{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"House\", state = \"CO\" and year = 2017 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://degette.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/degette-s-led-bill-clarifies-how-new-lighting-technology-is-regulated", "DeGettes LED Bill Clarifies How New Lighting Technology is Regulated", "2017-12-31", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Diana DeGette", "D000197", "degette.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The U.S. Senate has passed a bill that promotes energy conservation and encourages innovations in LED lighting, authored by Congresswoman Diana DeGette, D-Colo. The bill heads to President Trumps desk to be signed into law.\nThe holiday season will be all the brighter thanks to our bipartisan efforts to speed the nations progress in the use of energy-efficient lighting, DeGette said in a press release. Our countrys conservation standards must remain up to date with the latest developments in high-tech lighting and energy-efficient appliances. This bill will remove roadblocks to progress in LED development and help lower energy costs for American businesses and households.\nDeGettes office said the legislation, theEPS Improvement Act (H.R. 518), clarifies and modernizes energy conservation rules that were established after the Energy Policy Act of 2005. When the law was written, LEDs were not yet on the market; they later came to be classified by the Department of Energy as External Power Supplies (EPS).\nHowever, EPS drivers use a different kind of power conversion design than LEDs. In simpler terms, EPS are generally understood to be devices that connect electronics to plug-loads, such as the detachable cords that provide power to laptops, smart phones and tablets, according to the HouseSubcommittee on Energy and Power.\nLEDs require a constant voltage to work as theyre supposed to, conserving more power than traditional lighting.\nLED is a highly energy efficient lighting technology, and has the potential to fundamentally change the future of lighting in the United States, reports theDepartment of Energy. Residential LEDs  especially ENERGY STAR rated products  use at least 75 percent less energy, and last 25 times longer, than incandescent lighting.\nBy 2027, widespread use of LEDs could save the equivalent annual electrical output of 44 large electric power plants (1000 megawatts each), and a total savings of more than $30 billion at todays electricity prices, the department said.\nAlong with saving energy, LED lights are safer. Take Christmas lights, for example. The department said up to 25 strings of LEDs can be connected end-to-end without overloading a wall socket.\nProponents of the measure said on the House floor that this is pro-manufacturing, pro-consumer legislation that clears up how the Department of Energy regulates the new technology.\nThe Center for Western Prioritiesranked Coloradoas a top state in energy conservation in October, followed by Utah and Wyoming.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=00169A00-D350-8797-D8E0-43755EA598D9", "Bennet Statement on Douglas County Shooting", "2017-12-31", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Michael Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "DENVER, CO - Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today issued the following statement in response to reports of an officer-involved shooting in Douglas County:\r\n\"Our prayers are with the families of the deputy who was killed and the other officers injured in the line of duty. We are deeply grateful for the bravery of our law enforcement-and honor their sacrifice-as they work each day to protect our communities and keep us safe.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-statement-on-douglas-county-incident", "Gardner Statement on Douglas County Incident", "2017-12-31", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Cory Gardner", "G000562", "www.gardner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC- Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) released the below statement following the officer-involved shooting in Douglas County:\r\n\r\nMy heart breaks for all of those affected by the terrible tragedy in Douglas County. Jaime and I are praying for the citizens and Deputies injured at the scene, and our hearts go out to the family of the Deputy who was fatally wounded. Our law enforcement officers work tirelessly every day to keep our communities safe and today all of Colorado stands with our law enforcement community.\r\n\r\n###\r\n\r\nCory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and the Budget Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy and Subcommittee on Energy\r\n\r\n354 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20515\r\n(202) 224-5941", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://coffman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2418", "Coffman Returns From Visiting U.S. Troops in Middle East", "2017-12-28", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Mike Coffman", "C001077", "coffman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Aurora, CO Today, U.S. Representative Mike Coffman (CO-06), who serves as the Chairman of the Military Personnel Subcommittee on the House Armed Services Committee, returned to Colorado after spending Christmas with deployed U.S. service members in Afghanistan and conducting top-level military and diplomatic meetings in Kuwait and Jordan.\r\nIt was an honor for me to spend Christmas with our men and women in uniform, and to meet diplomatic staff deployed in the region said Coffman, a Marine Corps combat veteran. Any opportunity I have to thank those serving on the front lines for their sacrifices and service to our nation is an opportunity I cherish. Additionally, hearing first-hand from our commanders and regional allies is crucial when crafting policy back in Washington.\r\nThe bipartisan Congressional Delegation (CODEL) took place between December 23-28, 2017 and included U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY), U.S. Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI) and U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), all Members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Coffman was the only Member of Congress who serves on the House Armed Services Committee to participate.\r\nOn Dec. 24th, the delegation arrived in Kabul and received a classified briefing regarding ongoing U.S. military operations in the region. Following the briefing, the group was hosted by U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan, Mr. John Bass, at his residence for a Christmas Eve working dinner. On Christmas Day, Coffman met with Colorado service members at the Resolute Support Dinning Hall for breakfast and met with Commander General John Nicholson, Jr., who is the support commander for operation Resolute Support. Later in the day, the delegation visited Forward Operating Base (FOB) Fenty, and served lunch to service members at FOB Gamberi.\r\nOn Dec. 26th, Coffman along with U.S. Ambassador to Kuwait, Lawrence Silverman, met with Kuwaits Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sabah Al Khalid Al Sabah, and the Minister of Defense, Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, at the National Assembly in Kuwait City, Kuwait. Topics discussed included mutual security and cooperation interests in the region.\r\nThat afternoon, Coffman joined deployed Colorado service members for lunch at Camp Arifjan and visited with leadership of the Combined Joint Task Force of Operation Inherent Resolve and U.S. Army Central. Later that evening, Coffman traveled to Al Jaber Air Base to receive a special briefing regarding the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force work. Following the briefing, he joined Marines stationed at Al Jaber Air Base for dinner.\r\nOn Dec. 27th, the CODEL proceeded to travel to Jordan. Upon arrival, the party was greeted and briefed by top diplomatic personnel from the U.S. embassy in Amman, Jordan. Scheduled stops included meeting with Syrian refugees at the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and its Acting Representative Daniela Cicchella. Additional sites visited by Coffman included the King Abdullah II Special Operations Training Center and the Joint Training Center, both located in Zarqa, Jordan.\r\nThe Congressional Delegation and support staff departed Jordan, U.S. bound, at an undisclosed time on December 27, 2017. Rep. Coffman arrived back in Colorado on December 28, 2017.\r\nTo see pictures of the Congressional delegation during its travels, click HERE. \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tipton.house.gov/media/in-the-news/tipton-giving-rural-colorado-opportunity-financial-success-through-mobile-banking", "Tipton: Giving Rural Colorado Opportunity for Financial Success Through Mobile Banking", "2017-12-28", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Scott Tipton", "T000470", "tipton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "There are many challenges facing hard-working families trying to maintain their way of life in rural America, but one of their greatest obstacles may be lack of access to a physical bank or credit union.\nBank accounts are an important tool for financial stability for Americans of all income levels in all parts of the country. Having a bank account helps families save money securely, pay bills in a timely fashion and better plan for their future financial needs.\nWhile many of us can drive a short distance, walk into a bank and open an account, there are rural communities across our state and the country where physical bank locations are few and far between. Luckily, mobile banking is increasingly improving access to financial services and has become especially important for customers in rural areas.\nUnfortunately, however, access to mobile banking products is not equal across the United States, as some state driver's license laws prevent imaging of driver's licenses, which, in turn, prevent banks and credit unions from offering their mobile account products in those states.\nFortunately, the House Committee on Financial Services recently passed myMaking Online Banking Initiation Legal and Easy (MOBILE) Act of 2017, which creates equal opportunity for every American to open a bank account on a mobile device. This bill passed the committee with broad bipartisan support.\nThe MOBILE Act will allow customers  if they so choose  to authorize a financial institution to make a scan or copy of their driver's license or identification card in order to open a bank account on a mobile device. Simply stated, this legislation will level the playing field across the United States for anyone who wishes to open a bank account online. Additionally, this legislation is careful to protect consumer privacy information by requiring a financial institution to delete all copies of a driver's license and personal identification after having used them for the permitted purpose.\nThe Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. estimates thatas many as 67 million adult Americans are unbanked or under-bankedand at heightened risk of exposure to monetary loss, fraud and the high costs associated with alternative financial services.\nHowever, the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston found that 59 percent of unbanked individuals have access to mobile phones (50 percent of which are smartphones) and that 90 percent of under-banked individuals have access to a cell phone (56 percent of which are smartphones). By allowing those with smartphones to essentially have their bank accounts in their pocket, there are increased opportunities to improve access to bank accounts for customers across the United States and, by proxy, more opportunities to help families in rural America gain and sustain financial stability.\nEvidence from the Federal Reserve shows that mobile banking use is rising in the United States at relatively fast rates. In 2016, when the Federal Reserve studied mobile banking use, it found that 43 percent of all mobile phone owners with a bank account had used mobile banking in the past 12 months, up from 39 percent in 2014 and 33 percent in 2013. Following this trend, the use of mobile banking will continue to rise at a quick pace, and that access is only further supported by the MOBILE Act.\nAll families should have the tools they need to achieve financial stability and prosperity. The MOBILE Act will help bring these tools to communities that, by virtue of being located in rural areas, may not have access to the traditional brick-and-mortar banks that many of us take for granted.\nI'm glad this bill has gained the attention and support of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, and I look forward to seeing it considered in the full House.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://coffman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2417", "Coffman Spends Christmas with U.S. Troops in Afghanistan", "2017-12-25", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Mike Coffman", "C001077", "coffman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Kabul, Afghanistan Early yesterday morning, U.S. Representative Mike Coffman (CO-06) who serves as the Chairman for the Subcommittee on Military Personnel in the House Armed Services Committee, landed in Kabul, Afghanistan, to celebrate Christmas with deployed troops taking part in Operation Resolute Support.\r\nIts an honor for me to be able to spend Christmas with our service members, said Coffman, a Marine Corps combat veteran. Having served myself, I know how hard it is being away from loved ones, especially during major holidays. Any opportunity I have to thank those serving on the front lines for their sacrifices and service is special to me.\r\nCoffman is part of a bipartisan Congressional delegation, visiting Afghanistan to spend Christmas with the troops, and includes members from the House Foreign Affairs Committee U.S. Representative Lee Zeldin (R-NY), U.S. Representative David Cicilline (D-RI) and U.S. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA). Coffman is the only traveling Representative who serves in the House Armed Services Committee.\r\nAfter arriving yesterday in Afghanistan at 3:00am MT (2:30 PM Kabul Time), Coffman traveled to Resolute Support Headquarters where he received an updated security briefing and met with the U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan, John R. Bass.\r\nThis morning, Coffman will join Coloradans serving as part of Operation Resolute for Christmas Day breakfast. Later in the day, he will be visiting tactical bases through the region and will be taking part in a Christmas Day luncheon back in Kabul.\r\nMore information and pictures will become available once the delegation has departed Afghanistan.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-led-energy-bill-passes-senate-about-to-become-law", "DeGette LED Energy Bill Passes Senate, About to Become Law", "2017-12-22", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Diana DeGette", "D000197", "degette.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D-CO), author of a bill promoting energy conservation and encouraging innovations in LED lighting that passes the House in January, hailed last nights Senate passage of the bill and anticipated that it would be signed into law soon.\nThe holiday season will be all the brighter thanks to our bipartisan efforts to speed the nations progress in the use of energy-efficient lighting, DeGette said. Our countrys conservation standards must remain up to date with the latest developments in high-tech lighting and energy-efficient appliances. This bill will remove roadblocks to progress in LED development and help lower energy costs for American businesses and households.\nDeGettes legislation, the EPS Improvement Act (H.R. 518), clarifies and modernizes energy conservation rules that were established after the Energy Policy Act of 2005. When the law was written, Light Emitting Diodes (LED) and Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLED) were not on the market; they later came to be classified by the Department of Energy as External Power Supplies. But EPS drivers use a different kind of power conversion design than LEDs and OLEDs, so the standards writtenfor EPS drivers do not work for LEDs and OLEDs. Legislation that DeGette championed in 2016 to address this difference passed the House in the 114th Congress but didnt see action in the Senate.\nDeGette introduced H.R. 518 at the first opportunity this year, and it quickly gained support and passed the House.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pro-choice-leaders-call-on-judiciary-committee-to-subpoena-witnesses-in", "Pro-Choice Leaders Call on Judiciary Committee to Subpoena Witnesses in Case of Abortion-Seeking Teen", "2017-12-22", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Diana DeGette", "D000197", "degette.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC The co-chairs of the Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus, Diana DeGette (D-CO) and Louise Slaughter (D-NY), today called on the leadership of the House Judiciary Committee to subpoena Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) officials involved in a decision to deny a 17-year-old rape victim her right to have an abortion.\nThe undocumented teen, known as Jane Poe in court filings, was in federal custody and stated that she was a victim of sexual assault in her home country, which has not been identified publicly. The HHS Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), which is responsible for the care of undocumented teens in federal facilities, rejected her request to be able to obtain an abortion. The American Civil Liberties Union intervened with acourt filinglast week on her behalf; thanks to a D.C. District Court judges ruling, she was allowed to have an abortion on December 20. Due to disturbing questions raised by information in court filings, ORR Director Scott Lloyd is among the people DeGette and Slaughter are asking the Judiciary Committee to subpoena for questioning.\nAccording to these court filings, the Trump Administration attempted to force a rape victim to carry a pregnancy to term against her will, DeGette and Slaughter wrote ina letterto the Committee. This is an egregious, unconscionable violation of Jane Poes right to make this decision. We fear that other women currently in detention may be facing similar injustices at the hands of Trump Administration officials. In order to prevent more women from being denied their rights, ORRs policies and decision to deny Jane Poe an abortion need urgent and close examination and oversight by Congress. We strongly urge the Judiciary Committee to question Mr. Lloyd immediately when Congress returns in January.\nThe two legislators note in their letter that Lloyd said he decided to deny the abortion because he was convinced that an abortion in this case [was] not in her best interest. \nThe Constitution guarantees women the right to access abortion and prohibits the government from putting an undue burden on that right, they wrote. We are strongly opposed to ORRs unconstitutional policy of denying abortion to undocumented minors. Indeed, ORRs decisions denying abortion have now been overturned in federal court multiple times. Aside from being unconstitutional, the ongoing efforts by ORR staff to intimidate and scare young women out of exercising their rights are also offensive and highly inappropriate for any government official, let alone senior officials in the Trump Administration.\n\nThe full text of the letter follows:\n\n\nDecember 22, 2017\n\nChairman Bob Goodlatte Ranking Member Jerrold Nadler\nHouse Judiciary Committee House Judiciary Committee\n2309 Rayburn House Office Building 2109 Rayburn House Office Building\nWashington, DC 20515                                   Washington, DC 20515\n\nDear Chairman Goodlatte and Ranking Member Nadler,\n\nWe write today with grave concerns about court filings that revealed Trump Administration officials denied a seventeen-year-old immigrant woman (Jane Poe), who is a victim of rape, her right to have an abortion. We request that the Judiciary Committee subpoena officials within the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), including Director Scott Lloyd, for immediate questioning about this deeply troubling incident.\n\nThe relevant court filings (Case 1:17-cv-02122-TSC, Document 87) include a memo written by ORR Director Scott Lloyd outlining the Administrations decision to deny Jane Poe an abortion. Lloyds memo reveals that he was aware that Jane Poe informed ORR officials that she was sexually assaulted in her home country, and that the assault likely resulted in her pregnancy. Lloyd also acknowledges that at least one senior program staff at ORR recommended that Poe be allowed to have an abortion. Nevertheless, Lloyd decided to deny the abortion because he was convinced that an abortion in this case [was] not in her best interest. He overtly assumes that he, rather than Jane Poe, was in the best position to decide her future.\n\nThe Constitution guarantees women the right to access abortion and prohibits the government from putting an undue burden on that right. We are strongly opposed to ORRs unconstitutional policy of denying abortion to undocumented minors. Indeed, ORRs decisions denying abortion have now been overturned in federal court multiple times. Aside from being unconstitutional, the ongoing efforts by ORR staff to intimidate and scare young women out of exercising their rights are also offensive and highly inappropriate for any government official, let alone senior officials in the Trump Administration.\n\nThe new details about the circumstances surrounding Jane Poe, however, raise even more questions about the ORR policy that demand immediate answers from Mr. Lloyd. According to these court filings, the Trump Administration attempted to force a rape victim to carry a pregnancy to term against her will. This is an egregious, unconscionable violation of Jane Poes right to make this decision. We fear that other women currently in detention may be facing similar injustices at the hands of Trump Administration officials.\n\nIn order to prevent more women from being denied their rights, ORRs policies and decision to deny Jane Poe an abortion need urgent and close examination and oversight by Congress. We strongly urge the Judiciary Committee to question Mr. Lloyd immediately when Congress returns in January.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://degette.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/colorado-rep-diana-degette-plans-to-co-sponsor-bill-to-restore-net", "Colorado Rep. Diana DeGette Plans to Co-Sponsor Bill to Restore Net Neutrality", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Diana DeGette", "D000197", "degette.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "From Colorado Politics\nWASHINGTON  U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette, a Democrat from Denver, plans to co-sponsor a bill next month to reverse last weeks administrative decision that eliminated net neutrality.\nNet neutrality was a rule requiring internet service providers to treat all internet data the same.\nIn other words, Comcast, Verizon, AT&T and other internet service providers could not charge differently by user, content or website. They also were banned from slowing down or speeding up access to some internet content based on preferential status.\nNet neutrality was supposed to be guaranteed by the Obama administrations 2015 Open Internet Order.\nThe Federal Communications Commission issued an order last week that eliminated net neutrality. Instead, access to the internet would be based on users ability to pay, which critics say would give an unfair advantage to the largest corporations. Now a coalition of Democrats plan to fight back.\nWe plan to introduce legislation probably in January to disapprove of the FCC ruling, DeGette told Colorado Politics. What that would do is it would be to take it back to the standards that were in effect before that ruling.\nDeGette is a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has authority over commercial issues such as the internet.\nDetails of the bill she plans to co-sponsor are being worked out with Rep. Mike Doyle, a Democrat on the subcommittee on communications and technology.\nThe first effort to reverse the FCC order came this week from Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., whose bill would prohibit internet service providers from blocking or slowing internet traffic.\nOther efforts are coming from state attorneys general and consumer groups who say they will sue the FCC to force a return to net neutrality. The first lawsuits are expected to be filed in federal courts next month.\nDeGette said the FCCs ruling creates a special threat for Colorado because of its large technology industry. Many of the tech jobs are concentrated in the computer industry and the internet.\nThe technology association CompTIA estimated this year that 196,651 workers in Colorado are employed in the tech industry, ranking 14th among the 50 states. Together they account for about 11.5 percent, or $36.2 billion, of the states economy.\nRepeal of net neutrality would impact a lot of the wonderful entrepreneurs in Colorado, particularly when they are trying to accumulate the money to start new businesses, DeGette said.\nI think it could be a real risk for the new economy were seeing, she said.\nShe described net neutrality as the top concern among her constituents who call her offices in Denver and Washington.\nOne day the callers calling in here actually crashed our phone system, she said.\nHer views in favor of net neutrality are shared by the other three Democratic members of Colorados delegation to Congress. The five Republicans in the delegation either oppose net neutrality or say Congress should have been given influence over the policy before the FCC repealed it last week.\nRep. Doug Lamborn, R-Colorado Springs, was one of numerous Republican lawmakers who urged the FCC in a letter last week to replace net neutrality with what they called internet freedom.\nThis proposal is a major step forward in the effort to clear the way for the substantial investment necessary to advance our internet architecture for the next generation and close the digital divide, the letter signed by Lamborn said. When its effects are fully realized, more Americans than ever will experience the benefits of telemedicine, distance learning, streaming video and future innovations made possible by broadband.\nColorados Democratic U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet of Denver took an opposite approach in a letter he wrote to the FCC last week.\nHe said rescinding net neutrality would undermine the fundamental promise of the internet, which has enabled economic growth and entrepreneurship, as well as the free exchange of ideas essential to our democracy.\n\n--By Tom Ramstack", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2238", "Expressing Disapproval of the U.N.'s Vote Against American Sovereignty", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Doug Lamborn", "L000564", "lamborn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Expressing Disapproval of the U.N.'s Vote Against American Sovereignty \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 21, 2017\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n      \r\n    \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Congressman Lamborn (CO-05) issued the following statement regarding H.Res. 671: \"This vote today at the United Nations is yet another example of the general assemblys anti-Israel nature. It is also an attack on Americas right as a sovereign nation to place our embassies where we choose, and to recognize the reality of capital cities around the world. As the founder and Chairman of the House Sovereignty Caucus, and a co-Chairman of the Israel Allies Caucus and GOP Israel Caucus, I introduced H.Res.671 to support Ambassador Nikki Haleys No vote on United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/ES-10/L.22. I echo President Trumps message to all nations who vote against our right to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and to move our embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem: American generosity will not be taken advantage of and our friendship will not be taken for granted.\"\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://perlmutter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1917", "Perlmutter Joins 170 Members of Congress in Letter of Support for Special Counsel Robert", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Ed Perlmutter", "P000593", "perlmutter.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter joined 170 Members of Congress in sending a letter to the Deputy Attorney General of the United States, Rod J. Rosenstein, to express support for the investigation being conducted by Special Counsel Robert S. Mueller, III. The letter urges Deputy AG Rosenstein to allow the Mueller investigation to continue unfettered by political influence or threats to his authority and that the investigation should be allowed to come to its natural and appropriate conclusion based on the law, the facts, and the evidence.\r\nSpecial Counsel Mueller was appointed by Mr. Rosenstein on May 17, 2017 to lead an investigation into important matters arising out of the 2016 elections, including any links and/or coordination between the Russian government and individuals associated with the campaign of President Donald Trump. However, despite Mr. Muellers record of integrity, established through his previous service as the FBI Director during two presidential administrations, and despite the clear progress that Mr. Mueller is making in his investigation, the right-wing media, Republican Members of Congress andPresidentDonald Trump, himself, have attempted toundermine Mr. Muellers investigation byadvancinga false narrative that Special Counsel Muellers investigation is biased.\r\nEarlier this week, Rep. Perlmutter spoke on the floor of the House about the Mueller investigation.\r\nRecently theres been a real flurry by the Republicans in Congress to disparage the FBI and the Justice Department and it happens to come right after Michael Flynn and George Papadopoulos have pled guilty. My question is, what are you afraid of? What are you hiding? Let the detectives do their work.\r\nThe full text of the letter can be found below:\r\n\r\nThe Honorable Rod J. Rosenstein\r\nDeputy Attorney General\r\nU.S. Department of Justice\r\n950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW \r\nWashington, DC 20530 \r\n\r\nDear Deputy Attorney General,\r\nWe write to express our support for the work of Special Counsel Robert S. Mueller III, and to urge you to ensure that he be allowed to continue his investigation  unfettered by political influence or threats to his authority  to its natural and appropriate conclusion based on the law, the facts, and the evidence.\r\nThe Special Counsel is Conducting a Methodical Investigation, Yielding Results\r\nIt is unimaginable that Republicans would seek to intervene, discredit, obstruct, or terminate the Special Counsels investigation. Thus far, from every public indication, it appears that Mr. Mueller is conducting a thorough and methodical investigation. He and his investigators have not sought, and instead avoided, the public spotlight. His team has not leaked, or hinted at, criminal allegations for which they have yet to develop charges. Furthermore, the charges that have been filed to date have been sufficiently strong, and well founded, as to elicit guilty pleas from President Donald Trumps former National Security Advisor, Lieutenant General Michael Flynn, and a former foreign policy adviser to Donald Trumps presidential campaign, George Papadopoulos.[1]\r\nThe Appointment of a Special Counsel was Necessary and Proper\r\nAs you know, pursuant to U.S. Department of Justice Order Number 3915-2017, which you issued on May 17, 2017, Mr. Mueller was appointed to serve as Special Counsel and authorized to conduct an investigation into matters including: (i) any links and/or coordination between the Russian government and individuals associated with the campaign of President Donald Trump; and (ii) any matters that arose or may arise directly from the investigation; and (iii) any other matters within the scope of 28 C.F.R.  600.4(a),[2] which includes authority to investigate and prosecute federal crimes committed in the course of, and with intent to interfere with, the Special Counsels investigation, such as perjury, obstruction of justice, destruction of evidence, and intimidation of witnesses.[3]\r\nYour decision to appoint a Special Counsel to conduct such investigation was necessary and proper given: (1) the U.S. Intelligence Communitys assessment that Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an influence campaign in 2016 aimed at the US presidential election, the consistent goals of which were to undermine public faith in the US democratic process and that Putin and the Russian Government developed a clear preference for [President] Trump; [4] (2) the obvious potential that individuals, who had served on President Donald J. Trumps campaign, as well as individuals currently serving as political appointees in the Trump administration, could be targets of, or witnesses in, any such investigation; and (3) Attorney General Jeff Sessions recusal from any matters related in any way to the campaigns for President of the United States.[5]\r\nThe Selection of Robert S. Mueller III to Serve as Special Counsel was Appropriate\r\nUnder the circumstances described above, your selection of Robert Mueller to serve as the Special Counsel to conduct the investigation was an appropriate and commendable decision. Mr. Mueller has earned a reputation as a non-partisan professional investigator, making him an ideal choice to lead the investigation into the highly important, complex, and sensitive matters to which he has been charged. Mr. Muellers record demonstrates that he would not allow bias, influence, or other extraneous considerations to impact his investigation, and any suggestion otherwise is not credible.\r\nMr. Mueller is a former Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), who was originally appointed by a Republican President. He was vetted and, twice, unanimously confirmed by the Senate. Specifically, when appointed in 2001 by President George W. Bush, Mueller was confirmed as FBI Director by a vote of 98 to 0 in the Senate,[6] and when Mueller was nominated for a second term, in 2011, during President Barack Obamas administration, he was again unanimously confirmed in the Senate by a vote of 100 to 0.\r\nMr. Mueller has earned bipartisan support. Republican members of the Senate attested to Mr. Muellers integrity and professionalism during Mr. Muellers confirmation hearings, which took place on July 30 and 31, 2001. For example, with regard to Mr. Muellers nomination to serve as FBI director, then Senator, now Attorney General, Jeff Sessions stated:\r\n[I]t is great to see Mr. Mueller, nominated to take one of the most important positions in our country. It is a position that requires, in my view, serious experience, great integrity, and a proven record of accomplishment. And you have all of those things, [Robert Mueller]. When I was in the Department of Justice, ... [Robert] Muellers reputation was known throughout the Department of Justice, and he was known not for any political reason, but because he was recognized as a professionals professional, a man whose skill at doing the job assigned to him was second to none., there is no doubt in my mind, that there is no more professional prosecutor, no more professional person in America with experience in the Department of Justice, ready to handle the job of FBI Director than [Robert] Mueller.[7]\r\nLikewise, Senator Mitch McConnell stated:\r\nI believe Mr. Mueller will provide strong and effective leadership. Mr. Mueller has both impressive management and law enforcement experience.  [H]e is well-schooled in avoiding the problems and pitfalls inherent in criminal investigations and prosecutions. ...Mr. Mueller is not of the FBI, and therefore I believe institutional loyalty will not blind him to making the hard decisions when he needs to.[8]\r\nSenator McConnell also expressed his belief in Mr. Muellers commitment to vigorously enforcing the law without regard to politics or partisanship.[9]\r\nSpeaker of the House Paul Ryan has also commented on Mr. Muellers lack of partisan bias. As reported in a July 24, 2017 Washington Examiner article, Speaker Ryan stated:\r\nI don't think many people are saying [Robert] Mueller is a biased partisan. He's really, sort of, anything but.[10]\r\nOn October 11, 2017, Kenneth Starr, who was appointed in 1994 as the independent counsel who was tasked with investigations involving President Bill Clinton and then First Lady Hillary Clinton, commented on Robert Mueller and the manner in which his investigation is proceeding.[11] Mr. Starr stated that Mr. Mueller is conducting his investigation aggressively and professionally.[12] Mr. Starr also stated:\r\nWere not seeing leaks out of the investigation as far as we know, and what we know of Bob Mueller and his background is that he is someone of total, rock-ribbed integrity.[13]\r\nRegulations Limiting the Removal of a Special Counsel Must Be Followed\r\nMr. Mueller must be allowed to complete his investigation, and should not be threatened with removal. However, a few Republicans have indicated their support for Mr. Muellers ouster. Notwithstanding the overwhelming reasons for Mr. Mueller to be allowed to continue and complete his investigation, the rule of law demands that the Trump administration follow Executive Branch regulations, which restrict the circumstances under which a special counsel can be removed. Specifically, 28 CFR  600.7(d) regarding the removal or discipline of a special counsel provides:\r\nThe Special Counsel may be disciplined or removed from office only by the personal action of the Attorney General. The Attorney General may remove a Special Counsel for misconduct, dereliction of duty, incapacity, conflict of interest, or for other good cause, including violation of Departmental policies. The Attorney General shall inform the Special Counsel in writing of the specific reason for his or her removal.\r\nSince Attorney General Sessions is recused, you, in your capacity as acting Attorney General regarding Special Counsel Muellers investigation, are the only individual empowered to remove Mr. Mueller under regulation. Furthermore, the regulation clearly states that Mr. Mueller may only be removed for good cause, which has not been demonstrated. The administration is required to follow its own regulations and not remove Mr. Mueller from his investigation.\r\nPolitically Motivated Challenges of Special Counsel Mueller and His Investigation Must Not Be Allowed to Threaten the Investigation\r\nDespite Special Counsel Muellers record of integrity, as attested to by these Republican leaders, and despite the clear progress that Mr. Mueller is making in his investigation, the right-wing media, some Republican Members of Congress and Donald Trump, himself, have attempted to advance a false narrative that Special Counsel Muellers investigation is biased, and some have advocated for Mr. Muellers removal. On June 15, 2017, referring in general terms to the Russia investigation, President Trump stated on social media:\r\nYou are witnessing the single greatest WITCH HUNT in American political history  led by some very bad and conflicted people![14]\r\nIn Congress, four Republican Members, led by Rep. Matt Gaetz and including former Rep. Trent Franks, who has now resigned amidst an Ethics Committee investigation into his own conduct, have cosponsored a resolution calling for Mueller to step down. Those members have attempted to advance baseless claims of the existence of a conflict due to Mr. Muellers previous service as FBI Director. Those arguments do not have merit, and appear intended, at best, to redirect the publics focus toward matters that are wholly unrelated to the investigation to which Mr. Mueller has been tasked. At worst, those arguments are intended to stop or preemptively tarnish the perception of the Special Counsels work. The issues referenced in that Republican resolution pertain to allegations against former President Bill Clinton and former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton related to a 2009-2010 matter, which has nothing to do with Mr. Muellers directive to investigate links and/or coordination between the Russian government and individuals associated with the campaign of President Donald Trump.[15]\r\nAs quoted in a December 12, 2017 Politico article, Rep. Matt Gaetz stated that he told President Trump that he was concerned that Mr. Muellers investigation was infected with bias.[16] Rep. Gaetz said the president responded: Thats why you guys have got to do your job.[17] Rep. Gaetz further stated that he informed the president that you would be testifying before the House Judiciary Committee on December 13, 2017, in response to which Rep. Gaetz said President Trump encouraged us to exercise our oversight responsibilities.[18] This conversation, as described by Rep. Gaetz, suggests that President Trump is encouraging the ring leaders of the recent criticisms against Mr. Mueller in order to pressure you to affect the investigation through the congressional oversight process. That is unacceptable.\r\nSome have alleged that Mr. Muellers removal of a member of his team, Peter Strzok, over text messages sent by Mr. Strzok that were critical of President Trump suggests bias or a lack of objectivity on the Special Counsels team. However, upon learning of the text messages, Mr. Mueller immediately removed Mr. Strzok from the investigation.[19] In reality, this incident and Mr. Muellers swift response demonstrates Mr. Muellers integrity as well as his desire and commitment to conduct an investigation that is beyond reproach.\r\nYou must not allow the targets of the investigation, or issues being investigated, to escape thorough independent inquiry through the removal, or hindrance, of the Special Counsel. We thank you for your careful attention to this letter, and we stand ready to support you in upholding the rule of law.\r\nSincerely,\r\n\r\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://perlmutter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1918", "Perlmutter Statement on Continuing Resolution", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Ed Perlmutter", "P000593", "perlmutter.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed yet another continuing resolution:                                                                            \r\nI am disgusted once again to see the GOP leave town kicking the can down the road without completing any of Congress important work. The long-time bi-partisan Childrens Health Insurance Program needs a long-term reauthorization, Community Health Centers need funding certainty, Dreamers need protection from deportation, and we need to do much more. Instead the GOP chose to focus on tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy and putting as much as $7,100 on the credit card of every man, woman, and child in this country. My hope for 2018 is that my GOP colleagues will agree to work in a bi-partisan way to help the hard working people in the middle, who they left behind in 2017.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://polis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398512", "Polis asks FDA to lift public health warning on Kratom", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Jared Polis", "P000598", "polis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Jared Polis, D-Colo., is calling for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to lift its public health warning on kratom, a natural alternative to opioids. Poliss call comes as the Centers for Disease Control announced that the U.S. life expectancy fell for the second year in a row, citing the opioid epidemic as a significant contributing factor.\r\nPolis led a bipartisan letter with Rep. Dave Brat, R-Va., to Commissioner Gottlieb which read, in part: The beneficial potential, safety, and efficacy of kratom has been discussed, studied, clinically researched, and found to be as safe as coffee. In fact, there have been several studies funded by the National Institutes of Health, some of which are still ongoing. We have heard from many constituents who have used kratom to successfully end their dependence on dangerous opioids, and maintaining legal access to kratom is important for many Americans to maintain sobriety.\r\n15 other members of Congress signed on to Poliss letter.\r\nThe opioid epidemic is coming to a head in the U.S. with life expectancy dropping because of it. Along with improving access to mental health services, drug abuse treatment, and prevention programs, we need to improve access to alternative pain relief options beyond addictive opioids. For some, kratom, a cousin of the coffee plant, can be that alternative. Like cannabis, it should be legal and available,said Polis. The FDA must end its bogus public health warning that has already led to several cities banning kratom. Patients need and deserve options.\r\nDownload the official letterhere.\r\nEarlier this month, Polis also sent a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) requesting that they acknowledge medical marijuana as an effective and safer alternative for some pain management issues than opioids.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://polis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398513", "Polis on short-term budget", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Jared Polis", "P000598", "polis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Polis on short-term budget \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 21, 2017\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Rep. Jared Polis, D-Colo., gave the following statement after Republicans in the House of Representatives passed a short-term budget which only extends government funding until Jan. 19.\r\nCongress skipped town before passing a long-term budget or finding a solution for dreamers who rely on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) - or for the children and pregnant women who rely on the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP). I thought we all learned in grade-school that theres no recess before finishing our work. Congress should have stayed in session instead of creating a new potential government shutdown in January.\"\r\n###\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tipton.house.gov/media/press-releases/tipton-announces-25-service-academy-nominations-colorados-third-congressional", "Tipton Announces 25 Service Academy Nominations from Colorado's Third Congressional District", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Scott Tipton", "T000470", "tipton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C.  Congressman Scott Tipton (CO-03) announced the names of 25 students from Colorados Third Congressional District who received a Service Academy nomination. The individuals were selected based on meeting or exceeding the rigorous requirements of the respective academy and Congressman Tiptons office.\nOne of the greatest honors of my job is nominating deserving, well-rounded individuals for our nations prestigious military academies, said Tipton. The 25 students nominated are some of the best and brightest that Colorado has to offer, and I am sure that they will have successful careers as officers should they be accepted into the academies. We are so fortunate to have such accomplished and hardworking individuals in our midst and I could not be more proud of them for answering the call to serve our nation.\nCongressman Scott Tiptons Academy Nominations for the Third Congressional District \nUnited States Air Force Academy\nRyan Collins  Avon, CO (Eagle County)\nLogan Louser  Monument, CO (El Paso County)\nJack Ranthum  DeBeque, CO (Mesa County)\nDylan Martinez  Grand Junction, CO (Mesa County)\nDominique Trujillo  Pueblo, CO (Pueblo County)\nCyrus Malek-Madani*  Paonia, CO (Delta County)\nThomas Engleby*  Edwards, CO (Eagle County)\nAngel Martinez  Eagle, CO (Eagle County)\nJake Chaffetz  Grand Junction, CO (Mesa County)\nEvan Ward  Pueblo West, CO (Pueblo County) West Point\nThomas Mahre  Grand Junction, CO (Mesa County)\nEthan Kuhns  Eagle, CO (Eagle County)\nCaden Meilner*  Paonia, CO (Delta County)\nCassie Daly  Pueblo West, CO (Pueblo County)\nJace Dasher  Pueblo West, CO (Pueblo County)\nJacob Nowicki  Edwards, CO (Eagle County)\nThomas Engleby*  Edwards, CO (Eagle County) \nWilliam Goos* -- Colorado City, CO (Pueblo County) Naval Academy\nChris Sturt-Dilley  Gypsum, CO (Eagle County)\nSkylar Tyler*  Westcliffe, CO (Custer County)\nZachary Coutts*  Grand Junction, CO (Mesa County)\nEvan Graff  Montrose, CO (Montrose County)\nCouy Harrington  Rifle, CO (Garfield County)\nIsabelle Carlson  Edwards, CO (Eagle County)\nJohn Kattnig  Gunnison, CO (Gunnison County)\nCyrus Malek-Madani*  Paonia, CO (Delta County)\nWilliam Goos* -- Colorado City, CO (Pueblo County)\nCaden Meilner*  Paonia, CO (Delta County) Merchant Marine\nNatoni Cundiff  Ignacio, CO (La Plata County)\nSkylar Tyler*  Westcliffe, CO (Custer County)\nZachary Coutts*  Grand Junction, CO (Mesa County)\n*Received nominations to two academies\nStudents in the 3rd District who are considering applying to a U.S. Service Academy can find more information on the nomination process at:https://tipton.house.gov/serving-you/military-academy-nominations\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tipton.house.gov/media/press-releases/tipton-statement-passage-continuing-resolution", "Tipton Statement on the Passage of the Continuing Resolution", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Scott Tipton", "T000470", "tipton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C.  Congressman Scott Tipton (CO-03) today voted to extend government funding through January 19, 2018. Tipton released the following statement after the Continuing Resolution passed in the House:\nI voted to pass the Continuing Resolution today because failure to pass this measure would have resulted in a government shutdown. Shutting down the government does not benefit anyone. Additionally, over the past few months I have received calls from folks all over Colorado urging those of us in Congress to reauthorize funding for the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP). While my colleagues and I in the House voted to keep CHIP funded until fiscal year 2022, the Senate has somehow still failed to act. The passage of the Continuing Resolution today will ensure that CHIP and funding for community health centers continues into fiscal year 2018, providing much needed support for families and health care providers across the country.\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=68DE9A1E-6542-3BF4-8446-E15130E74D31", "Bennet Urges Senate Leadership to Include CHIP in Funding Package", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Michael Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet urged Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to include the bipartisan Keep Kids' Insurance Dependable and Secure (KIDS) Act-which would extend funding for the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for five years-in any end-of-year funding package. In the letter, Bennet emphasized the negative consequences that CHIP's expiration has already had on families in Colorado. Bennet also wrote that further delay will mean loss of benefits and affordable care for children and pregnant women in the state. Bennet is a cosponsor of the KIDS Act and for months has called on Congress to extend CHIP funding.\r\nThe letter is below and available HERE.\r\nDear Leader McConnell and Leader Schumer:\r\nI write to urge you to include the bipartisan Keep Kids' Insurance Dependable and Secure (KIDS) Act of 2017 in any end-of-year funding package. This bill will extend funding for the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to the 9 million children who are relying on it nationwide. As you are well aware, the program expired in October, leaving families in Colorado and across the nation without certainty on low-cost health coverage. \r\nCHIP is critical to too many families in Colorado for us to wait until mid to late January, or possibly later, to extend the program. CHIP was essential in reducing the number of uninsured children to an all-time low of 2.5 percent in my state. Throughout the year, about 90,000 children in Colorado benefit from regular check-ups and affordable health care services that CHIP makes possible. The program also covers about 800 expecting mothers in Colorado who can access prenatal visits for a healthy pregnancy. \r\nLast month, families in Colorado received notices that their health coverage through CHIP may be in jeopardy without congressional action by December 2017. To the thousands of families that benefit from CHIP, that warning means a pricier health plan or foregoing coverage altogether. In a letter I received from Governor John Hickenlooper and Lieutenant Governor Donna Lynne, they said that they \"expect that kids and pregnant women in Colorado will lose their CHIP coverage at the end of January.\" \r\nWe must do all we can to give peace of mind to families in Colorado who rely on CHIP so their kids can access health care. Children's health care is too critical an issue for us to delay any further. \r\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=95A5A8A1-6E9D-5985-F5A1-36B3D68C20FE", "Bennet Statement on Senate Passage of Temporary Government Funding Bill", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Michael Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today released the below statement following his vote against Senate passage of a temporary government funding bill until January 19, 2018:  \"The Republican majority has spent the past month on a tax bill that is completely out of touch with the priorities of hardworking Americans.  Now, in the face of a looming shutdown, they claim that there is not enough to time to help the Dreamers who stand to lose their DACA status or the millions of children and families who stand to lose their health insurance. We should not accept this approach. We should stay here and finish our work, rather than abdicating our responsibility and leaving so many Coloradan families in the lurch. In the nine years I've been in Congress, we have kicked the can down the road too many times, failing to solve the challenges of the people we represent. No school board, city council, or county commission in Colorado would operate in this manner, and neither should we. I could not support a bill that, once again, takes this approach.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-supports-potential-chip-funding-extension-in-cr-but-more-needs-to-be-done", "Gardner Supports Potential CHIP Funding Extension in CR but More Needs to be Done", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Cory Gardner", "G000562", "www.gardner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) released the below statement regarding discussions to allow the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide sufficient funding for the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to March 31stin the Continuing Resolution (CR) that Congress will consider as soon as today.Cancellation notices for Colorado are expected to go out on December 26thif Congress does not act this week to extend funding.\r\nI will do everything I can to ensure that the 90,000 Colorado children and pregnant mothers that utilize CHIP do not go a day without this funding,Gardner said. While the five year extension of CHIP funding that Senator Bennet and I continue to push in the Senate is by far the best path forward for Coloradans, absent movement on that legislation today we need to make sure funding is extended past Colorados deadline of January 31st.\r\nI support the inclusion of language in the must-pass CR that allows CHIP funding to continue while a long-term bipartisan agreement is worked out.\r\nSenator Gardner is one ofsix Republicans to sponsor The Keeping Kids Insurance Dependable and Secure (KIDS) Act, legislation to extend CHIP funding through Fiscal Year (FY) 2022.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://coffman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2416", "ICYMI:  Coffman Amendment Included in H.R. 4242", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Mike Coffman", "C001077", "coffman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  An amendment proposed by U.S. Representative Mike Coffman (R-CO) was unanimously approved to be included into H.R. 4242. The VA Care in the Community Act is a bill originally co-sponsored by Coffman that will consolidate, streamline and improve the Veterans Affairs (VA) community care programs.\r\nThe amendment would direct the VA Secretary to establish a process to ensure safe opioid prescribing practices by community care providers and the timely sharing of a veterans medical records.\r\nShortly after its inclusion, Coffman said:\r\nAs the VA expands their partnerships with community providers, we have found that these partnerships are challenged by the lack of sharing critical health information and conflicting opioid prescribing practices, said Rep. Coffman. The Inspector General determined that these challenges put veterans suffering from chronic pain and mental health illnesses at particular risk, and creates troubling gaps in treatment plans. My amendment tackles these challenges and provides accountability in opioid prescribing practices. I thank the Veterans Affairs committee for its unanimous support of my amendment to H.R. 4242, the VA Care in Community Act, which I originally cosponsored.\r\nAccording to a VAs Inspector General report, the opioid epidemic has impacted veterans, and overdose deaths among veterans remain elevated when compared to the civilian population.\r\nH.R. 4242 will now make its way to the House Floor for a vote. ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pro-choice-leaders-condemn-gop-insertion-of-abortion-ban-into-year-end", "Pro-Choice Leaders Condemn GOP Insertion of Abortion Ban into Year-End Spending Bill", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Diana DeGette", "D000197", "degette.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  Funding for cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) to help lower-income people pay for health care may be included in the continuing resolution on which both houses of Congress must vote in order to keep the government operating.\nIf this funding is included in the bill, House Republicans are demanding a provision that would keep health insurance plans from receiving CSR funds through the Affordable Care Act if they cover abortion services. As a result, countless women could be deprived of access to abortion via health insurance in the private market.\nAs the deadline approaches to prevent a shutdown and a disastrous discontinuation of government services to Americans over the holidays, House Republicans are playing games to advance a narrow partisan agenda, Rep. DeGette said.Theyre making matters worse by inserting harmful, anti-woman policies into the debate.\n\"It isunconscionable that Republicans are holding both government funding and health insurance markets hostage in their quest to deny women access to abortion.Everywoman should be able to makepersonaldecisions about reproductive health care with dignity and respect, and without interference from politicians.\"\n\"Republicans are unable to properly run the House, as witnessed by the revote we have to take on the tax bill that passed yesterday, Rep. Slaughter noted.In addition, this would be the third continuing resolution of the year. A majority of Democrats in the Senate have already said they will not support it. Now, House Republicans will reportedly make it even less palatable by attaching this attack on women's health care. It is just their latest attempt in their never-ending crusade to prevent women from accessing their constitutional right to abortion coverage. It is unconscionable to use a funding bill to try and enact an extreme and likely unconstitutional conservative agenda.\nCSR paymentshelp make health care more affordable by lowering deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses for people who purchase health insurance coverage though the exchanges. As part of ongoing efforts to sabotage the Affordable Care Act, President Trump halted CSR payments earlier this year.\nExacerbating this instability, Republicans in Congress also ensured that the tax legislation eliminated the ACAs individual mandate requiring Americans to have health insurance, a move projected to increase health premiums by 10%.\nThis Republican-produced instability has created a dire need for CSR funding among health insurers.By attaching abortion-coverage restrictions to CSR funds, dramatic declines in abortion coverage are likely to occur across the country, denying many women access to safe and affordablecare.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2225", "U.S. and Israel Partner in Space Program", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Doug Lamborn", "L000564", "lamborn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. and Israel partner in Space Program \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 20, 2017\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      The House passedH.R. 1159, the United States and Israel Space Cooperation Act, today. The act emphasizes international space cooperation between the two nations. Sharing knowledge, working together to solve problems, and discovering more about space will benefit each country's space program.  \r\n\r\n\r\n\"The United States shares an extraordinary bond in common interests and goals with the State of Israel. Working together with Israel to advance our technology and understanding of space supports NASA, and ultimately, the United States' ability to lead the world in the field,\" said Rep. Doug Lamborn (CO-05). \"We've always been at the forefront of science and technology and I look forward to continuing this important partnership with our ally, Israel.\"\r\n\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://perlmutter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1914", "Perlmutter Shows Support for Passing the Dream Act, Funding CHIP and CHCs", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Ed Perlmutter", "P000593", "perlmutter.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Perlmutter Shows Support for Passing the Dream Act, Funding CHIP and CHCs \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington, D.C.,\r\n        December 20, 2017\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n      \r\n    \r\n  \r\n      \r\n    \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Washington, D.C.  U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) continues to show support for several critical programs that many Coloradans and Americans rely on:\r\nWhile Republicans are busy celebrating their plan to cut taxes for corporations and their wealthy donors, theres still real work left to be done to keep the government open past Friday and address a long list of overdue priorities to help hardworking Coloradans. I will continue to fight for access to affordable healthcare for children and families and passage of the Dream Act so DACA recipients are able to stay with their families and in the only home theyve ever known.\r\nRep. Perlmutter will have the following pop up on his website (www.perlmutter.house.gov) until Republican leadership addresses these issues.\r\nSee firsthand at www.perlmutter.house.gov. \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=28B586B4-CA07-A443-96CE-F6A859A7C658", "Bennet Statement on Senate Passage of Final GOP Tax Bill", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Michael Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today released the below statement following Senate passage of the Republican tax bill:  \"Tax reform should have addressed the real challenges in our economy by helping a middle-class family in Colorado afford housing, health care, child care, and higher education, while saving enough for a secure retirement. This legislation is yet another appalling example of how profoundly decoupled the Republican priorities in Washington are from the priorities of the American people. \"This bill burdens our children with $1.4 trillion in debt to cut taxes for the wealthiest businesses and individuals in America. It's as if my wife and I lived in our house but then asked our kids to pay the mortgage.\" Bennet spoke on the Senate floor several times about the misplaced priorities of this bill and, just last night, about the missed opportunity to invest in our future.  Bennet used multiple charts to illustrate the math in the Republican tax bill. Three of the charts are attached to this release.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=B0205087-71BD-7657-111C-B26BD87867B1", "Bennet Pressures HHS Secretary Nominee Azar to Put Science Over Ideology", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Michael Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, along with the nine Democratic members of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, today sent a letter to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary nominee Alex Azar expressing concern over reports that the Trump administration is restricting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other agencies within HHS from using certain words or phrases in preparing documents for the Fiscal Year 2019 budget. Given the commitment to science and evidence that Mr. Azar made at his confirmation hearing, the senators requested an explanation as to how he would approach this issue in his position at HHS.\n\"We are incredibly concerned by this report; if true, it represents an unconscionable restriction on agency communications that prevents the department from accurately conveying the nature of its work, potentially posing a danger to critical health and scientific efforts,\" the senators wrote. \"We also strongly oppose any communications, whether written or verbal, that suggest to Department and agency employees that they should avoid using particular words or phrases even if such guidance is not referred to as a ban.'\"\nOn December 15, 2017, news outlets reported that the administration had prohibited policy analysts from using a number of words and phrases in budget documents, including \"diversity,\" \"science-based,\" \"fetus,\" and \"transgender.\" CDC uses many, if not all, of the banned words. They are essential to CDC's work, including addressing the health trends of LGBTQ communities and researching the Zika virus and its impact on fetuses.\nThe senators wrote that this \"ideological censorship...undermines much of CDC's work and the broader health mission of the Department.\"\nA copy of the letter is available HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-statement-on-historic-tax-relief-legislation-passing-senate", "Gardner Statement on Historic Tax Relief Legislation Passing Senate", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Cory Gardner", "G000562", "www.gardner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) released the below statement following the Senates approval of the tax relief legislation:\r\nAfter 31 years, the American people will no longer be forced to deal with an Atari-era tax code that is outdated and overly complicated. Congress has finally answered the call to cut taxes and reform the tax code, and Im proud to help deliver this relief to all of Colorado. At the beginning of this process, my goal was to bring relief to hardworking Coloradans throughout the four corners of our great state, and Im proud that after months of work we have achieved this goal. Coloradans at every income level will receive a tax cut and popular provisions that help hardworking Coloradans like greater tax relief for childcare services, the student loan interest deduction, the medical expense deduction, and tax breaks for teachers are all part of the final bill.\r\n\r\nAfter years of complacency and being told we have to accept meager economic growth, the American people will once again see their economy accelerate. This tax relief package will lead to economic growth, higher wages, and more jobs. The American people sent their representatives to Washington to bring relief and Im proud to have delivered on this promise during the first year of a unified Republican government.\r\nClickhereto download the video statement.\r\nClick here for audio of Gardners statement.\r\n\r\nBackground on Tax Relief Legislation\r\nThe nonpartisan Tax Foundation concludes that the legislation would boost long-run GDP, create 339,000 new full-time equivalent jobs, and increase wages.\r\n\r\nImpact on individuals and families\r\n \r\nIt lowers the individual tax rates for low-and middle-income Americans by expanding the zero tax bracket and maintaining the 10 percent bracket. This is to ensure that the people seeing the most positive outcome from this legislation are low and middle income Coloradans\r\nIt doubles the standard deduction to protect even more income from being considered taxable income. This would help tens of millions of Americans by increasing the amount of income shielded from taxation while simultaneously simplifying their income taxes\r\nA family of four receiving the median family income ($73,000) would see a tax cut of more than $2,000\r\nA single parent with two children and an income of $52,000 will see a tax cut of nearly $1,900\r\nExpands the child tax credit from $1,000 to $2,000 and increases the refundable portion to $1,400\r\nIt also protects benefits like the adoption tax credit, student loan interest deduction, the medical expense deduction, and the deduction for charitable contributions\r\n \r\nImpact on small businesses and job creation\r\n \r\nIt reduces the corporate tax rate from 35% (which is the highest in the industrialized world) to 21%, which puts American businesses on a level playing field with competitors in other countries\r\nIt also gives tax relief to Main Streets job creators by creating the first ever 20% deduction for pass through businesses\r\nIt will lead to new jobs and investments by allowing these businesses to keep more of their profits to invest back into their businesses", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://coffman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2415", "Coffman on Passage of H.R. 1 The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Conference Report", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Mike Coffman", "C001077", "coffman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Today, U.S. Representative Mike Coffman (CO-06) released the following statement after the passing of the Conference report to accompany H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:\r\n\"I am proud to support H.R. 1 becauseit willhelp workingfamilies by lowering their taxrates, doubling the childtax credit and standard deduction,and even more importantly it willincreasejobs and wagesbyreducing the tax burdenon American small businesses.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2222", "Rep. Lamborn Votes Yes on Tax Bill", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Doug Lamborn", "L000564", "lamborn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The House of Representatives passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act today. The Senate is expected to vote on the bill later tonight. The bill delivers tax relief to workers, families, and job creators, and is expected to revitalize the U.S. economy. Congressman Lamborn voted in support.\r\n\"This is a historic day for the American people. Congress listened to them and simplified our complicated tax code,\" said Rep. Lamborn (CO-05). Republican leadership delivered on our promise to lower taxes across the board, create more jobs, and increase paychecks. We also eliminated the Obamacare individual mandate, giving Americans more choice in their medical care. Im pleased to have been a part in the passage of the bill.  \r\n\r\nCongressman Lamborn protected tax stipulations that were originally at risk of elimination throughout the deliberations.  \r\n\r\nThe earlier draft of the tax bill threatened to repeal the Adoption Tax Creditand the income exclusion for graduate school tuition waivers, said Lamborn. I wrote letters to Chairman Brady and Speaker Ryan insisting we must keep these important tax provisions. Millions of Americans benefit from them and it wouldve been foolish to eliminate them.  \r\n\r\nTheCraft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Actremained in the bill. Both small and large brewers will see substantial change. Brewers producing less than two million barrels annually will see taxes halved on the first 60,000 barrels. National brewers benefit with a $2 reduction in per-barrel taxes for their first six million barrels.  \r\n\r\nColorado is home to a$3 billion craft beer industry, said Lamborn. Hundreds of breweries bring tourism to our region and provide thousands of jobs.Decreased taxes for these producers will grow the industrys job market and provide an economic boost for Colorado.  \r\n\r\nAmerican energy security is bolstered in the bill by opening part of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil exploration and development non-wilderness federal land in Alaska. Extracting oil from ANWR federal lands is estimated to bring $1 billion over 10 years to the federal treasury to fund tax cuts this bill provides.\r\nThis energy effort brings thousands of jobs on-site and to a new supply chain expected to stretch across the nation, said Lamborn. Domestic energy development means domestic energy security and stability.\r\nOther highlights of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act include lowered individual tax rates, doubled standard deduction for both individuals and families, a doubled Child Tax Credit to $2,000 per child and much more. Read a summary of the bill HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://perlmutter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1906", "Perlmutter Statement on Republican Tax Bill", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Ed Perlmutter", "P000593", "perlmutter.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) released the following statement after the harmful Republican tax bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives:\r\nThis Republican tax bill gives the most benefits to corporations and the wealthiest Americans, plain and simple. These benefits are paid for by hardworking families across the country and by adding to the debt. This bill may save a few hundred dollars per person on their tax bill, but it will put more than $7,100 on the credit card for every man, woman and child in the U.S. which will lead to deep spending cuts on important programs like Medicare and Medicaid and jeopardize investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, science and much more. While corporations will continue to reap the benefits after ten years, individuals will see their tax rates change and could even pay more than they are today. Meanwhile, the repeal of the individual mandate means health care costs will rise for everyone.\r\nThis is nowhere close to real tax reform that Colorado families and businesses have been seeking. It doesnt simplify the tax code or make it more conducive for economic growth. In many ways, it adds more loopholes and rigs the system even more against hardworking families.\r\nSince Republicans took control of the legislative and executive branch in January, I believe they have missed many opportunities to help hardworking families and grow the economy. This is just one more missed opportunity that will have consequences for years to come.\r\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://polis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398510", "Polis warns that the Republican tax plan will grow the national debt", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Jared Polis", "P000598", "polis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Jared Polis, D-Colo., opposed the Republican tax plan, which passed the House of Representatives again today on a party line vote. The plan is expected to increase the national debt by over $1.5 trillion and raise taxes for many.\r\nThe Republican tax scheme grows the national debt by over $1.5 trillion, providing handouts to corporations and special interests while hitting middle class families with tax hikes. It serves only to weaken the nations economy at a time when many are still trying to get ahead after the Great Recession. We cant afford to bankrupt the nation, and Coloradans cannot afford another recession,said Polis. Now it seems with the latest procedural error, which frankly is a result of rushing through a massive tax reform plan, Republicans have another shot to do what we should have done in the first place and reject this tax hike that only serves to grow the national debt. Lets not make tomorrow a nightmarish Groundhog Day.\r\nPolis has been raising alarms about the Republican plan all along, calling for a simplified tax code that grows the economy and eliminates special-interest loopholes.\r\nHe wrote anarticledetailing several problems with the Republican plan. The original bill in the House of Representatives eliminated the educator tax deduction, which allows teachers to claim a deduction of up to $250 for school supplies they purchased with their personal income, and Polis introduced an amendment to keep this deduction in place, which the final version of the bill does. This bill also now maintains the employer-sponsored tuition assistancetaxbenefit, which allows employees to receive up to $5,250 annually in education assistance thats excluded from gross income, in line with another of Poliss amendments. Additionally, Polis introduced an amendment to restore the private activity bonds that allow private companies to invest in their communities, and the final tax bill has kept those bonds in place.\r\nIn a final effort to introduce bipartisanship to the bill, Polis introduced an amendment in the form of a concurring resolution last night to level the playing field for the marijuana industry and kombucha businesses, remove outdated cryptocurrency restrictions, and limit deductions for lobbyists, but was rejected. As vice-chair of the Congressional Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC), he has drafted and advocated for a detailed environmental tax policy plan, even penning anarticleto that effect.\r\nThirteen of Poliss other amendments to previous versions of the bill were also rejected along party line votes:\r\nEmployer-Provided Student Loan AssistanceAmendment: would have allowed employers to pay up to $5,250 toward an employees student loan paymentstax-free.\r\nUnborn Child 529 Beneficiary EligibilityAmendment: would have removed unborn children as eligible beneficiaries of 529 college savings accounts, only placed in thistaxplanas an embarrassingly transparent attempt to undermine womens rights and privacy.\r\nEmployer-Provided Tuition AssistanceAmendment: would have restored the employer-sponsored tuition assistancetaxbenefit, which allows employees to receive up to $5,250 annually in education assistance thats excluded from gross income.\r\nIncrease ChildTaxCreditAmendment: would have increased the childtaxcredit from $1,000 to $3,600 per child and index those dollars for inflation.\r\nCarbon FeeAmendment: states that a carbon fee should be included in anytaxreform to reduce taxes across the board and bring back millions of manufacturing jobs that are needed to build clean energy infrastructure and upgrade our grid.\r\nWind ProductionTaxCreditAmendment: would have reinstated the productiontaxcredit for the wind power industry to maintain the 100,000 jobs created since 2015 in the wind sector and spur further job growth.\r\nElectric VehiclesAmendment: would have helped promote technology, innovation, and a more sustainable energy source for powering motor vehicles.\r\nSolar EDGEAmendment: Based on Poliss Solar EDGE Act, it would have created a short-term surge of funding in small distributed generation solar systems, which allows companies to reach states that have been left out of this critical clean energy platform.\r\nExpensing of Intangible Drilling CostsAmendment: would have repealed one of the largest and most draconiantaxbreaks available to the oil industry- the expensing of intangible drilling costs, which allows companies to immediately deduct most of the costs of drilling a new well despite the fact that risks associated with drilling new wells are no longer present.\r\nMaster Limited Partnerships Amendments: Master Limited Partnerships, or MLPs, are a corporate form primarily used by natural resource firms to avoid corporate income taxes. The MLPamendmentwould have prohibited fossil fuel companies from using MLPs, and an alternativeamendmentwould have allowed MLPs to be used by renewable energy companies who currently are prohibited from such use by law.\r\nMarijuanaAmendment: would have protected small businesses and dispensaries in the State of Colorado from unsustainabletaxburdens by revising Section 280e of thetaxcode to exempt marijuana sales.\r\nCryptocurrencyTaxFairnessAmendment: Based on Poliss CryptocurrencyTaxFairness Act of 2017, it would have removed outdated restrictions on cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin, and other methods of digital payment, allowing consumers to make small purchases with cryptocurrency up to $600 without burdensome reporting requirements.\r\nKombucha ActAmendment: Based on Poliss KOMBUCHA Act, it would have eased the burden on Kombucha manufacturers, and unleashed the power of an industry pioneered by small businesses and entrepreneurs to sell this probiotic, antioxidant tea.\r\nLimiting Deductions for Lobbying ExpendituresAmendment: would have ensured that lobbyists dont gettaxbreaks from wielding their influence over politicians and lawmakers by removing existing protections that allow lobbyists to avoid paying their full share of thetaxburden when meeting with members of Congress and their staffs.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tipton.house.gov/media/press-releases/tipton-house-passage-tax-cuts-and-jobs-act-victory-american-people", "Tipton: House Passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is a Victory for the American People", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Scott Tipton", "T000470", "tipton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C.  Congressman Scott Tipton (CO-03) voted to help Coloradans  and all Americans  keep more of their hard earned money by supporting the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R. 1) conference report. The conference report must now be approved by the Senate before it can move to the Presidents desk.\nI was proud to support comprehensive tax reform as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act moved through the House and provide Coloradans input to the House and Senate negotiators during the conference process, Tipton said. The final legislation incorporates much of the feedback I heard from my constituents: it supports families, graduate students, homeowners, and small businesses. Its a victory for Coloradans and all Americans.\nThe Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will help Americans keep more money in their pockets by lowering individual taxes, setting the rates at 0, 10, 12, 22, 24, 32, 35, and 37 percent. The legislation also doubles the standard deduction, so the first approximately $12,000 an individual brings home and $24,000 a family brings home is free from the federal income tax. According to the Internal Revenue Service, approximately 73 percent of Coloradans living in the Third Congressional District claim the standard deduction on their taxes.\nThe legislation also supports families by expanding the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000, in addition to maintaining the current Child and Dependent Care and the Adoption Tax Credits.\nThe Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will support small businesses by establishing a twenty percent deduction for the first $315,000 of joint income earned by businesses that are classified as S corporations, partnerships, LLCs, and sole proprietorships.\nThe bill will also assist Americans who wish to pursue higher education by continuing to exempt the value of reduced tuition from taxes. Additionally, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will restore American families' right to choose what healthcare plan is best for them by eliminating Obamacare's individual mandate tax penalty beginning in 2019.\n\"This week's vote to reform our broken tax code is historic, but more importantly, it puts the needs of the American people before special interests, Tipton added. I look forward to seeing the bill signed into law before the New Year, so Coloradans and all Americans will experience the benefits immediately.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=2455E435-6277-8A29-13D0-C4CCA293C941", "Bennet, Colleagues Ask DeVos for Answers on Disciplinary Protections For Minority Students", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Michael Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet joined 15 Senators and 36 Members of the U.S. House of Representatives in sending a letter to Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos asking her not to revoke or modify school discipline guidelines, following press reports that suggest she is considering a repeal of the protections.  In January 2014, the Department of Education under President Obama released school discipline guidelines to assist states, districts, and schools to develop and implement practices that address the tendencies of school discipline policies to disproportionately harm students of color and students with disabilities. These guidelines are not mandatory, yet recent reports suggest DeVos is considering revoking them.  \"We write to express our support for efforts to improve school climate and address the persistent, disproportionate impact of exclusionary and aversive discipline practices on groups of historically marginalized students, such as students of color,\" the lawmakers wrote. \"We strongly urge you to maintain guidance on discipline and compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin.\" The lawmakers highlighted statistics that indicate minority students across the country are suspended and disciplined at much higher rates than their white peers. They also referenced a 2017 Legal Aid Justice Center study which notes that, while African American students make up only 23 percent of public school enrollment, they account for 60 percent of suspensions.  \"While we hope recent reporting that the Department is considering revoking or modifying this critical guidance on school discipline is inaccurate, by January 5, 2018, we request that you confirm your Department will not be revoking or modifying this critical guidance for upholding the civil rights of students under Title VI,\" the lawmakers concluded.  The letter is supported by the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. A copy of the letter is available HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=04DB34A3-C0A2-03DB-3B3F-DADAEA4FFE65", "Bennet, Daines Introduce Bill to Expand Outdoor Recreation Opportunities", "2017-12-18", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Michael Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Steve Daines (R-MT) today introduced bipartisan legislation to expand opportunities for hunting, fishing, hiking, and other wildlife-dependent activities across the country.\r\n\"This program has rewarded Colorado's farmers and ranchers for providing new opportunities for the next generation of sportsmen and women and improving wildlife habitat across our state,\" Bennet said. \"As we work on the next Farm Bill, we'll continue to prioritize funding for this successful program.\"\r\n\"Nothing beats spending time outdoors hunting, fishing, backpacking, it's the Montana way of life,\" Daines said. \"This bill will strengthen Montana's outdoor recreation economy and open up more space for families and sportsmen to enjoy local wildlife.\"\r\nThe Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act would reauthorize and strengthen the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP) by increasing funding from $40 million to $150 million over five years. The VPA-HIP provides competitive grants to states and tribal governments that are used to incent private landowners to voluntarily open their lands for public use while upholding private property rights. Colorado has enhanced upland game habitat through partnerships supported by VPA-HIP grants and developed new opportunities for Walk-In Access to hunt big and small game.\r\nThis legislation is supported by over 30 sportsmen, conservation, and outdoor recreation groups and organizations.\r\n\"Dependable access to quality habitat is the foundation of hunting and fishing; without it, the outdoor recreation economy stops at the locked gate. The Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act helps to continue the legacy of the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentives Program (VPA-HIP), a one-of-a-kind Farm Bill program that has opened millions of productive acres to America's sportsmen and women in states across the country. With today's introduction, Senator Daines and Senator Bennet have taken the first crucial steps towards assuring this high priority sportsmen's program has the funding it needs to meet demand and keep hunters and anglers afield.\" - Whit Fosburgh, President and CEO, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership  \"We applaud Senators Daines and Bennett for their leadership in addressing one of our organization's top priorities: providing more access for hunters. In addition to providing voluntary access to high-quality habitats, including Conservation Reserve Program lands, VPA-HIP benefits farmers and ranchers. This combination is crucial to wildlife, America's outdoor quality of life and the rural economy.\" - Howard K. Vincent President and CEO, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever\r\n\"Access to quality wildlife habitat remains one of the most important challenges facing hunters. Programs like this allow conservation organizations, state agencies and private landowners to work together to provide hunters access to lands offering opportunities for harvest. This is critical for maintaining interest and participation in hunting.\" - David Allen, President & CEO, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation\r\n\"We applaud Senators Daines and Bennet for their work towards reauthorizing the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program, which harnesses the power of partnerships to benefit private landowners, fish and wildlife conservation, and the public. By enabling state agencies to create or expand local access programs, this vital program increases opportunities for hunting, fishing, and other wildlife-dependent recreation while also strengthening and supporting rural economies.\" - Virgil Moore, President of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.\r\nA copy of the bill is available HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2221", "Doug Lamborn: Republican tax legislation puts a stake through the heart of Obamacare", "2017-12-16", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Doug Lamborn", "L000564", "lamborn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn cheered word Friday that congressional Republicans had secured enough votes to pass a massive overhaul of the nations tax laws that President Donald Trump has said he hopes to sign before the end of the year but that Democrats say favors corporations and the wealthy without much helping everyone else.\r\nThe reconciled version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is a historic reform of Americas tax code, Lamborn, a Colorado Springs Republican, said in a statement.Congress listened to the American people and then stripped the tax code down to the bare bones and rebuilt it. Republican leadership delivered on our promise to cut taxes and help the middle class.\r\nMost importantly, he continued, this effortputs a stake through the heart of Obamacare, eliminating the individual mandate and giving Americans the freedom to choose government or private healthcare providers.\r\nA House-Senate conference committee finalized the bill Friday  the two chambers had already passed different versions  and GOP leadership announced that a few Senate holdouts had signed on, paving the way for passage next week.\r\nIncluded in the final bill is the repeal of a key component ofPresident Barack Obamas Affordable Care Act, the requirement that nearly all Americans have health insurance coverage or face a penalty. Republicans spent a big chunk of the year failing to repeal and replace Obamacare, but repealing the mandate kills perhaps the least popular element of the law.\r\nWhile the provision is widely reviled by Republicans these days  as evidenced by Lamborns gleeful dancing on its not-yet-dug grave  the individual mandate,formulated and embraced by the Heritage Foundation and the American Enterprise Institute, was originally considered a conservative approach. It was a linchpin of former Gov. Mitt Romneys health care reform initiative in Massachusetts and was the foundation of Republican legislation that had the support of Orrin Hatch and Chuck Grassley, two current senators who later came to oppose the idea. By the time the individual mandate was a crucial part of Obamas health care legislation, even long-time, ardent supporters like Newt Gingrich had become ferocious opponents.\r\nCritics and thenonpartisan Congressional Budget Office say that without the mandate, fewer people will be insured and premiums in the individual marketplace will increase as a result. Other independent experts differ on the precise impact, according to the Associated Press, with one calling the data on potential effects very murky.\r\nTo read this article in its original format, see Colorado Politics", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://coffman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2395", "H.R. 1 - Tax Cuts and Jobs Act", "2017-12-15", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Mike Coffman", "C001077", "coffman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "H.R. 1 - Tax Cuts and Jobs Act\r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \n\r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 15, 2017 | \r\n      Daniel Bucheli\r\n      (202-225-7882) | \r\n       comments\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n        \r\n    \r\n\r\n\r\nAs the House of Representatives considers H.R. 1 - 'Tax Cuts and Jobs Act',I wanted to share the following documents provided by the House Committee on Ways and Means for your review.\r\n\r\n    H.R. 1 - Conference Report [Final Text]\r\n    H.R. 1 - PolicyHighlights\r\n    H.R. 1 - Joint Committee on Taxation Revenue Table\r\n\r\nTo get the most up-to-date information about H.R. 1 as it progresses in the House, text 'TAX REFORM' to 50589 or visit www.fairandsimple.gop.\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        \r\n        Tags:\r\n        \r\n            \r\n              Economy\r\n      \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    Related News\r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n          \r\n            \r\n              U.S. Chamber of Commerce Recognizes Rep. Coffman with  Spirit of Enterprise Award\r\n            \r\n            Posted in In the News on\r\n            March 20, 2018 |\r\n            Preview rr\r\n          \r\n        \r\n          \r\n            \r\n              Coffman Statement on Steel & Aluminum  Tariffs Announcement\r\n            \r\n            Posted in In the News on\r\n            March 8, 2018 |\r\n            Preview rr\r\n          \r\n        \r\n          \r\n            \r\n              Coffman on Passage of H.R. 1 The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Conference Report\r\n            \r\n            Posted in In the News on\r\n            December 19, 2017 |\r\n            Preview rr\r\n          \r\n        \r\n          \r\n            \r\n              H.R. 1 - Tax Cuts and Jobs Act\r\n            \r\n            Posted in In the News on\r\n            December 15, 2017 |\r\n            Preview rr", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://coffman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2413", "Coffman Nominates Students to Service Academies", "2017-12-15", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Mike Coffman", "C001077", "coffman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Aurora, CO Today, U.S. Representative Mike Coffman announced the names of forty four outstanding students from Colorados Sixth Congressional District whom he has nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, the U.S. Military Academy, and the U.S. Naval Academy.As a Marine Corps combat veteran, having the opportunity to nominate these young men and women, who will be the future military leaders of our country, is one of my highest honors, said Coffman. Every year, I am impressed by the caliber of candidates, and I know these outstanding nominees will represent Colorado, and our country well.  Every applicant was interviewed and then rigorously evaluated on factors including academic and athletic achievements, extra-curricular activities, character, and motivation. These nominees will now begin the next phase of the process and compete against other nominees from across the country for an actual appointment to the respective academies. The following is a list of the Sixth Congressional District nominees for the class of 2022: U.S. Air Force Academy  \r\nBrockman, Elijah     Eaglecrest High School\t  \r\nCordero, Cray       Mountain Vista High School  \r\nDiethorn, Kyle       Highlands Ranch High School  \r\nDouglas, Chase      Arapahoe High School  \r\nDuncan, Elton       St. Johns Military School  \r\nFantle, Sarah        Littleton High School  \r\nHerold, James       Cherry Creek High School  \r\nKim, Jane           Smoky Hill High School  \r\nLayne, Austin       Regis Jesuit High School  \r\nLennert, Veronica    Regis Jesuit High School  \r\nMcCloskey, Thomas  Mountain Vista High School  \r\nNats, Kaitlin        Mountain Vista High School  \r\nOsoba, Keelyn       Rock Canyon High School  \r\nRandolph, Caleb     Grandview High School  \r\nRobinson, Levi      Rangeview High School  \r\nRollison, Benjamin   Woodside Baptist School  \r\nSmith, Delaney      Cherry Creek High School  \r\nUm, Chanell        Cherokee Trail High School  \r\nVestecka, Kyle      Bishop Machebeuf High School  \r\nWhite, Taylor       Thunder Ridge High School U.S. Merchant Marine Academy  \r\nBachman, Bryce       Discovery Canyon High School\t  \r\nBauer, Chase          Elizabeth High School  \r\nCozad, David          Mountain Vista High School  \r\nFenwick, Nicholas\t\tJ.K.  Mullen High School U.S. Naval Academy  \r\nBui, Catherine     Arvada Senior High School  \r\nDampier, Jackson  Cherokee Trail High School  \r\nde Bastos, Ricardo Cherry Creek High School  \r\nFox, Matthew     Grandview High School  \r\nGordon, Meghan   Mountain Vista High School  \r\nHogan, Ryan\t\t\tKent  Denver High School  \r\nKenney, Jackson   Cherokee Trail High School  \r\nMarpaung, Mark   Rangeview High School  \r\nOlesky, Avraham   Denver Jewish Day School   \r\nVafides, Matthew   Grandview High School U.S. Military Academy  \r\nBarnes, Michael    Colorado Early Colleges  \r\nFoster, Caden      Mountain Vista High School  \r\nHowell, Mikayla    Highlands Ranch High School  \r\nGarrison, Parker    Rock Canyon High School  \r\nMcCurdy, Jordan   Cherry Creek High School  \r\nMessner, Thomas   Colorado Academy  \r\nNaumann, William  Arapahoe High School  \r\nNolta, Landon      Mountain Vista High School  \r\nNun, Dylan        Legacy High School  \r\nPark, Jay          Cherry Creek High School Coffman is the only veteran in the Colorado Congressional delegation. Coffman represents the 6th Congressional District of Colorado and serves on the Veterans Affairs Committee and the Armed Services Committee where he is the Chairman for the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-supports-congressional-effort-to-reverse-fcc-s-net-neutrality", "DeGette Supports Congressional Effort to Reverse FCCs Net Neutrality Roll-Back", "2017-12-15", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Diana DeGette", "D000197", "degette.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Denver  Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D-CO), a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, today said she would co-sponsor a congressional effort to restore Net Neutrality protections that were rolled back yesterday in a party-line vote by the Federal Communications Commission. DeGette supports a resolution to be introduced by Congressman Mike Doyle (D-PA), the ranking member on the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, reversing the FCCs new regulations.\nI have long supported Net Neutrality safeguards and have worked to prevent the FCCs recent efforts to reverse them, DeGette said. Net Neutrality is essential to promoting freedom of expression, competition and economic growth on the internet. It creates a level playing field for consumers, innovators and small businesses. In ending the Open Internet Order, the FCC abdicated its responsibility to ensure that these values are safeguarded.\nMy constituents feel strongly about this matter, too: Through social media, phone calls to my office, and day-to-day discussions at home in Colorado, they have made it abundantly clear that they value Net Neutrality as a means to ensure an open internet that protects free speech and promotes economic opportunity for all. Our fight doesnt end this week. The FCC vote was a setback, but not a defeat.\nDeGette was one of 118 members of Congress who earlier this week sent a letter to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai asking him to delay the FCC vote. In August, she was one of eleven Democratic members of the Energy and Commerce Committee to submit public comments arguing that the FCCs proposal was contrary to the intent of Congress in the Telecommunications Act of 1996.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2220", "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is historic reform of U.S. tax code", "2017-12-15", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Doug Lamborn", "L000564", "lamborn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is historic reform of U.S. tax code \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 15, 2017\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      \r\n\r\n\"The reconciled version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is a historic reform of Americas tax code,\" said Rep. Doug Lamborn, (CO-05). \"Congress listened to the American people and then stripped the tax code down to the bare bones and rebuilt it. Republican leadership delivered on our promise to cut taxes and help the middle class. Most importantly, this effortputs a stake through the heart of Obamacare, eliminating the individual mandate and giving Americans the freedom to choose government or private healthcare providers.\"\r\nRead theReconciled Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Here\r\n\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tipton.house.gov/media/press-releases/tipton-introduces-legislation-enhance-veteran-care-and-reduce-wait-times", "Tipton Introduces Legislation to Enhance Veteran Care and Reduce Wait Times", "2017-12-15", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Scott Tipton", "T000470", "tipton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C.  This week, Congressman Scott Tipton (CO-03) introduced the Veterans Improved Access and Care Act of 2017 (H.R. 4642), which would expand access to medical care for American veterans and take measures to reduce wait times. Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) is leading the companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.\nA report by the Denver Post states that the average wait time at the Eastern Colorado Healthcare System (ECHS) is eleven days. However, of all the appointments at the ECHS, 13.5 percent had a wait time that was longer than thirty days, which was considered among the worst in the nation.\nH.R. 4642 would help remedy this issue by eliminating the arbitrary 30-day, 40-mile eligibility rule, allowing veterans full access to private and local medical care regardless of situation or location.\nThis legislation would also allow the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a pilot program to accelerate the staffing of licensed medical professionals in areas where there are shortages of specialists. Additionally, it would require the Secretary of the VA to submit a report specifying a strategy on how to reduce the VAs hiring process for licensed medical professionals by half.\nThe service and sacrifice of our nations veterans makes them more than deserving of quality healthcare, said Tipton. It has been disheartening to hear stories of veterans who are still forced to wait for days to see a physician and have been prevented from receiving the care they have earned. Veterans should have the opportunity to access either the VA or a community medical facility of his/her choosing, regardless of their situation. I am proud to lead legislation will make great strides in eliminating many of the barriers that veterans face when trying to receive medical care, and I thank my colleague, Senator Gardner, for leading this legislation in the Senate.\nOur veterans, who have given so much to our country, should have access to the best possible care in a timely manner,said Gardner. Colorado veterans have been put on secret wait lists and denied access to care they have earned. This is unacceptable and it must change. This legislation led by Congressman Tipton and I will expand the CHOICE program and allow veterans to see the doctor they choose and not be hamstrung by the VA bureaucracy. In order to reduce wait times and provide timely care to our veterans, we must address the root of the problem at many VA facilities in Colorado and across the country: staffing shortages. When it comes to the VA hiring medical professionals we cannot let government bureaucracy and red tape stand in the way. The VA Secretary needs to take meaningful action to reform the hiring process and make sure facilities are able to hire the medical professionals needed to serve our veterans. Its time we put partisan politics aside and deliver on our promise to our veterans.\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2217", "National Geologic Mapping Act Reauthorization Act", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Doug Lamborn", "L000564", "lamborn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "National Geologic Mapping Act Reauthorization Act \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 14, 2017\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      The Natural Resources Committee reviewed the National Geologic Mapping Reauthorization Act Wednesday. The Act reauthorizes funding for a national partnership to produce advanced digital geologic maps and three-dimensional models. The Committee reviewed and debated several aspects of the bill that Rep. Lamborn introduced. The mapping in consideration contributes to responsible land management nationwide, mitigate natural hazards, foster economic growth, and provide tools to educate the next generation of mappers. Increased quality of life and economic vitality depend on these measures. Congressman Lamborn (CO-05) issued the following statement:\r\n\r\n\u201cThis legislation ensures continued collaboration between the U.S. Geological Survey, state surveys, and universities to ensure responsible use natural resources and to mitigate the impact of geologic hazards,\u201d said Rep. Doug Lamborn. \u201cForty-nine states and Puerto Rico have participated to date, resulting in 8,500 new maps. Those of us on the Natural Resources Committee are working to produce the most efficient bill possible. We realize the importance this carries for many land, water, and mineral resources across the nation. The program data routinely impacts decisions protecting ground water, locating new municipal wells, identifying potential mineral resources, and protecting homeowners from geologic hazards in my home state of Colorado. Renewing the Act will solve a broad spectrum of land-use concerns.\u201d\r\nThe program in Colorado is credited for production of an advanced geologic map and companion report that consolidated years of research to showcase recreational and mining history. It opened up opportunities for efficiency in a major economic region from Leadville to Salida.\r\n\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://polis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398509", "Polis: The internet as we know it - Going, going, gone! Sold (sadly) to the highest bidder.", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Jared Polis", "P000598", "polis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Jared Polis, D-Colo., gave the following statement about the FCC eliminating Net Neutrality protections.\u00a0 \u00a0\r\n\u201cNext up: The internet as we know it.\u00a0 Going, going, gone! Sold (sadly) to the highest bidder.\u00a0 Against the will of the people, the FCC rolled back Net Neutrality protections today, effectively ending the internet as we know it and stifling the free flow of information upon which our economy depends,\u201d\u00a0said Polis.\u00a0 \u201cKnowing exactly how critical the internet is to innovation, I won\u2019t give up on Net Neutrality, and am sponsoring a congressional fix.\u201d\r\n\"What does this mean for the internet? \u00a0Well, the fight continues in: the Courts - several advocacy groups have already promised to sue the FCC over Net Neutrality regulations.\u00a0 The states - state and municipalities will now face more pressure to consider providing high speed open internet as a utility.\u00a0 Congress - lawmakers can make laws to reinstate net neutrality.\u00a0 I am a sponsor of a bill to save net neutrality and block the FCC rollback of net neutrality,\u201d\u00a0Polis continued.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\r\nPolis is an ardent advocate for Net Neutrality protections.\u00a0\r\nHe is a co-sponsor of the Save Net Neutrality Act (H.R. 4585) to stop the FCC\u2019s Net Neutrality rule reversal.\u00a0 \u00a0\r\nHe has sent several\u00a0letters\u00a0to the FCC asking that they not repeal Net Neutrality protections.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nFollowing findings that over half of Net Neutrality comments submitted to the FCC during its public comment period were fake,\u00a0Polis called for starting the comment period over and delaying the FCC decision.\u00a0\r\nHe offered an amendment on Tuesday to the Higher Education Act Reauthorization to prevent educational materials from being blocked or censored by internet providers as a result of the Net Neutrality rollback.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nPolis\u2019s office has received 1,500 calls and over 5,700 emails on Net Neutrality, all against the FCC changes.\u00a0\r\nPrior to serving in Congress, Polis also founded several startup and tech companies, including ProFlowers.com and Techstars.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tipton.house.gov/media/press-releases/tipton-and-maloney-legislation-ensuring-treatment-during-examination-appeals", "Tipton and Maloney Legislation Ensuring Treatment during Examination Appeals Process Passes Out of Committee", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Scott Tipton", "T000470", "tipton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2013 Representatives Scott Tipton (R-CO) and Carolyn B. Maloney\u2019s (D-NY) Financial Institutions Examination Fairness and Reform Act of 2017 (H.R. 4545) has been approved by the full Financial Services Committee with a bipartisan vote of 50-10, and will now move to the House Floor for consideration.\u00a0\nCurrently, federal financial regulators each have their own appeals review processes, each with their own rules and their own stipulations about what regulatory decisions can be appealed, causing supervised financial institutions to grow concerned about the timeliness, transparency, standards of practice, and application of the law in these appeals.\nH.R. 4545 would resolve these problems by moving the federal financial examination appeals process away from the regulator and reassigning it to the newly created Office of Independent Examination Review under the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC). The Office of Independent Examination Review would provide uniformity to the appeal process and its standards, implement timeliness expectations in decisions about appeals, and increase transparency in the process.\nAdditionally, H.R. 4545 would not prevent federal financial regulators from handing down or enforcing supervisory determinations, and prevents frivolous appeals by financial institutions through rigorous qualifications for what kinds of supervisory decisions can be appealed.\n\u201cBringing the examination appeals process under an independent office provides financial institutions with greater certainty that they will receive fair and standard treatment in the appeals process,\u201d said Tipton. \u201cI\u2019m pleased to work with my colleague Representative Maloney to advance this bipartisan legislation to ensure financial institutions including small banks undergo an effective and fair examination process.\u201d\nMaloney said, \u201cIn the aftermath of the financial crisis, I heard from countless community banks that they were afraid to appeal exam decisions, because they thought their examiner would retaliate against them. That\u2019s why I\u2019m proud to have worked with Congressman Tipton to introduce this bill that would improve the examination process. This bill ensures that banks are treated fairly by their examiners, and creates a rigorous and independent process for banks to appeal certain exam decisions, which will bring transparency and consistency to the examination process. This improvement will protect the integrity of the banking system, while also improving the fairness of the examination process.\u201d\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=B462D546-1BB5-362C-C17D-86192D272CFF", "Bennet Urges FCC to Abandon Net Neutrality Plan", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Michael Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Ahead of today's Federal Communications Commission (FCC) vote on net neutrality, Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet sent a letter to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai this morning, urging him to abandon plans to rescind the agency's net neutrality rules.  Since Chairman Pai announced his plans to roll back net neutrality rules on November 21, Bennet's office has received more than 22,000 letters and 2,500 calls from concerned Coloradans. In a letter sent before the vote, Bennet echoed these concerns, warning that rescinding the rules \"would undermine the fundamental promise of the Internet, which has enabled economic growth and entrepreneurship, as well as the free exchange of ideas essential to our democracy.\"  \"The Internet has become essential for technological innovation, economic development, and freedom of expression both in Colorado and across the country,\" Bennet wrote. \"It has also become a powerful force in breaking cycles of poverty and inequality...By rescinding these rules, Internet service providers (ISPs) would be able to favor or discriminate against websites or online media by charging higher fees for access to faster network speeds or premium content.\"  Bennet emphasized that a free and open Internet has long-held bipartisan support, citing a speech delivered in Boulder, Colorado by Bush-era FCC Chairman Michael Powell on the \"Four Internet Freedoms.\" \"Your proposal threatens to eliminate the FCC's oversight role that has been in place for decades under both Democratic and Republican presidents,\" Bennet wrote. \"As a regulatory body, the FCC has a responsibility to protect the standards that make it possible for our communities to thrive in the 21st Century,\" Bennet concluded. A copy of the letter is available HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/-gardner-bipartisan-senators-introduce-legislation-to-combat-sexual-harassment-in-congress", "Gardner, Bipartisan Senators Introduce Legislation to Combat Sexual Harassment in Congress", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Cory Gardner", "G000562", "www.gardner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC\u00a0\u2013\u00a0U.S. Senators Cory Gardner (R-CO), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Ted Cruz (R-TX), along with several of their colleagues, today introduced new bipartisan legislation that would overhaul the current process that victims of harassment in Congress must go through when reporting a claim,\u00a0eliminate the use of taxpayer funds to pay out claims, and increase public disclosure of claims against Members.\u00a0\r\nThe current process for victims of harassment in Congress lacks transparency and is difficult to navigate. This legislation, the\u00a0Congressional Harassment Reform Act, would bring transparency and accountability to the current process by extending protections to interns and fellows, eliminating forced mediation, ending the current required secrecy in the process by allowing victims to speak publicly about their case, requiring Members of Congress found personally liable for harassment to pay settlements out of their own pockets, and improving systems to address harassment and discrimination in Congress.\r\n\u201cOver the past few months, our country has experienced a much-needed transformation when it comes to listening to courageous women share their stories about harassment. No one should be forced to work in an environment where they are made to feel uncomfortable or intimidated. Let me be extremely clear: sexual harassment and workplace misconduct has no place in America, and certainly has no place in the United States Congress,\u201d\u00a0said Senator Gardner. \u201cI\u2019m proud to join Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and my other colleagues on both sides of the aisle, to introduce this bipartisanlegislation that reforms the way Congress deals with harassment. This legislation ensures we have an open, transparent process that does not leave the taxpayers on the hook for Members of Congress\u2019 misconduct. I\u2019m proud to introduce this bill today and call on each of my colleagues to\u00a0support this important proposal.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\u201cCongress should never be above the law or play by their own set of rules,\u201d\u00a0said Senator Gillibrand.\u00a0\u201cWe should treat every person who works here with respect and dignity, and that means creating a climate where there is accountability, fairness, respect, and access to justice if sexual harassment takes place. There are real costs to sexual harassment in the workplace. We now know that many people quit their jobs because of it, or miss out on promotions or raises, all of which can throw off the entire trajectory in their careers. We must ensure that Congress handles complaints to create an environment where staffers can come forward if something happens to them, without having to fear that it will ruin their careers. This bipartisan legislation would bring us much closer to that goal.\u201d\r\n\u201cSexual harassment is wrong. Every person, man or woman, deserves to be treated with dignity and respect in the workplace,\u201d\u00a0said Senator Cruz. \u201cIn recent months, we've seen wave after wave of appalling sexual harassment and assault allegations -- from Hollywood, to newsrooms, to the halls of Congress. And powerful men who have abused their positions have been held to account. Congress is not above the laws, and secret settlements with taxpayer money to cover up harassment should no longer be tolerated. This legislation seeks to empower victims of\u00a0harassment to report those crimes and to hold the perpetrators accountable.\"\u00a0\r\nSpecifically, the\u00a0Congressional Harassment Reform Act\u00a0would do the following:\r\n \r\nExtends protections to interns and fellows.\r\nRequires everyone working on Capitol Hill, including Members, to take the Office of Compliance training.\r\nChanges the name of the Office of Compliance (OOC) to the Office of Congressional Workplace Rights.\r\nPuts victims in the driver\u2019s seat by allowing them to choose how to resolve their complaint (e.g. counseling and mediation are both no longer mandatory) and protecting their option to discuss their claim publicly\u00a0\r\nEstablishes a Confidential Advisor to consult, on a confidential basis, with any employee who has alleged harassment or discrimination; and assist any employee who has an allegation under Title IV in understanding the procedures, and the significance of the procedures.\r\nGives OOC\u2019s General Counsel the authority to conduct interviews and gather evidence regarding complaints of covered harassment and discrimination filed under this section, including interviews with former employees.\u00a0\r\nAllows individuals to work remotely without penalty throughout proceedings.\r\nImproves tracking of complaints and procedures by implementing an online platform.\r\nIf a Member of Congress is found to be personally liable for harassment or discrimination, they will be responsible for the cost of any settlement.\r\nIf a Member of Congress is found to be personally liable for harassment or discrimination, any settlement must be approved by the appropriate Senate or House committee.\r\nRequires settlements to be publicly disclosed unless the victims choose to keep them private or the Member of Congress is found to have not committed the harassment or discrimination.\r\nRequires offices to post notices with information about employees\u2019 rights and how to contact the Office of Compliance.\r\nProvides for a climate survey to identify the pervasiveness of the problem and what gaps continue to exist in its resolution.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://coffman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2412", "Coffman Introduces the Peer-2-Peer Counseling Act", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Mike Coffman", "C001077", "coffman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Coffman (R-CO) and Elizabeth Esty (D-CT) introduced, H.R. 4635, the Peer-2-Peer Act, a bipartisan bill, to ensure the Veterans Administrations (VA) existing peer-to-peer counseling program has sufficient female peer counselors for female veterans who are separating or newly separated from military service.\r\nThe VAs existing peer-to-peer counseling program has seen great success. This bill would build upon its proven record by creating a more representative program of the veteran population and focus on the mental health needs of female veterans. Said Coffman. \r\nThe VAs 2016 suicide data report found that the risk of suicide was 2.4 times higher among female veterans when compared with civilian adult females. Additionally, rates of suicide increase more among women than that among men during the study period.  \r\n\r\nIf enacted, the bill would:\r\n \r\n    Emphasize counseling for women who suffered sexual trauma while serving, have PTSD or another mental health condition, or are at risk of becoming homeless; \r\n    Include information on VA services and benefits, and employment mentoring;\r\n    Require the VA Secretary to conduct outreach to inform female veterans of the program and assistance provided; and\r\n     Require the VA Secretary to facilitate engagement and coordination with community organizations, state and local governments, institutions of higher education, chambers of commerce, local business organizations, and organizations that provide legal assistance, etc.\r\n \r\nCurrently, the bill is supported by The American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Wounded Warrior Project.\r\nH.R. 4635 will now be referred to the Veterans Affairs Committee, on which Reps. Coffman and Esty currently serve.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2216", "Dan Nordbergs Appointment to Small Business Administration Region VIII Position", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Doug Lamborn", "L000564", "lamborn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dan Nordberg\u2019s Appointment to Small Business Administration Region VIII Position \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 13, 2017\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Congressman Lamborn (CO-05) released the following statement supporting Colorado State Rep. Dan Nordberg\u2019s presidential appointment as Small Business Administration Region VIII Administrator. His jurisdiction covers Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming: \r\n\u201cCongratulations to Dan Nordberg on his appointment to this critical regional business development leadership role. I've had the privilege of working with Dan throughout his public service in the Colorado General Assembly, and I can say confidently that he possesses both the passion and competency to fill this role with excellence. His colleagues on both sides of the aisle respect and admire him for his even-handedness, honesty and integrity. His policy expertise and sharp intelligence make him a great choice for this appointment.\u201d\u00a0\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://polis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398507", "Marijuana as an Alternative to Opioids", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Jared Polis", "P000598", "polis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Honorable Eric D. Hargan\r\nActing Secretary\r\nU.S. Department of Health and Human Services\r\n200 Independence Avenue, S.W.\r\nWashington, D.C. 20201\r\nDear Mr. Secretary:\r\nAs you know, our country is grappling with an opioid epidemic that is now taking 91 lives every single day. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, prescription opioids are involved in almost half of all fatal opioid overdoses. Prescription drugs have been a key factor in the rapid growth of this public health emergency, which has hit communities all across America. Our health care providers, first responder, and community advocates have been on the front lines working tirelessly to deliver prevention, treatment and recovery services to those impacted by this epidemic, and they require sustained action and support from public officials at all levels of government.\r\nThe federal government can play a unique and critical role to help communities struggling to combat the opioid epidemic with every tool available. This includes conducting epidemiological research, exploring possibilities for alternative treatments to the prescription pain medications that have been at the center of this crisis, and sharing best practices and current data with state and local public health officials, as well as the public.\r\nRecent studies published by qualified academic researchers suggest that marijuana may prove to be a useful alternative treatment for chronic pain instead of harmful, addictive prescription opioids, and that marijuana may reduce the overall number of opioid overdose deaths.\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A 2014 JAMA International Medicine study analyzed all 50 states and found that those with medical marijuana law had 25% fewer fatal opioid overdoses than states that had no such laws between 1999 and 2010.\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A HealthAffairs study published last year looked at Medicare Part D prescribing data and found that with the implementation of state medical marijuana laws, among prescriptions for pain there was a reduction of o1,826 daily doses filled per prescriber per year. This same study also found that due to implemented medical marijuana laws, Medicare Part D savings were over $165 million among seventeen states and the District of Columbia on 2013.\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A 2016 Journal of Pain survey of chronic pain patients found that among participants there was some suggested benefit to medical marijuana use, such as fewer side effects to medication, a 64% reduction in overall opioid use, and an improved quality of life among half patients.\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A report released in January 2017 by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine compiled research from over 10,000 studies on marijuana and its components. The report states that \u201cin adults with chronic pain, patients who were treated with cannabis or cannabinoids are more likely to experience a clinically significant reduction in pain symptoms.\u201d This report also concluded that \u201cthere is substantial evidence that cannabis is an effective treatment for chronic pain in adults.\u201d\r\nThe evidence that marijuana may have a positive therapeutic application warrants additional attention from the federal government. We request that you provide answers to the following questions:\r\n1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Please describe in detail what the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is doing to fill the gap in our knowledge about the use, uptake, and effectiveness of medical marijuana as an alternative to opioids for pain treatment in states where it is legal.\r\na.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Please describe in detail any federal efforts to conduct research the impact of state medical and recreational marijuana laws on opioid overdose deaths.\r\nb.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Please also describe in detail efforts by other federal agencies under the jurisdiction of HHS.\r\n2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Please describe in detail what HHS and other federal agencies are doing to worth with states that have implemented medical marijuana laws to collect data on the impact of these laws on opioid overdose deaths.\r\n3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Is HHS committed to implementing evidence-based policies regarding the use of medical marijuana as an alternative pain treatment in an effort to promote public health?\r\n4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Is HHS committed to making any research on the therapeutic benefits of marijuana available to states including as a more benign alternative to opioids for pain management, so that they can implement evidenced-based policies to address the opioid epidemic?\r\n5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Please describe in detail any ongoing efforts to share this research on marijuana\u2019s potential as an alternative pain treatment to addictive and dangerous prescription medications with other federal agencies, including but not limited to the Office of National Drug Control Policy, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Department of Justice.\r\nWe should not ignore any information that suggest there may be a tool available fight the opioid epidemic that we are not using to the fullest extent. While it is clear that more research is necessary, it is equally clear that medical marijuana is an alternative pain treatment that merits the attention of the federal government. We appreciate your consideration of the se question and respectfully request a response by December 1, 2017.\r\nSincerely,  \r\n\r\nJared Polis\r\nMember of Congress\r\nDana Rohrabacher\r\nMember of Congress\r\n\u00a0\r\nEarl Blumenauer\r\nMember of Congress\r\n\u00a0\r\nThomas A. Garrett, Jr.\r\nMember of Congress\r\n\u00a0\r\nDiana DeGette\r\nMember of Congress\r\n\u00a0\r\nSteve Cohen\r\nMember of Congress\r\n\u00a0\r\nTulsi Gabbard\r\nMember of Congress\r\n\u00a0\r\nEd Perlmutter\r\nMember of Congress\r\n\u00a0\r\nJames P. McGovern\r\nMember of Congress\r\n\u00a0\r\nDon Young\r\nMember of Congress\r\n\u00a0\r\nPeter A. DeFazio\r\nMember of Congress\r\n\u00a0\r\nMark Pocan\r\nMember of Congress\r\n\u00a0\r\nDarren Soto\r\nMember of Congress\r\n\u00a0\r\nRa\u00fal M. Grijalva\r\nMember of Congress\r\n\u00a0\r\nJerrold Nadler\r\nMember of Congress\r\n\u00a0\r\nLujan Grisham\r\nMember of Congress\r\n\u00a0\r\nRo Khanna\r\nMember of Congress\r\nJ. Luis Correa\r\nMember of Congress\r\n\u00a0\r\nDina Titus\r\nMember of Congress  \r\n\r\nTo view the official letter, click\u00a0here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tipton.house.gov/media/press-releases/tipton-legislation-making-mobile-banking-obtainable-rural-colorado-clears", "Tipton Legislation Making Mobile Banking Obtainable for Rural Colorado Clears Important Hurdle", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Scott Tipton", "T000470", "tipton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2013 Congressman Scott Tipton\u2019s (CO-03) Making Online Banking Initiation Legal and Easy Act of 2017 (H.R. 1457), otherwise known as the MOBILE Act, has been approved unanimously by the full Financial Services Committee and will now move to the House Floor for consideration.\n\u201cProviding mobile financial services access to unbanked and underserved households has been proven to improve their financial outcomes,\u201d said Tipton. \u201cUnfortunately, access to mobile financial services products is not equal across the United States, leaving some communities unable to open accounts from their mobile device.\u201d\nThe MOBILE Act would fix this problem by creating a uniform regulatory standard that would give consumers the ability \u2013 if they so choose \u2013 to authorize their bank to use the personal information on their driver\u2019s license or identification card for the purpose of opening a bank account.\nAdditionally, the bill prioritizes protecting consumer privacy information and respects state privacy laws, as well as requires that a financial institution delete all copies of a driver\u2019s license after using the information for the express purpose of opening account.\nAccording to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), at least 67 million people in the United States are under- or \u2013unbanked and could benefit from the ability to access financial services from their mobile device.\nTipton\u2019s statement can be viewed here.\nAn audio file of his statement can be downloaded here.\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tipton.house.gov/media/press-releases/tipton-two-bills-passed-out-natural-resources-committee-are-wins-colorado", "Tipton: Two Bills Passed out of Natural Resources Committee are Wins for Colorado", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Scott Tipton", "T000470", "tipton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2013 The National Landslide Preparedness Act (H.R.1675) and the Endangered Fish Recovery Programs Extension Act of 2017 (H.R.4465) have been approved by the full Natural Resources Committee and will now move the House floor for consideration. Congressman Scott Tipton (CO-03) cosponsored both pieces of legislation.\nThe National Landslide Preparedness Act would direct the U.S. Geological Survey to establish a National Landslide Hazards Reduction Program to identify and reduce landslide risks. In his statement before the committee, Tipton highlighted the importance of this legislation to Colorado, recognizing the three Coloradans who lost their lives in a massive landslide near Grand Junction in 2014. The men had been investigating a previous, smaller landslide when the fatal landslide occurred.\nOf this legislation, Tipton said, \u201cThe 3D Elevation program created by the National Landslide Preparedness Act will help state and local officials evaluate the effects of landslides before putting boots on the ground, as well as develop safe and effective search and rescue strategies.\u201d\nThe Endangered Fish Recovery Programs Extension Act of 2017 would extend funding for the Upper Colorado and San Juan fish recovery programs through fiscal year 2023. Under current law, the program is set to expire in 2019.\n\u201cThe Upper Colorado and San Juan fish recovery programs showcase the ability of federal, state and local partners to carry out effective conservation,\u201d Tipton said. \u201cThis legislation will ensure the recovery programs continue to protect four primary endangered species in the Upper Colorado River Basin.\u201d\nOf the bills\u2019 passage, Tipton said, \u201cBoth pieces of legislation are wins for Colorado, and I look forward to seeing them considered by the full House soon.\u201d\nTipton\u2019s statement can be viewed here.\nAn audio file of his statement can be downloaded here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=5F666A7D-4FEF-75C2-6BF5-3E4786B0D225", "Bennet Secures Colorado Priorities in Final Defense Authorization Bill", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Michael Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet secured five provisions that will benefit Colorado in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2018 that President Trump signed into law this week.  \"The language we secured in the final NDAA package will bolster innovation and create opportunities for small businesses in Colorado,\" Bennet said. \"It will also ensure our servicemembers have the resources they need to defend our country overseas and protect our assets in space. I will continue working with local leaders in Colorado and my colleagues in the Senate to see that these provisions are implemented-from officially recognizing American's National World War II Aviation Museum in Colorado Springs to addressing drinking water contamination around bases.\" The final bill included the following Bennet-backed provisions:\r\n \r\nWater Contamination: The bill includes authorization, supported by Bennet, for a study on the health effects of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), chemicals that have contaminated drinking water sources near military bases across the nation. Bennet also secured additional funding for Air Force environmental restoration and remediation. Bennet also supported language in the final bill that requires the Department of Defense (DoD) to report to Congress progress on plans for the development of a fire fighting alternative and how DoD could reimburse state or municipal agencies that expended funds to provide alternative water supplies.\r\nWorld War II Aviation Museum: Bennet secured a provision, along with Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO), that recognizes a museum in Colorado Springs, Colorado as America's National World War II Aviation Museum.\r\nMulti-Use SCIFs: Bennet secured a provision that requires DoD to establish processes and procedures to build multi-use sensitive compartmented information facilities (SCIFs), enclosed areas used to exchange secure information. This concept aims to provide small businesses-which often find constructing SCIFs overly burdensome-with opportunities to procure the secure space needed to compete for DoD contracts.\r\nNational Space Defense Center: Bennet secured a provision, along with Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO), to more effectively defend and secure the space domain and respond to evolving space threats through bolstering integration between DoD and the intelligence community at the National Space Defense Center (NSDC) in Colorado Springs. The amendment also solidifies the NSDC's critical role in defending and securing all U.S. assets in space.\r\nSmall Business Contracting Oversight: Bennet secured a provision to increase competition and innovation in DoD acquisition, as well as increase small business contracting with DoD. It requires the Secretary of Defense to analyze and submit a report on the effect of DoD's use of an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract vehicle, known as OASIS, on the small business community and on innovation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://buck.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/rep-buck-wants-stop-settlement-sexual-misconduct-cases-taxes", "Rep. Buck Wants To STOP Settlement Of Sexual Misconduct Cases With Taxes", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Ken Buck", "B001297", "buck.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "A provision in the tax code meant for businesses means that tax dollars are being used to settle sexual misconduct cases.\nRead more", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://buck.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/buck-sessions-and-jones-make-hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-reality-our", "Buck, Sessions, and Jones Make Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy a Reality for Our Veterans", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Ken Buck", "B001297", "buck.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release\nContact:\u00a0Kyle Huwa, 202-225-4676\nWashington, D.C. - U.S. Congressmen Ken Buck (R-CO), Pete Sessions (R-TX), and Walter B.\u00a0Jones (R-NC) have diligently worked with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to urge them to offer Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) as a treatment option for our nation\u2019s veterans. Last month, the VA made an announcement that two Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities will partner with local providers to offer HBOT as a treatment option for Veterans with persistent post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms resistant to standard options. In addition, the\u00a0VA and the Department of Defense are planning a multisite research study to examine more fully the use of HBOT for patients diagnosed with PTSD.\n\u201cI\u2019m\u00a0pleased\u00a0to see the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offering hyperbaric oxygen therapy as another option in treating the physical and mental injuries that so many veterans acquire while defending our freedom,\u201d\u00a0said Congressman Buck.\u00a0\u201cAfter talking to veterans and providers, I\u2019m convinced that America\u2019s heroes deserve HBOT therapy as an option in treating their injuries. I look forward to continuing our work with the VA and Congress to ensure that this important therapy is utilized to its full capacity.\u201d\n\u201cThousands of brave men and women in uniform are returning from duty with severe physical and mental injuries causing many to be unable to find a job and in many cases resulting in suicide,\u201d\u00a0said Congressman Sessions.\u00a0\u201cOur nation\u2019s veterans deserve our unwavering support and that is why I have been working with my colleagues for more than a decade to research, study, and better understand how hyperbaric oxygen therapy could help treat injuries. I am delighted with the VA\u2019s decision to offer this life saving treatment to our nation\u2019s heroes and I look forward to continuing to work with them on this important issue.\u201d\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s courageous veterans deserve our full help and support when healing from PTSD or a TBI. That is why for years, my colleagues and I have worked with the VA and DoD to find further treatments to help those men and women on the road to recovery,\u201d\u00a0saidCongressman Jones.\u00a0\u201cIt gives me great joy to announce that two VA facilities will now offer HBOT treatment to our heroes suffering from those invisible injuries. I want to thank Secretary David Shulkin for his leadership on this pilot program and my colleagues for their persistent support of HBOT research and treatment.\u201d\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://coffman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2410", "Coffman Praises the Signing into Law of the National Defense Authorization Act", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Mike Coffman", "C001077", "coffman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, U.S. Representative Mike Coffman (R-CO) praised the signing into law of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The bill, now a law, contains significant policy and funding initiatives for the Department of Defense (DoD) for 2018.  \r\n\r\nCoffman, as Chairman of the House Armed Forces Subcommittee on Military Personnel, worked across party lines to ensure that the bill includes key provisions for our troops, their families, while supporting military readiness and issues important to Colorados 6th district.\r\nAs chairman of the Military Personnel Subcommittee, and as a Marine Corps combat Veteran, my goal is to ensure that we have the best trained, best equipped, and best led military in the world. The signing of the FY18 NDAA is a very important step in providing the necessary resources to DoD to do just that. I applaud the President for signing the NDAA into law today.\r\nSome of the provisions championed by Rep. Coffman that were included in the FY2018 NDAA:\r\n \r\n    Authorizing the by-law pay raise for troops by 2.4%  the highest in 8 years;\r\n    Increasing the end-strengths of the active, National Guard, and Reserve forces, thereby heightening mission readiness while reducing the stress and strain on the force;\r\n    Permanently preserving Special Survivor Indemnity Allowance payments, closing the gap in the widows tax, to surviving military spouses;\r\n    Improving sexual assault prevention and response by adding a new provision to the Uniform Code of Military Justice specifically prohibiting nonconsensual sharing of intimate images; and\r\n    Tackling challenges faced by military families regarding State licensure and certification requirements that interfere with a spouses employment when forced to move to a new state due to military orders.\r\n \r\nBackground for Colorados 6thCongressional District:\r\nRepresentative Coffman included in the NDAA a provision that will benefit Buckley Air Force Base (AFB) by providing additional funding for the Department of DefensesReadiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program(REPI). The REPI program provides funds to procure additional land around military bases to protect them from encroaching development. These land buffers then become additional open space for outdoor recreation for surrounding communities. This program is critical for the flying mission at Buckley AFB which is the districts largest employer.\r\nAnother provision facilitates the relocation of the Fleet Ballistic Missile program to the Denver area, which will result in about 350 new, high-paying jobswhile saving DoD & tax payers an estimated $60 million per year in recurring cost avoidance. \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://degette.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/opinion-one-year-later-why-21st-century-cures-still-matters", "Opinion: One Year Later  Why 21st Century Cures Still Matters", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Diana DeGette", "D000197", "degette.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "One year ago this week, President Obama signed into law one of the most consequential bills passed by the 114th Congress: the landmark, bipartisan 21st Century Cures Act. He took the occasion of his final public bill-signing to praise the measure as a prime example of how important legislation should be passed: through consultation with stakeholders, deliberation, hearings featuring expert testimony, drafting and redrafting, and a spirit of collegiality and compromise.\nWhen we started the process of crafting 21st Century Cures\u00a0\u2014 or Cures \u2014 four years ago, we began with one goal in mind: helping patients and their families. We were both inspired to act after hearing from folks in the research community as well as patients, families and advocates who all told us about the need for modernization and more resources at the National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug Administration so that the United States could remain the worldwide leader in medical innovation and find the next generation of medical cures and clues.\nWe heard these stakeholders loud and clear. Cures provides the NIH and FDA with billions of dollars in much-needed resources so that our nation\u2019s best and brightest can work on finding cures for diseases that impact virtually every family.\nMore specifically, Cures boosts four major innovative initiatives at the NIH: the Beau Biden Cancer Moonshot, which works to accelerate progress in cancer prevention and screening; the Precision Medicine Initiative, which is a long-term research endeavor aimed at understanding how a person\u2019s genetics, environment and lifestyle can help determine the best approach to prevent or treat disease; the Brain Research Through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative, which supports a more dynamic understanding of brain functions; and the Regenerative Medicine Innovation Project, which aims to accelerate the field of stem cell science.\nCures also provides the FDA new authorities and established an \u201cFDA Innovation Account\u201d so officials can concentrate on a broad range of goals, including incorporating patients\u2019 perspectives through patient-focused drug development, advancing new therapies to transform the way drugs are developed, modernizing drug-testing trial design and developing methodology to use real-world evidence in the process.\nIt focuses on reforming our nation\u2019s mental health system, which is why we worked so hard to include the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Reform Act in the bill.\nAnd most critically amid our country\u2019s ongoing opioids crisis, Cures provided $1 billion for states to fight the epidemic at the local level through the end of 2018. We\u2019re now focused on ensuring that this funding continues, and more.\nWhen FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb and NIH Director Francis Collins testified before the Subcommittee on Health earlier this month on the implementation of this law, they told us that Cures is already having a monumental impact at these vital government agencies. We are following through to ensure that in spite of proposed budget cuts, the programs supported through our bill, with widespread support in both chambers of Congress, can continue to do their vital work.\nCures was a truly bipartisan effort from start to finish. Today is a day to reflect on how far we have come, but also a reminder that we have much work left to do. Patients and their families are counting on us. We both look forward to continuing the work that Cures started.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2206", "Trump Signs NDAA FY18", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Doug Lamborn", "L000564", "lamborn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Trump Signs NDAA FY18 \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 12, 2017\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2018 was signed into law by President Trump today. The NDAA gives service members their largest pay raise in eight years, modernizes defense equipment, and funds all aspects of national defense. Rep. Doug Lamborn (CO-05) issued the following statement regarding the bill signing:\r\n\"It\u2019s great to see months of work by so many come to fruition with the signing of the NDAA. My colleagues and I on the House Armed Services Committee planned out this bipartisan legislation with a particular emphasis on enhancing military capabilities. Defense development on the space front will increase national security and protect our interests internationally. The focus on national security in space is crucial and worth the necessary funds.\u00a0 National defense is only possible because of our dedicated service members and they\u2019re highly-deserving of the pay raise this NDAA provides.\u00a0This is not the end of the road though. Rebuilding our military requires more robust appropriations from Congress.\"\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2207", "Protecting Religiously Affiliated Institutions Act of 2017", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Doug Lamborn", "L000564", "lamborn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Protecting Religiously Affiliated Institutions Act of 2017 \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 12, 2017\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      The\u00a0Protecting Religiously Affiliated Institutions Act of 2017 passed the House by a vote of 402-2. Rep. Lamborn (CO-05) issued the following statement:\r\n\"Our country was founded on the bedrock of religious liberty and protected rights. Churches, synagogues, and places of worship deserve protection. In my home district, a synagogue was vandalized this past August. I\u2019m proud our multi-faith community rallied with our Jewish neighbors in a united effort against hate. \u00a0Places of worship should be the safest places in our communities. Violators of that safety are not only attacking the institution itself, but the people of our communities. This legislation strengthens prosecutors' abilities to stop hateful acts.\"  \r\n\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tipton.house.gov/media/press-releases/tipton-introduces-land-conveyance-legislation-dolores-county-fire-station", "Tipton Introduces Land Conveyance Legislation for Dolores County Fire Station", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Scott Tipton", "T000470", "tipton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2013 Congressman Scott Tipton (CO-03) introduced the West Fork Fire Station Conveyance Act of 2017 (H.R. 4609), which would authorize the U.S. Forest Service to convey approximately three acres to Dolores County, permitting the county to build a fire station outside of the San Juan National Forest in Colorado.\nAfter two failed attempts to build a fire station on county and privately-owned land, Dolores County sought a land conveyance from the Forest Service to build a fire station and needed warehouse facilities. The conveyance can only be approved through an Act of Congress.\u00a0\nThe U.S. Forest Service has no objections to the land transfer, as Dolores County plays an active role in fire suppression efforts in the neighboring San Juan National Forest and a fire station would strengthen those efforts.\n\u201cFrequent and devastating wildfires have ravaged Western states, making it more vital than ever to ensure that every community is prepared for similar catastrophes,\u201d said Tipton. \u201cLocated on the border of the San Juan National Forest, Dolores County is in critical need of a fire station. I am proud to introduce legislation that will not only help to protect this national forest, but will also ensure the protection of private property and most importantly human lives.\u201d\nColorado U.S. Sens. Cory Gardner and Michael Bennet are leading companion legislation to Tipton\u2019s bill in the U.S. Senate.\u00a0\u00a0\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=B5BFEC39-9F33-9884-6C57-1CCBDBA86A1A", "Bennet to Tax Budget Conferees: Remove Harmful Renewable Energy Provisions, Protect Clean Energy Jobs", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Michael Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today in a press conference and a joint letter demanded the removal of renewable energy provisions-which would devastate clean energy deployment and job growth-from the final conference report on the Republican tax bill.\r\nBennet has received hundreds of letters from Coloradans concerned about harmful provisions in the Republican tax bill that would eliminate wind and solar tax credits.\r\n\"My office has been contacted by many small business owners who depend on these credits-people like Evelyn, a small business owner in Fort Collins, Colorado whose company employs 30 people,\" Bennet said in today's press conference. \"Her business is dependent on solar and wind energy, and she's worried she would have to reduce her workforce if those credits were rolled back.\"\r\nWind and solar energy currently have more than 360,000 workers in their industries across the country, the majority of them middle-class jobs such as roofers, electricians, and steelworkers. These clean energy industries are projected to support 500,000 American workers in just three years.\r\nBennet emphasized that tax credits for renewable energy have bipartisan support. \"That's why it makes absolutely no sense to me why this Congress would end years of agreement and risk undoing these credits,\" Bennet said. \"It would have irreparable effects on the economy in Colorado and make this terrible Republican tax bill even worse.\"\r\nBennet, along with U.S. Senators Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Tom Udall (D-NM), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), sent a letter to Senate Finance Committee and House Ways and Means Committee leadership, urging the removal of these provisions.\r\nA video of Bennet's remarks at the press conference is available HERE. A copy of the letter is available HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=F20EF9A5-ECF4-879E-998B-347EF54DF0EB", "Bennet, Gardner, Tipton Introduce Bill to Establish the West Fork Fire Station", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Michael Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D) and Cory Gardner (R), along with Representative Scott Tipton (R), today introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to convey about four acres of Forest Service land to Dolores County for the location of a new fire station along the West Fork of the Dolores River. Without a station, fires pose a greater threat to the West Fork community, and homeowners are unable to purchase insurance. Building a fire station would decrease response times to emergency calls, reduce the financial burden on the region's other emergency responders, and provide a staging area to respond to wildfires. \"This bipartisan legislation-drafted in consultation with Dolores County and the Forest Service-is a win for homeowners and emergency responders in the West Fork,\" Bennet said. \"I will continue to work with my colleagues to quickly advance this bill so the West Fork community has access to essential safety and readiness services, just as other Coloradans do across the state.\"  \"Municipal firehouses are an important part of many communities across Colorado,\" Gardner said. \"This bipartisan legislation, which has broad support at both the federal and local level, will ensure the West Fork fire station can be built on land at no cost to the taxpayer, provide a staging area for Forest Service personnel during wildland fire events in the area and also serve the community with more swift response times for decades to come.\" \"Frequent and devastating wildfires have ravaged Western states, making it more vital than ever to ensure that every community is prepared for similar catastrophes,\" Tipton said. \"Located on the border of the San Juan National Forest, Dolores County is in critical need of a fire station. I am proud to introduce legislation that will not only help to protect this national forest, but will also ensure the protection of private property and most importantly human lives.\" \"Dolores County, the citizens of the area, as well as surrounding emergency service providers, all recognize the immediate need for the fire station,\" wrote the Dolores County Board of County Commissioners.  A letter of support from the Dolores County Board of County Commissioners is available HERE.  A copy of the West Fork Fire Station Act of 2017 is available HERE. A map of the conveyance parcel is available HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://polis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398500", "Polis, Roe introduce the bipartisan RETIRE Act to help Americans save and plan for retirement", "2017-12-11", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Jared Polis", "P000598", "polis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Rep. Jared Polis, D-Colo., and Rep. Phil Roe, R-Tenn., introduced the bipartisan Receiving Electronic Statements to Improve Retiree Earnings (RETIRE) Act to help Americans plan for retirement.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\r\nThe RETIRE Act would ensure employers make retirement information easily accessible online, while providing protections for employees who prefer to receive paper documents.\u00a0\r\nUnder current law, employers are required to waste significant money and paper mailing documents like notices, disclosures, and statements to retirees. For context, it\u2019s estimated that the costs of sending just one four-page notice to recipients is between $36 and $60 million.\r\n\u201cWe need to make it easier for Americans to think about and plan for retirement,\u201d\u00a0Polis said.\u00a0\u201cNowadays, most Americans prefer their inbox to their mailbox.\u00a0 The RETIRE Act makes planning one-click away by giving employees online access to their retirement information.\u00a0 Not only does it make retirement information more accessible, but it helps the environment and reduces costs by cutting back on wasted paper.\u201d\r\n\u201cToday, more and more Americans are choosing to manage their finances online,\u201d\u00a0said Roe.\u00a0\u201cFor this reason, I am proud to be an original cosponsor of the RETIRE Act which allows retirement plan sponsors to automatically enroll participants in electronic delivery for plan communications. By encouraging savers to receive their retirement plan information online, this commonsense bill will lower administrative costs, provide more timely access to plan information and allow greater interaction with and personalization of retirement savings. At the same time, this legislation provides important consumer protections, allowing participants to opt out and receive paper statements at any time with no additional cost. I am proud to partner with Reps. Polis, Kelly and Kind to introduce this important piece of legislation.\u201d\r\nPolis has served Colorado\u2019s 2nd Congressional District since 2009.\u00a0 He is currently on the Committee on Rules, the Committee on Education and the Workforce, the\u00a0 Committee on Ethics, and the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee. Polis is a member of the Problem Solvers Caucus, a bipartisan group of legislators determined to counter congressional gridlock.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tipton.house.gov/media/press-releases/tipton-responds-placement-bonita-peak-mining-district-top-ten-superfund-list", "Tipton Responds to the Placement of Bonita Peak Mining District on the Top Ten Superfund List", "2017-12-11", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Scott Tipton", "T000470", "tipton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Scott Tipton (CO-03) issued the following statement after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that the Bonita Peak Mining District would be added to Administrator Pruitt\u2019s top ten superfund list.\n\u201cWhile over two years ago, the spill at Gold King Mine is still fresh in our minds as it jeopardized the health, safety and livelihoods of all southwest Coloradans. That is why I have always stated that the victims of this disaster must be put first and that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) superfund process in the Bonita Peak Mining District must work for the surrounding communities. The announcement by the EPA, placing Bonita Peak on the expedited superfund list is welcome news, and I hope the EPA will continue to put the needs of these communities first as the cleanup unfolds.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-gardner-applauds-epa-decision-to-elevate-bonita-peak-mining-district-as-a-priority-superfund-site", "ICYMI: Gardner Applauds EPA Decision to Elevate Bonita Peak Mining District as a Priority Superfund Site", "2017-12-11", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Cory Gardner", "G000562", "www.gardner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013\u00a0Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) released the below statement applauding the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s (EPA) decision to list the Bonita Peak mining district as a top priority superfund cleanup site.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cAdministrator Pruitt assured me when I met with him before his confirmation and when we visited the site in August that the EPA would make the right decision for the people of Southwest Colorado, and I appreciate his agency following through on their promise,\u201d\u00a0Gardner said. \u201cThe Gold King mine spill has had a significant impact on our state and there will continue to be a lot of work done by our elected officials and community.\u00a0This latest commitment to the Bonita Peak Mining District along with continued attention to Pueblo cleanup actions are important steps in the progress that needs to be made by the EPA at both locations.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nGardner, along with his colleagues in the Colorado Congressional delegation, has been working since the Gold King Mine spill occurred in 2015 to make sure Southwest Colorado has the necessary resources to clean up abandoned mines and prevent a similar catastrophe from happening in the future. Before voting to confirm Scott Pruitt as EPA Administrator,\u00a0Gardner secured a commitment\u00a0from Pruitt to work together to address the continued fallout from the Gold King Mine spill. In March,\u00a0Gardner invited EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt to visit Southwest Colorado\u00a0to hear from Coloradans regarding the Gold King Mine spill.\r\n\u00a0\r\nAccording to the EPA, the Bonita Peak Mining District (BPMD) became a Superfund site on Sept. 9, 2016, when it was added to the National Priorities List. The site consists of historic and ongoing releases from mining operations in three drainages:\u00a0 Mineral Creek, Cement Creek and Upper Animas, which converge into the Animas River near Silverton, Colorado. The site includes 35 mines, seven tunnels, four tailings impoundments and two study areas where additional information is needed to evaluate environmental concerns.\r\n\u00a0\r\nMore information from the EPA can be found\u00a0here.\r\n\u00a0\r\n###\r\n\u00a0\r\nCory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and the Budget Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy and Subcommittee on Energy\r\n\u00a0\r\n354 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20515\r\n(202) 224-5941", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://buck.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ken-buck-congratulates-congressional-app-challenge-winners", "Ken Buck Congratulates Congressional App Challenge Winners", "2017-12-08", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Ken Buck", "B001297", "buck.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release\nContact: Kyle Huwa, 202-225-4676\nWindsor, CO \u2013 Today, Congressman Ken Buck announced the 4th Congressional District winners of the Congressional App Challenge. Evan Hassman and Hunter Burley, students at Erie High School, received first place for their app, \u201cIn Space, Out of Gas.\u201d The computer-based role-playing game written in the Scratch programming language challenges users to explore a perilous space environment.\n\u201cI\u2019m incredibly proud of everyone who participated in the Congressional App Challenge this year. This challenge encourages students around the country to develop a STEM skillset and in doing so, prepare for a future career that contributes in important ways to the American economy,\u201d stated Congressman Ken Buck. \u201cI applaud Evan and Hunter for investing their time and effort in this creative app idea.\u201d\nThe Congressional App Challenge is a nationwide competition aimed at promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education. Students have the opportunity to code an app of their choice, either individually or in teams. A panel of judges from Colorado\u2019s technology community evaluate the entries and choose a first-place winner who will be invited to Washington, D.C. to present the app.\nWinning entrants Hassman and Burley posted this video description of their app.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://degette.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/epa-chief-defends-spending-on-travel-and-soundproof-booth", "EPA Chief Defends Spending on Travel and Soundproof Booth", "2017-12-08", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Diana DeGette", "D000197", "degette.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Environmental Protection Agency chief Scott Pruitt on Thursday defended his frequent taxpayer-funded travel and his purchase of a custom soundproof communications booth for his office, saying both were justified.\nPruitt made his first appearance before a House oversight subcommittee responsible for environmental issues since his confirmation to lead EPA in February. While his fellow Republicans largely used their time to praise Pruitt\u2019s leadership, Democrats pressed Pruitt on his proposed rollbacks of environmental regulations, his past statements denying carbon emissions are primarily to blame for climate change and his spending while in office.\nThe former Oklahoma attorney general is under scrutiny after expense reports showed he often leaves Washington on Thursdays and Fridays for appearances in westward states before spending the weekend at his home in Tulsa and then returning to EPA headquarters on Mondays. The EPA\u2019s inspector general is currently investigating whether Pruitt\u2019s trips violate EPA\u2019s travel policies and procedures.\n\u201cEvery trip I\u2019ve taken to Oklahoma with respect to taxpayer expenses has been business related,\u201d Pruitt said, before giving examples of meetings and environmental issues in his home state that he said required his personal attention. \u201cWhen I\u2019ve traveled back to the state for personal reasons, I\u2019ve paid for it. And that will bear out in the process.\u201d\nRep. Diana DeGette, a Colorado Democrat, asked about the nearly $25,000 he spent on a custom soundproof booth for making private phone calls in his office \u2014 something none of his predecessors had.\nPruitt said the booth serves as a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility, known as a SCIF, which typically are secure rooms used to house computers and equipment for communicating over classified government networks. Former EPA officials said that explanation doesn\u2019t make much sense.\nThere was already a SCIF at EPA headquarters in Washington where officials with the appropriate levels of security clearance can go to access classified information. EPA employees rarely deal with government secrets. The agency does occasionally receive, handle and store classified material because of its homeland security, emergency response and continuity missions.\nPruitt said he needed the booth to have a secure phone line with which he could communicate with the White House, located just a few blocks away.\n\u201cCabinet level officials need to have access to secure communications,\u201d Pruitt said. \u201cIt\u2019s necessary for me to be able to do my job.\u201d\nCommittee Democrats also grilled Pruitt over what ranking member Frank Pallone of New Jersey called an \u201cunprecedented assault on independent science\u201d by purging academic experts from federal advisory boards and replacing them with industry representatives.\nPruitt in November appointed a new slate of members to 22 boards that provide input on issues such as drinking water standards and air pollution limits. For the chairmanship of EPA\u2019s Board of Scientific Counselors, he selected a former agency official who became an executive of a company that burns waste to generate electricity.\nHe also said he has barred from the boards current recipients of EPA grants or those in a position to benefit from them to avoid conflicts of interest. Twenty scientists on three committees have received $77 million in grants, which \u201ccauses a perception or appearance of a lack of independence in advising the agency on a host of issues,\u201d Pruitt told the subcommittee. Pruitt made no such prohibition for those who receive funding from industries regulated by EPA.\nRep. Paul Tonko, D-N.Y., asked for specific examples of an EPA grant recipient offering \u201cconflicted advice.\u201d Pruitt said he could provide \u201cmany examples of scientists who received grants over a period of time that were substantial and it called into question that independence, and we addressed that through the policy that we implemented.\u201d\nTonko said Pruitt\u2019s EPA was ignoring scientific consensus through its downplaying of climate change and its approach to regulation and eroding staff morale by censoring experts.\n\u201cI believe EPA has all the signs of an agency captured by industry,\u201d he said.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-schakowsky-respond-to-republicans-launching-yet-another-witch", "DeGette, Schakowsky Respond to Republicans Launching Yet Another Witch Hunt", "2017-12-08", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Diana DeGette", "D000197", "degette.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Diana DeGette, Co-Chair of the Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus, and Rep. Jan Schakowksy, Ranking Member of the Republican now dissolved Select Panel,\u00a0released the following statement after media reported that the Department of Justice sent a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee inquiring about the Committee\u2019s report on fetal tissue:\n\u201cThe Select Panel to Attack Women\u2019s Health was created by Republicans to investigate spurious claims supported only by doctored footage created by a man currently facing criminal charges. After spending 15 long months and $1.59 million in taxpayer funds investigating David Daleiden\u2019s lies, this ideological witch hunt came up empty. There was zero evidence that Planned Parenthood acted in violation of the law that prohibits selling fetal tissue. The Panel accomplished nothing except for wasting hard-earned taxpayer dollars and derailing critical medical research.\n\u201cNow, with the same flagrant disregard for the truth, the Trump Administration is continuing its dangerous ideological crusade to end women\u2019s access to health services and abortion. We cannot allow these politically-driven assaults to continue if we care about women\u2019s health, the public\u2019s health, scientific progress, or the facts.\u00a0It is time to stop the attacks.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/letter-to-house-senate-leadership-urges-bipartisan-solution-to-funding", "Letter to House, Senate Leadership Urges Bipartisan Solution to Funding CHIP", "2017-12-08", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Diana DeGette", "D000197", "degette.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Nearly 100 members of Congress, led by Representatives Diana DeGette (D-CO), Andr\u00e9 Carson (D-IN) and Beto O\u2019Rourke (D-TX), today sent letters to top House and Senate leaders on both sides of the aisle urging bipartisan cooperation in finding a way to responsibly extend funding for the Children\u2019s Health Insurance Program, which was allowed to lapse on September 30.\n\u201cCHIP is a critical program that provides health coverage to millions of children and must be reauthorized immediately,\u201d the lawmakers wrote to House Speaker Paul Ryan, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. \u201cIt does not make sense, however, to pass any legislation that simultaneously harms children and families by undermining other important health programs. No one should have to lose coverage for others to maintain it.\u201d\nThe House has passed partisan a bill that further funds CHIP at the expense of other health programs for America\u2019s vulnerable populations; Senate legislation has not yet come up for a vote. Signed by 99 House members, the letter advocates immediately renewing CHIP funding while simultaneously protecting the Affordable Care Act, Medicare, Medicaid and other health programs that Americans rely on to stay healthy, see a doctor and get the care they need.\n\u201cCHIP has a long history of bipartisan support,\u201d it noted. \u201cUnfortunately, the recent bill passed by the House deviated from this commendable legacy. \u2026 This bill weakens coverage for too many Americans, cutting funding for financial assistance for middle- and working-class Americans who purchase subsidized coverage in the Marketplaces under the Affordable Care Act. It also reduces the Prevention and Public Fund by more than $6 billion, crippling programs that improve access to vaccines for children, opioid treatment, youth suicide programs, and diabetes prevention services. There is broad, bipartisan agreement on a policy to extend CHIP for five years, but neither chamber of Congress has yet scheduled a vote to do so without also including policies that would undermine care for millions of Americans.\u201d\nNine million children across the country rely on CHIP, which has played a fundamental role in lowering the uninsured rate among children from 25 percent in 1997 to less than five percent today. CHIP provides comprehensive, low-cost health coverage for services including routine check-ups, immunizations, doctor visits, prescriptions, dental and vision care, and emergency services.\nWith the expiration of federal funding for CHIP at September\u2019s end, many states that have since temporarily turned to reserves or other resources are now preparing to terminate children\u2019s health coverage. Families across the season are starting the holiday season with notices in the mail that they may lose CHIP coverage.\nA copy of the letter is here, and the text is below.\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n# # #\n\u00a0\nDecember 7, 2017\n\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tThe Honorable Mitch McConnell\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThe Honorable Charles Schumer\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMajority Leader\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMinority Leader\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tUnited States Senate\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tUnited States Senate\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWashington, D.C. 20510\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWashington, D.C. 20510\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\u00a0\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\u00a0\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThe Honorable Paul Ryan\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThe Honorable Nancy Pelosi\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSpeaker\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMinority Leader\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tUnited States House of Representatives\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tUnited States House of Representatives\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWashington, D.C. 20515\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWashington, D.C. 20515\n\t\t\t\n\t\tDear Leader McConnell, Leader Schumer, Speaker Ryan, and Leader Pelosi:\nWe write to urge House and Senate leadership to work together to urgently and responsibly extend funding for the Children\u2019s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) without the inclusion of harmful provisions that would reduce coverage among people who get health insurance under the Affordable Care Act, Medicare, and Medicaid. CHIP is a critical program that provides health coverage to millions of children and must be reauthorized immediately. It does not make sense, however, to pass any legislation that simultaneously harms children and families by undermining other important health programs. No one should have to lose coverage for others to maintain it.\nA bipartisan framework is the surest and most responsible path to quickly reauthorize CHIP. After all, CHIP has a long history of bipartisan support, and was the byproduct of a bipartisan agreement in 1997 on the importance of investing in our children\u2019s care. Unfortunately, the recent bill passed by the House deviated from this commendable legacy. The highly partisan bill seeks to provide healthcare for some at the expense of others, undermining CHIP\u2019s mission. This bill weakens coverage for too many Americans, cutting funding for financial assistance for middle- and working-class Americans who purchase subsidized coverage in the Marketplaces under the Affordable Care Act. It also reduces the Prevention and Public Fund by more than $6 billion, crippling programs that improve access to vaccines for children, opioid treatment, youth suicide programs, and diabetes prevention services. There is broad, bipartisan agreement on a policy to extend CHIP for five years, but neither chamber of Congress has yet scheduled a vote to do so without also including policies that would undermine care for millions of Americans.\nA number of organizations devoted to the health care of Americans support legislation that extends funding for CHIP and have also expressed opposition to the offsets included in the House bill. The March of Dimes stated that it \u201copposes the decision to fund important public health priorities\u2026with monies from the Prevention and Public Health Fund.\u201d The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) found it \u201cdisappointing that this legislation includes offsets that undermine our communities\u2019 access to coverage and services.\u201d The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids expressed in a letter that \u201creauthorization of CHIP and funding for community health centers need not come at the expense of our nation\u2019s investment in prevention.\u201d And according to the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, the bill would result in up to 688,000 Americans losing insurance in the individual market, and \u201cwould hurt low- and moderate-income individuals and families who miss a payment or even part of a payment for any reason, such as a costly home or car repair.\u201d[1] Leadership must not take these concerns lightly, and work together to not incorporate damaging offsets opposed by so many.\nNine million children rely on CHIP, which has played a fundamental role in lowering the uninsured rate among children down to a record 4.5 percent.[2],[3] CHIP provides comprehensive, low-cost health coverage for services including routine check-ups, immunizations, doctor visits, prescriptions, dental and vision care, and emergency services. Federal funding for CHIP expired over two months ago, and as a result, many states across the country are preparing to terminate children\u2019s health coverage. As families begin receiving notices that they may lose CHIP coverage, they will undoubtedly be left worried and wondering how they will pay for their children\u2019s care.[4],[5]\nWe must not continue to delay \u2013 every additional day puts children at risk for losing access to these core health services. While we are encouraged by ongoing discussions regarding the program, it is long past time for Congress to act together in this endeavor. The continuing uncertainty leaves states unable to adequately plan their budgets, and, moreover, too many are being forced to prepare for the worst case scenario: abandoning our mutual commitment to children\u2019s health.\nFamilies throughout the country are depending on us to ensure that their children have healthcare coverage. We all share a commitment to promoting the well-being of children in our country, and we look forward to promptly considering bipartisan legislation to extend funding for CHIP.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tipton.house.gov/media/press-releases/tipton-voices-concern-about-potential-one-size-fits-all-land-management", "Tipton Voices Concern about Potential One-Size-Fits-All Land Management Approach, Says Local Voices Must be Consulted", "2017-12-08", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Scott Tipton", "T000470", "tipton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2014 During a hearing in the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands, Congressman Scott Tipton (CO-03) voiced concerns about H.R. 1349 and its potential to lead to a one-size-fits-all approach to bicycle use in Wilderness Areas. Tipton had the opportunity to question an expert witness on the potential impact of this legislation.\nH.R. 1349 would amend the Wilderness Act to ensure that the use of bicycles, wheelchairs, strollers, and game carts is not prohibited across designated Wilderness Areas.\u00a0\nIn his opening statement before the committee, Tipton said, \u201cI have long supported a balanced approach to federal land management, one that supports multiple uses, keeps public lands accessible, and prioritizes the voice and wishes of the local communities. The biggest concerns that I hear out of my district are about the one-size-fits-all approach that we\u2019ve seen from the federal land management agencies over the last several years.\u201d\nDuring the hearing, Tipton asked Mr. Ted Stroll, President of the Sustainable Trails Coalition, how local land managers would work to determine if there are any trails within their Wilderness Areas that are suitable for bicycle use. Mr. Stoll testified that local communities and stakeholders play a huge role in determining whether or not trails within these areas should be open to bicycle travel.\nOf the hearing, Tipton said, \u201cI thank Mr. Stroll for his testimony, which further enhanced my belief that local input should be prioritized in any federal policy impacting the management of our nation\u2019s public lands.\u201d\nTipton\u2019s opening statement and line of questioning can be viewed here.\nAn audio file of Tipton\u2019s remarks can be downloaded here.\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://buck.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/republican-ken-buck-reaches-across-aisle-form-bipartisan-house-reformers", "Republican Ken Buck reaches across aisle to form bipartisan House Reformers Caucus", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Ken Buck", "B001297", "buck.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Reps. Ken Buck, a Windsor Republican, and Kathleen Rice, a Long Island Democrat, on Wednesday launched a bipartisan House caucus devoted to coming up with what organizers call common-sense congressional reforms.\nRead more", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://polis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398498", "Parents, educators, school districts, nonprofits, Coloradans rally around Poliss bill to fully fund special education", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Jared Polis", "P000598", "polis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Jared Polis, D-Colo., introduced legislation today to provide teachers with the resources they need to effectively serve students with disabilities.\u00a0 The Defending Special Education Students and Families Act fully funds the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA).\u00a0\u00a0\r\nCongress introduced IDEA in 1975 and committed to contributing 40 percent of the additional costs of educating students with disabilities, sharing the cost with states and districts.\u00a0 Today, 42 years later, the federal government covers less than 16 percent of those costs.\u00a0 The shortfall has dramatically impacted school budgets, causing some districts to cut or underpay teachers.\u00a0 In Colorado, districts scramble to cover 70 percent of the costs of special education on average.\r\n\u201cEducation is the single best investment we can make in our future, but for decades we have underfunded our public schools,\u201d\u00a0said Polis.\u00a0 \u201cOur failure to fully fund special education has left too many students without the tools they need to succeed and dramatically impacted school budgets.\u00a0 All students in the U.S., regardless of ability, have the right to a top-notch education.\u00a0 Meeting the needs of all students should not be an unfunded mandate. Schools should have the resources to meet the learning needs of all students. It\u2019s time for Congress to fulfill its commitment to all students.\u201d\r\nPolis drafted the bill after hearing from parents and teachers:\r\n\u201cMy son Brady benefits from his education to be supported with his general education peers, which is the intent of LRE within IDEA. In order for Brady to access this level of educational inclusion and provide the special education supports that will help him realize his full potential and live the most independent life possible, IDEA needs to be fully funded. This funding benefits not only my son, but all of the students he goes to school with,\u201d\u00a0said Tena Green, mother of Brady, a 7th grader who lives with Down Syndrome.\u00a0\r\n\u201cEvery child should have what he/she needs to reach their full potential - including our son who lives with autism.\u00a0\u00a0 The support he and other children with autism would receive from IDEA being fully funded would not only benefit him, but his classmates, his school, and the entire community.\u00a0 We need to fully fund IDEA,\u201d\u00a0said Cari Brown, mother of Craig, a 2nd grader who lives with Autism.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe hardest part of my day, as a parent of a child with special needs, is not in the act of providing care for him.\u00a0 It's the nagging question that I ask myself when I lie down to sleep every night; \u2018have I done enough?\u2019\u00a0 Until the Individuals with Disabilities Act receives full funding, the answer will always be no.\u00a0 Until financial support is received that provides the tools and services required for true access to their education, our children will always be disadvantaged in ways that would never be acceptable for children without disabilities,\u201d\u00a0said Misty Gregory, mother of Jake, a 4th grader who lives with Cerebral Palsy, Legal Blindness, and a Global Developmental Delay.\u00a0\r\nSeveral school districts and nonprofits are also advocating for the legislation and have been asking for additional IDEA funding for years.\r\n\"As the world's wealthiest and most powerful nation, I believe it is an ethical and moral imperative that we provide every child with an excellent education.\u00a0 Currently, resources for our special needs children under IDEA are severely lacking. Accordingly, I believe the time is now for our nation's leaders to act decisively. Acknowledging this critical funding deficit matters, acting on this extremely important issue matters more,\u201d\u00a0Don Haddad Ed.D, Superintendent, St. Vrain Valley Schools.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe Poudre School District Board of Education strongly supports increasing IDEA funding to 40% as originally agreed in 1975 from the current 16%.\u00a0 Districts have long been forced to spend general education dollars to support unfunded mandates to the detriment of their ability to provide an adequate education to all students.\u00a0 We are excited at the prospect that Congress will fulfill this promise,\u201d\u00a0Board of Education, Poudre School District.\r\n\u201cOne in 10 children in Colorado accesses special education services to receive the supports and interventions that help them thrive. Schools and districts absorb an increasing share of the costs for these services, at the same time they are experiencing funding cuts from the state. Ultimately, children and families are the ones being shortchanged. Additional federal support is needed to boost the quality and range of services available to students with disabilities. We applaud Congressman Polis\u2019s commitment to fulfilling the promise of IDEA and providing every child with the resources they need to succeed,\u201d\u00a0Kelly Causey, President and CEO, Colorado Children\u2019s Campaign.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe underfunding of IDEA has pushed school districts to figure out how to provide individualized instruction without having the fiscal resources to support the identified needs of their students. Under the spirit of IDEA, if we are expecting students to have better educational outcomes and school districts are going to be held accountable for providing appropriate special educational access at a level of the expectations in the new Supreme Court of the United States ruling, IDEA will need to be fully funded legislation,\u201d\u00a0Matt Cloven, Lead Advocacy Specialist, The Arc of Larimer County.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\u201cPoliticians continue to call our public schools \u2018failing,\u2019 when it is they who are failing our schools.\u00a0 It is time for Congress to step up to the plate and fund what they require of our schools.\u00a0 Rep. Polis's bill would be an excellent start,\u201d\u00a0Cathy Kipp, Poudre School District Board of Education Member.\u00a0\r\n\u201cRep. Polis's bill will begin to provide schools with the resources they need to educate all students.\u00a0 The lack of funding for IDEA has led our district to divert general fund money away from other programs and offerings and into special education and as a result, all programs and students suffer.\u00a0 Fulfilling a promise is not only the right vote to make, but for the sake of all children in each of your districts, it is the smart decision as well,\u201d\u00a0Frank Reeves, Superintendent, East Grand School District.\u00a0\r\n\u201cFor decades, the federal government has failed to fund special education \u00a0sufficiently.\u00a0 During the years I served in Congress, I tried, just like Rep. Polis is doing now, to elevate the funding priority for students who so desperately needed it.\u00a0 Years and years later, students with disabilities are still waiting.\u00a0 They simply shouldn\u2019t have to wait any longer.\u00a0 I applaud Rep. Polis\u2019s efforts to get states, school districts, and students the overdue funding the initial IDEA law promised them.\u00a0 I am hopeful my former Congressional colleagues, on both sides of the political aisle, can see this as the non-partisan issue it is, and support full funding of IDEA,\u201d\u00a0Bob Schaffer, Former U.S. Congressman (R-CO-4), Principal of Liberty Common High School in Fort Collins.\r\n\u201cHaving the federal government provide its full obligation of 40% funding for special education would be especially welcome in Colorado, where the state has the most restrictive Constitutional budget and revenue provisions in the country.\u00a0 This has prevented the Legislature from providing anything close to adequate funding for special education, leaving almost the entire burden on local school districts.\u00a0 We applaud any effort to have the federal government increase its support for children with disabilities.\u00a0 The effect of this bill, should it pass, would benefit all school children in Colorado in a dynamic way,\u201d\u00a0Evie Hudak, Colorado PTA, Director of Public Policy.\r\n\u201cMy family, specifically my sister, has benefited from services accessible through the public school system, which provided equitable access to educational opportunities.\u00a0 I can attest that my sister's success in life would have been significantly limited without these important services.\u00a0 The lack of funding for IDEA consistently created financial hardship for our family as we pursued opportunities to support her.\u00a0 Funding IDEA at 40%, as opposed to the current 16%, would not only be a short-term solution for families who are a part of public education, but more importantly, it\u2019s an investment in the long-term development of independent, productive citizens and happier/healthier families that support the children IDEA serves,\u201d\u00a0Seth Kelley, Executive Director, BASE Camp.\u00a0\r\n\u201cI applaud Congressman Polis\u2019s effort to fully fund the IDEA Act four decades after the commitment was made.\u00a0 The cost of educating a child with special needs can be many times the cost of educating the typical student.\u00a0 The Federal government\u2019s failure to meet its funding commitment results in school boards shifting resources away from the regular population to meet their statutory and moral obligation to special needs children.\u00a0 The result is everyone suffers.\u00a0 Please fully fund IDEA,\u201d\u00a0Brad Rupert, Jefferson County Board of Education.\u00a0\r\n\"Fulfilling a forty year promise to fund the education of students with disabilities is a crucial step forward for rural school districts.\u00a0 Our limited access to resources and support in our rural communities and schools make the work of supporting our students with disabilities and their families more challenging than it needs to be.\u00a0 Districts should not have to make decisions about which students don't get the support they need because we have unfunded federal mandates,\u201d\u00a0Kerry Buhler, Superintendent, Summit School District.\r\n\u201cFor almost 4 decades, our schools have not had the financial backing that the federal government promised to help educate students with disabilities.\u00a0 That has meant school districts needed to divert general education funds to fill in the gap. We take seriously our responsibility to educate every student of every ability.\u00a0 It is time that the federal government do the same and live up to its commitment to fully fund IDEA,\u201d\u00a0Rob Petterson, Board of Education Member,\u00a0Poudre School District.\u00a0\r\n\u201cI am happy to hear that Congressman Polis is requesting funding IDEA at the level promised by Congress when the law was adopted in the 1970\u2019s.\u00a0 IDEA helps provide equity in education, allowing all students to have an opportunity to succeed regardless of needs,\u201d\u00a0Kristen Draper, Board of Education Member, Poudre School District.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nIDEA funding would be fully offset by collecting the excess revenue from President Trump\u2019s funding request for the Department of Defense (DoD). For FY2018, President Trump requested $603 billion dollars for the DoD, but the spending bill in the House of Representatives would give the DoD $658 billion, far exceeding the amount requested by the President. Under the Defending Special Education Students and Families Act, that additional money would be used to fully fund special education.\u00a0\r\nIn addition to Colorado school districts and nonprofits, the Defending Special Education Students and Families Act is also supported by various national organizations, including:\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0AASA, The School Superintendents Association\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Alliance for Excellent Education\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0American Dance Therapy Association\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Association of Educational Service Agencies\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Association of School Business Officials, International\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST)\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA)\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Council of Administrators of Special Education\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Learning Disabilities Association of America\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0National Association of School Psychologists\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0National Center for Learning Disabilities\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0National Center for Special Education in Charter Schools (NCSECS)\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0National Rural Education Advocacy Consortium\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0National Rural Education Association\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0National School Boards Association\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0School Social Work Association of America\r\nPolis serves on the Committee on Education and the Workforce.\u00a0He is the top-Democrat on the\u00a0Early\u00a0Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education Subcommittee and a member of the Higher Education and Workforce Development Subcommittee.\u00a0Polis is the former chair of the Colorado State Board of Education, and the founder and former superintendent of The New America School - a network of charter schools in several states serving new immigrants and English-language learners - as well as the Academy for Urban Learning for homeless and at-risk youth. The district he represents today includes Colorado State University and University of Colorado.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tipton.house.gov/media/press-releases/tipton-introduces-legislation-honor-wwi-veterans-grave-markers", "Tipton Introduces Legislation to Honor WWI Veterans with Grave Markers", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Scott Tipton", "T000470", "tipton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2013 In commemoration of the upcoming 100th anniversary of the end of World War I (WWI), Congressman Scott Tipton (CO-03) has introduced a bill (H.R. 4565) directing the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to furnish headstones or markers to private cemeteries for graves for certain WWI veterans if the cemeteries apply for them.\nUnder current law, private cemeteries cannot directly apply to the VA for a headstone or marker, rather the law only allows a veteran\u2019s next-of-kin to submit the application. The law has created barriers to honoring WWI veterans, as it is often difficult to identify the next of kin for deceased WWI veterans.\nH.R. 4565 would remedy the challenges created under current law, allowing private cemeteries to directly apply to the VA for a headstone or marker for a World War I veteran if the Secretary of the VA is unable to identify any next of kin of the deceased veteran.\nOf this legislation, Tipton said, \u201cIn my district, a private cemetery has identified multiple WWI veteran graves that unfortunately do not have veteran markings, and the cemetery was unable to obtain those markers to honor the individuals who have been laid there to rest. This does not sit well with me. Our nation\u2019s heroes deserve to be treated in death with the same amount of respect and honor that they earned in life, which is why I was proud to introduce this legislation and I look forward to seeing it passed out of the House soon.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=70121DF9-78A8-B060-3EBA-D59B052EED62", "Bennet, Bipartisan Senators Urge Extension of Secure Rural Schools Program", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Michael Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.- Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today joined a bipartisan group of senators in sending a letter to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), urging them to include a reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program in any end-of-year legislation. SRS supports public schools, public roads, forest health projects, emergency services, and many other essential county services for more than 775 counties across the country. The SRS program expired on September 30, 2015, and it has not been reauthorized for Fiscal Year 16 or beyond. Forest counties and schools received their last authorized SRS payment in 2016. Without SRS, existing revenue-sharing payments are not sufficient to support critical services these counties must provide. \"The SRS program continues to be a critical safety-net for forest counties as we work to diversify rural economies, improve forest management and forest health, strengthen historic forest revenue sharing with local governments, and ensure that our forests provide a range of values such as clean water, jobs, and wood fiber for local economies,\" the senators wrote. \"In the interest of working together in a bipartisan way to support local rural communities, we ask that you include a reauthorization of Secure Rural Schools in any end-of-the-year legislation. We appreciate your assistance with this matter.\"\r\nBennet has introduced legislation to reauthorize SRS, which would restore funding for schools and infrastructure in 43 Colorado counties. Last year, Colorado received $11.8 million in SRS funding, based on Fiscal Year 2015 revenues. Without SRS payments to rural counties in Fiscal Year 2016, Colorado counties saw an average 52% decrease in payments-a loss of $6.2 million dollars to rural counties and schools.\r\nA copy of the letter is available HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-joins-bipartisan-group-of-senators-to-urge-for-an-extension-of-secure-rural-schools-program", "Gardner Joins Bipartisan Group of Senators to Urge for an Extension of Secure Rural Schools Program", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Cory Gardner", "G000562", "www.gardner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u2014 Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) joined a bipartisan group of senators, including Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO), in sending a letter to Senate leadership\u00a0on Thursday\u00a0to call for the inclusion of a reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program in any end-of-year legislation. SRS supports public schools, public roads, forest health projects, emergency services, and many other essential county services for more than 775 counties across the country.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe SRS program continues to be a critical safety-net for forest counties as we work to diversify rural economies, improve forest management and forest health, strengthen historic forest revenue sharing with local governments, and ensure that our forests provide a range of values such as clean water, jobs, and wood fiber for local economies,\u201d\u00a0wrote the senators.\u00a0\u201cIn the interest of working together in a bipartisan way to support local rural communities, we ask that you include a reauthorization of Secure Rural Schools in any end-of-the-year legislation. We appreciate your assistance with this matter.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe SRS program expired on September 30, 2015, and it has not been reauthorized for Fiscal Year 16 or beyond. Forest counties and schools received their last authorized SRS payment in 2016. Without SRS, existing revenue-sharing payments are not sufficient to support critical services these counties must provide.\r\n\u00a0\r\nA copy of the letter is available\u00a0HERE.\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/wwii-veteran-senator-gardner-made-a-promise-and-kept-it", "WWII Veteran: Senator Gardner made a promise and kept it.", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Cory Gardner", "G000562", "www.gardner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013\u00a0Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) today spoke on the Senate floor to honor the U.S. Navy\u2019s decision to award the Bronze Star Medal posthumously to Joseph George for saving six sailors stationed on the USS Arizona during the Pearl Harbor attack.\r\n\u00a0\r\nOn Veterans Day, Gardner visited with one of the sailors George saved, World War II veteran\u00a0Donald Stratton, at his home in Colorado Springs where the two discussed Stratton\u2019s \u201ccontinuing effort to have the sailor who saved his life awarded a posthumous medal.\u201d\u00a0Mr. Stratton had been trying to get Joseph George honored for 16 years, and recently began to work with Senator Gardner to make it happen after all these years.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n(Click\u00a0here\u00a0or on the image above to view Gardner\u2019s remarks.)\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cJoe George is an American hero and deserves this long-awaited honor,\u201d\u00a0said Gardner. \"Colorado Springs resident, Donald Stratton, has been fighting the bureaucracy for 16 years, and was finally able to make sure Joe George was honored for saving his life, and five other lives, that fateful day. I met with Donald Stratton twice over the past few months and am honored I was able to work with him to honor Joe George. Veterans like Joe George and Donald Stratton are the best this country has to offer and I thank God every day for Americans like them.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cI thought that was the greatest thing since sliced bread,\u201d\u00a0said Donald Stratton. \u201cI spoke what we wanted and Senator Gardner took it right to his heart. Senator Gardner made a promise and kept it. I just appreciate what he\u2019s done. I knew when I met him that something was going to get done.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cWithout Senator Gardner, we would have never got this done,\u201d\u00a0said Randy Stratton, Donald Stratton\u2019s son. \u201cHe took the bull by the horns and got in touch with the right people to get this medal finished. We have been working for 16 years and with the phone calls he made, Senator Gardner got it done just like he promised. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for making this dream, this effort come true.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nKOAA covered Gardner\u2019s Veterans Day visit and reported, \u201cFor one Colorado Springs veteran,\u00a0Saturday\u00a0morning meant a visit between him and Senator Cory Gardner. As the senator sat down on Donald Stratton's couch, the senator remarked it was one of the best Veteran's Days he's ever celebrated.\u201d In July,\u00a0Gardner met with Stratton and fellow USS Arizona survivor Lauren Bruner\u00a0in his office in Washington. Stratton and Bruner were in Washington to visit with Members of Congress and President Trump to advocate for Joe George, the man who saved their life on December 7, 1941, to be awarded a medal posthumously for his heroic actions.\r\n\u00a0\r\n###\r\n\u00a0\r\nCory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and the Budget Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy and Subcommittee on Energy\r\n\u00a0\r\n354 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20515\r\n(202) 224-5941", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://buck.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/rep-ken-buck-joins-rep-rice-17-others-launch-bipartisan-group", "Rep. Ken Buck joins Rep. Rice, 17 others to launch bipartisan group", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Ken Buck", "B001297", "buck.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Ken Buck, R-Colo., and Rep. Kathleen Rice, D-N.Y., on Wednesday launched a bipartisan group that pledges common sense reforms to the legislative process.\nRead more", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://buck.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ken-buck-kathleen-rice-and-colleagues-launch-reformers-caucus", "Ken Buck, Kathleen Rice, and Colleagues Launch Reformers Caucus", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Ken Buck", "B001297", "buck.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release\nContact:\u00a0\nRice: Coleman Lamb (202-225-5516)  \nBuck: Kyle Huwa (202-225-4676)  \nKilmer: Tim Biba (202-225-5916)  \nNorman: Jessica Cahill (202-225-5501)  \nMoulton: Matt Corridoni (202-603-1859)  \nPeters: Colin MacCarthy (202-225-0508)\n\u00a0\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Representatives Kathleen Rice (NY-04) and Ken Buck (CO-04) launched the bipartisan Congressional Reformers Caucus in the United States House of Representatives. Co-chairs Buck and Rice were joined by 17 of their colleagues as founding members of the caucus. The group pledges to work across the aisle in pursuit of common sense reforms to Congress and the legislative process.\n\u201cThe members of this caucus come from across the political spectrum and disagree on plenty of issues, but it\u2019s obvious to all of us that Congress is in dire need of reform, and we\u2019re committed to taking real action to change the status quo in Washington, reduce the influence of money in our political process, and get our government back to work for the people we serve,\u201d\u00a0said Representative Kathleen Rice, co-Chair of the Congressional Reformers Caucus. \u201cPeople are tired of partisan gridlock and double standards for politicians, and they\u2019re waiting for leaders to step up and work together to reform our campaign finance system and legislative process so we can solve real problems. That\u2019s exactly why we created the Reformers Caucus, and I\u2019m excited to join my colleagues in this effort to start restoring the public\u2019s faith and trust in their government.\u201d\n\u201cWashington is broken. Donors and insiders have too much influence, and too often backroom deals trip up good legislation. Political party has nothing to do with good governance, which is why I\u2019m proud to be joined by my friend, Rep. Kathleen Rice, and a bipartisan group of colleagues who all want a Congress that works for the people. I\u2019m eager to develop legislation with this group that will improve America\u2019s trust in our democracy,\u201d stated Congressman Ken Buck, co-chair of the Congressional Reformers Caucus.\n\u201cPeople are right to view Washington, DC in such low regard,\u201d Rep. Derek Kilmer (WA-06) said. \u201cBills are being written by special interests in order to benefit campaign donors with no concern for the effects it has on the people who have to live with the results. That\u2019s wrong, and the Reformers Caucus will work to bring the will of the American people back into the debate.\u201d \u00a0\n\u00a0\u201cThe time is now to bring common sense reforms, accountability, and transparency to Washington. I look forward to joining this bipartisan group so that we can work to regain the trust of the American people,\u201d stated Congressman Ralph Norman (SC-05).\n\"I'm proud to join this bipartisan effort to restore greater transparency, fairness, and ethics to the legislative process. Leaders should be held to a higher standard. It's time to bring integrity to Washington D.C.,\u201d stated Congressman Seth Moulton (MA-06).\n\u201cSan Diegans know that our collaborative culture among businesses, universities, and government can be a model for Washington. I\u2019m pleased to join this Caucus, dedicated to working across the aisle in good faith to pass common-sense reform that would result in greater government transparency, an overhaul to the way our elections are run, and restore the full legislative process,\u201d stated Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52).\nThe launch of this caucus comes at a time when confidence in Congress sits at all-time lows. Americans worry that donors and Beltway insiders have undue influence over a broken legislative process. Citizens are losing confidence in our nation\u2019s capacity for good governance and functional democracy. The Congressional Reformers Caucus aims to work across the aisle on common sense reforms, fighting for greater transparency, fairness, and ethics in the legislative process.\nBelow are the founding members of the Congressional Reformers Caucus:\nDemocrat:\nKathleen Rice (NY-04)  \nDerek Kilmer (WA-06)  \nScott Peters (CA-52)  \nSeth Moulton (MA-06)  \nRon Kind (WI-03)  \nTom O'Halleran (AZ-01)  \nCheri Bustos (IL-17)  \nStephanie Murphy (FL-07)  \nDonald Norcross (NJ-01)  \nJohn Sarbanes (MD-03)\nRepublican:\nKen Buck (CO-04)  \nMike Gallagher (WI-08)  \nRalph Norman (SC-05)  \nAndy Biggs (AZ-05)  \nJack Bergman (MI-01)  \nMatt Gaetz (FL-01)  \nRodney Davis (IL-13)  \nJeff Fortenberry (NE-01)  \nMike Coffman (CO-06)\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://coffman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2408", "Coffman on Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Mike Coffman", "C001077", "coffman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Today, U.S. Representative Mike Coffman (R-CO) released the following statement after the bipartisan passage of H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017 in the House of Representatives:\r\nConcealed CarryReciprocityis a common sense policythat will protect every states ability to control where concealed firearms can be legally carried. Like drivers licenses, concealed carry permit holders from out of state will still have to know and abide by Colorado laws. Additionally, this bill will provide grant funding to states to improve their reporting compliance and hold federal agencies accountable to ensure criminals are properly entered into the background check system.\r\nRepresentative Coffman voted for the measure and the bill passed the House with a 231-198 vote. To view the text of the bill, click HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://degette.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/colorado-politicos-react-to-supreme-court-hearing-on-masterpiece-cakeshop", "Colorado Politicos React to Supreme Court Hearing on Masterpiece Cakeshop Case", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Diana DeGette", "D000197", "degette.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Both sides agree it\u2019s a question of rights but differ sharply whose rights should prevail under the law in a case argued Tuesday before the U.S. Supreme Court \u2014 whether it\u2019s the baker and his religious beliefs or the same-sex couple and their right to be treated like any other customers.\nAs the\u00a0divisive\u00a0case\u00a0had its day in court\u00a0\u2014 pitting Masterpiece Cakeshop owner Jack Phillips against the married couple,\u00a0Charlie Craig and David Mullins \u2014\u00a0Colorado politicians hewed mainly along partisan lines assessing\u00a0the legal dispute.\nWhen Phillips claimed it would\u00a0violate his religious beliefs to create a custom wedding cake for the fianc\u00e9s in 2012, the Colorado Civil Rights Commission found he had violated the\u00a0Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act and disciplined Phillips and his business.\nThe Colorado Court of Appeals ruled that the baker\u00a0had discriminated against Craig and Mullins because of their sexual orientation, which is protected by Colorado law. Earlier this year,\u00a0the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear the case.\nU.S. Rep. Diana DeGette, a Denver Democrat, spoke at a rally outside the high court in Washington, D.C. She\u00a0tweeted a video clip\u00a0of some of her remarks comparing the wedding cake case to the passage of the anti-LGBT Amendment 2 by Colorado voters 25 years ago.\n\u201cAs a fourth-generation Coloradan and a strong supporter of LGBTQ rights, I was appalled at these actions, and I was appalled at my state,\u201d DeGette said, referring to the state constitutional amendment adopted in 1992. \u201cBut I fought, my family fought, my friends fought, Coloradans and Americans fought day in and day out to stop this hate, and, you know what, we won.\u201d\nAfter the rally, she said in a\u00a0second tweet, she met Mullins and Craig, who live in her congressional district.\n\u201cAfter speaking at a rally on their behalf, I was honored to meet my constituents David Mullins and Charlie Craig, who are at the heart of the #MasterpieceCakeshop case. I\u2019m proud to represent these men who are fighting to ensure businesses are #OpenToAll,\u201d DeGette wrote.\nHer sentiments were not shared by Colorado Rep. Doug Lamborn, who said Phillips was acting within his First Amendment rights to freedom of religion and free speech in denying service to Charlie Craig and David Mullins.\n\u201cI support Jack 100 percent on this issue,\u201d said Lamborn, a Republican from Colorado Springs. \u201cI believe the Constitution protects his right to refuse to use his artistic talents in a ceremony that he does not agree with religiously.\u201d\nIf Phillips loses his Supreme Court case, \u201ceveryone\u2019s freedom is at risk,\u201d Lamborn said.\nThe legal battle also pits Colorado\u2019s attorney general, Republican Cynthia Coffman, who is\u00a0defending state law, against the Trump administration\u2019s Justice Department, which\u00a0weighed in on the side\u00a0of the Lakewood baker.\nCoffman, who is running for governor in next year\u2019s election, said in a statement that it would be \u201ca mistake\u201d if the high court created an exception to anti-discrimination laws.\n\u201cAfter a long and careful debate, Colorado\u2019s legislature in 2008 decided to extend the LGBT community the very same legal protections we use to fight all forms of discrimination, whether based on race, sex, or a person\u2019s faith,\u201d she said. \u201cOne critical part of those protections is the idea that when people walk into a retail store that is open to the public, they are not turned away because of who they are. Our State and our Constitution has deep respect for the right of all people to follow their faith and speak their minds. But it would be a mistake in deciding this case to create new exceptions to anti-discrimination laws that have never been applied to any other group of people. My office presented the Court with our strongest arguments today, based on many years of established legal precedent, and I look forward to receiving its ruling.\u201d\nState Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver, led a group of\u00a0LGBTQ Coloradans who filed an amicus brief\u00a0in the case.\n\u201cI applaud Colorado\u2019s legal team today in their oral argument before the United States Supreme Court,\u201d Herod said Tuesday. \u201cThey demonstrated that Colorado stands firmly in support of the free expression of religion while also protecting people from discrimination.\n\u201cColorado just argued one heck of a case,\u201d said Representative Herod. \u201cThe state can support religious freedoms while also protecting Coloradans like me from discrimination. These are not mutually exclusive.\u201d\nFormer U.S. Rep. Tom Tancredo, another Republican running for governor, took the opposite view. On Twitter, Tancredo linked to a\u00a0video\u00a0he posted recently, saying he had just attended a rally in support of Phillips and displays a T-shirt that reads, \u201cI Stand with Masterpiece Cakeshop.\u201d\nAfter describing the case, Tancredo states his conclusion:\n\u201cEverybody wants freedom. Everybody wants the ability to extol the virtues of diversity, right? Well, great! Great! Part of being a diverse society is allowing people to express themselves, religiously \u2014 it\u2019s not hurting anybody, not shooting anybody in the street, not creating a violent situation, but just living out their religious beliefs, even in their business,\u201d Tancredo says. \u201cThat\u2019s the way it should be. So I hope and pray that the Supreme Court will, in fact, reaffirm the concepts of individual liberty upon which this country was founded.\u201d\nMichael Dougherty, a prosecutor and one of five Democrats running for attorney general, declared the stakes high in a statement he issued just before the scheduled oral arguments.\n\u201cThis case will have a wide-ranging impact, as it determines whether a business owner is allowed to refuse service to customers by simply claiming a justification under the First Amendment,\u201d Dougherty said. \u201cThe stakes could not be higher when it comes to defending equal rights in our country. Should the Supreme Court overturn the Colorado Court of Appeals ruling it will have sanctioned discrimination. It is shameful that this principle continues to be tested \u2013 and it continues to remain critical that we have leaders who dispel racism, hate, and bigotry. I am hopeful that the high court will sustain Colorado\u2019s decision.\u201d\nState Rep. Justin Everett, a Littleton Republican and candidate for state treasurer, said the argument is a lot simpler than the one some of Phillips\u2019 defenders have been advancing.\n\u201cIt\u2019s forcing someone to produce the fruits of their labor they don\u2019t want to do. That seems very un-American,\u201d he told Colorado Politics. \u201cCommon sense has gone out the door at this point. The fact is, we\u2019ve wasted tons of taxpayer money when this is a common-sense principle.\u201d\n\u201cIt puts a chilling effect on anybody. This is sort of PC run amok,\u201d Everett added, using an abbreviation for \u201cpolitically correct.\u201d\nFormer state Sen. Mike Johnston, a Denver Democrat and candidate for governor, likewise maintained the case comes down to simple common sense but arrived at the opposite conclusion.\n\u201cThe problem with the #MasterpieceCakeshop argument is that the case is not about what he refuses to sell,\u201d Johnston\u00a0tweeted. \u201cIt\u2019s about who he refuses to sell it to. I hope #SCOTUS agrees \u2013 fast. #end discrimination @One_Colorado\u201d\nJeff Hunt, president of Colorado Christian University\u2019s Centennial Institute, told Colorado Politics he was encouraged by the course of the argument before the justices.\n\u201cIt appears today that the Supreme Court understands the issues at stake when Justice Kennedy stated that \u2018tolerance is essential in a free society.\u2019 Justice Kennedy specifically honed in on the fact that the Colorado Civil Rights Commission acted out of malice and has not been tolerant of Jack Phillips\u2019 religion. Furthermore, the Colorado Civil Rights Commission has not been consistent in penalizing Jack Phillips while allowing other bakers to refuse to create cakes that violated their conscience. Freedom of conscience, free speech, and freedom of religion are fundamental human rights to be protected. These rights are clearly spelled out in the Constitution, are essential to the health of our nation, and must be protected for all Americans,\u201d Hunt said in a written statement.\nProgressNow Colorado executive director Ian Silverii told Colorado Politics that the legal principle is clear.\n\u201cThe principle that business establishments open to the public must serve all members of the public equally is essential to a free and fair society,\u201d he said in a statement. \u201cEvery person has the right to express their beliefs freely. What you can\u2019t do is discriminate against some customers when your business is open to all customers. Allowing any business serving the public to exempt themselves from the nation\u2019s laws against discrimination would be a massive step backward for our country.\u201d\nThe case attracted more than 100 amicus, or friend-of-the-court, briefs. One of them came from Democrats in Congress, including Colorado lawmakers Sen. Michael Bennet and Reps. DeGette, Ed Perlmutter and Jared Polis.\nIt warned the Supreme Court against a ruling \u201cinviting discrimination against historically marginalized communities, including but not limited to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community.\u201d\nThe Court\u2019s ruling is expected before next June.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://degette.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/house-dems-finally-get-to-grill-pruitt-heres-their-plan-ee-news", "House Dems Finally Get to Grill Pruitt. Here's Their Plan (E&E News)", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Diana DeGette", "D000197", "degette.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As Scott Pruitt makes his long-awaited return to Capitol Hill tomorrow morning, House Democrats are getting a rare chance to question the U.S. EPA boss face to face about his climate change agenda.\nPruitt is slated to testify before members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee during a hearing about EPA's mission. Democrats on the Subcommittee on Environment holding the hearing say they plan on addressing everything from the agency's rollback of climate regulations to its shrinking budget.\n\"I'm concerned about the culture of secrecy that Administrator Pruitt has taken into EPA, in particular I want to know what his plan is for dealing with climate change because he has been pretty secretive about what he wants to do about that,\" said Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.), a subcommittee member.\nPruitt has taken a number of steps to undermine the agency's work on controlling greenhouse gas emissions \u2014 like rolling back the Clean Power Plan, attempting to stall methane regulations on the oil and gas industry, and drastically revising estimates of how much greenhouse gas emissions are costing the country. He also pushed for the United States to exit from the Paris climate accord. However, it is still unclear how thoroughly Pruitt intends to reverse the agency's course on climate action. The administrator has yet to launch his promised \"red team, blue team\" debate on climate science, and he has been murky about whether he plans to reconsider EPA's endangerment finding on greenhouse gases.\n\"We really need to get answers here, this will be our first hearing with [Administrator] Pruitt, I think it's important that he come in prepared to answer our questions and work collegially with the committee,\" DeGette said.\nAmong the regulatory changes that concern Democrats on the committee are the reconsideration of vehicle emissions standards and the rollback of the Clean Power Plan and methane regulations.\nRep. Doris Matsui (D-Calif.), said in a statement: \"Climate change can't be ignored. We have effective, available policies that are good for both the environment and our economy, which I plan to discuss with Administrator Pruitt on Thursday.\"\nThe representatives also have concerns on EPA-related work happening closer to home.\nRep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) will focus on questions about her district, including the futures of EPA's fuel economy lab and Region 5 office. Rumors swirled earlier this year that Pruitt was planning to shut down the regional office that oversees Michigan and other states, and the Trump administration's budget slashed funding for the lab (Climatewire, May 24). Dingell will also be asking questions about the lead contamination in Flint, Mich.; stalled progress in updating the lead and copper rule; and the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, according to a spokesperson.\nOther hot-button topics, like EPA's budget cuts, concern Rep. Scott Peters (D-Calif.), too.\n\"A lot of these budgets are being decimated, it's hurting not just the ability to regulate but to be able to respond to industry requests,\" said Peters. \"I don't understand why anyone thinks these drastic underfunding plans are good for anyone, whether it is a regulated community or industry.\"\nThe hearing comes as the agency has faced sharp criticism of Pruitt from the public and environmental groups. Yesterday, over 1,000 scientists sent a letter to Energy and Commerce Chairman Greg Walden (R-Ore.) and ranking member Frank Pallone (D-N.J.), requesting oversight of EPA's new policy to exclude scientists from its advisory panels who receive EPA grant funding.\nThe letter also went to Sens. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and Tom Carper (D-Del.), the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, respectively.\nIn a blog post, Ken Kimmell, the president of the Union of Concerned Scientists, also urged the House committee to focus its questions on Pruitt's regulatory oversight record, his \"Back to Basics\" agenda, staffing cuts to the agency and science.\n\"These oversight hearings offer a critical opportunity for leaders on both sides of the aisle to ask tough questions, demand responsive information rather than platitudes, and voice their disapproval about how Administrator Pruitt has run the EPA,\" Kimmell wrote.\nEPW will get its chance to question Pruitt early next year. It has a hearing scheduled for Jan. 31.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://degette.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/rebuilding-puerto-rico-and-the-us-virgin-islands-better-energy", "Rebuilding Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands: Better Energy Infrastructure is Key", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Diana DeGette", "D000197", "degette.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "We just returned from an eye-opening bipartisan CODEL to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to survey damage caused by hurricanes Maria and Irma, which has been the focus of our work on the House Energy and Commerce Committee.\nRecent developments in the news have, sadly, pushed the subject of the hurricane recovery effort to the margins of most Americans\u2019 awareness. Our main takeaway from the trip is that the federal government\u2019s effort to help our fellow Americans in these island territories needs to be sustained for months \u2013 or even years to come.\nFEMA and the local governments have done impressive work, both in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. But there is still much work to do. Tragically, most of the residents remain without power.\u00a0 This is due to the antiquated grid systems in both territories as well as the difficult terrain. The Puerto Rican capital of San Juan, for example, looks like a patchwork quilt at night with some neighborhoods lit up and others completely dark.\u00a0 Mountainous areas are even more hard-hit, as virtually all the power lines were destroyed by the hurricanes.\nThe governments in both jurisdictions are committed to improving their infrastructure as they rebuild. For example, hardening the power system by installing more buried power systems, using renewable energy sources, and creating micro grids that can be interconnected.\u00a0\nUnfortunately, they are hampered by the Stafford Act, which allows use of federal recovery funds only for rebuilding infrastructure to the level at the time of the storm.\u00a0 We should build back better \u2013 not only for the overall quality of life for residents in these places, but also to save money and lives in the long run when there are additional disasters. Better-protected power sources mean keeping the lights and generators on in hospitals and nursing homes, among other places.\nA young FEMA worker in Puerto Rico told us he was enrolling a woman for assistance when she started to cry. When asked why, she told him her mother had died. \u201cShe was sick, and her medical equipment was electric. When the power went out, she just died.\u201d This was a needless tragedy, and there are many more such stories across Puerto Rico.\nn St. Croix, USVI, a hospital administrator begged us to help get the power restored, saying, \u201cYou will go home to your Christmas trees and holidays, but we can\u2019t even turn our lights on much less our trees.\u201d\u00a0\nIt\u2019s been nearly three months since the hurricanes hit, and these people still live under these circumstances. Let\u2019s not let the rush of congressional activity during this hectic last month of the session, the customary crush of activities of the holiday season, or whatever happens day to day in D.C. divert our attention from our Caribbean compatriots. We must continue to fight for them and their futures.\nDeGette and Upton are senior members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/current-impeachment-resolution-is-premature-degette-says", "Current Impeachment Resolution is Premature, DeGette Says", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Diana DeGette", "D000197", "degette.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D-CO), Chief Deputy Whip, issued the following statement about the privileged resolution introduced today:\n\u201cSpecial Counsel Robert Mueller\u2019s investigation is proceeding and has already produced important results. I\u2019m watching to see what further evidence of wrongdoing it uncovers, including the possibility of impeachable offenses. In the meantime, House consideration of this resolution is premature.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://degette.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/degette-concealed-carry-reciprocity-act-weakens-standards-for-public", "DeGette: Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act Weakens Standards for Public Safety", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Diana DeGette", "D000197", "degette.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D-CO), Chief Deputy Whip, said she voted against the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act (H.R. 38) today because it would weaken standards for public safety in many states, including Colorado.\n\u201cThis bill gives the weakest state standards on gun violence prevention the force of law nationwide,\u201d DeGette said. \u201cCompelling state legislatures to adopt the concealed carry standards of other states will only undermine the protections that their citizens have come to expect their elected officials to uphold.\n\u201cIf this bill passes the Senate and is signed into law, Coloradans would be in greater peril. I refuse to let our communities face such mindless and needless danger without a fight.\u201d\nDeGette is a member of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, which was formed after the December 2012 massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. Shortly thereafter, she introduced a bill to ban high-capacity assault magazines similar to the one in place in Colorado, and she continues to support this move. She has also advocated other measures in the current Congress, including the proposed ban on bump stocks that briefly seemed to have bipartisan support after the Las Vegas mass shooting two months ago but has since stalled.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2201", "President Trump's Jerusalem Announcement", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Doug Lamborn", "L000564", "lamborn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "President Trump's Jerusalem Announcement \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 6, 2017\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      The president acknowledged Jerusalem as the capital of  Israel and supported an American embassy move from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Rep. Lamborn (CO-05) issued the following statement regarding the announcement:\r\n\"I am pleased to see that President Trump kept his campaign promise to declare that the United States recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, as it has been for thousands of years. This important announcement protects the United States\u2019 and Israel's interests in the Middle East and abroad. I applaud the president for laying the groundwork to swiftly relocate the American embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. This move will send a strong message to the world that Jerusalem is the legitimate capital of Israel.\u201d  \r\n\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2202", "Bill Funding Fish Recovery Programs", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Doug Lamborn", "L000564", "lamborn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bill Funding Fish Recovery Programs \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 6, 2017\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Congressman Lamborn (CO-05) chaired a Water, Power and Oceans Hearing regarding a bill funding fish recovery programs, H.R. 4465. He issued this statement:\u00a0 \r\n\"Colorado's best interests are always at the forefront of my mind. That's why this legislation is important for our state: it delists certain protected species while protecting the reliability of water and power operations. H.R. 4465 is a bipartisan bill that will improve the cost effectiveness of the San Juan and Upper Colorado Fish Recovery Programs. Mr. Andrew Colosimo, Government and Corporate Affairs Manager for Colorado Springs Utilities, which provides services to approximate 470,000 Colorado citizens, testified in support of the bill. Water and power interests recognize this is an essential piece of legislation to recover the endangered fish and continue a solid program in Colorado. \"  \r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2203", "Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Doug Lamborn", "L000564", "lamborn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 6, 2017\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      The House Judiciary Committee approved two bills to protect Americans' Second Amendment right and to curb gun violence, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act and the Fix NICS Act. The House voted to pass both bills today. Congressman Lamborn (CO-05) issued this statement:\r\n\u201cThe Second Amendment clearly\u00a0protects American citizens' rights to conceal carry across state lines. The Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act is a law-abiding piece of legislation that clearly protects gun owners. It does not arm criminals, like its opponents have falsely claimed. Nothing in the bill would permit a criminal to purchase or possess a firearm. Additionally, the Fix NICS Act requires individuals to undergo a National Instant Criminal Background Check System. This System also needs updating so the bill incentivizes states to keep accurate records and report to the FBI. The bill would also instigate a study of the use of bump stocks. Ideally I would have preferred to have voted on these two pieces of legislation separately but I\u2019m glad it was a bipartisan effort.\u201d  \r\n\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://polis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398496", "Polis: Congress needs to carry out a thoughtful, honest discussion about President Trump's fitness to serve", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Jared Polis", "P000598", "polis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Jared Polis, D-Colo., moved to begin impeachment proceedings of President Donald Trump today, voting against tabling an impeachment resolution by Rep. Al Green, D-Texas.\u00a0\r\n\u201cThere are serious accusations against President Trump of obstruction of justice and collusion with a foreign government, and I find these accusations credible,\u201d\u00a0said Polis.\u00a0 \u201cPresident Donald Trump has continually demonstrated that he lacks the integrity to occupy the office of the President of the United States.\u00a0 Congress needs to carry out a thoughtful, honest discussion about President Trump's fitness to serve and start the process to determine the truth.\u00a0 If guilty, every day we allow President Trump to obstruct justice, as he has possibly done in Special Counsel Mueller\u2019s investigation, we weaken our national security.\u00a0 It is time we begin an open, honest, objective, and comprehensive discussion on the President\u2019s fitness to serve as our Commander in Chief.\u201d\r\nThe resolution to begin impeachment proceedings was tabled on a 365-58 vote.\u00a0 Over the last several months, Polis has attempted in every way possible to hold the Trump administration accountable.\u00a0 Among several other bills, he is a co-sponsor of the Protecting our Democracy Act, which would set up an independent investigation to thoroughly investigate Russian interference in the 2016 elections.\u00a0 In addition, he co-sponsored the Presidential Conflicts of Interest Act, which would require the President and Vice President to disclose and divest from any investment that could present a conflict of interests, and also require the President and Vice President to disclose their three most recent tax returns.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://polis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398497", "Polis defends against attempt to undercut state gun safety laws", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Jared Polis", "P000598", "polis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Jared Polis, D-Colo., rejected Republican attempts to move forward the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, legislation championed by the National Rifle Association (NRA).\u00a0 Under this bill, a person who is barred from buying a gun in one state can travel to another state with weaker gun laws, receive a permit, and carry that gun legally anywhere he wants, even in the state where he was originally refused a permit.\r\n\u201cColorado already has reciprocal concealed carry agreements with 33 other states that have high standards for background checks. After the Columbine shooting, Coloradans chose to enact sensible gun safety laws, voting to close the gun show loophole.\u00a0 The Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act undercuts states\u2019 rights and gun safety laws that other states have adopted,\u201d\u00a0said Polis.\u00a0 \u201cCongress needs to take meaningful action, and at the bare minimum, we shouldn\u2019t undermine states that have been brave enough to address gun violence in the absence of federal leadership.\u201d\r\nPolis is a co-sponsor of bipartisan legislation that would ban the manufacture, sale, and use of bump stocks and other similar devices used to convert firearms into illegal automatic weapons.\u00a0 In addition, he has cosponsored the bipartisan Public Safety and Second Amendment Rights Protection Act, which would require comprehensive background checks for firearm purchases.\u00a0 He opposed anti-gun violence prevention bills that would have prevented the Veterans Administration and the Social Security Administration from entering crucial mental health information into the federal background check database.\u00a0 He has also supported a resolution to establish a congressional committee on gun violence prevention.\u00a0\r\nPolis wrote an\u00a0opinion-editorial\u00a0in the Boulder Daily Camera outlining his support for three key priorities of the gun violence prevention movement: comprehensive background checks, ending the congressional ban on public health research into the root causes of gun violence, and prohibiting gun purchases to anyone on an FBI terrorism watch list.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tipton.house.gov/media/press-releases/tipton-votes-improve-healthcare-americas-veterans", "Tipton Votes to Improve Healthcare for America's Veterans", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Scott Tipton", "T000470", "tipton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2014 Congressman Scott Tipton (CO-03) voted in support of the Enhancing Veteran Care Act (S. 1266), which would help improve healthcare for America\u2019s veterans. This legislation passed the House with bipartisan support.\nThe Enhancing Veteran Care Act would authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to enter into contracts with nonprofit organizations, allowing them to investigate VA medical centers and assess the deficiencies of the center\u2019s facilities.\n\u201cOur veterans have done so much in service of our nation, making it imperative that we serve them once they return home,\u201d said Tipton. \u201cWhile VA medical centers do so much to assist our nation\u2019s heroes, we unfortunately still hear stories about our veterans not receiving the quality care they deserve. By allowing contractors to identify the exact areas where VA medical centers could improve, they will be better equipped to take appropriate action. I thank Senator Inhofe for his leadership on this issue, and I look forward to seeing this legislation signed into law by the President.\u201d\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=68E8BEFD-2747-1DD3-A580-8EAD67F49107", "Bennet, Gardner Introduce Bipartisan Public Lands Management Bill", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Michael Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D) and Cory Gardner (R) this week introduced a bill to reauthorize the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act (FLTFA). Before it expired in 2011, FLTFA allowed the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the National Park Service in the Western United States to use the proceeds from sales of certain federally designated areas to protect lands of exceptional conservation value.\r\n\"In Colorado, conservation is not only part of our heritage, but also vital to our outdoor recreation economy,\" Bennet said. \"We'll work to advance this legislation that boosts economic development, improves land management, and conserves high priority land for future generations.\"\r\n\"This fiscally responsible, bipartisan bill will prioritize conservation across Colorado and the West at no cost to the taxpayers,\" Gardner said. \"I'm proud to work with Senator Bennet and others from both sides off the aisle on this legislation to ensure future generations of Coloradans can enjoy our great state's natural treasures.\"\r\nFor more than a decade until it expired in 2011, FLTFA allowed the preservation of important sites across the Western United States without the use of taxpayer money. The program also assisted in better land management practices by disposing of isolated or difficult-to-manage parcels identified by the public land management agencies themselves.\r\nIn Colorado, FLTFA resources have been used to complement projects funded by the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO). The \"land for land\" concept has helped federal agencies acquire approximately 4,500 acres of land within the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument to preserve cultural artifacts. It has also helped conserve important wildlife habitat and preserve public access for hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreation.\r\nAdditional cosponsors of FLTFA include U.S. Senators Dean Heller (R-NV), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Tom Udall (D-NM), James Risch (R-ID), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Steve Daines (R-MT).\r\nThe legislation is supported by more than 165 groups, including many sportsmen, recreation, conservation, and historic preservation groups, such as The Conservation Fund, The Trust for Public Land, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, New Mexico Wildlife Federation, and Nevada Land Trust. A list of groups is available HERE.\r\nA copy of the bill is available HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=ACD73A80-5B9F-C238-5AD5-F1FBB0978538", "Bennet Statement on Presidents Jerusalem Announcement", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Michael Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today issued the following statement in response to President Trump's announcement to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and move the United States Embassy in Tel Aviv to Jerusalem:\r\n\"As it has been for many years, Jerusalem is the capital of the State of Israel; its final status must be resolved as part of direct negotiations between the Israelis and the Palestinians. I am concerned the President's announcement today-absent support from regional partners and allies, and outside the confines of a plan-undermines the prospect for negotiations and risks destabilizing an already volatile region. The administration should take constructive steps to restart direct negotiations with the longstanding, bipartisan goal of two states living side by side in peace and security.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=CF4C41C0-22E4-5D6B-700C-053B6CCB0552", "Bennet Joins of Hundreds of Thousands of Advocates and Patients in Demanding Administration Reinstate Birth Control Coverage for Millions of Women", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Michael Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, along with a group of Senate Democrats, today called on Acting Secretary of Health and Human Services Eric Hargan to rescind President Trump's interim final rules (IFRs) issued on October 13, 2017, enabling employers and universities to interfere with their employees' and students' access to preventive health care by allowing them to choose not to cover birth control for religious or moral reasons.\r\nIn the letter, the senators highlighted the enormous economic benefit of requiring health plans to cover preventive services, including birth control for women, without out-of-pocket costs.\r\n\"This requirement has helped 62.4 million women have coverage for birth control,\" the senators wrote. \"As a result, they have been able to make decisions about their reproductive health care that strengthen their economic standing and allow them to decide if and when to start families. These IFRs also allow employers and insurance companies to once again discriminate against women by requiring them to pay more for the health care they need compared to their male counterparts.\"\r\nThe senators also noted that repealing the birth control mandate goes against the original intentions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which created explicit provisions to guarantee women access to preventive services.\r\n\"Congress specifically included the Women's Health Amendment in the ACA to ensure that the legislation would end the punitive practices of insurances companies that charge women more and give [them] less in a benefit' by guaranteeing women access to preventive services,\" the senators continued. \"The IFRs fail to recognize this clear congressional intent to place medical experts' recommendations over political ideology.\"\r\n\"Instead of reversing this significant progress for women - which it did without appropriate input from the public - the Trump Administration should reinstate the protections that allow women to control their own health care and economic security,\" the senators wrote. \r\nA copy of the letter is available HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2194", "SCOTUS Hears Oral Arguments for Masterpiece Cakeshop", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Doug Lamborn", "L000564", "lamborn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "SCOTUS Hears Oral Arguments for Masterpiece Cakeshop \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 5, 2017\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Today the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments for the Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission case. The Justices will decide if Jack Phillips' freedom of speech protects his choice not to make a special-event cake for a gay wedding, which goes against his religious beliefs.\r\n\"I support Jack 100 percent on this issue. I believe the Constitution protects his right to refuse to use his artistic talents in a ceremony that he does not agree with religiously. Legal precedent also backs him up and provides many examples of free speech protection. If Jack wins, this is a huge step for artists and creators everywhere. If not, everyone's freedom is at risk when the government can punish citizens because the government doesn't approve of his artistic choice.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2195", "Tax Bill Goes to Conference", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Doug Lamborn", "L000564", "lamborn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tax Bill Goes to Conference \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 5, 2017\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Congress voted to take the House and Senate's version of the tax reform bill to conference. Speaker Ryan and several Members will reconcile the two bills. Congressman Lamborn (CO-05) issued the following statement:\r\n\"I'm looking forward to voting 'yes' on the final tax bill. I hope conference can work out the differences between the bill while upholding the best interests of middle-class America. Finally, the American people will receive the first major tax overhaul since 1986.\"\r\n\u00a0\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2197", "Taylor Force Act Passes House", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Doug Lamborn", "L000564", "lamborn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Taylor Force Act introduced by Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) passed a crucial House vote today. The act, named in honor and memory of the son of Stuart and Robbi Force, sets conditions for American taxpayer aid to the Palestinian Authority. It would end the P.A.\u2019s \u201cmartyr payments\u201d policy, dubbed by critics as \u201cpay-to-slay.\u201d  \r\n\r\nFormer U.S. Army officer and combat veteran Taylor Force was murdered in a Palestinian stabbing attack in Tel Aviv in March 2016. Force, a Vanderbilt University graduate student, had been visiting Israel as part of a school-organized spring break trip in March 2016 when he was caught up in the attack that left ten others wounded. Relatives of Force\u2019s killer, Bashar Masalha, are among the beneficiaries of the PA\u2019s payments policy.  \r\n\r\n\"The vote for the Taylor Force Act on the House Floor today is an important statement from America against terrorism,\u201d said Rep. Doug Lamborn. \"In Taylor's memory, we must stop sending aid money to an entity that rewards his murderer's family and prevents any future injustice. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to vote 'yes' on this bill and hold the Palestinian Authority accountable for financing terrorism.\u201d  \r\n\r\n\r\nStuart and Robbi Force witnessed the vote today and visited with Congressman Lamborn and many of the 170 cosponsors of the Taylor Force Act.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=2FDA933C-E7BA-5685-D8D9-CEEE5C41D113", "Bennet, Gardner, Hatch, Heinrich, and Udall Introduce Legislation to Protect Endangered Species in Upper Colorado River", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Michael Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington D.C. - U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (d-CO), along with Senators Cory Gardner (R-CO), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Tom Udall (D-NM), today introduced the Endangered Fish Recovery Programs Extension Act of 2017. The legislation will continue to fund the Upper Colorado and San Juan fish recovery programs through FY2023 and aims to protect four primary endangered species in the Upper Colorado River Basin.\r\n\"The Endangered Fish Recovery Programs are exemplary of the successful, collaborative conservation championed in the West by states, tribes, federal agencies, and other stakeholders,\" said Bennet. \"This bipartisan bill provides the resources to continue recovery efforts in the Upper Colorado River and to ensure that these endangered fish species are protected for years to come.\" \"Protecting endangered species living in Colorado's natural habitat can be done in a responsible manner, and I'm proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation,\" said Gardner. \"Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program is a great example of a partnership between federal, state, and local agencies to promote conservation. It's important we provide adequate resources to this project to ensure our partners on the ground have the necessary tools to protect these endangered species.\" \"I'm happy to join my Western colleagues-including Utah's newly elected Representative John Curtis-in introducing this commonsense legislation. Our bipartisan bill builds on the successful conservation efforts on the Upper Colorado River, encouraging the federal government to work in cooperation with Western states,\" said Hatch. \"This proposal will help guide the sustainable usage of our water resources in a way that fosters both species recovery and responsible development.\" \"The San Juan and Upper Colorado River Fish Recovery Programs are vital to rebuilding our native fish populations that are an important part of our state's heritage,\" said Heinrich. \"We cannot allow these important conservation programs to lapse and threaten the progress we've made up to this point. This bipartisan legislation will ensure federal, state and local agencies have the resources they need to continue protecting endangered species in the Upper Colorado River Basin.\" \"The San Juan River Basin is an important region in New Mexico's ecology, and I am pleased to introduce this bipartisan legislation to continue the collaborative efforts to help protect the area's endangered species,\" said Udall. \"The most successful way we can balance the needs of water security with species conservation is to work collaboratively with local, state, Tribal, federal and non-governmental partners to find solutions. This initiative has been an excellent example of how we can conserve natural habitats by working together.\" Representative John Curtis (UT-3) introduced the House companion legislation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=433BDB3A-57A8-54E3-2C91-98DB62983F08", "Bennet Requests GAO Study of Administration Changes to Key Measure of Carbon Pollution Cost", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "CO", "Michael Bennet", "B001267", "www.bennet.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, along with six Senate colleagues, today asked the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to examine the governments' method for calculating the social cost of carbon-the measure of long-term damage done by carbon pollution-after the Trump administration dramatically reduced estimates of the costs of climate change in recent actions. Using a lower estimate for the social cost of carbon could allow the administration to undermine a range of environmental regulations by exaggerating the compliance costs compared to the societal benefits of reduced carbon emissions.  Earlier this year, President Donald Trump issued an executive order disbanding an important interagency working group charged with formulating the social cost of carbon and withdrew the guidance it had issued. The Trump administration also directed agencies to use an outdated Office of Management and Budget policy to monetize the value of greenhouse gas emissions from changes in federal regulation. The result has been a severe downtick in the value of the social cost of carbon. The Environmental Protection Agency's assessment of its proposed rule to repeal the Clean Power Plan, for example, dropped the social cost of carbon from $45 per ton to as low as $1 per ton for 2020. In response, Bennet is leading an effort to standardize the social cost of carbon metric across federal agencies. In a letter to Comptroller General Gene Dodaro, the senators asked the GAO to look at states and other countries' social costs of carbon; the Trump administration's justification for dramatically changing the way it discounts the costs or benefits of regulation change affecting carbon pollution; and the rationales that have been used to support various discount rates in assessing the social cost of carbon. In addition to Bennet, Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Kamala Harris (D-CA), and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) made the request. A copy of the letter is available HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-announces-central-70-project-funding", "Gardner Announces Central 70 Project Funding", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Cory Gardner", "G000562", "www.gardner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) today announced Kiewit Meridiam Partners LLC has been awarded a Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) loan of up to $416 million for the Central 70 Public-Private Partnership Project with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). The project seeks to make several updates, including replacing a ten-mile segment of I-70 east of Denver, to help mitigate traffic and bolster safety.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cI\u2019m thrilled to announce this critical funding for the Central 70 Project, as this project was one of the major reasons I fought to protect TIFIA funding during consideration of the 2015 highway bill,\u201d\u00a0said Gardner. \u201cWith Colorado\u2019s growing population, it\u2019s important we ensure our state receives enough resources to properly serve Coloradans. Infrastructure affects everyone across our state and going forward, I\u2019ll keep fighting for Colorado at the federal level.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nIn 2015, Senator Gardner\u00a0led efforts\u00a0in the Senate to block changes to the TIFIA program that would have jeopardized this project and several others across the state. If the transportation measure would have passed without Senator Gardner\u2019s requested reforms, the TIFIA program would not have been able to move forward with loans like the one announced today.\r\n\u00a0\r\n###\r\n\u00a0\r\nCory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and the Budget Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy and Subcommittee on Energy\r\n\u00a0\r\n354 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20515\r\n\u00a0\r\n(202) 224-5941", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.gardner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/gardner-statement-on-confirmation-of-kirstjen-nielsen-to-lead-the-department-of-homeland-security", "Gardner Statement on Confirmation of Kirstjen Nielsen to Lead the Department of Homeland Security", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Cory Gardner", "G000562", "www.gardner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) today released the below statement following the Senate\u2019s confirmation of Kirstjen Nielsen to be Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cKirstjen\u00a0Nielsen\u2019s expertise, years in public service, and focus on keeping Americans safe will serve her well as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security,\u201d\u00a0said Gardner.\u00a0\u201cAt a time when we face many threats at home and abroad we must remain vigilant and work together to prevent future attacks. I look forward to working\u00a0with Ms. Nielsen\u00a0to keep Coloradans and Americans safe.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n###\r\n\u00a0\r\nCory Gardner is a member of the U.S. Senate serving Colorado. He sits on the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, and the Budget Committee, and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy and Subcommittee on Energy\r\n\u00a0\r\n354 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20515\r\n\u00a0\r\n(202) 224-5941", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://coffman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2407", "Coffman Cosponsors the STOP Act", "2017-12-04", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Mike Coffman", "C001077", "coffman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Representative Mike Coffman, infuriated by the use of taxpayer dollars being used to settle sexual harassment on behalf of Members of Congress, has cosponsored the Stop Taxpayer Obligations to Perpetrators of Sexual Harassment (STOP) Act offered by Rep. Mia Love (R-UT). This bill would end the use of taxpayer funds to settle such cases.\r\nI find it unconscionable that taxpayer dollars have been spent to settle sexual harassment cases on behalf of Members of Congress. As public servants, entrusted with taxpayer dollars, this is simply unacceptable Said Coffman.\r\nTo see full bill text, click HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2191", "Taylor Force Act Moves to House Floor for Vote", "2017-12-04", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Doug Lamborn", "L000564", "lamborn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Taylor Force Act Moves to House Floor for Vote \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 4, 2017\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Congressman Lamborn (CO-5) issued the following statement regarding the Taylor Force Act announcement: \"I am\u00a0pleased to see the Taylor Force Act come to the House Floor for a vote\u00a0on Tuesday, December 5.\u00a0It is critical that Congress pass this legislation to ensure that U.S. tax dollars do not go to supporting terrorism. This legislation is named for American army veteran Taylor Force, who was brutally murdered by a Palestinian terrorist in March of 2016. In Taylor's memory, we must stop sending aid money to an entity that rewards his murderer's family. I urge my colleagues to vote 'yes' on this bill and hold the Palestinian Authority accountable for financing terrorism.\u201d\r\n\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lamborn.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2193", "Safely Disposing of Needles Issue", "2017-12-04", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "CO", "Doug Lamborn", "L000564", "lamborn.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Safely Disposing of Needles Issue \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 4, 2017\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Rep. Lamborn issued the following statement regarding clean needle programs:\u201cDrug abuse is a terrible reality in our country. It\u2019s a reality that is destroying lives and tearing apart neighborhoods and families. With the opioid epidemic ravaging the nation and our state, subsidizing \u201cclean\u201d needle exchanges is a tone-deaf solution that will only make the problem worse. Drug abusers don\u2019t need easier access to needles and drugs, they need hope and help escaping their addiction. This year, I supported a Financial Services appropriations bill that prohibited taxpayer funds from being used to support \u201cclean\u201d needle programs in Wash., D.C. I stand by that vote and encourage leaders in Colorado Springs to oppose any proposal promoting \u201cclean\u201d needle programs. Beyond preventing drug use and addiction, safely disposing of needles is a more important local issue.\u201d Read more information here.\u00a0\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 1412, "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 \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "House", "p1": "CO", "p2": "2017"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=CO&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 761, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=CO&year=2017&party=Republican", "selected": false}, {"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 651, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=CO&year=2017&party=Democrat", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=CO&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 1412, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=CO&year=2017", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=CO&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "CO", "label": "CO", "count": 1412, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&year=2017", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=CO&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "2017", "label": "2017", "count": 1412, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=CO", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2017-12-04,https~3A~2F~2Flamborn~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fdocumentsingle~2Easpx~3FDocumentID~3D2193", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=CO&year=2017&_next=2017-12-04%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Flamborn~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fdocumentsingle~2Easpx~3FDocumentID~3D2193&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 189.1944813542068, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}