are organized and the schedule is underway, Amata took part in oversight hearings on VA accountability, welcomed a VFW delegation in the congressional office to talk priorities, spoke up about women veterans care issues in a VA oversight hearing, apprised Veterans of congressional oversight to correct inaccuracies on the Korean War Memorial\u2019s Wall of Remembrance, participated in a bipartisan oversight letter to the VA Secretary bipartisan letter to address discrepancies in suicide data and insist on transparency; and highlighted HVAC passage of these four bills: H.R. 502, To amend title 38, United States Code, to ensure that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs repays members of the Armed Forces for certain contributions made by such members towards Post-9/11 Educational Assistance; H.R. 815, the RELIEVE Act; H.R. 753, VA COST SAVINGS Enhancements Act; and H.R. 1226, the Wounded Warrior Access Act.\n\nImage\n\nLaying wreaths at the American War Memorial to honor the service of heroes who fought to secure freedom\n\nAlso in March, she visited Service Members, our future Veterans, in touring nine military installations on the U.S. east coast, including each branch of the Armed Forces, and seeing many of our Toa o Samoa.\n\nIn May, the House passed the Veterans\u2019 Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Act of 2023, signed into law in June. This followed the 2023 COLA increase of 8.7 percent, through a 2022 bill, the largest increase in many years.\n\nAlso in May, the House passed H.R. 1669, the VET-TEC Authorization Act of 2023, supporting Veterans educational goals in technology courses, and H.R. 366, the Korean American VALOR Act.\n\nAmata took part in the 25th Annual Women in Military Service Wreath Laying Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in May with the bipartisan Congressional Women\u2019s Caucus, in which each Member of Congress speaks in honor of a selected woman Service Member.\n\nShe also spoke in a joint hearing of two Veterans\u2019 Subcommittees \u2013 she serves on both \u2013 the Health Subcommittee, and Oversight and Investigations, examining challenges in VA health care hiring, staffing, and retaining.\n\nThat month, Congress got a first look at the the Fiscal Year 2024 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which fully funds the VA plus an $18 billion increase over 2023 in discretionary programs, boosts Pacific deterrence and projects at Arlington National Cemetery.\n\nOn June 12th, Amata highlighted Women Veterans Recognition Day, specifically honoring women who have served in the Armed Forces.\n\nAlso in June she helped introduce as original cosponsor, the bipartisan Care for Compact of Free Association (COFA) Veterans Act.\n\nIn June, leading up to the 4th of July, she visited Normandy\u2019s Wall of the Missing in Normandy American Cemetery, Colleville-sur-Mer, France, specially remembering the heroic service and sacrifice of Henry Saaga enshrined there. He landed on Omaha Beach and fought with valor in the hedgerows, earning the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. She went on to visit several Veterans sites, American military cemeteries, and battle memorials there.\n\nIn July, Vice Chairman Amata helped introduce the bipartisan Veteran Service Recognition Act as original cosponsor, an effort led by Ranking Member Mark Takano (D-CA), which Amata has supported with public remarks, to help U.S. Veterans who are noncitizen/non-US nationals obtain legal permanent resident status, and assist noncitizen U.S. Service Members in applying for citizenship if desired during basic training.\n\nAlso in July, she highlighted HVAC passage of 11 bills including two she worked for as cosponsor: The Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act, H.R. 4278, and the bipartisan Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act of 2023, H.R. 542.\n\nIn a busy July, she also toured Landstuhl Medical Center, an Army medical facility, for input on telehealth and services to geographically remote locations.\n\nThis year, in August, she was able to lay a wreath at the American War Memorial, Guadalcanal, and take a special visit to the Coastwatchers Memorial in Honiara, as Uifa\u2019atali Peter T. Coleman served in Solomon Islands during World War II aboard a ship assigned to the Army placing and supporting these brave Coastwatchers.\n\nIn September, in both a letter to the VA Secretary and in an oversight hearing, she strongly urged adherence to Buy American law and federal policies in buying practices, as this remains a key issue for the U.S. government regarding buying American produced tuna.\n\nAlso in September, Amata co-led introduction of the bipartisan Passports for Purple Hearts Act, to waive fees and specially honor Purple Heart Veterans.\n\nIn November, the Committee released a findings report on the work of the Women Veterans Task Force, chaired by Amata, which led fact finding roundtable meetings with women veterans on their specific challenges in healthcare, educational goals, small business efforts and more.\n\nAlso that month, Vice Chairman Amata congratulated Air Force Veteran Fa\u2019alagiga Nina Tu\u0101\u2019au-Glaud\u00e9 upon her appointment to advise the VA on behalf of local and Pacific region Veterans, putting into effect the legislation that Amata co-led creating this position, H.R. 3730, as an original cosponsor.\n\nOn Veterans Day, Amata observed the federal holiday with a statement thanking and honoring Veterans. Throughout the year she also honored Armed Forces Day and Military Appreciation Month in May, Purple Heart Day, as well as birthdays of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, also commemorating D-Day, the Battle of Midway, and Pearl Harbor Day.\n\nIn December, the House passed three Veterans bills from the Committee, including the bipartisan Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act that Amata cosponsored.\n\nAlso in December, HVAC passed 11 more bills for consideration by the full House, two of which Amata cosponsored: H.R. 1753, Jax Act, named after female Veteran Jaclyn \u201cJax\u201d Scott; and H.R. 522, Deliver for Veterans Act, sponsored by Congressman Jim Moylan of Guam. Work on these bills will continue in 2024 for final passage to be signed into law.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://adriansmith.house.gov/media/press-releases/smith-announces-upcoming-staff-outreach-events-4", "Smith Announces Upcoming Staff Outreach Events", "2023-12-22", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", "adriansmith", "https://adriansmith.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Constituents of Third District Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) are invited to meet with a member of his staff during the month of January in Harrison, Pawnee City, Chadron, Beatrice, Rushville, Tecumseh, Alliance, and Auburn.\n\nA staff outreach event is an opportunity for constituents to meet directly with a member of Smith's staff about federal issues, receive assistance with a federal agency, or take advantage of the services available through his office.\n\nSmith, who has offices in Grand Island, Scottsbluff, and Nebraska City, will provide a staff member at the following times and locations:\n\nTuesday, January 2nd\n\nSioux County Courthouse\n\n325 Main Street, Harrison\n\n2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. MT\n\nTuesday, January 9th\n\nPawnee County Courthouse\n\n625 6th Street, Pawnee City\n\n11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. CT\n\nDawes County Courthouse\n\n451 Main Street, Chadron\n\n12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. MT\n\nWednesday, January 10th\n\nBeatrice Chamber of Commerce\n\n218 N. 5th Street, Beatrice\n\n11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. CT\n\nTuesday, January 16th\n\nSheridan County Courthouse\n\n303 East 2nd Street, Rushville\n\n12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. MT\n\nJohnson County Courthouse\n\n351 Broadway Street, Tecumseh\n\n10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. CT\n\nWednesday, January 17th\n\nBox Butte Courthouse, 1st Floor\n\n515 Box Butte Avenue, Alliance\n\n11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. MT\n\nNemaha County Courthouse\n\n1824 N Street, Auburn\n\n10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. CT\n\nFor additional information, please contact Smith\u2019s Grand Island office at (308) 384-3900, his Scottsbluff office at (308) 633-6333, or his Nebraska City office at (402) 874-6050.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-house-senate-lawmakers-demand-supreme-court-block-white-house-eco", "ICYMI: House, Senate lawmakers demand Supreme Court block White House eco actions: 'Set the record straight'", "2023-12-22", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "https://www.foxnews.com/politics/house-senate-lawmakers-demand-supreme-court-block-white-house-eco-actions-set-record-straight\n\nBy Thomas Catenacci - Fox News\n\nFIRST ON FOX: A group of dozens of House and Senate Republicans filed a legal brief Monday to urge the Supreme Court to take up two cases related to President Biden's authority to lock up public lands from resource development and other uses.\n\nIn the brief first obtained by Fox News Digital, the lawmakers \u2014 led by Rep. Cliff Bentz, R-Ore., and joined by House Natural Resources Committee Chair Bruce Westerman, R-Ark., Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., and 26 other lawmakers including three senators \u2014 argued that the president's use of the 1906 Antiquities Act is an example of federal overreach and violates the U.S. Constitution.\n\nThe lawmakers specifically asked the high court to hear both American Forest Resource Council v. United States of America and Murphy Company v. Biden, two cases challenging the expansion of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument in southwest Oregon. Plaintiffs have argued that the monument expansion was both illegal and caused significant economic damage, particularly to the timber industry.\n\n\"We urge the Supreme Court to hear these cases and send a clear message that the President cannot simply bypass Congress and rewrite our nation's land laws with the stroke of a pen,\" Bentz said in a statement. \"This is about upholding the Constitution, protecting our rural communities, and ensuring responsible management of our public lands.\"\n\nThe Antiquities Act, designed as a federal conservation tool, grants the president broad authority to establish national monuments on existing federal lands. Since taking office in 2021, Biden has established five such monuments in Colorado, Nevada, Texas, Mississippi and Arizona, which have faced opposition from industry, lawmakers and garnered legal challenges.\n\nInvoking the Antiquities Act and establishing a national monument effectively blocks the designated lands from normal uses. Under separate legislation passed in the 1970s, Congress established the so-called \"multiple-use\" and sustained yield mandate, requiring the Bureau of Land Management to open the lands it manages to various uses including energy development like drilling, grazing, recreation and mining.\n\n\"For far too long the executive branch has abused the Antiquities Act to cut off millions of acres of public lands, an action that greatly impacts rural communities across the country and ignores Congress\u2019 directive on how those lands must be responsibly managed,\" Westerman said Tuesday.\n\n\"The president does not have the constitutional authority to lock away our federal land and waters, especially without any local input,\" he said. \"I urge the Supreme Court to take up these two critical cases and set the record straight on the executive branch\u2019s authority when it comes to regulating our federal lands and waters.\"\n\nBut while the two cases are focused on that monument, they have much wider ramifications for future use of the Antiquities Act and national monuments created by Biden over the last two years, according to plaintiffs.\n\nBiden's designation of the Avi Kwa Ame National Monument in Nevada and Baaj Nwaavjo I\u2019tah Kukveni National Monument in Arizona, for example, have faced opposition that included legal challenges from state governments as well as mining, livestock and agriculture groups.\n\n\"Whether you\u2019re living in southwest Oregon near the illegal expansion of the monument, in Utah where numerous presidential proclamations have placed massive areas off-limits in recent years, or in Washington, D.C., where concerns about the protection of our democracy and constitutional processes are top of mind, this case and its outcome are critical to the future management of our federal lands,\" American Forest Resource Council (AFRC) President Travis Joseph said last month.\n\nIn 2019, after the AFRC sued the federal government over the designation of Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, a lower court ruled in favor of the group and said the executive branch lacked authority to override the will of Congress which, in separate legislation, defined sustained-yield timber harvest as the dominant use of public land in Oregon.\n\nThen in July, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals reversed that decision. Months earlier, in April, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals came to a similar conclusion in Murphy Company v. Biden, the second case that Republicans asked the Supreme Court to review.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://buchanan.house.gov/2023/12/two-more-buchanan-bills-signed-into-law", "Two More Buchanan Bills Signed Into Law!", "2023-12-22", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Vern Buchanan", "B001260", "buchanan.house.gov", "buchanan", "https://buchanan.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congressman Vern Buchanan announced that two of his proposals included in the final version of the FY24 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), have been signed into law. This marks Buchanan\u2019s 31st and 32nd legislative initiatives signed into law since he first came to Congress in 2007.\n\nBuchanan has had four initiatives signed by President Bush, six by President Obama and 13 by President Trump. He has also seen nine legislative proposals signed into law by President Biden so far.\n\n\u201cThese two proposals are going to address the well-being and safety of our active-duty service members and their families,\u201d said Congressman Buchanan. \u201cI\u2019m extremely pleased to see these provisions signed into law and am committed to securing more wins for our country and our community in Southwest Florida.\u201d\n\nThe two Buchanan provisions include:\n\nAn amendment to examine the benefits and feasibility of utilizing black box data recorders in tactical military vehicles to prevent future accidents.\n\nThe Rachael Booth Act (H.R. 975), which aims to fix a gap in current law that prevents some individuals who suffer domestic abuse at the hands of a service member from receiving much-needed financial assistance.\n\nBuchanan\u2019s first provision will evaluate if equipping tactical vehicles with black box data recorders could prevent future military training accidents, previously introduced as the DRIVE SAFE Act (H.R. 4399). Buchanan has been a leading advocate in Congress for reforming current military training procedures and improving emergency response capabilities in Congress after his constituent, Army Specialist Panipinto, died when the M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle he was driving overturned during a road test in 2019 in South Korea.\n\nNumerous safety and training failures contributed to SPC Panipinto\u2019s death, including malfunctions of the vehicle\u2019s communication systems, defective or broken equipment, a lack of medical services on base and significant delays in medical response to the scene of the accident.\n\n\"There just isn't an end to this sadness. Our hearts are forever broken. The only thing we can do now is try to prevent this from happening again,\u201d said Kimberly Weaver, mother of Army Specialist Panipinto. \u201cCongressman Buchanan heard us. He has been relentless in the fight to demand accountability and secure a safer future for our service members. Rollovers account for 63% of military vehicle deaths. Data retrieving devices on tactical vehicles will help to collect accident data and diagnose mechanical failures before they become fatalities or blamed upon the victim who no longer has a voice. We are forever grateful to Congressman Buchanan for his devotion to this cause and the procurement of a safer future for our military sons and daughters.\"\n\nBuchanan\u2019s second provision, the Rachael Booth Act, was named after his constituent from Lithia, FL. She found herself unable to access the financial assistance she should have been eligible for when her husband was convicted of domestic abuse in a civilian court and then discharged from the military on an unrelated offense.\n\nThis new law will help dependents of service members more easily access Transitional Compensation to help them transition to financial independence after the service member has been discharged from the military for a domestic abuse offense.\n\n\u201cThe passing of this Act is an emotional triumph for me,\u201d said Rachael Booth. \u201cKnowing victims will have swift access to the help they need, empowering them with the assistance they need to reclaim their lives is a beacon of hope.\u201d\n\nSenator Marco Rubio (R-FL), who introduced companion legislation in the Senate, said, \u201cThe Rachael Booth Act is a bipartisan, common sense solution to an urgent problem. This law will fix the error that prevented victims whose cases are handled by civilian courts from being eligible for transitional compensation. I am proud to have named this law after a courageous Floridian who shed light on the current system.\u201d\n\nBuchanan had a series of sweeping military training reforms included in the FY22 NDAA that required the Pentagon to implement more realistic training practices, develop stricter enforcement standards and ensure better oversight to prevent future military training accidents and deaths.\n\nIn 2020, Buchanan also offered an amendment to the FY21 NDAA that was successfully signed into law. His amendment required the DoD to examine emergency response capabilities and services currently available at U.S. bases around the world, and to report to Congress on the potential benefits and feasibility of requiring bases to have properly functioning MedEvac helicopters and fully stocked military ambulances.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://ciscomani.house.gov/media/press-releases/following-ciscomanis-urging-va-adds-outstation-sierra-vista", "Following Ciscomani\u2019s Urging, VA Adds Outstation in Sierra Vista", "2023-12-22", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "AZ", "Juan Ciscomani", "C001133", "ciscomani.house.gov", "ciscomani", "https://ciscomani.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Following pressure from U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is opening of a Vet Center Outstation in Sierra Vista, Arizona.\n\nThe announcement of the new location comes after the Vet Center Community Access Point in Cochise County closed in May. In July, Congressman Ciscomani wrote a letter to the VA demanding answers on the closure and pressing the agency for a timeline for the opening of a new location. The shuttering of the access point left the nearest Vet Center more than 75 miles away, creating an immense burden for the 18,000 veterans that call Cochise County home.\n\n\u201cI am pleased to see the VA take concrete steps to open a new location in Cochise County,\u201d said Congressman Ciscomani, a member of the House Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee. \u201cOur veterans already face onerous red tape when receiving the benefits they deserve, and we must do all we can to eliminate those burdens. Whether it\u2019s reducing wait times, finding more convenient locations, or expanding access to care, I will always strive to find ways to better serve our veterans.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe closure of the Vet Center in May left veterans in Cochise County without convenient, accessible care,\u201d said Army veteran Jane Strain. \u201cThanks to the advocacy of Congressman Ciscomani, the VA recognized the need for a location in Sierra Vista. As a result, our veteran community will once again be able to receive the care they need in an expedient and localized manner.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://crane.house.gov/2023/12/22/media-press-releases-crane-announces-winner-2023-congressional-app-challenge/", "Crane Announces Winner of the 2023 Congressional App Challenge", "2023-12-22", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "AZ", "Elijah Crane", "C001132", "crane.house.gov", "crane", "https://crane.house.gov/media/", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, Representative Eli Crane (R-AZ) announced Skanda \u201cJai\u201d McCabe as the winner of the 2023 Congressional App Challenge for Arizona\u2019s 2nd Congressional District. Jai is currently a 9th Grader at Coconino High School in Flagstaff, AZ. He built his first gaming computer when he was 11 and is very passionate about coding, programing, and hardware development. He plans on using utilizing his gifts to become a computer engineer.\n\n\u201cIt is inspiring to know young individuals like Jai have a passion for coding, programing, and hardware development,\u201d said Rep. Crane. \u201cHis skills and talent will surely help our nation in the future, as we endeavor to preserve America\u2019s security and prosperity by advancing transformative science and technology.\u201d\n\nJai\u2019s app, Notes2, is an innovative and efficient text editing platform that offers users visually dynamic interfaces.\n\nThe Congressional App Challenge is a prestigious prize in student computer science. Participation in the challenge has grown exponentially since the program\u2019s inception.\n\nMost students who win this challenge are just learning how to code a fully functioning app from start to finish.\n\nAs the winner of the 2023 Congressional App Challenge, Jai will receive the following:\n\nRecognition: Rep. Eli Crane and the Congressional App Challenge community will officially recognize the achievement. The winning app will be:\n\nDisplayed in the US Capitol Building for one year\n\nFeatured on House.gov for one year\n\nFeatured on CongressionalAppChallenge.us\n\nCertificate of Achievement: A formal certificate acknowledging the victory in the 2023 Congressional App Challenge will be presented by the office of Rep. Eli Crane.\n\n#HouseofCode: The winner will be invited to attend #HouseofCode, located at the US Capitol Building, and will take place in April 2024.\n\nARTS Act Copyright Waiver: The winner of the 2023 Congressional App Challenge is entitled to have their registration fees waived if they elect to copyright their creation.\n\nTo learn more about the Congressional App Challenge, click here.\n\nBe on the lookout for information regarding next year\u2019s competition.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://crenshaw.house.gov/2023/12/crenshaw-s-psychedelic-research-provision-signed-into-law", "Crenshaw's Psychedelic Research Provision Signed into Law", "2023-12-22", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Dan Crenshaw", "C001120", "crenshaw.house.gov", "crenshaw", "https://crenshaw.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC - Legislation led by Representative Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) to research the use of psychedelics to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) in active-duty servicemembers was signed into law as part of this year\u2019s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Originally introduced as H.R. 3684, this provision is focused on ending the suicide epidemic plaguing our active-duty and veteran populations.\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve led this two years in a row in the House, and now finally got it into the final bill with the Senate,\u201d said Crenshaw. \u201cI\u2019m thrilled. This will save lives and potentially revolutionize the way we treat all types of PTSD.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe inclusion of psychedelic research in the NDAA marks a pivotal turn in our journey to revolutionize mental health care for our military,\u201d said Amber Capone, CEO and co-founder of Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS). \u201cThe unwavering support and dedication of our community, combined with the collaborative efforts of policymakers like Rep. Crenshaw, have been instrumental in achieving this milestone. This is more than a legislative success; it's a beacon of hope, promising innovative and effective treatments for those who have selflessly served our nation.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis legislation is a historic accomplishment for our Country, our servicemembers, and for science. This achievement, coupled with the recent actions of the VA, have shown psychedelic-assisted therapies are moving from theoretical ideas to tangible therapeutic treatments,\u201d said former Congresswoman Mimi Walters, chair of the patient advocacy group, Apollo Pact. \u201cThis will give our active-duty service men and women more options to heal. I commend Reps. Crenshaw & Luttrell on their leadership to bring innovative solutions to the forefront.\u201d\n\nBackground\n\nRetired U.S. Navy SEAL Representative Morgan Luttrell co-led the legislation and offered it as an amendment to this year\u2019s NDAA. Under Crenshaw\u2019s bill, the Secretary of Defense is directed to establish a clinical trial grant program for the use of psychedelic substances to treat PTSD and TBI in active-duty servicemembers.\n\nA recent FDA Phase 3 Trial of MDMA-Assisted Therapy for PTSD found that 71% of participants who received three MDMA-assisted therapy sessions no longer qualified for a PTSD diagnosis and 86% experienced a clinically meaningful reduction in symptoms, underscoring the significant impact psychedelic treatment can have on those suffering from trauma-related disorders.\n\nThe bill has a broad, bipartisan coalition of co-sponsors: Reps. Luttrell, Bergman, Van Orden, Zinke, Gaetz, Ocasio-Cortez, Laurel Lee, Mace, Correa, Moskowitz, Khanna, Blumenauer, Trone, and Bill Johnson.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-provisions-signed-law", "Johnson Provisions Signed into Law", "2023-12-22", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", "dustyjohnson", "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, two provisions led by U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) in the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) were signed into law. The provisions would create a congressional charter for the National American Indian Veterans (NAIV) organization and ban the use of LOGINK, a Chinese Communist Party (CCP) state-controlled shipping platform, at U.S. ports.\n\n\u201cSecuring these provisions will protect our imports and exports from the CCP\u2019s spying eyes and ensure our Native American veterans get long-overdue recognition they deserve,\u201d said Johnson. \u201cAfter years of hard work and team effort, I\u2019m glad to see more success for South Dakota.\u201d\n\n\u201cSigning the NDAA into law is important for our country in so many ways and strengthens our military. This bill includes a provision the NAIV has been working on for many years: a provision to grant NAIV a federal charter. On behalf of all of our Native veterans, I want to thank Congressman Dusty Johnson and all the supporters of this section that means so much to the Native men and women who have honorably served for more than 200 years,\u201d said Don Loudner, National Commander, National American Indian Veterans.\n\nLOGINK Background:\n\nLOGINK is used at more than 20 ports worldwide and stores unrivaled data and visibility into global shipping container flows. It\u2019s estimated the CCP and its state-controlled shipping platform have contact with at least half of the global shipping container flows. If LOGINK gained access to U.S. carriers and ports, the CCP would be at an extreme competitive advantage, allowing them to underbid foreign competitors and further increase dependency on Chinese markets.\n\nIn March, Johnson introduced legislation to ban LOGINK. Read the full amendment text here.\n\nNational American Indian Veterans Congressional Charter Background:\n\nCongress grants charters to recognize patriotic and national organizations that operate solely for charitable, literary, educational, scientific or civil improvement purposes. Headquartered in South Dakota on the Cheyenne River Reservation, the NAIV is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for tribal veterans nationwide. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, there are more than 140,000 Native American veterans in the United States. While congressional charters have been granted to Italian-American, Polish-American and Catholic-American veterans groups, as of today, no Native American veterans\u2019 organization has received one, yet Native Americans serve in our military at five times the national average.\n\nOriginally established in 2004, today the NAIV serves the needs of Native American veterans in all 50 states. NAIV was formed as a result of a request by former Senators Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii), Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) and Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-Colo.) during a Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee hearing in 2004.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/my-weekly-column-supporting-our-police-officers-and-their-k9-partners", "My Weekly Column: Supporting our police officers and their K9 partners", "2023-12-22", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Randy Feenstra", "F000446", "feenstra.house.gov", "feenstra", "https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Our police and law enforcement officers make incredible sacrifices to protect our families and communities and undertake many responsibilities outside of the public eye. That includes caring for police K9s \u2013 which assist officers in seizing drugs, tracking missing people, and detaining criminals \u2013 during their service and after their retirement. These police K9s are vital partners in ensuring public safety and spearheading the fight against crime and the fentanyl epidemic.\n\nIn my conversations with police and sheriffs across the 4th Congressional District on my 36 County Tour, I have learned that officers themselves often cover the expenses of routine veterinary visits and assume other costs. According to some estimates, approximately 40% of the lifetime veterinary expenses for police dogs occur in the last two years of their lives, meaning the handler could expect $5,000 or more in veterinary bills in the final years of a police dog\u2019s life. That\u2019s wrong and requires real solutions.\n\nAt a time when our police forces are still struggling to hire new officers and our law enforcement officers already have enough on their plates, they shouldn\u2019t be expected to spend their hard-earned paychecks on routine police dog care and checkups.\n\nThat\u2019s why I introduced legislation \u2013 the Honoring Police Officer and K9 Service Act \u2013 to help our police cover the costs of maintaining K9s in their departments and ensure that police dogs receive the quality care and treatment that they deserve after a lifetime of service. More specifically, this initiative would establish a $5,000,000 authorization for a grant program within the U.S. Department of Justice to financially assist law enforcement officers with expenses incurred by active and retired K9s.\n\nThe U.S. Attorney General would then award grants to eligible nonprofits that assist owners of former law enforcement K9s with costs associated with veterinary care, medication, or other medical expenses.Any grant recipient would further be required to deliver a detailed annual report to the U.S. Attorney General outlining how grant funds were deployed, and the Attorney General would then submit a joint report of all grant funds to Congress to ensure program accountability, efficacy, and transparency.\n\nI am also glad to report that this legislation enjoys wide support and endorsements from major police and law-enforcement organizations across the country. The National Police Dog Foundation, the National Police Association, the National Sheriffs\u2019 Association, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, the International Union of Police Associations, and Major County Sheriffs of America have all expressed their strong support for this bill. They have specifically underscored how the Honoring Police Officer and K9 Service Act will make a real difference in the lives of police K9s and alleviate financial stress for police departments so that they can focus on doing their jobs and protecting our communities.\n\nOur police and law enforcement officers \u2013 and their K9 partners \u2013 put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities and keep our families safe. I am encouraged that my bill will give our police officers the resources and the peace of mind to protect our families and deliver the high-quality care that police dogs deserve on the job and during retirement. As a strong ally of our law enforcement community, I will always back the blue 100%, which includes our four-legged friends and heroes.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://flood.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-flood-slams-bidens-border-mismanagement", "Congressman Flood Slams Biden\u2019s Border Mismanagement", "2023-12-22", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Mike Flood", "F000474", "flood.house.gov", "flood", "https://flood.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "LINCOLN, NEBRASKA \u2013 Today, U.S. Congressman Mike Flood issued a statement regarding the reopening of rail crossings on the U.S.-Mexico border.\n\n\u201cClosing rail crossings only to reopen them days later under pressure is just the latest example of Secretary Mayorkas\u2019 mismanagement of border policy. I\u2019m glad he reopened the crossings, however, they never should have been shut in the first place. This decision only added chaos and needless complexity to an already busy holiday season. President Biden and Secretary Mayorkas need to put their focus on getting control of our border and building the wall instead of shutting down transportation that\u2019s critical to our economy.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://flood.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-floods-christmas-statement-0", "Congressman Flood\u2019s Christmas Statement", "2023-12-22", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Mike Flood", "F000474", "flood.house.gov", "flood", "https://flood.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2013U.S. Congressman Mike Flood issued a recorded statement ahead of Christmas, which is observed December 25, 2023.\n\nVideo of the remarks can be found by clicking here. News outlets are welcome to use the footage for their reporting purposes. The full text of the speech is below.\n\nFriends and fellow Nebraskans, as we enter this season, I want to take a moment to briefly reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.\n\nMore than two thousand years ago, Jesus Christ was born, wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger.\n\nHis birth was announced to shepherds.\n\nIt was a humble beginning for the Savior of the world \u2013 an unexpected one that shattered the expectation of some that the Messiah would be a politically powerful figure.\n\nTwo millennia later, the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus continues to offer hope, grace, and salvation.\n\nAs we gather with family and friends to celebrate Christmas, let\u2019s give thanks for what we\u2019ve received this year.\n\nWe are richly blessed with a country in which we are free to live, work, and raise a family.\n\nIf you\u2019re traveling throughout the holidays, please be sure to watch the weather closely, buckle up, and have fun celebrating!", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://hageman.house.gov/media/press-releases/hageman-statement-extension-comment-period-natural-asset-companies", "Hageman Statement on Extension of Comment Period for Natural Asset Companies", "2023-12-22", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "WY", "Harriet M. Hageman", "H001096", "hageman.house.gov", "hageman", "https://hageman.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced an extension of the public comment period for Natural Asset Companies (NACs) and provided additional information on these proposed NACs.\n\nIn response to this extension, Rep. Harriet Hageman stated \u201cThe SEC tried to quickly sneak NACs past Congress and the American public. Thirty-one members of the House of Representatives joined me in a letter demanding a longer public comment period than the ridiculous 21 days originally provided. I am happy to report that today the SEC quietly published an order extending the deadline for comments on the proposed NAC rule. The order issued by the SEC sets forth additional information and addresses concerns regarding how NACs would operate and areas of inquiry. A link to the SEC\u2019s order can be found here - I encourage all of you to weigh in on this potentially devastating effort to securitize our national heritage lands and private property rights!", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases/hinson-washington-examiner-china-capitalizing-hamas-terrorist-attacks", "Hinson in the Washington Examiner: China is capitalizing on Hamas terrorist attacks", "2023-12-22", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Ashley Hinson", "H001091", "hinson.house.gov", "hinson", "https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Rep. Ashley Hinson\n\nThe Washington Examiner\n\nDecember 22, 2023\n\nLast year, I visited Israel with a bipartisan group of lawmakers. I met wonderful Israelis, including at Kibbutz Kfar Aza, which was savaged by Hamas on Oct. 7, and was struck by how they lived under constant fear of attack each day. That constant dread became reality earlier this year, when Hamas launched its brutal terrorist attacks against Israel.\n\nFollowing the horrific attacks on innocent Israeli citizens at the hands of Hamas terrorists, freedom-loving countries and moral people everywhere rightly condemned Hamas and shared their support for Israel. However, communist China did not let this crisis go to waste. The Chinese Communist Party capitalized on the death and destruction to prop up Hamas terrorists, gain favor from Iran and its proxies, and sow division within the United States.\n\nIn its first statement following the strikes, China urged both sides to \u201cexercise restraint\u201d and \u201cremain calm\u201d without so much as mentioning the innocent Israelis who were brutalized and murdered by Hamas terrorists. This did not come as a shock, given the CCP\u2019s genocide against Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang.\n\nChina\u2019s conciliatory tone toward Hamas is part of its larger strategy to displace and undermine American global leadership, particularly in the developing world. China\u2019s growing engagement in the Middle East has been calculated. From its predatory lending practices in African countries struggling with jihadi insurgents and armed militias to building significant trade relationships with anti-democratic dictators, the CCP has long been working to tip the global geopolitical scales in its favor.\n\nMost concerning is the rising friendship between China and Iran, and both have a vested interest in seeing America\u2019s foreign policy objectives fail. In true \"the enemy of my enemy is my friend\u201d fashion, China and Iran\u2019s relationship capitalizes on their shared anti-Western ideologies. China is the No. 1 buyer of Iranian oil, meaning Iran gets to sell its oil and avoid U.S. sanctions while China gets to buy it at a discount, saving billions. Chinese ports serve as major destinations for Iranian tankers conducting illicit trade, also in violation of U.S. sanctions.\n\nShortly after Hamas\u2019s terrorist attacks, the CCP dispatched diplomats across the Middle East. This was not only an attempt to cast itself as a peace broker on the world stage but to degrade America\u2019s effective diplomacy in the region following the success of the Abraham Accords. Naturally, CCP diplomats discredited Hamas\u2019s brutality and refused to condemn Iran, its major oil supplier and partner in chaos, and its influence and funding for Hamas.\n\nChina\u2019s opportunistic response is not confined to Iran and its proxies in the Middle East. The CCP has also attempted to sow discord here at home in the U.S. The CCP has intentionally promoted anti-Israel, pro-Hamas content on TikTok, targeting young people who get their news from this dangerous app. The People\u2019s Forum, a \u201cnonprofit\u201d organization with dubious ties to the CCP, is reportedly backing pro-Hamas protests across the U.S. in support of a ceasefire that would undermine Israel\u2019s necessary ground offensive and American efforts to bring hostages home safely.\n\nChina has a vested interest in Iran, through its terrorist proxies, achieving its goal of destroying the Jewish state of Israel and eliminating America\u2019s closest and most important ally in the region. We cannot allow the CCP to take the moral high ground publicly while actively supporting Hamas, meddling in American politics, and working to subvert U.S. diplomacy abroad. Standing with Israel means calling out the supporters and enablers of the Oct. 7 massacre \u2014 and anyone who refuses to denounce them.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://miller.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-colleagues-send-letter-biden-impact-recent-houthi-attacks-global-trade", "Miller, Colleagues\u00a0Send\u00a0Letter to\u00a0Biden on the Impact of Recent Houthi Attacks on Global Trade", "2023-12-22", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Carol D. Miller", "M001205", "miller.house.gov", "miller", "https://miller.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) led a letter to President Joe Biden urging him to neutralize recent threats and attacks from an Iranian-backed militia, known as the Houthis, on trade cargo ships in the Red Sea near Yemen. The letter also urges the Biden Administration to work with our international partners to secure our trade lanes. These attacks have caused many major trade companies to redirect their cargo shipments which delays arrivals and increases costs for consumers.\n\nClick HERE for the full letter.\n\nJoining Congresswoman Miller in sending the letter are Representatives Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN), Randy Weber (R-TX), Cory Mills (R-FL), Mike Carey (R-OH), Nick LaLota (R-NY), August Pfluger (R-TX), Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), and Claudia Tenney (R-NY).\n\nOn the attacks by Houthi\u2019s on the global trade market in the Red Sea:\n\nWhile the world remains stunned by the senseless violence committed by Iran-backed militias in Israel, Iran has stepped up their international attacks by having the Houthis, an Iran-backed militia group in Yemen, send shockwaves through the global trade market by attacking global shipping in the Red Sea, near the Suez Canal. The Suez Canal and Red Sea provide passage to about 12% of the world\u2019s seaborne oil and 8% of its liquefied natural gas. As much as 8.2 million barrels per day of crude oil and oil products traversed the Red Sea from January to November of 2023 and 20% of all shipping containers globally rely on safe passage through it. The route through the Suez Canal is also the most direct route used to ship goods between Europe and Asia.\n\nOn the impact of Houthi\u2019s attacks on the global supply chain and rising shipment times and costs:\n\nThese attacks have forced trade giants, such as BP and Maersk, to suspend passage through the Suez Canal and opt to direct their ships around the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, a substantially longer and more expensive journey. Experts have estimated that traveling from Asia to Northern Europe around the Cape of Good Hope extends journey times from 31 to 40 days. This amounts to tens of millions of dollars being unnecessarily spent by companies to travel around the Cape of Good Hope, just to avert potential violence in the Suez Canal. The cost of this journey is unfairly passed on to consumers through increased prices. The Brent benchmark, a measure used to price more than three-quarters of the world\u2019s traded oil, shows crude prices rose 1.6% within the first week of the Houthi attacks. Trade experts around the world have predicted substantial ripple effects across the global supply chain if the threat in the Red Sea is not neutralized within days.\n\nOn the impact of trade relations with Egypt and the stability of global trade:\n\nWe are cautiously optimistic that your initiative to spearhead the multinational task force to protect commercial passage will be successful and we compel the administration to take all necessary steps to ensure safe passage and encourage foreign nations to engage as well, especially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The Egyptian economy relies on the Suez Canal for 25% of its earnings and has already seen traffic drop 35%, worsening the financial crisis the country was already seeing. Further disruptions to trade through the Suez Canal could send Egypt, a key partner in ensuring peace in Israel and Gaza, into chaos. It is imperative that the Houthi violence is nullified in order to ensure the stability of global trade and the global economy. We look forward to quick and decisive action regarding this threat.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-attends-cop28-and-advocates-iowa-farmers", "Miller-Meeks Attends COP28 and Advocates for Iowa Farmers", "2023-12-22", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (IA-01) joined the bipartisan Energy and Commerce delegation to COP28 to advocate for Iowa and agriculture issues. This historic, bipartisan Congressional delegation (CODEL) to Dubai, United Arab Emirates was led by Energy and Commerce Committee Vice Chair Kelly Armstrong (R-ND).\n\n\u201cWe have a story to tell, and I was honored to represent our district and our agricultural priorities at COP28,\u201dsaid Miller-Meeks. \u201cAt COP, I had the opportunity to speak at the U.S. Pavilion to discuss how Iowa farmers help fuel the world with lower carbon, cleaner emissions liquid fuels. In Iowa, we are taking advantage of the geographic composition and natural attributes of our state to support the entire gamut of renewables, from wind to solar to ethanol, biodiesel, biomass, manure, and compressed renewable natural gas and hydropower. I was also able to mention how our farmers across Iowa and the United States are the backbone of this country and our economy. I highlighted how Iowa is a leading producer of soybeans, corn, pork, and eggs in the United States, even while reducing fertilizer and pesticide use with adoption of sustainable regenerative Ag practices.\n\nI am excited to continue to tell the story about how we are a role model creating energy systems to reduce emissions to secure a cleaner, healthier planet for generations to come.\n\nClick here for the top photos from the historic, bipartisan Congressional delegation.\n\nClick here to read Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks\u2019 column on COP28 featured in the Iowa Torch.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://nunn.house.gov/2023/12/22/nunn-leads-iowa-delegation-letter-calling-biden-mayorkas-stop-saddling-iowas-0/", "Nunn Leads Iowa Delegation in Letter Calling for Biden, Mayorkas to Stop Saddling Iowa\u2019s Farmers with Results of Failed Border Policies", "2023-12-22", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Zachary Nunn", "N000193", "nunn.house.gov", "nunn", "https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "DES MOINES \u2014 U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) led the Iowa congressional delegation in a letter urging President Joe Biden and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas to secure the border in response to a decision to suspend major rail crossings on the southern border. These rail crossings are critically important for transporting Iowa\u2019s agricultural products, which support roughly one million U.S. jobs and 31 percent of American farm income.\n\n\u201cLet us be clear: this punitive move to harm America\u2019s farmers will exacerbate the pain already felt by families across the country because of the border crisis you caused,\u201d said the legislators. \u201cWe, therefore, urge you to establish operational control of these passes to reopen the flow of legal goods as quickly as possible.\u201d\n\nOn Monday, U.S. Customs and Border Protection closed rail crossings between Eagle Pass and El Paso, Texas. More than one third of the nation\u2019s business with Mexico is exchanged between Eagle Pass and El Paso, Texas. For every day the railways are closed, 60 trains sit idle and 4,500 Union Pacific rail cars face delay, contributing to the embargo of grain and other goods.\n\nSince the beginning of the Biden Administration, more than 6.4 million illegal immigrants have poured over the southern border and into our country. Failed policies have allowed a flood of illegal immigrants to enter our country, creating a national security and humanitarian crisis. Taxpayers are funding assistance, transportation and other services for those illegally entering our country. Cartels are exploiting the open border to traffic vulnerable people and illicit drugs that impact communities across the country.\n\nText of the letter can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://nunn.house.gov/2023/12/22/nunn-leads-letter-urging-year-round-e15-sales/", "Nunn Leads Letter Urging for Year-Round E15 Sales", "2023-12-22", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Zachary Nunn", "N000193", "nunn.house.gov", "nunn", "https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "DES MOINES \u2014 U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) today led the Iowa Members of the U.S. House of Representatives in a letter urging President Joe Biden to allow for the expanded, year-round sale of E15.\n\n\u201cIowa leads the nation in the production of biofuels thanks to our hardworking farmers and biofuel producers,\u201d said the representatives in the letter. \u201cAny delays in securing permanent, year-round E15 sales punishes Americans and farmers who have already faced record inflation, fuel prices, and market uncertainty as a result of your Administration\u2019s economic policies.\u201d\n\nNearly every other row of corn grown in Iowa is used to create biofuels. Each day, our farmers provide access to homegrown fuel across the nation and the world. The biofuels industry supports countless jobs, reduces prices at the pump, and provides billions of dollars in exports.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://radewagen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/amata-supports-amicus-brief-concerning-antiquities-act-relation-primnm", "Amata Supports Amicus Brief Concerning Antiquities Act in Relation to PRIMNM", "2023-12-22", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "AS", "Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen", "R000600", "radewagen.house.gov", "radewagen", "https://radewagen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Uifa\u2019atali Amata on Thursday filed a letter in support of the amici brief (here) in the Supreme Court concerning abusive use of the Antiquities Act, which has been used to create and expand the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument (PRIMNM).\n\n\u201cThe PRIMNM was over the size of California when first created, then expanded to four times that, and now proposals exist to make it as large an area as the United States,\u201d said Congresswoman Amata. \u201cIt is just abusive to take away an area of waters the size of our country and potentially remove all our fishing rights in this immense area. I encouraged the Court along with my 28 congressional colleagues to oppose expansion and curb such abuses.\u201d\n\nCongresswoman Amata\u2019s letter to the Supreme Court of the United States supports a Congressional Amici Curiae Brief filed in the matters of American Forest Resource Council v. the United States of America and Murphy Company v. Biden.\n\nCongresswoman Amata\u2019s letter states: \u201cAs Congresswoman of American Samoa and a Congressional Western Caucus Member and Vice Chair whose jurisdiction has been impacted by the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument creation and expansion I join my 28 Congressional colleagues in support of the Amici Brief related to Antiquities Act abuses.\u201d\n\nShe continues, \u201cAn Amicus Brief to the Supreme Court supporting the limiting of presidential authority under the Antiquities Act was filed in support of the petitions for writ of certiorari urging the Supreme Court to review American Forest Resource Council v. the United States of America and Murphy Company v. Biden. The brief is linked herein\u2026 Thank you.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://radewagen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/amata-welcomes-98418-ascjpa-grant-doj", "Amata Welcomes $98,418 ASCJPA Grant from DOJ", "2023-12-22", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "AS", "Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen", "R000600", "radewagen.house.gov", "radewagen", "https://radewagen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Uifa\u2019atali Amata is welcoming this week\u2019s notice of a grant of $98,418 from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Justice Programs (OJP) to the American Samoa Criminal Justice Planning Agency for efforts to prevent juvenile delinquency.\n\n\u201cCongratulations to CJPA Director Mariana Timu-Faiai along with her team for the work these federal funds support on behalf of our youth and their successful application efforts,\u201d said Congresswoman Amata.\n\nThe grant description states, \u201cAmerican Samoa is a family-oriented territory. It is the goal of the government to empower the cultural values of aiga-family to counsel, guide, and protect the younger generation. The foundation of programs under the Title II Formula Grant in American Samoa focuses on keeping juveniles out of the system and promoting positive youth development through activities such as sports that the youth enjoy. The Designated State Agency ensures that procedures and protocols within the American Samoa Juvenile Justice System comply with the core requirements of the Title II Act as documented and reported in the territorial Compliance Monitoring Manual. The goals of the local government align with the Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention mission to treat children as children.\u201d\n\nCongress funded the DOJ in 2023 through the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, followed by short-term government funding extensions.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://radewagen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/merry-christmas-amata-1", "Merry Christmas from Amata", "2023-12-22", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "AS", "Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen", "R000600", "radewagen.house.gov", "radewagen", "https://radewagen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Uifa\u2019atali Amata released a message in celebration of Christmas.\n\nImage\n\nWhite House Christmas ball 2023 with President and First Lady Biden, Congresswoman Amata and her son in law Aleksi Aleksiev\n\n\u201cHave a merry Christmas! \u2018A merry heart does good like a medicine,\u2019 (Proverbs 17:22). Once again, this December has been a busy stretch in Washington as Congress continues the rest of the appropriations work for 2024,\u201d said Congresswoman Amata. \u201cIt was great news that on December 14th, we completed final passage of the NDAA, authorizing a well-deserved 5.2 percent pay raise for our men and women in the military. To each of our Toa o Samoa, and our military families, thank you! We\u2019ll be thinking of those of you stationed away from home during the holidays.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis season is a celebration of joy, peace, and hope, but most of all, the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ,\u201d she continued. \u201c\u2018A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed,\u2019 (Proverbs 11:25 NIV). May we remember charity, and take special joy in our families, friends, and many blessings this year. God bless American Samoa, the United States, and all our homes this Christmas.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/steil-election-integrity-legislation-signed-into-law", "Steil Election Integrity Legislation Signed into Law", "2023-12-22", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Bryan Steil", "S001213", "steil.house.gov", "steil", "https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.- Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) today released a statement following his legislation to extend the Federal Election Commission\u2019s (FEC) Administrative Fine Program being signed into law. The law extends the program for certain reporting violations for an additional 10 years and ensures the FEC enforcement operations continue to run smoothly.\n\n\"In 2023, a year of divided government, only 27 bills the House passed were signed into law. I\u2019m proud that my common-sense election integrity bill was one of them,\u201d said Steil. \u201cThis law ensures the FEC is well equipped to provide more transparency for the American people. Not only does this law accomplish the immediate goal of efficient campaign finance regulation, but it also aligns with the broader objectives of the American Confidence in Elections Act. I look forward to continuing our work to strengthen Americans' confidence in our elections.\"\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Federal Election Commission, commonly referred to as the FEC, enforces federal law that requires political committees to file reports of receipts and disbursements by a certain date.\n\nUnder the Administrative Fine Program, the FEC can swiftly resolve infractions related to late-filed or unfiled reports, ensuring transparency and accountability.\n\nThat Administrative Fine Program was set to expire on December 31, 2023. Steil\u2019s law extended the program for an additional 10 years, ensuring the FEC can expeditiously assess and enforce fines against campaign committees for their late-filed or unfiled reports.\n\nBefore the inception of the Administrative Fine Program, an average of 21 percent of campaign finance reports were filed late. Now, late filed reports are below 10 percent, and the agency has assessed over $9 million in fines.\n\nThis legislation was sponsored by Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chair of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee, and Sen. Deb Fisher (R-NE), Ranking Member of that committee, and passed the Senate by voice vote.\n\nThe Committee on House Administration reported out by voice vote an identical measure, H.R. 5734, which was sponsored by Chairman Bryan Steil (R-WI01) and Ranking Member Joseph D. Morelle (D-NY25) The president signed S. 2747 into law on December 19, 2023.\n\nCLICK HERE to read the law.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://steube.house.gov/press-releases/u-s-rep-greg-steube-announces-pine-view-students-win-2023-congressional-app-challenge/", "U.S.\u00a0 Rep. Greg Steube Announces Pine View Students Win 2023 Congressional App Challenge", "2023-12-22", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "W. Gregory Steube", "S001214", "steube.house.gov", "steube", "https://steube.house.gov/category/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "U.S. Rep. Greg Steube Announces Pine View Students Win 2023 Congressional App Challenge\n\nThe Team\u2019s SmartVolly App is a \u201cSmart Fire Extinguisher Protecting Your Home 24/7\u201d\n\nLeft to Right: AP Statistics Teacher and Entrepreneur Club Sponsor Dr. Mark Mattia, Kuentsen Dorji, Henry Zhou, Marlowe Meredith, Pine View Principal Dr. Stephen P. Covert", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://barrymoore.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-barry-moore-demands-answers-illegally-undisclosed-foreign-gifts-200", "Rep. Barry Moore demands answers on illegally undisclosed foreign gifts to 200 American universities", "2023-12-21", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Barry Moore", "M001212", "barrymoore.house.gov", "barrymoore", "https://barrymoore.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Rep. Barry Moore led a letter to Education Secretary Miguel Cardona demanding answers about why colleges across the nation failing to disclose billions from foreign donors despite those disclosures being mandated by law. Over 200 American colleges and universities illegally withheld information about $13 billion in foreign gifts, according to a report by the Network Contagion Research Institute.\n\n\"We have seen a horrific rise in antisemitism on college campuses across our country since the October 7th attack on Israel,\" said Moore. \"I believe it's no coincidence that many of the universities failing to condemn antisemitism also illegally failed to disclose large gifts from foreign countries. I call on Secretary Cardona to immediately launch an investigation into these illegally undisclosed gifts and their influence on our universities.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://bean.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bean-surprises-congressional-app-challenge-winners-jacksonville", "Congressman Bean Surprises Congressional App Challenge Winners from Jacksonville", "2023-12-21", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Aaron Bean", "B001314", "bean.house.gov", "bean", "https://bean.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Jacksonville, FL\u2014Today, U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean (FL-04) visited Stanton College Preparatory School in Jacksonville to announce the winners of the 2023 Congressional App Competition (CAC). The Congressman presented the news to Victor Zhang, Arvan Thakur, Prithish Shan, and Alan Alwakeel in a surprise ceremony with school administrators, teachers, and Duval County leadership.\n\nThe students created an app called \u201cGeoBlend,\u201d which allows users to explore various historical sites around Jacksonville and interact with the city\u2019s various points of interest in an immersive augmented reality experience.\n\n\u201cThe Fourth District has so many innovative and talented students, and I am amazed by the ingenuity displayed in this year\u2019s competition. Victor, Arvan, Prithish and Alan channeled their creativity using sophisticated coding software and technology,\u201d said Congressman Bean. \u201cCongratulations to all our applicants, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for the next wave of young innovators.\u201d\n\nBackground\n\nThe CAC highlights the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education giving students an opportunity to hone their coding and technology skills. Middle and high school students from the Fourth District are eligible to compete in this annual competition.\n\nThis year\u2019s winners will have their app displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building, featured online at the House of Representative\u2019s website, and will be invited to a celebratory reception on Capitol Hill in honor of their achievement.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/emmer-minnesota-republicans-demand-answers-on-postal-delays-following-issues-in-city-of-carver", "Emmer, Minnesota Republicans Demand Answers on Postal Delays Following Issues in City of Carver", "2023-12-21", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "MN", "Tom Emmer", "E000294", "emmer.house.gov", "emmer", "https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014Every member of Minnesota\u2019s Republican congressional delegation, Representatives Brad Finstad (MN-01), Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) and Pete Stauber (MN-08), joined a letter led by Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) addressing the postal delays which have impacted homes and businesses across Minnesota. The letter to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy is the delegation\u2019s second inquiry into the United States Postal Service (USPS) service delays this year.\n\n\u201cWe have heard consistent concerns from Carver residents that their everyday mail service is delayed and unreliable. Even though our local mail carriers are working overtime, they simply can\u2019t keep up with their routes,\u201d Emmer said.\u201cSixth District residents rely on timely mail service and their mail carriers deserve to be compensated for their hard work. Postmaster General DeJoy must answer for these persistent delays across our state.\u201d\n\nThe members wrote:\n\nWe are writing to you regarding the United States Postal Service\u2019s (USPS) operation within the Minnesota-North Dakota Region. In the middle of one of the busiest seasons for mail and package delivery, we are extremely concerned about the current state of mail delivery in Minnesota.\n\nNearly a year ago, we shared our concerns over the lack of mail delivery and delays across Minnesota that worsened during the holiday season. A month after the initial letter, we received a response stating that mail service was delayed due to staffing shortages and inclement weather, and that the USPS was working on solutions to provide Minnesotans with reliable, timely mail services.\n\nUnfortunately, we are in an identical situation a year later. Our offices have received many complaints from constituents that they are not receiving mail at a consistent rate, some going without mail for up to a week. It was recently announced by the Inspector General that four post offices in the south metro would be receiving audits and Congressman Stauber\u2019s office was informed that the Bemidji and Blackduck post offices would receive audits as well.\n\nWe are aware the USPS is facing a staffing shortage across the state and there is significant burnout among current employees. While it is welcomed news that the Minnesota-North Dakota Region has been holding job fairs in an effort to hire additional staff, we are concerned about the recent reports that USPS workers are working overtime without receiving correlating pay. Mail carriers in the Twin Cities metropolitan area have been working 60-to-80-hour weeks just to keep up with demand. Additionally, it was reported that some Minnesota Post Offices are directing their employees to set aside traditional USPS mail delivery for other non-traditional mail deliveries.\n\nOur constituents, especially those in rural areas, rely on the USPS to pay their bills, get their prescriptions, and keep in touch with their loved ones. To further understand the actions that the USPS is taking, please provide a response to the following questions:\n\nWhat steps has the USPS taken to ensure that Minnesotans are able to receive their mail and packages during the holiday season?\n\nGiven the recent news that the Bemidji Post Office instructed their mail carriers to work extended hours without overtime pay, are any other post offices in Minnesota offering similar instructions to their employees?\n\nAre Minnesota Post Offices instructing their carriers to prioritize deliveries other than traditional mail?\n\nWhat steps, other than career fairs, is the USPS taking to recruit and retain workers?\n\nHow did the Inspector General determine which post offices in Minnesota would receive an audit?\n\nIs there potential for any additional post offices in Minnesota to receive an audit or the possibility for a statewide audit?\n\nIt is imperative that the USPS finds solutions to ensure that Minnesotans receive their mail in a timely fashion, while providing a safe working environment for their employees. Thank you for your prompt consideration of our questions.\n\nBackground\n\nThis month, constituents in the City of Carver have contacted Rep. Emmer\u2019s office regarding mail delays, with some residents not receiving mail for five days. Additionally, as the City of Carver\u2019s population continues to grow, the city\u2019s post office faces capacity and space issues including reports that postal workers previously had to sort mail in the parking lot.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-helps-lead-letter-biden-administration-over-railway-service", "Feenstra Helps Lead Letter to Biden Administration Over Railway Service Suspensions at Southern Border", "2023-12-21", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Randy Feenstra", "F000446", "feenstra.house.gov", "feenstra", "https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "HULL, IOWA \u2013 This week, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) helped lead a letter \u2013 spearheaded by U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn (R-IA) \u2013 to President Joe Biden and U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas urging the Biden administration to secure the border and resume railway service routes in Eagle Pass, Texas and El Paso, Texas.\n\n\u201cPresident Biden and Secretary Mayorkas have failed to uphold their constitutional duty to secure our border and protect our communities. Instead of finishing the border wall, destroying the drug cartels, and deporting illegal immigrants, the Biden administration opted to close major railway crossings that facilitate trade \u2013 including the sale of Iowa agricultural products \u2013 between the United States and Mexico. This is just another attack on American farmers who are already facing WOTUS regulations, inflation, and high energy costs,\u201d said Rep. Feenstra. \u201cIowa farmers and producers rely on open markets and trade certainty to sell their high-quality goods worldwide and turn a profit. Alongside the entire Iowa congressional delegation, I call on President Biden and Secretary Mayorkas to do their job, secure the border, and reopen these crucial railway crossings for the good of Iowa agriculture.\u201d\n\nThe full letter can be found HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://fischbach.house.gov/2023/12/icymi-house-members-disappointed-in-usmca-ruling", "ICYMI House Members Disappointed in USMCA Ruling", "2023-12-21", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "MN", "Michelle Fischbach", "F000470", "fischbach.house.gov", "fischbach", "https://fischbach.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. - U.S. Reps. Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), Mike Bost (R-IL), Jim Costa (D-CA), Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Annie Kuster (D-NH), and Suzan DelBene (D-WA) led 56 of their colleagues in a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack expressing their disappointment in the recent dispute settlement ruling on Canada\u2019s dairy tariff rate quota (TRQ) allocation measures under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The ruling raises significant questions regarding fair market access for American dairy producers and processors involved in the Canadian food and agriculture sector.\n\n\u201cThe latest USMCA panel decision is extremely disappointing and leaves America\u2019s dairy industry at a disadvantage. But my colleagues and I will not give up. We are exploring other tools and opportunities to ensure U.S. dairy producers get fair access to Canadian export markets, and this letter encouraging the Administration to do the same is the first step of many,\u201d said Rep. Fischbach (MN-07). \u201cI look forward to a swift response and to working with USTR and USDA on solutions.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://gonzales.house.gov/2023/12/rep-tony-gonzales-to-congressional-leadership-failure-to-act-on-border-may-lead-to-a-point-of-no-return", "Rep. Tony Gonzales to Congressional Leadership: Failure to Act on Border May Lead to a Point of No Return", "2023-12-21", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Tony Gonzales", "G000594", "gonzales.house.gov", "gonzales", "https://gonzales.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "EAGLE PASS, TEXAS \u2013 Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) sent a letter to Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (LA-04), House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08), Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) urging the four corners of leadership in Congress to take emergency action to secure the border.\n\n\u201cOur southern border is in the worst state it has ever been. As the U.S. Representative for the largest border district in Congress, I do not say that lightly. Today, I am calling on all lawmakers to take emergency action to secure our border. Failure to act may lead to a point of no return,\u201d Congressman Tony Gonzales wrote. \u201cIn my district specifically, local communities have no further resources to continue sustaining migrants. Their limited budgets are being drained by this crisis, and they are not being reimbursed by the federal government. Local law enforcement has engaged in countless high-speed pursuits with human smugglers, some of which have led to innocent American bystanders losing their lives. We know what policies are needed to end this chaos, and we need to act on them now. There is no time to delay further on this issue.\u201d\n\nThe full letter can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases/video-release-hinson-recaps-work-iowans-2023", "VIDEO RELEASE: Hinson Recaps Work for Iowans in 2023", "2023-12-21", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Ashley Hinson", "H001091", "hinson.house.gov", "hinson", "https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "\"As 2023 comes to an end, I\u2019m reflecting on all we have accomplished, together, for Iowans.\n\nI\u2019ve been to all 22 counties in Iowa\u2019s Second Congressional District at least four times this year, meeting with families, veterans, small businesses, and farmers to hear about their challenges and their successes, and learn how I can help.\n\nTransparency and accountability are at the heart of what I do, which is why I\u2019ve held 14 in person town halls and 8 virtual town halls this year to hear directly from you.\n\nI\u2019ve turned that feedback into action and introduced legislation like the:\n\nAfter Hours Child Care Act, to expand childcare services beyond 9 to 5 hours to fit real family schedules\n\nThe Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act, to help end tragedy of stillbirth, the tragic loss of a child after 20 weeks, and ensure expecting women have access to care\n\nThe EATS Act to stand up for Iowa pig farmers and overturn California\u2019s Prop 12 bacon ban\n\nAnd the REAL Trucking Act, to get more Iowa truckers on the road and reduce costs across the board.\n\nI have also kept up my important work of improving quality of life for Iowa veterans, elevating the conversation around veterans\u2019 mental health care and engaging TSA to help veterans with service dogs travel more easily.\n\nWhile many of my efforts in Congress are bipartisan, I have also held the Biden Administration accountable and pushed back on policies that are just plain wrong \u2013 from rejecting Biden\u2019s student loan \u201ccancelation\u201d scheme, to standing firm against wasteful spending, and working to secure our Southern Border.\n\nAs a Member of the House Appropriations Committee, I\u2019ve been dedicated to slashing reckless spending while delivering investments for our district, including a $1.5 million grant for Dubuque to help restore daily commercial air service.\n\nAnd, we can be honest, there was a whole lot of chaos and dysfunction in Washington in 2023, which is why I redoubled my efforts to drain the swamp through my Make Washington Work Again package, which would force bureaucrats who have been \u201cworking from home\u201d back into the office, move agency headquarters out of DC, and enact a federal lobbying ban.\n\nOur team closed 3,481 constituent cases this year \u2013 helping Iowans get back money they are owed by the IRS, collecting missing social security and veterans benefits, bringing Iowans home safely from Israel, and reuniting families by securing passports.\n\nWe\u2019ve responded to over 28,000 constituents who have written in to our team, and we are going to keep these conversations going in the new year.\n\nI\u2019ve approached this year with one mission: make D.C. run more like Iowa and enact policies that connect rural communities, improve safety and security for Iowa families, and protect taxpayers \u2013 because it is your money, not the government\u2019s money.\n\nI\u2019m proud of what we\u2019ve accomplished together in 2023, and I can\u2019t wait to build on these successes with you in the new year.\"\n\nBackground:\n\nHinson and her team were able to deliver life-changing casework wins for Iowans.\n\nHinson and her team solved 3,481 cases (and counting) for Iowans this year. Some of the most impactful casework outcomes included helping a small business obtain an IRS refund of over $1,000,000, delivering medals to families of veterans, helping veterans schedule appointments with specialists at the VA, and recovering missing Social Security benefits.\n\nHinson continued to deliver on her promise to be transparent, accessible, and responsive to her constituents, embodying the mantra: \"whether we agree or disagree, you will always know where I stand.\"\n\nHinson held 14 in-person town halls and eight virtual town halls to connect with Iowans and answer questions.\n\nHinson held press calls with the Iowa media each week where she discussed legislative initiatives, news of day, and took questions.\n\nHinson and her team responded to over 28,000 constituents who wrote into our office with questions.\n\nHinson has championed Iowans' priorities in Congress this year, working to hold the Biden Administration accountable while finding common ground to deliver for Iowa.\n\nAs a Member of the House Appropriations Committee, Hinson held Biden cabinet secretaries accountable, and crafted legislation that slashes funding for the woke Biden agenda while ensuring Iowa's priorities were funded.\n\nAs a Member of the House Select Committee on Competition with China (SCC), Hinson has been working across the aisle to produce the policy blueprint to compete with China on the global stage.\n\nHinson brought the SCC to Dysart, Iowa for a roundtable with Iowa farmers to discuss strategies to counter China's aggressive intellectual property theft and efforts to undermine Iowa agriculture.\n\nHinson introduced 24 bills and co-sponsored 173 bills, 85 of which are bipartisan.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://issa.house.gov/media/press-releases/issa-conducts-border-tour-regional-mayors", "Issa Conducts Border Tour for Regional Mayors", "2023-12-21", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "CA", "Darrell Issa", "I000056", "issa.house.gov", "issa", "https://issa.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Following a comprehensive tour of the San Diego region\u2019s southern border yesterday alongside mayors and other local leaders representing San Diego and Riverside Counties, Congressman Issa (CA-48) released this statement:\n\n\"I convened a tour of our southern border for the mayors of our region because it is vital that everyone at all levels of government realize what is happening there.\n\n\"On his very first day in office, Joe Biden opened the nation\u2019s borders and sent a message to the world that America\u2019s immigration laws were essentially null and void. As a result, an estimated seven million illegals have crossed into our country, unprecedented child and human trafficking has occurred, and America is suffering the deadliest drug crisis in our history.\n\n\u201cBiden has also betrayed our border agents by not letting them do their jobs, denying them the tools they need, and even falsely accusing them of wrongdoing. We have so many outstanding men and women in the Border Patrol, but Biden doesn\u2019t want them to stand guard and keep out those who would violate our laws. He wants them to be Uber drivers for illegal immigrants, taking them where they want to go.\n\n\"This Congress is now rising to the occasion, and Republicans are working together to hire new Border Patrol agents, enhance border enforcement technology, continue construction on border infrastructure, set our asylum laws right, and end the Biden policy of catch and release.\n\n\"My thanks to Mayor DeForest, Mayor White, Mayor Schwank, and Mayor Wells for joining me on this visit and asking the right questions. This is a fight we must win.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases/kean-hosts-mobile-office-hours-every-town-district", "Kean Hosts Mobile Office Hours in Every Town in District", "2023-12-21", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "NJ", "Thomas H. Kean, Jr.", "K000398", "kean.house.gov", "kean", "https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Contact: Dan Scharfenberger\n\n(December 21, 2023) BERNARDSVILLE, NEW JERSEY- Today, Representative Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) announced that his constituent service team has hosted 95 Mobile Office Hours, one in every town in New Jersey\u2019s 7th Congressional District.\n\nSince the office opened in January 2023, Kean and his team have hosted 95 mobile office hours.\n\n\u201cTeam Kean\u2019s Mobile Office Hours have given residents the accessibility and convenience to meet with a member of my staff face-to-face to discuss federal agency matters right in their hometown,\u201d said Congressman Kean. \u201cIn addition to hosting 95 mobile office hours, my team has closed more than 1,500 cases and has assisted thousands of families, seniors, students, and veterans with federal agencies. I am incredibly proud of my team for their work, ensuring that every voice is heard, and every need is addressed.\u201d\n\nNew Jersey's 7th congressional district includes all of Hunterdon and Warren Counties; and parts of Morris, Somerset, Sussex, and Union Counties.\n\nTeam Kean is always here to help. If you or someone you know needs help with a federal agency, please do not hesitate to contact the office. You can find more information here: https://kean.house.gov/services/help-federal-agency or call (908) 547-3307.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/kelly-pa-lawmakers-blinken-marc-fogel-must-be-included-any-prisoner-swap", "Kelly, Pa. Lawmakers to Blinken: Marc Fogel Must Be Included in Any Prisoner Swap", "2023-12-21", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", "kelly", "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) and Chief Deputy Whip Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), alongside Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA), as well as Representatives Chris Deluzio (D-PA), Dan Meuser (R-PA), Dwight Evans (D-PA), Madeleine Dean (D-PA), Brendan Boyle (D-PA), Matt Cartwright (D-PA), Glenn \u201cGT\u201d Thompson (R-PA), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Susan Wild (D-PA), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), and Summer Lee (D-PA) urged Secretary Antony Blinken to include Butler County native and Pittsburgh-area resident Marc Fogel in any prisoner swap made with Russia. Fogel has been detained in Russia since August 2021 and is currently serving a 14-year sentence for possession of medical marijuana used to treat his severe back injury, a charge very similar to that of WNBA player Brittney Griner.\n\nIn the bipartisan, bicameral letter, the lawmakers wrote:\n\n\u201cSince Marc Fogel\u2019s arrest, numerous members of the House and Senate from both sides of the aisle have urged the State Department to take further action, including classifying Mr. Fogel as wrongfully detained. Unfortunately, this designation process has stalled while Mr. Fogel\u2019s health has deteriorated. As negotiations are ongoing with the Russian Federation, we respectfully request that any potential prisoner swap must include Mr. Fogel, along with Paul Whelan and Evan Gershkovich.\u201d\n\nUnder federal law, Fogel meets at least six of the eleven established criteria to be designated as wrongfully detained by the State Department. He has yet to be classified as wrongfully detained, while Griner was designated in less than three months after her arrest. On December 8, 2022, Griner was released from Russian prison via a prisoner swap for Viktor Bout, a Russian arms dealer known as the \u201cMerchant of Death.\u201d Fogel remains in a Russian penal colony serving his sentence.\n\nRead the full letter here.\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nMarc Fogel, a Butler, Pennsylvania native, taught history courses at schools attended by children of U.S. diplomats in Colombia, Venezuela, Oman, Malaysia, and, for the last 10 years, in Russia. Fogel was detained on August 14, 2021, and is serving a 14-year hard-labor sentence for possession of medical marijuana used to treat his severe back injury, a charge very similar to that of WNBA player Brittney Griner.\n\nUnder federal law, Fogel meets at least six of the eleven established criteria to be designated as wrongfully detained by the State Department. He has yet to be classified as wrongfully detained. Griner was designated in less than three months after her arrest. On December 8, 2022, Griner was released from Russian prison via a prisoner swap for Viktor Bout, a Russian arms dealer known as the \u201cMerchant of Death.\u201d Fogel remains in a Russian penal colony serving his sentence.\n\nRep. Kelly has previously led efforts to free Mr. Fogel, including by introducing The Marc Fogel Act in June. This legislation would amend the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act to require more transparency from the State Department to Congress on how wrongful detainment determinations are made.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://langworthy.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-nick-langworthy-meets-seneca-nation-council", "Congressman Nick Langworthy Meets with Seneca Nation Council", "2023-12-21", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "NY", "Nicholas A. Langworthy", "L000600", "langworthy.house.gov", "langworthy", "https://langworthy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "IRVING, NY \u2013 On Wednesday, Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) met with the Seneca Nation Council to discuss the needs and priorities of the Seneca Nation, as well as provide legislative updates.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to partner with the Seneca Nation Council to build a better future for the Seneca Nation and our region as a whole \u2014 this meeting was a continuation of our strong relationship,\u201d said Congressman Nick Langworthy. \u201cI\u2019ve been a vocal advocate for the renewal of their gaming compact and ensure that the state follows through, protecting thousands of good-paying jobs. We also touched on key projects like the much-needed repairs for Prospect Street and their environmental concerns.\u201d\n\nSeneca Nation President Rickey Armstrong, Sr. added, \u201cWe were happy to welcome Congressman Langworthy to Seneca territory to meet with members of the Seneca Nation Council. The priority concerns and interests of the Seneca Nation extend from ensuring the sovereignty, safety and well-being of our Nation, our people, and our lands to matters that impact all of Western New York. We look forward to building on today's meeting and working with Congressman Langworthy to make sure our concerns are heard in Washington.\"\n\nCongressman Nick Langworthy represents the 23rd Congressional District of New York, including Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chemung, Schuyler, and Steuben Counties and parts of Erie County.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://langworthy.house.gov/media/press-releases/langworthy-leads-letter-governor-hochul-urging-adoption-natural-gas-0", "Langworthy Leads Letter to Governor Hochul Urging Adoption of Natural Gas Infrastructure Improvements Recommended in Winter Storm Elliot Report", "2023-12-21", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "NY", "Nicholas A. Langworthy", "L000600", "langworthy.house.gov", "langworthy", "https://langworthy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 On Thursday, Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) led a letter to Governor Hochul in response to the report issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) analyzing the issues related to the widespread outages during Winter Storm Elliot and recommendations to protect energy access during future winter storms.\n\n\u201cWe strongly urge you to consider the report\u2019s recommendations to protect natural gas infrastructure, including wellheads, from extreme cold weather, after production was affected during the winter storm threatening the safety of millions of New Yorkers,\u201dthe members wrote. \u201cThe report produced by FERC and NERC confirmed what we feared about the reliability of our state\u2019s bulk power system operations\u2014the grid\u2014and its endurance during an extreme weather event.\u201d\n\n\u201cDespite the report\u2019s conclusion that natural gas remains a critical source of heating and power generation for New Yorkers, the policies carried out by your office and by the New York State Assembly appear to reject these realities,\u201d the letter continued.\n\nRead the full letter here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://langworthy.house.gov/media/press-releases/langworthy-visits-dunkirk-fire-department-announces-over-76000-federal-funding", "Langworthy Visits Dunkirk Fire Department, Announces Over $76,000 in Federal Funding", "2023-12-21", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "NY", "Nicholas A. Langworthy", "L000600", "langworthy.house.gov", "langworthy", "https://langworthy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "DUNKIRK, NY \u2013 Today, Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) made a visit to the Dunkirk Fire Department to meet with first responders and announce an Assistance to Firefighters Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the amount of $76,007. Congressman Langworthy was joined by Fire Chief Michael Edwards.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s an honor to thank our dedicated firefighters in person and tour the Dunkirk Fire Station,\u201d said Congressman Langworthy. \u201cI\u2019m proud to announce this significant investment to enable the City of Dunkirk to purchase needed gear, enhancing the capabilities of our local fire department. It\u2019s always been my priority to do what I can to ensure they have the resources they need to do their jobs safely and I look forward to our continued partnership.\u201d\n\nThe City of Dunkirk intends to use this grant to purchase 14 new radios for the fire department.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1113", "REP. MIKE LAWLER ISSUES STATEMENT ON IRELAND TAKING UNITED KINGDOM TO COURT OVER CONTROVERSIAL TROUBLES LEGACY AND RECONCILIATION ACT", "2023-12-21", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "NY", "Michael Lawler", "L000599", "lawler.house.gov", "lawler", "https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Congressman Lawler released the following statement on Ireland's decision yesterday to take the United Kingdom to the European Court of Human Rights over its controversial Legacy and Reconciliation Act. Representative Lawler led a bipartisan letter last week to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and T\u00e1naiste Miche\u00e1l Martin admonishing the recent passage of the Legacy and Reconciliation Act and urging precisely the course of action taken yesterday.\n\n\u201cA great injustice was perpetrated with the recent passage of the Legacy and Reconciliation Act and Ireland is right to take this matter to court,\u201d said Congressman Lawler. \u201cThis Act undermines the Good Friday Agreement and neglects the frameworks agreed by Ireland and the UK in the Stormont House Agreement.\u201d\n\n\u201cFurther, by providing amnesty for heinous crimes and shutting down historical criminal investigations, this Act is a clear violation of human rights for victims of the Troubles,\u201d continued Congressman Lawler. \u201cThat is exactly why I urged the Irish government to strongly consider legal action against the UK at the European Court of Human Rights.\"\n\n\u201cI sincerely appreciate the work of the Irish Government for vocally opposing this Act while it moved through Westminster, and I stand with them as they take this next step,\u201d concluded Congressman Lawler. \u201cWhile this time is trying for many, I will never stop standing up for the Irish people against this grave injustice.\n\nNew York's 17th Congressional District is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://luttrell.house.gov/media/press-releases/luttrell-introduces-ctpat-pilot-program-act", "Luttrell Introduces CTPAT Pilot Program Act", "2023-12-21", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Morgan Luttrell", "L000603", "luttrell.house.gov", "luttrell", "https://luttrell.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman Morgan Luttrell (R-TX), along with Congresswomen Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), and Rob Menendez (D-NJ), introduced the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) Pilot Program Act. This legislation would pilot expanding CTPAT to include \u201cfreight forwarders\u201d and warehouses, helping reduce disruption of international trade, strengthen border security, and reduce supply chain congestion. The Senate companion was introduced by Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Tom Carper (D-DE) and passed with bipartisan support.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to introduce legislation to support a much-needed pilot program that would assess the national security value of including additional trade partners in CTPAT,\u201d said Congressman Luttrell. \u201cThis legislation would provide a path to more security at our borders, as well as enhance the security of the supply chain while facilitating the flow of legitimate trade. Strengthening our national security while boosting our supply chain is common sense legislation and I look forward to this bill passing in the House with bipartisan support.\u201d\n\nFollowing 9/11, Congress created the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) program, a partnership between supply chain leaders and the federal government to expedite freight through the country safely and securely. However, the original legislation left out critical links in cross-border supply chains that play a key role in moving goods to the final customer.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/malliotakis-helps-37-immigrants-become-us-citizens-2023", "Malliotakis Helps 37 Immigrants Become U.S. Citizens in 2023", "2023-12-21", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "NY", "Nicole Malliotakis", "M000317", "malliotakis.house.gov", "malliotakis", "https://malliotakis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "(STATEN ISLAND, BROOKLYN, NY) - Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), today announced her office has helped 37 immigrants from 14 different countries become United States citizens in 2023. This brings her total since being elected to Congress to 112, 70 in Richmond County and 42 in Kings County.\n\n\u201cWhile the Biden Administration is prioritizing those who've crossed the border illegally with their 'last in first out' policy, our office has been helping those who did everything right but have been caught in bureaucratic red tape for years, including helping 37 immigrants become American Citizens in 2023 alone. We should be rewarding those that followed the proper process, not punishing them by pushing them further down the line. As the daughter of immigrants, I'm proud to have helped these individuals and wish them continued success as they work to achieve their American Dreams.\"\n\nThe 37 immigrants Malliotakis' office helped become citizens this year came from: Albania, Egypt, China, North Macedonia, Nigeria, Liberia, Lebanon, Sri Lanka, Spain, Syria, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Pakistan and Yemen. 18 became citizens in Richmond County and 19 became citizens in Kings County.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases/republicans-challenge-secs-proposal-prohibit-volume-based-exchange-transaction", "Republicans Challenge SEC's Proposal to Prohibit Volume-Based Exchange Transaction Pricing", "2023-12-21", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Daniel Meuser", "M001204", "meuser.house.gov", "meuser", "https://meuser.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 A coalition of Republican members of the Financial Services Committee Capital Markets Subcommittee, wrote a letter led by Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) and Subcommittee Chairman Ann Wagner (MO-02), expressing significant opposition to the Securities and Exchange Commission\u2019s (SEC) recent proposal to prohibit volume-based exchange transaction pricing. In a letter addressed to SEC Chair Gary Gensler, they argue that the proposal is misguided, lacking empirical foundation, and could potentially disrupt the market ecosystem.\n\nVolume-based discounts, they argue, are integral to various sectors of the economy, promoting competition and enhancing consumer benefits. In the securities markets, these discounts play a crucial role in fostering liquidity. The letter warns that prohibiting these discounts could undermine fundamental market dynamics and display a lack of understanding of market operations at the Commission.\n\nThe letter goes on, expressing concern that the SEC's initiative relies more on conjecture than concrete evidence, potentially disrupting the market without just cause. Furthermore, they caution that the proposal could lead to a less transparent market with fragmented liquidity, contradicting the SEC\u2019s mandates. It also raises concerns about decreased competition, potentially resulting in higher costs for investors, which the SEC claims to help with this misguided proposal.\n\nThe letter, co-signed by Capital Markets Subcommittee members including Reps. Pete Sessions (TX-17), Bill Huizenga (MI-04), Tom Emmer (MN-06), Bryan Steil (WI-01), Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), Michael Lawler (NY-17), Zach Nunn (IA-03), and Erin Houchin (IN-09), urges the SEC to reconsider this proposal. The members request a detailed response from the SEC to several pertinent questions, focusing on the empirical basis of the proposal, its potential impact on market liquidity and global competitiveness, and its implications for the existing regulatory framework.\n\nThe Republican members conclude by urging the SEC to cultivate a regulatory environment that is coherent, transparent, and responsive to the actual dynamics of the market ecosystem, rather than imposing unnecessary restrictions.\n\nRep. Dan Meuser said, \u201cOur letter to the SEC sends a clear message: we won't stand by while unnecessary regulations threaten the health of our markets. Volume-based discounts are more than just numbers; they're about fair play and smart business. The SEC's proposal to do away with them shows a worrying disconnect from real-world market practices. We're in this to protect every investor out there. As Republicans, we believe in rules that make sense, that are based on hard facts, not just theories. Our markets thrive on competition and transparency, and that's the kind of environment we're fighting to preserve.\"\n\nThe letter can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://miller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-miller-and-chairman-smith-call-irs-commissioner-werfel-testify-ways-and", "Rep. Miller and Chairman Smith Call IRS Commissioner Werfel to Testify before the Ways and Means Committee", "2023-12-21", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "WV", "Carol D. Miller", "M001205", "miller.house.gov", "miller", "https://miller.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV), Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO), and all Ways and Means Republicans sent a letter to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner Daniel Werfel calling on him to testify before the Ways and Means Committee on the Biden Administration\u2019s failure to follow a law passed by Congress and signed by President Biden. In November, the IRS announced its decision to delay implementation of the Democrat-mandated lower 1099-K reporting threshold that was included in the American Rescue Plan Act. In its flawed guidance, the IRS also made the legally dubious decision to change the law without any authority to do so from Congress.\n\n\u201cThis Administration is hellbent on picking winners and losers in how they interpret the law. Unfortunately, the loser is always the American taxpayer,\" said Congresswoman Miller. \u201cThe change of the reporting 1099-K threshold from $20,000 and over 200 transactions to only $600 would have hurt over 44 million American taxpayers and the IRS\u2019 refusal to implement the change has created more uncertainty going forward. For this reason, the reporting threshold should remain at $20,000 which protects Americans from paying redundant taxes. My bill, the Saving Gig Economy Taxpayers Act will return the threshold to the time-tested standard and save the IRS and Americans alike from unnecessary headaches for the foreseeable future. I am looking forward to the Commissioner\u2019s testimony before the Committee, he will have many tough questions to answer.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe IRS should not be shielding Democrats from the consequences of their own bad lawmaking \u2013 the clear intent of which was to maximize tax revenues, even if that meant placing 90 percent of the tax burden on middle-class families and gig workers,\u201d said Chairman Smith. \u201cCongress alone can repeal the unpopular, unworkable 1099K reporting requirement that Democrats and President Biden rammed through on a purely partisan basis. Republicans stand ready to do just that if the President and Senate Democrats would agree to join us. In the meantime, the IRS cannot sidestep the Constitution and simply rewrite laws.\n\nJoining Congresswoman Miller and Chairman Smith in co-signing the letter are all the Republican Members of the Ways and Means Committee: Representatives Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Adrian Smith (R-NE), Mike Kelly (R-PA), Jodey Arrington (R-TX), David Schweikert (R-AZ), Darin LaHood (R-IL), Brad Wenstrup (R-OH), Drew Ferguson (R-GA), Ron Estes (R-KS), Lloyd Smucker (R-PA), Kevin Hern (R-OK), Greg Murphy (R-NC), David Kustoff (R-TN), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Greg Steube (R-FL), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), Blake Moore (R-UT), Michelle Steel (R-CA), Beth Van Duyne (R-TX), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), and Mike Carey (R-OH).\n\nClick HERE for the full letter.\n\nOn the IRS delaying the implementation of the new 1099-K reporting threshold signed into law:\n\nOn November 21, 2023, shortly before the Thanksgiving holiday, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) committed a lawless act by delaying the implementation of a new IRS Form 1099- K reporting threshold that congressional Democrats and President Biden enacted into law. Additionally, the IRS went a step further by even rewriting the law itself, changing important provisions as it sees fit. This comes after the agency announced a similar action last year on December 23, 2022, right before the Christmas holiday. The timing of these announcements makes it clear that the agency hopes Congress will not notice its refusal to implement a law passed by Congress and signed by the President. Well, we noticed.\n\nOn testifying before the Ways and Means Committee on why the IRS believes it can choose to not implement:\n\nWe write to ask you to provide the Committee with dates you are available between January 29 and February 7, 2024, to testify before the Committee on Ways and Means regarding why the agency believes it does not have to implement laws passed by Congress and signed by the President. The role of the Executive Branch is to execute the laws, not make them or delay them. Your announcement\u2019s blatant disregard for the separation of powers and our nation\u2019s constitutional order is alarming. We look forward to your appearance to answer questions about this decision.\n\nTo be clear, we did not vote for, nor do we support, the lowering of the Form 1099-K threshold. However, we have serious concerns with the IRS\u2019s actions that have continually ignored the clear letter of the law, and now your agency appears to be writing an entirely new policy without the authority to do so. The legislation that our Democrat colleagues passed on a party line vote very clearly states that the Form 1099-K threshold was set at $600 for tax year 2022 and onward. The enacted law did not give the IRS room to delay or change this threshold.\n\nOn the Saving Gig Economy Taxpayers Act and congressional oversight of the IRS:\n\nWe agree with you that the IRS is not prepared to implement the law. That is why we passed H.R. 190, the Saving Gig Economy Taxpayers Act, through the Committee on Ways and Means earlier this year as part of the Small Business Jobs Act, which would return the threshold to the time-tested standard of $20,000 and 200 transactions. Congress has the power to legislate. The IRS does not. We do not like the law congressional Democrats passed and that President Biden signed, but we cannot ignore the rule of law violations involved in the agency\u2019s decision. We cannot imagine how frustrated and upset our Democratic colleagues must be by your decision not to implement one of their signature pieces of legislation that would send 44 million new tax forms to Americans.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases/reschenthaler-leads-effort-to-combat-reserve-and-guard-suicide-rates", "Reschenthaler Leads Effort to Combat Reserve & Guard Suicide Rates", "2023-12-21", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Guy Reschenthaler", "R000610", "reschenthaler.house.gov", "reschenthaler", "https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Chief Deputy Whip Guy Reschenthaler, a former U.S. Navy JAG, joined Congressmen Derrick Van Orden (R-WI), a retired U.S. Navy SEAL, and Derek Kilmer (D-WA) in introducing H.R. 6873, legislation which directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to include former members of the Reserves and Guard in their annual suicide report. After the 2020 report, the VA stopped including a separate statistic on suicides of former members of the Guard and Reserve, who were not federally activated.\n\n\u201cOver 20 veterans die by suicide each day, a sad reality for our heroes who have sacrificed so much for our nation,\u201d said Reschenthaler. \u201cAmerica has a duty to all those who served our country in uniform to ensure they have the same mental health resources at home that they had on the battlefield. That begins with an accurate count of these tragedies so we can work towards combatting them. I thank Reps. Van Orden and Kilmer for joining me on this important legislation.\u201d\n\n\u201cI worked with National Guards and Reserves in combat, and these men and women deserve the same services as active-duty personnel because veteran suicide does not discriminate on the nature of one\u2019s military service,\u201d said Van Orden. \u201cAll our servicemembers, regardless of what capacity they served in, deserve to have their mental health and well-being taken seriously. This includes the men and women who have served our nation through the Army Reserves, such as those here at Fort McCoy in Wisconsin\u2019s Third District, and the National Guard. By reinstating former members of the Reserves and the Guard in the Veterans\u2019 Affairs annual suicide report, we will have a more comprehensive understanding of veterans\u2019 mental health and can better identify ways to combat veterans\u2019 suicide and get them the support they need.\u201d\n\n\u201cIf you serve this country, the federal government should have your back,\u201d said Kilmer. \u201cAs a Co-Chair of the House Military Mental Health Task Force, I\u2019m deeply committed to addressing the mental health challenges faced by our service members, including those in the Reserves and National Guard not federally activated during their service. However, the alarming suicide rate among veterans underscores a critical gap in our understanding and support of these brave individuals. By including these former members of the Reserves and National Guard in the VA\u2019s annual suicide report, Congress can take a necessary step toward acknowledging and addressing this crisis. We owe it to every person who has served our nation in the armed forces, in any capacity, to ensure they receive the mental health support they need and deserve.\u201d\n\nIn 2018, there were 538 suicides among former members of the Armed Forces who were never activated for Federal military service, an average of 1.5 suicide deaths per day, according to the 2020 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report.\n\nKilmer and Van Orden are co-chairs of the House Military Mental Health Task Force, which addresses issues pertaining to military mental health and suicide prevention. Reschenthaler is also a member of the task force, collaborating with subject matter experts, disseminating information, and providing resources to members and their staff so they can learn about the challenges facing America\u2019s former and current Service members and their families.\n\nRead the full bill here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases/reschenthaler-pa-lawmakers-to-blinken-marc-fogel-must-be-included-in-any-prisoner-swap", "Reschenthaler, PA Lawmakers to Blinken: Marc Fogel Must Be Included in Any Prisoner Swap", "2023-12-21", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Guy Reschenthaler", "R000610", "reschenthaler.house.gov", "reschenthaler", "https://reschenthaler.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Chief Deputy Whip Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), alongside Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA), as well as Representatives Mike Kelly (R-PA), Chris Deluzio (D-PA), Dan Meuser (R-PA), Dwight Evans (D-PA), Madeleine Dean (D-PA), Brendan Boyle (D-PA), Matt Cartwright (D-PA), Glenn \u201cGT\u201d Thompson (R-PA), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Susan Wild (D-PA), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), and Summer Lee (D-PA) urged Secretary Antony Blinken to include Pittsburgh-native Marc Fogel in any prisoner swap made with Russia. Fogel has been detained in Russia since August 2021 and is currently serving a 14-year sentence for possession of medical marijuana used to treat his severe back injury, a charge very similar to that of WNBA player Brittney Griner.\n\nIn the bipartisan, bicameral letter, the lawmakers wrote:\n\n\u201cSince Marc Fogel\u2019s arrest, numerous members of the House and Senate from both sides of the aisle have urged the State Department to take further action, including classifying Mr. Fogel as wrongfully detained. Unfortunately, this designation process has stalled while Mr. Fogel\u2019s health has deteriorated. As negotiations are ongoing with the Russian Federation, we respectfully request that any potential prisoner swap must include Mr. Fogel, along with Paul Whelan and Evan Gershkovich.\u201d\n\nUnder federal law, Fogel meets at least six of the eleven established criteria to be designated as wrongfully detained by the State Department. He has yet to be classified as wrongfully detained, while Griner was designated in less than three months after her arrest. On December 8, 2022, Griner was released from Russian prison via a prisoner swap for Viktor Bout, a Russian arms dealer known as the \u201cMerchant of Death.\u201d Fogel remains in a Russian penal colony serving his sentence.\n\nRead the full letter here.\n\nAdditional Reschenthaler Efforts:\n\nOn June 27, 2023, Reschenthaler introduced the Marc Fogel Act, which would require the State Department to provide Congress with copies of documents and communications on why a wrongful determination has or has not been made in cases of U.S. nationals detained abroad within six months of arrest.\n\nOn August 3, 2022, Reschenthaler led a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging the State Department to immediately classify Marc Fogel as wrongfully detained due to the extreme similarity to Brittney Griner\u2019s case.\n\nOn October 31, 2022, Reschenthaler led a bipartisan letter to Secretary Blinken demanding the State Department prioritize securing Fogel\u2019s release.\n\nOn November 3, 2022, Reschenthaler introduced a resolution of inquiry directing President Biden and Secretary Blinken to provide the U.S. House of Representatives with copies of all documents relating to the State Department\u2019s review of the statutory criteria for Fogel to be designated as wrongfully detained.\n\nOn February 15, 2023, Reschenthaler and Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul led a letter to Secretary Blinken expressing serious concern that the State Department has failed to provide information on why Fogel has not been classified as wrongfully detained.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-roy-and-sen-cruz-demand-answers-texas-college-firing-teacher-who-said", "Rep. Roy and Sen. Cruz demand answers from Texas college for firing a teacher who said there are only two genders", "2023-12-21", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Chip Roy", "R000614", "roy.house.gov", "roy", "https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2014 On Wednesday, Representative Chip Roy (TX-21) and Senator Ted Cruz (TX) demanded answers from St. Philip\u2019s College in San Antonio, Texas for allegedly terminating a professor, Dr. Johnson Varkey, for saying that there are only two genders.\n\nThe lawmakers wrote in a letter,\u201cIt is our understanding that in January 2023, your institution terminated the employment of Dr. Johnson Varkey, a longtime adjunct professor, for teaching standard human biology and reproduction principles consistent with the school-approved curriculum that he had taught for consecutively for nearly twenty years.\u201d\n\nDr. Varkey had consistently received exemplary reviews throughout his tenure until November 28, 2022, when reports indicate four students walked out of his class after he articulated the scientific fact that sex is a fixed characteristic determined prior to birth by X and Y chromosomes.\n\nThe legislators said,\u201cDr. Varkey received a Notice of Discipline and Termination of Employment and Contract letter from your administration alleging that the college \u2018received numerous complaints\u2019 about his \u2018religious preaching, discriminatory comments about homosexuals and transgender individuals, anti-abortion rhetoric, and misogynistic banter\u2019 and that Dr. Varkey\u2019s teaching \u2018pushed beyond the bounds of academic freedom with [his] personal opinions that were offensive to many individuals in the classroom.\u2019\u201d\n\n\u201cRegrettably, this incident is not an isolated occurrence at St. Philip\u2019s College and the broader Alamo Colleges District. Instead, recent history reveals a pattern of targeting and penalizing educators who refuse to capitulate to the prevailing progressive narrative\u2026 Given that St. Philip\u2019s College receives federal funding, we hope that your administration can address this matter with both swiftness and clarity.\u201d the Texas lawmakers wrote.\n\nThe letter is also signed by Representative Michael Cloud (TX-27), Lance Gooden (TX-05), and Dan Crenshaw (TX-02).\n\nRead the full letter here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/administracion-biden-implementa-la-ley-reclaim-de-la-congresista-salazar", "Administraci\u00f3n Biden implementa la Ley RECLAIM de la congresista Salazar", "2023-12-21", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Maria Elvira Salazar", "S000168", "salazar.house.gov", "salazar", "https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 La Administraci\u00f3n de Peque\u00f1os Negocios de la Administraci\u00f3n Biden acaba de anunciar que implementar\u00e1 la H.R. 4667, la Ley RECLAIM, de la representante Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar (R-FL), que recientemente fue aprobada por la C\u00e1mara de Representantes.\n\nLa legislaci\u00f3n exige que la Administraci\u00f3n de Peque\u00f1os Negocios cree un plan para reclamar pr\u00e9stamos del Programa de Protecci\u00f3n de Cheques de Pago (PPP) no utilizados o fraudulentos emitidos durante la pandemia de COVID-19.\n\n\u201cCuando el Congreso aprob\u00f3 mi Ley RECLAIM el mes pasado, enviamos un fuerte mensaje al presidente Biden de que necesitamos la rendici\u00f3n de cuentas en nuestro Gobierno\u201d, dijo la representante Salazar. \u201cAplaudo a la Administraci\u00f3n de Peque\u00f1os Negocios por implementar mi pol\u00edtica sensata. Los propietarios de peque\u00f1os negocios de Miami dependieron de estos pr\u00e9stamos para mantener las puertas abiertas durante la pandemia, pero los malos actores se aprovecharon del sistema. Le debemos a los contribuyentes estadounidenses garantizar que los fraudes y estafadores devuelvan lo que robaron de nuestras comunidades\u201d.\n\n\u201cAplaudo a la congresista Salazar por su trabajo en la Ley RECLAIM\u201d, dijo el congresista Roger Williams, presidente del Comit\u00e9 de Peque\u00f1os Negocios de la C\u00e1mara de Representantes. \u201cVer a la SBA hacer lo mismo y actuar seg\u00fan la legislaci\u00f3n pragm\u00e1tica de este Comit\u00e9 muestra el impacto y la eficacia de nuestro trabajo en el Congreso\u201d.\n\nLa Ley \u201cReturning Erroneous COVID Loans Addressing Illegal and Misappropriated (RECLAIM) Taxpayer Funds\u201d requiere que la Administraci\u00f3n de Peque\u00f1os Negocios (SBA, por sus siglas en ingl\u00e9s) establezca procesos para contabilizar los pr\u00e9stamos fraudulentos y no utilizados del Programa de Protecci\u00f3n de Cheques de Pago (PPP) distribuidos durante el apogeo de la pandemia de COVID-19.\n\nLa Administraci\u00f3n de Peque\u00f1os Negocios anunci\u00f3 su gu\u00eda aqu\u00ed.\n\nEsta legislaci\u00f3n marca la sexta victoria legislativa importante durante los dos mandatos de la representante Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar en el Congreso. Otros proyectos de ley clave patrocinados por la congresista Salazar que fueron aprobados o implementados como Ley incluyen:\n\nLa Ley \u201cCOVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Relief\u201d para brindar alivio econ\u00f3mico a los floridanos.\n\nImplementada por la Administraci\u00f3n Biden en marzo de 2021.\n\nLa Ley \u201cReinforcing Nicaragua\u2019s Adherence to Conditions for Electoral Reform (RENACER)\u201d para sancionar al r\u00e9gimen de Ortega en Nicaragua.\n\nPromulgada como ley en noviembre de 2021.\n\nLa Ley PRICE facilitar\u00e1 que los peque\u00f1os negocios obtengan contratos federales.\n\nPromulgada como ley en febrero de 2022.\n\nLa Ley \u201cSummer Barrow Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery\u201d reautorizar\u00e1 fondos importantes para programas que aborden problemas de salud mental y abuso de sustancias.\n\nPromulgada como ley en diciembre de 2022.\n\nLa Ley REEF incentivar\u00e1 que los barcos retirados de la Armada sean hundidos y utilizados como arrecifes artificiales en ecosistemas marinos en todo Estados Unidos.\n\nPromulgada como ley en diciembre de 2023.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/biden-administration-implements-salazars-reclaim-taxpayer-funds-act", "Biden Administration Implements Salazar\u2019s RECLAIM Taxpayer Funds Act", "2023-12-21", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Maria Elvira Salazar", "S000168", "salazar.house.gov", "salazar", "https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 The Biden Administration\u2019s Small Business Administration just announced that it will implement H.R. 4667, Rep. Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar\u2019s (R-FL) RECLAIM Taxpayer Funds Act, which recently passed the House of Representatives. The legislation requires the Small Business Administration to create a plan to reclaim unused or fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans issued during the COVID-19 pandemic.\n\n\u201cWhen Congress passed my RECLAIM Taxpayer Funds Act last month, we sent a strong message to President Biden that we need accountability in our government,\u201d said Rep. Salazar. \u201cI applaud the Small Business Administration for implementing my common sense policy. Miami small business owners relied on these loans to keep the doors open during the pandemic \u2013 but bad actors took advantage of the system. We owe it to the American taxpayers to ensure frauds and cheats pay back what they stole from our communities.\u201d\n\n\u201cI applaud Congresswoman Salazar for her work on the RECLAIM Taxpayer Funds Act,\u201d said Small Business Committee Chairman Roger Williams. \u201cSeeing the SBA follow suit and act on this Committee\u2019s pragmatic legislation shows the impact and effectiveness of our work in Congress.\u201d\n\nThe Returning Erroneous COVID Loans Addressing Illegal and Misappropriated (RECLAIM) Taxpayer Funds Act requires the Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish processes to account for fraudulent and unused Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans distributed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Small Business Administration noticed the guidance here.\n\nThis legislation marks the sixth major legislative victory during Representative Salazar\u2019s two terms in Congress. Other key bills sponsored by Rep. Salazar that were passed or implemented into law include:\n\nThe COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Relief Act to provide economic relief for Floridians.\n\nImplemented by the Biden Administration in March 2021.\n\nThe Reinforcing Nicaragua\u2019s Adherence to Conditions for Electoral Reform (RENACER) Act to sanction the Ortega Regime in Nicaragua.\n\nSigned into law in November 2021.\n\nThe PRICE Act to make it easier for small businesses to get federal contracts.\n\nSigned into law in February 2022.\n\nThe Summer Barrow Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Act to reauthorize critical funding for programs that address mental health and substance abuse issues.\n\nSigned into law in December 2022.\n\nThe REEF Act to incentivize retired Navy ships to be sunk and used as artificial reefs in marine ecosystems across America.\n\nSigned into law in December 2023.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases/van-orden-reschenthaler-kilmer-lead-effort-combat-reserve-guard-suicide-rates", "Van Orden, Reschenthaler, Kilmer Lead Effort to Combat Reserve & Guard Suicide Rates", "2023-12-21", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Derrick Van Orden", "V000135", "vanorden.house.gov", "vanorden", "https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressmen Derrick Van Orden (R-WI), a retired U.S. Navy SEAL, Chief Deputy Whip Guy Reschenthaler, a former U.S. Navy JAG, and Derek Kilmer (D-WA) introduced H.R. 6873, legislation which directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to include former members of the Reserves and Guard in their annual suicide report. After the 2020 report, the VA stopped including a separate statistic on suicides of former members of the Guard and Reserve, who were not federally activated.\n\n\u201cI worked with National Guards and Reserves in combat, and these men and women deserve the same services as active-duty personnel because veteran suicide does not discriminate on the nature of one\u2019s military service,\u201d said Van Orden. \u201cAll our servicemembers, regardless of what capacity they served in, deserve to have their mental health and well-being taken seriously. This includes the men and women who have served our nation through the Army Reserves, such as those here at Fort McCoy in Wisconsin\u2019s Third District, and the National Guard. By reinstating former members of the Reserves and the Guard in the Veterans\u2019 Affairs annual suicide report, we will have a more comprehensive understanding of veterans\u2019 mental health and can better identify ways to combat veterans\u2019 suicide and get them the support they need.\u201d\n\nQuote from Chief Deputy Whip Reschenthaler: \u201cOver 20 veterans die by suicide each day, a sad reality for our heroes who have sacrificed so much for our nation. America has a duty to all those who served our country in uniform to ensure they have the same mental health resources at home that they had on the battlefield. That begins with an accurate count of these tragedies so we can work towards combatting them. I thank Reps. Van Orden and Kilmer for joining me on this important legislation.\u201d\n\nQuote from Rep. Kilmer: \u201cIf you serve this country, the federal government should have your back. As a Co-Chair of the House Military Mental Health Task Force, I\u2019m deeply committed to addressing the mental health challenges faced by our service members, including those in the Reserves and National Guard not federally activated during their service. However, the alarming suicide rate among veterans underscores a critical gap in our understanding and support of these brave individuals. By including these former members of the Reserves and National Guard in the VA\u2019s annual suicide report, Congress can take a necessary step toward acknowledging and addressing this crisis. We owe it to every person who has served our nation in the armed forces, in any capacity, to ensure they receive the mental health support they need and deserve.\u201d\n\nIn 2018, there were 538 suicides among former members of the Armed Forces who were never activated for Federal military service, an average of 1.5 suicide deaths per day, according to the 2020 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report.\n\nVan Orden and Kilmer are co-chairs of the House Military Mental Health Task Force, which addresses issues pertaining to military mental health and suicide prevention. Reschenthaler is also a member of the task force, collaborating with subject matter experts, disseminating information, and providing resources to members and their staff so they can learn about the challenges facing America\u2019s former and current Service members and their families.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-visits-and-delivers-remarks-at-newly-completed-fire-station-in-plymouth", "Senator Collins Visits and Delivers Remarks at Newly Completed Fire Station in Plymouth", "2023-12-21", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Mike Collins", "C001129", "www.collins.senate.gov", "collins", "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "Click HERE, HERE, and HERE for individual photos.\n\nPlymouth, ME \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins delivered remarks and toured the facility at a celebration of the new fire station in Plymouth. The event also recognized \u201cNational Maine Day,\u201d which occurs today, December 21st.\n\n\u201cI enjoyed touring the new station and speaking with Plymouth\u2019s firefighters and town leaders about how this facility will improve their ability to respond to emergencies and keep people safe,\u201d said Senator Collins. \u201cI was pleased to advocate for federal funding to support the Town of Plymouth\u2019s new fire station through last year\u2019s funding bill, and I will continue to champion federal investments that help to ensure the safety of first responders and communities throughout Maine.\u201d\n\nFollowing Senator Collins, Bradley Foss, the Deputy Chief of the Plymouth Fire Department, spoke to those in attendance. Deputy Chief Foss discussed a recent near-carbon monoxide poisoning, when a local household was using a power generator without proper ventilation. Fortunately, tragedy was avoided in that case, but as countless Mainer\u2019s power-up their backup generators in response to the widespread electrical outages this week, Deputy Chief Foss wanted to stress the life-or-death importance of proper generator safety to those in Plymouth and throughout the State of Maine.\n\nSenator Collins, Vice Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, secured $800,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending last year to replace the Town of Plymouth\u2019s aging fire station that had fallen into disrepair. This funding was part of more than $36 million that Senator Collins secured in the Fiscal Year 2023 appropriations bills for 27 different public safety projects across the state.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/bilirakis-porter-re-introduce-bills-reduce-carbon-emissions-trucking-maritime", "Bilirakis & Porter Re-Introduce Bills to Reduce Carbon Emissions from Trucking, Maritime Transport", "2023-12-20", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Gus M. Bilirakis", "B001257", "bilirakis.house.gov", "bilirakis", "https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC- Earlier today, Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Congresswoman Katie Porter (D-CA) reintroduced a package of two bills that would encourage hydrogen, a cleaner fuel source, in heavy-duty transportation. The Hydrogen for Trucks Act would incentivize heavy-duty vehicle owner-operators to purchase hydrogen trucks and fueling infrastructure, while the Hydrogen for Ports Act would promote the use of hydrogen-fueled equipment at ports and in shipping applications.\n\n\"As we grapple with energy affordability and our responsibilities to the future, we need to encourage energy innovation and pursue an \u2018all-of-the-above' approach,\" said Bilirakis. \"Hydrogen fuel cell technology is a promising solution, and our bipartisan bill will better enable Americans and small businesses to harness the full potential of this reliable resource.\"\n\n\u201cCalifornia leads the nation in clean energy research, so Californians know firsthand how investing in the technology of tomorrow strengthens our economy while safeguarding our environment for future generations,\u201d said Rep. Porter. \u201cHydrogen is a promising, clean fuel source for industries that struggle to find reliable clean-energy alternatives, like trucking and maritime shipping. Our bipartisan bills would advance innovation in hydrogen technologies, making our economy more resilient and globally competitive.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressmen-moore-lamborn-and-newhouse-co-lead-bill-protect-american-mining", "Congressmen Moore, Lamborn, and Newhouse Co-Lead Bill to Protect American Mining", "2023-12-20", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "UT", "Blake D. Moore", "M001213", "blakemoore.house.gov", "blakemoore", "https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON -- House Republican Conference Vice Chair Blake Moore, Natural Resources Vice Chairman Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05), and Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Dan Newhouse (WA-04) introduced a bill to block the Biden administration from damaging vital mining and mineral refining in the United States.\n\nRecently, the Biden administration proposed a new rule limiting the scope of the minerals that are eligible for coverage and expedited permitting under Title 41 of the Fixing America\u2019s Surface Transportation Act (FAST-41). Limiting the scope to critical minerals will harm America\u2019s ability to quickly and effectively produce minerals like copper, iron, and host minerals from which we derive critical minerals.\n\n\u201cThe Biden administration\u2019s proposed rule will prevent the U.S. from meeting our domestic mining production goals and reducing our reliance on China,\u201d said Congressman Moore. \u201cUtah\u2019s mining industry consists almost entirely of materials that are not on the Department of Energy\u2019s critical minerals list, yet it supports over 43,000 jobs and contributes over $5.2 billion to the state\u2019s GDP every year. At a time when legacy mineral demand has never been higher, the federal government needs to leverage every tool to meet our energy manufacturing and infrastructure needs rather than sending the wrong signal to industry. I\u2019m proud to co-sponsor this bill that would overturn President Biden\u2019s rule and ensure Utah mining projects qualify for FAST-41 status.\u201d\n\nAs China works to put a chokehold on mining and refining of minerals, the Biden administration\u2019s latest action to slow down the mining permitting process will only put U.S. supply chains at further risk. To read the full text of the legislation Congressmen Moore, Lamborn, and Newhouse introduced to block this action, click here.\n\n\u201cAs Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources, I have consistently pushed back against the Biden administration to protect American energy production,\u201d said Congressman Lamborn. \u201cOur bill will ensure a secure domestic mineral supply chain and push back against China\u2019s chokehold on the production and refinement of minerals.\u201d\n\n\u201cAt a time when America should work to secure domestic supply chains, the Biden Administration is redefining the process to make starting new projects harder for minerals not listed as \u2018critical\u2019 by USGS,\u201d said Congressman Newhouse. \u201cThis rule change would make the United States even more reliant on Communist China for minerals, putting our national and economic security at risk. I\u2019m proud to join Western Caucus Vice Chair Lamborn on this legislation to overturn the Administration\u2019s changes to FAST-41 that will slow down project approval for certain new mines, such as copper mines. The Western Caucus is committed to securing and strengthening America\u2019s domestic mineral production.\u201d\n\n\u201cBy severely limiting the mining sector\u2019s ability to utilize the benefits of the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council (FPISC), the Biden administration is contradicting its own stated goal of streamlining permitting,\u201d said the National Mining Association. \u201cMineral demand is at its highest in history \u2013 and growing \u2013 and we need to jumpstart more domestic, responsible mining; instead, the proposed FPISC rule would increase our dependence on minerals sourced from countries like China and Russia. This bill, combined with other bipartisan congressional efforts urging the FPISC to rescind its proposed rule, will support and enable greater investments in domestic energy, defense, and manufacturing supply chains essential to U.S. economic and national security.\u201d\n\nFAST-41 Background\n\nThe Fixing America\u2019s Surface Transportation Act was enacted on December 4, 2015. Title 41 of the act (FAST-41) established new coordination and oversight procedures for infrastructure projects being reviewed by federal agencies.\n\nFAST-41 is intended to:\n\nImprove early consultation and coordination among government agencies;\n\nIncrease transparency through the publication of project-specific timetables with completion dates for all federal authorizations and environmental reviews; and\n\nIncrease accountability through consultation and reporting on projects.\n\nIn 2021, mining was added as a sector under FAST-41, and projects could then work through the 18 possible criteria to be expedited. These range from renewable and conventional energy production to semiconductors and artificial intelligence. Many of these projects are critical to America\u2019s leadership in the economic and energy sectors.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=250", "2023 Wrapped: Congressman Brecheen\u2019s Legislative Work Highlights", "2023-12-20", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Josh Brecheen", "B001317", "brecheen.house.gov", "brecheen", "https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 As we reach the conclusion of Congressman Brecheen\u2019s first year in office, here are some of the top legislative highlights of the year in case you might have missed it.\n\nTop Amendments:\n\n\u00b7 Passed an amendment to Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies (LHHS) Appropriations that would block a Biden rule from requiring foster care families to affirm children\u2019s LGBT identity.\n\n\u00b7 Passed an amendment to the Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Appropriations bill to bring down to pre-pandemic levels the General Service Administration (GSA) Real Property Activities of the Federal Buildings Fund.\n\nTop Bills Introduced:\n\n\u00b7 Introduced H.R.4727, the No Obamacare for Illegal Aliens Act, which if enacted, would save the taxpayer $136 million annually.\n\n\u00b7 Introduced H.R.4964, the Thrifty Food Plan Accountability Act, which if enacted, would save the taxpayer $25 billion annually.\n\n\u00b7 Introduced the Deregulating Restrictions on Interstate Vehicles and Eighteen-Wheelers (DRIVE) Act, which would prohibit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) from implementing any rule or regulation requiring vehicles over 26,000 pounds that are engaged in interstate commerce to be equipped with a speed limiting device set to a maximum speed. The bill so far has 32 cosponsors.\n\n\u00b7 Introduced the Patriotism Not Pride Act, which would prohibit federal agencies from using taxpayer resources to promote Pride Month or any similar event. The bill also prohibits the display of flags representing gender identity or sexual orientation by agencies on federal property. The bill so far has 21 cosponsors.\n\n\u00b7 Passed out of the Homeland Security Committee H.R.4467, the DHS Border Services Contracts Review Act, which demands accountability for the use of American taxpayer dollars used to fund services caused by Biden\u2019s open-border policies.\n\n\u00b7 Introduced H.R.6177, the No Taxpayer Funding for Researchers Who Prey on Children Act, after conducting oversight into NIH research and uncovering $30.8 million in taxpayer funded research to affirm LGBT identities in children.\n\nTop Committee Activity:\n\n\u00b7 Questioned Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Director, Raul Ortiz, about President Biden\u2019s decision to stop construction of a border wall to which he admitted he disagreed with President Biden.\n\n\u00b7 Participated in the 16-hour markup and helped pass out of the Homeland Security Committee H.R.2, the strongest border security bill ever passed by the House.\n\nSpending Cuts:\n\n\u00b7 Requested $55.3 billion in cuts, voted for amendments that would cut $35.7 billion, and introduced and cosponsored bills that would cut $360 billion of annual federal spending.", 1, "2026-04-07T14:30:38Z", "2026-04-07T14:34:10Z"], ["https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-slams-colorado-supreme-court-decision-blocking-trump-ballot", "Cole Slams the Colorado Supreme Court Decision Blocking Trump from Ballot", "2023-12-20", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Tom Cole", "C001053", "cole.house.gov", "cole", "https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Moore, OK \u2013 Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement slamming the Colorado Supreme Court\u2019s recent decision to block former President Donald Trump from being on the state\u2019s 2024 presidential election ballot.\n\n\u201cThe Colorado Supreme Court\u2019s outrageous and unprecedented decision to deny a credible candidate and former president access to the ballot is the exact opposite of allowing for a free and fair election,\u201d said Cole. \u201cThis tramples on our country\u2019s founding democratic principles; we should always let the voters decide. I urge the U.S. Supreme Court to quickly take up and overturn this shameful action.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/2023-financial-services-year-in-review", "2023 Financial Services Year in Review", "2023-12-20", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "MN", "Tom Emmer", "E000294", "emmer.house.gov", "emmer", "https://emmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "2023 has been a year of action and progress in the House Financial Services Committee. Under Republican leadership, we have moved legislation to bolster our capital markets, promote innovation, and hold unelected bureaucrats accountable.\n\nHere is a quick look back at some key milestones:\n\nIn April, our office passed three bills out of the Financial Services Committee:\n\nThe CFPB Dual Mandate and Economic Analysis Act prioritizes competition, consumer choice, and transparency at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).\n\nThe CFPB Whistleblower Incentives and Protection Act empowers whistleblowers to expose wrongdoing in the financial industry.\n\nThe Small Business Entrepreneurs Empowerment and Development (SEED) Act makes it easier for small businesses to access capital, fueling American entrepreneurship.\n\nIn July, we helped pave the way for digital asset innovation in the United States with:\n\nThe Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act will streamline money transmission regulations, removing a major roadblock for digital asset innovators.\n\nThe Securities Clarity Act (embedded in the FIT for the 21st Century Act) laid the foundation for the Ripple decision, clarifying that a token itself isn\u2019t automatically a securities contract.\n\nBoth bills passed out of the Financial Services Committee and are awaiting a vote in the House of Representatives.\n\nIn September, we took a stand in defense of privacy and individual liberty with the:\n\nCBDC Anti-Surveillance State Act which prohibits the Federal Reserve from issuing a central bank digital currency (CBDC) directly to anyone.\n\nThe CBDC Anti-Surveillance State Act passed out of the House Financial Services Committee and is awaiting a vote on the House floor.\n\nIn November, we sent a strong message to Gary Gensler and the SEC:\n\nThe House of Representatives passed our appropriations amendment barring the SEC from using taxpayer dollars on its crypto enforcement tirade until Congress passes legislation giving the SEC jurisdiction over this budding industry.\n\nAnd this is just the beginning. In 2024, we will build on this momentum, bringing these reforms to the House floor and delivering real results for the American people. We are committed to fostering a dynamic and transparent financial system that empowers innovators, protects consumers, and fuels economic growth.\n\nRest assured my friends, a new day is coming.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T22:34:08Z"], ["https://gonzales.house.gov/2023/12/rep-tony-gonzales-issues-statement-on-the-release-of-american-hostages-from-venezuela", "Rep. Tony Gonzales Issues Statement on the Release of American Hostages in Venezuela", "2023-12-20", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Tony Gonzales", "G000594", "gonzales.house.gov", "gonzales", "https://gonzales.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "EL PASO, TEXAS \u2013 Today, Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) released the below statement following the release of Americans Eyvin Hernandez, Jerrel Kenemore, and Joseph Cristella, who were wrongfully detained in Venezuela.\n\n\u201cToday, Americans who were wrongfully detained in Venezuela were released, and have arrived safely back on U.S. soil. Among them were Eyvin Hernandez, Jerrel Kenemore, and Joseph Cristella, who had been wrongly imprisoned in Venezuela since last year by the Maduro regime,\u201d said Congressman Tony Gonzales. \u201cLast week, I sent a letter with bipartisan support alongside members of the For Country Caucus urging the Biden administration to secure their release as soon as possible. I am grateful Eyvin, Jerrel, Joseph, and the other American hostages who were detained have made it home safely.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases/kean-keating-and-17-bipartisan-members-send-letter-secretary-blinken-wrongful", "Kean, Keating and 17 Bipartisan Members Send Letter to Secretary Blinken on Wrongful Detention of Alsu Kurmasheva", "2023-12-20", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "NJ", "Thomas H. Kean, Jr.", "K000398", "kean.house.gov", "kean", "https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Contact: Dan Scharfenberger\n\n(December 20, 2023) WASHINGTON, DC - Today, House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe Chairman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) and Ranking Member Bill Keating (MA-08) sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken calling for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalist Alsu Kurmasheva to be designated as wrongfully detained under the Levinson Act.\n\nMs. Kurmasheva, a U.S. citizen, was detained multiple times before the Russian government brought unjust charges against her \u2013 charges she has promptly denied. U.S. citizens Paul Whelan and Evan Gershkovich continue to remain wrongfully detained in Russia.\n\n\u201cRussia continues its flagrant abuse of the rule of law, and it is vital Ms. Kurmasheva is deemed wrongfully detained to ensure her and her family receive the necessary resources to ensure her release,\u201d said Chairman Kean and Ranking Member Keating. \u201cWe call on Russia to immediately release Ms. Kurmasheva and all other wrongfully detained U.S. citizens in Russia including Paul Whelan and Evan Gershkovich. We also call for the immediate release of RFE/RL journalists who remained imprisoned in Belarus and Russia-occupied Crimea for simply doing their job.\u201d\n\nCongressman Kean serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.\n\nYou can read the full letter HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases/kelly-colleagues-introduce-restore-protections-dialysis-patients-act", "Kelly, colleagues introduce Restore Protections for Dialysis Patients Act", "2023-12-20", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Mike Kelly", "K000376", "kelly.house.gov", "kelly", "https://kelly.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. -- This week, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA), along with Reps. Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Neal Dunn, M.D. (R-FL), Danny Davis (D-IL), John Joyce (R-PA), and Raul Ruiz (D-CA) introduced the Restore Protections for Dialysis Patients Act, bipartisan legislation which aims to ensure that individuals with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) continue to have equitable access to private healthcare and to provide protection of the Medicare Trust Fund.\n\nThe legislation follows a 2022 Supreme Court ruling that has allowed private health plans to prematurely force ESRD patients onto Medicare, creating disruption in coverage for patients and their families and shifting a significant financial burden onto taxpayers.\n\n\"This legislation is critical for Americans living with End Stage Renal Disease and who rely on dialysis,\" said Rep. Kelly. \"Patients deserve to know their benefits will be in place when they need them. This legislation will improve both patient care and patient outcomes. I want to thank my House colleagues for joining me on this vital legislation.\"\n\n\"Nearly 40 million Americans live with kidney disease, and the millions more at risk deserve our support in their fight against kidney disease \u2014 from prevention through post-transplant living,\" said Congresswoman Clarke. \"Unfortunately, far too many patients affected with the disease, which disproportionately impacts communities of color, have complex health care needs that create incentives for plans to discourage enrollment. I\u2019m proud to join my colleague, Congressman Kelly, to introduce the Restore Protections for Dialysis Patients Act, a bipartisan bill which seeks to ensure people on dialysis receive the care they need.\"\n\n\u201cAmericans deserve access to adequate health care coverage, especially those who need dialysis,\u201d said Congressman Dunn. \u201cESRD patients who rely on dialysis should not see their benefit disappear overnight. We must renew the safeguards that protect dialysis patients and ensure their access to care.\u201d\n\nWHAT THEY'RE SAYING\n\nLeading patient and physician groups are also hailing the introduction of this critical legislation as a vital and necessary step to improve patient care.\n\n\u201cAs the leading voice for the nation\u2019s kidney care community, Kidney Care Partners is devoted to ensuring that all ESRD patients can access safe, effective care with coverage of their choice,\u201d said John P. Butler, Chair of Kidney Care Partners. \u201cWe thank House lawmakers for introducing the Restore Protections for Dialysis Patients Act, which will protect patient access to private insurer coverage for life-sustaining dialysis treatments.\u201d\n\n\u201cPeople with ESRD are more likely to be low-income and from historically marginalized communities, making premature loss of health coverage and related cost increases particularly devastating,\u201d said LaVarne Burton, President and CEO of the American Kidney Fund (AKF). \u201cThankfully, the Restore Protections for Dialysis Patients Act will ensure that people with kidney failure won\u2019t be singled out based on their disease or forced to pay higher costs.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe thank Representatives Kelly, Clarke, Dunn, Davis, Joyce and Ruiz for introducing this pivotal legislation, which will preserve patient choice and incentivize health plans to detect and treat chronic kidney disease (CKD). Unfortunately, my health insurance plan continues to restrict my access to the therapies that my nephrologist has prescribed to delay my kidney disease progression. Without action by Congress, millions of Americans could see their insurers follow suit, as the sooner they can push CKD patients like me into Medicare without paying any cost for doing so, the more likely we are to progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD),\u201d said Hrant Jamgochian, J.D., LL.M., CEO of Dialysis Patient Citizens.\n\n\u201cPrivate insurance can be vital to patients\u2019 access to care and plays a critical role in ensuring the stability of the Medicare system,\u201d said Keith A. Bellovich, DO, President of the Renal Physicians Association. \u201cI urge House lawmakers to swiftly advance this legislation, which will make a meaningful difference for the more than 800,000 patients living with kidney failure.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Marietta v. DaVita decision will force people who have kidney failure off their private insurance into Medicare,\" said Lori Hartwell, Founder and President of the Renal Support Network. \u201cHealth plans should not be able to decide they don\u2019t want to cover you when your kidneys fail, a critical time when you need your insurance and care team the most. It is an unfair, discriminatory policy and a slippery slope for other chronic conditions.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1111", "CONGRESSMAN MIKE LAWLER RELEASES A STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO COLORADO SUPREME COURT DECISION", "2023-12-20", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "NY", "Michael Lawler", "L000599", "lawler.house.gov", "lawler", "https://lawler.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Lawler released the following statement following the Colorado Supreme Court\u2019s decision to remove former President Donald Trump from the ballot last night.\n\n\u201cSimilar to the Court of Appeals in New York trying to throw out fair, impartial and competitive congressional district maps, the Colorado Supreme Court is attempting to put their thumb on the scale of our elections, and subvert the will of the voters. In America, people should decide elections, not the courts,\u201d said Congressman Lawler. \u201cIgnoring former President Trump\u2019s constitutional right to due process and unilaterally removing him from the ballot is an egregious overstep of their judicial authority and will only fan the flames of division and anger in the country, which is the last thing we need.\u201d\n\nNew York's 17th Congressional District is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mann-participates-grand-opening-hays-community-based-outpatient-clinic", "Rep. Mann Participates in Grand Opening of Hays Community-Based Outpatient Clinic", "2023-12-20", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Tracey Mann", "M000871", "mann.house.gov", "mann", "https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "HAYS, KS \u2013 Yesterday, U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) attended the grand opening of the Hays Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC). The clinic, which is the fourth of its kind in the Big First District alongside facilities in Dodge City, Salina, and Hutchinson, will serve 35,000 veterans.\n\n\u201cI am proud to have this new Community-Based Outpatient Clinic in our district, where American heroes receive the care, attention, and respect they deserve,\u201d said Rep. Mann. \u201cIn America, we support the brave men and women who defend our freedoms in the armed forces, and that support must not stop once they take off their uniforms. Of the 20 million veterans living in America, 4.4 million live in rural areas, where it can be difficult to recruit and retain health care professionals. As a result, millions of veterans in rural America struggle with access to health care. This clinic meets an immediate need and is a welcomed addition to our state.\u201d\n\nThe CBOC in Hays has served veterans continuously since it was originally opened in 1999. The new location, which has additional exam rooms and dedicated space for group therapy and mental health care, offers primary care, and laboratory, pathology, pharmacy, and telehealth services.\n\n\u201cI will always remain committed to supporting America\u2019s heroes in Congress,\u201d said Rep. Mann. \u201cVeterans have served all of us selflessly - this clinic is about serving them and ensuring that they receive the highest quality of care.\"\n\nClick here to view Rep. Mann\u2019s Commitment to the Big First.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://nehls.house.gov/media/press-releases/exclusive-rep-troy-nehls-biden-mayorkas-sheer-neglect-blame-international", "Exclusive \u2014 Rep. Troy Nehls: Biden, Mayorkas \u2018Sheer Neglect\u2019 to Blame for International Railway Crossing Closures", "2023-12-20", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Troy E. Nehls", "N000026", "nehls.house.gov", "nehls", "https://nehls.house.gov/media", "scraper", "Breitbart News\n\nBy: Bradley Jaye\n\nRep. Troy Nehls (R-TX) is criticizing Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for rail bridge closures in Texas in response to the border invasion.\n\nThe Congressman from Texas sent a letter to Mayorkas blasting him for closures by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the international railway crossings at Eagle Pass and El Paso, accusing the Biden Administration of failing to understand how the border operates.\n\nNehls says illegal aliens are not using the rail crossings in any significant numbers to enter the United States, and that while they often hitch rides to traverse the landscape in Mexico, they depart from the trains prior to entering the United States on foot.\n\n\u201cThe Biden Administration\u2019s sheer neglect to secure our nation\u2019s borders has resulted in not only a national security crisis, but a humanitarian crisis,\u201d Nehls told Breitbart News. \u201cOnce again, rail traffic between the United States and Mexico has been disrupted, resulting in the strain of our nation\u2019s supply chains, which will cause a ripple effect throughout our economy during the holiday season.\n\n\u201cThis is all because President Biden and Secretary Mayorkas have failed to secure our homeland. The consequences of the Biden Administration\u2019s actions, or lack thereof, will be felt around the country.\u201d\n\nUnion Pacific and BNSF have been forced to halt their operations in Eagle Pass and El Paso, the second time in four months that the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (USCBP) has suspended rail operations at critical U.S.-Mexico international railway crossings. Nehls says these closures prevent legitimate trade, will supercharge inflation, and will cripple our nation\u2019s agricultural producers.\n\nOn October 5, Nehls sent a letter to Acting CBP Commissioner Troy Miller warning that unless immediate steps are taken to address this humanitarian crisis, it remains \u201cvery possible that CBP, or other relevant decision makers, will again close Eagle Pass rail gateway to freight traffic.\u201d\n\nHis warning appears to have fallen on deaf ears inside the Biden Administration.\n\nThe border crisis has reached historic proportions under Biden and Mayorkas. Border Patrol agents assigned to the southwest U.S. border with Mexico apprehended approximately 121,000 migrants during the first 15 days of December, according to unofficial Border Patrol reports reviewed by Breitbart Texas. Another 11,000 migrants are listed as \u201cgot-aways.\u201d\n\nNehls is Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials and has also been a leader in Congress calling for tougher border security. Prior to serving in Congress, Chairman Nehls served in law enforcement for nearly 30 years and was the Sheriff of Fort Bend County, Texas.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://nunn.house.gov/2023/12/20/nunn-introduces-bipartisan-bills-help-iowas-farmers-improve-environmental/", "Nunn Introduces Bipartisan Bills to Help Iowa\u2019s Farmers, Improve Environmental Conservation", "2023-12-20", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Zachary Nunn", "N000193", "nunn.house.gov", "nunn", "https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "Ottumwa, Iowa \u2014 U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) today introduced two bipartisan bills to assist Iowa\u2019s farmers in improving water quality, preventing soil erosion, and protecting critical wildlife habitat. The Conservation Innovation Act, introduced by Rep. Nunn and co-led by U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger (VA-07), will establish an Office of Conservation Innovation within the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The Streamlining Conservation Practice Standards Act, introduced by Rep. Spanberger and co-led by Rep. Nunn, will strengthen NRCS by providing for increased public input.\n\n\u201cThere is no better steward of our land than farmers,\u201d said Rep. Nunn. \u201cAs producers prepare for the future, it\u2019s important they have the tools and resources they need to succeed. No one understands the needs of their land better than farmers, so we must also ensure Iowa\u2019s producers are in the driver\u2019s seat as new conservation practices are developed.\u201d\n\nAccording to the USDA, approximately 500,000 farmers across the United States work with the agency to implement conservation practices. Current conservation practices are determined through a process that starts with recommendations through state committees that are then sent to the USDA NRCS. The process allows for little engagement from stakeholders, such as Iowa\u2019s farmers, and is overly cumbersome. Often, by the time new practices are implemented, the standards use outdated technology and do not keep up with the latest advancements.\n\n\u201cAs the only Virginian on the U.S. House Agriculture Committee, I\u2019ve heard from farmers and producers across our Commonwealth who utilize voluntary conservation practices to improve their yields and boost their bottom lines,\u201d said Rep. Spanberger. \u201cFarmers are constantly innovating to find new best practices to further their conservation goals \u2014 but bureaucracy is delaying the approval of these practices that farmers and producers could use to their advantage. By cutting unnecessary red tape and making the process more transparent, our bipartisan bill would help make sure that farmers are able to benefit from the most up-to-date, efficient practice standards.\u201dThe two bipartisan bills from Reps. Nunn and Spanberger will address this issue to ensure the most cutting-edge technology is utilized and input from farmers is taken into account:\n\nThe Conservation Innovation Act would establish an Office of Conservation Innovation within NRCS to ensure the utilization of the most effective new technology during the revision of current conservation standards and development of new standards.\n\nThe Streamlining Conservation Practice Standards Act would require the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to provide a process for stakeholder input on each conservation practice during the review process, review all conservation practice standards on a rolling basis every five years, and establish an expedited review process for new conservation practices.\n\nText of the Streamlining Conservation Practice Standards Act can be found here. Text of the Conservation Innovation Act can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://ogles.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-ogles-counters-cfpb-illegal-alien-credit-plan", "Rep. Ogles Counters CFPB Illegal Alien Credit Plan", "2023-12-20", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "TN", "Andrew Ogles", "O000175", "ogles.house.gov", "ogles", "https://ogles.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Andy Ogles (TN-05) introduced legislation that would ensure financial institutions are able to consider immigration status when opening credit lines and accounts. This bill is in response to a joint statement from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) warning banks and other financial institutions that evaluating one's immigration status could \u201crun afoul\u201d of the law when determining an individual\u2019s eligibility for an extension of credit.\n\n\"Joe Biden's Administration has no problem throwing red tape over American essentials like water heaters, and gas stoves, but when it comes to protecting American credit lenders, he is nowhere to be found. Make no mistake: illegal aliens have violated the law, and banks have the right to know to whom they are lending money. Democrats want to force banks to bow to big government, but I won\u2019t let them,\" said Congressman Ogles. \"To make matters worse, the CFPB and DOJ placed this atrocious regulation in the text of a press statement which is highly unorthodox and intentionally confusing to banks. At this point, calling any action by the CFPB legitimate would be crazy. It\u2019s an unconstitutional agency doing unconstitutional things through press releases, and I am proud to fight against it.\"\n\nCongresswoman Boebert said: \u201cYet again, Joe Biden and his cronies are circumventing Congress to implement their unconstitutional immigration policies. Biden will stop at nothing to make it as easy as possible for illegal migrants to come here and stay here, now telling banks they cannot take a person\u2019s immigration status into account when extending them credit. I am proud to cosponsor Congressman Ogles\u2019 bill to put a stop to this tyrannical overreach. Banks absolutely have the right to refuse service to an illegal alien if they deem that would harm their financial interests. I want to thank Congressman Ogles for standing up for businesses to make these decisions for themselves.\u201d\n\nCongressman Nehls stated: \u201cProhibiting banks from considering if someone is an illegal alien is not only bad business but is a threat to our national security. Due to Joe Biden\u2019s failure to secure our border, millions of people from all over the world have infiltrated into our country, with no idea of how many terrorists are walking in broad daylight. Banks should have every right to determine if someone is an American citizen before lending them money. It\u2019s just pure fact.\u201d\n\nCongressman Good said: \u201cPresident Biden and Secretary Mayorkas have intentionally surrendered operational control of our southern border to the Mexican crime cartels. I am pleased to join Rep. Andy Ogles\u2019 efforts to stop the flood of illegal entries and end the Biden border invasion.\u201d\n\nCongressman Tiffany stated: \u201cInstead of securing the border, the Biden administration is focused on encouraging more illegal immigration by telling banks not to reject illegal alien loan applications. This is the next step in completing their deliberate invasion of our nation, and this ill-advised financial directive must be revoked.\u201d\n\nCongressman Neal Dunn said: \u201cBarring banks from considering an individual\u2019s immigration status will put many banks, especially small local banks at risk of closure. They cannot afford to compromise financial stability. The banking industry shouldn\u2019t have to pay the price for the Biden Administration\u2019s failed border policies.\u201d\n\nCosponsors (12): Reps. Tiffany [WI-07], Andrew Clyde [GA-09], Dr. Neal Dunn [FL-02], Bob Good [VA-05], Ralph Norman [SC-05], Keith Self [TX-03], Roger Williams [TX-25], Lauren Boebert [CO-03], Rich McCormick [GA-06], Randy Weber [TX-14], Alex Mooney [WV-02], and Troy Nehls [TX-22].\n\nBill Text", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://radewagen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/amata-highlights-foreign-affairs-committee-work-2023", "Amata Highlights Foreign Affairs Committee Work in 2023", "2023-12-20", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "AS", "Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen", "R000600", "radewagen.house.gov", "radewagen", "https://radewagen.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Uifa\u2019atali Amata is highlighting the past year\u2019s legislation as part of the House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC), one of her three committees, and related international work.\n\n\u201cIt was both humbling and an honor this year to receive a rare waiver allowing me to serve on a third Committee this Congress, and especially to be selected for the Foreign Affairs Committee, and I want to thank Chairman McCaul,\u201d said Congresswoman Amata. \u201cMy first year on the committee has been a whirlwind with increased travel requirements and the renewed U.S. focus on the Pacific region. Our region is now a priority and American Samoa\u2019s position in the South Pacific can only become more important to U.S. Pacific commitment in years to come.\u201d\n\nImage\n\nHFAC Chairman McCaul, Congresswoman Amata, Members of Congress and Leaders throughout the Pacific\n\nWithin the Committee, Amata serves on the Subcommittee on the Indo-Pacific as Vice Chairman, and the Subcommittee on Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations.\n\nIn January, Amata started the year with a five-day trip through Micronesia, meeting with Pacific leaders at stops in Guam, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Majuro.\n\nIn March, as the year\u2019s HFAC committee work began in earnest, Amata emphasized fishing issues in a hearing of the Subcommittee on the Indo-Pacific, entitled, Renewed U.S. Engagement in the Pacific: Assessing the Importance of the Pacific Islands.\n\nAlso in March, Amata cosponsored bills, including:\n\nOriginal cosponsor of the Peace Corps Reauthorization Act, H.R. 1273. Amata served as a Peace Corps staffer in the Northern Mariana Islands 1967-1968, and one of her daughters, Kirsten, is a returned Peace Corps volunteer who served in Bulgaria.\n\nThe sole original cosponsor with Rep. Susan Wild (D-PA) of H.R. 1149, to establish certain reporting and requirements relating to telecommunications equipment and services produced or provided by certain entities.\n\nH.R. 1093, introduced by Chairman McCaul, and passed by the committee, to direct the Secretary of State to submit to Congress a report on implementation of the advanced capabilities pillar of the trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.\n\nH. Res. 90, led by Chairman McCaul, demanding that the Government of the People\u2019s Republic of China and the Communist Party of China immediately release Mark Swidan, an American businessman wrongfully detained for years.\n\nImage\n\nCongresswoman Amata speaking with Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley earlier this year\n\nIn April, Amata congratulated the state of Israel on the 75th anniversary of becoming an independent state, recalling fondly her visits to the Holy Land\u2019s cherished sites.\n\nIn May, Amata took part in roundtable on the plight of Afghan women following the U.S. chaotic withdrawal and airlift in 2021, who lost basic freedoms. Members of Congress heard directly from former Afghan Ambassador to the U.S. Roya Rahmani, former Afghan diplomat Hadeia Amiry, and former Kabul Deputy Governor Hanifa Girowal discussing their suffering and ongoing efforts to provide hope.\n\nShe also took part in a hearing to examine Pacific policy to build stronger Defense alliances among the AUKUS member nations.\n\nTook part in a hearing examining US government and private efforts to bring home abducted children.\n\nWelcomed a response by the U.S. Coast Guard, clarifying a policy so U.S. Nationals from American Samoa are now encompassed by the term U.S. Citizen in all matters governing merchant mariner credentialing, vessel manning, and vessel documentation.\n\nIn June, Amata was part of a bipartisan 10-Member Congressional Delegation for the 86th Inter-parliamentary Meeting of the Transatlantic Legislators Dialogue (TLD) in Stockholm, Sweden, with eight select members of the European Parliament.\n\nIn July, Amata took participated in a two-day bipartisan Congressional delegation to Trinidad and Tobago joining U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government Conference upon its 50th anniversary and met with Trinidad and Tobago officials for discussions of security, economic growth, climate, and energy issues.\n\nImage\n\nReps Amata and Neal Dunn meeting with Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Elias Wohengu, in Papua New Guinea, to discuss diplomatic and economic cooperation\n\nAlso in July, as an original cosponsor, she helped with reintroduction of the bipartisan Boosting Long-term U.S. Engagement in the Pacific (BLUE Pacific) Act with Rep. Ed Case (D-HI).\n\nThat month the Committee passed these Amata-cosponsored bills:\n\nH.R. 1776, End Tuberculosis Now Act, To prevent, treat, and cure tuberculosis globally;\n\nH.R. 4619, AUKUS Submarine Transfer Authorization Act, To authorize the sale of Virginia Class submarines to Australia in support of the trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, and for other purposes;\n\nH.R. 4716, KOALA Act, To amend the Arms Export Control Act in support of Australia and the AUKUS partnership;\n\nH.R. 4715, BRITS Act, To amend the Arms Export Control Act in support of the United Kingdom and the AUKUS partnership;\n\nH.R. 3152, Fight CRIME Act, To impose sanctions with respect to countries, individuals, and entities that engage in any effort to acquire, possess, develop, transport, transfer, or deploy Iranian missiles and related goods and technology, including materials and equipment, and for other purposes;\n\nH.Res. 578, Calling for the immediate release of Eyvin Hernandez, a United States citizen and Los Angeles County public defender, who was wrongfully detained by the Venezuelan regime in March 2022.\n\nIn August, with Congress out of session, in addition to prioritizing time in American Samoa, Amata traveled with Congressional Delegations to Australia, Papua, New Guinea, Solomon Islands, South Korea and more, discussing points of mutual interest with the United States.\n\nIn September, she welcomed the US-Bahrain C-SIPA Signing for regional security and prosperity.\n\nOn October 7th, following news of horrific surprise attacks on Israel, Amata issued a statement of support for the people of Israel.\n\nThat month she cosponsored the House Resolution officially supporting Israel and condemning the terrible attacks by Hamas terrorists.\n\nAlso, in October, she took part in a bipartisan, bicameral letter led by U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ), urging Congress to preserve the Building Chips in America Act.\n\nAmata honored the life of Henry Kissinger, former Secretary of State, who passed in November at 100 years of age, after a lifetime of public service and expertise in foreign policy.\n\nIn December, the Committee passed Amata\u2019s bill, H.R. 6606, shoring up U.S. policy for export controls to protect American trade.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/disposiciones-de-la-ley-reef-de-la-congresista-salazar-son-promulgadas-en-la", "Disposiciones de la Ley REEF de la congresista Salazar son promulgadas en la Ley de Defensa", "2023-12-20", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Maria Elvira Salazar", "S000168", "salazar.house.gov", "salazar", "https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 La semana pasada, el Congreso aprob\u00f3 la H.R. 2670, la Ley de Autorizaci\u00f3n de Defensa Nacional (NDAA) para el a\u00f1o fiscal 2024, que incluye lenguaje de la Ley REEF de la congresista Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar (H.R. 950), que present\u00f3 con los representantes Ed Case (D-HI) y Mike Waltz (R-FL). El proyecto de ley est\u00e1 pendiente de la firma del presidente Biden.\n\nLa Ley de Reutilizaci\u00f3n de Equipos para la Fortificaci\u00f3n Ambiental (REEF, por sus siglas en ingl\u00e9s) posibilita que los buques retirados de la Armada puedan reutilizarse en arrecifes artificiales, lo que mejora los ambientes marinos, crea oportunidades recreativas, promueve el turismo y apoya a nuestros veteranos.\n\n\u201cAl representar a un distrito costero, conozco los incre\u00edbles beneficios ambientales que los arrecifes artificiales pueden aportar a los ecosistemas marinos\u201d, dijo la representante Salazar (FL-27). \"Con estas nuevas pol\u00edticas implementadas, estados como Florida pueden reciclar m\u00e1s barcos desmantelados en una gran victoria para nuestro medio ambiente, nuestros veteranos y nuestra econom\u00eda\".\n\nEl congresista Waltz jug\u00f3 un papel decisivo para asegurar este lenguaje en el proyecto de ley durante su consideraci\u00f3n en el Comit\u00e9 de Servicios Armados de la C\u00e1mara de Representantes.\n\n\"Los floridanos est\u00e1n orgullosos de nuestros arrecifes de coral\", dijo el representante Waltz (FL-06). \u201cUna mejor coordinaci\u00f3n entre la Marina de los EE. UU. y nuestras agencias estatales de vida silvestre para proporcionar h\u00e1bitat para los corales a trav\u00e9s de embarcaciones retiradas hundidas, como el USS Mindanao frente a Daytona Beach, solo ayudar\u00e1 a impulsar nuestras econom\u00edas locales a trav\u00e9s de una mayor pesca recreativa y turismo. Estoy orgulloso de trabajar con la congresista Salazar en esta iniciativa\u201d.\n\nEspec\u00edficamente, el Informe de la Conferencia que acompa\u00f1a al H.R. 2670 inclu\u00eda una secci\u00f3n titulada \u201cNotificaci\u00f3n del Congreso sobre el retiro pendiente de buques navales viables para arrecifes artificiales\u201d. En este informe, el Congreso reconoce la necesidad de mejorar la forma en que la Marina interact\u00faa con los Estados al transferir embarcaciones que son viables para arrecifes artificiales.\n\nTambi\u00e9n identifica un mecanismo anual para enumerar los buques navales listos para su eliminaci\u00f3n y ordena al Secretario de la Marina que informe al Congreso sobre el proceso de arrecifes artificiales de la Marina.\n\n\"La creaci\u00f3n de arrecifes artificiales utilizando el exceso de embarcaciones navales ayudar\u00e1 a restaurar y preservar nuestro fr\u00e1gil ecosistema oce\u00e1nico y crear\u00e1 oportunidades para aquellos que quieran explorar la biodiversidad que rodea una estructura hundida\", dijo el representante Case (HI-01), copatrocinador de la provisi\u00f3n. \u201cHay una serie de estructuras, incluidas peque\u00f1as embarcaciones y aviones, en aguas frente a mi estado natal que restauran nuestro ecosistema marino amenazado y atraen a quienes quieren experimentar nuestra vida marina de cerca y comprender c\u00f3mo se debe preservar. Nuestra oferta ampliar\u00e1 estas oportunidades en todo nuestro pa\u00eds\u201d.\n\n\u201cAgradecemos a la congresista Salazar y al congresista Waltz por sus esfuerzos para asegurar un buque de la Armada fuera de servicio como arrecife artificial frente a la costa de Florida. El lenguaje de la NDAA iniciar\u00e1 una conversaci\u00f3n sobre las mejores embarcaciones que podr\u00edan estar disponibles para arrecifes artificiales, lo que significa m\u00e1s oportunidades incre\u00edbles de pesca recreativa y buceo para los residentes y visitantes de Florida\u201d, dijo Rodney Barreto, presidente de la Comisi\u00f3n de Conservaci\u00f3n de Pesca y Vida Silvestre de Florida.\n\nFlorida ha sido l\u00edder en arrecifes artificiales y estas nuevas disposiciones ayudar\u00e1n al estado a asegurar m\u00e1s barcos retirados en el futuro. De lo contrario, estos barcos ser\u00edan desmantelados en un dep\u00f3sito de chatarra.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/salazar-reef-act-provisions-signed-law-defense-act-ndaa", "Salazar REEF Act Provisions Signed into Law in Defense Act (NDAA)", "2023-12-20", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Maria Elvira Salazar", "S000168", "salazar.house.gov", "salazar", "https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Last week, Congress passed H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024, which included language from Congresswoman Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar\u2019s REEF Act (H.R. 950), which she introduced with Reps. Ed Case (D-HI) and Mike Waltz (R-FL). The bill is awaiting signature by President Biden.\n\nThe Reusing Equipment for Environmental Fortification (REEF) Act helps retired Navy ships be repurposed into artificial reefs, which boosts marine environments, creates recreational opportunities, promotes tourism, and supports our veterans.\n\n\u201cRepresenting a coastal district, I know the incredible environmental benefits artificial reefing can bring to marine ecosystems,\u201d said Representative Salazar (FL-27). \u201cWith these new policies in place, states like Florida can recycle more decommissioned ships in a major win for our environment, our veterans, and our economy.\u201d\n\nCongressman Waltz was instrumental in securing this language in the bill during its consideration in the House Armed Services Committee.\n\n\u201cFloridians are proud of our coral reefs,\u201d said Representative Waltz (FL-06). \u201cBetter coordination between the U.S. Navy and our state wildlife agencies to provide habitat for coral via scuttled retired vessels, such as the USS Mindanao off Daytona Beach, will only help bolster our local economies through greater recreational fishing and tourism. I\u2019m proud to work with Congresswoman Salazar on this initiative.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, the Conference Report accompanying H.R. 2670 included a section titled \u201cCongressional notification regarding pending retirement of naval vessels viable for artificial reefing.\u201d In this report, Congress recognizes the need to improve how the Navy interacts with States when transferring vessels that are viable for artificial reefing. It also identifies an annual mechanism to list naval vessels set for disposal and directs the Secretary of the Navy to brief Congress on the Navy\u2019s artificial reefing process.\n\n\u201cCreating artificial reefs using excess naval vessels will help restore and preserve our fragile ocean ecosystem and create opportunities for those who want to explore the biodiversity that surround a sunken structure,\u201d said Representative Case (HI-01), the co-introducer of the provision. \u201cThere are a number of structures, including small boats and planes, in waters off my home state that both restore our threatened marine ecosystem and draw those who want to experience our marine life up-close and understand how it must be preserved. Our provision will expand on these opportunities throughout our country.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe thank Congresswoman Salazar and Congressman Waltz for their efforts to secure a decommissioned Navy vessel as an artificial reef off the coast of Florida. The language in the NDAA will begin a conversation on the best vessels that could be available for artificial reefing, which means more incredible recreational fishing and diving opportunities for Florida\u2019s residents and visitors,\u201d said Rodney Barreto, Chairman of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.\n\nFlorida has been a leader in artificial reefing and these new provisions will help Florida secure more retired ships moving forward. These ships would otherwise be dismantled at a scrapyard.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://scalise.house.gov/press-releases/Scalise-Applauds-Lease-Sale-in-Gulf-of-Mexico%2C-Calls-for-More-Lease-Sales", "Scalise Applauds Lease Sale in Gulf of Mexico, Calls for More Lease Sales", "2023-12-20", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", "scalise", "https://scalise.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "JEFFERSON, LA. \u2014 Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) released the following statement after Gulf of Mexico Lease Sale 261 was held on Wednesday. The lease sale was rescheduled after a court-ordered temporary injunction following last-minute changes to cut the acreage and impose restrictions on the sale in a backroom negotiation between the administration and radical anti-American energy extremists. Wednesday's lease sale resulted in $382 million in high bids from 26 companies in the Gulf of Mexico.\n\n\"Today, we saw resoundingly strong demand for energy exploration and production in the Gulf of Mexico, despite attempts by the Biden administration to prevent this sale at every turn. At a time when Americans are struggling with sky-high inflation and expensive energy costs, this administration continues to fail American families and small businesses by doing everything possible to make energy more expensive and leave us more dependent on foreign, hostile nations.\n\n\u201cInstead, we should be unleashing American energy with additional lease sales in the Gulf to lower energy costs for hardworking American families, create more jobs here at home, secure funds for coastal restoration and hurricane protection in Louisiana, while also helping our allies abroad.\n\n\"While I\u2019m happy to see today\u2019s lease sale move forward with such strong interest, President Biden has failed to schedule any lease sales for 2024, and is putting America\u2019s energy and national security in jeopardy. We simply can\u2019t afford to continue these failed policies, and I\u2019ll continue fighting to restore America\u2019s energy security.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases/smucker-announces-inaugural-congressional-app-challenge-winner", "Smucker Announces Inaugural Congressional App Challenge Winner", "2023-12-20", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "PA", "Lloyd Smucker", "S001199", "smucker.house.gov", "smucker", "https://smucker.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Lancaster, PA \u2013 Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) is proud to announce the winner of Pennsylvania Eleventh Congressional District\u2019s Inaugural Congressional App Challenge (CAC), which encourages students to utilize their STEM skills to create their own original app. The program was open to area middle and high school students in Lancaster and York counties.\n\nThe 2023 Winning Team is a team of students from Red Lion, including students Kelechi Okereh, Bannon Green, Chance Keithan, and Jenna Tracey. Their app called William\u2019s Penn, was developed as a virtual information hub to share information about Pennsylvania\u2019s founder, William Penn, share fun and engaging games, and provide a community board to allow for postings from small businesses. The team was mentored by Morgan Hepburn.\n\nSmucker visited with the team at Red Lion Senior High School to meet and congratulate them on their CAC win and to present them with Certificates of Special Congressional Recognition.\n\n\u201cEach of these students who participated in the Congressional App Challenge has a bright future. I want to congratulate our winners from Red Lion and give my sincere thanks to each of the students and school districts who participated in this year\u2019s challenge. The community should be proud of these students\u2019 efforts. I am amazed at the students\u2019 skills and problem-solving abilities demonstrated through coding. I look forward to seeing next year\u2019s submissions and would encourage any interested student to participate,\u201d said Rep. Smucker.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/steil-slams-president-biden-s-failed-economic-polices-during-his-visit-to-milwaukee", "Steil Slams President Biden\u2019s Failed Economic Polices During His Visit to Milwaukee", "2023-12-20", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Bryan Steil", "S001213", "steil.house.gov", "steil", "https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. (December 20, 2023) - Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) today released the following statement slamming President Biden on his out-of-touch economic policies that have made life unaffordable for many Americans.\n\n\u201cPresident Biden is in Milwaukee to tell people not to believe what they are seeing with their own eyes. While in Wisconsin, the president should visit a grocery store to talk with customers who are paying 20% more for groceries. Inflation has made everything 17% more expensive in just three years. Bidenomics is making it more difficult for families to afford the things they need. We need to change course in Washington.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://tenney.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-tenney-urges-new-york-prioritize-repayment-federal-ui-loans", "Congresswoman Tenney Urges New York to Prioritize Repayment of Federal UI Loans to Protect Local, Small Businesses", "2023-12-20", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "NY", "Claudia Tenney", "T000478", "tenney.house.gov", "tenney", "https://tenney.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24), Member of the Ways and Means Committee, sent a letter to New York Governor Kathy Hochul urging her to prioritize repayment of the state\u2019s billions of dollars in outstanding federal Unemployment Insurance (UI) loans.\n\nThe Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) imposes a 6.0 percent gross federal unemployment tax rate on the first $7,000 paid annually by employers to each employee, resulting in a maximum federal tax of $420 per employee per year. Employers in certain states may credit up to 5.4 percentage points of state unemployment taxes paid against the 6.0 percent tax rate, meaning that the typical FUTA tax is $42 per worker per year. However, employers in states whose unemployment insurance funds have outstanding federal advances for two or more consecutive years, like New York, could have their FUTA credit reduced by an additional 0.3 percent for each year the outstanding balance is not repaid in full. This means that New York small businesses, through increased employer taxes, will bear the brunt of Governor Hochul\u2019s irresponsibility and inaction in paying back the state\u2019s federal UI loans.\n\n\u201cGovernor Hochul\u2019s inaction in paying back New York\u2019s outstanding federal UI loans in a timely manner irresponsibly places that burden on our small businesses and hardworking families,\u201d said Congresswoman Tenney. \u201cAt a time of skyrocketing inflation due to President Biden and Governor Hochul\u2019s far-left fiscal policies, Main Street businesses across New York are struggling and are now facing even higher taxes as a result of New York failing to repay its outstanding federal UI loans. During the COVID-19 pandemic, far-left officials in New York forced businesses to shut down, causing disastrous effects on our economy. Now, these same businesses will be forced to help repay the state\u2019s federal UI loans despite the fact that the state had other means to repay the debt. This is reckless management from Governor Hochul and only serves to further hurt New York businesses while they\u2019re already reeling from many other pressures. Today, I sent a letter to Governor Hochul urging New York to prioritize repayment of the outstanding federal UI loans to prevent additional harm to our small, local businesses and workers in New York.\u201d\n\nRead the full text of the letter here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://turner.house.gov/2023/12/turner-recognizes-community-leaders-in-ohio-s-10th-congressional-district", "Turner Recognizes Community Leaders in Ohio\u2019s 10th Congressional District", "2023-12-20", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "OH", "Michael R. Turner", "T000463", "turner.house.gov", "turner", "https://turner.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "DAYTON, OHIO \u2013 Today, Congressman Mike Turner (OH-10) held a press conference where he publicly recognized residents of Ohio\u2019s 10th Congressional District who have positively impacted the Miami Valley community. Congressman Turner commended Dr. Chris Colliver, Technical Advisor for the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Chief Mike Etter, former Chief of Police at Dayton International Airport, Retired Tech. Sgt. Larry Litten, and Mila Gelbart, a student-athlete at Oakwood Junior High School.\n\n\u201cAs we go into the holidays and think about the things that we are thankful for, we can also think about the people here at home who have stepped up and served both our community and our nation,\u201d said Congressman Mike Turner. \u201cI would like to express my gratitude to each person here today for their outstanding contributions to Ohio\u2019s 10th Congressional District. The leadership that they have shown in their consistent efforts to better the Miami Valley region is admirable, and they exemplify the values that set us apart from the rest of the country.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nFrom left to right: Congressman Mike Turner, Dr. Chris Colliver, Wendy Colliver\n\nDr. Chris Colliver has served as Technical Advisor for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance and Acquisition Intelligence at the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base since 2012. Dr. Colliver began his career at the National Air and Space Intelligence Center in 1988, where he helped revolutionize digital intelligence analysis, production, and modeling and simulation architectures. Earlier this year, Dr. Colliver received the highly coveted Presidential Rank Award for his federal career in civil service.\n\nFrom left to right: Congressman Mike Turner, Chief Mike Etter, Barbara Etter\n\nChief Mike Etter retired from the Dayton International Airport after 15 years of dedicated service. Chief Etter began his law enforcement career with the Trotwood Police Department in 1978, becoming chief in 1993 and public safety director/deputy city manager in 2005. After 45 years in law enforcement, he plans to enjoy travel, volunteer work, and more time with his wife, three children, and five grandchildren.\n\nFrom left to right: Retired Tech. Sgt. Jerry Litten, Congressman Mike Turner, Retired Tech. Sgt. Larry Litten, Leona Litten\n\nTechnical Sergeant Larry Litten joined the Air Force in 1959. Larry was an aircraft repair technician stationed at bases in Vietnam and Germany. The Litten family has reached an almost unparalleled level of service to the United States, with all seven of the Litten brothers enlisting in the U.S. Air Force and accumulating more than 130 years of military service. The Litten family\u2019s service to the United States was memorialized with a bench for all to enjoy outside the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton, Ohio.\n\nFrom left to right: Congressman Mike Turner, Mila Gelbart, Wincha Gelbart, Mike Gelbart\n\nMila Gelbart is a student at Oakwood Junior High. Mila is a dedicated public servant and recently won the National American Miss Pre-teen pageant, where she represented Dayton and the State of Ohio in front of a national audience with grace and dignity.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases/van-orden-announces-2023-congressional-app-challenge-winner", "Van Orden Announces 2023 Congressional App Challenge Winner", "2023-12-20", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "WI", "Derrick Van Orden", "V000135", "vanorden.house.gov", "vanorden", "https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "ONALASKA, W.I. \u2013 Today, Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) announced the winner of the 2023 Congressional App Challenge for students in Wisconsin\u2019s Third District.\n\nThe Congressional App Challenge is an annual national competition that allows middle and high school students interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) to design, create, and demonstrate an application on a computer, tablet, or phone.\n\n\u201cI enjoyed hosting my first ever Congressional App Challenge and seeing the great talent of Wisconsin\u2019s Third District students,\u201d said Congressman Van Orden. \u201cAditi demonstrated exceptional STEM knowledge and creativity with her app for classifying polar-ring galaxies, and it was an honor topresent her with the Congressional App Challenge award this morning. I am extremely proud of Aditi, and I look forward to seeing the many accomplishments I know she will make in the future.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-applauds-congressional-app-challenge-winner", "Wagner Applauds Congressional App Challenge Winner", "2023-12-20", "2023", "2023-12", "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 (R-MO) released the following statement on this year\u2019s winner of the MO-02 Congressional App Challenge:\n\n\u201cCongratulations to Serena Huang of Parkway Central for winning this year\u2019s Congressional App Challenge in Missouri\u2019s 2nd District! Serena\u2019s \u201cAnchor App\u201d was chosen for its beautiful user interface and robust technical design. Her app helps teens easily track their finances and build responsible spending and saving habits, incredibly important tools for young students.\n\n\u201cI would also like to congratulation our 2nd place winners from Parkway South Rohan Potta, Mazinkhan Nadaf and Allen Zheng, as well as our 3rd Place winners Rachit Patek and Navin Narayanan who attend Lafayette High School. Thank you to our host, The Coder School, and our Head Judge Everett Johnson for helping us make this year\u2019s competition an incredible success.\u201d\n\nFor more information on the Congressional App Challenge and Serena\u2019s winning app, click here.\n\nSerena will be invited to participate in the 2024 #HouseofCode this spring. Her app will also be featured on the U.S. House of Representatives' website and as part of a U.S. Capitol exhibit.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://williams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-williams-condemns-bidens-veto-stands-firm-defense-main-street", "Rep. Williams Condemns Biden's Veto, Stands Firm in Defense of Main Street Against CFPB Overreach", "2023-12-20", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Roger Williams", "W000816", "williams.house.gov", "williams", "https://williams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013Congressman Roger Williams (TX-25) released the following statement on Wednesday following President Biden\u2019sveto ofS.J. Res. 32, Senate companion forH.J. Res. 66, a Congressional Review Act disapproving of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau\u2019s (CFPB) Dodd Frank Section 1071 Small Business Lending Data Collection Rule:\n\n\u201cPresident Biden\u2019s veto of S.J. Res. 32 has made it clear that he answers only to socialist unelected bureaucrats,\"said Congressman Williams. \u201cDuring a time when small businesses are facing historical inflation, backlogged supply chains, and increasing borrowing costs, the House and the Senate came together in a bipartisan fashion to protect Main Street from the CFPB\u2019s overreaching and burdensome 1071 rule. American small businesses continue to pay the price of this Administration\u2019s disastrous rule-making. I urge my colleagues in both chambers to come together to override Biden\u2019s America-last veto and protect small businesses.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nS.J.Res.32 is a Congressional Review Act disapproving of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau\u2019s Dodd-Frank Section 1071 Small Business Lending Data Collection Rule. This legislation would bar the CFPB from enforcing the 1071 rule.\n\nTherule, published in the Federal Register on May 31, 2023, is more than 900 pages long and requires lenders to report 81 data fields, including race, sex, gender identity, and ethnicity of loan applicants. Section 1071 forces lenders to pass increased compliance costs onto small business owners through higher interest rates or fees and less credit availability. Among concerns on compliance costs, the February CFPB major data breach involving unauthorized use of sensitive personal and business data by a CFPB employee makes the risk of data leaks clear. Disapproval of the CFPB\u2019s 1071 rule ensures that this burdensome rule does not take effect, unnecessary costs and harms to consumers are avoided, and that small businesses can maintain access to affordable credit, including from community banks, to support and grow our economy.\n\nS.J. Res. 32, which passed the Senate with bipartisan support, is the Senate companion toH.J. Res. 66, which was introduced by Congressman Williams in the House on May 31, 2023.\n\nRead Biden\u2019sveto of this bipartisan legislation here.\n\nRead the bill texthere.\n\n###\n\nCongressman Roger Williams is the Chairman of the House Small Business Committee and member of the House Financial Services Committee. He proudly represents the 25th Congressional District of Texas", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins-announces-more-than-425000-for-main-street-skowhegan", "Senator Collins Announces More Than $425,000 for Main Street Skowhegan", "2023-12-20", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "GA", "Mike Collins", "C001129", "www.collins.senate.gov", "collins", "https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced that Main Street Skowhegan has been awarded $425,111 from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) for Phase II of the Revitalization of Central Maine Recompete Plan. This advances Main Street Skowhegan to the final round of federal funding through EDA\u2019s Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program, which will award an average of $20 to $50 million in implementation funding. Main Street Skowhegan was one of 22 applications selected out of more than 500 applications.\n\nU.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo contacted Senator Collins to notify her that Main Street Skowhegan has been selected.\n\n\u201cMain Street Skowhegan is committed to revitalizing the community while honoring the region\u2019s rich heritage,\u201d said Senator Collins. \u201cThis federal funding will support Main Street Skowhegan\u2019s initiative to help individuals reenter the workforce, helping to promote economic development in the greater Skowhegan and Waterville area.\u201d\n\n\"Strategy development funding from the EDA will increase our capacity and help our coalition lay the groundwork for Recompete Plan Implementation and the opportunity to compete for an additional $20 to $50 million to tackle rural Maine economic and workforce challenges head-on,\" said coalition leader Kristina Cannon, President and CEO of Main Street Skowhegan. \"Our strategies for regional growth and resilience rely on more than just traditional solutions; they are comprehensive, community-centric, and asset-based. We thank Senator Collins for her support in securing this important federal funding.\"\n\nThe Revitalization of Central Maine Recompete Plan is a coalition led by Main Street Skowhegan to connect residents to good jobs, helping to revitalize the downtown economy in the Skowhegan/Waterville Route 201 corridor. Coalition members include Sappi North America, New Balance, Central Maine Growth Council, and Kennebec Valley Community College, among others.\n\nThe Recompete program, authorized by the CHIPS and Science Act, targets areas where prime-age (25-54 years) employment is significantly lower than the national average, with the goal to close this gap through flexible, locally driven investments. Earning the title of Recompete Finalist is an endorsement of the community\u2019s strategy to create and connect workers to good jobs in geographically diverse and persistently distressed communities across the country.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/bentz-leads-bicameral-coalition-amicus-brief-urging-supreme-court-curb", "Bentz Leads Bicameral Coalition in Amicus Brief Urging Supreme Court to Curb Presidential Overreach under the Antiquities Act", "2023-12-19", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "OR", "Cliff Bentz", "B000668", "bentz.house.gov", "bentz", "https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.) announced that he is leading a coalition of Congressmen and Senators in filing an amicus brief with the Supreme Court, urging the Court to hear two important and critical cases challenging the President's misuse of the Antiquities Act to establish National Monuments. These cases, American Forest Resource Council v. United States of America and Murphy Company v. Biden, present a clear opportunity for the Court to establish limits on presidential authority and uphold the Constitution's separation of powers doctrine.\n\n\"The Constitution makes it clear that Congress, not the President, makes our laws. The President\u2019s job is not to make law, but to enforce them. Yet, in recent years, Presidents have increasingly usurped congressional authority by using the Antiquities Act to 'Monumentize' millions upon millions of acres of public land rendering massive areas largely untouchable. This blatant disregard for the will of the people is an affront to the Constitution,\" stated Congressman Bentz. \"In this brief we urge the Supreme Court to hear these cases and to make it clear that the President cannot circumvent Congress by rewriting our nation's public land\n\nlaws with the stroke of a pen. This is about upholding the Constitution, protecting our public lands from being left to burn up, and that they can be properly managed with the their best interest in mind.\"\n\nThe amicus brief highlights several key concerns:\n\nPresidential Overreach: The President's recent national\n\nmonument designation in Oregon overrides Congress's directive for\n\nhow these lands must be managed, specifically the O&C Act, which\n\nmandates sustained-yield timber production to generate revenue for\n\nrural communities. The President\u2019s actions set a dangerous precedent\n\nof executive overreach on all federal lands and waters.\n\nEconomic Devastation: The President\u2019s monument designation\n\ncripples forest-dependent communities and exacerbates the wildfire\n\ncrisis by severely limiting essential forest management practices.\n\nConstitutional Violation: The Constitution vests Congress, not the\n\nPresident, with the power to regulate federal lands. This case is an\n\nopportunity for the Supreme Court to reaffirm the separation of\n\npowers and protect the rights of American citizens.\n\nTravis Joseph, American Forest Resource Council President stated, \"We thank Congressman Cliff Bentz for his leadership on the Congressional amicus brief, and for bringing awareness to these important issues on Capitol Hill. Congressman Bentz and his colleagues understand the Constitutional issues that are at stake; the need to maintain and strengthen the separation of powers; and to ensure that Congress - not the President - continues to make the laws on behalf of the Americans they represent.\"\n\n\"For far too often, Congress has given the Executive Branch too much authority to manage and lock up Federal lands,\" said Western Caucus Chairman Dan Newhouse (WA-04). \"Both the Obama and Biden Administrations have abused the Antiquities Act to create new national monuments out of our federal lands to lock them up from development in opposition to the intent of Congress. It\u2019s past time for members of Congress to reclaim authority relating to the Antiquities Act, which is why I signed on to this Amicus Brief to make our argument clear to the Supreme Court as they review cases.\"\n\nNatural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) stated, \"For far too long the executive branch has abused the Antiquities Act to cut off millions of acres of public lands, an action that greatly impacts rural communities across the country and ignores Congress\u2019 directive on how those lands must be responsibly managed. The President does not have the constitutional authority to lock away our federal land and waters, especially without any local input. I urge the Supreme Court to take up these two critical cases and set the record straight on the executive branch\u2019s authority when it comes to regulating our federal lands and waters.\"\n\n\"For years, the Obama and Biden Administrations used the Antiquities Act to institutionalize massive executive overreach, seizing acres and acres of land without consequence. In some Congressional Districts, almost 80% of rural land was set aside as public or federal land,\" said Congresswoman Miller-Meeks (IA-01). \"We must preserve the use of federal lands for responsible recreational, agricultural, and energy use. I am proud to join my colleagues in urging the Supreme Court to curb executive overreach and require the Administration to consult Congress before making rash decisions about our federal lands.\"\n\n\"I am proud to join my colleagues in asking the Supreme Court to impose a limit on a president\u2019s authority under the Antiquities Act,\" Congressman Russ Fulcher (ID-01) said. \"Congress should determine whether public land can become an untouchable national monument; not the president. The Biden Administration is taking land away Congress requires be sustainably harvested to generate revenue for rural counties. I have worked, on a bipartisan basis, to extend Good Neighbor Authority to counties and tribes, helping them with job creation and revenue from timber harvests, along with managing the risk of wildfires and good environmental stewardship of our forests. I hope the Supreme Court hears the message loud and clear: Congress \u2013 not the President \u2013 has the constitutional authority over federal lands.\"\n\nCongressman John Rose (TN-06) added, \"President Biden's heavy-handed approach to using the Antiquities Act must be halted by the Supreme Court. As an attorney and eighth-generation farmer, I understand that the best stewards of public lands are the local communities who manage and depend on them\u2014not the federal government\u2014and that President Biden's use of the Antiquities Act is blatantly unconstitutional. I am proud to join Rep. Bentz in this amicus brief to hold the president accountable to the constitution and prevent him from damaging rural southwest Oregon communities that depend on this public land.\"\n\n\"Once again, the Biden administration is overstepping its authority and restricting more of our lands from use. The Antiquities Act is just one of many ways that the Biden administration is keeping Americans from gaining energy independence, enjoying sport & recreation activities, and restricting every ability to do anything except \u201cconserve\u201d land in the name of a ridiculous climate change agenda. I urge the Supreme Court to take up this case and to strike down this Biden abuse of office,\" Congresswoman Harriet Hageman (WY-AL) concluded.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://boebert.house.gov/Glenwoodfunding", "Boebert-Backed Glenwood Springs Project Receives $50 Million Grant", "2023-12-19", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Lauren Boebert", "B000825", "boebert.house.gov", "boebert", "https://boebert.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "The city of Glenwood Springs, Colorado, has received a $49.68 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for construction of the South Bridge project. The new bridge will be built across the Roaring Fork River, connecting Highway 82 and neighborhoods west of the river near the airport. The project aims to create a second evacuation route for the city's southern corridor residents, ensuring better safety during emergencies, bolstering connectivity, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing the overall quality of life for residents in the Lower Colorado River Valley and the Roaring Fork Valley. Congresswoman Boebert has strongly supported the South Bridge project and worked closely with the City to secure funding.\n\nCongresswoman Lauren Boebert (CO-03) said, \u201cOur bipartisan advocacy was successful and secured $49.68 million for the South Bridge project in Glenwood Springs. I have worked closely with local elected officials on both sides of the aisle since my first year in Congress and securing funding for the South Bridge project has been one of my top local priorities. Thanks to this locally driven effort, the South Bridge project will be built. This critical infrastructure development not only improves emergency response capabilities but also ensures the safety and well-being of our community. The transformative impact of this investment reaches far beyond improved connectivity; it will also boost regional economic growth and improve the quality of life for Glenwood Springs residents.\u201d\n\nGlenwood Springs Mayor Ingrid Wussow said, \"The City of Glenwood is thrilled and relieved to have received the almost $50mil Rural Surface Transportation Grant. For over 20 years our community has been working on procuring the funds for this much needed conduit for fire egress in our wildfire prone community. We are thankful to our congressional delegates, Governor Polis and CDOT Director Lew for their unwavering support in helping us solve this rural transportation challenge. We are so appreciative of Congresswoman Boebert's letter of support and we look forward to seeing this project come to fruition.\"\n\nFormer Glenwood Springs Mayor and Current Ward 5 City Council Member Jonathan Godes said, \u201cGlenwood Springs has lost lives, homes, and our watershed through the Storm King, Coal Seam, and Grizzly Creek fires over the last 25 years. This bridge has been a critical need for decades, and the community can breathe a little bit easier once the fire egress of South Bridge is finally built. We cannot thank our congressional delegation enough. Without their support, along with Governor Polis and CDOT Director Lew this would not be a reality.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nDuring her short tenure in Congress, Congresswoman Boebert has worked closely with local officials and strongly supported the South Bridge project numerous times over the years. With the DOT grant of $49.68 million, Glenwood Springs can now move forward with the construction of a vital second emergency route and evacuation access\u2014a new bridge connection linking State Highway 82 to the western side of the Roaring Fork River in the City's South Corridor.\n\nIn May of 2021, Congresswoman Boebert wrote a letter in strong support of the City\u2019s grant application for the South Bridge project to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities grant funds. You can read Congresswoman Boebert\u2019s full letter to FEMA Administrator Peter Gaynor here.\n\nIn September of 2021, Congresswoman Boebert met with Glenwood Springs Mayor Jonathan Godes to discuss her support of infrastructure projects to improve the I-70 corridor. In May, Congresswoman Boebert hosted then Glenwood Springs Mayor Jonathan Godes, then City Council Member Ingrid Wussow, then City Attorney Karl Hanlon, and then City Manager Debra Figueroa for a bipartisan meeting in her D.C. office to discuss the South Bridge Project.\n\nIn June of 2022, Congresswoman Boebert wrote a letter in strong support of the City\u2019s grant application for the South Bridge project to the Department of Transportation for Rural Surface Transportation grant funds. The letter emphasized the importance of this project and requested fair consideration for the grant application. You can read Congresswoman Boebert\u2019s full letter of support to Secretary Buttigieg here.\n\nIn March of 2023, Congresswoman Boebert submitted a Community Project Funding Appropriations request in support of the South Bridge project to the House Committee on Appropriations Chairwoman Kay Granger as well as Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro urging them to include funding for the South Bridge Project in the 2024 fiscal year appropriations bill. The Congresswoman\u2019s $1.4 million request for the South Bridge project was successful and is currently included in the base House Appropriations bill passed by the House Committee on Appropriations. You can read Congresswoman Boebert\u2019s full Community Project Funding Appropriations request here.\n\nThe South Bridge Program in Glenwood Springs perfectly aligns with the Rural Surface Transportation program, aiming which aims to bolster connectivity, ensure the safety of travelers, stimulate economic growth, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents in the Lower Colorado River Valley and the Roaring Fork Valley. Congresswoman Boebert looks forward to the completion of this critical project.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=249", "2023 Wrapped: Congressman Brecheen\u2019s Top Media Hits", "2023-12-19", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Josh Brecheen", "B001317", "brecheen.house.gov", "brecheen", "https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 As we reach the conclusion of Congressman Brecheen\u2019s first year in office, here are some of the top media highlights of the year in case you might have missed it.\n\nLive TV:\n\n\u00b7 Congressman Brecheen joined Bannon\u2019s War Room to discuss Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, Israel, Ukraine, and appropriations, 11/2/23\n\n\u00b7 Congressman Brecheen Joined NewsNation to discuss the New Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, 10/25/23\n\n\u00b7 Congressman Brecheen joined Fox News to discuss the government funding fight and the border crisis, 9/30/23\n\n\u00b7 Congressman Brecheen Discusses Debt Ceiling Negotiations on Trinity Broadcasting Network, 5/16/23\n\n\u00b7 Congressman Brecheen Discusses the Passage of the Limit, Save, Grow Act with Tony Perkins, 4/27/23\n\nPrint:\n\n\u00b7 Exclusive: Rep. Josh Brecheen Proposes to Scrap John Kerry\u2019s Climate Job Which Prioritizes \u2018Radical Climate Policy\u2019 over National Security, Breitbart, 11/8/23\n\n\u00b7 Brecheen of Oklahoma kicks off constituent meetings across his sprawling Congressional district, City News OKC, 8/14/23\n\n\u00b7 House Republicans want answers from Mayorkas on 'abuse of parole' at the border after fiery hearings, Fox News, 5/6/23\n\n\u00b7 In Oklahoma, a Freshman Republican Makes the Case for Deep Spending Cuts, New York Times, 3/7/23\n\n\u00b7 Kevin McCarthy secures speaker post after Brecheen and other Republicans gain concessions, The Oklahoman, 1/6/23\n\nPodcast:\n\n\u00b7 Rep. Scott Perry joins the Fresh Freedom Podcast to discuss leading the House Freedom Caucus, 11/2/23\n\n\u00b7 Rep. Thomas Massie joins the Fresh Freedom Podcast to discuss his time in Congress, 10/26/23\n\n\u00b7 Rep. Jim Jordan joins the Fresh Freedom Podcast to discuss the Durham hearing and weaponization of our government, 6/21/23\n\n\u00b7 Rep. Byron Donalds and economist Stephen Moore join the Fresh Freedom Podcast, 5/22/23\n\n\u00b7 Representatives Brecheen, Burlison, Crane, and Ogles Launch the Fresh Freedom Podcast, 3/13/23\n\nTop Floor Speeches:\n\n\u00b7 Congressman Brecheen Offers Amendment to Financial Services Appropriations Bill, 11/8/23\n\n\u00b7 Congressman Josh Brecheen Speaks on the Secure the Border Act of 2023, 5/10/23\n\n\u00b7 Congressman Brecheen Speaks on Returning to the Founders' Vision of Education in America, 3/24/23\n\n\u00b7 Congressman Josh Brecheen Urges Colleagues to Overturn Biden's Unconstitutional WOTUS Rule, 3/9/23\n\n\u00b7 Congressman Brecheen Speaks on the Gravity of our National Debt During First House Floor Speech, 3/8/23", 1, "2026-04-07T14:30:38Z", "2026-04-07T14:34:10Z"], ["https://cammack.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-kat-cammack-announces-local-teen-kartikeya-rajderkar", "Congresswoman Kat Cammack Announces Local Teen Kartikeya Rajderkar Congressional Award Silver Medal Winner", "2023-12-19", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "FL", "Kat Cammack", "C001039", "cammack.house.gov", "cammack", "https://cammack.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "GAINESVILLE, FL \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Kat Cammack announced Kartikeya Rajderkar of Gainesville as a Congressional Award Silver Medal recipient.\n\nRajderkar, a local Eagle Scout and Eastside High School student, is one of 3,797 young people to receive the award this year and the only from Florida's Third Congressional District.\n\nThe Congressional Award provides opportunities for young people to unleash their potential by achieving personal goals focused on volunteerism, character development, and fitness. Established in 1979 by the United States Congress, the Congressional Award is the United States Congress' award for young Americans, and is non-partisan, voluntary, and non-competitive. The program is open to all youth in the U.S. between the ages of 14 and 24 regardless of ability, circumstance, or economic status.\n\n\"Congratulations to Mr. Rajderkar on his impressive accomplishment,\" said Congresswoman Kat Cammack. \"The participants of the Congressional Award make real differences in our communities and Kartikeya truly represents the very best of young students nationwide. His dedication to earn the rank of Eagle Scout while participating in a variety of service projects throughout the community is admirable, and I'm excited to present him with this honor.\"\n\nTo earn the silver medal, Rajderkar completed hundreds of hours of service in the community while pursuing art, track & field, and music. As an Eagle Scout, Rajderkar completed his Eagle Scout project with a local food bank, building railings for the stairs to the loading docks. With the help of 20 other volunteers, he completed his project and earned the highest rank attainable.\n\nRajderkar is also passionate about art and music, entering fine arts competitions across North Central Florida. During his high school career, he earned several 'excellent' and 'superior' ratings for violin, earning first place at the State Violin Convention in 2021 for his fiddling solo. As a member of the Eastside High School Varsity Cross Country and Track teams, Rajderkar helped his team to region and district wins the last three years, making it to the state championship for the 5K race.\n\nHe also earned Lake Forest Volunteer of the Year, participating in a wide variety of volunteering activities with the Alachua County Public Library, Lake Forest Elementary School, India Cultural & Education Center (ICEC) in Gainesville, the Natural History Museum, and the Good News Summer Arts Camp in High Springs.\n\nRajderkar will be honored during a visit with Rep. Cammack in Gainesville later this week.\n\nLearn more about the Congressional Award here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1338", "RSC BUDGET AND SPENDING TASK FORCE CHAIR CLINE, RSC LEAD LETTER TO TREASURY ON RULE CHANGE THAT WOULD FUEL WASTE AND ABUSE OF UNSPENT COVID-19 FUNDS", "2023-12-19", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Ben Cline", "C001118", "cline.house.gov", "cline", "https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Republican Study Committee\u2019s (RSC) Budget and Spending Task Force Chairman Ben Cline (R-VA) and RSC Chairman Kevin Hern (R-OK) sent a letter to U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen demanding that the Treasury Department roll back an Interim Final Rule (IFR) that would allow state and local governments to hoard tens of billions in unspent COVID funds from the 2021 American Rescue Plan (ARP).\n\nUnder current law, state and local governments have until December 31, 2024, to \u201cobligate\u201d COVID funds. Instead of enforcing this statutory deadline, the Treasury Department\u2019s rule allows state and local governments to obligate funds past the statutory deadline by submitting a detailed memo on how they plan to spend the money by April 30, 2024. This blatantly fails to comply with congressional statutes and will further fuel the fire of inflationary, wasteful government spending.\n\nCo-signers of the letter include Representatives Jeff Duncan, Michael Cloud, Randy Weber, August Pfluger, Beth Van Duyne, Ralph Norman, Harriet Hageman, Lance Gooden, Scott Franklin, Doug LaMalfa, Scott Fitzgerald, James Baird, Ronny Jackson, Chuck Edwards, Austin Scott, Josh Brecheen, Rich McCormick, Joe Wilson, Barry Moore, Claudia Tenney, Glenn Grothman, Andy Biggs, Eli Crane, Alex Mooney, Eric Burlison, Pat Fallon, Byron Donalds, Kat Cammack, Mike Collins, Rudy Yakym, Bob Good, Erin Houchin, Keith Self, and Troy Balderson.\n\nThe Economic Policy Innovation Center (EPIC) also supports the letter.\n\n\u201cThe Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF), which the Biden Administration has treated like a slush fund, is a quintessential example of government waste, and a critical opportunity for taxpayer savings. Even worse than the initial waste is Treasury\u2019s new Hoarding Rule, which allows states to stash this money for later unspecified uses. We are grateful to Congressmen Cline and Hern and their 34 Congressional colleagues who joined them in championing common sense and highlighting these abuses, including Treasury\u2019s overreach on the definition of an obligation.\u201d\u2014 Brittany Madni, Executive Vice President, Economic Policy Innovation Center\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here. Excerpts from the letter below:\n\nCongress designed the SLFRF to \u201csupport [the state and local] response to and recovery from the COVID-19 public health emergency,\u201d but much of that funding is being used for projects that have little if anything to do with relieving or recovering from the pandemic.\n\nFor example, \u201cmore than $185 million has been approved for projects related to golf courses (such as updating irrigation systems or buying golf carts), more than $400 million has gone to improve swimming pools, almost $80 million has gone to sports stadiums, $34 million has gone to building tennis and pickleball courts, $10 million has gone to rodeos, and one town even got $15 million to install showers and a commercial kitchen at a site to host the circus and local flea market. $4 million even went to the Field of Dreams in Iowa where Major League Baseball hosts its annual late-summer game!\u201d1\n\nThe list of inappropriate uses of SLFRF funds goes on and on. What\u2019s more, those inappropriate uses and this unilateral extension of time to obligate funds conveniently coincide with this final year of the Biden Administration\u2019s first term in office, further raising the question of whether these funds are being properly deployed around the country. With approximately 44 percent, or $152 billion SLFRF dollars as yet unobligated, it is absolutely vital that Treasury exercise tremendous care in its management of the program, not engage in wanton, unilateral rulemakings that unlawfully expand the period for obligation of SLFRF funds.\n\nIt is abundantly clear that Treasury is attempting, through this immediately effective and final rulemaking, to wall off money from Congress as we seek offsets to new Federal expenditures.\n\n\u2026\n\nThe IFR\u2019s new April 30, 2024, reporting deadline unlawfully extends the statutory requirement to obligate funds beyond the established deadline of December 31, 2024, by two years. The IFR would enable funds to be obligated post-December 31, 2024, through December 31, 2026. Treasury has not articulated a statutory authority or justification for this change wrought by the IFR. It has not supplied Congress or the public with any reasons or rationale. It has unlawfully contravened the plain language of the statute. Consequently, the IFR should be withdrawn by the Department.\n\n\u2026\n\nThe Anti-Deficiency Act prohibits Treasury from expending and obligating funds in a manner inconsistent with its direction Congress. For example, the ADA makes clear that Treasury may not \u201cmake or authorize an expenditure or obligation exceeding an amount available in an appropriation or fund for the expenditure or obligation,\u201d and it may likewise not \u201cinvolve either government in a contract or obligation for the payment of money before an appropriation is made unless authorized by law.\u201d2\n\nHere, by changing the definition of \u201cobligation\u201d and adding a new definition for \u201creturn of funds\u201d to the SLFRF program, Treasury is potentially putting itself afoul of these and other ADA requirements. Treasury has provided no explanation or justification for how these purely discretionary policy choices comport with the ADA. It must immediately do so or withdraw these regulations.\n\n\u2026\n\n\u201cWe, along with the Government Accountability Office, must increase oversight of the Executive Branch\u2019s use of emergency COVID-19 funding. A significant amount of activity on this front is underway, but more is required.3 The SLFRF fund is one program that requires additional oversight. As has been explored, it does not appear that President Biden and Treasury are properly managing the SLFRF program, and indeed are now seeking to unlawfully and unilaterally expand it for apparently political purposes. We cannot tolerate that.\u201d\n\n1 Paul Winfree and Brittany Madni, Econ. Pol. Innov. Ctr., \u201cThe Bidenomics Slush Fund: How $350 Billion is Being Misappropriated (Dec. 3, 2023),\u201d https://epicforamerica.org/publications/bidenomics-slush-fund/.\n\n2 31 U.S.C. \u00a7 1341(a)(1).\n\n[1] See generally Government Accountability Office, \u201cCoronavirus Oversight,\u201d https://www.gao.gov/coronavirus.\n\nFull letter here.\n\nRead more coverage on the letter from Semafor here.\n\nCongressman Ben Cline represents the Sixth Congressional District of Virginia. He previously was an attorney in private practice and served both as an assistant prosecutor and Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1340", "REP. CLINE INTRODUCES BILL TO PREVENT UNIVERSITIES FROM USING TAXPAYER-FUNDED GRANTS FOR WOKE DEI PROGRAMS", "2023-12-19", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Ben Cline", "C001118", "cline.house.gov", "cline", "https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Ben Cline (R-VA) introduced the Federal Grant Accountability Act. This legislation would ensure that higher education institutions are properly using taxpayer-funded federal grant money solely for conducting research projects, rather than for funding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, by requiring reports on how indirect cost reimbursements are being allocated to schools to provide more transparency to the federal grant-making process. It would also prohibit federal agencies from distributing funds at an indirect rate that is higher than the lower rate offered to private organizations.\n\nThis comes following a shocking testimony from university presidents during a House Education and Workforce Committee hearing on the massive rise in antisemitism on college campuses.\n\nRep. Ben Cline said, \u201cUniversities are raking in tens of billions of dollars from taxpayers for scientific research. While some are using their grant money appropriately, others are using it as a slush fund to promote woke, radical DEI activities. Congress must protect Americans\u2019 taxpayer dollars and ensure that the money received is being spent on legitimate, research-oriented purposes, not to push the Left\u2019s political agenda on college campuses.\u201d\n\nExecutive Vice President of Heritage Action, Ryan Walker, said, \u201cInstitutions of higher education should drive research and promote diversity of thought, not forced compliance with radical political agendas. DEI practices promote division in America, further exploited by university bureaucrats at the expense of taxpayers. The Federal Grant Accountability Act holds universities accountable by ensuring taxpayer funds are used for actual research and not as fuel for the Left\u2019s agenda.\"\n\nBackground\n\nIn 1946, taxpayers began subsiding scientific research at higher education institutions.\n\nThe cost of all academic research projects is broken down into two types of costs: direct costs of the project and overhead expenses, also known as indirect costs.\n\nWhile direct costs are easy to quantify and itemize, indirect costs are not. Currently, universities can receive reimbursement from federal agencies based on an indirect cost rate, defined as a percentage of the direct costs of a research project. This is negotiated between the federal agency awarding the project and each university.\n\nIn some cases, that indirect cost a university is reimbursed for can be high as 60 percent, which means the university can receive hundreds of thousands of dollars in reimbursements for indirect costs that can be used by the school for whatever purposes they choose. While some schools use those funds directly toward the research project, others are likely to use the money to fund Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) activities on college campuses.\n\nRead more coverage from Washington Examiner here.\n\nRead the full bill text here.\n\nCongressman Ben Cline represents the Sixth Congressional District of Virginia. He previously was an attorney in private practice and served both as an assistant prosecutor and Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-announces-2024-congressional-app-challenge-winner", "Johnson Announces 2024 Congressional App Challenge Winner", "2023-12-19", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", "dustyjohnson", "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) congratulated Congressional App Challenge winner Casie Dale from Spearfish, South Dakota. Casie coded an app called \u201cSiren Shield.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs technology becomes more important in our society, so does technological literacy,\u201d said Johnson. \u201cI am proud to see young folks like Casie involved in these fields, and I\u2019m impressed her app has a real-world impact.\u201d\n\nCasie created \u201cSiren Shield\u201d to wirelessly activate a Hail Protection System to protect gardens and windows. The app actively listens for the tone of the local weather siren, and once detected, a motor lowers a shield onto the garden and window to protect from hail.\n\nCasie says, \u201cI have lived in Spearfish, South Dakota for almost thirteen years and have had to contend with the hail season annually\u2026Past solutions have always gotten in the way of tending to our garden though\u2026The app/robot will detect and respond when the weather siren goes off to protect our garden and windows from hailstorms, and when it is not needed, it will retract out of the way.\u201d\n\nAnnually, students from each congressional district compete in the App Challenge. This year, Casie\u2019s app will be displayed in the Capitol, featured online, and she will have the chance to participate in #HouseofCode, a gathering of all the current year\u2019s winners.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/edwards-federal-dollars-should-not-be-used-block-immigration-enforcement", "Edwards: Federal dollars should not be used to block immigration enforcement", "2023-12-19", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Chuck Edwards", "E000246", "edwards.house.gov", "edwards", "https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) introduced today the Cooperation with ICE Act to strengthen federal immigration law by making sure that state and local governments that obstruct federal immigration enforcement cannot do so with federal dollars.\n\nThe Cooperation with ICE Act would withhold Shelter and Services Program (SSP) funding, or funding under any future program with a similar mission, from any state or local government that refuses to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or hinders the enforcement of federal immigration laws. The SSP provides funding to non-federal entities that provide shelter and other eligible services to non-U.S. citizens who are encountered by the Department of Homeland Security and are awaiting immigrant proceedings.\n\n\u201cEverywhere I go in WNC, the top concern that I hear from constituents is about our border. It is clear that this administration\u2019s open-border policies have turned every state into a border state. The Cooperation with ICE Act will stop rewarding sanctuary cities with federal dollars when they refuse to cooperate with ICE or try to block the enforcement of our immigration laws,\u201d said Congressman Edwards. \u201cThese sanctuary cities shield dangerous and violent illegal immigrants, many of whom are reoffenders, from ICE \u2013 all on the taxpayers\u2019 dime.\u201d\n\n\"This bill seeks to prevent the Biden-Harris administration and their open-borders political allies in cities from using US taxpayer funds to attract and support illegal immigrants purposely misclassified as migrants. US taxpayers should not be forced to pay for this politically motivated invasion of our American homeland.\" - William Gheen, President, Americans for Legal Immigration\n\nIn fiscal year 2023, the SSP and its predecessor program, the Emergency Food and Shelter Program \u2013 Humanitarian, awarded state and local grants totaling $788.8 million. These awards included millions of taxpayer dollars to sanctuary cities such as Albuquerque, N.M. and Riverside County, Calif. that receive migrants but refuse to cooperate with ICE. Taxpayers are thus forced to pay the bills for violent aliens\u2019 incarcerations and court-appointed attorneys as local governments ignore ICE\u2019s requests to hold certain immigrants long enough for ICE to take the immigrant into federal custody.\n\nEndorsements", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-issues-statement-worsening-border-crisis", "Feenstra Issues Statement on Worsening Border Crisis", "2023-12-19", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Randy Feenstra", "F000446", "feenstra.house.gov", "feenstra", "https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "HULL, IOWA \u2014 Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) issued the following statement after more than 12,600 illegal immigrants were apprehended at the southern border \u2014 the largest single-day number ever recorded in American history.\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve been to the border and the crisis is far worse than President Biden cares to admit. Terrorists, drug traffickers, and illegal immigrants are pouring over our open border with no vetting whatsoever. That\u2019s why House Republicans passed our Secure the Border Act to end the lawlessness and fully fund our border patrol agents. I\u2019ve also personally introduced legislation \u2014 the Build the Wall and Fight Fentanyl Act and Sarah\u2019s Law \u2014 to finish the border wall, keep deadly fentanyl out of our rural communities, and deport illegal immigrants who break our laws. We must secure our border to keep our families and communities safe.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://fulcher.house.gov/2023/12/19/id-7b71f598-d399-40e1-8665-6f5d84740917/", "PRESS RELEASE \u2013 Congressman Fulcher\u2019s Statement on the Biden Administration\u2019s Attempt to Undermine Congress Over the Snake River Dams", "2023-12-19", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "ID", "Russ Fulcher", "F000469", "fulcher.house.gov", "fulcher", "https://fulcher.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, December 19\n\nCONTACT: Marisa Melton, (208) 743 \u2013 1388, marisa.melton@mail.house.gov\n\nCongressman Fulcher\u2019s Statement on the Biden Administration\u2019s Attempt to Undermine Congress Over the Snake River Dams\n\nWASHINGTON D.C. \u2013 On Thursday, December 14 the Biden Administration announced a potential 10-year stay in the Lower Snake River Dams mediation. As well as, over $1 billion in additional funding for fish restoration and studies to offset the hydropower, transportation, and recreation benefits that these dams provide.\n\n\u201cThe Biden Administration seems to be forgetting that Congress has the sole authority over the Snake River Dams,\u201d Congressman Russ Fulcher said. \u201cNot the executive branch. These agencies are supposed to be implementing policy, not making them. This is a legal proceeding with the administration evading Congress by setting up a new policy, and that is illegal.\u201d\n\nThe Congressman explained the wealth generated from these dams means Idahoans can keep families intact, communities whole, and economic opportunities in place. Congressman Fulcher said that generations of Americans have relied upon these energy and transport systems to make a future for their families and their communities. Yet, these key stakeholders have been left out of the conversation.\n\n\u201cWithout the lower Snake River dams,\u201d Congressman Fulcher said. \u201cFamilies will go without power in the heat of summer and the cold of winter. The economic ruin that is certain to follow will not provide justice to communities across Montana, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon already surrounded by federal lands rife with bureaucratic red tape. The Columbia River System Operations is an essential maritime highway that navigates the export of grain and other crops to feed the world, and the stakeholders that work with these dams firsthand have been ignored through this process.\u201d\n\nThe Pacific Northwest Waterways Association has been front and center during these conversations demanding to have their rightful seat at the table. As a collaboration of ports, businesses, and public agencies, the PNWA works to support the navigation, energy, trade, and economic development throughout the Northwest.\n\n\u201cThe exclusion of regional voices from the negotiations is a missed opportunity to address these multifaceted issues, signaling a top-down decision-making process removed from those it affects,\u201d PNWA Executive Director Niel Maunu said. \u201cThis is extremely apparent by the lack of attention given to the transportation study aimed at examining the impacts of dam breaching with only a meager $750,000 allocated for an impact study, which starkly contrasts with the in-depth $10 million analysis suggested in the Murray-Inslee Report. A fully informed approach, accounting for all repercussions to our transportation network, is indispensable \u2013 the current proposal grossly underestimates this need.\u201d\n\nOverall, 5-6 million tons of cargo are transported through the Snake River Dams via barges each year. This is the equivalent of 151,000 semi-trucks or 39,000 rail cars. For the Idaho Grain Producers Association, taking out these dams would be detrimental to their daily operation.\n\n\u201cThe dams on the Lower Snake River are critical to Idaho\u2019s grain growers,\u201d Stacey Satterlee, Idaho Grain Producers Association Executive Director said. \u201d In addition to producing energy that our state and region have an increasing demand for, approximately half of Idaho\u2019s wheat crop, which was 116 million bushels in 2020, is barged from Lewiston to customers around the world. In fact, 10% of U.S. wheat moves through the dams on the Snake and Columbia Rivers. Barging is the lowest-carbon-emission, most efficient mode of transportation available to move wheat. The benefits the dams provide in terms of barging, power generation, recreation, and irrigation cannot be replaced.\u201d\n\nThese dams are the backbone of rural communities across the Northwest in more ways than one. Leslie Druffle, Outreach Director at the McGregor Company explained that the U.S. Government\u2019s agreement with the six sovereigns presents serious concerns beyond river users that will impact the entire region\u2019s ratepayers, farmers, barging, cruise operations, ports, irrigators, and rural communities.\n\n\u201cOur frustration with the agreement and the process by which it was created is only tempered by the USG\u2019s acknowledgment of Congress as having the sole authority to breach any of the Federal hydropower projects on the Columbia & Snake River system,\u201d Druffle said. \u201cThe McGregor Company stands together with Idaho agriculture and will continue to support fish recovery efforts that do not include unnecessary dismantling of clean hydropower or actions that cripple our rural communities.\u201d\n\nLewiston is one of those communities that will feel the heavy impact of any removal of the dams, as it is home to the most inland port in the Northwest and provides economic development, international trade, and so much more to the region, all with the help of the Snake River Dams.\n\n\u201cRemoval of the Lower Snake River Dams would destroy river commerce at the Port of Lewiston and for the LC Valley,\u201d Scott Corbitt, Port of Lewiston General Manager said. \u201cThe tremendous economic advantages for Idaho farmers and Idaho industries that utilize the rivers would dry up, along with the river. Our future growth into industries such as river cruising would be impossible without the LSRD. The lifestyles of the people of Lewiston are built on the existing rivers, and dam removal would undercut that foundation and adversely change our way of life.\u201d\n\nCities such as Lewiston are also seeing a spike in tourism and economic development around their port thanks to companies like American Cruise Lines, which offers a Snake River cruise to thousands of people each year. Travelers stay onboard beautiful American-made vessels, see the beauty of the Northwest, and have the ability to learn firsthand about what dams do and how they provide to the community.\n\n\u201cThe growth in cruising on the Columbia Snake River System has brought significant economic development benefits for communities throughout the Northwest,\u201d Kristin Meira, American Cruise Lines Government Affairs Director said. \u201cThe locks and dams on the Snake River make it possible for the vessels to reach Lewiston, Idaho, bringing tens of thousands of visitors to the area each year. All this would be lost if dam breaching occurs, with ripple effects at hotels, excursion providers, and the Nez Perce \u2013 Lewiston Regional Airport.\u201d\n\nCongressman Fulcher stated he is constantly inspired by the resilience of the farmers, ranchers, barge and port operators, and the recreational tourism, power, and all the immense benefits provided by the Lower Snake River Dams and plans to do everything in his power to keep them in place.\n\n\u201cWith U.S. adversaries competing on the world stage,\u201d Congressman Fulcher said. \u201cNow is not the time for us to return to a dark and bleak anti-growth future. As we progress towards a cleaner energy future, let\u2019s make the systems we have today work for future generations. I cannot in good faith tell the residents of Idaho to trade energy reliability for energy stagnation and economic uncertainty all to meet the whims and desires of the Biden Administration\u2019s push for environmental justice.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://hinson.house.gov/workforceinnovationandempowerment", "Hinson Unveils Workforce Innovation & Empowerment Package", "2023-12-19", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Ashley Hinson", "H001091", "hinson.house.gov", "hinson", "https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "December 19, 2023\n\nWashington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-02) unveiled her Workforce Innovation and Empowerment legislative package. This package is comprised of three bills that identify and address workforce gaps to help connect Iowans with career advancement opportunities, particularly in skilled trades, and provide pathways to continued success for workers without college degrees.\n\n\"America\u2019s workers are our greatest asset as we work to strengthen our economy and compete with China, but outdated policies are holding everyone back. Rather than pushing four-year degrees, we should provide pathways to success in the trades and empower workers to excel in their chosen fields. My Workforce Innovation and Empowerment package will help the next generation of American workers gain the skills necessary for in-demand, high-paying jobs and foster meaningful opportunities in the 21st century economy.\" - Congresswoman Ashley Hinson\n\nBackground:\n\nThe BEST Act provides a tax credit for employers that maintain a qualified training program for employees who are not seeking a college degree, empowering skilled workers to advance in their careers and strengthen our workforce.\n\nThe Workforce Solutions Act identifies barriers to new career paths in the energy and manufacturing sectors to help workers prepare to take on new opportunities in these dynamic fields.\n\nThis bill requires the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Energy to annually submit to Congress a joint economic analysis of occupations and career paths impacted by changes in the energy and critical manufacturing industries. The analysis will include information on growth, entry-level occupations, pre-requisites, living wage salaries, career paths, and barriers to success. The analysis will also include how digital technology advancements are impacting the critical manufacturing industry throughout the transition to Industry 4.0.\n\nThe REAL Trucking Act enables 18-20-year-olds to obtain Commercial Drivers Licenses for interstate travel.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/wilson-statement-trump-colorado-supreme-court-ruling", "Wilson Statement on the Trump Colorado Supreme Court Ruling", "2023-12-19", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Joe Wilson", "W000795", "joewilson.house.gov", "joewilson", "https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congressman Joe Wilson issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cTrump derangement runs amok. IRS corruption targets Trump, FBI subverted to target Trump, Department of Justice endlessly targets Trump, New York Democrat Attorney General targets Trump, Democrat Fulton County prosecutor targets Trump, and now the Democrat Supreme Court of Colorado targets Trump. The consequence is that the American people will support the election of Donald Trump to end corruption, protecting all Americans from abuse by Big Government.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 9276, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"chamber\" = :p0 and \"party\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "House", "p1": "Republican", "p2": "2023"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", 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